Mr. Monroe, Secretary of State, to Governor Howard.
September 3, 1812.
Sir: Your letter of the 21st of June, with a paper addressed to you by J. McClanaham, for himself and in behalf of Reuben Smith and [Page 447] James Patterson, inhabitants of Louisiana, was received here while I was absent on a visit to Virginia, or it would have been sooner attended to.
It appears by this communication that its authors intend to visit some of the provinces of Spain, and, as may be inferred from the recital it gives of the circumstances attending a former journey there, and the motives assigned for the purposed one, their object may be, and probably is, of an unfriendly nature. It is in the *latter view that the subject is interesting, and on which in that view I have to communicate to you the sentiments of the President. [6]
The United States are at peace with Spain. The convulsions of the Spanish monarchy have produced no effect on this policy toward her. The disorganized condition of that power and its embarrassments have afforded motives rather to forbear to press claims of right founded on positive wrongs, than to seek redress by force, which under other circumstances might have been done.
If the projected visit contemplates any measure of hostility to Spain, it is repugnant to the policy of the United States, and is also positively prohibited by law. I have, therefore, to request that you will make this known to the parties concerned, and give all the discountenance in your power to any measure which may possibly tend eventually to assume a hostile character.
- JAMES MONROE.
- Governor Howard.