Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-09-05
COMMODORE PORTER.

publish this.
COMMODORE PORTER.
70 III. Editor Of The Louisiana advertiser;
An article has appeared in the Pensacola pa.
,er. and has been republished in paper of
New Orleans, stating tina, formal complaints
had been made by the authorities of Cubs, that
The Mexican forces had violated the neutrality
Of Kew West, &c. in consequence OF which
Commodore Ridgely had been despatched to
make the necessary Investigations, &c.
have too high regard for the opinion OF
me citizens Of The United States TO permit an
impression 10 remain OH the mind Of any one
that had abused their hospitality, and In the
absence Of nearly all OF my papers and letter
books, can do little more than deny I'D the
most positive manner the charges OF the Span
ish aa,horties, and challenge the strictest scTu.
inv into my conduct, and that o! every one un.
der my command since my squadron has been
a, Key West; aud all my desire, in this case, is
that the government OF the United States will,
in justice TO me, place before the public the re-
suit Of their enquiries, by which II Will undouol-
edly appear that Monsieur Laborde has in three
instances violated the neutrality of the United
States, without any further notice on my part,
Than to desire repeatedly that United States
tect i, The collector Of the port, and all the
inhabitants, have defended me against the
charge, and even an agent expressly sent by the
Spanish authorities 10 examine into my opera
tiOns, after their complaint was made, has done
the same, and the government of the United
States have positive proofs in their possession
of the high respect have shown to their au-
,hority The only documen, have now in my
possession relating to the matter, is copy oil
letter from Com. Ridgely, written on the eve
Of my departure from Pensacola. which suffi-
GENTLY explains the nature and tone Of his 10
me, and from It's spirit il is easily to be perceiy-
cd that the government of the United States,
although bound ia duty TO enquire into COM
plants, iof which the Spanish authorities no
doubt are already ashamed) have no reason TO
believe that have offended against neutral
rights.
The following is the letter alluded to, and l
pledge myself 10 prove whatever IS therein sta
led. DAVID PORTER.
New Orleans, July slst, 1927.
Pensacola, July 18th, 1927.
Sri do myself the honor to acknowledge
he receipt of your communication OF this day,
wherein YOU inform me that circumstances
have come to the knowledge OF your govern
menl through the Charge dies Affairs OF the
King of Spain, that the neutrality OF the Unit
ed States has been violated at Thompson's ISL
and BY the naval forces of Mexico under my
command, to the injury Of the interests OF the
commerce Of Spain, and that 1T is made your
duty to make proper inquiries into, and inves'
lieate, all the matter complained OF, Tor which
purpose it was your intention TO have sailed
from this harbor TO morrow for Key West.
duly appreciate and reciprocate the sentl-
ments and feelings expressed in your letter, and
had not previously determined on leaving
This place early tomorrow morning, having
COMPLETED the arrangement which brought me
here. should have had much pleasure i'll an IN
,er,iew with you wherein could have made
such an explanation as would have satished
YOU, and through you your government, that
the charge brought against me, OF having vio-
lated the neutrality of the Uui,ed States is en-,
,iycly without foundation, Both my duty and
my inclination prompted me to respect II, most
scrupulously and by so doing only could hope
20 secure the safety Of the forces entrusted to
me, in the presence of vastly superior block
aiding force, which would gladly no doubt, seize
on any occasion that would justify its attacking
me there
| have been long aware that complaints have
been made BY the Spanish authorities oil the
ISLAND Of Cuba agains, nc, they were commu
uicateL to me By the collector OF the port OF
Key West, to which have replied, ana 'hs
Mexican minis,er at Washington is FURNISHED
with copy of the correspondence; therefore
any information on the subject may be obtain
ed by the government of the United STATES
from him, aud regret that have not my 'et
'ers aud books with me, that might nave 'ns
satisfaction OF placing in your hands copy o. o.
II, which feel confident would prove en'lreiy
satisfactory to your government as wen as your
SELF. The copy orthis correspondence piedse
myself to furnish, if requiredS6 my return .e
Key West, and, il you will do me the favor &c
communicate, in explicit terms, Inc preciss
complaints Of the Charge des Afaires, WI
most ehsetfullv reply 10 them, witha tirm con
7;c,ipn, tina, shah ,nanifes, The fallacy, and, II