18th CONGRESS,?

2d SESSION.

Message of the President, at the opening of the Session.

[Sen. and II. of R.

for instruction in like inanner. In this mode, a complete military will be incorporated with the civil, and unfoundknowledge of the science and duties of this arm, willed and injurious distinctions and prejudices, of every be extended throughout the whole Corps of Artillery.kind, be done away. To the corps themselves, this serBut, to carry this object fully into effect, will require the vice cannot fail to be equally useful, since, by the know. id of Congress; to obtain which, the subject is now ledge they would thus acquire, they would be eminently ubmitted to your consideration. better qualified, in the event of war, for the great purposes for which they were instituted.

Of the progress which has been made in the construcion of Fortifications, for the permanent defence of our aritime frontier, according to the plan decided on, and the extent of the existing appropriations, the Report f the Secretary of War, which is herewith communicaed, will give a detailed account. Their final compleon cannot fail to give great additional security to that ontier, and to diminish, proportionably, the expense of efending it in the event of war.

Our relations with the Indian tribes within our limits, have not been materially changed during the year. The hostile disposition evinced by certain tribes on the Missouri during the last year, still continues, and has extended, in some degree, to those on the Upper Mississippi and the upper Lakes Several parties of our citizens have been plundered and murdered by those tribes. In order to establish relations of friendship with them, Congress, at the last session, made an appropriation for treaties with them, and for the employment of a suitable military escort to accompany and attend the Commissioners at the places appointed for the negotiations. This object has not been effected. The season was too far advanced when the appropriation was made, and the distance too great to permit it, but measures have been taken, and all the preparations will be completed, to accomplish it at an early period in the next season.

Believing that the hostility of the Tribes, particularly on the upper Mississippi, and the Lakes, is in no small degree owing to the wars which are carried on between the Tribes residing in that quarter, measures have been taken to bring about a general peace among them, which, if successful, will not only tend to the security of our citizens, but be of great advantage to the Indians themselves.

der the provisions of this act, thirty-two schools, contain: ing nine hundred and sixteen scholars, who are well instructed in several branches of literature, and likewise in agriculture, and the ordinary arts of life.

The provisions in the several acts of Congress, of the st session, for the improvement of the navigation of the ississippi and the Ohio, of the Harbour of Presqu'isle, Lake Erie, and the repair of the Plymouth Beach, in a course of regular execution; and, there is rean to believe, that the appropriation, in each instance, Il be adequate to the object. To carry these improvenis fully into effect, the superintendence of them has en assigned to officers of the Corps of Engineers. Under the act of 30th April last, authorizing the Preent to cause a survey to be made, with the necessary ns and estimates, of such roads and canals, as he might em of national importance, in a commercial or militapoint of view, or for the transportation of the mail, a ard has been instituted, consisting of two distinguishofficers of the Corps of Engineers, and a distinguishCivil Engineer, with assistants, who have been acly employed in carrying into effect the object of the With the exception of the Tribes referred to, our reThey have carefully examined the route between lations with all the others are on the same friendly footPotomac and the Ohio rivers; between the lattering, and it affords me great satisfaction to add, that they Lake Erie: between the Alleghany and the Susque are making steady advances in civilization, and the imnah; and the routes between the Delaware and the provement of their condition. Many of the Tribes have iton, Barnstable and Buzzard's Bay, and between already made great progress in the arts of civilized life. ton Harbour and Narraganset Bay. Such portion of This desirable result has been brought about by the hu corps of Topographical Engineers as could be spar mane and persevering policy of the Government, and from the survey of the coast, has been employed in particularly by means of the appropriation for the civileying the very important route between the Poto-ization of the Indians. There have been established, unand the Ohio. Considerable progress has been e in it, but the survey cannot be completed until the season. It is gratifying to add, from the view aly taken, that there is good cause to believe, that great national object may be fully accomplished. is contemplated to commence early in the next seathe execution of the other branch of the act, that h relates to roads, and with the survey of a route this city, through the southern states, to New Or3, the importance of which cannot be too highly nated. All the officers of both the corps of Engis, who could be spared from other services, have employed in exploring and surveying the routes canals. To digest a plan for both objects, for the t purposes specified, will require a thorough knowe of every part of our Union, and of the relation of part to the others, and of all to the seat of the GeGovernment. For such a digest it will be neçesthat the information be full, minute, and precise. a view to these important objects, I submit to the deration of Congress the propriety of enlarging both orps of Engineers, the military and topographical. ed scarcely be remarked that the more extensively : corps are engaged in the improvement of their try, in the execution of the powers of Congress, and 1 of the states in such improvements as lie beyond limit, when such aid is desired, the happier the It will be in many views of which the subject is susble. By profiting of the r science, the works will s be well executed; and, by giving to the officers employment, our Union will derive all the advanin peace as well as in war, from their talents and ces, which they can afford. In this mode, also, the

