Mr. Davis, Acting Secretary of State, to Mr. Barlow, United States marshal.

Sir: I inclose a copy of a note received at this Department from the Peruvian minister, acquainting this Government of an intended violation of the neutrality laws by Spain, in the construction and equipment within the territory and jurisdiction of the United States of thirty armed gun-boats for the use of Spain, while a state of war exists between Peru and Spain.

At the request of this Department, Mr. Pierrepont has been instructed by the Acting Attorney-General to take immediate steps for the detention of such of these vessels as are in his district. The Navy Department wilt co-operate with you in this new effort to prevent a violation of the laws of the United States, and I have only to add that the President desires that the same commendable vigor which you have hitherto displayed in protecting the neutrality of the United States may be shown in the present ease.

[762] *I am, sir, &c.,

J. C. B. DAVIS,
Acting Secretary.

Francis C. Barlow, Esq.,
United States Marshal, New York.