Mr. Hoar, Attorney-General, to Mr. Pierrepont, district attorney.
Sir: I am instructed by the President to say to you that your course in prosecuting with energy and vigor the violations of the neutrality laws of the United States meets his full approbation.
[93] Whatever may be the sympathies felt by the Government or people of the United States with the inhabitants of other countries seeking to vindicate their liberty, or acquire national independence, a *violation of the laws of the United States, by their agents or sympathizers, cannot be tolerated. It is the duty of every executive officer faithfully and fearlessly to administer the law; and the United States will never permit, or connive at, the fitting out of military expeditions, within our territory, against any country with whom we are at peace. The nation will conduct and control its own wars, and will not allow private citizens, or foreigners who enjoy our hospitality and protection, to make, with impunity, this country the base of hostile operations.
The President also directs me to to say to you that he desires that you will use every means in your power to arrest and punish the lawless men who have assaulted and obstructed the deputies of the marshal in the discharge of their official duties.
[94] It has been represented to me that threatening letters have been addressed to the members of the grand jury in attendance upon the district court, for the purpose of deterring them from finding indictments. It would be disgraceful to the Government if such an outrage should be successful in its object, or the perpetrators of it escape with impunity. You will, therefore, use every exertion to detect and punish them, and the whole power of the Government will be used to support you in [94] your efforts to insure a steady administration *of law, and a firm administration of justice.
Respectfully, yours,
Attorney-General.
Hon. Edwards Pierrepont,
United States Attorney, New York
City.