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Under the appropriation to authorize treaties with the Creeks, and Quapaw Indians, commissioners have been appointed, and negotiations are now pending, but the result is not yet known.

For more full information respecting the principle which has been adopted for carrying into effect the act of Congress authorizing surveys, with plans and estimates, for canals and roads, and on every other branch of duty incident to the Department of War, I refer you to the Report of the Secretary.

The squadron in the Mediterranean has been maintained in the extent which was proposed in the Report of the Secretary of the Navy of the last year, and has afforded to our commerce the necessary protection in that sea. Apprehending, however, that the unfriendly relations which have existed between Algiers and some of the powers of Europe, might be extended to us, it has been thought expedient to augment the force there, and, in consequence, the "North Carolina," a ship of the line, has been prepared, and will sail in a few days to join it.

The force employed in the Gulph of Mexico, and in the neighboring seas, for the suppression of Piracy, has likewise been preserved essentially in the state in which it was during the last year. A persevering effort has been made for the accomplishment of that object, and much protection has thereby been afforded to our commerce, but still the practice is far from being suppressed. From every view which has been taken of the sub

18th CONGRESS, Message of the President, at the opening of the Session.

2d SESSION.

[Sen. and H. of k

his favor, throughout every portion of our Union, and s fectionate invitations have been given him to extend lis visits to them. To these he has yielded all the accoun dation in his power. At every designated point of ne dezvous, the whole population of the neighboring cou try has been assembled to greet him, among when has excited, in a peculiar manner, the sensibility of to behold the surviving members of our Revolutio contest, civil and military, who had shared with him the toils and dangers of the war, many of them in a de crepid s'ate. A more interesting spectacle, it is bele ed, was never witnessed, because none could be found ed on purer principles-none proceed from highe more disinterested motives. That the feelings of the who had fought and bled with him, in a common can should have been much excited, was natural. The are, however, circumstances attending these interver which pervaded the whole community, and touched! breasts of every age, even the youngest among There was not an individual present who had not sorts lative who had not partaken n those scenes, not an a who had not heard the relation of them. But the c stance which was most sensibly felt, and which his

ect, it is thought that it will be necessary rather to augment than to diminish our force in that quarter. There is reason to believe that the piracies now complained of, are committed by bands of robbers who inhabit the land, and who, by preserving good intelligence with the towns, and seizing favorable opportunities, rush forth and fall on unprotected merchant vessels, of which they make an easy prey. The pillage thus taken, they carry to their lurking places, and dispose of afterwards, at prices tending to seduce the neighboring population. This combination is understood to be of great extent; and is the more to be deprecated, because the crime of piracy is often attended with the murder of the crews, these robbers knowing, if any survived, their lurking places would be exposed, and they be caught and punished. That this atrocious practice should be carried to such extent, is cause of equal surprize and regret. It is presumed that it must be attributed to the relaxed and feeble state of the local Governments, since it is not doubted, from the high character of the Governor of Cuba, who is well known and much respected here, that if he had the power, he would promptly suppress it. Whether those robbers should be pursued on the land, the local authorities be made responsible for these atro-sence brought forcibly to the recollection of all wa cities, or any other measure he resorted to, to suppress them, is submitted to the consideration of Congress. In execution of the laws for the suppression of the slave trade, a vessel has been occasionally sent from that squadron to the coast of Africa, with orders to return thence by the usual track of the slave ships, and to seize any of our vesses which might be engaged in that trade. None have been found, and, it is believed, that none are thus employed. It is well known, however, that the trade still exists under other flags.

