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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10893 ***
+
+A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS.
+
+BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON
+
+
+Thomas Jefferson
+
+March 4, 1801, to March 4, 1809
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Thomas Jefferson
+
+Thomas Jefferson was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va., on April
+2 (old style), 1743. He was the oldest son of Peter Jefferson, who died
+in 1757. After attending private schools, he entered William and Mary
+College in 1760. In 1767 began the practice of the law. In 1769 was
+chosen to represent his county in the Virginia house of burgesses, a
+station he continued to fill up to the period of the Revolution. He
+married Mrs. Martha Skelton in 1772, she being a daughter of John
+Wayles, an eminent lawyer of Virginia. On March 12, 1773, was chosen
+a member of the first committee of correspondence established by the
+Colonial legislature. Was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress
+in 1775; was placed on the Committee of Five to prepare the Declaration
+of Independence, and at the request of that committee he drafted the
+Declaration, which, with slight amendments, was adopted July 4, 1776.
+Resigned his seat in Congress and occupied one in the Virginia
+legislature in October, 1776. Was elected governor of Virginia by the
+legislature on June 1, 1779, to succeed Patrick Henry. Retired to
+private life at the end of his term as governor, but was the same year
+elected again to the legislature. Was appointed commissioner with others
+to negotiate treaties with France in 1776, but declined. In 1782 he was
+appointed by Congress minister plenipotentiary to act with others in
+Europe in negotiating a treaty of peace with Great Britain. Was again
+elected a Delegate to Congress in 1783, and as a member of that body
+he advocated and had adopted the dollar as the unit and the present
+system of coins and decimals. In May, 1784, was appointed minister
+plenipotentiary to Europe to assist John Adams and Benjamin Franklin
+in negotiating treaties of commerce. In March, 1785, was appointed by
+Congress minister at the French Court to succeed Dr. Franklin, and
+remained in France until September, 1789. On his arrival at Norfolk,
+November 23, 1789, received a letter from Washington offering him the
+appointment of Secretary of State in his Cabinet. Accepted and became
+the first Secretary of State under the Constitution. December 31, 1793,
+resigned his place in the Cabinet and retired to private life at his
+home. In 1796 was brought forward by his friends as a candidate for
+President, but Mr. Adams, receiving the highest number of votes, was
+elected President, and Jefferson became Vice-President for four years
+from March 4, 1797. In 1800 was again voted for by his party for
+President. He and Mr. Burr received an equal number of electoral votes,
+and under the Constitution the House of Representatives was called upon
+to elect. Mr. Jefferson was chosen on the thirty-sixth ballot. Was
+reelected in 1804, and retired finally from public life March 4, 1809.
+He died on the 4th day of July, 1826, and was buried at Monticello, Va.
+
+
+
+
+
+NOTIFICATION OF ELECTION.
+
+
+Mr. Pinckney, from the committee instructed on the 18th instant to wait
+on the President elect to notify him of his election, reported that the
+committee had, according to order, performed that service, and addressed
+the President elect in the following words, to wit:
+
+The committee beg leave to express their wishes for the prosperity of
+your Administration and their sincere desire that it may promote your
+own happiness and the welfare of our country.
+
+To which the President elect was pleased to make the following reply:
+
+I receive, gentlemen, with profound thankfulness this testimony of
+confidence from the great representative council of our nation. It fills
+up the measure of that grateful satisfaction which had already been
+derived from the suffrages of my fellow-citizens themselves, designating
+me as one of those to whom they were willing to commit this charge, the
+most important of all others to them. In deciding between the candidates
+whom their equal vote presented to your choice, I am sensible that age
+has been respected rather than more active and useful qualifications.
+
+I know the difficulties of the station to which I am called, and feel
+and acknowledge my incompetence to them. But whatsoever of
+understanding, whatsoever of diligence, whatsoever of justice or of
+affectionate concern for the happiness of man, it has pleased Providence
+to place within the compass of my faculties shall be called forth for
+the discharge of the duties confided to me, and for procuring to my
+fellow-citizens all the benefits which our Constitution has placed under
+the guardianship of the General Government.
+
+Guided by the wisdom and patriotism of those to whom it belongs to
+express the legislative will of the nation, I will give to that will
+a faithful execution.
+
+I pray you, gentlemen, to convey to the honorable body from which you
+are deputed the homage of my humble acknowledgments and the sentiments
+of zeal and fidelity by which I shall endeavor to merit these proofs of
+confidence from the nation and its Representatives; and accept
+yourselves my particular thanks for the obliging terms in which you have
+been pleased to communicate their will.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+FEBRUARY 20, 1801.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ELECT.
+
+
+The President laid before the Senate a letter from the President elect
+of the United States, which was read, as follows:
+
+WASHINGTON, _March 2, 1801_.
+
+The PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE.
+
+SIR: I beg leave through you to inform the honorable the Senate of the
+United States that I propose to take the oath which the Constitution
+prescribes to the President of the United States before he enters on the
+execution of his office on Wednesday, the 4th instant, at 12 o'clock, in
+the Senate Chamber.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+(The same letter was sent to the House of Representatives.)
+
+
+
+
+FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+AT WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+_Friends and Fellow-Citizens_.
+
+Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our
+country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my
+fellow-citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful thanks
+for the favor with which they have been pleased to look toward me, to
+declare a sincere consciousness that the task is above my talents, and
+that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments which the
+greatness of the charge and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire.
+A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all
+the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in
+commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly
+to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye--when I contemplate these
+transcendent objects, and see the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of
+this beloved country committed to the issue and the auspices of this
+day, I shrink from the contemplation, and humble myself before the
+magnitude of the undertaking. Utterly, indeed, should I despair did not
+the presence of many whom I here see remind me that in the other high
+authorities provided by our Constitution I shall find resources of
+wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties.
+To you, then, gentlemen, who are charged with the sovereign functions of
+legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement
+for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety
+the vessel in which we are all embarked amidst the conflicting elements
+of a troubled world.
+
+During the contest of opinion through which we have passed the animation
+of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might
+impose on strangers unused to think freely and to speak and to write
+what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation,
+announced according to the rules of the Constitution, all will, of
+course, arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in
+common efforts for the common good. All, too, will bear in mind this
+sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases
+to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the
+minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and
+to violate would be oppression. Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite
+with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that
+harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but
+dreary things. And let us reflect that, having banished from our land
+that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and
+suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political
+intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody
+persecutions. During the throes and convulsions of the ancient world,
+during the agonizing spasms of infuriated man, seeking through blood and
+slaughter his long-lost liberty, it was not wonderful that the agitation
+of the billows should reach even this distant and peaceful shore; that
+this should be more felt and feared by some and less by others, and
+should divide opinions as to measures of safety. But every difference of
+opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different
+names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all
+Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this
+Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as
+monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated
+where reason is left free to combat it. I know, indeed, that some honest
+men fear that a republican government can not be strong, that this
+Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the
+full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so
+far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this
+Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to
+preserve itself? I trust not. I believe this, on the contrary, the
+strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every
+man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and
+would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern.
+Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with the government of
+himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have
+we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer
+this question.
+
+Let us, then, with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and
+Republican principles, our attachment to union and representative
+government. Kindly separated by nature and a wide ocean from the
+exterminating havoc of one quarter of the globe; too high-minded to
+endure the degradations of the others; possessing a chosen country, with
+room enough for our descendants to the thousandth and thousandth
+generation; entertaining a due sense of our equal right to the use of
+our own faculties, to the acquisitions of our own industry, to honor and
+confidence from our fellow-citizens, resulting not from birth, but from
+our actions and their sense of them; enlightened by a benign religion,
+professed, indeed, and practiced in various forms, yet all of them
+inculcating honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, and the love of man;
+acknowledging and adoring an overruling Providence, which by all its
+dispensations proves that it delights in the happiness of man here and
+his greater happiness hereafter--with all these blessings, what more is
+necessary to make us a happy and a prosperous people? Still one thing
+more, fellow-citizens--a wise and frugal Government, which shall
+restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free
+to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall
+not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the
+sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our
+felicities.
+
+About to enter, fellow-citizens, on the exercise of duties which
+comprehend everything dear and valuable to you, it is proper you should
+understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government, and
+consequently those which ought to shape its Administration. I will
+compress them within the narrowest compass they will bear, stating the
+general principle, but not all its limitations. Equal and exact justice
+to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political;
+peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling
+alliances with none; the support of the State governments in all their
+rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns
+and the surest bulwarks against antirepublican tendencies; the
+preservation of the General Government in its whole constitutional
+vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad; a
+jealous care of the right of election by the people--a mild and safe
+corrective of abuses which are lopped by the sword of revolution where
+peaceable remedies are unprovided; absolute acquiescence in the
+decisions of the majority, the vital principle of republics, from which
+is no appeal but to force, the vital principle and immediate parent of
+despotism; a well-disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace and
+for the first moments of war, till regulars may relieve them; the
+supremacy of the civil over the military authority; economy in the
+public expense, that labor may be lightly burthened; the honest payment
+of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith; encouragement
+of agriculture, and of commerce as its handmaid; the diffusion of
+information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the public
+reason; freedom of religion; freedom of the press, and freedom of person
+under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries
+impartially selected. These principles form the bright constellation
+which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of
+revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our
+heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed
+of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by
+which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from
+them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps
+and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.
+
+I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you have assigned me. With
+experience enough in subordinate offices to have seen the difficulties
+of this the greatest of all, I have learnt to expect that it will rarely
+fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the
+reputation and the favor which bring him into it. Without pretensions to
+that high confidence you reposed in our first and greatest revolutionary
+character, whose preeminent services had entitled him to the first place
+in his country's love and destined for him the fairest page in the
+volume of faithful history, I ask so much confidence only as may give
+firmness and effect to the legal administration of your affairs. I shall
+often go wrong through defect of judgment. When right, I shall often be
+thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the
+whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never
+be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may
+condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts. The approbation
+implied by your suffrage is a great consolation to me for the past, and
+my future solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of those who
+have bestowed it in advance, to conciliate that of others by doing them
+all the good in my power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and
+freedom of all.
+
+Relying, then, on the patronage of your good will, I advance with
+obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become
+sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make. And may
+that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our
+councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace
+and prosperity.
+
+MARCH 4, 1801.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From the National Intelligencer, March 13, 1801.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Whereas by the first article of the terms and conditions declared by the
+President of the United States on the iyth day of October, 1791, for
+regulating the materials and manner of buildings and improvements on the
+lots in the city of Washington, it is provided "that the outer and party
+walls of all houses in the said city shall be built of brick or stone;"
+and by the third article of the same terms and conditions it is declared
+"that the wall of no house shall be higher than 40 feet to the roof in
+any part of the city, nor shall any be lower than 35 feet in any of the
+avenues;" and
+
+Whereas the above-recited articles were found to impede the settlement
+in the city of mechanics and others whose circumstances did not admit of
+erecting houses authorized by the said regulations, for which cause the
+President of the United States, by a writing under his hand, bearing
+date the 25th day of June, 1796, suspended the operation of the said
+articles until the first Monday of December, 1800, and the beneficial
+effects arising from such suspension having been experienced, it is
+deemed proper to revive the same:
+
+Wherefore I, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, do
+declare that the operation of the first and third articles above recited
+shall be, and the same is hereby, suspended until the ist day of
+January, 1802, and that all the houses which shall be erected in the
+said city of Washington previous to the said 1st day of January, 1802,
+conformable in other respects to the regulations aforesaid, shall be
+considered as lawfully erected, except that no wooden house shall be
+erected within 24 feet of any brick or stone house.
+
+Given under my hand this 11th day of March, 1801.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+In communicating his first message to Congress, President Jefferson
+addressed the following letter to the presiding officer of each branch
+of the National Legislature:
+
+
+DECEMBER 8, 1801.
+
+The Honorable the PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
+
+SIR: The circumstances under which we find ourselves at this place
+rendering inconvenient the mode heretofore practiced of making by
+personal address the first communications between the legislative and
+executive branches, I have adopted that by message, as used on all
+subsequent occasions through the session. In doing this I have had
+principal regard to the convenience of the Legislature, to the economy
+of their time, to their relief from the embarrassment of immediate
+answers on subjects not yet fully before them, and to the benefits
+thence resulting to the public affairs. Trusting that a procedure
+founded in these motives will meet their approbation, I beg leave
+through you, sir, to communicate the inclosed message, with the
+documents accompanying it, to the honorable the Senate, and pray you
+to accept for yourself and them the homage of my high respect and
+consideration.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+DECEMBER 8, 1801.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_:
+
+It is a circumstance of sincere gratification to me that on meeting the
+great council of our nation I am able to announce to them on grounds of
+reasonable certainty that the wars and troubles which have for so many
+years afflicted our sister nations have at length come to an end, and
+that the communications of peace and commerce are once more opening
+among them. Whilst we devoutly return thanks to the beneficent Being who
+has been pleased to breathe into them the spirit of conciliation and
+forgiveness, we are bound with peculiar gratitude to be thankful to Him
+that our own peace has been preserved through so perilous a season, and
+ourselves permitted quietly to cultivate the earth and to practice and
+improve those arts which tend to increase our comforts. The assurances,
+indeed, of friendly disposition received from all the powers with whom
+we have principal relations had inspired a confidence that our peace
+with them would not have been disturbed. But a cessation of
+irregularities which had affected the commerce of neutral nations and of
+the irritations and injuries produced by them can not but add to this
+confidence, and strengthens at the same time the hope that wrongs
+committed on unoffending friends under a pressure of circumstances will
+now be reviewed with candor, and will be considered as founding just
+claims of retribution for the past and new assurance for the future.
+
+Among our Indian neighbors also a spirit of peace and friendship
+generally prevails, and I am happy to inform yon that the continued
+efforts to introduce among them the implements and the practice of
+husbandry and of the household arts have not been without success; that
+they are becoming more and more sensible of the superiority of this
+dependence for clothing and subsistence over the precarious resources of
+hunting and fishing, and already we are able to announce that instead of
+that constant diminution of their numbers produced by their wars and
+their wants, some of them begin to experience an increase of population.
+
+To this state of general peace with which we have been blessed, one only
+exception exists. Tripoli, the least considerable of the Barbary States,
+had come forward with demands unfounded either in right or in compact,
+and had permitted itself to denounce war on our failure to comply before
+a given day. The style of the demand admitted but one answer. I sent a
+small squadron of frigates into the Mediterranean, with assurances to
+that power of our sincere desire to remain in peace, but with orders to
+protect our commerce against the threatened attack. The measure was
+seasonable and salutary. The Bey had already declared war. His cruisers
+were out. Two had arrived at Gibraltar.
+
+Our commerce in the Mediterranean was blockaded and that of the Atlantic
+in peril. The arrival of our squadron dispelled the danger. One of the
+Tripolitan cruisers having fallen in with and engaged the small schooner
+_Enterprise_, commanded by Lieutenant Sterret, which had gone as a
+tender to our larger vessels, was captured, after a heavy slaughter of
+her men, without the loss of a single one on our part. The bravery
+exhibited by our citizens on that element will, I trust, be a testimony
+to the world that it is not the want of that virtue which makes us seek
+their peace, but a conscientious desire to direct the energies of our
+nation to the multiplication of the human race, and not to its
+destruction. Unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of
+Congress, to go beyond the line of defense, the vessel, being disabled
+from committing further hostilities, was liberated with its crew. The
+Legislature will doubtless consider whether, by authorizing measures of
+offense also, they will place our force on an equal footing with that of
+its adversaries. I communicate all material information on this subject,
+that in the exercise of this important function confided by the
+Constitution to the Legislature exclusively their judgment may form
+itself on a knowledge and consideration of every circumstance of weight.
+
+I wish I could say that our situation with all the other Barbary States
+was entirely satisfactory. Discovering that some delays had taken place
+in the performance of certain articles stipulated by us, I thought it my
+duty, by immediate measures for fulfilling them, to vindicate to
+ourselves the right of considering the effect of departure from
+stipulation on their side. From the papers which will be laid before you
+you will be enabled to judge whether our treaties are regarded by them
+as fixing at all the measure of their demands or as guarding from the
+exercise of force our vessels within their power, and to consider how
+far it will be safe and expedient to leave our affairs with them in
+their present posture.
+
+I lay before you the result of the census lately taken of our
+inhabitants, to a conformity with which we are now to reduce the ensuing
+ratio of representation and taxation. You will perceive that the
+increase of numbers during the last ten years, proceeding in geometrical
+ratio, promises a duplication in little more than twenty-two years. We
+contemplate this rapid growth and the prospect it holds up to us, not
+with a view to the injuries it may enable us to do others in some future
+day, but to the settlement of the extensive country still remaining
+vacant within our limits to the multiplication of men susceptible of
+happiness, educated in the love of order, habituated to self-government,
+and valuing its blessings above all price.
+
+Other circumstances, combined with the increase of numbers, have
+produced an augmentation of revenue arising from consumption in a ratio
+far beyond that of population alone; and though the changes in foreign
+relations now taking place so desirably for the whole world may for a
+season affect this branch of revenue, yet weighing all probabilities of
+expense as well as of income, there is reasonable ground of confidence
+that we may now safely dispense with all the internal taxes,
+comprehending excise, stamps, auctions, licenses, carriages, and refined
+sugars, to which the postage on newspapers may be added to facilitate
+the progress of information, and that the remaining sources of revenue
+will be sufficient to provide for the support of Government, to pay the
+interest of the public debts, and to discharge the principals within
+shorter periods than the laws or the general expectation had
+contemplated. War, indeed, and untoward events may change this prospect
+of things and call for expenses which the imposts could not meet; but
+sound principles will not justify our taxing the industry of our
+fellow-citizens to accumulate treasure for wars to happen we know not
+when, and which might not, perhaps, happen but from the temptations
+offered by that treasure.
+
+These views, however, of reducing our burthens are formed on the
+expectation that a sensible and at the same time a salutary reduction
+may take place in our habitual expenditures. For this purpose those of
+the civil Government, the Army, and Navy will need revisal.
+
+When we consider that this Government is charged with the external, and
+mutual relations only of these States; that the States themselves have
+principal care of our persons, our property, and our reputation,
+constituting the great field of human concerns, we may well doubt
+whether our organization is not too complicated, too expensive; whether
+offices and officers have not been multiplied unnecessarily and
+sometimes injuriously to the service they were meant to promote. I will
+cause to be laid before you an essay toward a statement of those who,
+under public employment of various kinds, draw money from the Treasury
+or from our citizens. Time has not permitted a perfect enumeration, the
+ramifications of office being too multiplied and remote to be completely
+traced in a first trial. Among those who are dependent on Executive
+discretion I have begun the reduction of what was deemed unnecessary.
+The expenses of diplomatic agency have been considerably diminished. The
+inspectors of internal revenue who were found to obstruct the
+accountability of the institution have been discontinued. Several
+agencies created by Executive authority, on salaries fixed by that also,
+have been suppressed, and should suggest the expediency of regulating
+that power by law, so as to subject its exercises to legislative
+inspection and sanction. Other reformations of the same kind will be
+pursued with that caution which is requisite in removing useless things,
+not to injure what is retained. But the great mass of public offices is
+established by law, and therefore by law alone can be abolished. Should
+the Legislature think it expedient to pass this roll in review and try
+all its parts by the test of public utility, they may be assured of
+every aid and light which Executive information can yield. Considering
+the general tendency to multiply offices and dependencies and to
+increase expense to the ultimate term of burthen which the citizen can
+bear, it behooves us to avail ourselves of every occasion which presents
+itself for taking off the surcharge, that it never may be seen here that
+after leaving to labor the smallest portion of its earnings on which it
+can subsist, Government shall itself consume the whole residue of what
+it was instituted to guard.
+
+In our care, too, of the public contributions intrusted to our direction
+it would be prudent to multiply barriers against their dissipation by
+appropriating specific sums to every specific purpose susceptible of
+definition; by disallowing all applications of money varying from the
+appropriation in object or transcending it in amount; by reducing the
+undefined field of contingencies and thereby circumscribing
+discretionary powers over money, and by bringing back to a single
+department all accountabilities for money, where the examinations may be
+prompt, efficacious, and uniform.
+
+An account of the receipts and expenditures of the last year, as
+prepared by the Secretary of the Treasury, will, as usual, be laid
+before you. The success which has attended the late sales of the public
+lands shews that with attention they may be made an important source of
+receipt. Among the payments those made in discharge of the principal and
+interest of the national debt will shew that the public faith has been
+exactly maintained. To these will be added an estimate of appropriations
+necessary for the ensuing year. This last will, of course, be affected
+by such modifications of the system of expense as you shall think proper
+to adopt.
+
+A statement has been formed by the Secretary of War, on mature
+consideration, of all the posts and stations where garrisons will be
+expedient and of the number of men requisite for each garrison. The
+whole amount is considerably short of the present military
+establishment. For the surplus no particular use can be pointed out. For
+defense against invasion their number is as nothing, nor is it conceived
+needful or safe that a standing army should be kept up in time of peace
+for that purpose. Uncertain as we must ever be of the particular point
+in our circumference where an enemy may choose to invade us, the only
+force which can be ready at every point and competent to oppose them is
+the body of neighboring citizens as formed into a militia. On these,
+collected from the parts most convenient in numbers proportioned to the
+invading force, it is best to rely not only to meet the first attack,
+but if it threatens to be permanent to maintain the defense until
+regulars may be engaged to relieve them. These considerations render it
+important that we should at every session continue to amend the defects
+which from time to time shew themselves in the laws for regulating the
+militia until they are sufficiently perfect. Nor should we now or at any
+time separate until we can say we have done everything for the militia
+which we could do were an enemy at our door.
+
+The provision of military stores on hand will be laid before you, that
+you may judge of the additions still requisite.
+
+With respect to the extent to which our naval preparations should be
+carried some difference of opinion may be expected to appear, but just
+attention to the circumstances of every part of the Union will doubtless
+reconcile all. A small force will probably continue to be wanted for
+actual service in the Mediterranean. Whatever annual sum beyond that you
+may think proper to appropriate to naval preparations would perhaps be
+better employed in providing those articles which may be kept without
+waste or consumption, and be in readiness when any exigence calls them
+into use. Progress has been made, as will appear by papers now
+communicated, in providing materials for 74-gun ships as directed by
+law.
+
+How far the authority given by the Legislature for procuring and
+establishing sites for naval purposes has been perfectly understood and
+pursued in the execution admits of some doubt. A statement of the
+expenses already incurred on that subject is now laid before you. I have
+in certain cases suspended or slackened these expenditures, that the
+Legislature might determine whether so many yards are necessary as have
+been contemplated. The works at this place are among those permitted to
+go on, and five of the seven frigates directed to be laid up have been
+brought and laid up here, where, besides the safety of their position,
+they are under the eye of the Executive Administration, as well as of
+its agents, and where yourselves also will be guided by your own view in
+the legislative provisions respecting them which may from time to time
+be necessary. They are preserved in such condition, as well the vessels
+as whatever belongs to them, as to be at all times ready for sea on a
+short warning. Two others are yet to be laid up so soon as they shall
+have received the repairs requisite to put them also into sound
+condition. As a superintending officer will be necessary at each yard,
+his duties and emoluments, hitherto fixed by the Executive, will be a
+more proper subject for legislation. A communication will also be made
+of our progress in the execution of the law respecting the vessels
+directed to be sold.
+
+The fortifications of our harbors, more or less advanced, present
+considerations of great difficulty. While some of them are on a scale
+sufficiently proportioned to the advantages of their position, to the
+efficacy of their protection, and the importance of the points within
+it, others are so extensive, will cost so much in their first erection,
+so much in their maintenance, and require such a force to garrison them
+as to make it questionable what is best now to be done. A statement of
+those commenced or projected, of the expenses already incurred, and
+estimates of their future cost, as far as can be foreseen, shall be laid
+before you, that you may be enabled to judge whether any alteration is
+necessary in the laws respecting this subject.
+
+Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation, the four pillars of
+our prosperity, are then most thriving when left most free to individual
+enterprise. Protection from casual embarrassments, however, may
+sometimes be seasonably interposed. If in the course of your
+observations or inquiries they should appear to need any aid within the
+limits of our constitutional powers, your sense of their importance is a
+sufficient assurance they will occupy your attention. We can not,
+indeed, but all feel an anxious solicitude for the difficulties under
+which our carrying trade will soon be placed. How far it can be
+relieved, otherwise than by time, is a subject of important
+consideration.
+
+The judiciary system of the United States, and especially that portion
+of it recently erected, will of course present itself to the
+contemplation of Congress, and, that they may be able to judge of the
+proportion which the institution bears to the business it has to
+perform, I have caused to be procured from the several States and now
+lay before Congress an exact statement of all the causes decided since
+the first establishment of the courts, and of those which were depending
+when additional courts and judges were brought in to their aid.
+
+And while on the judiciary organization it will be worthy your
+consideration whether the protection of the inestimable institution of
+juries has been extended to all the cases involving the security of our
+persons and property. Their impartial selection also being essential to
+their value, we ought further to consider whether that is sufficiently
+secured in those States where they are named by a marshal depending on
+Executive will or designated by the court or by officers dependent on
+them.
+
+I can not omit recommending a revisal of the laws on the subject of
+naturalization. Considering the ordinary chances of human life, a denial
+of citizenship under a residence of fourteen years is a denial to a
+great proportion of those who ask it, and controls a policy pursued from
+their first settlement by many of these States, and still believed of
+consequence to their prosperity; and shall we refuse to the unhappy
+fugitives from distress that hospitality which the savages of the
+wilderness extended to our fathers arriving in this land? Shall
+oppressed humanity find no asylum on this globe? The Constitution indeed
+has wisely provided that for admission to certain offices of important
+trust a residence shall be required sufficient to develop character and
+design. But might not the general character and capabilities of a
+citizen be safely communicated to everyone manifesting a bona fide
+purpose of embarking his life and fortunes permanently with us, with
+restrictions, perhaps, to guard against the fraudulent usurpation of our
+flag, an abuse which brings so much embarrassment and loss on the
+genuine citizen and so much danger to the nation of being involved in
+war that no endeavor should be spared to detect and suppress it?
+
+These, fellow-citizens, are the matters respecting the state of the
+nation which I have thought of importance to be submitted to your
+consideration at this time. Some others of less moment or not yet ready
+for communication will be the subject of separate messages. I am happy
+in this opportunity of committing the arduous affairs of our Government
+to the collected wisdom of the Union. Nothing shall be wanting on my
+part to inform as far as in my power the legislative judgment, nor to
+carry that judgment into faithful execution. The prudence and temperance
+of your discussions will promote within your own walls that conciliation
+which so much befriends rational conclusion, and by its example will
+encourage among our constituents that progress of opinion which is
+tending to unite them in object and in will. That all should be
+satisfied with any one order of things is not to be expected; but I
+indulge the pleasing persuasion that the great body of our citizens will
+cordially concur in honest and disinterested efforts which have for
+their object to preserve the General and State Governments in their
+constitutional form and equilibrium; to maintain peace abroad, and order
+and obedience to the laws at home; to establish principles and practices
+of administration favorable to the security of liberty and property, and
+to reduce expenses to what is necessary for the useful purposes of
+Government.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 11, 1801.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+Early in the last month I received the ratification by the First Consul
+of France of the convention between the United States and that nation.
+His ratification not being pure and simple in the ordinary form, I have
+thought it my duty, in order to avoid all misconception, to ask a second
+advice and consent of the Senate before I give it the last sanction by
+proclaiming it to be a law of the land.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 22, 1801.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The States of Georgia and Tennessee being peculiarly interested in our
+carrying into execution the two acts passed by Congress on the 19th of
+February, 1799 (chapter 115), and 13th May, 1800 (chapter 62),
+commissioners were appointed early in summer and other measures taken
+for the purpose. The objects of these laws requiring meetings with the
+Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Creeks, the inclosed instructions
+were prepared for the proceedings with the three first nations. Our
+applications to the Cherokees failed altogether. Those to the Chickasaws
+produced the treaty now laid before you for your advice and consent,
+whereby we obtained permission to open a road of communication with the
+Mississippi Territory. The commissioners are probably at this time in
+conference with the Choctaws. Further information having been wanting
+when these instructions were, formed to enable us to prepare those
+respecting the Creeks, the commissioners were directed to proceed with
+the others. We have now reason to believe the conferences with the
+Creeks can not take place till the spring.
+
+The journals and letters of the commissioners relating to the subject of
+the treaty now inclosed accompany it.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 22, 1801.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now inclose sundry documents supplementary to those communicated to
+you with my message at the commencement of the session. Two others of
+considerable importance--the one relating to our transactions with the
+Barbary Powers, the other presenting a view of the offices of the
+Government--shall be communicated as soon as they can be completed.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1801.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Another return of the census of the State of Maryland is just received
+from the marshal of that State, which he desires may be substituted as
+more correct than the one first returned by him and communicated by me
+to Congress. This new return, with his letter, is now laid before you.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 11, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_.
+
+I now communicate to you a memorial of the commissioners of the city of
+Washington, together with a letter of later date, which, with their
+memorial of January 28, 1801, will possess the Legislature fully of the
+state of the public interests and of those of the city of Washington
+confided to them. The moneys now due, and soon to become due, to the
+State of Maryland on the loan guaranteed by the United States call for
+an early attention. The lots in the city which are chargeable with the
+payment of these moneys are deemed not only equal to the indemnification
+of the public, but to insure a considerable surplus to the city to be
+employed for its improvement, provided they are offered for sale only in
+sufficient numbers to meet the existing demand. But the act of 1796
+requires that they shall be positively sold in such numbers as shall be
+necessary for the punctual payment of the loans. Nine thousand dollars
+of interest are lately become due, $3,000 quarter yearly will continue
+to become due, and $50,000, an additional loan, are reimbursable on the
+1st day of November next. These sums would require sales so far beyond
+the actual demand of the market that it is apprehended that the whole
+property may be thereby sacrificed, the public security destroyed, and
+the residuary interest of the city entirely lost. Under these
+circumstances I have thought it my duty before I proceed to direct a
+rigorous execution of the law to submit the subject to the consideration
+of the Legislature. Whether the public interest will be better secured
+in the end and that of the city saved by offering sales commensurate
+only to the demand at market, and advancing from the Treasury in the
+first instance what these may prove deficient, to be replaced by
+subsequent sales, rests for the determination of the Legislature. If
+indulgence for the funds can be admitted, they will probably form a
+resource of great and permanent value; and their embarrassments have
+been produced only by overstrained exertions to provide accommodations
+for the Government of the Union
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 12, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I now communicate to you a letter from the Secretary of State inclosing
+an estimate of the expenses which appear at present necessary for
+carrying into effect the convention between the United States of America
+and the French Republic, which has been prepared at the request of the
+House of Representatives.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 27, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I lay before you the accounts of our Indian trading houses, as rendered
+up to the 1st day of January, 1801, with a report of the Secretary of
+War thereon, explaining the effects and the situation of that commerce
+and the reasons in favor of its further extension. But it is believed
+that the act authorizing this trade expired so long ago as the 3d of
+March, 1799. Its revival, therefore, as well as its extension, is
+submitted to the consideration of the Legislature.
+
+The act regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will
+also expire on the 3d day of March next. While on the subject of its
+continuance it will be worthy the consideration of the Legislature
+whether the provisions of the law inflicting on Indians, in certain
+cases, the punishment of death by hanging might not permit its
+commutation into death by military execution, the form of the punishment
+in the former way being peculiarly repugnant to their ideas and
+increasing the obstacles to the surrender of the criminal.
+
+These people are becoming very sensible of the baneful effects produced
+on their morals, their health, and existence by the abuse of ardent
+spirits, and some of them earnestly desire a prohibition of that article
+from being carried among them. The Legislature will consider whether the
+effectuating that desire would not be in the spirit of benevolence and
+liberality which they have hitherto practiced toward these our
+neighbors, and which has had so happy an effect toward conciliating
+their friendship. It has been found, too, in experience that the same
+abuse gives frequent rise to incidents tending much to commit our peace
+with the Indians.
+
+It is now become necessary to run and mark the boundaries between them
+and us in various parts. The law last mentioned has authorized this to
+be done, but no existing appropriation meets the expense.
+
+Certain papers explanatory of the grounds of this communication are
+herewith inclosed.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 2, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now lay before you--
+
+1. A return of ordnance, arms, and military stores the property of the
+United States.
+
+2. Returns of muskets and bayonets fabricated at the armories of the
+United States at Springfield and Harpers Ferry, and of the expenditures
+at those places; and
+
+3. An estimate of expenditures which may be necessary for fortifications
+and barracks for the present year.
+
+Besides the permanent magazines established at Springfield, West Point,
+and Harpers Ferry, it is thought one should be established in some point
+convenient for the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and
+Georgia. Such a point will probably be found near the border of the
+Carolinas, and some small provision by the Legislature preparatory to
+the establishment will be necessary for the present year.
+
+We find the United States in possession of certain iron mines and works
+in the county of Berkeley and State of Virginia, purchased, as is
+presumable, on the idea of establishing works for the fabrication of
+cannon and other military articles by the public. Whether this method of
+supplying what may be wanted will be most advisable or that of
+purchasing at market where competition brings everything to its proper
+level of price and quality is for the Legislature to decide, and if the
+latter alternative be preferred, it will rest for their further
+consideration in what way the subjects of this purchase may be best
+employed or disposed of. The Attorney-General's opinion on the subject
+of the title accompanies this.
+
+There are in various parts of the United States small parcels of land
+which have been purchased at different times for cantonments and other
+military purposes. Several of them are in situations not likely to be
+accommodated to future purposes. The loss of the records prevents a
+detailed statement of these until they can be supplied by inquiry. In
+the meantime, one of them, containing 88 acres, in the county of Essex,
+in New Jersey, purchased in 1799 and sold the following year to
+Cornelius Vermule and Andrew Codmas, though its price has been received,
+can not be conveyed without authority from the Legislature.
+
+I inclose herewith a letter from the Secretary of War on the subject of
+the islands in the lakes and rivers of our northern boundary, and of
+certain lands in the neighborhood of some of our military posts, on
+which it may be expedient for the Legislature to make some provisions.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 16, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now transmit a statement of the expenses incurred by the United States
+in their transactions with the Barbary Powers, and a roll of the persons
+having office or employment under the United States, as was proposed in
+my messages of December 7 and 22. Neither is as perfect as could have
+been wished, and the latter not so much so as further time and inquiry
+may enable us to make it.
+
+The great volume of these communications and the delay it would produce
+to make out a second copy will, I trust, be deemed a sufficient reason
+for sending one of them to the one House, and the other to the other,
+with a request that they may be interchanged for mutual information
+rather than to subject both to further delay.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 18, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In a message of the 2d instant I inclosed a letter from the Secretary of
+War on the subject of certain lands in the neighborhood of our military
+posts on which it might be expedient for the Legislature to make some
+provisions. A letter recently received from the governor of Indiana
+presents some further views of the extent to which such provision may be
+needed, I therefore now transmit it for the information of Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 24, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I communicate to both Houses of Congress a report of the Secretary of
+the Treasury on the subject of our marine hospitals, which appear to
+require legislative attention.
