(The same message was sent to the House of Representatives.)
WASHINGTON CITY, _July 12, 1832_.
_The Speaker of the House of Representatives_.
SIR: In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives
passed this day, requesting the President of the United States "to lay
before the House copies of the instructions given to the commander of
the frigate _Potomac_ previous to and since the departure of that ship
from the island of Sumatra, and copies of such letters as may have been
received from said commander after his arrival at Quallah Battoo, except
such parts as may in his judgment require secrecy," I forward copies of
the two letters of instructions to Captain Downes in relation to the
piratical plunder and murder of our citizens at Quallah Battoo, on the
coast of Sumatra, detailing his proceedings.
The instructions, with the papers annexed, are all that have been given
bearing on this subject, and although parts of them do not relate
materially to the supposed object of the resolution, yet it has been
deemed expedient to omit nothing contained in the originals.
The letter and report from Captain Downes which are herewith furnished
are all yet received from him bearing upon his proceedings at Quallah
Battoo; but as further intelligence may hereafter be communicated by
him, I send them for the information of the House, submitting, however,
in justice to that officer, that their contents should not be published
until he can enjoy a further opportunity of giving more full
explanations of all the circumstances under which he conducted.