To the House of Representatives:I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives a report from the Secretary of the Navy, with accompanying papers, in compliance with a resolution adopted December 23, 1858, requesting the President of the United States to communicate to the House, if not deemed by him incompatible with the public interest, the instructions which have been given to our naval commanders in the Gulf of Mexico.
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After due deliberation, Congress, on the 2d of June, 1858, authorized the President 'to adopt such measures and use such force as in his judgment may be necessary and advisable' in the premises.
The amendment does not seem necessary to secure any right either of the United States or of any American citizen claiming under them.
The dispatch of Mr. Dallas being in the original, its return to the Department of State is requested.
Had I refused to adopt this precautionary measure, and evil consequences, which many good men at the time apprehended, had followed, I should never have forgiven myself.
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