1The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 24 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
DS : National Archives We arrived at this place on the 15 and shoud have proceeded immediatly to perform the Duty imposed by the Congress, but the President of the Congress of New Hampshire was detained by the Illness of his Family from attending, after waiting two days for him it was determined to call in General Sullivan to represent that Colony. The president joined us next day, and we have...
2The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 17 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
DS : New York Public Library; DS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The committee returned to Philadelphia on the morning of September 13. On the same day it gave an oral report to Congress, and was asked for a written one as soon as possible. The latter was presented on the 17th, and the same committee was ordered to publish it with other documents relating to the...
3Conrad Alexandre Gérard to Congress, 5 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
Le Ministre plenipotentiaire de france ne peut Se dispenser de deferer au Congrès des Etats Unis les passages Soulignés dans les deux gazettes ci jointes en datte du 3. et du 5. de ce mois. Il ne doute pas que le Congrès n’ait été indigné des assertions indiscrettes qui ces passages contiennent et qui compromettent egalement lui dignite et la reputation du Roi mon Maitre et cette des Etats...
4Thomas Paine to Congress, 8 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
Finding by the Journals of this House, of yesterday, that I am not to be heard, and having in my letter of the same day, prior to that resolution, declared that I could not “ in duty to my Character as a freeman submit to be censured unheard ,” therefore consistent with that declaration, and to maintain that Right, I think it my duty to resign the Office of Secretary for foreign to the...
The People of the State of New York By the Grace of God, Free and Independent To All to whom these presents shall come, send Greeting Know Ye that We having inspected the Records Remaining in the Secretary’s Office of our said State do find there a Certain Commission in the Words following to Wit: “The People of the State of New York, By the Grace of God Free and Independent, To all to whom...
6Report to Congress, 25 July 1789 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign affairs under the former Congress, in pursuance of the following Resolution viz t . “In Senate 22 d July 1789” “Whereas a Convention referred this day to the Senate, bears reference to a Convention pending between the most Christian King and the United States, previous to the adoption of our present Constitution.” “Resolved, that...
7Enclosure: President of the Commune of Paris to the President and Members of Congress, 29 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We have learned that Franklin, the man of all nations, is no more—having enlightened them all, and in every species of knowledge, they ought to share in a loss, which is common to them all. The august Legislators of our nation have hastened to set the example; but the assembly of representatives of the Commons of the Capital believed it their duty to add to this universal mourning a new...
8Address of the President to Congress, 8 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Representatives. In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our Country with plenty, and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a...
9VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It appearing by the Report of the Secretary of the Government North West of the Ohio, that there are certain cases respecting grants of land within that territory, which require the interference of the Legislature of the United States;—I have directed a Copy of said Report and the Papers therein referred to to be laid before you; together with a copy of the Report of the Secretary of State...
10VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [24 January 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest me by their act intituled ‘an Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States’ and on mature consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have, by a proclamation bearing date this day, directed...
11IX. Report on the American Fisheries by the Secretary of State, 1 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives, the representation from the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the subjects of the Cod and Whale Fisheries, together with the several papers accompanying it, has had the same under consideration and thereupon makes the following Report. The representation sets forth that, before the late war,...
12Report on Memorial of Andrew Brown, 5 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the memorial of Andrew Brown, Printer, of Philadelphia, has had the same under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following Report . The Memorialist states, that he has in contemplation to publish a correct edition of the laws, treaties, and resolutions of the United States, and prays, that such measures may be adopted for giving a public...
13V. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 14 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Soon after I was called to the administration of the government [I found it important to come to an understanding with the court of London on several points interesting to the U.S. and particularly to know Whether they were] disposed to enter into arrangements, by mutual consent, which might fix the commerce between the two nations on principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I...
14XI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from the Secretary of State a Report on the Proceedings of the Governor of the Northwestern Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie, under the Resolution of Congress of August 29th. 1788, which containing Matter proper for your Consideration, I lay the same before you. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Senate Records, 1st. Cong., 3rd. sess.); in clerk’s hand, signed by Washington;...
15Jefferson’s Report on the Petition of a Hessian Deserter, 24 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State having had under consideration the Petition of Nicholas Ferdinand Westphal, to him referred by the House of Representatives, and having made such inquiry into the facts alledged as the case admits, makes thereon the following Report It appears by the affidavit of the Petitioner (the best evidence the nature of the case admits) that he was a Sergeant Major in the British...
