“As to my objects here, one of them certainly is, and I desire to accomplish it as plainly as possible, to inform the foreign residents here, that, if any such league or party is formed among them, and, with or without their aid, Luperon, Cabral, or any others hostile to the Dominican Government, should get possession of this port, _the naval forces of the United States would retake it_, and, in so doing, the foreign residents, as the largest property-holders, as well as the most interested in the business of the port, would be the greatest sufferers.”[56] Here is the menace of war. The naval forces of the United States will retake a port. Meanwhile the work of protection proceeds. Rear-Admiral Poor reports, under date of May 7, 1870:-- “Upon my arrival there [at San Domingo City], I found it necessary, _properly to protect the Dominican Government_, to dispatch one of the sloops I found there to the northwest portion of the island and the other to Puerto Plata, intending, as soon as able to do so, to dispatch one to Samana Bay and to station the other off San Domingo City.”[57] Here is belligerent protection at four different points. Meanwhile the treaty for annexion, and also the treaty for the lease of Samana, had both expired by lapse of time March 29, 1870, while the treaty for annexion was rejected by solemn vote June 30, 1870,--so that no treaty remained even as apology for the illegitimate protection which had been continued at such cost to the country. But this made no difference in the aid supplied by our Navy. Nor was the Administration here unadvised with regard to the constant dependence of the usurper. Commodore Green reports from off San Domingo City, under date of July 21, 1870:-- “I am inclined to the opinion that a withdrawal of the protection of the United States, and of the prospect of annexation at some future time, would instantly lead to a revolution, headed by Cabral, who would be supported by the enemies of the present Government, and assisted by the Haytians.”[58] This is followed by a report from Lieutenant-Commander Allen at Samana Bay, under date of August 28, 1870, announcing that he has received a communication from “his Excellency, President Baez, requesting the presence of a vessel on the north side of the island, on account of an intended invasion by Cabral.”[59] In the communication, which is inclosed, the usurper says that he “deems the presence of a ship-of-war in the Bay of Manzanillo of immediate importance.”[60] Cabral, it appears, was near this place. Other points are mentioned to be visited.