The health of our squadron while at Thompson's Island, has been much better during the present, than it was the last season. Some improvements have been made, and others are contemplated there, which, it is believed, will have a very salutary effect.

On the Pacific, our commerce has much increased, and on that coast, as well as on that sea, the United States have many important interests which require attention and protection. It is thought that all the considerations which suggested the expediency of placing a squadron on that sea, operate with augmented force, for maintain ing it there at least in an equal extent.

For detailed information respecting the state of our maritime force, on each sea, the improvement necessary to be made on either, in the organization of the Naval Establishment, generally, and of the laws for its better government, I refer you to the Report of the Secretary of the Navy, which is herewith communicated.

The revenue of the Post Office Department has received a considerable augmentation in the present year. The current receipts will exceed the expenditures, although the transportation of the mail, within the year, has been much increased. A Report of the Postmaster General, which is transmitted, will furnish, in detail, the necessary information respecting the administration and present state of this Department.

In conformity with a resolution of Congress, of the last Session, an invitation was given to General Lafayette to visit the United States, with an assurance that a ship of war should attend at any port of France which he might designate, to receive and convey him across the Atlantic, whenever it might be convenient for him to sail. He declined the cffer of the public ship, from motives of delicacy, but assured me that he had long intended, and would certainly visit our Union, in the course of the present year. In August last, he arrived at New York, where he was received with the warmth of affection and gratitude to which his very important and disinterested services and sacrifices, in our Revolutionary struggle, so eminently entitled him. A corresponding sentiment has since been manifested, in

great cause in which we were engaged, and the te
ings which we have derived from our success in it.
struggle was for independence and liberty, pub
personal, and in this we succeeded. The meeting |- |
one who had borne so distinguished a part in that ge
struggle, and from such lofty and disinterested m
could not fail to affect, profoundly, every individua
of every age. It is natural that we should all takes er
interest in his future welfare, as we do. Ilis high
on our Union are felt, and the sentiment universa
they should be met in a generous spirit. Unde
impressions, I invite your attention to the subjer" ¦
a view that, regarding his very important services
es, and sacrifices, a provision may be made, and a
ed to him, which shall correspond with the s
and be worthy the character, of the American pe
In turning our attention to the condition of the
ized world, in which the United States have
taken a deep in'erest, it is gratifying to see how
portion of it is blessed with peace. The only wasi
now exist within that limit, are those between
and Greece, in Europe, and between Spain and t
Governments, our neighbors, in this hemisp
both these wars, the cause of independence, of
and humanity, continues to prevail.
The S
Greece, when the relative population of the co
parties is considered, commands our admiration
plause, and that it has had a similar effect #
neighboring Powers, is obvious. The feel!
whole civilized work is excited, in a high d
their favor. May we not hope that these scat -
winning on the hearts of their respective Gover
may lead to a more decisive result? that they
duce an accord among them, to replace Greece
ground which she formerly held, and to which
roic exertions, at this day, so eminently entitle b

With respect to the contest, to which our ne are a party, it is evident that Spain, as a power, felt in it. These new states had completely their independence, before it was acknowledge United States, and they have since maintained little foreign pressure. The disturbances appeared in certain portions of that vast terter proceeded from internal causes, which had the in their former governments, and have not thoroughly removed. It is manifest that thes are daily losing their effect, and that these new are settling down under governments elective s sentative in every branch, similar to our own course we ardently wish them to persevere, firm conviction that it will promote their happe

E

18th CONGRESS, 2d SESSION.

Message of the President, at the opening of the Session.

