The Hornet incident was an 1871 diplomatic incident involving Spain, Haiti, and the United States.^[1]

During the Ten Years War between Spain and Cubans in January 1871, the Hornet (a small steamship flying the flag of the United States) arrived at Port-au-Prince, followed by two Spanish men-of-war.^[2] At that time, the American Navy was yet to achieve the strength that it would later have in 1898.^[2] The Hornet was charged with being a pirate, having contraband of war intended for the Cuban insurgents on board.^[2] The Spanish asked that the Hornet be given up to them.^[2] The United States Minister interposed, stating that the Hornet was a bona fide American steamer.^[2] For this reason, Haiti refused to deliver the ship, and remained firm in this decision despite the presence of the Spanish men-of-war in the harbor of Port-Au-Prince and the open threats made by Spain's representatives.^[2] On October 5, 1871, the Spanish Consul addressed an ultimatum to the Haitian Secretary of Foreign Affairs, demanding the delivery of the Hornet within 24 hours.^[2]

The dispute became threatening for Haiti when the United States decided to relieve the country of all further responsibility in the matter.^[2] In consequence, man-of-war Congress was dispatched to Port-au-Prince, with instructions to convoy the Hornet either to Baltimore or to New York.^[2] This steamer eventually left Port-au-Prince in January 1872, which put an end to the controversy between Haiti and Spain.^[2]