The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-06-19

feel assured that neither Baron Koenue nor the
agents OF The vessel would sanction step that would
infringe the laws Of the United States and il could
hardly be supposed that myself any of the several
cfoess Of the navy taking part in the equipment of
this ship, would countenancr, directly indirectly
any such irregularity So far every thing has been
dore under the fun authority Il the government and
ss conceive breach Of law neutral obligations
recognized iy former practices has yet occurred
In my agency in this business have been solely in
fu.nced by desire to carry out what had right to
suppose the wishes Of the Government meet
far might be compatible with public policy and
Irofriety, the requests OF the German Government,
AIDE through its distinguished Minister in this
Try. further influenced by deep soliciude that
the equipment Of the ship IL conducted under the
pc.s and superntendence of the navy, should do
dscredit to the corps which has been highly COM
pme nted by the German Government
With regard 10 the employ ment Of United States
val officers in the organization and service Of German
navy shall make no further remark, than to state, in
relation t. myself that have been questioned by Ba
rem Roepne whether would consent to visit Germany
in civil capacity under the permission of the Navy
Department in view OF advising with the Minister of
of the German Empire upon the organization Of
navy for that confederacy Nay reply has been, that
many reasons, undertake this highly responsible,
though equally honorable task but under circum-
stances would embark in it without an order Of the
Navy Department, and with the understanding that
was to receive no compensation from the German Gov
eminent. 30
have thus endeavored to reply In full to your inqu
res and to recaptuate as correctly as possible the
purport Of the verbal communications had the honor
Of making to you and would respectfully ask whe.
Their is the desire of the Department that l. as well
Commander Hudson, should withdraw from any fur
Their connection with this business!
My object in comforting personally with you upon the
subject to learn precisely how far could consist
emily with my official obligations, continue to render
my humble services. Up to this time my course has
been strictly unofficial and advisory and had not in
tended under the circumstances, that it should be
otherwise.
want, M. C. PERRY.
The Hon. WI. BALLARD PREsroy, Secretary of the
Navy, Washington.
Capt. McKeerer to the Secretary Of the Nary.
NAVY YARD, New YORK, March 81, lS49.
SIR have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
your communication of the 10th inst, revoking the
der of the 23d Feb ultimo
Nothing has as yet been completed delivered to
the Germanc steamer United States. The gun car
rsges which being made for that vessel nearly
finished, and few days more labor would complete
them. From the particular construction of this
steamer, these carriages would not be suit
able for any of our own ships, but all other articles
which were in progress for her could be used in the
equipment OF any vessel where similar armament
would be employed.
ment in this city of the nature Of my Instructions
report Of the cost Of labor and materials already
pended for the preparation of the several articles will
be transmitted as soon as it can be made out. am,
j. McKEEVER, Commandant.
The Hon. VIM. BALLARD PRESTON,
Secretary Of the Navy, Washington.
Com. Perry to the Secr.tcry of the Nary
TARRYTowN IN. " March 20, 1849.
Sri have the honor to acknowledge the receipt Of
your communication Of the 10th instant, (marked pr
tons contained therein. With great respect am sir
your most obedient servant, M. G. PERRY.
Hon. VIM. BALLARD PREsroN,
Secretary Of the Navy, Washington.
The Secretary of State to Baron Roenne.
DEPARTMENT STATE, ]
WAsHrNGToN April TO- 1849.
The undersigned, Secretary Of State, has been d.
rected by the President Of the United States to make to
tiary Of the Germanio Empire the following communi-
catiOn-
On entering upon the executive Office the Presidents
attention was called to the fact that large steamer
me United states was hitting out at New York
naval service Of the German Empire An exact In
qury into the fact which he at caused to be in
stuted resulted in abundant evidence and irrefraga
BILE proof to satisfy his mind that this vessel
really designed to be employed by the central govern
ment Of Germany in the unfortunate contest
listing between Germany and Denmark
The United States, at this moment, remain in peace
interest the movements Of other nations in struggles
to advance their true happiness and to reform and i'm
prove the systems of government under which they
live In the progress and Development of the great
events which daily transpirng in Europe conflict
has unhappily sprung up between Germany and Dem
mark that has not failed awaken new and lively
solicitude part the friend of the bel
hgerent parties 1t Is precisely in this condition Of
affairs between these contending nations that the high
and imperative duty has been devoved upon the exc
cuive to take that there shall be violation or
Infringement Of the laws Of the United States enacted
expressly for the purpose of enabling
cherished relations Of amity and good understanding
with all foreign powers, and to fulfill with strict i'm
lions of our treaties with those powers This grave
duty Is enjoined by the constitution of the United
States which, by solemn OATH the executive is bound
to preserve, protect, and defend.n
The enlightened minister of Germany cannot be ig-
noran OF the existence of the act of Congress of the
goth April 1918, entitled An act in addition to the
act for the punishment of certain crimes against the
United States and to repeal the acts therein men,
toned" To the stringent provisions of that statute
the undersigned is instructed by the President to
invite your Excellencys special attention. Its 18th
section requires the orcbe detention of vessels Of the
(nnd will hin
unquestionably, the steamer United States) when
about to depart under circumstances which render it
probable that they intended to commit hostties
against friendly power. Another section the Sd, i'm
poses fine and imprisonment all persons engaged
sells; and its 10th section makes 1t obligatory tho
owners &C., OF such vessels to enter into bond to the
United States not to commit hosttes against any
tien with which the United States are at peace By
the Sth section OF the act, the President is fully
and required to execute the law by carrying
all its provisions into effect
Moreover you are aware that the Government Of
Denmark has entereda formal protest against the fitting
out of this vessel for the objects alleged In
the protest. the Danish Minister has received from the
President the most satisfactory reference
to the views and feelings of the American govern
der the circumstances believe it to be duty to pursue
Independently however the consideration advert
dent, guided by of justice and good faith had
already before the protest of Denmark laid before
him, determined that it his bounden duty to
spect the rights ct friendly power, and, II absolutely
necessary to enforce to the very letter. all the
provisions Of our laws which passed and intended
to protect those rights.
But, whilst thus firmly resolved to discharge duty
which was due to Denmark. the President is equally
desrous nay, anxious to convince the German govern
mont and people of his sincere wishes to cultivate the
most cordial relations of amty and good will with them
and to evince most clearly the friendly spirit which
anmates him, by exhibiting signal mark Of the
dence he reposes in the honor and integrity of the
distinguished individual who worthiy represents the
German empire and people near this government To
this end the undersigned is authorized by the
President to say to your Exceescy, In all frankness,
that the moment you shall be prepared to communi-
cate to the undersigned, in writing, the solemn
that the vessel in question fitting ont in the
harbor Of New DIRK is not designed and intended to
be, and Will not BE, employed by your government;
against any power with which the United States ara
now at peace. such assurance your part will be
deemed and taken by the President a sufficient
pledge and security Ia remove all doubts from his
mind, aud TO justify him in suffering the steamer to
quit the port Of New York and to proceed without in
teruItion or bindrance to her destination. whatever
that destination may be- 1t being distinctly understood
TINT tl. said stLa SlilSt ih s .l