Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, October 12, 1851

Boston, October 12, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—I received this morning yours of the 10th, in regard to the insurrection in Tamaulipas.

I entirely concur in the result to which the cabinet has come, to wit, that there is no sufficient information, at present, on the subject in regard to England and France, and the Cuban business.

I cannot bring myself to believe that these governments, or either of them, dare to search an American merchantman on the high seas to ascertain whether individuals may be on board, bound to Cuba, and with hostile purposes.

The only case to justify a seizure and detention, would be that of an armed vessel fitted out obviously and flagrantly for warlike purposes, found sailing on the high seas without a commission from any acknowledged government. Such a vessel might be regarded as a pirate, being hostis humani generis, and might be destroyed by the ships of war of any government. But then it must be certain that the vessel was destined to act piratically.

I have written to Mr. Rives to send us an account of the French laws respecting enlistments in France for foreign military service, and the prevention of expeditions set on foot in France against states or governments, with which France is at peace.

I am glad that you have thought of Mr. B. as commissioner to China. I have known him long and well. He has talent and knowledge for the place, and is acquainted with the French language, though not, of course, with the Chinese.

He is a thoroughly sound Union Whig.

I thank you for your kindness in sending me the article from the Republic. It is fair and manly, and quite sufficiently favorable towards me.

While you and I are together, my dear Sir, in the administration of the government, that administration will not be bifaced; but it will be one in principle and purpose.

I go to-morrow morning to Marshfield, to put things in order for my departure South.

Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 477-8