Mr. Field, Acting Attorney-General, to Mr. Talbot, district attorney.
Sir: Information has been received at this office that violations of the neutrality laws of the United States are contemplated by persons setting on foot within the territory of the United States hostile expeditions against Spain in aid of the insurgents in Cuba. It is suggested that preparations are making for such expeditions on or near the Saint Croix River, and particularly at Eastport and Calais. You are instructed to use the utmost diligence in inquiring whether any such hostile expeditions are in preparation or are contemplated within your district; and if you find any evidence sufficient to warrant it, you will cause the necessary complaints, indictments, libels, and information to be prepared in order to prevent any violation of these laws, or to punish offenders against them.
[107] *The necessary expenses incurred in and the compensation for this service, so far as they are not provided for by the fee bill, will be borne by the Department of State, to which Department the bill of services and expenses, with proper vouchers, should be rendered. This letter is of course confidential.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
- W. A. FIELD,
Acting Attorney-General. - Geo. F. Talbot,
United States Attorney, Portland, Maine.