2999. FILIBUSTERISM, Suppression.—
Having received information that a great
number of private individuals were combining
together, arming and organizing themselves
contrary to law, to carry on military
expeditions against the territories of Spain, I
thought it necessary, by proclamations, as well
as by special orders, to take measures for
preventing and suppressing this enterprise, for
seizing the vessels. arms, and other means
provided for it, and for arresting and bringing
to justice its authors and abettors. It
was due to that good faith which ought ever
to be the rule of action in public as well as
in private transactions; it was due to good
order and regular government, that while the
public force was strictly on the defensive and
merely to protect our citizens from aggression,
the criminal attempts of private individuals
to decide for their country the question
of peace or war, by commencing active and
unauthorized hostilities, should be promptly
and efficaciously suppressed.—
Sixth Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 63.
Ford ed., viii, 489.
(Dec. 1806)