16Report on Sale of Lands on Lake Erie, 19 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state, to whom was referred, by the President of the United States, a letter from the Governor of Pennsylvania with the documents therein mentioned, on the subject of certain lands on Lake Erie, having had the same under consideration, thereupon REPORTS That Congress, by their resolution of June 6. 1788. directed the Geographer general of the United States to ascertain the...
17Report of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, [17 November 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, The Chief Justice, The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury and The Attorney General respectfully report to The Congress as follows— That pursuant to the Act intitled An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt and in conformity to resolutions agreed upon by them and severally approved by the...
18George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [28 November 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate H. of Representatives I now lay before you, for your further information, some additional advices lately received, on the subject of the hostilities committed by the Chuckamogga towns, or under their name and guidance. The importance of preventing this hostile spirit from spreading to other tribes, or other parts of the same tribe of Indians, a considerable military...
19II. Second State of the Report on Commerce, [before 5–after 23 February 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives the Report of a committee on the written message of the President of the United States of the 14th. of February 1791, with instruction to report to Congress the nature and extent of the privileges and restrictions of the commercial intercourse of the United States with foreign Nations, and the measures which he should...
20I. First State of the Report on Commerce, [before 23 August 1793–after 13 April 1794] (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state, to whom was referred by the house of Representatives the Report of a committee on the written message of the President of the U.S. of the 14th. of Feb. 1791. with instruction to report to Congress the nature and extent of the privileges and restrictions of the commercial intercourse of the U.S. with foreign nations, and the measures which he should think proper to be...
21George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [2 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and especially of those with which the US. have important relations, cannot but render the state of things between them and us matter of interesting enquiry to the legislature, and may indeed give rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have...
22George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14–16 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate House of Repr. I lay before you a Report of the Secretary of state on the measures which have been taken on behalf of the US. for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Marocco, and for the ransom of our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so much concern their interests...
23George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14] December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs in Europe, in the course of the year 1790. having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at that court to avail us of it. A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, and to supply by verbal...
24III. Final State of the Report on Commerce, [16 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives the Report of a Committee on the written Message of the President of the United States, of the 14th. of Feb: 1791, with instruction to report to Congress the nature and extent of the Privileges and Restrictions of the commercial Intercourse of the United States, with foreign Nations, and the Measures which he should...
25George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the United States with Spain and on the Truce between Portugal and Algiers, some other papers have been received which making a part of the same subjects are now communicated for your information. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Senate Records, 3d Cong., 1st sess.); in Benjamin Bankson’s hand, signed by Washington. Enclosures: (1) Josef de...
26George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 30 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration a letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments, which have arisen to the coinage of the precious Metals at the Mint. As also a letter from the same Officer relative to certain advances of money, which have been made on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been done, or be of opinion that any thing more...
27George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [30 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate to you the translation of a letter received from the Representatives of Spain here in reply to that of the Secretary of state to them of the 21st. inst. which had before been communicated to you. Dft ( DLC ); in TJ’s hand, unsigned and undated; with dateline and part of salutation completed by George Taylor, Jr. (see notes below); endorsed by Taylor. Enclosure: Josef de Jaudenes...
28George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, with his account of the expenditure of the monies appropriated for our intercourse with foreign nations, from the 1st. of July 1792 to the 1st. of July 1793. and other papers relating thereto. PrC ( DLC ); in the hand of George Taylor, Jr., unsigned. Tr ( MHi ); 19th-century copy. Enclosures: TJ to Washington, 31 Dec. 1793 (first...
The Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, respectfully represent to the Congress of the United States, That their Representation communicated, last year, through the President, to both Houses of Congress, and to which they refer, comprehended few other remarks than such as were suggested by the personal difficulties to which the Judges were...
30Petition of Merchants and Masters of Vessels Trading from the City of Albany to the City of New York, [1–19 January … (Hamilton Papers)
To the Congress of the United States The Memorial & Petition of the Subscribers respectfully sheweth That Your Memorialists are Owners or Masters or both of coasting vessels employed ordinarily and exclusively in transporting articles between the Cities of New York and Albany. That by a late Act of Congress constituting the City of Hudson a Port of Entry the Port of Albany has been annexed to...
31American Philosophical Society Memorial to U.S. Congress, [7–10 January 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Memorial of the American Philosophical Society, Respectfully Sheweth, That this Society, instituted for the promotion of useful knowledge, understanding that the Legislature of the Union have under their consideration a bill for taking a new census of the inhabitants of the United States, consider it as offering...
32Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 16 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1801, Washington. Transmits the secretary of the treasury’s 14 Dec. report and the proceedings of the treasury officers, in which are described the measures authorized by the board and completed since the commissioners’ report of 28 Nov. 1800. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Reports from the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 7A-F7). RC 1 p.; signed by JM and the other...
33Philippe Jacques Dahler to Jefferson and Congress, 6 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est pour procurer à ma famille des renseignemens sur l’existence oû la mort de nôtre Oncle et depuis longtems vôtre compatriote Jean Daniel Hammerer que j’ose Messieurs m’adresser jusqu’à Vous respectables Président & Membres du Congrès. Depuis 1774 époque de la derniere de ses nouvelles, nous lui avons écrit à reïtérées fois, sans avoir pu recevoir reponse, ni de lui ni des Siens. Comme des...
34Annual Message to Congress, 15 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
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...
35From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 27 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
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 & estimate by duplicates; but the plans being single only, I must request an intercommunication of them between the houses, and their return...
36From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 11 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I transmit you a report recieved from the Director of the Mint on the subject of that institution. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 7th Cong., 2d sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. Word interlined.
37From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As the continuance of the Act for establishing trading houses with the Indian tribes will be under the consideration of the legislature at it’s 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,...
38From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose a report of the Secretary at 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...
39From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before Congress the annual account of the fund established for defraying the contingent charges of government. a single article of 1440. Dollars, 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. Dollars in the treasury. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 7th Cong., 2d sess.);...
40From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I transmit a report by the Superintendant of the city of Washington, on the affairs of the city committed to his care. by this you will percieve that the re-sales 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 were appropriated: and as it was evident that the sums necessary for the interest and instalments...
41From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 14 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the Ordinance for the government of the territories of the United States, requiring that the laws adopted by the Governor & 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. RC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 7th...
42From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you a report of the Secretary of state on the case of the Danish brigantine Henrich, taken by a French privateer in 1799. retaken by an armed vessel of the US. 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 & cargo. indemnification for these losses occasioned...
43Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 4 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1804, Washington. The measures authorized by the board subsequent to the report of 5 Feb. 1803 , “so far as the same have been completed,” are detailed in Gallatin’s 3 Feb. 1804 report to the board and in the statements referred to therein, “which are herewith transmitted.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Reports and Communications Submitted to the Senate, 8A-F5); RC and enclosures...
44From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 22 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before Congress the last returns of the militia of the US. their incompleatness is much to be regretted and it’s remedy may at some future time be a subject worthy the attention of Congress. RC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a House clerk. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. PoC ( DLC ). Notation in SJL : “militia return.”...
45Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 5 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress. 5 February 1806, Washington. “The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, respectfully report to Congress, as follows— “That the measures which have been authorized by the Board, subsequent to their Report of 5th of February 1805, so far as the same have been completed, are fully detailed in the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury to this Board,...
46From James Madison to Congress, [23 May] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. On this first occasion of meeting you, it affords me much satisfaction to be able to communicate the commencement of a favorable change, in our foreign relations; the critical state of which induced a Session of Congress at this early period. In consequence of the provisions of the act, interdicting commercial intercourse with...
47From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I now lay before Congress the Report of the Secretary of War, shewing the progress made in carrying into effect the act of April 1808, for raising an additional Military force, and the disposition of the Troops. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, Legislative Proceedings, and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings); FC of first enclosure ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers, William Eustis...
48From James Madison to Congress, 4 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the request of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, I transmit to Congress a copy of certain of its proceedings, communicated for the purpose, by the Governor of that State. RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, Legislative Proceedings, and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings). House copy headed: “To the House of Representatives of...
49Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 27 November 1809] (Madison Papers)
Taking into view the unpresedented dangers, incident to neutral navigation on the high seas: that captures continue to be made of American vessels engaged in commerce guaranteed by the acknowledged law of nations; and that in many cases, the evil might be obviated by defensive equipments to be made by the parties interested I recommend to the consideration of Congs. the expediency of...
50Annual Message to Congress, 29 November 1809 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate & of the House of Representatives. At the period of our last meeting, I had the satisfaction of communicating an adjustment with one of the principal belligerent Nations, highly important in itself, & still more so, as presaging a more extended Accommodation. It is with deep concern, I am now to inform you, that the favorable prospect has been overclouded, by a...