New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-06-07
COM MCAULEYs INSTRUCTIONS.

The Washington Union of the 5th publishes in full
tle instructions to Commodore McCauley from the
Secretary Of the Navy. The Commodore, it will be
recollected was some weeks since sent to Havana on
special service;
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
WasHNGToN, April ID, 1855. (
SIR: The Department has determined TO assign You
10 srecal duty. and place you temporarily IN command
of the home squadron
Reposing confidence in your prudence, experience
and natrotlsm have ltcted YOU for the discharge
of certain duties always delicate aud responsible the
nrouer execution of which may involve questions OF
national honor and peace.
Recent events in Cuba and on the high seas in the
xicinitv of that island are of a character calculated
not merely to attention and excite the solicit
tue of this Government but to call for constant Wig
lance OH part, in order thai the rights OF our
countrymen and the interests Of our commence may
be neither wantonly assaied nor careessy disregard
ed II is hardly necessary that should undertake 70
rccite with rerculary all The circumstances which
are worthy OF your consideration, but deem II proper
10 call attention 10 the conduct OF the commander
of The Spanish frgaie Ferolana IN nng al the United
States n all steamer I'll Dorado, and subjeciing that
vessel TO delay visitation and search about eight miles
fiom Cape San Antono-an occurrence viii h, If APP
proved by the Spanish authorities is likely to disturb
lie friendly relations between the Two Governments,
and course OF proce ding which, if persisted in, can
10; but provoke collision.
| need not remind you, Commodore, that the right
of VISITATION or seufCu OF our NCehCs on the UA-n
seas Is one the existence of which the United States
have steadily refused 10 recognize, and the exercise
OF which they will with equal rmness ever refuse TO
tolerate.
Tie President ins'rucs me to say to you that if any
officer in command of a ship o-war be present when
IN outrage of the character heretofore mentioned il
perpctated Oh a vessel riehfuy bearing our flag, he
will promptly mterpose, relieve the arrested American
ship prevent the ex rcse OF the assumed night OF vlsi-
taon or search and repel the interference by force.
The President is not unmindfu of the present dis
turled condition OF Cuba.
But whatever weight may be attached 10 these con-
sideratiors tie excited apprehensons of the author
ties Of that Island arising ii Is believed, out of the
condition of its internal affairs and not from any move
mon in tits county N Violation OF our neutrality laws
can work suspension OF national law, nor reconcile
sun ion to the violation OF any right resulting
from tie law of nations or treaty stipuations. The
United States seeks no collision with Spain. The
officers of our navy desired and expected scrupu
lousy 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 violation of principles held
sacred by the United States, and without the obser-
vance of which peace, however desirable, cannot be
maintained.
Tie conduct of The authorities Of Cuba in overhauling
and searching vessels cannot rcst on the ground
of territorial jurisdiction and this Government denies
eexston OF any state of facts to warrant the exercise
of bellieerent rights. Your instructions confined
TO cases arising the high because at present
advised the offensive acts which have been committed
ae OF that character. Other offensive acts however,
undoubtedly might occur within the proper territorial
jurisdiction of Cuba TO which this Government could
not ana would not submit for moment. Should such
a case arise, YOU viii Immediately report the facts to
this department., and await further instructions unless
your prompt nterpostion should become necessary for
The alton OF the lives and property of the citizens
of The United States.
Accompanying this despatch you will receive copy
of tie recent letter of MI Marcy, Secretary Of Sae,
to Mr. Cuco the Spanish Minister at Washington, to
Which attention specially invited setting
forth with disLcness ard force the views entertained
by the President on this subject.
Tile vessels constituting the home squadron under
your command for the prsent, are the San JacintO,
Gait. SuibDg; the jamestown, Capt. Crabbe; the
Falmouth, Commander Shaw; the Princeton, Com.
mander Eagle, and the Fulton, Lieut. Commanding
Mitchell; to which other vessels will be added at the
earliest practicable moment.
The jamestown, Capt. Crabbe, having been origin
ally assigned the flagship Of the African sIuadron
is designed only tenn oiaIily to iorm part OF the
home squadron, and Il probably now on her way TO
Key Nest at which point, after touching at Havana,
she will await your Instructions. lenc,ose you copy
Of my instructions 10 Capt. Crabbe.
The Department desires you 10 proceed Immediately
Philadelphia, where the steanl-frgat San Jacinto
il now lying and designed as The flagship of the home
squadron; ana after hosting your broad pennant
board OF that vessel you VIII direct your course first
TO Havana, at which place you will seek al interview
with your acting consul, procure from him all the in
formation bearing upon the duties OF the home squad
ron, and then regulate your cruising and the move
ments of the ships under your command with view
TO the protection of the rights and interests of your
country.
deem ii unnecessary, Commodore, TO multiply sug-
goetioIs TO Of your long experience and excellent
judgment, to enlarge upon the importance of doing
everything III your over TO preserve discipline and TO
promote cheerful aDd coutented spirit among the Off
GERS and men under your command.
You Will avail yourself Of every opportunity TO keep
the department advised OF your movements and the
condition OF affairs within the limits OF your station.
Nishng you agreeable and successful cruise, am very
respectfully, Obe-is ut servant, - :.
J. c. DOBBIN, Secretary Of the Mary.
Com. CHAs. s. NcCAULEY appointed 10 command
Home Squadron " ashington, ID. C.