[Sen. and H. of R.

honor of the nation. Their civilization is indispensable to their safety; and this can be accomplished only by degrees. The process must commence with the infant state, through whom some effect may be wrought on the parental. Difficulties of the most serious character present themselves to the attainment of this very desirable result, on the territory on which they now reside. To remove them from it by force, even with a view to their own security and happiness, would be revolting to hu our present States and territories, and the Rocky Moun tain and Mexico, there is a vast territory, to which they might be invited, with inducements, which might be successful. It is thought if that Territory should be divided into Districts, by previous agreement with the tribes now resident there, and civil Governments be established in each, with schools, for every branch of instruction in literature, and the arts of civilized life, that all the tribes now within our limits might gradually be drawn there. The execution of this plan would necessarily be attended with expense, and that not inconsiderable, but it is doubted whether any other can be devised which woul! be less liable to that objection, or more likely to succeed.

this their career, however, we have not interfered, believing that every people have a right to institute for themselves the government, which, in their judgment, may suit them best. Our example is before them, of the good effect of which, being our neighbours, they are competent judges, and to their judgment we leave it, in the expectation that other powers will pursue the same policy. The deep interest which we take in their independence which we have acknowledged, and in their enjoyment of all the rights incident thereto, espe-manity, and utterly unjustifiable. Between the limits of cially in the very important one of instituting their own governments, has been declared and is known to the world. Separated, as we are from Europe by the great Atlantic ocean, we can have no concern in the wars of the European Governments, nor in the causes which produce them. The balance of power between them, into which ever scale it may turn in its various vibrations, cannot affect us. It is the interest of the United States to preserve the most friendly relations with every power, and on conditions fair, equal, and applicable to all. But, in regard to our neighbours our situation is different. It is impossible for the European Governments to interfere in their concerns, especially in those alluded to, which are vital, without affecting us; indeed the motive which might induce such interference in the present state of the war between the parties, if a war it may be called, would appear to be equally applicable It is gratifying to know that some of the powers with whom we enjoy a very friendly intercourse, and to whom these views have been communicated, have appeared to acquiesce in them.

to us.

In looking to the interests which the United States have on the Pacific Ocean, and on the western coast of this Continent, the propriety of establishing a military post at the mouth of Columbia river, or at some other point in that quarter, within our acknowledged limits, is submitted to the consideration of Congress. Our commerce and fisheries on that sea, and along the coast, The augmentation of our population, with the expan- have much increased, and are increasing. It is thought sion of our Union, and increased number of states, have that a military post, to which our ships of war might reproduced effects in certain branches of our system, which | sort, would afford protection to every interest, and have merit the attention of Congress. Some of our arrange a tendency to conciliate the tribes to the north-west, ments, and particularly the Judiciary Establishment, with whom our trade is extensive. It is thought, also, were made with a view to the original thirteen states only. that, by the establishment of such a post, the intercourse Since then the United States have acquired a vast extent of between our western states and territories, and the Paterritory; eleven new states have been admitted into the cific, and our trade with the tribes residing in the inteUnion, and territories have been laid off for three others, rior, on each side of the Rocky Mountain, would be eswhich will likewise be admitted at no distant day. An sentially promoted. To carry this object into effect, the organization of the Supreme Court, which assigns to the appropriation of an adequate sum to authorize the emJudges any portion of the duties which belong to the in-ployment of a frigate, with an officer of the corps of ferior, requiring their passage over so vast a space, under any distribution of the states that may now be made, if not impracticable in the execution, must render it impossible for them to discharge the duties of either branch with advantage to the Union. The duties of the Supreme Court would be of great importance, fits decisions were confined to the ordinary limits of other tribunals; but when it is considered that this court decides, and in the last resort, on all the great questions which arise under our Constitution, involving those between the United States, individually, between the states and the United States, and between the latter and foreign powers, too high an estimate of their importance cannot be formed. The great interests of the nation seem to require, that the Judges of the Supreme Court should be exempted from every other duty, than those which are incident to that high trust. The organization of the inferior courts would, of course, be adapted to circumstances. It is presumed that such an one might be formed, as would secure an able and faithful discharge of their duties, and without any material augmentation of expense.

engineers, to explore the mouth of the Columbia river, and the coast contiguous thereto, to enable the Execu tive to make such establishment at the most suitable point, is recommended to Congress.

