Secret Keepers

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Secret Keepers

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.
managing their own affairs in their own way and for their own use,
unembarrassed by too much regulations, 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 a 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
others of the Barbary powers. A reinforcement, 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 seamen, 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 Tallahassee county. In this
purchase has been also comprehended 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 in 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 Indian territory which includes Vincennes, the
lines settled with the neighboring tribes fix the extinction of their
title at a breadth of twenty-four leagues from east to west, and
about the same length parallel with and including the Wabash. They
have also ceded a tract of four miles square, including the salt
springs near the mouth of the 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 in one
year upward of eight millions of dollars, 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 four
millions and a half of dollars, which are in a course of application to
a 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 arrangement for the direct tax had been retarded, it will still 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 debts by reloans, and of redeeming, instead
thereof, an equal sum of the domestic debt. Should, however, the
difficulties of remittances 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 moral 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 accounts 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 to 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 sum
towards providing the naval defence which our situation may
require, I cannot 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 money 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 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 practised for lock navigation,
furnishes the means of 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 and 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 practise with our own, and
impose on our citizens no unnecessary burden; 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 ourselves in all our proceedings.
By continuing to make these our rule of action, we shall endear to
our countrymen the true principles of their constitution, and promote
a 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.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—January 28, 1802.[1]

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:—

I lay before you the accounts of our Indian trading houses, as
rendered up to the first 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 farther 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
practised 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 enclosed.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—February 24, 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 an
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 representation 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 practise in
our transactions with other nations, and particularly with one which
has observed toward us the most friendly treatment and regard.

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
interest you feel in these will supersede in your minds all private
considerations.
Congress witnessed, at their last 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 while 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 two millions of dollars, 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. While 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 field 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
enterprize. 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 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 moderated prices as leave no gain, but cover
us from loss, has the most conciliatory and useful effect upon 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 north-eastern and north-
western 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 demarkation of those
limits to the satisfaction of both parties.
An account of the receipts and expenditures of the year ending 30th
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 eleven and twelve
millions of dollars, 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 three millions
one hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of interest, and making,
with the payment of the preceding year, a discharge of more than
eight millions and a half of dollars of the principal of that debt,
besides the accruing interest; and there remain in the treasury
nearly six millions of dollars. Of these, eight hundred and eighty
thousand have been reserved for payment of the first instalment due
under the British convention of January 8th, 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 thirteen millions of dollars 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 imposts 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 cannot
but hope that Congress in reviewing their resources will find means
to meet the intermediate interests 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 instalments 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 fifty thousand dollars appropriated by Congress for
providing gun-boats, remains unexpended. The favorable and
peaceful 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 a million and a half of
dollars 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 incessant 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 cannot 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 carrying into execution with the fidelity
I owe to my country.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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
cannot 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 enabled 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.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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 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 thing
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.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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.
 SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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 difficulties 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 enclose 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 co-operation 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
twenty-two guns.
I recommended 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.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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
Natchez. No occasion, however, arose for their services. Our
commissioners, on their arrival at New Orleans, found the province
already delivered by the commissaries of Spain to that of France,
who delivered it over to them on the twentieth day of December, as
appears by their declaratory act accompanying it. 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 the country, my sincere congratulations.

SPECIAL MESSAGE.—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.

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,
cannot 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 conviction.
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 fulfilment 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
reinforcement 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 first 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 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 provision of the
law, and so soon as they can be at their station, that district will also
be in its due state of organization; in the meantime their places are
supplied by the officers before commanding there. The functions of
the governor and judges of Indiana have 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
cannot fail us for preserving their peace and friendship. By pursuing
a 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 proposed 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,
have ceded to us all the country between the Wabash and the Ohio,
south of, and including the road from the rapids towards 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 three
hundred miles on the Ohio, and near half that on the Wabash. The
produce of the settled countries descending those rivers, will no
longer pass in review of the Indian frontier but in a small portion,
and with the cession heretofore made with 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 28th, 1803, for building and
employing a number of gun-boats, 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 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 burden, 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 insured 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 continue to fulfil our expectations. Eleven
millions and a half of dollars, received in the course of the year
ending on 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 proportional 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 farther redemption of the funded debts 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