Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-11-11
DEpARrMEsr OF STATE.


DErARTMEsr OF STATE,
WAsHISsTos, AUsusT 80, ls4s.
SIR; Without any Information upon the subject except
THAI which derived om the public journals, there is good
reason TO aPprehend TINT certain citizens Of the United States
are now engaged in Preparing military expedition for the
invasion of Mexico. Their object il seems Is to revolution
ze the Northern States OF the republic and establish what
they denominate the republic of the Sierra Madre.
Such attempt to excite, aid and assist rebellion against
the Mexica Government would be fragrant violation of our
national obligations II American citizens can engage in
such enterprises with i1puy then the and peace
OF the country arc PLACED the mercy Of advenures who
issue from the Ud States for the purpose of making
| war against foreign Governments.
These remarks app to intercourse with all nations
but under existing circumstances, they peculiarly
applicable to the Mexic republic than any other country
In the 9th article ou late Treaty of Peace with the Mexi
republic is expressly provided that the boundary limo
established by this article shall be regiously respected by
each OF the two repbcs, and change shall ever be
made therein except the express and free consent Of both
natons lawfully gvei by the General Government Of each
IN conformity with III constution " and the President in
his message TO the Sete o. the United States, of the Sh
instant has declared Cat the late Treaty of Peace with
Mexico has been and vii be faithfully observed part"
The Congress OF the United States have done their duty
enforce in good faith iur International obligations. They
commenced this good w,k early une 1884, adopting
aud enforcing the pncaes of Washingons celebrated pro-
clamation OF neutrality the year preceding. They passed
several acts subsequently The subject and finally,
on the 10th April lS4s they passed the act in addition
ed States, and to repeathe therein mentioned" This
act has repealed all forms laws to enforce neutral obga
ons and has embodied II the provisions which deemed
necessary for this purpose 1t will be found in the United
States Statutes at large, vol iii, p 447 and in the Laws
of the United Saes VOL VII p 800 and to this act invite
your special attention faithfully executed it will be found
apy sufficient to prevent to crush, the proposed expe
lion against the Mexican States north of Sierra Made.
You will observe that among other provisions sdecarel
to be misdmeanor, punishable with penalties for any
citizen of the United States within the territory jurisdiction
thereof to accept and exercise commission
reign Prince, State, colony, district people, with whom
the United States are at peace or for any person. whether
citizen not within the territory jurisdiction Of the United
States, enls himself, hire or retain another
person to enlist enter himself, for nre or retain another
person to beyond the limits jurisdiction of the United
States with intent TO be enlisted entered the service OF
any foreign Prince, State colony district people, as
solsier marine y for any person. whether
citizen not within the territory jurisdiction Of the Unit
ed States to "begin foot provide or prepare the
means Of any military expedition enterprise be carried
from thence against the territory donons Of any foreign
Prince or State or Of any colony, district people, with
whom the United States are at peace"
have adverted especially to these provisions because they
seem to be peculiarly applicable to the present occasion
desire to call your particular attention to the whole act
am directed by the President instruct you 10 use the
utmost vigilance in discovering any violation Of the provisions
of this act throughout your district end in Ill where
the proof which you obtain shall be deemed sufficient
warrant conviction to institute prosecutions Immediately
against the offenders 1t your duty also persons
whom you have believe intend violate this act that
they shall be prosecuted with the utmost gor in case they
should persist.
The honor well the peace Of he country demands
that effort shall be spared enforce good faith the wise
and sautay provisions of this law favor of the Mexican
republic.
You also instructed keep this Department regularly
advised of all the information which you acquire on the
subject of the alleged expedition against the Northern
Of Mexico. shall expect immediate acknowledgment Of
the receipt o. this letter together with all the information on
the subject then in your possession.
The Secretary Of War, under The direction of the Pres
dent has this day transmitted Majo General Taylor an
er TO execute the provisions of the eighth section Of hs act
which, far the would applicable to the pre-
case, follows ''Tkat in everv se 90. IN which
any military xpdion enterprise shall be begun or set on
foot contrary to the provisions and prohibitions Of this
" shall he lawful for the President Of the United States or
sdch other person he shall have empowered for that pu
omPioy such part OF the land naval forces Of
United States, Of the militia thereof" for the purpose OF
preventing tie carrying of any such expedition or enter
prise from the errsoes jurisdiction of the United States
against the territories domnons of any foreign Prince or
State of any colony, district people with whom ths
United States peace. You will, therefore not fail 10
communicate to him any information your possession
or which you may hereafter obtain that may be useful him
in the performance Of this duty. Yours, very respectfully
JAMES BUCHANAN.
SAMUEL H. HEMPsTEAD, Esi.
u. 5. Attorney fer the District Of Arkansas.