Mr. Soler to Mr. Adee.
Washington, August 2, 1897.
Mr. Secretary: This legation has just learned that the steamer Dauntless proposes to set out to-morrow, Tuesday, the 3d, from the port of Jacksonville, for the purpose, doubtless, of carrying a new expedition for the Cuban insurgents, in manifest violation of the laws.
Remembering the orders which the Government of the United States has given, that an officer of its Navy be present in person upon the said vessel and watch her, I have also to inform your excellency that this legation has learned that the aforesaid officer has not considered himself obliged to go on board, because the arms which were on the Dauntless have been landed and she is now in ballast. But as it would appear that this has been done by the promoters of the expedition merely in order to dissemble their criminal purposes, I beg your excellency to be pleased to adopt the steps you may deem most appropriate for frustrating the intentions of our enemies, and, in particular, that you will direct that an officer of the Navy shall go on board the Dauntless and keep watch upon her, whereby I trust that this vessel will not venture to proceed further in the purposes she is seeking to hide by setting out in ballast and announcing that she is bound for Brunswick, Ga.
I take advantage of this occasion, etc.,
First Secretary of the Legation.