John M. Clayton to J. Prescott Hall, September 19, 1849

Mr. Clayton, Secretary of State, to Mr. Hall, district attorney.

[657] *J. Prescott Hall, Esq., United States District Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Sir: In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, it is due to you to say, that the President highly approves of the prompt, energetic, and judicious manner in which you have executed all the instructions of this Department, touching the late attempt on the part of some of our misguided citizens, who were concerned in a mischievous and illegal project for the invasion of the island of Cuba. To this expression from the President I have great pleasure in adding this Department’s unqualified approbation of your official conduct.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,