+
+As connected with the same subject, I also inclose information
+respecting the situation of our seamen and boatmen frequenting the port
+of New Orleans and suffering there from sickness and the want of
+accommodation. There is good reason to believe their numbers greater
+than stated in these papers. When we consider how great a proportion of
+the territory of the United States must communicate with that port
+singly, and how rapidly that territory is increasing its population and
+productions, it may perhaps be thought reasonable to make hospital
+provisions there of a different order from those at foreign ports
+generally.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 25, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+No occasion having arisen since the last account rendered by my
+predecessor of making use of any part of the moneys heretofore granted
+to defray the contingent charges of the Government, I now transmit to
+Congress an official statement thereof to the 31st day of December last,
+when the whole unexpended balance, amounting to $20,911.80, was carried
+to the credit of the surplus fund, as provided for by law, and this
+account consequently becomes finally closed,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 26, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Some statements have been lately received of the causes decided or
+depending in the courts of the Union in certain States, supplementary or
+corrective of those from which was formed the general statement
+accompanying my message at the opening of the session. I therefore
+communicate them to Congress, with a report of the Secretary of State
+noting their effect on the former statement and correcting certain
+errors in it which arose partly from inexactitude in some of the returns
+and partly in analyzing, adding, and transcribing them while hurried in
+preparing the other voluminous papers accompanying that message.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 1, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit for the information of Congress letters recently received
+from our consuls at Gibraltar and Algiers, presenting the latest view of
+the state of our affairs with the Barbary Powers. The sums due to the
+Government of Algiers are now fully paid up, and of the gratuity which
+had been promised to that of Tunis, and was in a course of preparation,
+a small portion only remains still to be finished and delivered.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 9, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The governor of New York has desired that, in addition to the
+negotiations with certain Indians already authorized under the
+superintendence of John Taylor, further negotiations should be held with
+the Oneidas and other members of the Confederacy of the Six Nations for
+the purchase of lands in and for the State of New York, which they are
+willing to sell, as explained in the letter from the Secretary of War
+herewith sent. I have therefore thought it better to name a commissioner
+to superintend the negotiations specified with the Six Nations
+generally, or with any of them.
+
+I do accordingly nominate John Taylor, of New York, to be commissioner
+for the United States, to hold a convention or conventions between the
+State of New York and the Confederacy of the Six Nations of Indians, or
+any of the nations composing it.
+
+This nomination, if advised and consented to by the Senate, will
+comprehend and supersede that of February 1 of the same John Taylor so
+far as it respected the Seneca Indians,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 10, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I now submit for the ratification of the Senate a treaty entered into
+by the commissioners of the United States with the Choctaw Nation of
+Indians, and I transmit therewith so much of the instructions to the
+commissioners as related to the Choctaws, with the minutes of their
+proceedings and the letter accompanying them.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 29, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The Secretary of State, charged with the civil affairs of the several
+Territories of the United States, has received from the marshal of
+Columbia a statement of the condition, unavoidably distressing, of the
+persons committed to his custody on civil or criminal process and the
+urgency for some legislative provisions for their relief. There are
+other important cases wherein the laws of the adjoining States under
+which the Territory is placed, though adapted to the purposes of those
+States, are insufficient for those of the Territory from the dissimilar
+or defective organization of its authorities. The letter and statement
+of the marshal and the disquieting state of the Territory generally are
+now submitted to the wisdom and consideration of the Legislature.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 29, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The commissioners who were appointed to carry into execution the sixth
+article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the
+United States and His Britannic Majesty having differed in opinion as to
+the objects of that article and discontinued their proceedings, the
+Executive of the United States took early measures, by instructions to
+our minister at the British Court, to negotiate explanations of that
+article. This mode of resolving the difficulty, however, proved
+unacceptable to the British Government, which chose rather to avoid all
+further discussion and expense under that article by fixing at a given
+sum the amount for which the United States should be held responsible
+under it. Mr. King was consequently authorized to meet this proposition,
+and a settlement in this way has been effected by a convention entered
+into with the British Government, and now communicated for your advice
+and consent, together with the instructions and correspondence relating
+to it. The greater part of these papers being originals, the return of
+them is requested at the convenience of the Senate.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 30, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The Secretary of War has prepared an estimate of expenditures for the
+Army of the United States during the year 1802, conformably to the act
+fixing the military peace establishment, which estimate, with his letter
+accompanying and explaining it, I now transmit to both Houses of
+Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 31, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+According to the desire expressed in your resolution of the 23d instant,
+I now transmit a report of the Secretary of State, with the letters it
+refers to, shewing the proceedings which have taken place under the
+resolution of Congress of the 16th of April, 1800. The term prescribed
+for the execution of the resolution having elapsed before the person
+appointed had sat out on the service, I did not deem it justifiable to
+commence a course of expenditure after the expiration of the resolution
+authorizing it. The correspondence which has taken place, having regard
+to dates, will place this subject properly under the view of the House
+of Representatives.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL, 8, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+In order to satisfy as far as it is in my power the desire expressed in
+your resolution of the 6th instant, I now transmit you a letter from
+John Read, agent for the United States before the board of commissioners
+under the sixth article of the treaty with Great Britain, to the
+Attorney-General, bearing date the 25th of April, 1801, in which he
+gives a summary view of the proceedings of those commissioners and of
+the principles established or insisted on by a majority of them.
+
+Supposing it might be practicable for us to settle by negotiation with
+Great Britain the principles which ought to govern the decisions under
+the treaty, I caused instructions to be given to Mr. Read to analyze
+the claims before the board of commissioners, to class them under the
+principles on which they respectively depended, and to state the sum
+depending on each principle or the amount of each description of debt.
+The object of this was that we might know what principles were most
+important for us to contend for and what others might be conceded
+without much injury. He performed this duty, and gave in such a
+statement during the last summer, but the chief clerk of the Secretary
+of State's office being absent on account of sickness, and the only
+person acquainted with the arrangement of the papers of the office, this
+particular document can not at this time be found. Having, however,
+been myself in possession of it a few days after its receipt, I then
+transcribed from it for my own use the recapitulation of the amount of
+each description of debt. A copy of this transcript I shall subjoin
+hereto, with assurances that it is substantially correct, and with the
+hope that it will give a view of the subject sufficiently precise to
+fulfill the wishes of the Senate. To save them the delay of waiting till
+a copy of the agent's letter could be made, I send the original, with
+the request that it may be returned at the convenience of the Senate.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 15, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now transmit the papers desired in your resolution of the 6th
+instant. Those respecting the _Berceau_ will sufficiently explain
+themselves. The officer charged with her repairs states in his letter,
+received August 27, 1801, that he had been led by circumstances, which
+he explains, to go considerably beyond his orders. In questions between
+nations, who have no common umpire but reason, something must often be
+yielded of mutual opinion to enable them to meet in a common point.
+
+The allowance which had been proposed to the officers of that vessel
+being represented as too small for their daily necessities, and still
+more so as the means of paying before their departure debts contracted
+with our citizens for subsistence, it was requested on their behalf that
+the daily pay of each might be the measure of their allowance.
+
+This being solicited and reimbursement assumed by the agent of their
+nation, I deemed that the indulgence would have a propitious effect in
+the moment of returning friendship. The sum of $870.83 was accordingly
+furnished them for the five months of past captivity and a proportional
+allowance authorized until their embarkation.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 20, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit you a report from the Secretary of State, with the
+information desired by the House of Representatives, of the 8th of
+January, relative to certain spoliations and other proceedings therein
+referred to.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 26, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In pursuance of the act entitled "An act supplemental to the act
+entitled 'An act for an amicable settlement of limits with the State
+of Georgia, and authorizing the establishment of a government in the
+Mississippi Territory,'" James Madison, Secretary of State, Albert
+Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury, and Levi Lincoln, Attorney-General
+of the United States, were appointed commissioners to settle by
+compromise with the commissioners appointed by the State of Georgia the
+claims and cession to which the said act has relation.
+
+Articles of agreement and cession have accordingly been entered into and
+signed by the said commissioners of the United States and of Georgia,
+which, as they leave a right to Congress to act upon them legislatively
+at any time within six months after their date, I have thought it my
+duty immediately to communicate to the Legislature.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 27, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The commissioners who were appointed to carry into execution the sixth
+article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the
+United States and Great Britain having differed in their construction
+of that article, and separated in consequence of that difference, the
+President of the United States took immediate measures for obtaining
+conventional explanations of that article for the government of the
+commissioners. Finding, however, great difficulties opposed to a
+settlement in that way, he authorized our minister at the Court of
+London to meet a proposition that the United States by the payment of a
+fixed sum should discharge themselves from their responsibility for such
+debts as can not be recovered from the individual debtors. A convention
+has accordingly been signed, fixing the sum to be paid at £600,000 in
+three equal and annual installments, which has been ratified by me with
+the advice and consent of the Senate.
+
+I now transmit copies thereof to both Houses of Congress, trusting that
+in the free exercise of the authority which the Constitution has given
+them on the subject of public expenditures they will deem it for the
+public interest to appropriate the sums necessary for carrying this
+convention into execution.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+DECEMBER 15, 1802
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+When we assemble together, fellow-citizens, to consider the state of our
+beloved country, our just attentions are first drawn to those pleasing
+circumstances which mark the goodness of that Being from whose favor
+they flow and the large measure of thankfulness we owe for His bounty.
+Another year has come around, and finds us still blessed with peace and
+friendship abroad; law, order, and religion at home; good affection and
+harmony with our Indian neighbors; our burthens lightened, yet our
+income sufficient for the public wants, and the produce of the year
+great beyond example. These, fellow-citizens, are the circumstances
+under which we meet, and we remark with special satisfaction those which
+under the smiles of Providence result from the skill, industry, and
+order of our citizens, managing their own affairs in their own way and
+for their own use, unembarrassed by too much regulation, unoppressed by
+fiscal exactions.
+
+On the restoration of peace in Europe that portion of the general
+carrying trade which had fallen to our share during the war was abridged
+by the returning competition of the belligerent powers. This was to
+be expected, and was just. But in addition we find in some parts of
+Europe monopolizing discriminations, which in the form of duties tend
+effectually to prohibit the carrying thither our own produce in our own
+vessels. From existing amities and a spirit of justice it is hoped that
+friendly discussion will produce a fair and adequate reciprocity. But
+should false calculations of interest defeat our hope, it rests with the
+Legislature to decide whether they will meet inequalities abroad with
+countervailing inequalities at home, or provide for the evil in any
+other way.
+
+It is with satisfaction I lay before you an act of the British
+Parliament anticipating this subject so far as to authorize a mutual
+abolition of the duties and countervailing duties permitted under the
+treaty of 1794. It shows on their part a spirit of justice and friendly
+accommodation which it is our duty and our interest to cultivate with
+all nations. Whether this would produce a due equality in the navigation
+between the two countries is a subject for your consideration.
+
+Another circumstance which claims attention as directly affecting the
+very source of our navigation is the defect or the evasion of the law
+providing for the return of seamen, and particularly of those belonging
+to vessels sold abroad. Numbers of them, discharged in foreign ports,
+have been thrown on the hands of our consuls, who, to rescue them from
+the dangers into which their distresses might plunge them and save them
+to their country, have found it necessary in some cases to return them
+at the public charge.
+
+The cession of the Spanish Province of Louisiana to France, which took
+place in the course of the late war, will, if carried into effect, make
+a change in the aspect of our foreign relations which will doubtless
+have just weight in any deliberations of the Legislature connected with
+that subject.
+
+There was reason not long since to apprehend that the warfare in which
+we were engaged with Tripoli might be taken up by some other of the
+Barbary Powers. A reenforcement, therefore, was immediately ordered to
+the vessels already there. Subsequent information, however, has removed
+these apprehensions for the present. To secure our commerce in that sea
+with the smallest force competent, we have supposed it best to watch
+strictly the harbor of Tripoli. Still, however, the shallowness of their
+coast and the want of smaller vessels on our part has permitted some
+cruisers to escape unobserved, and to one of these an American vessel
+unfortunately fell a prey. The captain, one American seaman, and two
+others of color remain prisoners with them unless exchanged under an
+agreement formerly made with the Bashaw, to whom, on the faith of that,
+some of his captive subjects had been restored.
+
+The convention with the State of Georgia has been ratified by their
+legislature, and a repurchase from the Creeks has been consequently made
+of a part of the Talasscee country. In this purchase has been also
+comprehended a part of the lands within the fork of Oconee and Oakmulgee
+rivers. The particulars of the contract will be laid before Congress so
+soon as they shall be in a state for communication.
+
+In order to remove every ground of difference possible with our Indian
+neighbors, I have proceeded in the work of settling with them and
+marking the boundaries between us. That with the Choctaw Nation is fixed
+in one part and will be through the whole within a short time. The
+country to which their title had been extinguished before the Revolution
+is sufficient to receive a very respectable population, which Congress
+will probably see the expediency of encouraging so soon as the limits
+shall be declared. We are to view this position as an outpost of the
+United States, surrounded by strong neighbors and distant from its
+support; and how far that monopoly which prevents population should
+here be guarded against and actual habitation made a condition of
+the continuance of title will be for your consideration. A prompt
+settlement, too, of all existing rights and claims within this territory
+presents itself as a preliminary operation.
+
+In that part of the Indiana Territory which includes Vincennes the lines
+settled with the neighboring tribes fix the extinction of their title
+at a breadth of 24 leagues from east to west and about the same length
+parallel with and including the Wabash. They have also ceded a tract of
+4 miles square, including the salt springs near the mouth of that river.
+
+In the Department of Finance it is with pleasure I inform you that the
+receipts of external duties for the last twelve months have exceeded
+those of any former year, and that the ratio of increase has been also
+greater than usual. This has enabled us to answer all the regular
+exigencies of Government, to pay from the Treasury within one year
+upward of $8,000,000, principal and interest, of the public debt,
+exclusive of upward of one million paid by the sale of bank stock, and
+making in the whole a reduction of nearly five millions and a half of
+principal, and to have now in the Treasury $4,500,000, which are in a
+course of application to the further discharge of debt and current
+demands. Experience, too, so far, authorizes us to believe, if no
+extraordinary event supervenes, and the expenses which will be actually
+incurred shall not be greater than were contemplated by Congress
+at their last session, that we shall not be disappointed in the
+expectations then formed. But nevertheless, as the effect of peace
+on the amount of duties is not yet fully ascertained, it is the more
+necessary to practice every useful economy and to incur no expense which
+may be avoided without prejudice.
+
+The collection of the internal taxes having been completed in some of
+the States, the officers employed in it are of course out of commission.
+In others they will be so shortly. But in a few, where the arrangements
+for the direct tax had been retarded, it will be some time before the
+system is closed. It has not yet been thought necessary to employ the
+agent authorized by an act of the last session for transacting business
+in Europe relative to debts and loans. Nor have we used the power
+confided by the same act of prolonging the foreign debt by reloans, and
+of redeeming instead thereof an equal sum of the domestic debt. Should,
+however, the difficulties of remittance on so large a scale render it
+necessary at any time, the power shall be executed and the money thus
+unemployed abroad shall, in conformity with that law, be faithfully
+applied here in an equivalent extinction of domestic debt. When effects
+so salutary result from the plans you have already sanctioned; when
+merely by avoiding false objects of expense we are able, without a
+direct tax, without internal taxes, and without borrowing to make large
+and effectual payments toward the discharge of our public debt and
+the emancipation of our posterity from that mortal canker, it is an
+encouragement, fellow-citizens, of the highest order to proceed as we
+have begun in substituting economy for taxation, and in pursuing what is
+useful for a nation placed as we are, rather than what is practiced by
+others under different circumstances. And whensoever we are destined to
+meet events which shall call forth all the energies of our countrymen,
+we have the firmest reliance on those energies and the comfort of
+leaving for calls like these the extraordinary resources of loans and
+internal taxes. In the meantime, by payments of the principal of our
+debt, we are liberating annually portions of the external taxes and
+forming from them a growing fund still further to lessen the necessity
+of recurring to extraordinary resources.
+
+The usual account of receipts and expenditures for the last year, with
+an estimate of the expenses of the ensuing one, will be laid before you
+by the Secretary of the Treasury.
+
+No change being deemed necessary in our military establishment, an
+estimate of its expenses for the ensuing year on its present footing,
+as also of the sums to be employed in fortifications and other objects
+within that department, has been prepared by the Secretary of War, and
+will make a part of the general estimates which will be presented you.
+
+Considering that our regular troops are employed for local purposes,
+and that the militia is our general reliance for great and sudden
+emergencies, you will doubtless think this institution worthy of a
+review, and give it those improvements of which you find it susceptible.
+
+Estimates for the Naval Department, prepared by the Secretary of the
+Navy, for another year will in like manner be communicated with the
+general estimates. A small force in the Mediterranean will still be
+necessary to restrain the Tripoline cruisers, and the uncertain tenure
+of peace with some other of the Barbary Powers may eventually require
+that force to be augmented. The necessity of procuring some smaller
+vessels for that service will raise the estimate, but the difference
+in their maintenance will soon make it a measure of economy.
+
+Presuming it will be deemed expedient to expend annually a convenient
+sum toward providing the naval defense which our situation may require,
+I can not but recommend that the first appropriations for that purpose
+may go to the saving what we already possess. No cares, no attentions,
+can preserve vessels from rapid decay which lie in water and exposed
+to the sun. These decays require great and constant repairs, and will
+consume, if continued, a great portion of the moneys destined to naval
+purposes. To avoid this waste of our resources it is proposed to add
+to our navy-yard here a dock within which our present vessels may be
+laid up dry and under cover from the sun. Under these circumstances
+experience proves that works of wood will remain scarcely at all
+affected by time. The great abundance of running water which this
+situation possesses, at heights far above the level of the tide, if
+employed as is practiced for lock navigation, furnishes the means for
+raising and laying up our vessels on a dry and sheltered bed. And should
+the measure be found useful here, similar depositories for laying up as
+well as for building and repairing vessels may hereafter be undertaken
+at other navy-yards offering the same means. The plans and estimates
+of the work, prepared by a person of skill and experience, will be
+presented to you without delay, and from this it will be seen that
+scarcely more than has been the cost of one vessel is necessary to save
+the whole, and that the annual sum to be employed toward its completion
+may be adapted to the views of the Legislature as to naval expenditure.
+
+To cultivate peace and maintain commerce and navigation in all their
+lawful enterprises; to foster our fisheries as nurseries of navigation
+and for the nurture of man, and protect the manufactures adapted to our
+circumstances; to preserve the faith of the nation by an exact discharge
+of its debts and contracts, expend the public money with the same care
+and economy we would practice with our own, and impose on our citizens
+no unnecessary burthens; to keep in all things within the pale of our
+constitutional powers, and cherish the federal union as the only rock
+of safety--these, fellow-citizens, are the landmarks by which we are to
+guide our selves in all our proceedings. By continuing to make these the
+rule of our action we shall endear to our countrymen the true principles
+of their Constitution and promote an union of sentiment and of action
+equally auspicious to their happiness and safety. On my part, you may
+count on a cordial concurrence in every measure for the public good and
+on all the information I possess which may enable you to discharge to
+advantage the high functions with which you are invested by your
+country.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 22, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now transmit a report from the Secretary of State with the information
+requested in your resolution of the 17th instant.
+
+In making this communication I deem it proper to observe that I was led
+by the regard due to the rights and interests of the United States and
+to the just sensibility of the portion of our fellow-citizens more
+immediately affected by the irregular proceeding at New Orleans to lose
+not a moment in causing every step to be taken which the occasion
+claimed from me, being equally aware of the obligation to maintain in
+all cases the rights of the nation and to employ for that purpose those
+just and honorable means which belong to the character of the United
+States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_.
+
+In pursuance of the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 3d
+of May last, desiring a statement of expenditures from January 1, 1797,
+by the Quartermaster-General and the navy agents, for the contingencies
+of the naval and military establishments and the navy contracts for
+timber and stores, I now transmit such statements from the offices of
+the Secretaries of the Treasury, War, and Navy, where alone these
+expenditures are entered.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 27, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I lay before you a treaty, which has been agreed to by commissioners
+duly authorized on the part of the United States and the Creek Nation
+of Indians, for the extinguishment of the native title to lands in the
+Talassee County, and others between the forks of Oconce and Oakmulgee
+rivers, in Georgia, in pursuance of the convention with that State,
+together with the documents explanatory thereof; and it is submitted
+to your determination whether you will advise and consent to the
+ratification thereof.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 27, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I lay before you a treaty, which has been concluded between the State of
+New York and the Oneida Indians, for the purchase of lands within that
+State.
+
+One other, between the same State and the Seneca Indians, for the
+purchase of other lands within the same State.
+
+One other, between certain individuals styled the Holland Company with
+the Senecas, for the exchange of certain lands in the same State.
+
+And one other, between Oliver Phelps, a citizen of the United States,
+and the Senecas, for the exchange of lands in the same State; with
+sundry explanatory papers, all of them conducted under the
+superintendence of a commissioner on the part of the United States, who
+reports that they have been adjusted with the fair and free consent
+and understanding of the parties. It is therefore submitted to your
+determination whether you will advise and consent to their respective
+ratifications.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 27, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In my message of the 15th instant I mentioned that plans and estimates
+of a dry dock for the preservation of our ships of war, prepared by a
+person of skill and experience, should be laid before you without delay.
+These are now transmitted, the report and estimates by duplicates; but
+the plans being single only, I must request an intercommunication of
+them between the Houses and their return when they shall no longer be
+wanting for their consideration.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 30, 1802.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In addition to the information accompanying my message of the 22d
+instant, I now transmit the copy of a letter on the same subject,
+recently received.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 30, 1802_.
+
+The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
+
+SIR: Although an informal communication to the public of the substance
+of the inclosed letter may be proper for quieting the public mind, yet I
+refer to the consideration of the House of Representatives whether the
+publication of it in form might not give dissatisfaction to the writer
+and tend to discourage the freedom and confidence of communications
+between the agents of the two Governments. Accept assurances of my high
+consideration and respect.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NATCHEZ, _November 25, 1802_.
+
+The Honorable the Secretary of State,
+
+_Washington_.
+
+SIR: I have the honor to inclose you an original copy of a communication
+(together with a translation thereof) which I this morning received
+from the governor-general of the Province of Louisiana in answer to my
+letters of the 28th ultimo.
+
+I am, sir, with respect and esteem, your humble servant,
+
+WILLIAM C.C. CLAIBORNE.
+
+
+
+[Translation.]
+
+New Orleans, _November 15, 1802_.
+
+His Excellency WILLIAM C.C. CLAIBORNE.
+
+Most Excellent Sir: I received a few days past your excellency's
+esteemed letter of the 28th ultimo, in which your excellency, referring
+to the twenty-second article of the treaty of friendship, navigation,
+and limits agreed upon between the King, my master, and the United
+States of America, has been pleased to inquire, after transcribing the
+literal text of said article (which you find so explicit as not to
+require any comment nor to admit of dubious construction), if His
+Majesty has been pleased to designate any other position on the banks
+of the Mississippi, and where that is, if his royal pleasure does not
+continue the permission stipulated by the said treaty which entitled the
+citizens of the United States to deposit their merchandise and effects
+in the port of New Orleans; and you request at the same time that, as
+the affair is so interesting to the commerce of the United States and
+to the welfare of its citizens, I may do you the favor to send you an
+answer as early as possible. I can now assure your excellency that His
+Catholic Majesty has not hitherto issued any order for suspending the
+deposit, and consequently has not designated any other position on the
+banks of the Mississippi for that purpose. But I must inform you, in
+answer to your inquiry, that the intendant of these provinces (who
+in the affairs of his own department is independent of the general
+Government), at the same time that, in conformity with the royal
+commands (the peace in Europe having been published since the 4th of May
+last), he suspended the commerce of neutrals, also thought proper to
+suspend the tacit prolongation which continued, and to put a stop to
+the infinite abuses which resulted from the deposit, contrary to the
+interest of the State and of the commerce of these colonies, in
+consequence of the experience he acquired of the frauds which have been
+committed and which it has been endeavored to excuse under the pretext
+of ignorance, as is manifested by the number of causes which now await
+the determination of His Majesty, as soon as they can be brought to his
+royal knowledge, besides many others which have been dropt because the
+individuals have absconded who introduced their properties into the
+deposit and did not extract them, thus defrauding the royal interests.
+
+It might appear on the first view that particular cases like these ought
+not to operate against a general privilege granted by a solemn treaty,
+and it is an incontestable principle that the happiness of nations
+consists in a great measure in maintaining a good harmony and
+correspondence with their neighbors by respecting their rights, by
+supporting their own, without being deficient in what is required by
+humanity and civil intercourse; but it is also indubitable that for a
+treaty, although solemn, to be entirely valid it ought not to contain
+any defect; and if it be pernicious and of an injurious tendency,
+although it has been effectuated with good faith but without a knowledge
+of its bad consequence, it will be necessary to undo it, because
+treaties ought to be viewed like other acts of public will, in which
+more attention ought to be paid to the intention than to the words in
+which they are expressed; and thus it will not appear so repugnant
+that the term of three years fixed by the twenty-second article being
+completed without the King's having granted a prolongation, the
+intendancy should not, after putting a stop to the commerce of neutrals,
+take upon itself the responsibility of continuing that favor without the
+express mandate of the King, a circumstance equally indispensable for
+designating another place on the banks of the Mississippi.
+
+From the foregoing I trust that you will infer that as it is the duty of
+the intendant, who conducts the business of his ministry with a perfect
+independence of the Government, to have informed the King of what he has
+done in fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated, it is to be
+hoped that His Majesty will take the measures which are convenient to
+give effect to the deposit, either in this capital, if he should not
+find it prejudicial to the interests of Spain, or in the place on
+the banks of the Mississippi which it may be his royal pleasure to
+designate; as it ought to be confided that the justice and generosity
+of the King will not refuse to afford to the American citizens all
+the advantages they can desire, a measure which does not depend upon
+discretion, nor can an individual chief take it upon himself. Besides
+these principles on which the regulation of the intendant is founded, I
+ought at the same time to inform you that I myself opposed on my part,
+as far as I reasonably could, the measure of suspending the deposit,
+until the reasons adduced by the intendant brought it to my view; that
+as all events can not be prevented, and as with time and different
+circumstances various others occur which can not be foreseen, a just
+and rational interpretation is always necessary. Notwithstanding the
+foregoing, the result of my own reflections, I immediately consulted on
+the occasion with my captain-general, whose answer, which can not be
+long delayed, will dissipate every doubt that may be raised concerning
+the steps which are to be taken, By all means your excellency may live
+in the firm persuasion that as there has subsisted, and does subsist,
+the most perfect and constant good harmony between the King, my master,
+and the United States of America, I will spare no pains to preserve it
+by all the means in my power, being assured of a reciprocity of equal
+good offices in observing the treaty with good faith, ever keeping it in
+view that the felicity and glory of nations are deeply concerned in the
+advantages of a wise and prudently conducted commerce.
+
+I have the honor to assure your excellency of the respect and high
+consideration which I profess for you; and I pray the Most High to
+preserve your life many years.
+
+I kiss your excellency's hands.
+
+Your most affectionate servant,
+
+MANUEL DE SALCEDO.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 5, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Agreeably to the request of the House of Representatives, I now transmit
+a statement of the militia of those States from which any returns have
+been made to the War Office. They are, as you will perceive, but a small
+proportion of the whole. I send you also the copy of a circular letter
+written some time since for the purpose of obtaining returns from all
+the States. Should any others in consequence of this be made during the
+session of Congress, they shall be immediately communicated.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 7, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I submit for your approbation and consent a convention entered into with
+the Choctaw Nation of Indians for ascertaining and marking the limits of
+the territory ceded to our nation while under its former government, and
+lying between the Tombigbee and Mobile rivers on the east and the
+Chickasawhay River on the west.
+
+We are now engaged in ascertaining and marking in like manner the limits
+of the former cessions of the Choctaws from the river Yazoo to our
+southern boundary, which will be the subject of another convention,
+and we expect to obtain from the same nation a new cession of lands
+of considerable extent between the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers.
+
+These several tracts of country will compose that portion of the
+Mississippi Territory which, so soon as certain individual claims are
+arranged, the United States will be free to sell and settle immediately.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON
+
+
+
+JANUARY 11, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The cession of the Spanish Province of Louisiana to France, and perhaps
+of the Floridas, and the late suspension of our right of deposit at New
+Orleans are events of primary interest to the United States. On both
+occasions such measures were promptly taken as were thought most
+likely amicably to remove the present and to prevent future causes of
+inquietude. The objects of these measures were to obtain the territory
+on the left bank of the Mississippi and eastward of that, if
+practicable, on conditions to which the proper authorities of our
+country would agree, or at least to prevent any changes which might
+lessen the secure exercise of our rights. While my confidence in our
+minister plenipotentiary at Paris is entire and undiminished, I still
+think that these objects might be promoted by joining with him a person
+sent from hence directly, carrying with him the feelings and sentiments
+of the nation excited on the late occurrence, impressed by full
+communications of all the views we entertain on this interesting
+subject, and thus prepared to meet and to improve to an useful result
+the counter propositions of the other contracting party, whatsoever form
+their interests may give to them, and to secure to us the ultimate
+accomplishment of our object.
+
+I therefore nominate Robert R. Livingston to be minister plenipotentiary
+and James Monroe to be minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary, with
+full powers to both jointly, or to either on the death of the other, to
+enter into a treaty or convention with the First Consul of France for
+the purpose of enlarging and more effectually securing our rights and
+interests in the river Mississippi and in the Territories eastward
+thereof.
+
+But as the possession of these provinces is still in Spain, and the
+course of events may retard or prevent the cession to France being
+carried into effect, to secure our object it will be expedient to
+address equal powers to the Government of Spain also, to be used only
+in the event of its being necessary.
+
+I therefore nominate Charles Pinckney to be minister plenipotentiary,
+and James Monroe, of Virginia, to be minister extraordinary and
+plenipotentiary, with full powers to both jointly, or to either on the
+death of the other, to enter into a treaty or convention with His
+Catholic Majesty for the purpose of enlarging and more effectually
+securing our rights and interests in the river Mississippi and in the
+Territories eastward thereof.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 11, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The spoliations and irregularities committed on our commerce during
+the late war by subjects of Spain or by others deemed within her
+responsibility having called for attention, instructions were
+accordingly given to our minister at Madrid to urge our right to just
+indemnifications, and to propose a convention for adjusting them. The
+Spanish Government listened to our proposition with an honorable
+readiness and agreed to a convention, which I now submit for your advice
+and consent. It does not go to the satisfaction of all our claims, but
+the express reservation of our right to press the validity of the
+residue has been made the ground of further instructions to our minister
+on the subject of an additional article, which it is to be hoped will
+not be without effect.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 18, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+As the continuance of the act for establishing trading houses with the
+Indian tribes will be under the consideration of the Legislature at its
+present session, I think it my duty to communicate the views which have
+guided me in the execution of that act, in order that you may decide
+on the policy of continuing it in the present or any other form, or
+discontinue it altogether if that shall, on the whole, seem most for
+the public good.
+
+The Indian tribes residing within the limits of the United States
+have for a considerable time been growing more and more uneasy at the
+constant diminution of the territory they occupy, although effected by
+their own voluntary sales, and the policy has long been gaining strength
+with them of refusing absolutely all further sale on any conditions,
+insomuch that at this time it hazards their friendship and excites
+dangerous jealousies and perturbations in their minds to make any
+overture for the purchase of the smallest portions of their land. A
+very few tribes only are not yet obstinately in these dispositions. In
+order peaceably to counteract this policy of theirs and to provide an
+extension of territory which the rapid increase of our numbers will call
+for, two measures are deemed expedient. First. To encourage them to
+abandon hunting, to apply to the raising stock, to agriculture, and
+domestic manufacture, and thereby prove to themselves that less land and
+labor will maintain them in this better than in their former mode of
+living. The extensive forests necessary in the hunting life will then
+become useless, and they will see advantage in exchanging them for
+the means of improving their farms and of increasing their domestic
+comforts. Secondly. To multiply trading houses among them, and place
+within their reach those things which will contribute more to their
+domestic comfort than the possession of extensive but uncultivated
+wilds. Experience and reflection will develop to them the wisdom of
+exchanging what they can spare and we want for what we can spare and
+they want. In leading them thus to agriculture, to manufactures, and
+civilization; in bringing together their and our sentiments, and
+in preparing them ultimately to participate in the benefits of our
+Government, I trust and believe we are acting for their greatest good.
+At these trading houses we have pursued the principles of the act of
+Congress which directs that the commerce shall be carried on liberally,
+and requires only that the capital stock shall not be diminished. We
+consequently undersell private traders, foreign and domestic, drive them
+from the competition, and thus, with the good will of the Indians, rid
+ourselves of a description of men who are constantly endeavoring to
+excite in the Indian mind suspicions, fears, and irritations toward us.
+A letter now inclosed shows the effect of our competition on the
+operations of the traders, while the Indians, perceiving the advantage
+of purchasing from us, are soliciting generally our establishment
+of trading houses among them. In one quarter this is particularly
+interesting. The legislature, reflecting on the late occurrences on
+the Mississippi, must be sensible how desirable it is to possess a
+respectable breadth of country on that river, from our southern limit to
+the Illinois, at least, so that we may present as firm a front on that
+as on our eastern border. We possess what is below the Yazoo, and can
+probably acquire a certain breadth from the Illinois and Wabash to the
+Ohio; but between the Ohio and Yazoo the country all belongs to the
+Chickasaws, the most friendly tribe within our limits, but the most
+decided against the alienation of lands. The portion of their country
+most important for us is exactly that which they do not inhabit. Their
+settlements are not on the Mississippi, but in the interior country.
+They have lately shown a desire to become agricultural, and this leads
+to the desire of buying implements and comforts. In the strengthening
+and gratifying of these wants I see the only prospect of planting on the
+Mississippi itself the means of its own safety. Duty has required me to
+submit these views to the judgment of the Legislature, but as their
+disclosure might embarrass and defeat their effect, they are committed
+to the special confidence of the two Houses.
+
+While the extension of the public commerce among the Indian tribes may
+deprive of that source of profit such of our citizens as are engaged
+in it, it might be worthy the attention of Congress in their care of
+individual as well as of the general interest to point in another
+direction the enterprise of these citizens, as profitably for themselves
+and more usefully for the public. The river Missouri and the Indians
+inhabiting it are not as well known as is rendered desirable by their
+connection with the Mississippi, and consequently with us. It is,
+however, understood that the country on that river is inhabited by
+numerous tribes, who furnish great supplies of furs and peltry to the
+trade of another nation, carried on in a high latitude through an
+infinite number of portages and lakes shut up by ice through a long
+season. The commerce on that line could bear no competition with that of
+the Missouri, traversing a moderate climate, offering, according to the
+best accounts, a continued navigation from its source, and possibly with
+a single portage from the Western Ocean, and finding to the Atlantic a
+choice of channels through the Illinois or Wabash, the Lakes and Hudson,
+through the Ohio and Susquehanna, or Potomac or James rivers, and
+through the Tennessee and Savannah rivers. An intelligent officer,
+with ten or twelve chosen men, fit for the enterprise and willing to
+undertake it, taken from our posts where they may be spared without
+inconvenience, might explore the whole line, even to the Western
+Ocean, have conferences with the natives on the subject of commercial
+intercourse, get admission among them for our traders as others are
+admitted, agree on convenient deposits for an interchange of articles,
+and return with the information acquired in the course of two summers.
