The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-20
(Confidential.l

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May II, 164S
SR Your Of proceeding, in your recent visit to
various points along the coast far Campeachy,
Of the aoh 81 February has been highly satisfactory
The depoable condition to which the State of Yucca
tan appears to have been reduced by the erocous and
inhuman waged by the Indians against the govern
ment and white Inhabitants OF that State, appeals most
strongly the sympathies of the civilized world and
am gratifed perceive that you have employed your
kind Offices as well as disposed Of the limited force at
your disposal to give protection to the inhabitants
who flying from their homes before ruthless enemy
was very reluctant to order the albany to Laguna,
when your force much weakened by the return
OF the Mississippi, John Adams, Germantown and Sara
toga the north but the dispatches of Mr. Shields rep
resented the condition of our citizens and their CONNER
cia interests in Venezuela SO critical. that the Pres
dent considered it indispensable that ship OF should
be present to give protection if required Your prompt
despatch of the Albany that interesting service is high
sailed for Vera Cruz from Norfolk the 25th of April
ultmo, and the Saratoga, Commander Nicholson from
the same place, on the 9th instant Commander Nicho
has orders to touch at Aux Cages and to give any
required protection to American interests in Hayt and to
report TO you with the least possible delay
The questions presented your dispatches are OF very
which the President deemed it to be his duty to send to
Congress. the second day of the present month"; in
he regards the settled policy of the United States not
TO permit any colonization of territory the North
American continent by European monarchies; and rec
onmends TO Congress that means be placed at his dspo
sal for the military occupation of Yucatan with view
70 save the white population from destruction by the In
dian race and to prevent the practical occurrence OF the
question 9y the Yqcatecos being compelled TO receive
protection from any European power.
During the present war with Mexico, conducted on
part with humanity which must excite the pride Of
every American, has been policy to repel
rather than encourage Indian depredatons and ncursons
even our enemy and the liberal treatment extended
to Yucaan, the just reward of her neutral position
titles her people to The full benefit Of this policy
am aware that, from the necessity of your holding
the several points now in your possession and with your
limited force, you cannot spare the of effective
ssance, along the coast of Yucaan; and from the
danger which the vessels would be exposed in the
gation OF the Gulf there would be great danger Of their
loss if their were landed even If they were in suff-
Gent number prepared with camp equpage or field ar
llery Tor operations inland have not, therefore, ex-
pected you to do with the naval forces under your
command than to give protection to the fleeing inhabt
ants, and, acting the principle of my instruction of
March sth, waving all begeent rights against Yucaan
as part Oh Mexlco our enemy permit munitions of
TO enter her ports you are satisfied they are to be used
for the defence of the whites against the savage enemy
1t will be udcous to strengthen your forces at Ell Car
men and, in addition to those already sent by YOU to
Laguna it would appear to to be proper to send the
entire detachment of marines now at Alvarado, with in
structons to repe the Indians, ii they approach that
point but there is not sufficient force, nor have you the
necessary equipment, to justify march into the interior
Such an operation should only be conducted by we'll
appointed military force.
Before the receipt of your despatch of the Goth OF
February, announcing your intention to sail for Cam
peachy on the next day, and communicating your pur
pose in regard to any Intervention on the part OF Spain
municatng the cautiously guarded instructions of the
small Spanish vessels of war which were at Sisal. am
happy to learn, by your subsequent report that occa-
SION has presented itself for you determine whether the
measures OF the Spanish authorities of Cuba required in
terPoshon your part.
While the United States engaged in with Mex
co the actual presence without our consent of the
ca forces OF neutral power within the territory of
enemy co 3petahns with any portion OF the Mexican
state Of things, it is hoped will not occur II YOU
should have reason to believe that WILL you will com
such course as his constitutional duty will require at his
hands,
The distinguished services of Commander B;oelov ar.
highly appreciated and you will make known 70 him the
unqualified appreciation of the department Of his ready &C
quescence in your request that he remain in his com
mand after he had received permission return home
Your despatch of the Doth of March will be made the
subject of special communication
am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
j. Y. MASON
,mmodore M C. Perry Commanding United States
Squadron, Gulf OF Mexico