[739] *Mr. Hoar, Attorney-General, to the district attorney of the eastern district of Pennsylvania.
Sir: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter addressed to this office by Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, stating that he has received information to the effect that a steamer named the Florida is in course of being fitted out at Chester, Pennsylvania, for the service of the insurgents in arms against the government of Hayti.
You will please take such steps and institute such proceedings as seem to be necessary to prevent or to punish a violation of the laws of the United States by the parties who may be engaged in any illegal transaction connected with this vessel. You will report also to this office any reliable information upon the subject, and any action that you may take in pursuance of these instructions.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
Attorney-General.
United States Attorney,
Eastern District Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia.
[For inclosure see ante, page 725.]