Logan Hunton, Esquire
U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of
Louisiana, New Orleans.

Sir:

Information has been received at this Department that an armed expedition is about to be fitted out at New Orleans, but I have as yet no means of learning with certainty the destination of this expedition. It is believed that certain persons are, at this time, engaged in enlisting and drilling soldiers at or near New Orleans. The soldiers appear not to have been entrusted with the Secret, So far as to disclose the place to which they are going, though they say they are to receive high pay, and are to be engaged in actin hostilities with some foreign power. Rumors are afloat that their destination is Yucatan, to engage in the contest between the Yucatecos and the Indians and Colonel White who was formerly engaged in a similar expedition to Yucatan is pointed out as one of the leaders. Other rumors are that their object is either Saint Domingo or San Francisco. I do not myself, as yet, credit these rumors, but fear there is reason to suspect that their real destination is Cuba. It is said that 800 men are to embark from Cat Island or some other point near New Orleans, on board the steamer "Fanny," between the 20th and 25th of this month--that Col. Biscoe of New Orleans, is concerned in the enterprise, and that Whitney & Co. of New Orleans has on hand 250,000 dollars to aid in fitting out the expedition. It is also said, that Charles C. Campbell, of New Orleans (who, if my informant be right is in some way connected with that firm) is to be one of the officers. I give these statements to you as I have received them, and have no means of knowing their truth.

By examining our law of the 20th of April 1818, entitled "An act in addition to the act for the punishment of certain crimes against the Unites States, and to repeal the acts therein mentioned," you will see that it is provided in the Sixth Section, "that if any person shall, within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for, any military expedition or enterprize, to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign Prince or State, or of any Colony, district or people, with whom the United States are [at] peace, every person so offending, shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined not exceeding three thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than three years."

The President, is anxious to maintain with fidelity the treaties of the United States with all foreign powers; and he will not, for any consideration, consent to disregard our obligations, or the faithful discharge of which depends the honor as well as the peace of the country. He is now desirous to ascertain through your instrumentality, if possible, how far the above stated rumors, or any of them may be entitled to credit, and what evidence you can adduce to justify him in interfering to present a violation of our laws. Should you find the Statements herein referred to, as to the fitting out of an expedition against Cuba, substantiated by credible testimony, he wishes you to proceed, by every means in your power, to enforce the laws, and to prevent the violation of our treaty with Spain. At your earliest convenience, report the result of your proceedings and investigations to this Department.

Your telegraphic despatch of the 3rd of August was received here on the 6th. Accept my thanks for your prompt attention.

It will be gratifying to learn that the Spanish Consul was not guilty of the abduction of Rey alias Garcia.

                                                                                                I am with great respect,

                                                                                                Your obedient servant,

                                                                                                John M. Clayton