It is thought that attention is also due to the improvement of this city. The communication between the public buildings, and in various other parts, and the grounds around those buildings, require it. It is presumed also, that the completion of the canal, from the Tiber to the Eastern Branch, would have a very salutary effect. Great exertions have been made, and expenses incurred, by the citizens, in improvements of various kinds; but those which are suggested, belong exclusively to the Government, or are of a nature to require expenditures beyond their resources. The public lots which are still for sale, would, it is not doubted, be more than adequate to these purposes.

From the view above presented, it is manifest, that the situation of the United States is, in the highest degree, prosperous and happy. There is no object which, as a people, we can desire, which we do not possess, or which The condition of the Aborigines within our limits, and is not within our reach. Blessed with governments the especially those who are within the limits of any of the happiest which the world ever knew, with no distinct states, merits likewise particular attention. Experience orders in society, or divided interests in the vast territory has shown, that, unless the tribes be civilized, they can over which their dominion extends, we have every monever be incorporated into our system, in any form what- tive to cling together, which can animate a virtuous and It has likewise shown, that, in the regular aug.enlightened people. The great object is to preserve mentation of our population, with the extension of our those blessings, and to hand them down to the latest possettlements, their situation will become deplorable, if terity. Our experience ought to satisfy us, that our protheir extinction is not menaced. Some well digested | gress, under the most correct and provident policy, will plan, which will rescue them from such calamities, is due no be exempt from danger. Our institutions form an to their rights, to the rights of humanity, and to the important epoch in the history of the civilized workt.

ever.

Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. [Sen. and H. of R

DOCUMENTS

Accompanying the preceding Message.

Message from the President of the United States, trow matting a Convention between the United States an Great Britain, for the Suppression of the Slave Trai

IN SENATE, Friday, April 30, 1824.

The following written message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Everett, his Secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit to the Senate, for their constitutional ad. vice, with regard to its ratification, a convention for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade, signed at Len don, on the 13th ult. by the Minister of the United State residing there, on their part, with the Plenipotenitanes of the British Government, on the part of that nation together with the correspondence relating thereto, part of which is included in a communication made to ta House of Representatives on the 19th ultimo, a pri ted copy of which is among the documents herewith sent.

Motives of accommodation to the wishes of the British Government, render it desirable that the Senate should act definitively upon this convention, as speedily as may be found convenient. JAMES MONROE

On their preservation, and in their utmost purity, every thing will depend. Extending, as our interests do, to every part of the inhabited globe, and to every sea, to which our citizens are carried by their industry and enterprise, to which they are invited by the wants of others, and have a right to go, we must either protect them in the enjoyment of their rights, or abandon them, in certain events, to waste and desolation. Our attitude is highly interesting as relates to other powers, and parti cularly to our southern neighbors. We have duties to 'perform with respect to all, to which we must be faithful. To every kind of danger we should pay the most vigilant and unceasing attention; remove the cause when practicable: and be prepared to meet it when inevitable. Against foreign danger, the policy of the Government seems to be already settled. The events of the late war admonished us to make our maritime trontier impregnable, by a well digested chain of fortifications, and to give efficient protection to our commerce, by augmenting our Navy to a certain extent; which has been steadily pursued, and which it is incumbent upon us to complete, as soon as circumstances will permit. In the event of war, it is on the maritime frontier that we shall be assailed. It is in that quarter, therefore, that we should be prepared to meet the attack. It is there that our whole force will be called into action, to prevent the destruction of our towns, and the desolation and pillage of the interior. To give full effect to this policy, great improvements will be indispensable. Access to those works, by every practicable communication, should be made easy, and in every direction. The intercourse, also, between every part of our Union, should also be promoted, and facilitated by the exer cise of those powers, which may comport with a faithful regard to the great principles of our (onstitution. With respect to internal causes, those great principles | Sin: I received, on the evening of the 20th instant, a point out, with equal certainty, the policy to be pursued. note from Mr. Secretary Canning, requesting me to call, iles ing on the people, as our Governments do, State on the following day, at the Foreign Office, for the pur and National, with well defined powers, it is of the high-pose of meeting there Mr. Huskisson and Mr. Stratford est importance, that they, severally, keep within the limits prescribed to them. Fulfilling that sacred duty, it is of equal importance, the movement between them be harmonious; and in case of any disagreement, should such occur, that a calm appeal be made to the people; and that their voice be heard, and promptly obeyed. Both Governments being instituted for the common good, they cannot fail to prosper, while those who made them are attentive to the conduct of their representatives, and control their measures. In the pursuit of these great objects, let a generous spirit, and national views and The negotiation has accordingly been opened this feelings be indulged; and let every part recollect, that, day, in due form, at the office of the Board of Trade. by cherishing that spirit, and improving the condition of At the wish of Mr. Secretary Canning, specially expres the others, in what relates to their welfare, the general sed at the Foreign Office the day before yesterday, the interest will not only be promoted, but the local advan-subject of the slave trade is that upon which we have tage reciprocated, by all.

