Mr. Browning to Mr. Torrey.

Sir: From reports officially made by the military authorities within your judicial district, to the Secretary of War, which have been communicated to me through the Department of State, it appears that well-grounded suspicions exist of hostile expeditions being prepared in disregard of the neutrality laws of the United States, with the object of violating the territory of the republic of Mexico.

I have to direct you to be vigilant and prompt in causing the apprehension and due prosecution of all persons against whom there is reasonable evidence in the premises. A duplicate of this communication is addressed to the marshal under this date.

Very respectfully yours,

O. H. BROWNING Attorney General ad interim.

Samuel H. Torrey, Esq., United States Attorney, New Orleans, Louisiana.