Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-04

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ron tc c.use in the waters adjacent to Cuba we have
applied to Secretary Dobon, and obtained Tor pub
lcation copy of theseinstructons, which, appears
below. II has already been announced tnae the
Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs has recently an
nolucee in the Spanish Gortcs that the officer who
arrested the course of the Ell Dorado on the high
seas and subjected her to visitation was not just-
fled by his Instructions in SO dong, ana that captain
General 6oncha has issued his proclamation announc-
ing that The decree subecting the island to state of
siege has been repealed 1t will be seen that the in
structions to Commodore McCauley are explicit, frm
and decided whilst they manifest proper regard
for the maintenance of pacific relations with Spain
They remove all room for doubt as to the wisdom
and decision which have mar:;ed the policy of the
administration in regard to the late aggressIons per-
pciated by Spanish officials showing, as they clear
lv do that the rights of citizens and the honor
Of our nation cannot be infringed with impunity.-
That the presence of Commodore McCauley in the
gulf with instructions distinct and emphatic, has
exelte6 a happy influence in preserving peaceful re-
!ations with Spain, admits of no further doubt But
the instructions full and direct to the points
in issue that further comments unnecessary. They
follows:
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, April TO- 1855
S1R:-Thc department has determined to assign
you special duty, and place you temporarily in
command Of the home squadron.
Repo>ing confidence in your prudence, experience,
and PATRIOTISM have selected you for the discharge
of certain duties, always delicate and responsible,
the proper execution of w:ich may involve ques-
tons of national honor and peace
Recent events in Cuba, and the high seas in
the vicinity of that island, of a character calcu-
lated not merely to attract attention and excite the
socitutIe Of this government, but to call for con-
slant vigilance your part in order that the rights
of our countryncm and the interests of our COM
Incrce may he neither wantOniy assaulted nor care
lcSSlv Gsregarded 1t is hardly necessary that |
should undertake rccite with particularly all the
circumstances which worthy of your conSdera-
ton, bnt deem it proper to call your attention to
the conduct CT the commander Of the Spanish frig-
Fciloana in firing at the United States mail
steamer E. Dorado and suhjectng that vessel to
delay, visitation and search about eight miles from
Cape San .tntonio-an occurrence which, if approx
ed by the Spanish authorities is likely to disturb the
friendly relations between the two governments and
Of proceeding which, il persisted in, cannot
but provoke collision.
l need not remind you, Commodore, that the
right OF visitation search of our vessels on the
high seas is one the existence Of which the United
States have steadily refused to recognize, and the
exercise Of which they will with equal hrmness ever
refuse 10 tolerate.
The President instructs to say to you that if
any officer in command of a ship of-war be present
when outrage Of the character heretofore men,
toned is perpetrated Il vessel rightfuliy bearing
our flag. he will promptly ineerposc, relieve the ar
rested American ship, prevent the exercise OF the
assumed right Of visitation or search and repel the
Interference by force. The President is not unrnnd-
iul of the present disturbed condition of Cuba. But,
whatever weight may be attached to these consider
atoms the excited approximations of the authorities
Of that island arising it is believed out OF the
dltion OF lis internal affairs, and not from any move
ment in this country in violation of our neutrality
laws, can work no suspension of national law, nor
reconcile submission to the vi, laon OF any right
resulting from the law Of nations or treaty stpula-
tons. The United States seek collision with
Spain. The officers of our navy desired and ex-
pected serupulOuSly to observe the law OF nations
and uniformly to extend all courtesy and respect to
the flags of other powers But these rules do not
require consent for moment to the deliberate vio-
lton Of principles held sacred by the United States,
and without the observance of which peace however
desirable, cannot be maintained
The conduct of the authorities of Cuba in over
hauling and searching vessels cannot rest on the
ground of itoria jurisdiction, and this govern
mcnt denies the existence of any state OF facts to
warrant the exercise Of bciiigerent rights. Your
instructions confined to arising on the hlsh
seas, because, at present advised, the offensive
acts which have been committed are of that charac-
ter. Other offensive acts, however, undoubtedly
might occur within the proper territorial JurISdic-
ton OF Cuba, to Uhjch this 9orerni"e"t c"utd not
and uouid nat submit f0r moment. Should such
Il arise, you will Immediately report the facts to
this department, and await further Instructions I'M
less your prompt inteposition should become neces-
sary for the preservation of the lives and property
Of the citizens Of the United States.
Accompanying this despatch you will receive a
copy OF tie recent letter Of Mr. Marcy, Secretary OF
State, Mr.. Cueto, the Spanish minister at Wash
ington, to which your attention Is specially invited,
setting forth with disnctncss and force the views
entertained by the President this suhject.
The vessels constituting the home squadron, I'M
der your command, for the present the San ia
cnto, Captain Stribling; the jamestown, Captai-
Crabbe; the Falmouth, Commander Shaw; the
Princeton, Commander Eagle, and the Fulton, Lieu
tenant Commanding Mitchell; to which other vessels
will be added at the earliest practicable moment.
The jamestown, Captain Cr,bhe, having been
originally assigned as the flagship of the African
squadron, is designed, only temporarily, to form a
part of the home squadron, and is probably now on
her way TO Key West, at which point, after touch
ing at Havana, she will await your instructions.
enclose you copy of my instructions to Captain
CrabNc.
The department desires you to proceed imned
ately to Philadelphia, where the -rigate San
Jacinto is lying and designed as the hag-ship
of the home squadron, and after hosting your
broad pendant on board of that vessel, you will di-
rect your first to Havana at which place you
will seek interview with acting consul, pro-
from him all the information bearing upon the
duties of the home squadron and then regulate your
cruising and the movements Of the ships under your
command, with view to the protection of the rights
and interests of your country
deem it unnecessary Commodore, to multiply |
suggestions to of your long experience and ex-
cellent judgment, or to enlarge upon the Importance
of doing everything in your power to preserve lis
cpline and to promote cheerful and contened spir-
it among the officers and men under your command.
You will avail yourself of every. opportunity to
keep the department advised ofyour movements and |
the condition of affairs within the limits of your
station.
Wishing you an agreeable and successful cruise, I
ry-roc, motif, llxvr nl,f