John Adams Dix, of New York, was appointed Secretary of the Treasury. He sent Mr. Jones to New Orleans with an order to Captain Breshwood, commanding the revenue-cutter at that port, to sail to New York. The captain was a secessionist and proposed to turn the vessel over to the Confederates, whereupon Secretary Dix sent this dispatch: "If any man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot!"

Fac-smile of General John A. Dix's Dispatch

John Adams Dix, of New York, was appointed Secretary of the Treasury. He sent Mr. Jones to New Orleans…

John Adams Dix (1798 - 1879) served as the Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Senator, and New York Governor. He was also a Civil War General in the New York Militia.

General John A. Dix

John Adams Dix (1798 - 1879) served as the Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Senator, and New York Governor.…