Millard Fillmore to By the President. Daniel Webster, November 18, 1851

Mr. Fillmore, President, to General Hitchcock, United States Army.

Sir: Recent information induces me to believe and to apprehend that efforts are making and will be made to fit out, for the invasion of the Sandwich Islands, military expeditions from California, in violation of the laws of the United States and of our obligations to a friendly power.

Every such attempt must, if possible, be arrested; and having full confidence in your discretion and ability to execute the high powers which I confer, you are hereby authorized and empowered, in virtue of the eighth section of the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, to take all proper measures, and employ such part of the land forces of the United States, or of the militia thereof, as may be necessary for the purpose of preventing the carrying on of any such expedition or enterprise from any port or *place within the limits of your division against the territories or dominions of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people, with whom the United States are at peace. [166]

You will, in case of doubt, act under the legal advice of the district attorney of the United States for the district of California.

I am, sir, &c.,