To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 September 1816
From James Monroe
ALB: sepr 20. 1816
Dear Sir
I send you a very interesting & indeed important Letter from Col: Jessup. Having this moment receivd it, I have not time to make any comment on it, especially as I have Cols: Barbour & Lindsay with me, as also Mr Monterey who lately left you—very respectfully yrs.
Jas. Monroe
[Enclosure]
Thomas S. Jesup to James Monroe
Confidential
New Orleans Augt. 21St. 1816.
Sir
I have positive information that an attack is contemplated by the Spaniards on this City during the present Season. The Spanish Minister de Onis, has a number of agents in this country, who are, I understand endeavouring to ascertain what individuals are favorable to Spain, and are using other means for the purpose of organizing a revolution.
The last mail brought a letter from the Minister on the Subject. I am not at liberty to say how I obtained my information, but you may rely on the correctness of the fact. Should any hostile movement be attempted by the Spanish forces, I will defend this Country by carrying the war into the Territories of Spain; and as Cuba is the Key, not only of all the Western States and territories but also of the Spanish main and the West Indies I shall strike directly at the Havanna, it may be taken and held by three thousand men, and I beleive I shall be able to raise that number. In such an event a naval force will be necessary.
I have written to Genl Jackson on the subject. Enclosed is an extract of my letter to him.1 This communication is not to be considered official but it may serve to put the Government on its guard.
If I can ascertain that papers of a treasonable nature are in the hands of the Consul, or of any other Spaniard here, I shall not hesitate to seize them for the use of the Government. With much respect I have the honor to be Sir, yr. Obt. St.
(Signed) Th: S. Jesup.
Col Comt 8th Dept.
RC (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Docketed by JM. Included with the enclosure (DNA: RG 107, LRUS, J-1816) is an extract (ibid.) from a letter Jesup had sent to Andrew Jackson. For the extract, see n. 1.
1. “Extract of a letter to Genl Jackson dated the 18th augt. 1816.
The conduct of Spanish National vessels to American merchant vessels which they have boarded off this coast has been outrageous in the extreme. They have plundered several of them of their Small Stores; and one, particularly, a vessel from Bordeau, now in the Mississippi, was boarded off Cape Antonio, the western promontory of Cuba, and robbed of every article which could be carried away in a boat.
“The Havanna is in a defenceless State, most of the Guns are dismounted, and there is Scarcely a carriage fit for service. The quantity of ammunition and military Stores is Small and of the worse quality; the troops are badly fed and clothed, are seldom paid and are entirely without discipline. The Militia are without organization have no arms nor Ammunition, and are decidedly hostile to Spain. Should any attempt be made upon Mobile, or on any other part of my Department, and Commodore Patterson consent to co-operate with me, I shall take immediate possession of Cuba; for I hold it to be an axiom in Military Affairs that true defensive warfare Consists in Carrying the War into the Enemy’s Country. Scipio, by acting upon that principle, Saved Rome and ruined Carthage and the principle is as true now as it was then.
“Cuba would be a valuable acquisition to any Nation, but particularly to the United States as it constitutes the Key to all Western America.
“Spain debilitated as She has been by the late War, in Europe, and weakened by intestine commotions, cannot long retain possession of it, and if it falls into the hands of a maritime European Nation, it will control the commerce of the whole of that extensive region watered by the Mississippi and its tributary streams.”