Mr. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury, to Mr. Peters, collector.

[Strictly confidential.]

[702] Sir: Information has been received that a military expedition is in preparation within the territory of the United States to be carried on from thence against the territory of Mexico or *Cuba, probably the latter. It is believed to be designed that part of the force to be employed in this expedition shall proceed by sea from a point within or near your district. I send you herewith copies of a note which I have received from the Seretary of the Interior, and of confidential orders issued by the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Parker. These papers contain the information now in possession of the Government so far as relates to preparations in your vicinity. You are requested to communicate with the attorney of the United States, and aid, so far as may be in your power, in detecting and suppressing this attempt to violate the laws of the United States, and if any case should arise in which your official interventionmay be required under the act of 20th April, 1818, entitled “An act in addition to the act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States, and to repeal [Page 710] the acts therein mentioned,” you will of course act promptly in pursuance of the provisions of that statute.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. M. MEREDITH,
Secretary of the Treasury

S. J. Peters, Esq.,
Collector of the Customs, New Orleans, Louisiana.