His confidence was well founded. Haswell declared that, by working night and day, the ship could be made ready in two weeks. So thorough was his knowledge and ability, and so akin to Perry’s was his energy, that in a fortnight the Commodore’s broad pennant was apeak, and the cornet, the American equivalent for “Blue Peter,” was flying on the mizzen truck. It was the signal for all officers to be aboard and admitted of no delay.

Mr. Haswell adds, in a note to the writer, “When I took leave of the Commodore on the morning of sailing, he thanked me in a manner indicative of a generous heart.”

We may safely add that, by his energies, and abilities in getting the Mississippi ready at this time, Mr. Haswell saved the government many thousands of dollars and contributed largely to the triumphs of a quick war which brought early peace.

While in Washington, Perry was in frequent consultation with the authorities, furnishing valuable information and suggestions. While the Mississippi was refitting, Perry was ordered to take the general oversight of the light draft vessels fitting out at New York and Boston for service in the gulf. This order read,—“You can communicate to heads of Bureaux, to hasten them and give to their commanders any necessary order.” The squadron in preparation consisted of the Scourge, Lieutenant C. G. Hunter; Scorpion, Commander, A. Bigelow; Vesuvius, Commander G. A. Magruder; Hecla, Lieutenant A. B. Fairfax; Electra, Lieutenant T. A. Hunt; Aetna, Commander W. S. Walker; Stromboli, Commander J. G. Van Brunt; Decatur, Commander R. S. Pinckney.

On the 25th of February, 1847, Perry received the following order, “You will proceed to the United States Steam Ship Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico, and, on your arrival, you will report to Commodore Conner, who will be instructed to transfer to you the command of the United States naval forces upon that station.”

In a letter dated March the 27th, 1847, the Secretary wrote, “The naval forces under your command . . . form the largest squadron it is believed, which has ever been assembled under the American flag . . . steamers, bomb ketches and sailing vessels of different classes.” Much was expected of this fleet, and much was to be accomplished.

Yet despite Perry’s command and mighty responsibilities—equal to those of an admiral—he was but a captain with a pennant. So economical was our mighty government.

In the matter of the war with Mexico—the war of a slave-holding against a free republic—Matthew Perry acted as a servant of the government. He was a naval officer whose business it was to carry out the orders of his superiors. With the moral question of invading Mexico, he had nothing to do. The responsibility lay upon the government of the United States, and especially upon the President, his cabinet and supporters.[[17]] Perry did not like the idea of invasion, and believed that redress could be obtained with little bloodshed, and hostilities be made the means of education to a sister republic. He therefore submitted to the government, a detailed plan for prosecuting the war:

1st. To occupy and colonize California, and annex it to the territory of the United States.

2nd. To withdraw all United States troops from the interior of Mexico proper.