Much has been written about the activities of the United States Marines in actual warfare - the highly creditable part they have played, and the efficiency with which that part of their mission has been performed. But there is still another part of their mission - perhaps the most important - which barely has been touched upon by any writer other than in a headline of the daily newspapers to the effect that, "THE MARINES HAVE LANDED, AND HAVE THE SITUATION WELL IN HAND." Little does the average American citizen realize that oft repeated statement portends, and its real significance in relation to the protection of nationals of the United States residing in foreign lands. The guarding of these interests, together with the rendering of able assistance to their Country's diplomatic representatives in establishing and maintaining foreign policies, have long been their most important duty. "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli" tells not half the story. In every quarter of the Globe, under every conceivable adverse condition, the United States Marines have fought side by side with the Navy and at times with the Army, foreign soldiers, marines and soldiers, but more often alone, protecting American lives and interests - and that, without causing international complications. Time after time they have been called upon to quell revolutions, whether in an incipient or advanced stage, to secure redress for crimes committed upon United States citizens, to resent insults to the flag, to render assistance in times of great disaster, and even to put down mutinies aboard foreign men-of-war at the earnest solicitation of the vessel's commander. No matter what the task might be, the Marines have ever emerged with flying colors, worthy of the highest commendation. These angles of the Marines' well rounded mission and their relations with foreign countries in time of peace thus far have not been compiled. In the pages that follow the author has undertaken to set forth an accurate account of the Landings in foreign lands. The information upon which this history is based has been secured from official records exclusively, and the useless expatiation of unnecessary details, which might tend to obscure or cloud the facts, have been avoided. To the memory of those Marines who have glorified their motto - SEMPER FIDELIS - this work is dedicated.
