Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-30

I.
The letter numbered 2, is an original letter from
Com. Porter to me. They were both received abogi
the time of their respective dates.
I'd. Answer to the second.--My paper number
ed three is copy of my letter TO him, of the 18th
of March last. and, believe, correct one.
Sd. Answer 10 the 3d.--It was not usual for 4
captain, or any officer in the Navy or Army, to
solicit interview with me by letter. They always
called when they had business; and generally on
their arrival in town or departure from it, and
always received them without form, when happen
ed to be free from other engagements.
The interview, in the Instance stated, ask
ed, as presume, in consequence Of my having re-
called him from the command in the West Indies,
on account OF the attack made by him on Fox rtlo,
in the Island of Porto Rico. That recall implied
doubt of the proprely of his conduct in making the
attack, which had never been removed BY any init
nation from me, either by inviting him to ME,
or otherwise. This return, occurring short
time before left Office, deen.ed it Improper 10
take any step in regard TO the attack, while re-
manned in Office thought it just and candid
towards Com Porter, to leave the affair to be act
ed ON by my successor especially the measure, in
connection with others relating to him, might be
thought involve, in degeee the propriety of
my own conduct
4th Answer to the 4th.--The orders relating to
the command of Com. Porter in the West Indies,
from the commencement to its termination, includ-
ing of course, that of October last, directing hin,
to return TO his station, and that of December re-
calling him from il, were given at my instance, and
under my immediate inspection. The command was
deemed very important one, requiring great dis
creiion in its execution. The object was the sup
preston of piracy; but in s'ationing naval force
there knew that it would attract the attention,
not of Spain alone, ON whom IT more Immediately
BORE but of the new governments, our neighbors to
the South and in certain respects, OF several OF the
powers of Europe, who were neutral in the contest
between the belgerant parties The question,
whether free ships should make free goods, the ex-
tent of contraband of war, the transportation OF
specie, and other questions oil the kind necessarily
occurred when that force detached to that sta
tion, for the special object designated. They had
been frequently under the consideration of the adj
Innistra,ion before, and were brought more point
edly before il on that occasion. My impression is,
for have not copy of the instructions then given,
tina, they were drawn with great care, and dictated
by desire rather err. if error should be commit
ted, on the side OF moderation, than TO risk var-
ance with any of the parties concerned. These
questions were IN be settled by treaties, and espe-
cislly with the new governments, and which re-
dured time. My intention was, that the Com
modore oil the squadron, and all acting under him.,
should take nothing on themselves, but confine
themselves TO the duty specially enjoined them,
and obey strictly their orders.
When informed, in June last, that Commodore
Porter had left his station, and returned to the u
States, asked the Secretary of the Navy, by what
authority he had done it Had leave been given !!
Tile reply was, none had been. l then asked, did
his original instructions authorize him to come,
when he thought fit? do recolect the precise
answer, or any such was given me, but my impress
sion was, that they did not The Secretary had
made arrangements for his departure from town, on
visit to his family, and saw reason why he
should delay it, on account of the arrival of Com.
Porter. Nothing material, more, that recollect,
passed betw cen US. I did not see him again before
his departure. reflected much this subject, and
decided, on the next morning, the course which
should pursue, in regard to Com. Porter rose
early, and sent for Com. Rodgers and inform
ed that he had gone TO Norfolk. ] then sent for
Com. Chauncy, and after expressing my deep regret
that Com Porter should have left his station with
out leave, which was the only question i made in
the case told him that the subject merited inquiry,
and that as the Secretary had left town, could
see him till the Secretary returned, nor until !
should, on further, and more mature consideration,
decide what course should be taken in the case.
requested him to see Com Porter without delay,
and to prevent his calling me in the interim; but
to do it in the most delicate manner that he could:
for having high respect for his services and merit,
and personal regard Tor hiiH, wished to take no
step which should not be compelled to do, from a
high sense of duty 10 my country, and earnest de-
sire TO support the credit OF the Navy. The inter-
view between Com. Chauncey and Com. Porter took
place, whereby an Interview between CON- Porter
and me was prevented
In conversation with Com. Rodgers, after hi.
return, and with Com. Chauacey, who made friend
iy EXPLANATIONS 10 regard TO CON- Porters CONDUCT
and views and in consideration, also, of his having
been wounded in the late war, and an intimaon
that he then suffered from the wound, thought
myself justifiable, especially had given deci-
h. oh II
his return from his station without leave, to pass
the affair over without further notice, and of which
requested them to inform him. He accordingly
called afterwards and was received with kindness.
MY desire was, that he should return soon TO his
command, but do not recolect that any thing was
sand to that effect by presumed that which had
already passed. would be sufficient proof of that
desire. His remaining, however, so long in the
country, gave me concern, especially as were
repeatedly advised that Piracy had revived, and
was doing much injury to our commerce. I, how
ever, delayed noticing il for some time, under feel
ings of the kind stated; and in expectation, also
(which continually INDUCED, that he would soon
depart. at length requested the Secretary to in
struct him to resume his station without delay and
10 do il in the John Adams, which the Secretary
did. 10 this, recoect that the Commodore gave
arspy, which was deemed highly Objectionable; and
respecting which, had great doubt to the part
regarding the Office then held, (which ought take
On great consideration, however, decided 10 order
him Immediately to his post; with intention that,
being there, and in rule to decide afterwards, what
it would be proper to do in the affair. In taking
this course, yielded to feelings that favora-
Bile to him; and in the hope that bis conduct at his
station and towards the government, would be such,
as to permit the whole affair to be adjusted or
rather, to be passed over, injury to the
vice.
According to my recollection, 1 drew sketch ef
the order in question; or so much Of it to give