The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-01-25
1.-THE INSTRUCTIONS,

NAVY DEPARTMENT. Aug. 0. 1891.
SIR: Circumstances have occurred since
the last instructions to you which require
change in your route to the Pacific. and which
may impose on you some now duties OF a
character highly delicate and important. A
most wanton outrage was committed on the
lives and property OF certain American citi-
zens at Quallah Battoo. a place on the western
side OF the Island OF Sumatra. on the 7th Of
February last. the particulars Of which are
contained in the document annexed.
You are therefore directed to repair at once
to Sumatra by wav Of the Cape Of Good Hope.
touching on tho way thither only at such
places as the convenience and necessity OF
your vessel may render proper. On your
arrival at Quallah Battoo you will obtain from
the intelligent slipmasters supercargoes. and
others engaged In the American trade in that
neighborhood such information as they pos
sess In regard to the nature Of the Government
there. the piratical character Of the popula-
ton. and the fragrant circumstances of the
injury before mentioned. Should the informa-
tion substantially correspond with what is
given to you in the documents annexed. the
President OF the United States, in order that
prompt redress may be obtained for these
wrongs. or the guilty perpetrators made to feel
that the flag OF the Union is not to be insulted
with impunity. directs that you proceed to de-
mand Of the Rajah. or other authorities at
Quallah Battoo. restitution Of the property
plundered. or indemnity therefor. as we'll for
the injury done to the vessel. satisfaction for
any other depredations committed there ON our
commerce. and the immediate punishment Of
those concerned in the murder OF the
American citizens. Charles Knight, chief off,
Ger. and John Davis and George Chester. sea-
men. OF the ship Friendship.
"Ifa compliance Of this demand be delayed
beyond reasonable time. you are author
lied. In tho following manner. to vindicate
our wrongs: Firstly. having taken precau-
tions. while making the demand. to cut off all
opportunity Of escape from the individuals
either concerned in that savage outrage. or
protecting the offenders or participating In
the plumber. you will proceed to seize the ac-
tual murderers. II they are known. and send
them hither for trial as pirates ut the first
convenient opportunity: to retake such part OF
the stolen property as can there be found and
identified: to destroy the boats and vessels OF
any Kind engaged in the piracy. and the forts
and dwellings near the scene OF aggression
used for shelter or defence. and to give public
information to the population there collected
that II full restitution is not speedily made
and forbearance exercised hereafter from like
piracies and murders upon American citizens
Othor sIllpS VI WiT Will SOON % OeSpatCneu
thither to inflict moro ample punishment
ANY property restored or indemnity givon
you will deliver to the owners OF the ship
Friendship or their agents. taking their re-
ceipt therefor. Should the information OBJ
tanned on the spot give different character to
the transaction from that furnished to the de-
partment, showing any real disapprobation OF
the plumber and murders by the population at
large or by their rulers. or any provocation
given on the part OF our citizens. or the exist
ance Of any regular responsible Government,
acting on principles recognized by civilized
nations in their conduct toward strangers.
you will confne your operations to a regular
demand for satisfaction ON the existing au-
thorities at Quallah Battoo. to be rendered by
a restoration OF the property. indemnity for
other injuries. and a punishment OF the Of
tenders. II referred by them to the King Of
Acheen you will cause like demand to be
made upon him. Should such satisfaction be
not speedily given by either you will inform
them that future measures will be taken by
the United States effectualy to enforce 1t. and
to vindicate the violated rights Of it's citizens.
LEW WOODBURY..
COMMODORE JOHN DowNEs. on Board OF the
U. 8. Frigate Potomac"