+Their arms and accouterments, some instruments of observation, and light
+and cheap presents for the Indians would be all the apparatus they could
+carry, and with an expectation of a soldier's portion of land on their
+return would constitute the whole expense. Their pay would be going on
+whether here or there. While other civilized nations have encountered
+great expense to enlarge the boundaries of knowledge by undertaking
+voyages of discovery, and for other literary purposes, in various parts
+and directions, our nation seems to owe to the same object, as well
+as to its own interests, to explore this the only line of easy
+communication across the continent, and so directly traversing our own
+part of it. The interests of commerce place the principal object within
+the constitutional powers and care of Congress, and that it should
+incidentally advance the geographical knowledge of our own continent
+can not but be an additional gratification. The nation claiming the
+territory, regarding this as a literary pursuit, which it is in the
+habit of permitting within its dominions, would not be disposed to view
+it with jealousy, even if the expiring state of its interests there did
+not render it a matter of indifference. The appropriation of $2,500 "for
+the purpose of extending the external commerce of the United States,"
+while understood and considered by the Executive as giving the
+legislative sanction, would cover the undertaking from notice and
+prevent the obstructions which interested individuals might otherwise
+previously prepare in its way.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 18, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I inclose a report of the Secretary of War, stating the trading houses
+established in the Indian territories, the progress which has been made
+in the course of the last year in settling and marking boundaries with
+the different tribes, the purchases of lands recently made from them,
+and the prospect of further progress in marking boundaries and in new
+extinguishments of title in the year to come, for which some
+appropriations of money will be wanting.
+
+To this I have to add that when the Indians ceded to us the salt springs
+on the Wabash they expressed a hope that we would so employ them as to
+enable them to procure there the necessary supplies of salt. Indeed, it
+would be the most proper and acceptable form in which the annuity could
+be paid which we propose to give them for the cession. These springs
+might at the same time be rendered eminently serviceable to our Western
+inhabitants by using them as the means of counteracting the monopolies
+of supplies of salt and of reducing the price in that country to a just
+level. For these purposes a small appropriation would be necessary to
+meet the first expenses, after which they should support themselves and
+repay those advances. These springs are said to possess the advantage of
+being accompanied with a bed of coal.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 19, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I now lay before Congress the annual account of the fund established
+for defraying the contingent charges of Government. A single article of
+$1,440, paid for bringing home 72 seamen discharged in foreign ports
+from vessels sold abroad, is the only expenditure from that fund,
+leaving an unexpended balance of $18,560 in the Treasury.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 24. 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit a report by the superintendent of the city of Washington on
+the affairs of the city committed to his care. By this you will perceive
+that the resales of lots prescribed by an act of the last session of
+Congress did not produce a sufficiency to pay the debt to Maryland
+to which they are appropriated, and as it was evident that the sums
+necessary for the interest and installments due to that State could not
+be produced by a sale of the other public lots without an unwarrantable
+sacrifice of the property, the deficiencies were of necessity drawn from
+the Treasury of the United States.
+
+The office of the surveyor for the city, created during the former
+establishment, being of indispensable necessity, it has been continued,
+and to that of the superintendent, substituted instead of the board of
+commissioners at the last session of Congress, no salary was annexed by
+law. These offices being permanent, I have supposed it more agreeable to
+principle that their salaries should be fixed by the Legislature, and
+therefore have assigned them none. Their services to be compensated are
+from the 1st day of June last.
+
+The marshal of the District of Columbia has, as directed by law, caused
+a jail to be built in the city of Washington. I inclose his statements
+of the expenses already incurred and of what remains to be finished. The
+portion actually completed has rendered the situation of the persons
+confined much more comfortable and secure than it has been heretofore.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 3, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The inclosed letter and affidavits exhibiting matter of complaint against
+John Pickering, district judge of New Hampshire, which is not within
+Executive cognizance, I transmit them to the House of Representatives,
+to whom the Constitution has confided a power of instituting proceedings
+of redress, if they shall be of opinion that the case calls for them.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 14, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In obedience to the ordinance for the government of the Territories of
+the United States requiring that the laws adopted by the governor and
+judges thereof shall be reported to Congress from time to time, I now
+transmit those which have been adopted in the Indiana Territory from
+January, 1801, to February, 1802, as forwarded to the office of the
+Secretary of State.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 21, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The Tuscarora Indians, having an interest in some lands within the State
+of North Carolina, asked the superintendence of the Government of the
+United States over a treaty to be held between them and the State of
+North Carolina respecting these lands. William Richardson Davie was
+appointed a commissioner for this purpose, and a treaty was concluded
+under his superintendence. This, with his letter on the subject, is now
+laid before the Senate for their advice and consent whether it shall be
+ratified.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 23, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_:
+
+I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the case of
+the Danish brigantine _Henrick_, taken by a French privateer in 1799,
+retaken by an armed vessel of the United States, carried into a British
+island, and there adjudged to be neutral, but under allowance of such
+salvage and costs as absorbed nearly the whole amount of sales of
+the vessel and cargo. Indemnification for these losses occasioned
+by our officers is now claimed by the sufferers, supported by the
+representations of their Government. I have no doubt the legislature
+will give to the subject that just attention and consideration which
+it is useful as well as honorable to practice in our transactions with
+other nations, and particularly with one which has observed toward us
+the most friendly treatment and regard.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From the National Intelligencer, July 18, 1803.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+Whereas great and weighty matters claiming the consideration of the
+Congress of the United States form an extraordinary occasion for
+convening them, I do by these presents appoint Monday, the 17th day
+of October next, for their meeting at the city of Washington, hereby
+requiring their respective Senators and Representatives then and there
+to assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may
+then be made to them and to consult and determine on such measures as in
+their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 16th day of July, A.D. 1803, and
+in the twenty-eighth year of the Independence of the United States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary_.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+OCTOBER 17, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In calling you together, fellow-citizens, at an earlier day than was
+contemplated by the act of the last session of Congress, I have not been
+insensible to the personal inconveniences necessarily resulting from
+an unexpected change in your arrangements. But matters of great public
+concernment have rendered this call necessary, and the interests you
+feel in these will supersede in your minds all private considerations.
+
+Congress witnessed at their late session the extraordinary agitation
+produced in the public mind by the suspension of our right of deposit at
+the port of New Orleans, no assignment of another place having been made
+according to treaty. They were sensible that the continuance of that
+privation would be more injurious to our nation than any consequences
+which could flow from any mode of redress, but reposing just confidence
+in the good faith of the Government whose officer had committed the
+wrong, friendly and reasonable representations were resorted to, and
+the right of deposit was restored.
+
+Previous, however, to this period we had not been unaware of the danger
+to which our peace would be perpetually exposed whilst so important a
+key to the commerce of the Western country remained under foreign power.
+Difficulties, too, were presenting themselves as to the navigation of
+other streams which, arising within our territories, pass through those
+adjacent. Propositions had therefore been authorized for obtaining on
+fair conditions the sovereignty of New Orleans and of other possessions
+in that quarter interesting to our quiet to such extent as was deemed
+practicable, and the provisional appropriation of $2,000,000 to be
+applied and accounted for by the President of the United States,
+intended as part of the price, was considered as conveying the sanction
+of Congress to the acquisition proposed. The enlightened Government of
+France saw with just discernment the importance to both nations of such
+liberal arrangements as might best and permanently promote the peace,
+friendship, and interests of both, and the property and sovereignty of
+all Louisiana which had been restored to them have on certain conditions
+been transferred to the United States by instruments bearing date the
+30th of April last. When these shall have received the constitutional
+sanction of the Senate, they will without delay be communicated to the
+Representatives also for the exercise of their functions as to those
+conditions which are within the powers vested by the Constitution in
+Congress.
+
+Whilst the property and sovereignty of the Mississippi and its waters
+secure an independent outlet for the produce of the Western States
+and an uncontrolled navigation through their whole course, free from
+collision with other powers and the dangers to our peace from that
+source, the fertility of the country, its climate and extent, promise
+in due season important aids to our Treasury, an ample provision for
+our posterity, and a wide spread for the blessings of freedom and
+equal laws.
+
+With the wisdom of Congress it will rest to take those ulterior measures
+which may be necessary for the immediate occupation and temporary
+government of the country; for its incorporation into our Union; for
+rendering the change of government a blessing to our newly adopted
+brethren; for securing to them the rights of conscience and of property;
+for confirming to the Indian inhabitants their occupancy and
+self-government, establishing friendly and commercial relations with
+them, and for ascertaining the geography of the country acquired. Such
+materials, for your information, relative to its affairs in general as
+the short space of time has permitted me to collect will be laid before
+you when the subject shall be in a state for your consideration.
+
+Another important acquisition of territory has also been made since the
+last session of Congress. The friendly tribe of Kaskaskia Indians, with
+which we have never had a difference, reduced by the wars and wants of
+savage life to a few individuals unable to defend themselves against the
+neighboring tribes, has transferred its country to the United States,
+reserving only for its members what is sufficient to maintain them in an
+agricultural way. The considerations stipulated are that we shall extend
+to them our patronage and protection and give them certain annual
+aids in money, in implements of agriculture, and other articles of
+their choice. This country, among the most fertile within our limits,
+extending along the Mississippi from the mouth of the Illinois to and up
+the Ohio, though not so necessary as a barrier since the acquisition of
+the other bank, may yet be well worthy of being laid open to immediate
+settlement, as its inhabitants may descend with rapidity in support of
+the lower country should future circumstances expose that to foreign
+enterprise. As the stipulations in this treaty also involve matters
+within the competence of both Houses only, it will be laid before
+Congress as soon as the Senate shall have advised its ratification.
+
+With many of the other Indian tribes improvements in agriculture
+and household manufacture are advancing, and with all our peace and
+friendship are established on grounds much firmer than heretofore.
+The measure adopted of establishing trading houses among them and of
+furnishing them necessaries in exchange for their commodities at such
+moderate prices as leave no gain, but cover us from loss, has the most
+conciliatory and useful effect on them, and is that which will best
+secure their peace and good will.
+
+The small vessels authorized by Congress with a view to the
+Mediterranean service have been sent into that sea, and will be able
+more effectually to confine the Tripoline cruisers within their harbors
+and supersede the necessity of convoy to our commerce in that quarter.
+They will sensibly lessen the expenses of that service the ensuing year.
+
+A further knowledge of the ground in the northeastern and northwestern
+angles of the United States has evinced that the boundaries established
+by the treaty of Paris between the British territories and ours in those
+parts were too imperfectly described to be susceptible of execution.
+It has therefore been thought worthy of attention for preserving and
+cherishing the harmony and useful intercourse subsisting between the
+two nations to remove by timely arrangements what unfavorable incidents
+might otherwise render a ground of future misunderstanding. A convention
+has therefore been entered into which provides for a practicable
+demarcation of those limits to the satisfaction of both parties.
+
+An account of the receipts and expenditures of the year ending the 30th
+of September last, with the estimates for the service of the ensuing
+year, will be laid before you by the Secretary of the Treasury so soon
+as the receipts of the last quarter shall be returned from the more
+distant States. It is already ascertained that the amount paid into the
+Treasury for that year has been between $11,000,000 and $12,000,000, and
+that the revenue accrued during the same term exceeds the sum counted on
+as sufficient for our current expenses and to extinguish the public debt
+within the period heretofore proposed.
+
+The amount of debt paid for the same year is about $3,100,000, exclusive
+of interest, and making, with the payment of the preceding year, a
+discharge of more than $8,500,000 of the principal of that debt,
+besides the accruing interest; and there remain in the Treasury nearly
+$6,000,000. Of these, $880,000 have been reserved for payment of the
+first installment due under the British convention of January 8, 1802,
+and two millions are what have been before mentioned as placed by
+Congress under the power and accountability of the President toward the
+price of New Orleans and other territories acquired, which, remaining
+untouched, are still applicable to that object and go in diminution of
+the sum to be funded for it.
+
+Should the acquisition of Louisiana be constitutionally confirmed and
+carried into effect, a sum of nearly $13,000,000 will then be added to
+our public debt, most of which is payable after fifteen years, before
+which term the present existing debts will all be discharged by the
+established operation of the sinking fund. When we contemplate the
+ordinary annual augmentation of impost from increasing population and
+wealth, the augmentation of the same revenue by its extension to the new
+acquisition, and the economies which may still be introduced into our
+public expenditures, I can not but hope that Congress in reviewing their
+resources will find means to meet the intermediate interest of this
+additional debt without recurring to new taxes, and applying to this
+object only the ordinary progression of our revenue. Its extraordinary
+increase in times of foreign war will be the proper and sufficient fund
+for any measures of safety or precaution which that state of things may
+render necessary in our neutral position.
+
+Remittances for the installments of our foreign debt having been found
+practicable without loss, it has not been thought expedient to use the
+power given by a former act of Congress of continuing them by reloans,
+and of redeeming instead thereof equal sums of domestic debt, although
+no difficulty was found in obtaining that accommodation.
+
+The sum of $50,000 appropriated by Congress for providing gunboats
+remains unexpended. The favorable and peaceable turn of affairs on the
+Mississippi rendered an immediate execution of that law unnecessary,
+and time was desirable in order that the institution of that branch of
+our force might begin on models the most approved by experience, The
+same issue of events dispensed with a resort to the appropriation of
+$1,500,000, contemplated for purposes which were effected by happier
+means.
+
+We have seen with sincere concern the flames of war lighted up again
+in Europe, and nations with which we have the most friendly and useful
+relations engaged in mutual destruction. While we regret the miseries
+in which we see others involved, let us bow with gratitude to that
+kind Providence which, inspiring with wisdom and moderation our late
+legislative councils while placed under the urgency of the greatest
+wrongs, guarded us from hastily entering into the sanguinary contest and
+left us only to look on and to pity its ravages. These will be heaviest
+on those immediately engaged. Yet the nations pursuing peace will not
+be exempt from all evil. In the course of this conflict let it be our
+endeavor, as it is our interest and desire, to cultivate the friendship
+of the belligerent nations by every act of justice and of innocent
+kindness; to receive their armed vessels with hospitality from the
+distresses of the sea, but to administer the means of annoyance to none;
+to establish in our harbors such a police as may maintain law and order;
+to restrain our citizens from embarking individually in a war in which
+their country takes no part; to punish severely those persons, citizen
+or alien, who shall usurp the cover of our flag for vessels not entitled
+to it, infecting thereby with suspicion those of real Americans and
+committing us into controversies for the redress of wrongs not our
+own; to exact from every nation the observance toward our vessels and
+citizens of those principles and practices which all civilized people
+acknowledge; to merit the character of a just nation, and maintain
+that of an independent one, preferring every consequence to insult and
+habitual wrong. Congress will consider whether the existing laws enable
+us efficaciously to maintain this course with our citizens in all places
+and with others while within the limits of our jurisdiction, and will
+give them the new modifications necessary for these objects. Some
+contraventions of right have already taken place, both within our
+jurisdictional limits and on the high seas. The friendly disposition of
+the Governments from whose agents they have proceeded, as well as their
+wisdom and regard for justice, leave us in reasonable expectation that
+they will be rectified and prevented in future, and that no act will
+be countenanced by them which threatens to disturb our friendly
+intercourse. Separated by a wide ocean from the nations of Europe
+and from the political interests which entangle them together, with
+productions and wants which render our commerce and friendship useful to
+them and theirs to us, it can not be the interest of any to assail us,
+nor ours to disturb them. We should be most unwise, indeed, were we to
+cast away the singular blessings of the position in which nature has
+placed us, the opportunity she has endowed us with of pursuing, at a
+distance from foreign contentions, the paths of industry, peace, and
+happiness, of cultivating general friendship, and of bringing collisions
+of interest to the umpirage of reason rather than of force. How
+desirable, then, must it be in a Government like ours to see its
+citizens adopt individually the views, the interests, and the conduct
+which their country should pursue, divesting themselves of those
+passions and partialities which tend to lessen useful friendships and to
+embarrass and embroil us in the calamitous scenes of Europe. Confident,
+fellow-citizens, that you will duly estimate the importance of neutral
+dispositions toward the observance of neutral conduct, that you will
+be sensible how much it is our duty to look on the bloody arena spread
+before us with commiseration indeed, but with no other wish than to see
+it closed, I am persuaded you will cordially cherish these dispositions
+in all discussions among yourselves and in all communications with your
+constituents; and I anticipate with satisfaction the measures of wisdom
+which the great interests now committed to you will give _you_ an
+opportunity of providing, and _myself_ that of approving and of
+carrying into execution with the fidelity I owe to my country,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+OCTOBER 17, 1803.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+In my message of this day to both Houses of Congress I explained the
+circumstances which had led to the conclusion of conventions with France
+for the cession of the Province of Louisiana to the United States. Those
+conventions are now laid before you with such communications relating to
+them as may assist in deciding whether you will advise and consent to
+their ratification.
+
+The ratification of the First Consul of France is in the hands of his
+chargé d'affaires here, to be exchanged for that of the United States
+whensoever, before the 30th instant, it shall be in readiness.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+OCTOBER 21, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In my communication to you of the 17th instant I informed you that
+conventions had been entered into with the Government of France for the
+cession of Louisiana to the United States. These, with the advice and
+consent of the Senate, having now been ratified and my ratification
+exchanged for that of the First Consul of France in due form, they are
+communicated to you for consideration in your legislative capacity. You
+will observe that some important conditions can not be carried into
+execution but with the aid of the Legislature, and that time presses
+a decision on them without delay.
+
+The ulterior provisions, also suggested in the same communication,
+for the occupation and government of the country will call for early
+attention. Such information relative to its government as time and
+distance have permitted me to obtain will be ready to be laid before you
+within a few days; but as permanent arrangements for this object may
+require time and deliberation, it is for your consideration whether you
+will not forthwith make such temporary provisions for the preservation
+in the meanwhile of order and tranquillity in the country as the case
+may require.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+OCTOBER 24, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before you the convention signed on the 12th day of May last
+between the United States and Great Britain for settling their
+boundaries in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the United
+States, which was mentioned in my general message of the 17th instant,
+together with such papers relating thereto as may enable you to
+determine whether you will advise and consent to its ratification.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+OCTOBER 31, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States of America_:
+
+I now lay before you the treaty mentioned im my general message at the
+opening of the session as having been concluded with the Kaskaskia
+Indians for the transfer of their country to us under certain
+reservations and conditions.
+
+Progress having been made in the demarcation of Indian boundaries, I am
+now able to communicate, to you a treaty with the Delawares, Shawanese,
+Potawatamies, Miamis, Eel-rivers, Weeas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and
+Kaskaskias, establishing the boundaries of the territory around St.
+Vincennes.
+
+Also a supplementary treaty with the Eel-rivers, Wyandots, Piankeshaws,
+Kaskaskias, and Kickapoos, in confirmation of the fourth article of the
+preceding treaty.
+
+Also a treaty with the Choctaws, describing and establishing our
+demarcation of boundaries with them.
+
+Which several treaties are accompanied by the papers relating to them,
+and are now submitted to the Senate for consideration whether they will
+advise and consent to their ratification.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 4, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+By the copy now communicated of a letter from Captain Bainbridge, of
+the _Philadelphia_ frigate, to our consul at Gibraltar, you will learn
+that an act of hostility has been committed on a merchant vessel of the
+United States by an armed ship of the Emperor of Morocco. This conduct
+on the part of that power is without cause and without explanation. It
+is fortunate that Captain Bainbridge fell in with and took the capturing
+vessel and her prize, and I have the satisfaction to inform you that
+about the date of this transaction such a force would be arriving in
+the neighborhood of Gibraltar, both from the east and from the west,
+as leaves less to be feared for our commerce from the suddenness of
+the aggression.
+
+On the 4th of September the _Constitution_ frigate, Captain Preble,
+with Mr. Lear on board, was within two days' sail of Gibraltar, where
+the _Philadelphia_ would then be arrived with her prize, and such
+explanations would probably be instituted as the state of things
+required, and as might perhaps arrest the progress of hostilities.
+
+In the meanwhile it is for Congress to consider the provisional
+authorities which may be necessary to restrain the depredations of
+this power should they be continued,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 14, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now communicate a digest of the information I have received relative
+to Louisiana, which may be useful to the Legislature in providing for
+the government of the country. A translation of the most important laws
+in force in that province, now in press, shall be the subject of a
+supplementary communication, with such further and material information
+as may yet come to hand.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 24, 1803.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In conformity with the desire expressed in the resolution of the House
+of Representatives of the 15th instant, I now lay before them copies of
+such documents as are in possession of the Executive relative to the
+arrest and confinement of Zachariah Cox by officers in the service of
+the United States in the year 1798. From the nature of the transaction
+some documents relative to it might have been expected from the War
+Office; but if any ever existed there they were probably lost when the
+office and its papers were consumed by fire.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 25, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians being ratified with the advice
+and consent of the Senate, it is now laid before both Houses in their
+legislative capacity. It will inform them of the obligations which the
+United States thereby contract, and particularly that of taking the
+tribe under their future protection, and that the ceded country is
+submitted to their immediate possession and disposal.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 29, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now communicate an appendix to the information heretofore given on
+the subject of Louisiana. You will be sensible, from the face of these
+papers, as well as of those to which they are a sequel, that they
+are not and could not be official, but are furnished by different
+individuals as the result of the best inquiries they had been able
+to make, and now given as received from them, only digested under
+heads to prevent repetitions.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 5, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I have the satisfaction to inform you that the act of hostility
+mentioned in my message of the 4th of November to have been committed by
+a cruiser of the Emperor of Morocco on a vessel of the United States has
+been disavowed by the Emperor. All differences in consequence thereof
+have been amicably adjusted, and the treaty of 1786 between this country
+and that has been recognized and confirmed by the Emperor, each party
+restoring to the other what had been detained or taken. I inclose the
+Emperor's orders given on this occasion.
+
+The conduct of our officers generally who have had a part in these
+transactions has merited entire approbation.
+
+The temperate and correct course pursued by our consul, Mr. Simpson, the
+promptitude and energy of Commodore Preble, the efficacious cooperation
+of Captains Rodgers and Campbell, of the returning squadron, the proper
+decision of Captain Bainbridge that a vessel which had committed an open
+hostility was of right to be detained for inquiry and consideration,
+and the general zeal of the other officers and men are honorable facts
+which I make known with pleasure. And to these I add what was indeed
+transacted in another quarter--the gallant enterprise of Captain Rodgers
+in destroying on the coast of Tripoli a corvette of that power of 22
+guns.
+
+I recommend to the consideration of Congress a just indemnification
+for the interest acquired by the captors of the _Mishouda_ and
+_Mirboha_, yielded by them for the public accommodation.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 5, 1803,
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the desire of the Senate expressed in their
+resolution of the 22d of November, on the impressment of seamen in
+the service of the United States by the agents of foreign nations,
+I now lay before the Senate a letter from the Secretary of State with
+a specification of the cases of which information has been received.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 21, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+On the 11th of January last I laid before the Senate, for their
+consideration and advice, a convention with Spain on the subject of
+indemnities for spoliations on our commerce committed by her subjects
+during the late war, which convention is still before the Seriate. As
+this instrument did not embrace French seizures and condemnations of
+our vessels in the ports of Spain, for which we deemed the latter power
+responsible, our minister at that Court was instructed to press for
+an additional article, comprehending that branch of wrongs. I now
+communicate what has since passed on that subject. The Senate will judge
+whether the prospect it offers will justify a longer suspension of
+that portion of indemnities conceded by Spain should she now take no
+advantage of the lapse of the period for ratification. As the settlement
+of the boundaries of Louisiana will call for new negotiations on our
+receiving possession of that Province, the claims not obtained by the
+convention now before the Senate may be incorporated into those
+discussions.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 31, 1803.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress the annual account of the fund established
+for defraying the contingent charges of Government. No occasion having
+arisen for making use of any part of it in the present year, the balance
+of $18,560 unexpended at the end of the last year remains now in the
+Treasury.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 16, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In execution of the act of the present session of Congress for taking
+possession of Louisiana, as ceded to us by France, and for the temporary
+government thereof, Governor Claiborne, of the Mississippi Territory,
+and General Wilkinson were appointed commissioners to receive
+possession. They proceeded with such regular troops as had been
+assembled at Fort Adams from the nearest posts and with some militia of
+the Mississippi Territory to New Orleans, To be prepared for anything
+unexpected which might arise out of the transaction, a respectable
+body of militia was ordered to be in readiness in the States of Ohio,
+Kentucky, and Tennessee, and a part of those of Tennessee was moved
+on to the Natchez. No occasion, however, arose for their sendees. Our
+commissioners, on their arrival at New Orleans, found the Province
+already delivered by the commissioners of Spain to that of France, who
+delivered it over to them on the 20th day of December, as appears by
+their declaratory act accompanying this. Governor Claiborne, being
+duly invested with the powers heretofore exercised by the governor and
+intendant of Louisiana, assumed the government on the same day, and for
+the maintenance of law and order immediately issued the proclamation and
+address now communicated.
+
+On this important acquisition, so favorable to the immediate interests
+of our Western citizens, so auspicious to the peace and security of the
+nation in general, which adds to our country territories so extensive
+and fertile and to our citizens new brethren to partake of the blessings
+of freedom and self-government, I offer to Congress and our country my
+sincere congratulations,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 24, 1804.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I communicate for your information a letter just received from Governor
+Claiborne, which may throw light on the subject of the government of
+Louisiana, under contemplation of the Legislature. The paper being
+original, a return is asked.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 16, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Information having been received some time ago that the public lands in
+the neighborhood of Detroit required particular attention, the agent
+appointed to transact business with the Indians in that quarter was
+instructed to inquire into and report the situation of the titles
+and occupation of the lands, private and public, in the neighboring
+settlements. His report is now communicated, that the Legislature may
+judge how far its interposition is necessary to quiet the legal titles,
+confirm the equitable, to remove the past and prevent future intrusions
+which have neither law nor justice for the basis.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 22, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress, for their information, a report of the
+surveyor of the public buildings at Washington, stating what has been
+done under the act of the last session concerning the city of Washington
+on the Capitol and other public buildings, and the highway between them.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 29, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate, for the information of Congress, a letter stating certain
+fraudulent practices for monopolizing lands in Louisiana, which may
+perhaps require legislative provisions.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 20, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress a letter received from Captain Bainbridge,
+commander of the _Philadelphia_ frigate, informing us of the wreck
+of that vessel on the coast of Tripoli, and that himself, his officers
+and men, had fallen into the hands of the Tripolitans. This accident
+renders it expedient to increase our force and enlarge our expenses
+in the Mediterranean beyond what the last appropriation for the naval
+service contemplated. I recommend, therefore, to the consideration of
+Congress such an addition to that appropriation as they may think the
+exigency requires.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 22, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress the last returns of the militia of the United
+States. Their incompleteness is much to be regretted, and its remedy
+may at some future time be a subject worthy the attention of Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Eighth Congress, second session, 1234.]
+
+_To all whom these presents shall come_:
+
+Whereas by an act of Congress authority has been given to the President
+of the United States, whenever he shall deem it expedient, to erect the
+shores, waters, and inlets of the bay and river of Mobile, and of the
+other rivers, creeks, inlets, and bays emptying into the Gulf of Mexico
+east of the said river Mobile and west thereof to the Pascagoula,
+inclusive, into a separate district for the collection of duties on
+imports and tonnage; and to establish such place within the same as he
+shall deem it expedient to be the port of entry and delivery for such
+district; and to designate such other places within the same district,
+not exceeding two, to be ports of delivery only:
+
+Now know ye that I, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States,
+do hereby decide that all the above-mentioned shores, waters, inlets,
+creeks, and rivers lying within the boundaries of the United States
+shall constitute and form a separate district, to be denominated "the
+district of Mobile;" and do also designate Fort Stoddert, within the
+district aforesaid, to be the port of entry and delivery for the said
+district.
+
+Given under my hand this 20th day of May, 1804.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 8, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+To a people, fellow-citizens, who sincerely desire the happiness and
+prosperity of other nations; to those who justly calculate that their
+own well-being is advanced by that of the nations with which they have
+intercourse, it will be a satisfaction to observe that the war which
+was lighted up in Europe a little before our last meeting has not yet
+extended its flames to other nations, nor been marked by the calamities
+which sometimes stain the footsteps of war. The irregularities, too, on
+the ocean, which generally harass the commerce of neutral nations, have,
+in distant parts, disturbed ours less than on former occasions; but in
+the American seas they have been greater from peculiar causes, and even
+within our harbors and jurisdiction infringements on the authority of
+the laws have been committed which have called for serious attention.
+The friendly conduct of the Governments from whose officers and subjects
+these acts have proceeded, in other respects and in places more under
+their observation and control, gives us confidence that our
+representations on this subject will have been properly regarded.
+
+While noticing the irregularities committed on the ocean by others,
+those on our own part should not be omitted nor left unprovided for.
+Complaints have been received that persons residing within the United
+States have taken on themselves to arm merchant vessels and to force a
+commerce into certain ports and countries in defiance of the laws of
+those countries. That individuals should undertake to wage private war,
+independently of the authority of their country, can not be permitted in
+a well-ordered society. Its tendency to produce aggression on the laws
+and rights of other nations and to endanger the peace of our own is so
+obvious that I doubt not you will adopt measures for restraining it
+effectually in future.
+
+Soon after the passage of the act of the last session authorizing the
+establishment of a district and port of entry on the waters of the
+Mobile we learnt that its object was misunderstood on the part of
+Spain. Candid explanations were immediately given and assurances
+that, reserving our claims in that quarter as a subject of discussion
+and arrangement with Spain, no act was meditated in the meantime
+inconsistent with the peace and friendship existing between the two
+nations, and that conformably to these intentions would be the execution
+of the law. That Government had, however, thought proper to suspend the
+ratification of the convention of 1802; but the explanations which would
+reach them soon after, and still more the confirmation of them by
+the tenor of the instrument establishing the port and district, may
+reasonably be expected to replace them in the dispositions and views
+of the whole subject which originally dictated the convention.
+
+I have the satisfaction to inform you that the objections which had
+been urged by that Government against the validity of our title to the
+country of Louisiana have been withdrawn, its exact limits, however,
+remaining still to be settled between us; and to this is to be added
+that, having prepared and delivered the stock created in execution of
+the convention of Paris of April 30, 1803, in consideration of the
+cession of that country, we have received from the Government of France
+an acknowledgment, in due form, of the fulfillment of that stipulation.
+
+With the nations of Europe in general our friendship and intercourse
+are undisturbed, and from the Governments of the belligerent powers
+especially we continue to receive those friendly manifestations which
+are justly due to an honest neutrality and to such good offices
+consistent with that as we have opportunities of rendering.
+
+The activity and success of the small force employed in the
+Mediterranean in the early part of the present year, the reenforcements
+sent into that sea, and the energy of the officers having command in
+the several vessels will, I trust, by the sufferings of war, reduce the
+barbarians of Tripoli to the desire of peace on proper terms. Great
+injury, however, ensues to ourselves, as well as to others interested,
+from the distance to which prizes must be brought for adjudication and
+from the impracticability of bringing hither such as are not seaworthy.
+
+The Bey of Tunis having made requisitions unauthorized by our treaty,
+their rejection has produced from him some expressions of discontent.
+But to those who expect us to calculate whether a compliance with unjust
+demands will not cost us less than a war we must leave as a question of
+calculation for them also whether to retire from unjust demands will
+not cost them less than a war. We can do to each other very sensible
+injuries by war, but the mutual advantages of peace make that the best
+interest of both.
+
+Peace and intercourse with the other powers on the same coast continue
+on the footing on which they are established by treaty.
+
+In pursuance of the act providing for the temporary government of
+Louisiana, the necessary officers for the Territory of Orleans were
+appointed in due time to commence the exercise of their functions on
+the 1st day of October. The distance, however, of some of them and
+indispensable previous arrangements may have retarded its commencement
+in some of its parts. The form of government thus provided having been
+considered but as temporary, and open to such future improvements as
+further information of the circumstances of our brethren there might
+suggest, it will of course be subject to your consideration.
+
+In the district of Louisiana it has been thought best to adopt the
+division into subordinate districts which had been established under its
+former government. These being five in number, a commanding officer has
+been appointed to each, according to the provisions of the law, and so
+soon as they can be at their stations that district will also be in its
+due state of organization. In the meantime their places are supplied by
+the officers before commanding there. And the functions of the governor
+and judges of Indiana having commenced, the government, we presume, is
+proceeding in its new form. The lead mines in that district offer so
+rich a supply of that metal as to merit attention. The report now
+communicated will inform you of their state and of the necessity of
+immediate inquiry into their occupation and titles.
+
+With the Indian tribes established within our newly acquired limits,
+I have deemed it necessary to open conferences for the purpose of
+establishing a good understanding and neighborly relations between us.
+So far as we have yet learned, we have reason to believe that their
+dispositions are generally favorable and friendly; and with these
+dispositions on their part, we have in our own hands means which can
+not fail us for preserving their peace and friendship. By pursuing
+an uniform course of justice toward them, by aiding them in all the
+improvements which may better their condition, and especially by
+establishing a commerce on terms which shall be advantageous to them and
+only not losing to us, and so regulated as that no incendiaries of our
+own or any other nation may be permitted to disturb the natural effects
+of our just and friendly offices, we may render ourselves so necessary
+to their comfort and prosperity that the protection of our citizens
+from their disorderly members will become their interest and their
+voluntary care. Instead, therefore, of an augmentation of military
+force proportioned to our extension of frontier, I propose a moderate
+enlargement of the capital employed in that commerce as a more
+effectual, economical, and humane instrument for preserving peace and
+good neighborhood with them.
+
+On this side the Mississippi an important relinquishment of native title
+has been received from the Delawares. That tribe, desiring to extinguish
+in their people the spirit of hunting and to convert superfluous lands
+into the means of improving what they retain, has ceded to us all the
+country between the Wabash and Ohio south of and including the road from
+the rapids toward Vincennes, for which they are to receive annuities in
+animals and implements for agriculture and in other necessaries. This
+acquisition is important, not only for its extent and fertility, but as
+fronting 300 miles on the Ohio, and near half that on the Wabash. The
+produce of the settled country descending those rivers will no longer
+pass in review of the Indian frontier but in a small portion, and, with
+the cession heretofore made by the Kaskaskias, nearly consolidates our
+possessions north of the Ohio, in a very respectable breadth--from
+Lake Erie to the Mississippi. The Piankeshaws having some claim to the
+country ceded by the Delawares, it has been thought best to quiet that
+by fair purchase also. So soon as the treaties on this subject shall
+have received their constitutional sanctions they shall be laid before
+both Houses.
+
+The act of Congress of February 28, 1803, for building and employing
+a number of gunboats, is now in a course of execution to the extent
+there provided for. The obstacle to naval enterprise which vessels of
+this construction offer for our seaport towns, their utility toward
+supporting within our waters the authority of the laws, the promptness
+with which they will be manned by the seamen and militia of the place
+in the moment they are wanting, the facility of their assembling from
+different parts of the coast to any point where they are required in
+greater force than ordinary, the economy of their maintenance and
+preservation from decay when not in actual service, and the competence
+of our finances to this defensive provision without any new burthen are
+considerations which will have due weight with Congress in deciding
+on the expediency of adding to their number from year to year, as
+experience shall test their utility, until all our important harbors,
+by these and auxiliary means, shall be secured against insult and
+opposition to the laws.
+
+No circumstance has arisen since your last session which calls for any
+augmentation of our regular military force. Should any improvement occur
+in the militia system, that will be always seasonable.
+
+Accounts of the receipts and expenditures of the last year, with
+estimates for the ensuing one, will as usual be laid before you.