I cannot conclude this communication, the last of the kind which I shall have to make, without recollecting, with great sensibility and heartfelt gratitude, the many instances of the public confidence, and the generous support which I have received from my fellow-citizens in the various trusts with which I have been honored. Having commenced my service in early youth, and continued it since with few and short intervals, I have witnessed the great difficulties to which our Union has been exposed, and admired the virtue and courage with which they were surmounted. From the present prosperous and happy state, 1 derive a gratification which I cannot express. That these blessings may be preserved and perpetuated, will be the object of my fervent and unceasing prayers to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.

JAMES MONROE.

Washington, December 7, 1824.

Washington, April 30, 1824.

(No. 1.)

Mr. Rush to Mr. Adams.

LONDON, January 23, 1824.

Canning, by which I at once understood that the negotiation which the President has confided to me, was no abou to have its regular commencement I went at the time appointed, when, meeting these gentlemen, I was informed by them that their instructions, as well as ful powers, as the Plenipotentiaries of this Government, were made out, and that all things were ready, on their side, for opening the negotiation. 1 replied, that I too was ready on the part of the United States, upon which the 23d was fixed upon for our first meeting.

first entered. Our introductory conferences upon it, occupied a couple of hours, when an adjournment took place until Thursday next, the 29th instant. It was agreed that the same subject should then be resumed, and, without discussing others, proceeded with until it should be finished. In making my reports to you of this negotiation, for the information of the President, my intention is not to make them from meeting to meeting, a course that might often prove unsatisfactory and una, vailing, but to wait the issue of the whole, or, at any rate, the completion of some one object, before I proceed to write about it. This was the plan pursued at the joint negotiation with this court in 1818, in which I bore a share, and I hope will be approved. I will take care to deviate from it whenever circumstances may seem to ren der a deviation necessary and proper; as, moreover, I must, simultaneously with this negotiation, attend to the business of the legation, it has occurred to me that, as often as I may find it necessary to write to you respecting the latter, whilst the negotiation is in progress, I will go on with the regular series in numbering my despatch

Documents accompanying the President's Message.

es, treating those that I shall write on the negotiation, as | garded the latter intimation, I replied, that the United distinct, and so numbering them. I cannot flatter my- States stood upon at least equal ground with Great Briself with the expectation that the work of the negotia-tain, their existing laws against the slave trade being tion will be very soon done. The subjects are many and complicated; the session of Parliament is at hand, and will, when it arrives, make heavy calls upon the time of one of the British Plenipotentiaries; added to which, the daily interruptions to which my own time is liable, always the lot of the permanent incumbent of this mission, will be too liable to increase the unavoidable obstacles to frequent and rapid conferences. I can only repeat, that my best endeavors shall not be spared, and I presume to hope, that my past conduct in this trust will be accepted as the pledge of my future diligence.

LONDON, March 15, 1824. Sin: I have the honor to inform you, that I concluded and signed on behalf of the United States, the day before yesterday, a convention with this Government, for the suppression of the slave trade, which instrument I herewith transmit to your hands, to be laid before the Presi-a