Robeson to Captain Davenport, January 2, 1872

Mr. Robeson to Captain Davenport.

Sir: The United States steamer Congress, under your command, being reported as in all respects ready for sea, yon will sail without a moment’s unnecessary delay after the receipt of this order.

You will proceed with dispatch to Port au Prince, Hayti, where it is supposed you Will find the steamer Hornet ready, under the agreement made between this Department and her owner, Mr. J. M. Mayorga, to sail to some convenient port of the United tates.

Copies of the letter from Mr. Mayorga, and the reply of the Secretary of the Navy’ with the assent and agreement of Mr. Mayorga to the terms and conditions thereof, under which you are to perform this special service, are inclosed herewith.

You will observe and carry out the terms and times therein mentioned, and will bring the vessel into such United States port, either New York or Baltimore, as you may find most convenient.

The Department intrusts this duty to you with full confidence in your ability and discretion.

You will, if it be possible, on your arrival at Port au Prince, put yourself in communication with the diplomatic representative of our Government at that place, show him your orders, and obtain from him all advice and assistance he can give you.

You are authorized, to insure the carrying out of these orders, to take such measures, not contrary to the express terms “of the agreement, as you may deem proper, putting officers and a sufficient force aboard the Hornet if necessary.

You will, of course, permit no interference with or insult to the flag in your presence, and when you have taken general or special charge of the Hornet, you will under no circumstances allow any interference by the representative of any other power.

On your arrival in the United States with your convoy, telegraph to the Department immediately, and hold yourself in readiness for such further orders as may be sent you.

Very respectfully,