+
+The state of our finances continues to fulfill our expectations. Eleven
+millions and a half of dollars, received in the course of the year
+ending the 30th of September last, have enabled us, after meeting all
+the ordinary expenses of the year, to pay upward of $3,600,000 of the
+public debt, exclusive of interest. This payment, with those of the
+two preceding years, has extinguished upward of twelve millions of the
+principal and a greater sum of interest within that period, and by a
+proportionate diminution of interest renders already sensible the effect
+of the growing sum yearly applicable to the discharge of the principal.
+
+It is also ascertained that the revenue accrued during the last year
+exceeds that of the preceding, and the probable receipts of the ensuing
+year may safely be relied on as sufficient, with the sum already in the
+Treasury, to meet all the current demands of the year, to discharge
+upward of three millions and a half of the engagements incurred under
+the British and French conventions, and to advance in the further
+redemption of the funded debt as rapidly as had been contemplated.
+These, fellow-citizens, are the principal matters which I have thought
+it necessary at this time to communicate for your consideration and
+attention. Some others will be laid before you in the course of the
+session; but in the discharge of the great duties confided to you by
+our country you will take a broader view of the field of legislation.
+Whether the great interests of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, or
+navigation can within the pale of your constitutional powers be aided
+in any of their relations; whether laws are provided in all cases where
+they are wanting; whether those provided are exactly what they should
+be; whether any abuses take place in their administration, or in that of
+the public revenues; whether the organization of the public agents or of
+the public force is perfect in all its parts; in fine, whether anything
+can be done to advance the general good, are questions within the limits
+of your functions which will necessarily occupy your attention. In these
+and all other matters which you in your wisdom may propose for the good
+of our country you may count with assurance on my hearty cooperation and
+faithful execution.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+November 15, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before you a treaty, entered into on the 18th day of August of
+the present year, between the United States on one part and the Delaware
+Indians on the other, for the extinguishment of their title to a tract
+of country between the Ohio and Wabash rivers.
+
+And another of the 27th day of the same month, between the United States
+and the Piankeshaws, for a confirmation of the same by the latter,
+together with a letter from Governor Harrison on the same subject; which
+treaties are submitted for your advice and consent.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 15, 1804.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to your resolution of the 9th instant, I now lay before you a
+statement of the circumstances attending the destruction of the frigate
+_Philadelphia_, with the names of the officers and the number of men
+employed on the occasion, to which I have to add that Lieutenant Decatur
+was thereupon advanced to be a captain in the Navy of the United States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 30, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before you copies of the treaties concluded with the Delaware
+and Piankeshaw Indians for the extinguishment of their title to the
+lands therein described, and I recommend to the consideration of
+Congress the making provision by law for carrying them into execution.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 13. 1804.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I present for your advice a treaty entered into on behalf of the United
+States with the Creek Indians for the extinguishment of their right in
+certain lands in the forks of Oconee and Okmulgee rivers, within the
+State of Georgia. For the purpose of enabling you to form a satisfactory
+judgment on the subject, it is accompanied with the instructions of
+1802, April 12, to James Wilkinson, Benjamin Hawkins, and Andrew
+Pickens, commissioners; those of 1803, May 5, to James Wilkinson,
+Benjamin Hawkins, and Robert Anderson, commissioners, and those of 1804,
+April 2, to Benjamin Hawkins, sole commissioner. The negotiations for
+obtaining the whole of the lands between the Oconee and Okmulgee have
+now been continued through three successive seasons under the original
+instructions and others supplementary to them given from time to time,
+as circumstances required, and the unity of the negotiation has been
+preserved not only by the subject, but by continuing Colonel Hawkins
+always one of the commissioners, and latterly the sole one. The extent
+of the cession to be obtained being uncertain, the limitation of price
+was what should be thought _reasonable according to the usual rate of
+compensation_. The commissioner has been induced to go beyond this
+limit probably by the just attentions due to the strong interest which
+the State of Georgia feels in making this particular acquisition, and by
+a despair of procuring it on more reasonable terms from a tribe which
+is one of those most fixed in the policy of holding fast their lands.
+To this may be added that if, by an alteration in the first article,
+instead of giving them stock which may be passed into other hands and
+render them the prey of speculators, an annuity shall be paid them in
+this case, as has hitherto been practiced in all similar cases, the
+price of these lands will become a pledge and guaranty for our future
+peace with this important tribe, and eventually an indemnity for the
+breach of it.
+
+On the whole, I rest with entire satisfaction on the wisdom and counsel
+of those whose sanctions the Constitution has rendered necessary to the
+final validity of this act.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 31, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The inclosed letter, written from Malta by Richard O'Brien, our late
+consul at Algiers, giving some details of transactions before Tripoli,
+is communicated for the information of Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 31, 1804.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Most of the Indians residing within our northern boundary on this
+side of the Mississippi receiving from us annual aids in money and
+necessaries, it was a subject of complaint with the Sacs that they
+received nothing and were connected with us by no treaty. As they owned
+the country in the neighborhood of our settlements of Kaskaskia and St.
+Louis, it was thought expedient to engage their friendship, and Governor
+Harrison was accordingly instructed in June last to propose to them an
+annuity of $500 or $600, stipulating in return an adequate cession of
+territory and an exact definition of boundaries. The Sacs and Foxes
+acting generally as one nation, and coming forward together, he found
+it necessary to add an annuity for the latter tribe also, enlarging
+proportionably the cession of territory, which was accordingly done by
+the treaty now communicated, of November the 3d, with those two tribes.
+
+This cession, giving us a perfect title to such a breadth of country on
+the eastern side of the Mississippi, with a command of the Ouisconsin,
+strengthens our means of retaining exclusive commerce with the Indians
+on the western side of the Mississippi--a right indispensable to the
+policy of governing those Indians by commerce rather than by arms.
+
+The treaty is now submitted to the Senate for their advice and consent.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 31, 1805.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the desire of the House of Representatives, expressed
+in their resolution of yesterday, I have to inform them that by a letter
+of the 30th of May last from the Secretary of War to Samuel Hammond, a
+member of the House, it was proposed to him to accept a commission of
+colonel-commandant for the district of Louisiana when the new government
+there should commence. By a letter of the 30th of June he signified a
+willingness to accept, but still more definitively by one of October 26,
+a copy of which is therefore now communicated. A commission had been
+made out for him bearing date the ist day of October last, and forwarded
+before the receipt of his letter of October 26. No later communication
+has been received from him, nor is anything later known of his
+movements.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 1, 1805.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+For some weeks past I have had reason to expect by every mail from New
+Orleans information which would have fully met the views of the House of
+Representatives, expressed in their resolution of December 31, on the
+subject of a post-road from the city of Washington to New Orleans; but
+this being not yet received, I think it my duty without further delay to
+communicate to the House the information I possess, however imperfect.
+
+Isaac Briggs, one of the surveyors-general of the United States, being
+about to return in July last to his station at Natchez, and apprised of
+the anxiety existing to have a practicable road explored for forwarding
+the mail to New Orleans without crossing the mountains, offered his
+services voluntarily to return by the route contemplated, taking as
+he should go such observations of longitude and latitude as would
+enable him to delineate it exactly, and by protraction to show of what
+shortenings it would admit, The offer was accepted and he was furnished
+with an accurate sextant for his observations. The route proposed was
+from Washington by Fredericksburg, Cartersville, Lower Sauratown,
+Salisbury, Franklin Court-House in Georgia, Tuckabachee, Fort Stoddert,
+and the mouth of Pearl River to New Orleans. It is believed he followed
+this route generally, deviating at times only for special purposes, and
+returning again into it. His letters, herewith communicated, will
+shew his opinion to have been, after completing his journey, that the
+practicable distance between Washington and New Orleans will be a little
+over 1,000 miles. He expected to forward his map and special report
+within one week from the date of his last letter, but a letter of
+December 10, from another person, informs me he had been unwell, but
+would forward them within a week from that time. So soon as they shall
+be received they shall be communicated to the House of Representatives.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 5, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Secretary of State has lately received a note from the Danish chargé
+d'affaires, claiming, _in the name of his Government_, restitution
+in the case of the brig _Henrich_, communicated to Congress at a
+former session, in which note were transmitted sundry documents chiefly
+relating to the value and neutral character of the vessel, and to the
+question whether the judicial proceedings were instituted and conducted
+without the concurrence of the captain of the _Henrich_. As these
+documents appear to form a necessary appendage to those already before
+Congress, and throw additional light on the subject, I transmit copies
+of them herewith.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 13, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In the message to Congress at the opening of the present session I
+informed them that treaties had been entered into with the Delaware and
+Piankeshaw Indians for the purchase of their right to certain lands on
+the Ohio. I have since received another, entered into with the Sacs and
+Foxes, for a portion of country on both sides of the river Mississippi.
+These treaties, having been advised and consented to by the Senate, have
+accordingly been ratified, but as they involve conditions which require
+legislative provision, they are now submitted to both branches for
+consideration.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 20, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate, for the information of Congress, a letter of September 18
+from Commodore Preble, giving a detailed account of the transactions of
+the vessels under his command from July the 9th to the 10th of September
+last past.
+
+The energy and judgment displayed by this excellent officer through the
+whole course of the service lately confided to him and the zeal and
+valor of his officers and men in the several enterprises executed by
+them can not fail to give high satisfaction to Congress and their
+country, of whom they have deserved well.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 28, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United
+States, according to the returns last received from the several States.
+It will be perceived that some of these are not of recent dates, and
+that from the States of Maryland, Delaware, and Tennessee no returns are
+stated. As far as appears from our records, none were ever rendered from
+either of these States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 28, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now render to Congress the account of the fund established by the act
+of May 1, 1802, for defraying the contingent charges of Government. No
+occasion having arisen for making use of any part of the balance of
+$18,560 unexpended on the 31st day of December, 1803, when the last
+account was rendered by message, that balance has been carried to the
+credit of the surplus fund.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+Proceeding, fellow-citizens, to that qualification which the
+Constitution requires before my entrance on the charge again conferred
+on me, it is my duty to express the deep sense I entertain of this new
+proof of confidence from my fellow-citizens at large, and the zeal with
+which it inspires me so to conduct myself as may best satisfy their just
+expectations.
+
+On taking this station on a former occasion I declared the principles
+on which I believed it my duty to administer the affairs of our
+Commonwealth. My conscience tells me I have on every occasion acted
+up to that declaration according to its obvious import and to the
+understanding of every candid mind.
+
+In the transaction of your foreign affairs we have endeavored to
+cultivate the friendship of all nations, and especially of those with
+which we have the most important relations. We have clone them justice
+on all occasions, favored where favor was lawful, and cherished mutual
+interests and intercourse on fair and equal terms. We are firmly
+convinced, and we act on that conviction, that with nations as with
+individuals our interests soundly calculated will ever be found
+inseparable from our moral duties, and history bears witness to the
+fact that a just nation is trusted on its word when recourse is had
+to armaments and wars to bridle others.
+
+At home, fellow-citizens, you best know whether we have done well or
+ill. The suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments
+and expenses, enabled us to discontinue our internal taxes. These,
+covering our land with officers and opening our doors to their
+intrusions, had already begun that process of domiciliary vexation which
+once entered is scarcely to be restrained from reaching successively
+every article of property and produce. If among these taxes some minor
+ones fell which had not been inconvenient, it was because their amount
+would not have paid the officers who collected them, and because, if
+they had any merit, the State authorities might adopt them instead of
+others less approved.
+
+The remaining revenue on the consumption of foreign articles is paid
+chiefly by those who can afford to add foreign luxuries to domestic
+comforts, being collected on our seaboard and frontiers only, and,
+incorporated with the transactions of our mercantile citizens, it may be
+the pleasure and the pride of an American to ask, What farmer, what
+mechanic, what laborer ever sees a taxgatherer of the United States?
+These contributions enable us to support the current expenses of the
+Government, to fulfill contracts with foreign nations, to extinguish the
+native right of soil within our limits, to extend those limits, and to
+apply such a surplus to our public debts as places at a short day their
+final redemption, and that redemption once effected the revenue thereby
+liberated may, by a just repartition of it among the States and a
+corresponding amendment of the Constitution, be applied _in time
+of peace_ to rivers, canals, roads, arts, manufactures, education,
+and other great objects within each State. _In time of war_, if
+injustice by ourselves or others must sometimes produce war, increased
+as the same revenue will be by increased population and consumption, and
+aided by other resources reserved for that crisis, it may meet within
+the year all the expenses of the year without encroaching on the rights
+of future generations by burthening them with the debts of the past. War
+will then be but a suspension of useful works, and a return to a state
+of peace a return to the progress of improvement.
+
+I have said, fellow-citizens, that the income reserved had enabled us to
+extend our limits, but that extension may possibly pay for itself before
+we are called on, and in the meantime may keep down the accruing
+interest; in all events, it will replace the advances we shall have
+made. I know that the acquisition of Louisiana has been disapproved by
+some from a candid apprehension that the enlargement of our territory
+would endanger its union. But who can limit the extent to which the
+federative principle may operate effectively? The larger our association
+the less will it be shaken by local passions; and in any view is it not
+better that the opposite bank of the Mississippi should be settled by
+our own brethren and children than by strangers of another family? With
+which should we be most likely to live in harmony and friendly
+intercourse?
+
+In matters of religion I have considered that its free exercise is
+placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the General
+Government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe
+the religious exercises suited to it, but have left them, as the
+Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of the
+church or state authorities acknowledged by the several religious
+societies.
+
+The aboriginal inhabitants of these countries I have regarded with the
+commiseration their history inspires. Endowed with the faculties and the
+rights of men, breathing an ardent love of liberty and independence, and
+occupying a country which left them no desire but to be undisturbed, the
+stream of overflowing population from other regions directed itself on
+these shores; without power to divert or habits to contend against
+it, they have been overwhelmed by the current or driven before it;
+now reduced within limits too narrow for the hunter's state, humanity
+enjoins us to teach them agriculture and the domestic arts; to encourage
+them to that industry which alone can enable them to maintain their
+place in existence and to prepare them in time for that state of society
+which to bodily comforts adds the improvement of the mind and morals. We
+have therefore liberally furnished them with the implements of husbandry
+and household use; we have placed among them instructors in the arts of
+first necessity, and they are covered with the aegis of the law against
+aggressors from among ourselves.
+
+But the endeavors to enlighten them on the fate which awaits their
+present course of life, to induce them to exercise their reason, follow
+its dictates, and change their pursuits with the change of circumstances
+have powerful obstacles to encounter; they are combated by the habits
+of their bodies, prejudices of their minds, ignorance, pride, and the
+influence of interested and crafty individuals among them who feel
+themselves something in the present order of things and fear to become
+nothing in any other. These persons inculcate a sanctimonious reverence
+for the customs of their ancestors; that whatsoever they did must be
+done through all time; that reason is a false guide, and to advance
+under its counsel in their physical, moral, or political condition is
+perilous innovation; that their duty is to remain as their Creator made
+them, ignorance being safety and knowledge full of danger; in short,
+my friends, among them also is seen the action and counteraction of
+good sense and of bigotry; they too have their antiphilosophists who
+find an interest in keeping things in their present state, who dread
+reformation, and exert all their faculties to maintain the ascendency of
+habit over the duty of improving our reason and obeying its mandates.
+
+In giving these outlines I do not mean, fellow-citizens, to arrogate to
+myself the merit of the measures. That is due, in the first place, to
+the reflecting character of our citizens at large, who, by the weight of
+public opinion, influence and strengthen the public measures. It is due
+to the sound discretion with which they select from among themselves
+those to whom they confide the legislative duties. It is due to the zeal
+and wisdom of the characters thus selected, who lay the foundations of
+public happiness in wholesome laws, the execution of which alone remains
+for others, and it is due to the able and faithful auxiliaries, whose
+patriotism has associated them with me in the executive functions.
+
+During this course of administration, and in order to disturb it,
+the artillery of the press has been leveled against us, charged with
+whatsoever its licentiousness could devise or dare. These abuses of
+an institution so important to freedom and science are deeply to be
+regretted, inasmuch as they tend to lessen its usefulness and to sap
+its safety. They might, indeed, have been corrected by the wholesome
+punishments reserved to and provided by the laws of the several States
+against falsehood and defamation, but public duties more urgent press on
+the time of public servants, and the offenders have therefore been left
+to find their punishment in the public indignation.
+
+Nor was it uninteresting to the world that an experiment should be
+fairly and fully made, whether freedom of discussion, unaided by power,
+is not sufficient for the propagation and protection of truth--whether
+a government conducting itself in the true spirit of its constitution,
+with zeal and purity, and doing no act which it would be unwilling
+the whole world should witness, can be written down by falsehood and
+defamation. The experiment has been tried: you have witnessed the scene;
+our fellow-citizens looked on, cool and collected; they saw the latent
+source from which these outrages proceeded; they gathered around their
+public functionaries, and when the Constitution called them to the
+decision by suffrage, they pronounced their verdict, honorable to those
+who had served them and consolatory to the friend of man who believes
+that he may be trusted with the control of his own affairs.
+
+No inference is here intended that the laws provided by the States
+against false and defamatory publications should not be enforced; he
+who has time renders a service to public morals and public tranquillity
+in reforming these abuses by the salutary coercions of the law; but
+the experiment is noted to prove that, since truth and reason have
+maintained their ground against false opinions in league with false
+facts, the press, confined to truth, needs no other legal restraint;
+the public judgment will correct false reasonings and opinions on a
+full hearing of all parties; and no other definite line can be drawn
+between the inestimable liberty of the press and its demoralizing
+licentiousness. If there be still improprieties which this rule would
+not restrain, its supplement must be sought in the censorship of public
+opinion.
+
+Contemplating the union of sentiment now manifested so generally as
+auguring harmony and happiness to our future course, I offer to our
+country sincere congratulations. With those, too, not yet rallied to
+the same point the disposition to do so is gaining strength; facts are
+piercing through the veil drawn over them, and our doubting brethren
+will at length see that the mass of their fellow-citizens with whom they
+can not yet resolve to act as to principles and measures, think as they
+think and desire what they desire; that our wish as well as theirs is
+that the public efforts may be directed honestly to the public good,
+that peace be cultivated, civil and religious liberty unassailed, law
+and order preserved, equality of rights maintained, and that state of
+property, equal or unequal, which results to every man from his own
+industry or that of his father's. When satisfied of these views it is
+not in human nature that they should not approve and support them. In
+the meantime let us cherish them with patient affection, let us do them
+justice, and more than justice, in all competitions of interest, and we
+need not doubt that truth, reason, and their own interests will at
+length prevail, will gather them into the fold of their country, and
+will complete that entire union of opinion which gives to a nation the
+blessing of harmony and the benefit of all its strength.
+
+I shall now enter on the duties to which my fellow-citizens have again
+called me, and shall proceed in the spirit of those principles which
+they have approved. I fear not that any motives of interest may lead me
+astray; I am sensible of no passion which could seduce me knowingly from
+the path of justice, but the weaknesses of human nature and the limits
+of my own understanding will produce errors of judgment sometimes
+injurious to your interests. I shall need, therefore, all the indulgence
+which I have heretofore experienced from my constituents; the want of
+it will certainly not lessen with increasing years. I shall need, too,
+the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as
+Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country
+flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered
+our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and
+power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with
+me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their
+councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall
+result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship,
+and approbation of all nations.
+
+MARCH 4, 1805.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+DECEMBER 3, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_.
+
+At a moment when the nations of Europe are in commotion and arming
+against each other, and when those with whom we have principal
+intercourse are engaged in the general contest, and when the countenance
+of some of them toward our peaceable country threatens that even that
+may not be unaffected by what is passing on the general theater, a
+meeting of the representatives of the nation in both Houses of Congress
+has become more than usually desirable. Coming from every section of our
+country, they bring with them the sentiments and the information of the
+whole, and will be enabled to give a direction to the public affairs
+which the will and the wisdom of the whole will approve and support.
+
+In taking a view of the state of our country we in the first place
+notice the late affliction of two of our cities under the fatal fever
+which in latter times has occasionally visited our shores. Providence in
+His goodness gave it an early termination on this occasion and lessened
+the number of victims which have usually fallen before it. In the course
+of the several visitations by this disease it has appeared that it
+is strictly local, incident to cities and on the tide waters only,
+incommunicable in the country either by persons under the disease or by
+goods carried from diseased places; that its access is with the autumn
+and it disappears with the early frosts. These restrictions within
+narrow limits of time and space give security even to our maritime
+cities during three-fourths of the year, and to the country always.
+Although from these facts it appears unnecessary, yet to satisfy the
+fears of foreign nations and cautions on their part not to be complained
+of in a danger whose limits are yet unknown to them I have strictly
+enjoined on the officers at the head of the customs to certify with
+exact truth for every vessel sailing for a foreign port the state of
+health respecting this fever which prevails at the place from which she
+sails. Under every motive from character and duty to certify the truth,
+I have no doubt they have faithfully executed this injunction. Much real
+injury has, however, been sustained from a propensity to identify with
+this endemic and to call by the same name fevers of very different
+kinds, which have been known at all times and in all countries, and
+never have been placed among those deemed contagious. As we advance in
+our knowledge of this disease, as facts develop the source from which
+individuals receive it, the State authorities charged with the care of
+the public health, and Congress with that of the general commerce, will
+become able to regulate with effect their respective functions in these
+departments. The burthen of quarantines is felt at home as well as
+abroad; their efficacy merits examination. Although the health laws of
+the States should be found to need no present revisal by Congress, yet
+commerce claims that their attention be ever awake to them.
+
+Since our last meeting the aspect of our foreign relations has
+considerably changed. Our coasts have been infested and our harbors
+watched by private armed vessels, some of them without commissions,
+some with illegal commissions, others with those of legal form, but
+committing piratical acts beyond the authority of their commissions.
+They have captured in the very entrance of our harbors, as well as
+on the high seas, not only the vessels of our friends coming to trade
+with us, but our own also. They have carried them off under pretense of
+legal adjudication, but not daring to approach a court of justice, they
+have plundered and sunk them by the way or in obscure places where no
+evidence could arise against them, maltreated the crews, and abandoned
+them in boats in the open sea or on desert shores without food or
+covering. These enormities appearing to be unreached by any control of
+their sovereigns, I found it necessary to equip a force to cruise within
+our own seas, to arrest all vessels of these descriptions found hovering
+on our coasts within the limits of the Gulf Stream and to bring the
+offenders in for trial as pirates.
+
+The same system of hovering on our coasts and harbors under color of
+seeking enemies has been also carried on by public armed ships to the
+great annoyance and oppression of our commerce. New principles, too,
+have been interpolated into the law of nations, founded neither in
+justice nor the usage or acknowledgment of nations. According to these
+a belligerent takes to itself a commerce with its own enemy which it
+denies to a neutral on the ground of its aiding that enemy in the war;
+but reason revolts at such an inconsistency, and the neutral having
+equal right with the belligerent to decide the question, the interests
+of our constituents and the duty of maintaining the authority of reason,
+the only umpire between just nations, impose on us the obligation of
+providing an effectual and determined opposition to a doctrine so
+injurious to the rights of peaceable nations. Indeed, the confidence
+we ought to have in the justice of others still countenances the hope
+that a sounder view of those rights will of itself induce from every
+belligerent a more correct observance of them.
+
+With Spain our negotiations for a settlement of differences have not
+had a satisfactory issue. Spoliations during a former war, for which
+she had formally acknowledged herself responsible, have been refused
+to be compensated but on conditions affecting other claims in no wise
+connected with them. Yet the same practices are renewed in the present
+war and are already of great amount. On the Mobile, our commerce passing
+through that river continues to be obstructed by arbitrary duties and
+vexatious searches. Propositions for adjusting amicably the boundaries
+of Louisiana have not been acceded to. While, however, the right is
+unsettled, we have avoided changing the state of things by taking new
+posts or strengthening ourselves in the disputed territories, in the
+hope that the other power would not by a contrary conduct oblige us to
+meet their example and endanger conflicts of authority the issue of
+which may not be easily controlled. But in this hope we have now reason
+to lessen our confidence. Inroads have been recently made into the
+Territories of Orleans and the Mississippi, our citizens have been
+seized and their property plundered in the very parts of the former
+which had been actually delivered up by Spain, and this by the regular
+officers and soldiers of that Government. I have therefore found it
+necessary at length to give orders to our troops on that frontier to be
+in readiness to protect our citizens, and to repel by arms any similar
+aggressions in future. Other details necessary for your full information
+of the state of things between this country and that shall be the
+subject of another communication.
+
+In reviewing these injuries from some of the belligerent powers the
+moderation, the firmness, and the wisdom of the Legislature will all be
+called into action. We ought still to hope that time and a more correct
+estimate of interest as well as of character will produce the justice
+we are bound to expect. But should any nation deceive itself by false
+calculations, and disappoint that expectation, we must join in the
+unprofitable contest of trying which party can do the other the most
+harm. Some of these injuries may perhaps admit a peaceable remedy. Where
+that is competent it is always the most desirable. But some of them are
+of a nature to be met by force only, and all of them may lead to it.
+I can not, therefore, but recommend such preparations as circumstances
+call for. The first object is to place our seaport towns out of the
+danger of insult. Measures have been already taken for furnishing them
+with heavy cannon for the service of such land batteries as may make a
+part of their defense against armed vessels approaching them. In aid of
+these it is desirable we should have a competent number of gunboats, and
+the number, to be competent, must be considerable. If immediately begun,
+they may be in readiness for service at the opening of the next season.
+Whether it will be necessary to augment our land forces will be decided
+by occurrences probably in the course of your session. In the meantime
+you will consider whether it would not be expedient for a state of peace
+as well as of war so to organize or class the militia as would enable
+us on any sudden emergency to call for the services of the younger
+portions, unencumbered with the old and those having families. Upward
+of 300,000 able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 26 years, which
+the last census shews we may now count within our limits, will furnish
+a competent number for offense or defense in any point where they may
+be wanted, and will give time for raising regular forces after the
+necessity of them shall become certain; and the reducing to the early
+period of life all its active service can not but be desirable to our
+younger citizens of the present as well as future times, inasmuch as it
+engages to them in more advanced age a quiet and undisturbed repose in
+the bosom of their families. I can not, then, but earnestly recommend
+to your early consideration the expediency of so modifying our militia
+system as, by a separation of the more active part from that which is
+less so, we may draw from it when necessary an efficient corps fit for
+real and active service, and to be called to it in regular rotation.
+
+Considerable provision has been made under former authorities from
+Congress of materials for the construction of ships of war of 74 guns.
+These materials are on hand subject to the further will of the
+Legislature.
+
+An immediate prohibition of the exportation of arms and ammunition is
+also submitted to your determination.
+
+Turning from these unpleasant views of violence and wrong, I
+congratulate you on the liberation of our fellow-citizens who were
+stranded on the coast of Tripoli and made prisoners of war. In a
+government bottomed on the will of all the life and liberty of every
+individual citizen become interesting to all. In the treaty, therefore,
+which has concluded our warfare with that State an article for the
+ransom of our citizens has been agreed to. An operation by land by a
+small band of our countrymen and others, engaged for the occasion in
+conjunction with the troops of the ex-Bashaw of that country, gallantly
+conducted by our late consul, Eaton, and their successful enterprise
+on the city of Derne, contributed doubtless to the impression which
+produced peace, and the conclusion of this prevented opportunities of
+which the officers and men of our squadron destined for Tripoli would
+have availed themselves to emulate the acts of valor exhibited by
+their brethren in the attack of the last year. Reflecting with high
+satisfaction on the distinguished bravery displayed whenever occasions
+permitted in the late Mediterranean service, I think it would be an
+useful encouragement as well as a just reward to make an opening for
+some present promotion by enlarging our peace establishment of captains
+and lieutenants.
+
+With Tunis some misunderstandings have arisen not yet sufficiently
+explained, but friendly discussions with their ambassador recently
+arrived and a mutual disposition to do whatever is just and reasonable
+can not fail of dissipating these, so that we may consider our peace on
+that coast, generally, to be on as sound a footing as it has been at any
+preceding time. Still, it will not be expedient to withdraw immediately
+the whole of our force from that sea.
+
+The law providing for a naval peace establishment fixes the number of
+frigates which shall be kept in constant service in time of peace, and
+prescribes that they shall be manned by not more than two-thirds of
+their complement of seamen and ordinary seamen. Whether a frigate may
+be trusted to two-thirds only of her proper complement of men must
+depend on the nature of the service on which she is ordered; that may
+sometimes, for her safety as well as to insure her object, require her
+fullest complement. In adverting to this subject Congress will perhaps
+consider whether the best limitation on the Executive discretion in
+this case would not be by the number of seamen which may be employed in
+the whole service rather than by the number of the vessels. Occasions
+oftener arise for the employment of small than of large vessels, and it
+would lessen risk as well as expense to be authorized to employ them of
+preference. The limitation suggested by the number of seamen would admit
+a selection of vessels best adapted to the service.
+
+Our Indian neighbors are advancing, many of them with spirit, and
+others beginning to engage in the pursuits of agriculture and household
+manufacture. They are becoming sensible that the earth yields
+subsistence with less labor and more certainty than the forest, and find
+it their interest from time to time to dispose of parts of their surplus
+and waste lands for the means of improving those they occupy and of
+subsisting their families while they are preparing their farms. Since
+your last session the Northern tribes have sold to us the lands between
+the Connecticut Reserve and the former Indian boundary and those on the
+Ohio from the same boundary to the rapids and for a considerable depth
+inland. The Chickasaws and Cherokees have sold us the country between
+and adjacent to the two districts of Tennessee, and the Creeks the
+residue of their lands in the fork of Ocmulgee up to the Ulcofauhatche.
+The three former purchases are important, inasmuch as they consolidate
+disjoined parts of our settled country and render their intercourse
+secure; and the second particularly so, as, with the small point on
+the river which we expect is by this time ceded by the Piankeshaws, it
+completes our possession of the whole of both banks of the Ohio from its
+source to near its mouth, and the navigation of that river is thereby
+rendered forever safe to our citizens settled and settling on its
+extensive waters. The purchase from the Creeks, too, has been for some
+time particularly interesting to the State of Georgia.
+
+The several treaties which have been mentioned will be submitted to both
+Houses of Congress for the exercise of their respective functions.
+
+Deputations now on their way to the seat of Government from various
+nations of Indians inhabiting the Missouri and other parts beyond the
+Mississippi come charged with assurances of their satisfaction with the
+new relations in which they are placed with us, of their dispositions
+to cultivate our peace and friendship, and their desire to enter into
+commercial intercourse with us. A state of our progress in exploring the
+principal rivers of that country, and of the information respecting them
+hitherto obtained, will be communicated so soon as we shall receive some
+further relations which we have reason shortly to expect.
+
+The receipts at the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th day of
+September last have exceeded the sum of $13,000,000, which, with not
+quite five millions in the Treasury at the beginning of the year, have
+enabled us after meeting other demands to pay nearly two millions of the
+debt contracted under the British treaty and convention, upward of four
+millions of principal of the public debt, and four millions of interest.
+These payments, with those which had been made in three years and a half
+preceding, have extinguished of the funded debt nearly eighteen millions
+of principal. Congress by their act of November 10, 1803, authorized us
+to borrow $1,750,000 toward meeting the claims of our citizens assumed
+by the convention with France. We have not, however, made use of this
+authority, because the sum of four millions and a half, which remained
+in the Treasury on the same 30th day of September last, with the
+receipts which we may calculate on for the ensuing year, besides paying
+the annual sum of $8,000,000 appropriated to the funded debt and meeting
+all the current demands which may be expected, will enable us to pay
+the whole sum of $3,750,000 assumed by the French convention and still
+leave us a surplus of nearly $1,000,000 at our free disposal. Should
+you concur in the provisions of arms and armed vessels recommended by
+the circumstances of the times, this surplus will furnish the means of
+doing so.
+
+On this first occasion of addressing Congress since, by the choice of
+my constituents, I have entered on a second term of administration, I
+embrace the opportunity to give this public assurance that I will exert
+my best endeavors to administer faithfully the executive department,
+and will zealously cooperate with you in every measure which may
+tend to secure the liberty, property, and personal safety of our
+fellow-citizens, and to consolidate the republican forms and principles
+of our Government.
+
+In the course of your session you shall receive all the aid which I
+can give for the dispatch of public business, and all the information
+necessary for your deliberations, of which the interests of our own
+country and the confidence reposed in us by others will admit a
+communication.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 6, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The depredations which had been committed on the commerce of the United
+States during a preceding war by persons under the authority of Spain
+are sufficiently known to all. These made it a duty to require from that
+Government indemnifications for our injured citizens. A convention was
+accordingly entered into between the minister of the United States at
+Madrid and the minister of that Government for foreign affairs, by which
+it was agreed that spoliations committed by Spanish subjects and carried
+into ports of Spain should be paid for by that nation, and that those
+committed by French subjects and carried into Spanish ports should
+remain for further discussion. Before this convention was returned
+to Spain with our ratification the transfer of Louisiana by France to
+the United States took place, an event as unexpected as disagreeable
+to Spain. From that moment she seemed to change her conduct and
+dispositions toward us. It was first manifested by her protest against
+the right of France to alienate Louisiana to us, which, however, was
+soon retracted and the right confirmed. Then high offense was manifested
+at the act of Congress establishing a collection district on the Mobile,
+although by an authentic declaration immediately made it was expressly
+confined to our acknowledged limits; and she now refused to ratify the
+convention signed by her own minister under the eye of his Sovereign
+unless we would consent to alterations of its terms which would have
+affected our claims against her for the spoliations by French subjects
+carried into Spanish ports.
+
+To obtain justice as well as to restore friendship I thought a special
+mission advisable, and accordingly appointed James Monroe minister
+extraordinary and plenipotentiary to repair to Madrid, and in
+conjunction with our minister resident there to endeavor to procure a
+ratification of the former convention and to come to an understanding
+with Spain as to the boundaries of Louisiana. It appeared at once that
+her policy was to reserve herself for events, and in the meantime to
+keep our differences in an undetermined state. This will be evident
+from the papers now communicated to you. After nearly five months of
+fruitless endeavor to bring them to some definite and satisfactory
+result, our ministers ended the conferences without having been able to
+obtain indemnity for spoliations of any description or any satisfaction
+as to the boundaries of Louisiana, other than a declaration that we had
+no rights eastward of the Iberville, and that our line to the west was
+one which would have left us but a string of land on that bank of the
+river Mississippi. Our injured citizens were thus left without any
+prospect of retribution from the wrongdoer, and as to boundary each
+party was to take its own course. That which they have chosen to pursue
+will appear from the documents now communicated. They authorize the
+inference that it is their intention to advance on our possessions until
+they shall be repressed by an opposing force. Considering that Congress
+alone is constitutionally invested with the power of changing our
+condition from peace to war, I have thought it my duty to await their
+authority for using force in any degree which could be avoided. I have
+barely instructed the officers stationed in the neighborhood of the
+aggressions to protect our citizens from violence, to patrol within the
+borders actually delivered to us, and not to go out of them but when
+necessary to repel an inroad or to rescue a citizen or his property; and
+the Spanish officers remaining at New Orleans are required to depart
+without further delay. It ought to be noted here that since the late
+change in the state of affairs in Europe Spain has ordered her cruisers
+and courts to respect our treaty with her.
