If they are made welcome at Pensacola, and permitted by the Spaniards to make that a convenient base of operations against us, the government may see fit to authorize me to break up the hornet's nest before the swarm gets too big to be handled safely.

However, that is another matter.

What I want is positive information of the exact facts, whatever they are.

The difficulties in the way are great.

We are at peace with Spain, and must do no hostile act upon her soil.