Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-06-17
From the Baltimore fine, lean
THE CI1BAN EXPEDITION

The following official document will settle all the ru-
mos with reference to the action of the Cove rnment
to the late expedition against Cuba. The orders are
char and dsnc and had the Executive failed the per
fomance Of this duty. those who seeking to make
political capital out of the affair would have been the
oudest in their clamors the other side of the ques-
ton
Instructions ofthe Secretary orMe Nary TO the Con,ma
ders ofdc Ships efUm detailed to Cuba
Confidential (copy) Duplicate.
Navy DEPARTMENT. May 10, 1880
SIR Though the Government has no precise infor
nation yet il has been informed from entitled TO
great respect and Consideration that military organ
cation has been effected in the interior of the United
States, formidable bath in numbers aud from the chsrac
tel Of those engaged in it, for the purpose Of attacking
the Island of Cuba and revoutionizng the government
This force is represented consist ufbetween six and
ten thousand troops of the best and materials to render
the assault formidable and it is believed is sufficient
with other and resources al command, 10 enamel
pate Cuba from Spanish rule. Large numbers Of hose
gagged in the enterprise. departed IT was alleged rom
the city of New Ole,ns accompnied by Generals Lopez
Gonzales and others Is represented that they expect
10 effect landing upon the island about this time. All
accounts concur IN representing that It IS military expe
dlon enterprise, begun and set on foot within territory
jurisdiction of the United States. 10 be carried from
thence against the Island Of Cuba and the government of
Spain.
Any such invasion Of that island is in viola ion of
obligations Of neutrality to the government of SPAN.
The government Of the United States is bound re-
ernmen of Spain, and ''no person permitted within
he territory jurisdiction of the u States begin to
set on foot provide prepare The means for any mill
ary expedition, enterprise, u be- carried from thence
against the territory of any oregn prince, state of
any colony district, or people"
You are, therefore, directed by the President Of the
United States to repair forthwith with The u. s. SEAM
Saranac under your Command, to the port OF Havana
in the Island Of Cuba and vigiauty, and actively OBJ
serve the moments Of all vessels approaching the harbc
of Havana, the Island of Cuba Tor the purpose of
cetaining whether any military expedition enterprise
has been begun foot, any provided to
be carried from The United States against the territory
or doDinlons Of Spain.
Should you ascertain that such hostile movement is
foot and is proceeding against the island of Cuba you
will all proper means in your power to prevent
landing, the carrying such expedt enterprise.
to avert and prevent The violation OF obligations
Of amity and peace with Spain.
Should the expedition have effected landing, and
revolution be ln progress you will prevent the landing of
any reinforcement of any arms provisions under the
American flag To the citizens Of the United States
who may be there in the prosecution of their peaceful and
lawful pursuits, and who may apprehend danger, either
their persons or property you will extend the protec
ton and aid to which they entitled American cit
lzens.
An order has teen given 10 Commodore Parker to des
patch such Of the vessels Of The Home Squadron
operate with you in The fulfmeht Of this oIdeI may
be within his reach.
yot, upoH your arrival IldvahHd,
satisfactorily that such expedition is on foot you will
return to the habor Of New York, and report the De
pariment, in the meantime keeping il fully informed of
all connected with the duty herein assigned
to you.
The service to which you ordered is one Of grea,
delicacy and Importance. The Department relies upon
your prudence. your discretion and your decision for the
successful acc ,mpishmen Of all its objects.
WIN. BALLARD PRES TON.
| Captain JOSIAH TArNALL, Commanding
IT, S. steamer Saranac, Norfolk, Va.
Same instructions to all the other ships, and TO Com
mudore Parker, commanding The squadron.