+
+The conduct of France and the part she may take in the misunderstandings
+between the United States and Spain are too important to be
+unconsidered. She was prompt and decided in her declarations that our
+demands on Spain for French spoliations carried into Spanish ports were
+included in the settlement between the United States and France. She
+took at once the ground that she had acquired no right from Spain, and
+had meant to deliver us none eastward of the Iberville, her silence as
+to the western boundary leaving us to infer her opinion might be against
+Spain in that quarter. Whatever direction she might mean to give to
+these differences, it does not appear that she has contemplated their
+proceeding to actual rupture, or that at the date of our last advices
+from Paris her Government had any suspicion of the hostile attitude
+Spain had taken here; on the contrary, we have reason to believe that
+she was disposed to effect a settlement on a plan analogous to what our
+ministers had proposed, and so comprehensive as to remove as far as
+possible the grounds of future collision and controversy on the eastern
+as well as western side of the Mississippi.
+
+The present crisis in Europe is favorable for pressing such a
+settlement, and not a moment should be lost in availing ourselves of
+it. Should it pass unimproved, our situation would become much more
+difficult. Formal war is not necessary--it is not probable it will
+follow; but the protection of our citizens, the spirit and honor of our
+country require that force should be interposed to a certain degree it
+will probably contribute to advance the object of peace,
+
+But the course to be pursued will require the command of means which
+it belongs to Congress exclusively to yield or to deny. To them I
+communicate every fact material for their information and the documents
+necessary to enable them to judge for themselves. To their wisdom, then,
+I look for the course I am to pursue, and will pursue with sincere zeal
+that which they shall approve.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 11, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before the Senate the several treaties and conventions
+following, which have been entered into on the part of the United
+States since their last session:
+
+1. A treaty of peace and amity between the United States of America
+and the Bashaw, Bey, and subjects of Tripoli, in Barbary.
+
+2. A treaty between the United States and the Wyandot, Ottawa, Chippewa,
+Munsee, and Delaware, Shawnee, and Potawatamie nations of Indians.
+
+3. A treaty between the United States and the agents of the Connecticut
+Land Companies on one part and the Wyandot, Ottawa, Chippewa, Munsee,
+and Delaware, Shawnee, and Potawatamie nations of Indians.
+
+4. A treaty between the United States and the Delawares, Potawatamies,
+Miamis, Eel-rivers, and Weeas.
+
+5. A treaty between the United States and the Chickasaw Nation of
+Indians.
+
+6. A treaty between the United States of America and the Cherokee
+Indians.
+
+7. A convention between the United States and the Creek Nation of
+Indians; with the several documents necessary for their explanation.
+
+The Senate having dissented to the ratification of the treaty with the
+Creeks submitted to them at their last session, which gave a sum of
+$200,000 for the country thereby conveyed, it is proper now to observe
+that instead of that sum, which was equivalent to a perpetual annuity of
+$12,000, the present purchase gives them an annuity of $12,000 for eight
+years only and of $11,000 for ten years more, the payments of which
+would be effected by a present sum of $130,000 placed at an annual
+interest of 6 per cent. If from this sum we deduct the reasonable
+value of the road ceded through the whole length of their country from
+Ocmulgee toward New Orleans, a road of indispensable necessity to us,
+the present convention will be found to give little more than the half
+of the sum which was formerly proposed to be given. This difference is
+thought sufficient to justify the presenting this subject a second time
+to the Senate. On these several treaties I have to request that the
+Senate will advise whether I shall ratify them or not.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1805.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The governor and presiding judge of the Territory of Michigan have made
+a report to me of the state of that Territory, several matters in which
+being within the reach of the legislative authority only, I lay the
+report before Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 31, 1805.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now communicate to the House of Representatives all the information
+which the executive offices furnish on the subject of their resolution
+of the 23d instant respecting the States indebted to the United States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 10, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the request of the Senate expressed in their
+resolution of December 27, I now lay before them such documents and
+papers (there being no other information in my possession) as relate to
+complaints by the Government of France against the commerce carried on
+by the citizens of the United States to the French island of St.
+Domingo.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 13, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the request of the Senate of December 30, I now lay before
+them the correspondence of the naval commanders Barron and Rodgers and
+of Mr. Eaton, late consul at Tunis, respecting the progress of the
+war with Tripoli, antecedent to the treaty with the Bey and Regency
+of Tripoli, and respecting the negotiations for the same, and the
+commission and instructions of Mr. Eaton, with such other correspondence
+in possession of the offices as I suppose may be useful to the Senate in
+their deliberations upon the said treaty.
+
+The instructions which were given to Mr. Lear, the consul-general at
+Algiers, respecting the negotiations for the said treaty accompanied
+the treaty and the message concerning the same, and are now with them
+in possession of the Senate.
+
+So much of these papers has been extracted and communicated to the House
+of Representatives as relates to the principles of the cooperation
+between the United States and Hamet Caramalli, which is the subject
+of a joint message to both Houses of Congress bearing equal date with
+the present, and as those now communicated to the Senate comprehend
+the whole of that matter, I request that they may be considered as
+comprising the documents stated in that message as accompanying it.
+Being mostly originals or sole copies, a return of them is requested
+at the convenience of the Senate.
+
+We have no letter from Mr. Lear respecting Tripoline affairs of later
+date than that of July 5, which was transmitted to the Senate with the
+treaty, nor, consequently, any later information what steps have been
+taken to carry into effect the stipulation for the delivery of the wife
+and children of the brother of the reigning Bashaw of Tripoli.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 13, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress the application of Hamet Caramalli, elder brother
+of the reigning Bashaw of Tripoli, soliciting from the United States
+attention to his services and sufferings in the late war against
+that State; and in order to possess them of the ground on which that
+application stands, the facts shall be stated according to the views
+and information of the Executive.
+
+During the war with Tripoli it was suggested that Hamet Caramalli, elder
+brother of the reigning Bashaw, and driven by him from his throne,
+meditated the recovery of his inheritance, and that a concert in action
+with us was desirable to him. We considered that concerted operations
+by those who have a common enemy were entirely justifiable, and might
+produce effects favorable to both without binding either to guarantee
+the objects of the other. But the distance of the scene, the
+difficulties of communication, and the uncertainty of our information
+inducing the less confidence in the measure, it was committed to our
+agents as one which might be resorted to if it promised to promote our
+success.
+
+Mr. Eaton, however (our late consul), on his return from the
+Mediterranean, possessing personal knowledge of the scene and having
+confidence in the effect of a joint operation, we authorized Commodore
+Barron, then proceeding with his squadron, to enter into an
+understanding with Hamet if he should deem it useful; and as it was
+represented that he would need some aids of arms and ammunition, and
+even of money, he was authorized to furnish them to a moderate extent,
+according to the prospect of utility to be expected from it. In order to
+avail him of the advantages of Mr. Eaton's knowledge of circumstances,
+an occasional employment was provided for the latter as an agent for the
+Navy in that sea. Our expectation was that an intercourse should be kept
+up between the ex-Bashaw and the commodore; that while the former moved
+on by land our squadron should proceed with equal pace, so as to arrive
+at their destination together and to attack the common enemy by land and
+sea at the same time. The instructions of June 6 to Commodore Barron
+shew that a cooperation only was intended, and by no means an union
+of our object with the fortune of the ex-Bashaw, and the commodore's
+letters of March 22 and May 19 prove that he had the most correct idea
+of our intentions. His verbal instructions, indeed, to Mr. Eaton and
+Captain Hull, if the expressions are accurately committed to writing
+by those gentlemen, do not limit the extent of his cooperation as
+rigorously as he probably intended; but it is certain from the
+ex-Bashaw's letter of January 3, written when he was proceeding to join
+Mr. Eaton, and in which he says, "Your operations should be carried on
+by sea, mine by land," that he left the position in which he was with a
+proper idea of the nature of the cooperation. If Mr. Eaton's subsequent
+convention should appear to bring forward other objects, his letter of
+April 29 and May 1 views this convention but as provisional, the second
+article, as he expressly states, guarding it against any ill effect; and
+his letter of June 30 confirms this construction.
+
+In the event it was found that after placing the ex-Bashaw in possession
+of Derne, one of the most important cities and provinces of the country,
+where he had resided himself as governor, lie was totally unable to
+command any resources or to bear any part in cooperation with us. This
+hope was then at an end, and we certainly had never contemplated, nor
+were we prepared, to land an army of our own, or to raise, pay, or
+subsist an army of Arabs to march from Derne to Tripoli and to carry
+on a land war at such a distance from our resources. Our means and our
+authority were merely naval, and that such were the expectations of
+Hamet his letter of June 29 is an unequivocal acknowledgment. While,
+therefore, an impression from the capture of Derne might still operate
+at Tripoli, and an attack on that place from our squadron was daily
+expected. Colonel Lear thought it the best moment to listen to overtures
+of peace then made by the Bashaw. He did so, and while urging provisions
+for the United States he paid attention also to the interests of Hamet,
+but was able to effect nothing more than to engage the restitution of
+his family, and even the persevering in this demand suspended for some
+time the conclusion of the treaty.
+
+In operations at such a distance it becomes necessary to leave much to
+the discretion of the agents employed, but events may still turn up
+beyond the limits of that discretion. Unable in such a case to consult
+his Government, a zealous citizen will act as he believes that would
+direct him were it apprised of the circumstances, and will take on
+himself the responsibility. In all these cases the purity and patriotism
+of the motives should shield the agent from blame, and even secure a
+sanction where the error is not too injurious. Should it be thought by
+any that the verbal instructions said to have been given by Commodore
+Barron to Mr. Eaton amount to a stipulation that the United States
+should place Hamet Caramalli on the throne of Tripoli--a stipulation so
+entirely unauthorized, so far beyond our views, and so onerous could not
+be sanctioned by our Government--or should Hamet Caramalli, contrary
+to the evidence of his letters of January 3 and June 29, be thought to
+have left the position which he now seems to regret, under a mistaken
+expectation that we were at all events to place him on his throne, on
+an appeal to the liberality of the nation something equivalent to the
+replacing him in his former situation might be worthy its consideration.
+
+A nation by establishing a character of liberality and magnanimity gains
+in the friendship and respect of others more than the worth of mere
+money. This appeal is now made by Hamet Caramalli to the United States.
+The ground he has taken being different not only from our views but from
+those expressed by himself on former occasions, Mr. Eaton was desired to
+state whether any verbal communications passed from him to Hamet which
+had varied what we saw in writing. His answer of December 5 is herewith
+transmitted, and has rendered it still more necessary that in presenting
+to the Legislature the application of Hamet I should present them at
+the same time an exact statement of the views and proceedings of the
+Executive through this whole business, that they may clearly understand
+the ground on which we are placed. It is accompanied by all the papers
+which bear any relation to the principles of the cooperation, and which
+can inform their judgment in deciding on the application of Hamet
+Caramalli.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 15, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now render to Congress an account of the grant of $20,000 for the
+contingent charges of Government by an act making appropriations for the
+support of Government for the year 1805. Of that sum $1,987.50 have been
+necessarily applied to the support of the Territorial governments of
+Michigan and Louisiana until an opportunity could occur of making a
+specific appropriation for that purpose. The balance of $18,012.50
+remains in the Treasury.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 17, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In my message to both Houses of Congress at the opening of their present
+session I submitted to their attention, among other subjects, the
+oppression of our commerce and navigation by the irregular practices
+of armed vessels, public and private, and by the introduction of new
+principles derogatory of the rights of neutrals and unacknowledged by
+the usage of nations.
+
+The memorials of several bodies of merchants of the United States are
+now communicated, and will develop these principles and practices which
+are producing the most ruinous effects on our lawful commerce and
+navigation.
+
+The rights of a neutral to carry on commercial intercourse with every
+part of the dominions of a belligerent permitted by the laws of the
+country (with the exception of blockaded ports and contraband of war)
+was believed to have been decided between Great Britain and the United
+States by the sentence of their commissioners mutually appointed
+to decide on that and other questions of difference between the two
+nations, and by the actual payment of the damages awarded by them
+against Great Britain for the infractions of that right. When,
+therefore, it was perceived that the same principle was revived with
+others more novel and extending the injury, instructions were given
+to the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of
+London, and remonstrances duly made by him on this subject, as will
+appear by documents transmitted herewith. These were followed by a
+partial and temporary suspension only, without any disavowal of the
+principle. He has therefore been instructed to urge this subject anew,
+to bring it more fully to the bar of reason, and to insist on rights too
+evident and too important to be surrendered. In the meantime the evil is
+proceeding under adjudications founded on the principle which is denied.
+Under these circumstances the subject presents itself for the
+consideration of Congress.
+
+On the impressment of our seamen our remonstrances have never been
+intermitted. A hope existed at one moment of an arrangement which might
+have been submitted to, but it soon passed away, and the practice,
+though relaxed at times in the distant seas, has been constantly pursued
+in those in our neighborhood. The grounds on which the reclamations on
+this subject have been urged will appear in an extract from instructions
+to our minister at London now communicated.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 17, 1806
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The inclosed letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the United
+States at the Court of London contains interesting information on
+the subjects of my other message of this date. It is sent separately
+and confidentially because its publication may discourage frank
+communications between our ministers generally and the Governments
+with which they reside, and especially between the same ministers.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 24, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+A convention has been entered into between the United States and the
+Cherokee Nation for the extinguishment of the rights of the latter, and
+of some unsettled claims in the country north of the river Tennessee,
+therein described. This convention is now laid before the Senate for
+their advice and consent as to its ratification.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 27, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the desire of the Senate expressed in their resolution of
+the 10th instant, I now communicate to them a report of the Secretary of
+State, with its documents, stating certain new principles attempted to
+be introduced on the subject of neutral rights, injurious to the rights
+and interests of the United States. These, with my message to both
+Houses of the 17th instant and the documents accompanying it, fulfill
+the desires of the Senate as far as it can be done by any information
+in my possession which is authentic and not publicly known.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 29, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having received from sundry merchants at Baltimore a memorial on the
+same subject with those I communicated to Congress with my message of
+the 17th instant, I now communicate this also as a proper sequel to the
+former, and as making a part of the mass of evidence of the violations
+of our rights on the ocean.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 3, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+A letter has been received from the governor of South Carolina covering
+an act of the legislature of that State ceding to the United States
+various forts and fortifications and sites for the erection of forts in
+that State on the conditions therein expressed. This letter and the act
+it covered are now communicated to Congress.
+
+I am not informed whether the positions ceded are the best which
+can be taken for securing their respective objects. No doubt is
+entertained that the legislature deemed them such. The river of Beaufort,
+particularly, said to be accessible to ships of very large size and
+capable of yielding them a protection which they can not find elsewhere
+but very far to the north, is from these circumstances so interesting to
+the Union in general as to merit particular attention and inquiry as to
+the positions on it best calculated for health as well as safety.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 3, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In the course of the last year the following treaties and conventions
+for the extinguishment of Indian title to lands within our limits were
+entered into on behalf of the United States:
+
+A treaty between the United States and the Wyandot, Ottawa, Chippeway,
+Munsee and Delaware, Shawanee and Pottawatamy nations of Indians.
+
+A treaty between the United States and the agents of the Connecticut
+Land Company on one part and the Wyandot and Ottawa, Chippeway, Munsey
+and Delaware, Shawanee and Pottawatamy nations of Indians.
+
+A treaty between the United States and the Delawares, Pottawatamies,
+Miamis, Eel-rivers, and Weas.
+
+A treaty between the United States and the Chickasaw Nation of Indians.
+
+Two treaties between the United States and the Cherokee Indians.
+
+A convention between the United States and the Creek Nation of Indians.
+
+The Senate having advised and consented to the ratification of these
+several treaties and conventions, I now lay them before both Houses of
+Congress for the exercise of their constitutional powers as to the means
+of fulfilling them.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Since the date of my message of January 17 a letter of the 26th of
+November has been received from the minister plenipotentiary of the
+United States at London, covering one from the secretary for foreign
+affairs of that Government, which, being on the subject of that message,
+is now transmitted for the information of Congress. Although nothing
+forbids the substance of these letters from being communicated without
+reserve, yet so many ill effects proceed from the publications of
+correspondences between ministers remaining still in office that I can
+not but recommend that these letters be not permitted to be formally
+published.
+
+TH; JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 19, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In pursuance of a measure proposed to Congress by a message of January
+18, 1803, and sanctioned by their approbation for carrying it into
+execution, Captain Meriwether Lewis, of the First Regiment of infantry,
+was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from
+its mouth to its source, and, crossing the highlands by the shortest
+portage, to seek the best water communication thence to the Pacific
+Ocean; and Lieutenant Clarke was appointed second in command. They were
+to enter into conference with the Indian nations on their route with
+a view to the establishment of commerce with them. They entered the
+Missouri May 14, 1804, and on the 1st of November took up their winter
+quarters near the Mandan towns, 1,609 miles above the mouth of the
+river, in latitude 47° 21' 47" north and longitude 99° 24' 45" west from
+Greenwich. On the 8th of April, 1805, they proceeded up the river in
+pursuance of the objects prescribed to them. A letter of the preceding
+day, April 7th, from Captain Lewis is herewith communicated. During
+his stay among the Mandans he had been able to lay down the Missouri
+according to courses and distances taken on his passage up it, corrected
+by frequent observations of longitude and latitude, and to add to the
+actual survey of this portion of the river a general map of the country
+between the Mississippi and Pacific from the thirty-fourth to the
+fifty-fourth degree of latitude. These additions are from information
+collected from Indians with whom he had opportunities of communicating
+during his journey and residence with them. Copies of this map are now
+presented to both Houses of Congress. With these I communicate also a
+statistical view, procured and forwarded by him, of the Indian nations
+inhabiting the Territory of Louisiana and the countries adjacent to
+its northern and western borders, of their commerce, and of other
+interesting circumstances respecting them.
+
+In order to render the statement as complete as may be of the Indians
+inhabiting the country west of the Mississippi, I add Dr. Sibley's
+account of those residing in and adjacent to the Territory of Orleans.
+
+I communicate also, from the same person, an account of the Red River,
+according to the best information he had been able to collect.
+
+Having been disappointed, after considerable preparation, in the purpose
+of sending an exploring party up that river in the summer of 1804, it
+was thought best to employ the autumn of that year in procuring a
+knowledge of an interesting branch of the river called the Washita.
+
+This was undertaken under the direction of Mr. Dunbar, of Natchez, a
+citizen of distinguished science, who had aided and continues to aid
+us with his disinterested and valuable services in the prosecution of
+these enterprises. He ascended the river to the remarkable hot springs
+near it, in latitude 34° 31' 4.16", longitude 92° 50' 45" west from
+Greenwich, taking its courses and distances, and correcting them by
+frequent celestial observations. Extracts from his observations and
+copies of his map of the river from its mouth to the hot springs make
+part of the present communications. The examination of the Red River
+itself is but now commencing.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 5, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the request of the Senate expressed in their resolution of
+3d instant, I now transmit the extract of a letter from the Secretary of
+State to the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris, the
+answer to that letter, and two letters from Henry Waddell, a citizen of
+the United States, relative to the interference of the said minister
+in the case of the ship _New Jersey_ and to the principles alleged to
+have been laid down on that occasion.
+
+There are in the office of the Department of State several printed
+documents in this case by the agent of those interested in the ship,
+which are voluminous and in French. If these be within the scope of the
+request of the Senate, the printed copies can be sent in immediately,
+but if translations be necessary some considerable time will be
+requisite for their execution. On this subject any further desire which
+the Senate shall think proper to express shall be complied with.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 7, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the request of the Senate of yesterday, I now transmit
+the five printed memorials of the agent for the ship _New Jersey_, in
+the one of which marked B, at the ninth page, will be found the letter
+relative to it from the minister plenipotentiary of the United States
+at Paris to the French minister of the treasury, supposed to be the one
+designated in the resolution. We have no information of this letter but
+through the channel of the party interested in the ship, nor any proof
+of it more authentic than that now communicated.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 19, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+It was reasonably expected that while the limits between the territories
+of the United States and of Spain were unsettled neither party would
+have innovated on the existing state of their respective positions.
+Some time since, however, we learnt that the Spanish authorities were
+advancing into the disputed country to occupy new posts and make new
+settlements. Unwilling to take any measures which might preclude a
+peaceable accommodation of differences, the officers of the United
+States were ordered to confine themselves within the country on this
+side of the Sabine River which, by delivery of its principal post,
+Natchitoches, was understood to have been itself delivered up by Spain,
+and at the same time to permit no adverse post to be taken nor armed
+men to remain within it. In consequence of these orders the commanding
+officer of Natchitoches, learning that a party of Spanish troops had
+crossed the Sabine River and were posting themselves on this side the
+Adais, sent a detachment of his force to require them to withdraw to
+the other side of the Sabine, which they accordingly did.
+
+I have thought it proper to communicate to Congress the letter detailing
+this incident, that they may fully understand the state of things in
+that quarter and be enabled to make such provision for its security as,
+in their wisdom, they shall deem sufficient.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 11, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United
+States according to the returns last received from the several States
+and Territories. It will be perceived that some of these are not of
+recent dates, and that from the States of Maryland and Delaware no
+returns are stated. As far as appears from our records, none were ever
+rendered from either of these States. From the Territories of Orleans,
+Louisiana, and Michigan complete returns have not yet been received.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 14, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+During the blockade of Tripoli by the squadron of the United States
+a small cruiser, under the flag of Tunis, with two prizes, all of
+trifling value, attempted to enter Tripoli; was turned back, warned,
+and, attempting again to enter, was taken and detained as prize by the
+squadron. Her restitution was claimed by the Bey of Tunis with a threat
+of war in terms so serious that on withdrawing from the blockade of
+Tripoli the commanding officer of the squadron thought it his duty
+to repair to Tunis with his squadron and to require a categorical
+declaration whether peace or war was intended. The Bey preferred
+explaining himself by an ambassador to the United States, who on his
+arrival renewed the request that the vessel and her prizes should be
+restored. It was deemed proper to give this proof of friendship to the
+Bey, and the ambassador was informed the vessels would be restored.
+Afterwards he made a requisition of naval stores to be sent to the Bey,
+in order to secure a peace for the term of three years, with a threat
+of war if refused. It has been refused, and the ambassador is about to
+depart without receding from his threat or demand.
+
+Under these circumstances, and considering that the several provisions
+of the act of March 25, 1804, will cease in consequence of the
+ratification of the treaty of peace with Tripoli, now advised and
+consented to by the Senate, I have thought it my duty to communicate
+these facts, in order that Congress may consider the expediency of
+continuing the same provisions for a limited time or making others
+equivalent.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 15, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Senate having advised and consented to the ratification of a treaty
+concluded with the Piankeshaw Indians for extinguishing their claim to
+the country between the Wabash and Kaskaskia cessions, it is now laid
+before both Houses for the exercise of their constitutional powers as
+to the means of fulfilling it on our part.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 17, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Senate having advised and consented to the ratification of a
+convention between the United States and the Cherokee Indians, concluded
+at Washington on the 7th day of January last, for the cession of their
+right to the tract of country therein described, it is now laid before
+both Houses of Congress for the exercise of their constitutional powers
+toward the fulfillment thereof.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 18, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the request of the Senate of yesterday's date, I now
+communicate the entire correspondence between the ambassador of Tunis
+and the Secretary of State, from which the Senate will see that the
+first application by the ambassador for restitution of the vessels taken
+in violation of blockade having been yielded to, the only remaining
+cause of difference brought forward by him is the requisition of a
+present of naval stores to secure a peace for three years, after which
+the inference is obvious that a renewal of the presents is to be
+expected to renew the prolongation of peace for another term. But this
+demand has been pressed in verbal conferences much more explicitly and
+pertinaciously than appears in the written correspondence. To save the
+delay of copying, some originals are inclosed, with a request that they
+be returned.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 19, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I nominate James Monroe, now minister plenipotentiary of the United
+States at the Court of London, and William Pinkney, of Maryland, to be
+commissioners plenipotentiary and extraordinary for settling all matters
+of difference between the United States and the United Kingdoms of Great
+Britain and Ireland relative to wrongs committed between the parties on
+the high seas or other waters, and for establishing the principles of
+navigation and commerce between them.
+
+James Houston, of Maryland, to be judge of the court of the United
+States for the district of Maryland.
+
+Willis W. Parker, of Virginia, to be collector of the district and
+inspector of the revenue for the port of South Quay.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Ninth Congress, second session, 685.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas satisfactory information has been received that Henry Whitby,
+commanding a British armed vessel called the _Leander_, did on the
+25th day of the month of April last, within the waters and jurisdiction
+of the United States, and near to the entrance of the harbor of New
+York, by a cannon shot fired from the said vessel _Leander_, commit
+a murder on the body of John Pierce, a citizen of the United States,
+then pursuing his lawful vocation within the same waters and
+jurisdiction of the United States and near to their shores; and that
+the said Henry Whitby can not at this time be brought to justice by
+the ordinary process of law; and
+
+Whereas it does further appear that both before and after the said day
+sundry trespasses, wrongs, and unlawful interruptions and vexations on
+trading vessels coming to the United States, and within their waters and
+vicinity, were committed by the said armed vessel the _Leander_, her
+officers and people; by one other armed vessel called the _Cambrian_,
+commanded by John Nairne, her officers and people; and by one other
+armed vessel called the _Driver_, commanded by Slingsby Simpson, her
+officers and people; which vessels, being all of the same nation, were
+aiding and assisting each other in the trespasses, interruptions, and
+vexations aforesaid:
+
+Now, therefore, to the end that the said Henry Whitby may be brought to
+justice and due punishment inflicted for the said murder, I do hereby
+especially enjoin and require all officers having authority, civil or
+military, and all other persons within the limits or jurisdiction of the
+United States, wheresoever the said Henry Whitby may be found, now or
+hereafter, to apprehend and secure the said Henry Whitby, and him safely
+and diligently to deliver to the civil authority of the place, to be
+proceeded against according to law.
+
+And I do hereby further require that the said armed vessel the
+_Leander_, with her officers and people, and the said armed vessels the
+_Cambrian_ and _Driver_, their officers and people, immediately and
+without any delay depart from the harbors and wraters of the United
+States. And I do forever interdict the entrance of all other vessels
+which shall be commanded by the said Henry Whitby, John Nairne, and
+Slingsby Simpson, or either of them.
+
+And if the said vessels, or any of them, shall fail to depart as
+aforesaid, or shall reenter the harbors or waters aforesaid, I do
+in that case forbid all intercourse with the said armed vessels the
+_Leander_, the _Cambrian_, and the _Driver_, or with any of them, and
+the officers and crews thereof, and do prohibit all supplies and aid
+from being furnished them, or any of them. And I do declare and make
+known that if any person from or within the jurisdictional limits of the
+United States shall afford any aid to either of the said armed vessels
+contrary to the prohibition contained in this proclamation, either in
+repairing such vessel or in furnishing her, her officers or crew, with
+supplies of any kind or in any manner whatever; or if any pilot shall
+assist in navigating any of the said armed vessels, unless it be for
+the purpose of carrying them in the first instance beyond the limits
+and jurisdiction of the United States, such person or persons shall on
+conviction suffer all the pains and penalties by the laws provided for
+such offenses. And I do hereby enjoin and require all persons bearing
+office, civil or military, within the United States, and all others
+citizens or inhabitants thereof, or being within the same, with
+vigilance and promptitude to exert their respective authorities and
+to be aiding and assisting to the carrying this proclamation and every
+part thereof into full effect.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+Given at the city of Washington, the 3d day of May, A.D. 1806, and of
+the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States the thirtieth.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Ninth Congress, second session, 686.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that sundry persons, citizens of
+the United States or residents within the same, are conspiring and
+confederating together to begin and set on foot, provide, and prepare
+the means for a military expedition or enterprise against the dominions
+of Spain; that for this purpose they are fitting out and arming vessels
+in the western waters of the United States, collecting provisions,
+arms, military stores, and means; are deceiving and seducing honest
+and well-meaning citizens, under various pretenses, to engage in their
+criminal enterprises; are organizing, officering, and arming themselves
+for the same, contrary to the laws in such cases made and provided:
+
+I have therefore thought proper to issue this my proclamation, warning
+and enjoining all faithful citizens who have been led without due
+knowledge or consideration to participate in the said unlawful
+enterprises to withdraw from the same without delay, and commanding all
+persons whatsoever engaged or concerned in the same to cease all further
+proceedings therein, as they will answer the contrary at their peril and
+incur prosecution with all the rigors of the law. And I hereby enjoin
+and require all officers, civil and military, of the United States, or
+of any of the States or Territories, and especially all governors and
+other executive authorities, all judges, justices, and other officers
+of the peace, all military officers of the Army or Navy of the United
+States, or officers of the militia, to be vigilant, each within his
+respective department and according to his functions, in searching out
+and bringing to condign punishment all persons engaged or concerned in
+such enterprise, in seizing and detaining, subject to the disposition of
+the law, all vessels, arms, military stores, or other means provided or
+providing for the same, and, in general, in preventing the carrying on
+such expedition or enterprise by all lawful means within their power;
+and I require all good and faithful citizens and others within the
+United States to be aiding and assisting herein, and especially in the
+discovery, apprehension, and bringing to justice of all such offenders,
+in preventing the execution of their unlawful designs, and in giving
+information against them to the proper authorities.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to
+be affixed to these presents, and have signed the same with my hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given at the city of Washington on the 27th day of November, 1806, and
+in the year of the Sovereignty of the United States the thirty-first.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+DECEMBER 2, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
+America in Congress assembled_:
+
+It would have given me, fellow-citizens, great satisfaction to announce
+in the moment of your meeting that the difficulties in our foreign
+relations existing at the time of your last separation had been amicably
+and justly terminated. I lost no time in taking those measures which
+were most likely to bring them to such a termination--by special
+missions charged with such powers and instructions as in the event
+of failure could leave no imputation on either our moderation or
+forbearance. The delays which have since taken place in our negotiations
+with the British Government appear to have proceeded from causes which
+do not forbid the expectation that during the course of the session I
+may be enabled to lay before you their final issue. What will be that of
+the negotiations for settling our differences with Spain nothing which
+had taken place at the date of the last dispatches enables us to
+pronounce. On the western side of the Mississippi she advanced in
+considerable force, and took post at the settlement of Bayou Pierre, on
+the Red River. This village was originally settled by France, was held
+by her as long as she held Louisiana, and was delivered to Spain only
+as a part of Louisiana. Being small, insulated, and distant, it was not
+observed at the moment of redelivery to France and the United States
+that she continued a guard of half a dozen men which had been stationed
+there. A proposition, however, having been lately made by our commander
+in chief to assume the Sabine River as a temporary line of separation
+between the troops of the two nations until the issue of our
+negotiations shall be known, this has been referred by the Spanish
+commandant to his superior, and in the meantime he has withdrawn his
+force to the western side of the Sabine River. The correspondence on
+this subject now communicated will exhibit more particularly the present
+state of things in that quarter.
+
+The nature of that country requires indispensably that an unusual
+proportion of the force employed there should be cavalry or mounted
+infantry. In order, therefore, that the commanding officer might be
+enabled to act with effect, I had authorized him to call on the
+governors of Orleans and Mississippi for a corps of 500 volunteer
+cavalry. The temporary arrangement he has proposed may perhaps render
+this unnecessary; but I inform you with great pleasure of the
+promptitude with which the inhabitants of those Territories have
+tendered their services in defense of their country. It has done honor
+to themselves, entitled them to the confidence of their fellow-citizens
+in every part of the Union, and must strengthen the general
+determination to protect them efficaciously under all circumstances
+which may occur.
+
+Having received information that in another part of the United States
+a great number of private individuals were combining together, arming
+and organizing themselves contrary to law, to carry on a military
+expedition against the territories of Spain, I thought it necessary,
+by proclamation as well as by special orders, to take measures for
+preventing and suppressing this enterprise, for seizing the vessels,
+arms, and other means provided for it, and for arresting and bringing
+to justice its authors and abettors. It was due to that good faith
+which ought ever to be the rule of action in public as well as in
+private transactions, it was due to good order and regular government,
+that while the public force was acting strictly on the defensive and
+merely to protect our citizens from aggression the criminal attempts
+of private individuals to decide for their country the question of
+peace or war by commencing active and unauthorized hostilities should
+be promptly and efficaciously suppressed.
+
+Whether it will be necessary to enlarge our regular force will depend on
+the result of our negotiations with Spain; but as it is uncertain when
+that result will be known, the provisional measures requisite for that,
+and to meet any pressure intervening in that quarter, will be a subject
+for your early consideration.
+
+The possession of both banks of the Mississippi reducing to a single
+point the defense of that river, its waters, and the country adjacent,
+it becomes highly necessary to provide for that point a more adequate
+security. Some position above its mouth, commanding the passage of the
+river, should be rendered sufficiently strong to cover the armed vessels
+which may be stationed there for defense, and in conjunction with them
+to present an insuperable obstacle to any force attempting to pass. The
+approaches to the city of New Orleans from the eastern quarter also will
+require to be examined and more effectually guarded. For the internal
+support of the country the encouragement of a strong settlement on the
+western side of the Mississippi, within reach of New Orleans, will be
+worthy the consideration of the Legislature.
+
+The gunboats authorized by an act of the last session are so advanced
+that they will be ready for service in the ensuing spring. Circumstances
+permitted us to allow the time necessary for their more solid
+construction. As a much larger number will still be wanting to place
+our seaport towns and waters in that state of defense to which we are
+competent and they entitled, a similar appropriation for a further
+provision for them is recommended for the ensuing year.
+
+A further appropriation will also be necessary for repairing
+fortifications already established and the erection of such other works
+as may have real effect in obstructing the approach of an enemy to our
+seaport towns, or their remaining before them.
+
+In a country whose constitution is derived from the will of the people,
+directly expressed by their free suffrages; where the principal
+executive functionaries and those of the legislature are renewed by them
+at short periods; where under the character of jurors they exercise in
+person the greatest portion of the judiciary powers; where the laws are
+consequently so formed and administered as to bear with equal weight and
+favor on all, restraining no man in the pursuits of honest industry and
+securing to everyone the property which that acquires, it would not be
+supposed that any safeguards could be needed against insurrection or
+enterprise on the public peace or authority. The lawrs, however, aware
+that these should not be trusted to moral restraints only, have wisely
+provided punishment for these crimes when committed. But would it not be
+salutary to give also the means of preventing their commission? Where an
+enterprise is meditated by private individuals against a foreign nation
+in amity with the United States, powers of prevention to a certain
+extent are given by the laws. Would they not be as reasonable and useful
+where the enterprise preparing is against the United States? While
+adverting to this branch of law it is proper to observe that in
+enterprises meditated against foreign nations the ordinary process of
+binding to the observance of the peace and good behavior, could it
+be extended to acts to be done out of the jurisdiction of the United
+States, would be effectual in some cases where the offender is able to
+keep out of sight every indication of his purpose which could draw on
+him the exercise of the powers now given by law.
+
+The States on the coast of Barbary seem generally disposed at present
+to respect our peace and friendship; with Tunis alone some uncertainty
+remains. Persuaded that it is our interest to maintain our peace with
+them on equal terms or not at all, I propose to send in due time a
+reen-forcement into the Mediterranean unless previous information shall
+shew it to be unnecessary.
+
+We continue to receive proofs of the growing attachment of our Indian
+neighbors and of their disposition to place all their interests under
+the patronage of the United States. These dispositions are inspired by
+their confidence in our justice and in the sincere concern we feel for
+their welfare; and as long as we discharge these high and honorable
+functions with the integrity and good faith which alone can entitle us
+to their continuance we may expect to reap the just reward in their
+peace and friendship.
