Mr. Hay to Mr. Beaupre.

No. 121.]

Sir: Referring to your telegram of the 1st instant, in regard to the alleged departure of a filibustering expedition from the United States to Guatemala, and to the Department’s telegraphic reply of the same date, confirmed in my instruction of the 3d instant, I have to inclose, for your information, copies of correspondence had with the Navy Department in regard to the said expedition.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 1.]

Mr. Hay to the Secretary of the Navy.

Sir: Referring to my letter of even date herewith, communicating the telegram received from the United States minister to Nicaragua, and with reference to the apprehensions therein expressed in regard to an alleged filibustering expedition to depart from New Orleans for Honduras, I have the honor to inform you that I am advised by the minister from Guatemala that he is informed of the reported organization at Kansas City and departure from New Orleans yesterday on the steamer Managua of an unlawful expedition destined for Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. Mr. Lazo Arriaga represents that the expedition is numerous and well organized, but that its ostensible purpose in proceeding to Puerto Barrios is to engage in the operations of railway construction in that vicinity, while the real motive is believed to be the disturbance of the peace of Central America by fomenting an insurrection there, presumably in Honduras. He adverts to the circumstance that the newspaper press has published accounts of the departure of the expedition from Kansas City, and adds that the Government of Guatemala purposes to prevent the landing of the expedition at Puerto Barrios.

I have, therefore, the honor to request that so far as may be practicable the agencies under your direction will be exerted to prevent any violation of the neutrality laws of the United States.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. Long to Mr. Hay.

Sir: Referring to the matter of the departure of an alleged filibustering expedition from New Orleans, La., for Honduras, and the representations of the minister from [Page 367] Guatemala in that connection, I have the honor to inform you that, in compliance with the request contained in your letter of even date, that so far as practicable the agencies of this Department be exerted to prevent the violation of the neutrality laws of the United States. The following telegram has this day been sent to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Machias, now at Puerto Cortez, Honduras:

“Informed by State Department of departure from New Orleans yesterday by steamer Managua, ostensibly for Puerto Barrios, of a numerous well-organized armed expedition, intending to foment insurrection in Honduras. You take such action as may be necessary under the neutrality laws of the United States to prevent the commission of hostile acts by this expedition, fitted out in the United States against a friendly government. Acknowledge and report by cable such action as you may take.”

Very respectfully,

John D. Long, Secretary.