ELIHU ROOT, United States Attorney to Russell Robertson, March 10, 1885

Mr. Root to Mr. Robertson.

[Office of the United States attorney for the southern district of New York.]

Sir: I have this day received from the Attorney-General a telegram as follows:

“Washington, D. C., March 10, 1885.

“Elihu Root, United States Attorney, New York, N. Y.:

“Minister of United States of Colombia at this capital states that parties are engaged in purchase of arms to carry on war against his Government. Steamer leaves your port to-morrow or next day. You are directed to immediately adopt stringent measures to prevent any departure of warlike elements intended to assist expeditions against Colombia.

“A. H. GARLAND, ttorney-General.”

I have to request that you will forthwith enforce the provisions of section 5290, United States Revised Statutes, against any steamer which is about to leave this port having on board arms, as indicated by the telegram of the Attorney-General, and coming within the provisions of that section, and that you will cause careful examination to be made of such steamers as may possibly be indicated by the information contained in the Attorney-General’s telegram, and inform me as early as possible of any facts showing a violation or intended violation of section 5283 United States Revised Statutes, against the fitting out or arming of vessels to cruise or permit hostilities against foreign states, or of section 5286 United States Revised Statutes, against beginning, setting on foot, providing or preparing means for any military expedition or enterprise against a foreign state.

Very respectfully,