+
+The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke for exploring the river
+Missouri and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean has
+had all the success which could have been expected. They have traced the
+Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific
+Ocean; ascertained with accuracy the geography of that interesting
+communication across our continent, learnt the character of the country,
+of its commerce and inhabitants; and it is but justice to say that
+Messrs. Lewis and Clarke and their brave companions have by this arduous
+service deserved well of their country.
+
+The attempt to explore the Red River, under the direction of Mr.
+Freeman, though conducted with a zeal and prudence meriting entire
+approbation, has not been equally successful. After proceeding up it
+about 600 miles, nearly as far as the French settlements had extended
+while the country was in their possession, our geographers were obliged
+to return without completing their work.
+
+Very useful additions have also been made to our knowledge of the
+Mississippi by Lieutenant Pike, who has ascended it to its source, and
+whose journal and map, giving the details of his journey, will shortly
+be ready for communication to both Houses of Congress. Those of Messrs.
+Lewis, Clarke, and Freeman will require further time to be digested
+and prepared. These important surveys, in addition to those before
+possessed, furnish materials for commencing an accurate map of the
+Mississippi and its western waters. Some principal rivers, however,
+remain still to be explored, toward which the authorization of Congress
+by moderate appropriations will be requisite.
+
+I congratulate you, fellow-citizens, on the approach of the period at
+which you may interpose your authority constitutionally to withdraw
+the citizens of the United States from all further participation in
+those violations of human rights which have been so long continued on
+the unoffending inhabitants of Africa, and which the morality, the
+reputation, and the best interests of our country have long been eager
+to proscribe. Although no law you may pass can take prohibitory effect
+till the first day of the year 1808, yet the intervening period is
+not too long to prevent by timely notice expeditions which can not
+be completed before that day.
+
+The receipts at the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th day of
+September last have amounted to near $15,000,000, which have enabled us,
+after meeting the current demands, to pay $2,700,000 of the American
+claims in part of the price of Louisiana; to pay of the funded debt
+upward of three millions of principal and nearly four of interest, and,
+in addition, to reimburse in the course of the present month near two
+millions of 5-1/2 per cent stock. These payments and reimbursements of
+the funded debt, with those which had been made in the four years and a
+half preceding, will at the close of the present year have extinguished
+upward of twenty-three millions of principal.
+
+The duties composing the Mediterranean fund will cease by law at the
+end of the present session. Considering, however, that they are levied
+chiefly on luxuries and that we have an impost on salt, a necessary
+of life, the free use of which otherwise is so important, I recommend
+to your consideration the suppression of the duties on salt and the
+continuation of the Mediterranean fund instead thereof for a short time,
+after which that also will become unnecessary for any purpose now within
+contemplation.
+
+When both of these branches of revenue shall in this way be relinquished
+there will still ere long be an accumulation of moneys in the Treasury
+beyond the installments of public debt which we are permitted by
+contract to pay. They can not then, without a modification assented to
+by the public creditors, be applied to the extinguishment of this debt
+and the complete liberation of our revenues, the most desirable of all
+objects. Nor, if our peace continues, will they be wanting for any other
+existing purpose. The question therefore now comes forward, To what
+other objects shall these surpluses be appropriated, and the whole
+surplus of impost, after the entire discharge of the public debt, and
+during those intervals when the purposes of war shall not call for them?
+Shall we suppress the impost and give that advantage to foreign over
+domestic manufactures? On a few articles of more general and necessary
+use the suppression in due season will doubtless be right, but the great
+mass of the articles on which impost is paid are foreign luxuries,
+purchased by those only who are rich enough to afford themselves the
+use of them. Their patriotism would certainly prefer its continuance
+and application to the great purposes of the public education, roads,
+rivers, canals, and such other objects of public improvement as it may
+be thought proper to add to the constitutional enumeration of Federal
+powers. By these operations new channels of communication will be opened
+between the States, the lines of separation will disappear, their
+interests will be identified, and their union cemented by new and
+indissoluble ties. Education is here placed among the articles of public
+care, not that it would be proposed to take its ordinary branches out
+of the hands of private enterprise, which manages so much better all
+the concerns to which it is equal, but a public institution can alone
+supply those sciences which though rarely called for are yet necessary
+to complete the circle, all the parts of which contribute to the
+improvement of the country and some of them to its preservation. The
+subject is now proposed for the consideration of Congress, because if
+approved by the time the State legislatures shall have deliberated on
+this extension of the Federal trusts, and the laws shall be passed and
+other arrangements made for their execution, the necessary funds will
+be on hand and without employment. I suppose an amendment to the
+Constitution, by consent of the States, necessary, because the objects
+now recommended are not among those enumerated in the Constitution, and
+to which it permits the public moneys to be applied.
+
+The present consideration of a national establishment for education
+particularly is rendered proper by this circumstance also, that if
+Congress, approving the proposition, shall yet think it more eligible
+to found it on a donation of lands, they have it now in their power to
+endow it with those which will be among the earliest to produce the
+necessary income. This foundation would have the advantage of being
+independent of war, which may suspend other improvements by requiring
+for its own purposes the resources destined for them.
+
+This, fellow-citizens, is the state of the public interests at the
+present moment and according to the information now possessed. But such
+is the situation of the nations of Europe and such, too, the predicament
+in which we stand with some of them that we can not rely with certainty
+on the present aspect of our affairs, that may change from moment
+to moment during the course of your session or after you shall have
+separated. Our duty is, therefore, to act upon things as they are and
+to make a reasonable provision for whatever they may be. Were armies to
+be raised whenever a speck of war is visible in our horizon, we never
+should have been without them. Our resources would have been exhausted
+on dangers which have never happened, instead of being reserved for
+what is really to take place. A steady, perhaps a quickened, pace in
+preparations for the defense of our seaport towns and waters; an early
+settlement of the most exposed and vulnerable parts of our country; a
+militia so organized that its effective portions can be called to any
+point in the Union, or volunteers instead of them to serve a sufficient
+time, are means which may always be ready, yet never preying on our
+resources until actually called into use. They will maintain the
+public interests while a more permanent force shall be in course of
+preparation. But much will depend on the promptitude with which these
+means can be brought into activity. If war be forced upon us, in spite
+of our long and vain appeals to the justice of nations, rapid and
+vigorous movements in its outset will go far toward securing us in its
+course and issue, and toward throwing its burthens on those who render
+necessary the resort from reason to force.
+
+The result of our negotiations, or such incidents in their course as may
+enable us to infer their probable issue; such further movements also
+on our western frontiers as may shew whether war is to be pressed there
+while negotiation is protracted elsewhere, shall be communicated to
+you from time to time as they become known to me, with whatever other
+information I possess or may receive, which may aid your deliberations
+on the great national interests committed to your charge.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 3, 1806.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I have the satisfaction to inform you that the negotiation depending
+between the United States and the Government of Great Britain is
+proceeding in a spirit of friendship and accommodation which promises a
+result of mutual advantage. Delays, indeed, have taken place, occasioned
+by the long illness and subsequent death of the British minister charged
+with that duty. But the commissioners appointed by that Government
+to resume the negotiation have shewn every disposition to hasten its
+progress. It is, however, a work of time, as many arrangements are
+necessary to place our future harmony on stable grounds. In the meantime
+we find by the communications of our plenipotentiaries that a temporary
+suspension of the act of the last session prohibiting certain
+importations would, as a mark of candid disposition on our part and of
+confidence in the temper and views with which they have been met, have
+a happy effect on its course. A step so friendly will afford further
+evidence that all our proceedings have flowed from views of justice and
+conciliation, and that we give them willingly that form which may best
+meet corresponding dispositions.
+
+Add to this that the same motives which produced the postponement of
+the act till the 15th of November last are in favor of its further
+suspension, and as we have reason to hope that it may soon yield to
+arrangements of mutual consent and convenience, justice seems to require
+that the same measure may be dealt out to the few cases which may fall
+within its short course as to all others preceding and following it.
+I can not, therefore, but recommend the suspension of this act for a
+reasonable time, on considerations of justice, amity, and the public
+interests.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 15, 1806,
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress a report of the surveyor of the public buildings,
+stating the progress made on them during the last season and what is
+proposed for the ensuing one.
+
+I took every measure within my power for carrying into effect the
+request of the House of Representatives of the 17th of April last
+to cause the south wing of the Capitol to be prepared for their
+accommodation by the commencement of the present session. With great
+regret I found it was not to be accomplished. The quantity of freestone
+necessary, with the size and quality of many of the blocks, was
+represented as beyond what could be obtained from the quarries by any
+exertions which could be commanded. The other parts of the work, which
+might all have been completed in time, were necessarily retarded by the
+insufficient progress of the stonework.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 5, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to each House of Congress a copy of the laws of the Territory
+of Michigan passed by the governor and judges of the Territory during
+the year 1805.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 22, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to the request of the House of Representatives communicated
+in their resolution of the 16th instant, I proceed to state, under the
+reserve therein expressed, information received touching an illegal
+combination of private individuals against the peace and safety of the
+Union, and a military expedition planned by them against the territories
+of a power in amity with the United States, with the measures I have
+pursued for suppressing the same.
+
+I had for some time been in the constant expectation of receiving
+such further information as would have enabled me to lay before the
+Legislature the termination as well as the beginning and progress of
+this scene of depravity so far as it has been acted on the Ohio and its
+waters. From this the state of safety of the lower country might have
+been estimated on probable grounds, and the delay was indulged the
+rather because no circumstance had yet made it necessary to call in the
+aid of the legislative functions. Information now recently communicated
+has brought us nearly to the period contemplated. The mass of what I
+have received in the course of these transactions is voluminous, but
+little has been given under the sanction of an oath so as to constitute
+formal and legal evidence. It is chiefly in the form of letters, often
+containing such a mixture of rumors, conjectures, and suspicions
+as renders it difficult to sift out the real facts and unadvisable
+to hazard more than general outlines, strengthened by concurrent
+information or the particular credibility of the relator. In this state
+of the evidence, delivered sometimes, too, under the restriction of
+private confidence, neither safety nor justice will permit the exposing
+names, except that of the principal actor, whose guilt is placed beyond
+question.
+
+Some time in the latter part of September I received intimations that
+designs were in agitation in the Western country unlawful and unfriendly
+to the peace of the Union, and that the prime mover in these was Aaron
+Burr, heretofore distinguished by the favor of his country. The grounds
+of these intimations being inconclusive, the objects uncertain, and the
+fidelity of that country known to be firm, the only measure taken was to
+urge the informants to use their best endeavors to get further insight
+into the designs and proceedings of the suspected persons and to
+communicate them to me.
+
+It was not till the latter part of October that the objects of the
+conspiracy began to be perceived, but still so blended and involved in
+mystery that nothing distinct could be singled out for pursuit. In this
+state of uncertainty as to the crime contemplated, the acts done, and
+the legal course to be pursued, I thought it best to send to the scene
+where these things were principally in transaction a person in whose
+integrity, understanding, and discretion entire confidence could be
+reposed, with instructions to investigate the plots going on, to enter
+into conference (for which he had sufficient credentials) with the
+governors and all other officers, civil and military, and with their
+aid to do on the spot whatever should be necessary to discover the
+designs of the conspirators, arrest their means, bring their persons
+to punishment, and to call out the force of the country to suppress any
+unlawful enterprise in which it should be found they were engaged.
+By this time it was known that many boats were under preparation,
+stores of provisions collecting, and an unusual number of suspicious
+characters in motion on the Ohio and its waters. Besides dispatching
+the confidential agent to that quarter, orders were at the same time
+sent to the governors of the Orleans and Mississippi Territories and
+to the commanders of the land and naval forces there to be on their
+guard against surprise and in constant readiness to resist any enterprise
+which might be attempted on the vessels, posts, or other objects under
+their care; and on the 8th of November instructions were forwarded to
+General Wilkinson to hasten an accommodation with the Spanish commandant
+on the Sabine, and as soon as that was effected to fall back with his
+principal force to the hither bank of the Mississippi for the defense
+of the interesting points on that river. By a letter received from
+that officer on the 25th of November, but dated October 21, we learnt
+that a confidential agent of Aaron Burr had been deputed to him with
+communications, partly written in cipher and partly oral, explaining his
+designs, exaggerating his resources, and making such offers of emolument
+and command to engage him and the army in his unlawful enterprise as he
+had flattered himself would be successful. The General, with the honor
+of a soldier and fidelity of a good citizen, immediately dispatched a
+trusty officer to me with information of what had passed, proceeding
+to establish such an understanding with the Spanish commandant on the
+Sabine as permitted him to withdraw his force across the Mississippi
+and to enter on measures for opposing the projected enterprise.
+
+The General's letter, which came to hand on the 25th of November, as has
+been mentioned, and some other information received a few days earlier,
+when brought together developed Burr's general designs, different parts
+of which only had been revealed to different informants. It appeared
+that he contemplated two distinct objects, which might be carried on
+either jointly or separately, and either the one or the other first,
+as circumstances should direct. One of these was the severance of the
+Union of these States by the Alleghany Mountains; the other an attack
+on Mexico. A third object was provided, merely ostensible, to wit, the
+settlement of a pretended purchase of a tract of country on the Washita
+claimed by a Baron Bastrop. This was to serve as the pretext for all
+his preparations, an allurement for such followers as really wished to
+acquire settlements in that country and a cover under which to retreat
+in the event of a final discomfiture of both branches of his real
+design.
+
+He found at once that the attachment of the Western country to the
+present Union was not to be shaken; that its dissolution could not be
+effected with the consent of its inhabitants, and that his resources
+were inadequate as yet to effect it by force. He took his course then
+at once, determined to seize on New Orleans, plunder the bank there,
+possess himself of the military and naval stores, and proceed on his
+expedition to Mexico, and to this object all his means and preparations
+were now directed. He collected from all the quarters where himself or
+his agents possessed influence all the ardent, restless, desperate,
+and disaffected persons who were ready for any enterprise analogous to
+their characters. He seduced good and well-meaning citizens, some by
+assurances that he possessed the confidence of the Government and was
+acting under its secret patronage, a pretense which procured some credit
+from the state of our differences with Spain, and others by offers of
+land in Bastrop's claim on the Washita.
+
+This was the state of my information of his proceedings about the last
+of November, at which time, therefore, it was first possible to take
+specific measures to meet them. The proclamation of November 27, two
+days after the receipt of General Wilkinson's information, was now
+issued. Orders were dispatched to every interesting point on the Ohio
+and Mississippi from Pittsburg to New Orleans for the employment of such
+force either of the regulars or of the militia and of such proceedings
+also of the civil authorities as might enable them to seize on all the
+boats and stores provided for the enterprise, to arrest the persons
+concerned, and to suppress effectually the further progress of the
+enterprise. A little before the receipt of these orders in the State
+of Ohio our confidential agent, who had been diligently employed in
+investigating the conspiracy, had acquired sufficient information to
+open himself to the governor of that State and apply for the immediate
+exertion of the authority and power of the State to crush the
+combination. Governor Tiffin and the legislature, with a promptitude,
+an energy, and patriotic zeal which entitle them to a distinguished
+place in the affection of their sister States, effected the seizure
+of all the boats, provisions, and other preparations within their
+reach, and thus gave a first blow, materially disabling the enterprise
+in its outset.
+
+In Kentucky a premature attempt to bring Burr to justice without
+sufficient evidence for his conviction had produced a popular impression
+in his favor and a general disbelief of his guilt. This gave him an
+unfortunate opportunity of hastening his equipments. The arrival of
+the proclamation and orders and the application and information of our
+confidential agent at length awakened the authorities of that State
+to the truth, and then produced the same promptitude and energy of
+which the neighboring State had set the example. Under an act of their
+legislature of December 23 militia was instantly ordered to different
+important points, and measures taken for doing whatever could yet be
+done. Some boats (accounts vary from five to double or treble that
+number) and persons (differently estimated from 100 to 300) had in
+the meantime passed the Falls of Ohio to rendezvous at the mouth of
+Cumberland with others expected down that river.
+
+Not apprised till very late that any boats were building on Cumberland,
+the effect of the proclamation had been trusted to for some time in the
+State of Tennessee; but on the *19th of December similar communications
+and instructions with those to the neighboring States were dispatched by
+express to the governor and a general officer of the western division
+ofthe State, and on the 23d of December our confidential agent left
+Frankfort for Nashville to put into activity the means of that State
+also. But by information received yesterday I learn that on the 22d of
+December Mr. Burr descended the Cumberland with two boats merely of
+accommodation, carrying with him from that State no quota toward his
+unlawful enterprise. Whether after the arrival of the proclamation, of
+the orders, or of our agent any exertion which could be made by that
+State or the orders of the governor of Kentucky for calling out the
+militia at the mouth of Cumberland would be in time to arrest these
+boats and those from the Falls of Ohio is still doubtful.
+
+On the whole, the fugitives from the Ohio, with their associates from
+Cumberland or any other place in that quarter, can not threaten serious
+danger to the city of New Orleans.
+
+By the same express of December 19 orders were sent to the governors of
+Orleans and Mississippi, supplementary to those which had been given
+onthe 25th of November, to hold the militia of their Territories in
+readiness to cooperate for their defense with the regular troops and
+armed vessels then under command of General Wilkinson. Great alarm,
+indeed, was excited at New Orleans by the exaggerated accounts of Mr.
+Burr, disseminated through his emissaries, of the armies and navies
+he was to assemble there. General Wilkinson had arrived there himself
+on the 24th of November, and had immediately put into activity the
+resources of the place for the purpose of its defense, and on the 10th
+of December he was joined by his troops from the Sabine. Great zeal was
+shewn by the inhabitants generally, the merchants of the place readily
+agreeing to the most laudable exertions and sacrifices for manning the
+armed vessels with their seamen, and the other citizens manifesting
+unequivocal fidelity to the Union and a spirit of determined resistance
+to their expected assailants.
+
+Surmises have been hazarded that this enterprise is to receive aid
+from certain foreign powers; but these surmises are without proof or
+probability. The wisdom of the measures sanctioned by Congress at its
+last session has placed us in the paths of peace and justice with the
+only powers with whom we had any differences, and nothing has happened
+since which makes it either their interest or ours to pursue another
+course. No change of measures has taken place on our part; none ought
+to take place at this time. With the one, friendly arrangement was then
+proposed, and the law deemed necessary on the failure of that was
+suspended to give time for a fair trial of the issue. With the same
+power friendly arrangement is now proceeding under good expectations,
+and the same law deemed necessary on failure of that is still suspended,
+to give time for a fair trial of the issue. With the other, negotiation
+was in like manner then preferred, and provisional measures only taken
+to meet the event of rupture. With the same power negotiation is still
+preferred, and provisional measures only are necessary to meet the event
+of rupture. While, therefore, we do not deflect in the slightest degree
+from the course we then assumed and are still pursuing with mutual
+consent to restore a good understanding, we arc not to impute to them
+practices as irreconcilable to interest as to good faith, and changing
+necessarily the relations of peace and justice between us to those of
+war. These surmises are therefore to be imputed to the vauntings of the
+author of this enterprise to multiply his partisans by magnifying the
+belief of his prospects and support.
+
+By letters from General Wilkinson of the 14th and 18th of December,
+which came to hand two days after the date of the resolution of the
+House of Representatives--that is to say, on the morning of the 18th
+instant--I received the important affidavit a copy of which I now
+communicate, with extracts of so much of the letters as comes within the
+scope of the resolution. By these it will be seen that of three of the
+principal emissaries of Mr. Burr whom the General had caused to be
+apprehended, one had been liberated by habeas corpus, and two others,
+being those particularly employed in the endeavor to corrupt the general
+and army of the United States, have been embarked by him for ports in
+the Atlantic States, probably on the consideration that an impartial
+trial could not be expected during the present agitations of New
+Orleans, and that that city was not as yet a safe place of confinement.
+As soon as these persons shall arrive they will be delivered to the
+custody of the law and left to such course of trial, both as to place
+and process, as its functionaries may direct. The presence of the
+highest judicial authorities, to be assembled at this place within a few
+days, the means of pursuing a sounder course of proceedings here than
+elsewhere, and the aid of the Executive means, should the judges have
+occasion to use them, render it equally desirable for the criminals as
+for the public that, being already removed from the place where they
+were first apprehended, the first regular arrest should take place here,
+and the course of proceedings receive here its proper direction.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 26, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate, and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I received from General Wilkinson on the 23d instant his affidavit
+charging Samuel Swartwout, Peter V. Ogden, and James Alexander with the
+crimes described in the affidavit a copy of which is now communicated
+to both Houses of Congress.
+
+It was announced to me at the same time that Swartwout and Bollman, two
+of the persons apprehended by him, were arrived in this city in custody
+each of a military officer. I immediately delivered to the attorney of
+the United States in this district the evidence received against them,
+with instructions to lay the same before the judges and apply for their
+process to bring the accused to justice, and put into his hands orders
+to the officers having them in custody to deliver them to the marshal
+on his application.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 27, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now render to Congress the account of the fund established for
+defraying the contingent expenses of Government for the year 1806.
+No occasion having arisen for making use of any part of the balance of
+$18,012.50, unexpended on the 31st day of December, 1805, that balance
+remains in the Treasury.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 28, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+By the letters of Captain Bissel, who commands at Fort Massac, and of
+Mr. Murrell, to General Jackson, of Tennessee, copies of which are now
+communicated to Congress, it will be seen that Aaron Burr passed Fort
+Massac on the 31st December with about ten boats, navigated by about six
+hands each, without any military appearance, and that three boats with
+ammunition were said to have been arrested by the militia at Louisville.
+
+As the guards of militia posted on various points of the Ohio will be
+able to prevent any further aids passing through that channel, should
+any be attempted, we may now estimate with tolerable certainty the means
+derived from the Ohio and its waters toward the accomplishment of the
+purposes of Mr. Burr.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 31, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In execution of the act of the last session of Congress entitled "An
+act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, in
+the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio," I appointed Thomas Moore,
+of Maryland; Joseph Kerr, of Ohio, and Eli Williams, of Maryland,
+commissioners to lay out the said road, and to perform the other duties
+assigned to them by the act. The progress which they made in the
+execution of the work during the last season will appear in their report
+now communicated to Congress. On the receipt of it I took measures
+to obtain consent for making the road of the States of Pennsylvania,
+Maryland, and Virginia, through which the commissioners proposed to
+lay it out. I have received acts of the legislatures of Maryland and
+Virginia giving the consent desired; that of Pennsylvania has the
+subject still under consideration, as is supposed. Until I receive full
+consent to a free choice of route through the whole distance I have
+thought it safest neither to accept nor reject finally the partial
+report of the commissioners. Some matters suggested in the report belong
+exclusively to the Legislature.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress the laws for the government of Louisiana, passed
+by the governor and judges of the Indiana Territory at their session at
+Vincennes begun on the 1st of October, 1804.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Government of France having examined into the claim of M. de
+Beaumarchais against the United States, and considering it as just and
+legal, has instructed its minister here to make representations on the
+subject to the Government of the United States. I now lay his memoir
+thereon before the Legislature, the only authority competent to a final
+decision on the same.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 10, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate, for the information of Congress, a letter from Cowles
+Mead, secretary of the Mississippi Territory, to the Secretary of War,
+by which it will be seen that Mr. Burr had reached that neighborhood
+on the 13th of January.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+FEBRUARY 10, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the request of the House of Representatives expressed
+in their resolution of the 5th instant, I proceed to give such
+information as is possessed of the effect of gunboats in the protection
+and defense of harbors, of the numbers thought necessary, and of the
+proposed distribution of them among the ports and harbors of the United
+States.
+
+Under present circumstances, and governed by the intentions of the
+Legislature as manifested by their annual appropriations of money for
+the purposes of defense, it has been concluded to combine, first, land
+batteries furnished with heavy cannon and mortars, and established on
+all the points around the place favorable for preventing vessels from
+lying before it; second, movable artillery, which may be carried, as
+occasion may require, to points unprovided with fixed batteries; third,
+floating batteries, and fourth, gunboats which may oppose an enemy at
+his entrance and cooperate with the batteries for his expulsion.
+
+On this subject professional men were consulted as far as we had
+opportunity. General Wilkinson and the late General Gates gave their
+opinions in writing in favor of the system, as will be seen by their
+letters now communicated. The higher officers of the Navy gave the same
+opinions in separate conferences, as their presence at the seat of
+Government offered occasions of consulting them, and no difference of
+judgment appeared on the subject. Those of Commodore Barren and Captain
+Tingey, now here, are recently furnished in writing, and transmitted
+herewith to the Legislature.
+
+The efficacy of gunboats for the defense of harbors and of other smooth
+and inclosed waters may be estimated in part from that of galleys
+formerly much used but less powerful, more costly in their construction
+and maintenance, and requiring more men. But the gunboat itself is
+believed to be in use with every modern maritime nation for the purposes
+of defense. In the Mediterranean, on which are several small powers
+whose system, like ours, is peace and defense, few harbors are without
+this article of protection. Our own experience there of the effect of
+gunboats for harbor service is recent. Algiers is particularly known
+to have owed to a great provision of these vessels the safety of its
+city since the epoch of their construction, Before that it had been
+repeatedly insulted and injured. The effect of gunboats at present in
+the neighborhood of Gibraltar is well known, and how much they were used
+both in the attack and defense of that place during a former war. The
+extensive resort to them by the two greatest naval powers in the world
+on an enterprise of invasion not long since in prospect shews their
+confidence in their efficacy for the purposes for which they are suited.
+By the northern powers of Europe, whose seas are particularly adapted
+to them, they are still more used. The remarkable action between the
+Russian flotilla of gunboats and galleys and a Turkish fleet of ships
+of the line and frigates in the Liman Sea in 1788 will be readily
+recollected. The latter, commanded by their most celebrated admiral,
+were completely defeated, and several of their ships of the line
+destroyed.
+
+From the opinions given as to the number of gunboats necessary for some
+of the principal seaports, and from a view of all the towns and ports
+from Orleans to Maine, inclusive, entitled to protection in proportion
+to their situation and circumstances, it is concluded that to give them
+a due measure of protection in times of war about 200 gunboats will be
+requisite.
+
+According to first ideas the following would be their general
+distribution, liable to be varied on more mature examination and
+as circumstances shall vary; that is to say:
+
+To the Mississippi and its neighboring waters, 40 gunboats.
+
+To Savannah and Charleston, and the harbors on each side from St. Marys
+to Currituck, 25.
+
+To the Chesapeake and its waters, 20.
+
+To Delaware Bay and River, 15.
+
+To New York, the Sound, and waters as far as Cape Cod, 50.
+
+To Boston and the harbors north of Cape Cod, 50.
+
+The flotillas assigned to these several stations might each be under
+the care of a particular commandant, and the vessels composing them
+would in ordinary be distributed among the harbors within the station
+in proportion to their importance.
+
+Of these boats a proper proportion would be of the larger size, such
+as those heretofore built, capable of navigating any seas and of
+reenforcing occasionally the strength of even the most distant ports
+when menaced with danger. The residue would be confined to their own
+or the neighboring harbors, would be smaller, less furnished for
+accommodation, and consequently less costly. Of the number supposed
+necessary, 73 are built or building, and the 127 still to be provided
+would cost from $500,000 to $600,000. Having regard to the convenience
+of the Treasury as well as to the resources for building, it has been
+thought that the one-half of these might be built in the present year
+and the other half the next. With the Legislature, however, it will rest
+to stop where we are, or at any further point, when they shall be of
+opinion that the number provided shall be sufficient for the object.
+
+At times when Europe as well as the United States shall be at peace
+it would not be proposed that more than six or eight of these vessels
+should be kept afloat. When Europe is in war, treble that number might
+be necessary, to be distributed among those particular harbors which
+foreign vessels of war are in the habit of frequenting for the purpose
+of preserving order therein. But they would be manned in ordinary, with
+only their complement for navigation, relying on the seamen and militia
+of the port if called into action on any sudden emergency. It would be
+only when the United States should themselves be at war that the whole
+number would be brought into active service, and would be ready in the
+first moments of the war to cooperate with the other means for covering
+at once the line of our seaports. At all times those unemployed would be
+withdrawn into places not exposed to sudden enterprise, hauled up under
+sheds from the sun and weather, and kept in preservation with little
+expense for repairs or maintenance.
+
+It must be superfluous to observe that this species of naval armament
+is proposed merely for defensive operation; that it can have but little
+effect toward protecting our commerce in the open seas, even on our own
+coast; and still less can it become an excitement to engage in offensive
+maritime war, toward which it would furnish no means.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 11, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United
+States according to the latest returns received by the Department
+of War. From two of the States no returns have ever been received.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 19, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress a letter from our ministers plenipotentiary
+at London, informing us that they have agreed with the British
+commissioners to conclude a treaty on all the points which had formed
+the object of their negotiation, and on terms which they trusted we
+would approve.
+
+Also a letter from our minister plenipotentiary at Paris covering one
+to him from the minister of marine of that Government assuring him that
+the imperial decree lately passed was not to affect our commerce, which
+would still be governed by the rules of the treaty established between
+the two countries.
+
+Also a letter from Cowles Mead, secretary of the Mississippi Territory,
+acting as governor, informing us that Aaron Burr had surrendered himself
+to the civil authority of that Territory.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+BY THOMAS JEFFERSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+During the wars which for some time have unhappily prevailed among the
+powers of Europe the United States of America, firm in their principles
+of peace, have endeavored, by justice, by a regular discharge of all
+their national and social duties, and by every friendly office their
+situation has admitted, to maintain with all the belligerents their
+accustomed relations of friendship, hospitality, and commercial
+intercourse. Taking no part in the questions which animate these powers
+against each other, nor permitting themselves to entertain a wish but
+for the restoration of general peace, they have observed with good faith
+the neutrality they assumed, and they believe that no instance of a
+departure from its duties can be justly imputed to them by any nation.
+A free use of their harbors and waters, the means of refitting and of
+refreshment, of succor to their sick and suffering, have at all times
+and on equal principles been extended to all, and this, too, amidst a
+constant recurrence of acts of insubordination to the laws, of violence
+to the persons, and of trespasses on the property of our citizens
+committed by officers of one of the belligerent parties received among
+us. In truth, these abuses of the laws of hospitality have, with few
+exceptions, become habitual to the commanders of the British armed
+vessels hovering on our coasts and frequenting our harbors. They have
+been the subject of repeated representations to their Government.
+Assurances have been given that proper orders should restrain them
+within the limits of the rights and of the respect due to a friendly
+nation; but those orders and assurances have been without effect--no
+instance of punishment for past wrongs has taken place. At length a deed
+transcending all we have hitherto seen or suffered brings the public
+sensibility to a serious crisis and our forbearance to a necessary
+pause. A frigate of the United States, trusting to a state of peace, and
+leaving her harbor on a distant service, has been surprised and attacked
+by a British vessel of superior force--one of a squadron then lying in
+our waters and covering the transaction--and has been disabled from
+service, with the loss of a number of men killed and wounded. This
+enormity was not only without provocation or justifiable cause, but was
+committed with the avowed purpose of taking by force from a ship of war
+of the United States a part of her crew; and that no circumstance might
+be wanting to mark its character, it had been previously ascertained
+that the seamen demanded were native citizens of the United States.
+Having effected her purpose, she returned to anchor with her squadron
+within our jurisdiction. Hospitality under such circumstances ceases to
+be a duty, and a continuance of it with such uncontrolled abuses would
+tend only, by multiplying injuries and irritations, to bring on a
+rupture between the two nations. This extreme resort is equally opposed
+to the interests of both, as it is to assurances of the most friendly
+dispositions on the part of the British Government, in the midst of
+which this outrage has been committed. In this light the subject can not
+but present itself to that Government and strengthen the motives to
+an honorable reparation of the wrong which has been done, and to that
+effectual control of its naval commanders which alone can justify the
+Government of the United States in the exercise of those hospitalities
+it is now constrained to discontinue.
+
+In consideration of these circumstances and of the right of every nation
+to regulate its own police, to provide for its peace and for the safety
+of its citizens, and consequently to refuse the admission of armed
+vessels into its harbors or waters, either in such numbers or of such
+descriptions as are inconsistent with these or with the maintenance
+of the authority of the laws, I have thought proper, in pursuance of
+the authorities specially given by law, to issue this my proclamation,
+hereby requiring all armed vessels bearing commissions under the
+Government of Great Britain now within the harbors or waters of the
+United States immediately and without any delay to depart from the same,
+and interdicting the entrance of all the said harbors and waters to the
+said armed vessels and to all others bearing commissions under the
+authority of the British Government.
+
+And if the said vessels, or any of them, shall fail to depart as
+aforesaid, or if they or any others so interdicted shall hereafter
+enter the harbors or waters aforesaid, I do in that case forbid all
+intercourse with them, or any of them, their officers or crews, and
+do prohibit all supplies and aid from being furnished to them, or any
+of them.
+
+And I do declare and make known that if any person from or within the
+jurisdictional limits of the United States shall afford any aid to any
+such vessel contrary to the prohibition contained in this proclamation,
+either in repairing any such vessel or in furnishing her, her officers
+or crew, with supplies of any kind or in any manner whatsoever; or if
+any pilot shall assist in navigating any of the said armed vessels,
+unless it be for the purpose of carrying them in the first instance
+beyond the limits and jurisdiction of the United States, or unless it
+be in the case of a vessel forced by distress or charged with public
+dispatches, as hereinafter provided for, such person or persons shall
+on conviction suffer all the pains and penalties by the laws provided
+for such offenses.
+
+And I do hereby enjoin and require all persons bearing office, civil or
+military, within or under the authority of the United States, and all
+others citizens or inhabitants thereof, or being within the same, with
+vigilance and promptitude to exert their respective authorities and to
+be aiding and assisting to the carrying this proclamation and every part
+thereof into full effect.
+
+Provided, nevertheless, that if any such vessel shall be forced into the
+harbors or waters of the United States by distress, by the dangers of
+the sea, or by the pursuit of an enemy, or shall enter them charged
+with dispatches or business from their Government, or shall be a public
+packet for the conveyance of letters and dispatches, the commanding
+officer, immediately reporting his vessel to the collector of the
+district, stating the object or causes of entering the said harbors
+or waters, and conforming himself to the regulations in that case
+prescribed under the authority of the laws, shall be allowed the benefit
+of such regulations respecting repairs, supplies, stay, intercourse, and
+departure as shall be permitted under the same authority.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same.
