The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-06-15
[OFFlCIAL.l
Foreign Policy or the American Govern.

[OFFlCIAL.l
Foreign Policy OF the American Govern
mcnt.
MR.. cIAYroN's FIRST DESPATCH, ADDRESSED TO
BARON Won EoENNE, THE ENVOY THE CENTRAL
GERNAN1C POWERS.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WAshISGroN, April 10, ls49.
f.. f. 4 NJ p of the German Empire
The undersigned Secretary of State has been direct
ed by the President of the United States
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Penipotentiary OF
the Germanic empire the following communication -
On entering upon the Executive Office the Presidents
attention was called to the fact that large steamer
named the United States fitting out at New York
destined was generally believed and known for the
naval service Of the German empire An exact inquiry
into the fact which he at caused to be
resulted in abundant evidence and rrefragabe proof
to satisfy bis mind that this war vessel really de-
signed to be employed by the central government of
Germany in the unfortunate contest existing be-
tween Germany and Denmark.
The United States at this moment remain in peace
with all the world; they contemplate, with profound
interest the movements Of other nations in struggles
to advance their true happiness and reform aud
prove the systems Of under which they live
In the progress and development of the great
which daily transpiring Europe, conflict has un-
happily sprung up between Germany and Denmark that
has not failed to awaken a and lively solictude on
part the common friend Of the belgerent parties
1t is precisely this condition of affairs between
contending nations that the high imperative duty
has been devoved upon the executive care that
there shall be violation infringement the laws
of the United States enacted expressly for the
of enabling to preserve cherished relations OF
amity and good understanding with all foreign powers
trality and all the obligations of treaties with those
powers Thsgrave duty is enoined by the constitution
Of the United States, which, by solemn oath. the
cutive is bound to preserve. protect and defend
The enlightened Minister Of Germany cannot be
10Th April ISIS entitled An act in addition to the
act for the punishment of certain crimes against the
United States and to repeal the therein men,.
toned" To the stringent provisions Of that statute
the undersigned is instructed by the President to
invite your Excelcncys special attention Its 18th
section requres the forcbe detention OF vessels of the
character described, (and within its purvew comes
uDquestionaby, the steamer United States) when
about to depart under circumstances which render II
probable that they intended to commit hostites
against friendly power. Another section the 3D. i'm
poses fine and imprisonment on all persons engaged
in such enterprises and also the forfeiture Of said
sells And its 10th section makes it obligatory the
owners SC Of such vessels to into bond to the
ton with which the United States ut peace By
the sth section Of the act the President is fully
powered and required to execute the law by CARRYING
all its provisions into effect
Moreover you are aware that the government of
Denmark has entered formal protest against the 1T
ting out Of this vessel for the objects alleged In
to the protest. the Danish Minister has received
from the President the most satisfactory
reference to the views and feelings of the American
government, and in regard to the which the
latter under the circumstances believe 1t to be duty
to pursue. Independently however of the consdera-
ton ust adverted to- it is due to your Exceency to
state that the President guided by of justice
and good faith had already before the protest of Dem
mark laid before him, determined that il was his
bounden duty to respect the rights of friendly power
and If absolutely necessary. to enforce to the
passed and intended to protect those rights
But whilst thus firmly resolved to discharge duty
-hich was due to Denmark, the President is equally
desirous nay anxious to convince the German govern
men and people Of his sincere wishes to cultivate the
most cordial relations Of amty and goodwill with
them and to most clearly the friendly spirit
which animates him, by exhibiting signal mark Of
the confidence he repOses in the honor and integrity
the distinguished individual who worthily represents
the German empire and people this government.
To this end the undersigned is authorized by the
President to say to your excellency in all frankness
that the moment you shall be prepared
to the undersigned in writing, the solemn assurance
that the vessel in question fitting in the
Dor Of New York is not designed and intended to be-
and will not be, employed by government against
peace, such your part will be deemed Ind
taken by the President sufficient pledge and secu-
rity to all doubts from his mind and Justify
him in suffering the steamer to quit the port of New
York and to proceed without interruption him
drance to her destination whatever that destination
may be it being distinctly understood that the said
steamer, whilst the property of the German govern
ment Of her agent shall thus proceed in her true
character of a German vessel.
The undersigned, in making this communication,
part to your government in the spirit in which orig
mated and has been made most gladly avais himself Of
the opportunity which 1t affords to reterate your
exssllency the assurances given by his predecessor
the name Of the government and people of the United
States that the President will be ready and stu
dious to foster the friendship happily subssting
between our respective countries aud to promote as
far as may consist with his public duty the prosperity
OF the German Confederation and the plishment
OF the great objects which the German people have in
view.
The undersigned has the honor to renew to your Ex
eelency the assurance Of his distinguished consdera
zion. JOHN Nj. CLAYTON.
H. T~~~