[790] *Mr. Hoar, Attorney-General, to Mr. Pierrepont, district attorney.

Sir: It is no part of the purpose of the President to submit to the courts the question of the recognition of belligerent rights in any foreign country. That is a public question which is to be decided by the political [Page 749] department of the Government, and, when so decided, the courts will adopt and follow their decision.

The wishes of the President have been communicated to you by the Secretary of State in respect to the libels against the gun-boats, and it is my wish that, as intimated in your letter, you shall be governed by them until you receive some further instructions.

Very respectfully,

E. R. HOAR,
Attorney-General.

Hon. Edwards Pierrepont,
United States Attorney, Southern District of New York.