+
+Given at the city of Washington, the 2d day of July, A.D. 1807, and of
+the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States the thirty-first.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Tenth Congress, first session, vol. i, 9.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas great and weighty matters claiming the consideration of the
+Congress of the United States form an extraordinary occasion for
+convening them, I do by these presents appoint Monday, the 26th day
+of October next, for their meeting at the city of Washington, hereby
+requiring the respective Senators and Representatives then and there to
+assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may
+then be made to them, and to consult and determine on such measures as
+in their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 30th day of July, A.D. 1807, and in
+the thirty-second year of the Independence of the United States.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From the National Intelligencer, October 19, 1807.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that a number of individuals who
+have deserted from the Army of the United States and sought shelter
+without the jurisdiction thereof have become sensible of their offense
+and are desirous of returning to their duty, a full pardon is hereby
+proclaimed to each and all of such individuals as shall within four
+months from the date hereof surrender themselves to the commanding
+officer of any military post within the United States or the Territories
+thereof.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 15th day of October, A.D. 1807, and
+of the Independence of the United States of America the thirty-second.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+OCTOBER 27, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Circumstances, fellow-citizens, which seriously threatened the peace
+of our country have made it a duty to convene you at an earlier period
+than usual. The love of peace so much cherished in the bosoms of our
+citizens, which has so long guided the proceedings of their public
+councils and induced forbearance under so many wrongs, may not insure
+our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry. The many injuries
+and depredations committed on our commerce and navigation upon the high
+seas for years past, the successive innovations on those principles
+of public law which have been established by the reason and usage of
+nations as the rule of their intercourse and the umpire and security
+of their rights and peace, and all the circumstances which induced
+the extraordinary mission to London are already known to you. The
+instructions given to our ministers were framed in the sincerest spirit
+of amity and moderation. They accordingly proceeded, in conformity
+therewith, to propose arrangements which might embrace and settle all
+the points in difference between us, which might bring us to a mutual
+understanding on our neutral and national rights and provide for a
+commercial intercourse on conditions of some equality. After long and
+fruitless endeavors to effect the purposes of their mission and to
+obtain arrangements within the limits of their instructions, they
+concluded to sign such as could be obtained and to send them for
+consideration, candidly declaring to the other negotiators at the same
+time that they were acting against their instructions, and that their
+Government, therefore, could not be pledged for ratification. Some
+of the articles proposed might have been admitted on a principle
+of compromise, but others were too highly disadvantageous, and no
+sufficient provision was made against the principal source of the
+irritations and collisions which were constantly endangering the peace
+of the two nations. The question, therefore, whether a treaty should
+be accepted in that form could have admitted but of one decision, even
+had no declarations of the other party impaired our confidence in it.
+Still anxious not to close the door against friendly adjustment, new
+modifications were framed and further concessions authorized than could
+before have been supposed necessary; and our ministers were instructed
+to resume their negotiations on these grounds. On this new reference to
+amicable discussion we were reposing in confidence, when on the 22d day
+of June last by a formal order from a British admiral the frigate
+_Chesapeake_, leaving her port for a distant service, was attacked
+by one of those vessels which had been lying in our harbors under the
+indulgences of hospitality, was disabled from proceeding, had several
+of her crew killed and four taken away. On this outrage no commentaries
+are necessary. Its character has been pronounced by the indignant voice
+of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded. I
+immediately, by proclamation, interdicted our harbors and waters to all
+British armed vessels, forbade intercourse with them, and uncertain how
+far hostilities were intended, and the town of Norfolk, indeed, being
+threatened with immediate attack, a sufficient force was ordered for
+the protection of that place, and such other preparations commenced and
+pursued as the prospect rendered proper. An armed vessel of the United
+States was dispatched with instructions to our ministers at London to
+call on that Government for the satisfaction and security required by
+the outrage. A very short interval ought now to bring the answer, which
+shall be communicated to you as soon as received; then also, or as soon
+after as the public interests shall be found to admit, the unratified
+treaty and proceedings relative to it shall be made known to you.
+
+The aggression thus begun has been continued on the part of the British
+commanders by remaining within our waters in defiance of the authority
+of the country, by habitual violations of its jurisdiction, and at
+length by putting to death one of the persons whom they had forcibly
+taken from on board the _Chesapeake_. These aggravations necessarily
+lead to the policy either of never admitting an armed vessel into our
+harbors or of maintaining in every harbor such an armed force as may
+constrain obedience to the laws and protect the lives and property
+of our citizens against their armed guests; but the expense of such
+a standing force and its inconsistence with our principles dispense
+with those courtesies which would necessarily call for it, and leave
+us equally free to exclude the navy, as we are the army, of a foreign
+power from entering our limits.
+
+To former violations of maritime rights another is now added of very
+extensive effect. The Government of that nation has issued an order
+interdicting all trade by neutrals between ports not in amity with
+them; and being now at war with nearly every nation on the Atlantic and
+Mediterranean seas, our vessels are required to sacrifice their cargoes
+at the first port they touch or to return home without the benefit of
+going to any other market. Under this new law of the ocean our trade
+on the Mediterranean has been swept away by seizures and condemnations,
+and that in other seas is threatened with the same fate.
+
+Our differences with Spain remain still unsettled, no measure having
+been taken on her part since my last communications to Congress to
+bring them to a close. But under a state of things which may favor
+reconsideration they have been recently pressed, and an expectation is
+entertained that they may now soon be brought to an issue of some sort.
+With their subjects on our borders no new collisions have taken place
+nor seem immediately to be apprehended. To our former grounds of
+complaint has been added a very serious one, as you will see by the
+decree a copy of which is now communicated. Whether this decree, which
+professes to be conformable to that of the French Government of November
+21, 1806, heretofore communicated to Congress, will also be conformed
+to that in its construction and application in relation to the United
+States had not been ascertained at the date of our last communications.
+These, however, gave reason to expect such a conformity.
+
+With the other nations of Europe our harmony has been uninterrupted,
+and commerce and friendly intercourse have been maintained on their
+usual footing.
+
+Our peace with the several states on the coast of Barbary appears as
+firm as at any former period and as likely to continue as that of any
+other nation.
+
+Among our Indian neighbors in the northwestern quarter some fermentation
+was observed soon after the late occurrences, threatening the
+continuance of our peace. Messages were said to be interchanged and
+tokens to be passing, which usually denote a state of restlessness among
+them, and the character of the agitators pointed to the sources of
+excitement. Measures were immediately taken for providing against that
+danger; instructions were given to require explanations, and, with
+assurances of our continued friendship, to admonish the tribes to remain
+quiet at home, taking no part in quarrels not belonging to them. As
+far as we are yet informed, the tribes in our vicinity, who are most
+advanced in the pursuits of industry, are sincerely disposed to adhere
+to their friendship with us and to their peace with all others, while
+those more remote do not present appearances sufficiently quiet to
+justify the intermission of military precaution on our part.
+
+The great tribes on our southwestern quarter, much advanced beyond
+the others in agriculture and household arts, appear tranquil and
+identifying their views with ours in proportion to their advancement.
+With the whole of these people, in every quarter, I shall continue to
+inculcate peace and friendship with all their neighbors and perseverance
+in those occupations and pursuits which will best promote their own
+well-being.
+
+The appropriations of the last session for the defense of our seaport
+towns and harbors were made under expectation that a continuance of
+our peace would permit us to proceed in that work according to our
+convenience. It has been thought better to apply the sums then given
+toward the defense of New York, Charleston, and New Orleans chiefly, as
+most open and most likely first to need protection, and to leave places
+less immediately in danger to the provisions of the present session.
+
+The gunboats, too, already provided have on a like principle been
+chiefly assigned to New York, New Orleans, and the Chesapeake. Whether
+our movable force on the water, so material in aid of the defensive
+works on the land, should be augmented in this or any other form is
+left to the wisdom of the Legislature. For the purpose of manning
+these vessels in sudden attacks on our harbors it is a matter for
+consideration whether the seamen of the United States may not justly
+be formed into a special militia, to be called on for tours of duty
+in defense of the harbors where they shall happen to be, the ordinary
+militia of the place furnishing that portion which may consist of
+landsmen.
+
+The moment our peace was threatened I deemed it indispensable to secure
+a greater provision of those articles of military stores with which our
+magazines were not sufficiently furnished. To have awaited a previous
+and special sanction by law would have lost occasions which might not
+be retrieved. I did not hesitate, therefore, to authorize engagements
+for such supplements to our existing stock as would render it adequate
+to the emergencies threatening us, and I trust that the Legislature,
+feeling the same anxiety for the safety of our country, so materially
+advanced by this precaution, will approve, when done, what they would
+have seen so important to be done if then assembled. Expenses, also
+unprovided for, arose out of the necessity of calling all our gunboats
+into actual service for the defense of our harbors; of all which
+accounts will be laid before you.
+
+Whether a regular army is to be raised, and to what extent, must depend
+on the information so shortly expected. In the meantime I have called
+on the States for quotas of militia, to be in readiness for present
+defense, and have, moreover, encouraged the acceptance of volunteers;
+and I am happy to inform you that these have offered themselves with
+great alacrity in every part of the Union. They are ordered to be
+organized and ready at a moment's warning to proceed on any service to
+which they may be called, and every preparation within the Executive
+powers has been made to insure us the benefit of early exertions.
+
+I informed Congress at their last session of the enterprises against the
+public peace which were believed to be in preparation by Aaron Burr and
+his associates, of the measures taken to defeat them and to bring the
+offenders to justice. Their enterprises were happily defeated by the
+patriotic exertions of the militia whenever called into action, by the
+fidelity of the Army, and energy of the commander in chief in promptly
+arranging the difficulties presenting themselves on the Sabine,
+repairing to meet those arising on the Mississippi, and dissipating
+before their explosion plots engendering there. I shall think it my duty
+to lay before you the proceedings and the evidence publicly exhibited on
+the arraignment of the principal offenders before the circuit court of
+Virginia. You will be enabled to judge whether the defect was in the
+testimony, in the law, or in the administration of the law; and wherever
+it shall be found, the Legislature alone can apply or originate the
+remedy. The framers of our Constitution certainly supposed they had
+guarded as well their Government against destruction by treason as their
+citizens against oppression under pretense of it, and if these ends are
+not attained it is of importance to inquire by what means more effectual
+they may be secured.
+
+The accounts of the receipts of revenue during the year ending on the
+30th day of September last being not yet made up, a correct statement
+will be hereafter transmitted from the Treasury. In the meantime, it is
+ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near $16,000,000, which,
+with the five millions and a half in the Treasury at the beginning
+of the year, have enabled us, after meeting the current demands and
+interest incurred, to pay more than four millions of the principal of
+our funded debt. These payments, with those of the preceding five and a
+half years, have extinguished of the funded debt $25,500,000, being the
+whole which could be paid or purchased within the limits of the law and
+of our contracts, and have left us in the Treasury $8,500,000. A portion
+of this sum may be considered as a commencement of accumulation of the
+surpluses of revenue which, after paying the installments of debt as
+they shall become payable, will remain without any specific object. It
+may partly, indeed, be applied toward completing the defense of the
+exposed points of our country, on such a scale as shall be adapted to
+our principles and circumstances. This object is doubtless among the
+first entitled to attention in such a state of our finances, and it is
+one which, whether we have peace or war, will provide security where it
+is due. Whether what shall remain of this, with the future surpluses,
+may be usefully applied to purposes already authorized or more usefully
+to others requiring new authorities, or how otherwise they shall be
+disposed of, are questions calling for the notice of Congress, unless,
+indeed, they shall be superseded by a change in our public relations now
+awaiting the determination of others. Whatever be that determination, it
+is a great consolation that it will become known at a moment when the
+supreme council of the nation is assembled at its post, and ready to
+give the aids of its wisdom and authority to whatever course the good
+of our country shall then call us to pursue.
+
+Matters of minor importance will be the subjects of future
+communications, and nothing shall be wanting on my part which may give
+information or dispatch to the proceedings of the Legislature in the
+exercise of their high duties, and at a moment so interesting to the
+public welfare.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 11, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Some time had elapsed after the receipt of the late treaty between
+the United States and Tripoli before the circumstance drew particular
+attention that, although by the third article the wife and children of
+the ex-Bashaw were to be restored to him, this did not appear either
+to have been done or demanded; still, it was constantly expected that
+explanations on the subject would be received. None, however, having
+arrived when Mr. Davis went as consul to Tripoli, he was instructed to
+demand the execution of the article. He did so, but was answered by the
+exhibition of a declaration, signed by our negotiator the day after the
+signature of the treaty, allowing four years for the restoration of the
+family. This declaration and the letter of Mr. Davis stating what passed
+on the occasion are now communicated to the Senate. On the receipt of
+this letter I caused the correspondence of Mr. Lear to be diligently
+reexamined in order to ascertain whether there might have been a
+communication of this paper made and overlooked or forgotten. None such,
+however, is found. There appears only in a journalized account of the
+transaction by Mr. Lear, under date of June 3, a passage intimating that
+he should be disposed to give time rather than suffer the business to be
+broken off and our countrymen left in slavery; and again, that on the
+return of the person who passed between himself and the Bashaw, and
+information that the Bashaw would require time for the delivery of the
+family, he consented, and went ashore to consummate the treaty. This was
+done the next day, and being forwarded to us as ultimately signed, and
+found to contain no allowance of time nor any intimation that there was
+any stipulation but what was in the public treaty, it was supposed that
+the Bashaw had, in fine, abandoned the proposition, and the instructions
+before mentioned were consequently given to Mr. Davis.
+
+An extract of so much of Mr. Lear's communication as relates to this
+circumstance is now transmitted to the Senate, the whole of the papers
+having been laid before them on a former occasion. How it has happened
+that the declaration of June 5 has never before come to our knowledge
+can not with certainty be said, but whether there has been a miscarriage
+of it or a failure of the ordinary attention and correctness of that
+officer in making his communications, I have thought it due to the
+Senate as well as to myself to explain to them the circumstances
+which have withheld from their knowledge, as they did from my own,
+a modification which, had it been placed in the public treaty, would
+have been relieved from the objections which candor and good faith can
+not but feel in its present form.
+
+As the restoration of the family has probably been effected, a just
+regard to the character of the United States will require that I make
+to the Bashaw a candid statement of facts, and that the sacrifices of
+his right to the peace and friendship of the two countries, by yielding
+finally to the demand of Mr. Davis, be met by proper acknowledgments and
+reparation on our part.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 19, 1807.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+According to the request expressed in your resolution of the 18th
+instant, I now transmit a copy of my proclamation interdicting our
+harbors and waters to British armed vessels and forbidding intercourse
+with them, referred to in my message of the 27th of October last.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 23, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to the assurance given in my message at the opening of
+the present session of Congress, I now lay before you a copy of the
+proceedings and of the evidence exhibited on the arraignment of Aaron
+Burr and others before the circuit court of the United States held in
+Virginia in the course of the present year, in as authentic form as
+their several parts have admitted.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 23, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Some circumstance, which can not now be ascertained, induced a belief
+that an act had passed at the last session of Congress for establishing
+a surveyor and inspector of revenue for the port of Stonington, in
+Connecticut, and commissions were signed appointing Jonathan Palmer,
+of Connecticut, to those offices. The error was discovered at the
+Treasury, and the commissions were retained; but not having been
+notified to me, I renewed the nomination in my message of the 9th
+instant to the Senate. In order to correct the error, I have canceled
+the temporary commissions, and now revoke the nomination which I made
+of the said Jonathan Palmer to the Senate.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 2, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the request made in the resolution of the Senate
+of November 30, I must inform them that when the prosecutions against
+Aaron Burr and his associates were instituted I delivered to the
+Attorney-General all the evidence on the subject, formal and informal,
+which I had received, to be used by those employed in the prosecutions.
+On the receipt of the resolution of the Senate I referred it to the
+Attorney-General, with a request that he would enable me to comply with
+it by putting into my hands such of the papers as might give information
+relative to the conduct of John Smith, a Senator from the State of Ohio,
+as an alleged associate of Aaron Burr, and having this moment received
+from him the affidavit of Elias Glover, with an assurance that it is the
+only paper in his possession which is within the term of the request of
+the Senate, I now transmit it for their use.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 7, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having recently received from our late minister plenipotentiary at
+the Court of London a duplicate of dispatches, the original of which
+has been sent by the _Revenge_ schooner, not yet arrived, I hasten
+to lay them before both Houses of Congress. They contain the whole
+of what has passed between the two Governments on the subject of
+the outrage committed by the British ship _Leopard_ on the frigate
+_Chesapeake_. Congress will learn from these papers the present
+state of the discussion on that transaction, and that it is to be
+transferred to this place by the mission of a special minister.
+
+While this information will have its proper effect on their
+deliberations and proceedings respecting the relations between the two
+countries, they will be sensible that, the negotiation being still
+depending, it is proper for me to request that the communications may
+be considered as confidential.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 18, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The communications now made, shewing the great and increasing dangers
+with which our vessels, our seamen, and merchandise are threatened
+on the high seas and elsewhere from the belligerent powers of Europe,
+and it being of the greatest importance to keep in safety these
+essential resources, I deem it my duty to recommend the subject to
+the consideration of Congress, who will doubtless perceive all the
+advantages which may be expected from an inhibition of the departure
+of our vessels from the ports of the United States.
+
+Their wisdom will also see the necessity of making every preparation
+for whatever events may grow out of the present crisis.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 30, 1807.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress the inclosed letters from Governor Hull,
+respecting the Indians in the vicinity of Detroit residing within our
+lines. They contain information of the state of things in that quarter
+which will properly enter into their view in estimating the means to
+be provided for the defense of our country generally.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 8, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now render to Congress the account of the fund established for
+defraying the contingent expenses of Government for the year 1807.
+Of the sum of $18,012.50, which remained unexpended at the close
+of the year 1806, $8,731.11 have been placed in the hands of the
+Attorney-General of the United States, to enable him to defray sundry
+expenses incident to the prosecution of Aaron Burr and his accomplices
+for treasons and misdemeanors alleged to have been committed by them,
+and the unexpended balance of $9,275.39 is now carried according to
+law to the credit of the surplus fund.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 15, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+The posts of Detroit and Mackinac having been originally intended by the
+Governments which established and held them as mere depots for commerce
+with the Indians, very small cessions of land around them were obtained
+or asked from the native proprietors, and these posts depended for
+protection on the strength of their garrisons. The principles of our
+Government leading us to the employment of such moderate garrisons in
+time of peace as may merely take care of the post, and to a reliance on
+the neighboring militia for its support in the first moments of war,
+I have thought it would be important to obtain from the Indians such a
+cession in the neighborhood of these posts as might maintain a militia
+proportioned to this object; and I have particularly contemplated, with
+this view, the acquisition of the eastern moiety of the peninsula
+between lakes Michigan and Huron, comprehending the waters of the latter
+and of Detroit River, so soon as it could be effected with the perfect
+good will of the natives. Governor Hull was therefore appointed a
+commissioner to treat with them on this subject, but was instructed to
+confine his propositions for the present to so much of the tract before
+described as lay south of Saguina Bay and round to the Connecticut
+Reserve, so as to consolidate the new with the present settled country.
+The result has been an acquisition of so much only of what would have
+been acceptable as extends from the neighborhood of Saguina Bay to the
+Miami of the Lakes, with a prospect of soon obtaining a breadth of 2
+miles for a communication from the Miami to the Connecticut Reserve.
+The treaty for this purpose entered into with the Ottoways, Chippeways,
+Wyandots, and Pottawattamies at Detroit on the 17th of November last is
+now transmitted to the Senate, and I ask their advice and consent as to
+its ratification.
+
+I communicate herewith such papers as bear any material relation to
+the subject.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 15, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Although it is deemed very desirable that the United States should
+obtain from the native proprietors the whole left bank of the
+Mississippi to a certain breadth, yet to obliterate from the Indian
+mind an impression deeply made in it that we are constantly forming
+designs on their lands I have thought it best where urged by no
+peculiar necessity to leave to themselves and to the pressure of
+their own convenience only to come forward with offers of sale to
+the United States.
+
+The Choctaws, being indebted to certain mercantile characters beyond
+what could be discharged by the ordinary proceeds of their huntings, and
+pressed for payment by those creditors, proposed at length to the United
+States to cede lands to the amount of their debts, and designated them
+in two different portions of their country. These designations not at
+all suiting us, their proposals were declined for that reason, and with
+an intimation that if their own convenience should ever dispose them to
+cede their lands on the Mississippi we should be willing to purchase.
+Still urged by their creditors, as well as by their own desire to be
+liberated from debt, they at length proposed to make a cession which
+should be to our convenience. James Robertson, of Tennessee, and Silas
+Dinsmore were thereupon appointed commissioners to treat with them on
+that subject, with instructions to purchase only on the Mississippi. On
+meeting their chiefs, however, it was found that such was the attachment
+of the nation to their lands on the Mississippi that their chiefs could
+not undertake to cede them; but they offered all their lands south of
+a line to be run from their and our boundary at the Omochita eastwardly
+to their boundary with the Creeks, on the ridge between the Tombigbee
+and Alabama, which would unite our possessions there from Natchez
+to Tombigbee. A treaty to this effect was accordingly signed at
+Pooshapekanuk on the 16th of November, 1805; but this being against
+express instructions, and not according with the object then in view,
+I was disinclined to its ratification, and therefore did not at the last
+session of Congress lay it before the Senate for their advice, but have
+suffered it to lie unacted on.
+
+Progressive difficulties, however, in our foreign relations have brought
+into view considerations other than those which then prevailed. It is
+now, perhaps, become as interesting to obtain footing for a strong
+settlement of militia along our southern frontier eastward of the
+Mississippi as on the west of that river, and more so than higher up
+the river itself. The consolidation of the Mississippi Territory and
+the establishing a barrier of separation between the Indians and our
+Southern neighbors are also important objects. The cession is supposed
+to contain about 5,000,000 acres, of which the greater part is said to
+be fit for cultivation, and no inconsiderable proportion of the first
+quality, on the various waters it includes; and the Choctaws and their
+creditors are still anxious for the sale.
+
+I therefore now transmit the treaty for the consideration of the Senate,
+and I ask their advice and consent as to its ratification. I communicate
+at the same time such papers as bear any material relation to the
+subject, together with a map on which is sketched the northern limit of
+the cession, rather to give a general idea than with any pretension to
+exactness, which our present knowledge of the country would not warrant.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 20, 1808.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Some days previous to your resolutions of the 13th instant a court of
+inquiry had been instituted at the request of General Wilkinson, charged
+to make the inquiry into his conduct which the first resolution desires,
+and had commenced their proceedings. To the judge-advocate of that court
+the papers and information on that subject transmitted to me by the
+House of Representatives have been delivered, to be used according to
+the rules and powers of that court.
+
+The request of a communication of any information which may have been
+received at any time since the establishment of the present Government
+touching combinations with foreign agents for dismembering the Union
+or the corrupt receipt of money by any officer of the United States
+from the agents of foreign governments can be complied with but in a
+partial degree.
+
+It is well understood that in the first or second year of the Presidency
+of General Washington information was given to him relating to
+certain combinations with the agents of a foreign government for the
+dismemberment of the Union, which combinations had taken place before
+the establishment of the present Federal Government. This information,
+however, is believed never to have been deposited in any public office,
+or left in that of the President's secretary, these having been duly
+examined, but to have been considered as personally confidential, and
+therefore retained among his private papers. A communication from the
+governor of Virginia to President Washington is found in the office
+of the President's secretary, which, although not strictly within the
+terms of the request of the House of Representatives, is communicated,
+inasmuch as it may throw some light on the subjects of the
+correspondence of that time between certain foreign agents and citizens
+of the United States.
+
+In the first or second year of the Administration of President Adams
+Andrew Ellicott, then employed in designating, in conjunction with the
+Spanish authorities, the boundaries between the territories of the
+United States and Spain, under the treaty with that nation, communicated
+to the Executive of the United States papers and information respecting
+the subjects of the present inquiry, which were deposited in the
+Office of State. Copies of these are now transmitted to the House of
+Representatives, except of a single letter and a reference from the
+said Andrew Ellicott, which, being expressly desired to be kept secret,
+is therefore not communicated, but its contents can be obtained from
+himself in a more legal form, and directions have been given to summon
+him to appear as a witness before the court of inquiry.
+
+A paper on "The Commerce of Louisiana," bearing date the 18th of
+April, 1798, is found in the Office of State, supposed to have been
+communicated by Mr. Daniel Clark, of New Orleans, then a subject of
+Spain, and now of the House of Representatives of the United States,
+stating certain commercial transactions of General Wilkinson in New
+Orleans. An extract from this is now communicated, because it contains
+facts which may have some bearing on the questions relating to him.
+
+The destruction of the War Office by fire in the close of 1800 involved
+all information it contained at that date.
+
+The papers already described therefore constitute the whole of the
+information on the subjects deposited in the public offices during the
+preceding Administrations, as far as has yet been found; but it can
+not be affirmed that there may be no other, because, the papers of the
+office being filed for the most part alphabetically, unless aided by the
+suggestion of any particular name which may have given such information,
+nothing short of a careful examination of the papers in the offices
+generally could authorize such an affirmation.
+
+About a twelvemonth after I came to the administration of the Government
+Mr. Clark gave some verbal information to myself, as well as to the
+Secretary of State, relating to the same combinations for the
+dismemberment of the Union. He was listened to freely, and he then
+delivered the letter of Governor Gayoso, addressed to himself, of which
+a copy is now communicated. After his return to New Orleans he forwarded
+to the Secretary of State other papers, with a request that after
+perusal they should be burnt. This, however, was not done, and he was so
+informed by the Secretary of State, and that they would be held subject
+to his orders. These papers have not yet been found in the office.
+A letter, therefore, has been addressed to the former chief clerk, who
+may perhaps give information respecting them. As far as our memories
+enable us to say, they related only to the combinations before spoken
+of, and not at all to the corrupt receipt of money by any officer of
+the United States; consequently they respected what was considered as
+a dead matter, known to the preceding Administrations, and offering
+nothing new to call for investigations, which those nearest the dates
+of the transactions had not thought proper to institute.
+
+In the course of the communications made to me on the subject of the
+conspiracy of Aaron Burr I sometimes received letters, some of them
+anonymous, some under names true or false, expressing suspicions and
+insinuations against General Wilkinson; but one only of them, and that
+anonymous, specified any particular fact, and that fact was one of those
+which had been already communicated to a former Administration.
+
+No other information within the purview of the request of the House is
+known to have been received by any department of the Government from the
+establishment of the present Federal Government. That which has been
+recently communicated to the House of Representatives, and by them
+to me, is the first direct testimony ever made known to me charging
+General Wilkinson with the corrupt receipt of money, and the House of
+Representatives may be assured that the duties which this information
+devolves on me shall be exercised with rigorous impartiality. Should any
+want of power in the court to compel the rendering of testimony obstruct
+that full and impartial inquiry which alone can establish guilt or
+innocence and satisfy justice, the legislative authority only will be
+competent to the remedy.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 30, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Choctaws, being indebted to their merchants beyond what could be
+discharged by the ordinary proceeds of their buntings, and pressed for
+payment, proposed to the United States to cede lands to the amount of
+their debts, and designated them in two different portions of their
+country. These designations, not at all suiting us, were declined. Still
+urged by their creditors, as well as by their own desire to be liberated
+from debt, they at length proposed to make a cession which should be to
+our convenience. By a treaty signed at Pooshapuckanuck on the 16th of
+November, 1805, they accordingly ceded all their lands south of a line
+to be run from their and our boundary at the Omochita eastwardly to
+their boundary with the Creeks, on the ridge between the Tombigbee and
+Alabama, as is more particularly described in the treaty, containing
+about 5,000,000 acres, as is supposed, and uniting our possessions there
+from Adams to Washington County.
+
+The location contemplated in the instructions to the commissioners was
+on the Mississippi. That in the treaty being entirely different, I was
+at that time disinclined to its ratification, and I have suffered it to
+lie unacted on. But progressive difficulties in our foreign relations
+have brought into view considerations other than those which then
+prevailed. It is now, perhaps, as interesting to obtain footing for a
+strong settlement of militia along our southern frontier eastward of the
+Mississippi as on the west of that river, and more so than higher up the
+river itself. The consolidation of the Mississippi Territory and the
+establishment of a barrier of separation between the Indians and our
+Southern neighbors are also important objects; and the Choctaws and
+their creditors being still anxious that the sale should be made, I
+submitted the treaty to the Senate, who have advised and consented to
+its ratification. I therefore now lay it before both Houses of Congress
+for the exercise of their constitutional powers as to the means of
+fulfilling it.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 30, 1808.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The posts of Detroit and Mackinac having been originally intended by the
+Governments which established and held them as mere depots for commerce
+with the Indians, very small cessions of land around them were obtained
+or asked from the native proprietors, and these posts depended for
+protection on the strength of their garrisons. The principles of our
+Government leading us to the employment of such moderate garrisons in
+time of peace as may merely take care of the post, and to a reliance on
+the neighboring militia for its support in the first moments of war,
+I have thought it would be important to obtain from the Indians such a
+cession in the neighborhood of these posts as might maintain a militia
+proportioned to this object; and I have particularly contemplated,
+with this view, the acquisition of the eastern moiety of the peninsula
+between the lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie, extending it to the
+Connecticut Reserve so soon as it could be effected with the perfect
+good will of the natives.
+
+By a treaty concluded at Detroit on the 17th of November last with the
+Ottoways, Chippeways, Wyandots, and Pattawatimas so much of this country
+has been obtained as extends from about Saguina Bay southwardly to the
+Miami of the Lakes, supposed to contain upward of 5,000,000 acres, with
+a prospect of obtaining for the present a breadth of 2 miles for a
+communication from the Miami to the Connecticut Reserve.
+
+The Senate having advised and consented to the ratification of this
+treaty, I now lay it before both Houses of Congress for the exercise
+of their constitutional powers as to the means of fulfilling it.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 2, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having received an official communication of certain orders of the
+British Government against the maritime rights of neutrals, bearing date
+the 11th of November, 1807, I transmit them to Congress, as a further
+proof of the increasing dangers to our navigation and commerce, which
+led to the provident measure of the act of the present session laying an
+embargo on our own vessels,
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 4, 1808.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In my message of January 20 I stated that some papers forwarded by Mr.
+Daniel Clark, of New Orleans, to the Secretary of State in 1803 had not
+then been found in the Office of State, and that a letter had been
+addressed to the former chief clerk, in the hope that he might advise
+where they should be sought for. By indications received from him they
+are now found. Among them are two letters from the Baron de Carondelet
+to an officer serving under him at a separate post, in which his views
+of a dismemberment of our Union are expressed. Extracts of so much of
+these letters as are within the scope of the resolution of the House are
+now communicated. With these were found the letters written by Mr. Clark
+to the Secretary of State in 1803. A part of one only of these relates
+to this subject, and is extracted and inclosed for the information of
+the House. In no part of the papers communicated by Mr. Clark, which are
+voluminous and in different languages, nor in his letters, have we found
+any intimation of the corrupt receipt of money by any officer of the
+United States from any foreign agent. As to the combinations with
+foreign agents for dismembering the Union, these papers and letters
+offer nothing which was not probably known to my predecessors, or which
+could call anew for inquiries, which they had not thought necessary to
+institute, when the facts were recent and could be better proved. They
+probably believed it best to let pass into oblivion transactions which,
+however culpable, had commenced before this Government existed, and had
+been finally extinguished by the treaty of 1795.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 9, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress, for their information, a letter from the
+person acting in the absence of our consul at Naples, giving reason
+to believe, on the affidavit of a Captain Sheffield, of the American
+schooner _Mary Ann_, that the Dey of Algiers has commenced war
+against the United States. For this no just cause has been given on
+our part within my knowledge. We may daily expect more authentic and
+particular information on the subject from Mr. Lear, who was residing
+as our consul at Algiers.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 15, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate for the information of Congress a letter from the consul
+of the United States at Malaga to the Secretary of State, covering one
+from Mr. Lear, our consul at Algiers, which gives information that the
+rupture threatened on the part of the Dey of Algiers has been amicably
+settled, and the vessels seized by him are liberated.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 19, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The States of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia having by their
+several acts consented that the road from Cumberland to the State of
+Ohio, authorized by the act of Congress of the 29th of March, 1806,
+should pass through those States, and the report of the commissioners,
+communicated to Congress with my message of the 31st January, 1807,
+having been duly considered, I have approved of the route therein
+proposed for the said road as far as Brownsville, with a single
+deviation, since located, which carries it through Uniontown.
+
+From thence the course to the Ohio and the point within the legal limits
+at which it shall strike that river is still to be decided. In forming
+this decision I shall pay material regard to the interests and wishes of
+the populous parts of the State of Ohio and to a future and convenient
+connection with the road which is to lead from the Indian boundary near
+Cincinnati by Vincennes to the Mississippi at St. Louis, under authority
+of the act of the 21st April, 1806. In this way we may accomplish a
+continued and advantageous line of communication from the seat of the
+General Government to St. Louis, passing through several very
+interesting points of the Western country.
+
+I have thought it advisable also to secure from obliteration the trace
+of the road so far as it has been approved, which has been executed at
+such considerable expense, by opening one-half of its breadth through
+its whole length.
+
+The report of the commissioners, herewith transmitted, will give
+particular information of their proceedings under the act of the 29th
+March, 1806, since the date of my message of the 31st January, 1807, and
+will enable Congress to adopt such further measures relative thereto as
+they may deem proper under existing circumstances.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 25, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The dangers to our country arising from the contests of other nations
+and the urgency of making preparation for whatever events might affect
+our relations with them have been intimated in preceding messages to
+Congress. To secure ourselves by due precautions an augmentation of our
+military force, as well regular as of volunteer militia, seems to be
+expedient. The precise extent of that augmentation can not as yet be
+satisfactorily suggested, but that no time may be lost, and especially
+at a season deemed favorable to the object, I submit to the wisdom of
+the Legislature whether they will authorize a commencement of this
+precautionary work by a present provision for raising and organizing
+some additional force, reserving to themselves to decide its ultimate
+extent on such views of our situation as I may be enabled to present
+at a future day of the session.
+
+If an increase of force be now approved, I submit to their consideration
+the outlines of a plan proposed in the inclosed letter from the
+Secretary of War.
+
+I recommend also to the attention of Congress the term at which the act
+of April 18, 1806, concerning the militia, will expire, and the effect
+of that expiration.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 26, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I inclose, for the information of Congress, letters recently received
+from our ministers at Paris and London, communicating their
+representations against the late decrees and orders of France and Great
+Britain, heretofore transmitted to Congress. These documents will
+contribute to the information of Congress as to the dispositions of
+those powers and the probable course of their proceedings toward
+neutrals, and will doubtless have their due influence in adopting
+the measures of the Legislature to the actual crisis.
+
+Although nothing forbids the general matter of these letters from being
+spoken of without reserve, yet as the publication of papers of this
+description would restrain injuriously the freedom of our foreign
+correspondence, they are communicated so far confidentially and with
+a request that after being read to the satisfaction of both Houses
+they may be returned.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 1, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of February 26, I
+now lay before them such memorials and petitions for the district of
+Detroit, and such other information as is in my possession, in relation
+to the conduct of William Hull, governor of the Territory of Michigan,
+and Stanley Griswold, esq., while acting as secretary of that Territory.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 2, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of November 30, 1807,
+I now transmit a report of the Secretary of State on the subject of
+impressments, as requested in that resolution. The great volume of the
+documents and the time necessary for the investigation will explain to
+the Senate the causes of the delay which has intervened.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 7, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In the city of New Orleans and adjacent to it are sundry parcels of
+ground, some of them with buildings and other improvements on them,
+which it is my duty to present to the attention of the Legislature.
+The title to these grounds appears to have been retained in the former
+sovereigns of the Province of Louisiana as public fiduciaries and for
+the purposes of the Province. Some of them were used for the residence
+of the governor, for public offices, hospitals, barracks, magazines,
+fortifications, levees, etc., others for the townhouse, schools,
+markets, landings, and other purposes of the city of New Orleans; some
+were held by religious corporations or persons, others seem to have
+been reserved for future disposition. To these must be added a parcel
+called the Batture, which requires more particular description. It is
+understood to have been a shoal or elevation of the bottom of the river
+adjacent to the bank of the suburbs of St. Mary, produced by the
+successive depositions of mud during the annual inundations of the
+river, and covered with water only during those inundations. At all
+other seasons it has been used by the city immemorially to furnish
+earth for raising their streets and courtyards, for mortar, and other
+necessary purposes, and as a landing or quay for unlading firewood,
+lumber, and other articles brought by water. This having been lately
+claimed, by a private individual, the city opposed the claim on a
+supposed legal title in itself; but it has been adjudged that the legal
+title was not in the city. It is, however, alleged that that title,
+originally in the former sovereigns, was never parted with by them,
+but was retained in them for the uses of the city and Province, and
+consequently has now passed over to the United States. Until this
+question can be decided under legislative authority, measures have been
+taken according to law to prevent any change in the state of things and
+to keep the grounds clear of intruders. The settlement of this title,
+the appropriation of the grounds and improvements formerly occupied for
+provincial purposes to the same or such other objects as may be better
+suited to present circumstances, the confirmation of the uses in other
+parcels to such bodies, corporate or private, as may of right or on
+other reasonable considerations expect them, are matters now submitted
+to the determination of the legislature.
