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, & the relations of Russia to the predominant powers of Europe, must give him weight with them, according to the vicissitudes of the war; & his influence in negociations 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, & under the constant possibility of sudden negociations 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 US. 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.