The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-06-10
The Instructions to Commodore Me yauley.
From the Warrington Union, June 81


color Of their faces.
The Instructions 70 Commodore Nc yauley.
From the Washington Union June 81
In consequence Of the many idle speoulaons and per
versions which have appeared In certain journal
the character Of the instructions given by the Navy De-
partnent to Commodore McCausy upon sending our Gulf
publication copy Of those Instructions, which appear
Minister Of Foreign Affairs has recently announced in
the Spanish Cortex that the officer who arrested the
course Of the FL Dorado on the high seas, and sub.
strlctlons in 80 doing, and that Captain General
Concba has Issued his proclamation, announcing that
been repealed. II win b. that the instructions to
Commodore McCsuey ere explicit, firm, and decided,
w me
for doubt a. to the wisdom and decision which
have marked the policy Of the administration in regard
to the late aggressons perpetrated by Spanish officials
showing, they clearly d. that the rights Of our c
and the honor Of our nat cannot be infinged
McCauley in the Gulf with instructions SO distinct and
emphatic has exerted happy influence Ia preserving
peaceful relations with Spain, admits Of no further
doubt. But the instructions full and direct 10
the points in issue that further comment Is
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT.,
WARRINGTON, April 10, 1856. !
SR-The department has determ,pe ed to assign you to
special duty, and place you temporarily in command Of
Reposng confidence in your prudence, experience
and patriotism, have selected for the discharge Of
certain duties, always delicate and responsible the
proper execution Of which may Involve questions OF
tonsl honor and peace
Recent events in Cuba, and on the high seas In the
vicinity of that icand Of character calculated not
merely to attract attention and excite the solictude Of
this government but to call for constant vigilance on
and the interests of commerce may be neither
tony assailed csrelessy disregarded II is hardly
necessary that should undertake to recite with par
ticulArity all the circumstances which worthy of
your consideration but deem 1t propar to call your at
frrate F.rroana in srins at the United States mail
steamer ii Dorado, and subecting that vessel to delay
visitation and search about eight miles from Cape San
Spasisb authorities is likely to disturb the friendly
lations between the two governments and of
proceeding which, If persisted in cannot but provoke
i need not remind you, Commodore that the right Of
visitation or 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 6rmness ever refuse to tolerate
The President instructs me to say TO you that any
officers in commsnd of ship Of be present when
outrage of the character heretofore mentioned Is
pstratsd On vessel rshiay bearing our asg he win
prevent the exercise Of the assumed right Of visitation
earch and reps the interference BY force The Pre-
sident s not unmndful Of the present cond
ton OF Cuba. But Whatever weight may be attached to
these considerations the excited approximations OF the
the Condition of ito internal affairs, and not from sny
in this country In violation Of our neutrality
laws work suspension of national law reconcile
the law Of nations treaty stipuations The United
States seek collision with Spain. The officers Of
navy desired and expected scrupuousy to observe
the law Of nations and uniformly to extend all courtesy
and respect to the flags Of other Bat these rules
do not require consent for moment to the deliberate
and without the observance OF which peace however
desirable, cannot be maintained.
The conduct OF the authorities of Cuba In overhaung
and searching vessels cannot rest the ground
territorial urisdiction and this denies the
existence OF any state Of facts to warrant the exercise
RI q
arising the high seas because ct present ad
vised the offensive acts which have been committed
OF that character Other offensive acts, however,
doubtedy might within the proper territorial ju-
rdcton of Cuba to which this government could not
case arise you will ediatey report the facts this
department., and await further ntructous unless your
prompt interpretations should become necessary for the
preservation Of the lives and property Of the citizens OF
the United St8tes.
Accompanying this despatch, you win receive copy
Mr. Cueto the Spanish Minister at Washington to which
your attention Is specially invited as setting forth With
dstnctnsss and force the views entertained BY the Pre-
The vessels continuing the home squadron, under
your command, for the present, the San Jacnto,
Falmouth, Commander shaw the Princeton, Commando
Eagle; and the Fulton, Lieutenant Com mAnding Mitch
ELL which other vessels will be added at the earliest
The jamestown, Captain Crsbbs, having been oriei-
nay assigned the flag ship of the African squadron,
s designed, only temporarily, to form part Of the
home squadron and Is probably now her way to Key
West, at which point sitter touching at Havana she
will await your Instructions enclose you copy Of
my instructions to Captain Crsbbe
The department desires yeu to proceed immedi-
atAly to Philadelphia, where the frgate San ia.
c,nto is now lying and designed the flag ship OF
the home squadron, and, after hosting your broad
pennant on board OF that vessel yeu will direct
your course first to Havans, at which place
you will seek an interview with our acting
Conful, procure from him all the information bearing
upon the duties Of the homo squadron and then resu
late your cruising, and the movements of the ships
under your command with view to the protection OF
deem IT unne :essary, Commodore, to multiply sug.
getions to one OF your long experience and excellent
judgment or to enlarge upon the Importance OF doing
everything in 70 preserve discipline and to
promote cheerful and contented spirit among the ON.
GERS and men under your command.
You viii avail yourself of every opportunity to keep
the department advised Of your movements and tbs
coE dion OF affairs within the limits of your station
Wishing you agreeable and successful cruise, am
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
j. O. DOBBIN, Secretary Of the Navy.
Com. CHAs s. McCAULEy, appointed to command Home
Squadron, Washington, DC.