+
+The papers and plans now transmitted will give them such information on
+the subject as I possess, and being mostly originals, I must request
+that they may be communicated from the one to the other House, to answer
+the purposes of both.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 10, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+A purchase having lately been made from the Cherokee Indians of a
+tract of land 6 miles square at the mouth of the Chickamogga, on the
+Tennessee, I now lay the treaty and papers relating to it before the
+Senate, with an explanation of the views which have led to it.
+
+It was represented that there was within that tract a great abundance of
+iron ore of excellent quality, with a stream and fall of water suitable
+for iron works; that the Cherokees were anxious to have works
+established there, in the hope of having a better supply of those
+implements of household and agriculture of which they have learned the
+use and necessity, but on the condition that they should be under the
+authority and control of the United States.
+
+As such an establishment would occasion a considerable and certain
+demand for corn and other provisions and necessaries, it seemed
+probable that it would immediately draw around it a close settlement
+of the Cherokees, would encourage them to enter on a regular life of
+agriculture, familiarize them with the practice and value of the arts,
+attach them to property, lead them of necessity and without delay to
+the establishment of laws and government, and thus make a great and
+important advance toward assimilating their condition to ours. At the
+same time it offers considerable accommodation to the Government by
+enabling it to obtain more conveniently than it now can the necessary
+supplies of cast and wrought iron for all the Indians south of the
+Tennessee, and for those also to whom St. Louis is a convenient deposit,
+and will benefit such of our own citizens likewise as shall be within
+its reach. Under these views the purchase has been made, with the
+consent and desire of the great body of the nation, although not without
+some dissenting members, as must be the case will all collections of
+men. But it is represented that the dissentients are few, and under
+the influence of one or two interested individuals. It is by no means
+proposed that these works should be conducted on account of the United
+States. It is understood that there are private individuals ready
+to erect them, subject to such reasonable rent as may secure a
+reimbursement to the United States, and to such other conditions as
+shall secure to the Indians their rights and tranquillity.
+
+The instrument is now submitted to the Senate, with a request of their
+advice and consent as to its ratification.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 17, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I have heretofore communicated to Congress the decrees of the Government
+of France of November 21, 1806, and of Spain of February 19, 1807, with
+the orders of the British Government of January and November, 1807.
+
+I now transmit a decree of the Emperor of France of December 17,1807,
+and a similar decree of the 3d of January last by His Catholic Majesty.
+Although the decree of France has not been received by official
+communication, yet the different channels of promulgation through which
+the public are possessed of it, with the formal testimony furnished by
+the Government of Spain in their decree, leave us without a doubt that
+such a one has been issued. These decrees and orders, taken together,
+want little of amounting to a declaration that every neutral vessel
+found on the high seas, whatsoever be her cargo and whatsoever foreign
+port be that of her departure or destination, shall be deemed lawful
+prize; and they prove more and more the expediency of retaining our
+vessels, our seamen, and property within our own harbors until the
+dangers to which they are exposed can be removed or lessened.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 18, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The scale on which the Military Academy at West Point was
+originally established is become too limited to furnish the number
+of well-instructed subjects in the different branches of artillery
+and engineering which the public service calls for. The want of such
+characters is already sensibly felt, and will be increased with the
+enlargement of our plans of military preparation. The chief engineer,
+having been instructed to consider the subject and to propose an
+augmentation which might render the establishment commensurate with
+the present circumstances of our country, has made the report which
+I now transmit for the consideration of Congress.
+
+The idea suggested by him of removing the institution to this place is
+also worthy of attention. Besides the advantage of placing it under the
+immediate eye of the Government, it may render its benefits common to
+the Naval Department, and will furnish opportunities of selecting on
+better information the characters most qualified to fulfill the duties
+which the public service may call for.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 22, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+At the opening of the present session I informed the Legislature that
+the measures which had been taken with the Government of Great Britain
+for the settlement of our neutral and national rights and of the
+conditions of commercial intercourse with that nation had resulted in
+articles of a treaty which could not be acceded to on our part; that
+instructions had been consequently sent to our ministers there to resume
+the negotiations, and to endeavor to obtain certain alterations,
+and that this was interrupted by the transaction which took place
+betweenthe frigates _Leopard_ and _Chesapeake_. The call on that
+Government for reparation of this wrong produced, as Congress has been
+already informed, the mission of a special minister to this country,
+and the occasion is now arrived when the public interest permits and
+requires that the whole of these proceedings should be made known to
+you.
+
+I therefore now communicate the instructions given to our minister
+resident at London and his communications with that Government on
+the subject of the _Chesapeake_, with the correspondence which has
+taken place here between the Secretary of State and Mr. Rose, the
+special minister charged with the adjustment of that difference; the
+instructions to our ministers for the formation of a treaty; their
+correspondence with the British commissioners and with their own
+Government on that subject; the treaty itself and written declaration of
+the British commissioners accompanying it, and the instructions given by
+us for resuming the negotiation, with the proceedings and correspondence
+subsequent thereto. To these I have added a letter lately addressed to
+the Secretary of State from one of our late ministers, which, though
+not strictly written in an official character, I think it my duty to
+communicate, in order that his views of the proposed treaty and of its
+several articles may be fairly presented and understood.
+
+Although I have heretofore and from time to time made such
+communications to Congress as to keep them possessed of a general and
+just view of the proceedings and dispositions of the Government of
+France toward this country, yet in our present critical situation, when
+we find that no conduct on our part, however impartial and friendly, has
+been sufficient to insure from either belligerent a just respect for our
+rights, I am desirous that nothing shall be omitted on my part which may
+add to your information on this subject or contribute to the correctness
+of the views which should be formed. The papers which for these reasons
+I now lay before you embrace all the communications, official or verbal,
+from the French Government respecting the general relations between the
+two countries which have been transmitted through our minister there,
+or through any other accredited channel, since the last session of
+Congress, to which time all information of the same kind had from
+time to time been given them. Some of these papers have already been
+submitted to Congress, but it is thought better to offer them again in
+order that the chain of communications of which they make a part may be
+presented unbroken.
+
+When, on the 26th of February, I communicated to both Houses the letter
+of General Armstrong to M. Champagny, I desired it might not be
+published because of the tendency of that practice to restrain
+injuriously the freedom of our foreign correspondence. But perceiving
+that this caution, proceeding purely from a regard to the public good,
+has furnished occasion for disseminating unfounded suspicions and
+insinuations, I am induced to believe that the good which will now
+result from its publication, by confirming the confidence and union of
+our fellow-citizens, will more than countervail the ordinary objection
+to such publications. It is my wish, therefore, that it may be now
+published.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 22, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In a separate message of this date I have communicated to Congress
+so much as may be made public of papers which give a full view of
+the present state of our relations with the two contending powers,
+France and England. Everyone must be sensible that in the details of
+instructions for negotiating a treaty and in the correspondence and
+conferences respecting it matters will occur which interest sometimes
+and sometimes respect or other proper motives forbid to be made public.
+To reconcile my duty in this particular with my desire of letting
+Congress know everything which can give them a full understanding of the
+subjects on which they are to act, I have suppressed in the documents
+of the other message the parts which ought not to be made public and
+have given them in the supplementary and confidential papers herewith
+inclosed, with such references as that they may be read in their
+original places as if still standing in them; and when these
+confidential papers shall have been read to the satisfaction of the
+House, I request their return, and that their contents may not be made
+public.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 25, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In proceeding to carry into execution the act for fortifying our forts
+and harbors it is found that the sites most advantageous for their
+defense, and sometimes the only sites competent to that defense, are in
+some cases the property of minors incapable of giving a valid consent to
+their alienation; in others belong to persons who may refuse altogether
+to alienate, or demand a compensation far beyond the liberal justice
+allowable in such cases. From these causes the defense of our seaboard,
+so necessary to be pressed during the present season, will in various
+parts be defeated unless a remedy can be applied. With a view to this
+I submit the case to the consideration of Congress, who, estimating its
+importance and reviewing the powers vested in them by the Constitution,
+combined with the amendment providing that private property shall not
+be taken for public use without just compensation, will decide on the
+course most proper to be pursued.
+
+I am aware that as the consent of the legislature of the State to the
+purchase of the site may not in some instances have been previously
+obtained, exclusive legislation can not be exercised therein by Congress
+until that consent is given. But in the meantime it will be held under
+the same laws which protect the property of individuals and other
+property of the United States in the same State, and the legislatures
+at their next meetings will have opportunities of doing what will be
+so evidently called for by the particular interest of their own State.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 25, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United
+States according to the latest returns received by the Department of
+War. From the State of Delaware alone no return has been made.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 25, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to both Houses of Congress a report from the surveyor on the
+public buildings of the progress made on them during the last session,
+of their present state, and of that of the funds appropriated to them.
+These have been much exceeded by the cost of the work done, a fact not
+known to me till the close of the season. The circumstances from which
+it arose are stated in the report of the surveyor.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 29, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+When the convention of the 7th of January, 1806, was entered into with
+the Cherokees for the purchase of certain lands, it was believed
+by both parties that the eastern limit, when run in the direction
+therein prescribed, would have included all the waters of Elk River.
+On proceeding to run that line, however, it was found to omit a
+considerable extent of those waters, on which were already settled
+about 200 families. The Cherokees readily consented, for a moderate
+compensation, that the line should be so run as to include all the
+waters of that river. Our commissioners accordingly entered into an
+explanatory convention for that purpose, which I now lay before the
+Senate for consideration whether they will advise and consent to its
+ratification. A letter from one of the commissioners, now also inclosed,
+will more fully explain the circumstances which led to it.
+
+Lieutenant Pike on his journey up the Mississippi in 1805-6, being at
+the village of the Sioux, between the rivers St. Croix and St. Peters,
+conceived that the position was favorable for a military and commercial
+post for the United States whenever it should be thought expedient to
+advance in that quarter. He therefore proposed to the chiefs a cession
+of lands for that purpose. Their desire of entering into connection
+with the United States and of getting a trading house established there
+induced a ready consent to the proposition, and they made, by articles
+of agreement now inclosed, a voluntary donation to the United States of
+two portions of land, the one of 9 miles square at the mouth of the St.
+Croix, the other from below the mouth of St. Peters up the Mississippi
+to St. Anthonys Falls, extending 9 miles in width on each side of the
+Mississippi. These portions of land are designated on the map now
+inclosed. Lieutenant Pike on his part made presents to the Indians to
+some amount. This convention, though dated the 23d of September, 1805,
+is but lately received, and although we have no immediate view of
+establishing a trading post at that place, I submit it to the Senate for
+the sanction of their advice and consent to its ratification, in order
+to give to our title a full validity on the part of the United States,
+whenever it may be wanting, for the special purpose which constituted
+in the mind of the donors the sole consideration and inducement to the
+cession.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 30, 1808,
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Since my message of the 22d instant letters have been received from our
+ministers at Paris and London, extracts from which, with a letter to
+General Armstrong from the French minister of foreign relations, and a
+letter from the British envoy residing here to the Secretary of State,
+I now communicate to Congress. They add to the materials for estimating
+the dispositions of those Governments toward this country.
+
+The proceedings of both indicate designs of drawing us, if possible,
+into the vortex of their contests; but every new information confirms
+the prudence of guarding against these designs as it does of adhering
+to the precautionary system hitherto contemplated.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 2, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Believing that the confidence and union of our fellow-citizens at the
+present crisis will be still further confirmed by the publication of the
+letter of Mr. Champagny to General Armstrong and that of Mr. Erskine to
+the Secretary of State, communicated with my message of the 30th ultimo,
+and therefore that it may be useful to except them from the confidential
+character of the other documents accompanying that message, I leave to
+the consideration of Congress the expediency of making them public.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 8, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to the request of the Senate in their resolution of yesterday,
+I have examined my papers and find no letter from Matthew Nimmo of
+the date of November 28, 1806, nor any other from him of any date but
+that of January 23, 1807, now transmitted, with all the papers in my
+possession which accompanied it. Nor do I find any letter from John
+Smith, of Ohio, bearing date at any time in the month of January, 1807.
+
+Having delivered to the Attorney-General all the papers respecting the
+conspiracy of Aaron Burr which came to my hands during or before his
+prosecution, I might suppose the letters above requested had been
+delivered to him; but I must add my belief that I never received such
+letters, and the ground of it. I am in the habit of noting daily in the
+list kept for that purpose the letters I receive daily by the names of
+the writers, and dates of time, and place, and this has been done with
+such exactness that I do not recollect ever to have detected a single
+omission. I have carefully examined that list from the 1st of November,
+1806, to the last of June, 1807, and I find no note within that
+period of the receipt of any letter from Matthew Nimmo but that now
+transmitted, nor of any one of the date of January, 1807, from John
+Smith, of Ohio. The letters noted as received from him within that
+period are dated at Washington, February 2, 2, 7, and 21, which I have
+examined, and find relating to subjects entirely foreign to the objects
+of the resolution of the 7th instant; and others, dated at Cincinnati,
+March 27, April 6, 13, and 17, which, not being now in my possession,
+I presume have related to Burr's conspiracy, and have been delivered to
+the Attorney-General. I recollect nothing of their particular contents.
+I must repeat, therefore, my firm belief that the letters of Nimmo of
+November 28, 1806, and of John Smith of January, 1807, never came to
+my hands, and that if such were written (and Nimmo's letter expressly
+mentions his of November 28), they have been intercepted or otherwise
+miscarried.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 22, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to both Houses of Congress a letter from the envoy of His
+Britannic Majesty at this place to the Secretary of State on the subject
+of certain British claims to lands in the Territory of Mississippi,
+relative to which several acts have been heretofore passed by the
+Legislature.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that sundry persons are combined
+or combining and confederating together on Lake Champlain and the
+country thereto adjacent for the purposes of forming insurrections
+against the authority of the laws of the United States, for opposing the
+same and obstructing their execution, and that such combinations are too
+powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings
+or by the powers vested in the marshals by the laws of the United
+States:
+
+Now, therefore, to the end that the authority of the laws may be
+maintained, and that those concerned, directly or indirectly, in any
+insurrection or combination against the same may be duly warned, I have
+issued this my proclamation, hereby commanding such insurgents and all
+concerned in such combination instantly and without delay to disperse
+and retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do hereby further
+require and command all officers having authority, civil or military,
+and all other persons, civil or military, who shall be found within
+the vicinage of such insurrections or combinations to be aiding
+and assisting by all the means in their power, by force of arms or
+otherwise, to quell and subdue such insurrections or combinations,
+to seize upon all those therein concerned who shall not instantly and
+without delay disperse and retire to their respective abodes, and to
+deliver them over to the civil authority of the place, to be proceeded
+against according to law.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to
+be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+Given at the city of Washington, the 19th day of April, 1808, and in
+the year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States the
+thirty-second.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MADISON,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+EIGHTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 8, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+It would have been a source, fellow-citizens, of much gratification if
+our last communications from Europe had enabled me to inform you that
+the belligerent nations, whose disregard of neutral rights has been so
+destructive to our commerce, had become awakened to the duty and true
+policy of revoking their unrighteous edicts. That no means might be
+omitted to produce this salutary effect, I lost no time in availing
+myself of the act authorizing a suspension, in whole or in part, of the
+several embargo laws. Our ministers at London and Paris were instructed
+to explain to the respective Governments there our disposition to
+exercise the authority in such manner as would withdraw the pretext on
+of which the aggressions were originally founded and open the way for
+a renewal of that commercial intercourse which it was alleged on all
+sides had been reluctantly obstructed. As each of those Governments had
+pledged its readiness to concur in renouncing a measure which reached
+its adversary through the incontestable rights of neutrals only, and as
+the measure had been assumed by each as a retaliation for an asserted
+acquiescence in the aggressions of the other, it was reasonably expected
+that the occasion would have been seized by both for evincing the
+sincerity of their professions, and for restoring to the commerce of the
+United States its legitimate freedom. The instructions to our ministers
+with respect to the different belligerents were necessarily modified
+with a reference to their different circumstances, and to the condition
+annexed by law to the Executive power of suspension, requiring a decree
+of security to our commerce which would not result from a repeal of the
+decrees of France. Instead of a pledge, therefore, of a suspension of
+the embargo as to her in case of such a repeal, it was presumed that
+a sufficient inducement might be found in other considerations, and
+particularly in the change produced by a compliance with our just
+demands by one belligerent and a refusal by the other in the relations
+between the other and the United States. To Great Britain, whose power
+on the ocean is so ascendant, it was deemed not inconsistent with that
+condition to state explicitly that on her rescinding her orders in
+relation to the United States their trade would be opened with her, and
+remain shut to her enemy in case of his failure to rescind his decrees
+also. From France no answer has been received, nor any indication that
+the requisite change in her decrees is contemplated. The favorable
+reception of the proposition to Great Britain was the less to be
+doubted, as her orders of council had not only been referred for
+their vindication to an acquiescence on the part of the United States
+no longer to be pretended, but as the arrangement proposed, whilst
+it resisted the illegal decrees of France, involved, moreover,
+substantially the precise advantages professedly aimed at by the
+British orders. The arrangement has nevertheless been rejected.
+
+This candid and liberal experiment having thus failed, and no other
+event having occurred on which a suspension of the embargo by the
+Executive was authorized, it necessarily remains in the extent
+originally given to it. We have the satisfaction, however, to reflect
+that in return for the privations imposed by the measure, and which
+our fellow-citizens in general have borne with patriotism, it has had
+the important effects of saving our mariners and our vast mercantile
+property, as well as of affording time for prosecuting the defensive and
+provisional measures called for by the occasion. It has demonstrated to
+foreign nations the moderation and firmness which govern our councils,
+and to our citizens the necessity of uniting in support of the laws
+and the rights of their country, and has thus long frustrated those
+usurpations and spoliations which, if resisted, involved war; if
+submitted to, sacrificed a vital principle of our national independence.
+
+Under a continuance of the belligerent measures which, in defiance of
+laws which consecrate the rights of neutrals, overspread the ocean with
+danger, it will rest with the wisdom of Congress to decide on the course
+best adapted to such a state of things; and bringing with them, as they
+do, from every part of the Union the sentiments of our constituents, my
+confidence is strengthened that in forming this decision they will, with
+an unerring regard to the essential rights and interests of the nation,
+weigh and compare the painful alternatives out of which a choice is to
+be made. Nor should I do justice to the virtues which on other occasions
+have marked the character of our fellow-citizens if I did not cherish an
+equal confidence that the alternative chosen, whatever it may be, will
+be maintained with all the fortitude and patriotism which the crisis
+ought to inspire.
+
+The documents containing the correspondences on the subject of the
+foreign edicts against our commerce, with the instructions given to
+our ministers at London and Paris, are now laid before you.
+
+The communications made to Congress at their last session explained the
+posture in which the close of the discussions relating to the attack
+by a British ship of war on the frigate _Chesapeake_ left a subject on
+which the nation had manifested so honorable a sensibility. Every view
+of what had passed authorized a belief that immediate steps would be
+taken by the British Government for redressing a wrong which the more it
+was investigated appeared the more clearly to require what had not been
+provided for in the special mission. It is found that no steps have been
+taken for the purpose. On the contrary, it will be seen in the documents
+laid before you that the inadmissible preliminary which obstructed the
+adjustment is still adhered to, and, moreover, that it is now brought
+into connection with the distinct and irrelative case of the orders in
+council. The instructions which had been given to our minister at London
+with a view to facilitate, if necessary, the reparation claimed by the
+United States are included in the documents communicated.
+
+Our relations with the other powers of Europe have undergone no material
+changes since your last session. The important negotiations with Spain
+which had been alternately suspended and resumed necessarily experience
+a pause under the extraordinary and interesting crisis which
+distinguishes her internal situation.
+
+With the Barbary Powers we continue in harmony, with the exception of an
+unjustifiable proceeding of the Dey of Algiers toward our consul to that
+Regency. Its character and circumstances are now laid before you, and
+will enable you to decide how far it may, either now or hereafter, call
+for any measures not within the limits of the Executive authority.
+
+With our Indian neighbors the public peace has been steadily maintained.
+Some instances of individual wrong have, as at other times, taken
+place, but in no wise implicating the will of the nation. Beyond the
+Mississippi the loways, the Sacs, and the Alabamas have delivered up
+for trial and punishment individuals from among themselves accused of
+murdering citizens of the United States. On this side of the Mississippi
+the Creeks are exerting themselves to arrest offenders of the same kind,
+and the Choctaws have manifested their readiness and desire for amicable
+and just arrangements respecting depredations committed by disorderly
+persons of their tribe. And, generally, from a conviction that we
+consider them as a part of ourselves, and cherish with sincerity their
+rights and interests, the attachment of the Indian tribes is gaining
+strength daily--is extending from the nearer to the more remote, and
+will amply requite us for the justice and friendship practiced toward
+them. Husbandry and household manufacture are advancing among them more
+rapidly with the Southern than Northern tribes, from circumstances of
+soil and climate, and one of the two great divisions of the Cherokee
+Nation have now under consideration to solicit the citizenship of the
+United States, and to be identified with us in laws and government in
+such progressive manner as we shall think best.
+
+In consequence of the appropriations of the last session of Congress for
+the security of our seaport towns and harbors, such works of defense
+have been erected as seemed to be called for by the situation of the
+several places, their relative importance, and the scale of expense
+indicated by the amount of the appropriation. These works will chiefly
+be finished in the course of the present season, except at New York and
+New Orleans, where most was to be done; and although a great proportion
+of the last appropriation has been expended on the former place, yet
+some further views will be submitted to Congress for rendering its
+security entirely adequate against naval enterprise. A view of what has
+been done at the several places, and of what is proposed to be done,
+shall be communicated as soon as the several reports are received.
+
+Of the gunboats authorized by the act of December last, it has been
+thought necessary to build only 103 in the present year. These, with
+those before possessed, are sufficient for the harbors and waters most
+exposed, and the residue will require little time for their construction
+when it shall be deemed necessary.
+
+Under the act of the last session for raising an additional military
+force so many officers were immediately appointed as were necessary for
+carrying on the business of recruiting, and in proportion as it advanced
+others have been added. We have reason to believe their success has been
+satisfactory, although such returns have not yet been received as enable
+me to present you a statement of the numbers engaged.
+
+I have not thought it necessary in the course of the last season to call
+for any general detachments of militia or of volunteers under the laws
+passed for that purpose. For the ensuing season, however, they will be
+required to be in readiness should their service be wanted, Some small
+and special detachments have been necessary to maintain trie laws of
+embargo on that portion of our northern frontier which offered peculiar
+facilities for evasion, but these were replaced as soon as it could be
+done by bodies of new recruits. By the aid of these and of the armed
+vessels called into service in other quarters the spirit of disobedience
+and abuse, which manifested itself early and with sensible effect while
+we were unprepared to meet it, has been considerably repressed.
+
+Considering the extraordinary character of the times in which we live,
+our attention should unremittingly be fixed on the safety of our
+country. For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well
+organized and armed militia is their best security. It is therefore
+incumbent on us at every meeting to revise the condition of the militia,
+and to ask ourselves if it is prepared to repel a powerful enemy at
+every point of our territories exposed to invasion. Some of the States
+have paid a laudable attention to this object, but every degree of
+neglect is to be found among others. Congress alone having the power to
+produce an uniform state of preparation in this great organ of defense,
+the interests which they so deeply feel in their own and their country's
+security will present this as among the most important objects of their
+deliberation.
+
+Under the acts of March 11 and April 23 respecting arms, the difficulty
+of procuring them from abroad during the present situation and
+dispositions of Europe induced us to direct our whole efforts to the
+means of internal supply. The public factories have therefore been
+enlarged, additional machineries erected, and, in proportion as
+artificers can be found or formed, their effect, already more than
+doubled, may be increased so as to keep pace with the yearly increase
+of the militia. The annual sums appropriated by the latter act have
+been directed to the encouragement of private factories of arms, and
+contracts have been entered into with individual undertakers to nearly
+the amount of the first year's appropriation.
+
+The suspension of our foreign commerce, produced by the injustice of
+the belligerent powers, and the consequent losses and sacrifices of our
+citizens are subjects of just concern. The situation into which we have
+thus been forced has impelled us to apply a pbrtion of our industry and
+capital to internal manufactures and improvements. The extent of this
+conversion is daily increasing, and little doubt remains that the
+establishments formed and forming will, under the auspices of cheaper
+materials and subsistence, the freedom of labor from taxation with us,
+and of protecting duties and prohibitions, become permanent. The
+commerce with the Indians, too, within our own boundaries is likely to
+receive abundant aliment from the same internal source, and will secure
+to them peace and the progress of civilization, undisturbed by practices
+hostile to both.
+
+The accounts of the receipts and expenditures during the year ending
+the 30th of September last being not yet made up, a correct statement
+will hereafter be transmitted from the Treasury. In the meantime it is
+ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near $18,000,000, which,
+with the eight millions and a half in the Treasury at the beginning
+of the year, have enabled us, after meeting the current demands and
+interest incurred, to pay $2,300,000 of the principal of our funded
+debt, and left us in the Treasury on that day near $14,000,000. Of
+these, $5,350,000 will be necessary to pay what will be clue on the 1st
+day of January next, which will complete the reimbursement of the 8 per
+cent stock. These payments, with those made in the six years and a half
+preceding, will have extinguished $33,580,000 of the principal of the
+funded debt, being the whole which could be paid or purchased within the
+limits of the law and of our contracts, and the amount of principal thus
+discharged will have liberated the revenue from about $2,000,000 of
+interest and added that sum annually to the disposable surplus. The
+probable accumulation of the surpluses of revenue beyond what can be
+applied to the payment of the public debt whenever the freedom and
+safety of our commerce shall be restored merits the consideration of
+Congress. Shall it lie unproductive in the public vaults? Shall the
+revenue be reduced? Or shall it not rather be appropriated to the
+improvements of roads, canals, rivers, education, and other great
+foundations of prosperity and union under the powers which Congress may
+already possess or such amendment of the Constitution as may be approved
+by the States? While uncertain of the course of things, the time may be
+advantageously employed in obtaining the powers necessary for a system
+of improvement, should that be thought best.
+
+Availing myself of this the last occasion which will occur of addressing
+the two Houses of the Legislature at their meeting, I can not omit the
+expression of my sincere gratitude for the repeated proofs of confidence
+manifested to me by themselves and their predecessors since my call to
+the administration and the many indulgences experienced at their hands.
+The same grateful acknowledgments are due to my fellow-citizens
+generally, whose support has been my great encouragement under all
+embarrassments. In the transaction of their business I can not have
+escaped error. It is incident to out imperfect nature. But I may say
+with truth my errors have been of the understanding, not of intention,
+and that the advancement of their rights and interests has been the
+constant motive for every measure. On these considerations I solicit
+their indulgence. Looking forward with anxiety to their future destinies,
+I trust that in their steady character, unshaken by difficulties, in
+their love of liberty, obedience to law, and support of the public
+authorities I see a sure guaranty of the permanence of our Republic;
+and, retiring from the charge of their affairs, I carry with me the
+consolation of a firm persuasion that Heaven has in store for our
+beloved country long ages to come of prosperity and happiness.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 8, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The documents communicated with my public message of this day contain
+such portions of the correspondences therein referred to, of the
+ministers of the United States at Paris and London, as relate to the
+present state of affairs between those Governments and the United
+States, and as may be made public. I now communicate, confidentially,
+such supplementary portions of the same correspondences as I deem
+improper for publication, yet necessary to convey to Congress full
+information on a subject of their deliberations so interesting to
+our country.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 11, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The governor of the Mississippi Territory having thought it expedient
+to dissolve the general assembly of that Territory, according to the
+authority vested in him by the ordinance of July 13, 1787, and having
+declared it dissolved accordingly, some doubt was suggested whether that
+declaration effected the dissolution of the legislative council. On
+mature consideration and advice I approved of the proceeding of the
+governor. The house of representatives of the Territory, since chosen,
+have consequently nominated ten persons out of whom a legislative
+council should be appointed. I do accordingly nominate and, by and with
+the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint John Flood McGrew,
+Thomas Calvit, James Lea, Alexander Montgomery, and Daniel Burnet, being
+five of the said ten persons, to serve as a legislative council for the
+said Territory, to continue in office five years, unless sooner removed
+according to law.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 13, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now transmit to both Houses of Congress a report of the commissioners
+appointed under the act of March 29, 1806, concerning a road from
+Cumberland to Ohio, being a statement of the proceedings under the said
+act since their last report communicated to Congress, in order that
+Congress may be enabled to adopt such further measures as may be proper
+under existing circumstances.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the request of the Senate in their resolution of November
+14, that copies should be laid before them of all the orders and decrees
+of the belligerent powers of Europe, passed since 1791, affecting the
+commercial rights of the United States, I now transmit them a report of
+the Secretary of State of such of them as have been attainable in the
+Department of State and are supposed to have entered into the views of
+the Senate.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 27, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the request expressed by the Senate in their resolution of
+November 14, I now transmit a report of the Secretary of the Treasury
+and statement showing, as far as returns have been received from the
+collectors, the number of vessels which have departed from the United
+States with permission, and specifying the other particulars
+contemplated by that resolution.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 30, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+At the request of the governor, the senate, and house of representatives
+of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I communicate certain resolutions
+entered into by the said senate and house of representatives, and
+approved by the governor, on the 23d instant. It can not but be
+encouraging to those whom the nation has placed in the direction of
+their affairs to see that their fellow-citizens will press forward
+in support of their country in proportion as it is threatened by the
+disorganizing conflicts of the other hemisphere.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 30, 1808.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Legislature a letter from Governor Claiborne on the
+subject of a small tribe of Alabama Indians on the western side of the
+Mississippi, consisting of about a dozen families. Like other erratic
+tribes in that country, it is understood that they have hitherto
+moved from place to place according to their convenience, without
+appropriating to themselves exclusively any particular territory; but
+having now become habituated to some of the occupations of civilized
+life, they wish for a fixed residence. I suppose it will be the interest
+of the United States to encourage the wandering tribes of that country
+to reduce themselves to fixed habitations whenever they are so disposed.
+The establishment of towns and growing attachments to them will furnish
+in some degree pledges of their peaceable and friendly conduct. The case
+of this particular tribe is now submitted to the consideration of
+Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 6, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the works of defense which it
+has been thought necessary to provide in the first instance for the
+security of our seaport towns and harbors, and of the progress toward
+their completion. Their extent has been adapted to the scale of the
+appropriation and to the circumstances of the several places.
+
+The works undertaken at New York are calculated to annoy and endanger
+any naval force which shall enter the harbor, and, still more, one
+which should attempt to lie before the city. To prevent altogether the
+entrance of large vessels, a line of blocks across the harbor has been
+contemplated, and would, as is believed, with the auxiliary means
+already provided, render that city safe against naval enterprise. The
+expense as well as the importance of the work renders it a subject
+proper for the special consideration of Congress.
+
+At New Orleans two separate systems of defense are necessary--the one
+for the river, the other for the lake, which at present can give no aid
+to one another. The canal now leading from the lake, if continued into
+the river, would enable the armed vessels in both stations to unite, and
+to meet in conjunction an attack from either side. Half the aggregate
+force would then have the same effect as the whole, or the same force
+double the effect of what either can now have. It would also enable the
+vessels stationed in the lake when attacked by superior force to retire
+to a safer position in the river. The same considerations of expense and
+importance render this also a question for the special decision of
+Congress.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 13, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now render to Congress the account of the fund established for
+defraying the contingent expenses of Government for the year 1808.
+Of the $20,000 appropriated for that purpose, $2,000 were deposited in
+the hands of the Attorney-General of the United States to pay expenses
+incident to the prosecution of Aaron Burr and his accomplices for
+treason and misdemeanors alleged to have been committed by them; $990
+were paid to the order of Governor Williams on the same account, and
+the balance of $17,010 remains in the Treasury unexpended.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 17, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress certain letters which passed between the
+British secretary of state, Mr. Canning, and Mr. Pinkney, our minister
+plenipotentiary at London. When the documents concerning the relations
+between the United States and Great Britain were laid before Congress at
+the commencement of the session, the answer of Mr. Pinkney to the letter
+of Mr. Canning had not been received, and a communication of the latter
+alone would have accorded neither with propriety nor with the wishes of
+Mr. Pinkney. When that answer afterwards arrived it was considered that,
+as what had passed by conversation had been superseded by the written
+and formal correspondence on the subject, the variance in the two
+statements of what had verbally passed was not of sufficient importance
+to be made the matter of a distinct and special communication. The
+letter of Mr. Canning, however, having lately appeared in print,
+unaccompanied by that of Mr. Pinkney in reply, and having a tendency
+to make impressions not warranted by the statements of Mr. Pinkney,
+it has become proper that the whole should be brought into public view.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 24, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+According to the resolution of the Senate of the 17th instant, I
+now transmit them the information therein requested, respecting the
+execution of the act of Congress of February 21, 1806, appropriating
+$2,000,000 for defraying any extraordinary expenses attending the
+intercourse between the United States and foreign nations.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 30, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress a letter recently received from our minister at
+the Court of St. James, covering one to him from the British secretary
+of state, with his reply. These are communicated as forming a sequel to
+the correspondence which accompanied my message to both Houses of the
+17th instant.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 18, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I submit a treaty, concluded at Brownstown, in the Territory of
+Michigan, between the United States and the Chippewas, Ottawas,
+Potawattamies, Wyandots, and Shawnees, on the 25th day of November
+last, whereby those tribes grant to the United States two roads,
+therein described, for the decision of the Senate whether they will
+advise and consent to the ratification of it.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 24, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+The Emperor of Russia has on several occasions indicated sentiments
+particularly friendly to the United States, and expressed a wish through
+different channels that a diplomatic intercourse should be established
+between the two countries. His high station and the relations of
+Russia to the predominant powers of Europe must give him weight with
+them according to the vicissitudes of the war, and his influence in
+negotiations for peace may be of value to the United States should
+arrangements of any sort affecting them be contemplated by other powers
+in the present extraordinary state of the world; and under the constant
+possibility of sudden negotiations for peace I have thought that the
+friendly dispositions of such a power might be advantageously cherished
+by a mission which should manifest our willingness to meet his good
+will. I accordingly commissioned in the month of August last William
+Short, formerly minister plenipotentiary of the United States at Madrid,
+to proceed as minister plenipotentiary to the Court of St. Petersburg,
+and he proceeded accordingly; and I now nominate him to the Senate for
+that appointment.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 25, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United
+States according to the latest returns received by the Department
+of War.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Tenth Congress, second session, 462.]
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 30, 1808_.
+
+_The President of the United States to_ ------, _Senator for the
+State of_ ------.
+
+Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate
+should be convened on Saturday, the 4th day of March next, you are
+desired to attend at the Senate Chamber, in the city of Washington,
+on that day, then and there to deliberate on such communications as
+shall be made to you.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and
+Papers of the Presidents, by Edited by James D. Richardson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10893 ***