1From 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...
2From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
3From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts from the correspondence of the Secretary of State, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These Documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
4From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Legislature of New Jersey, I communicate to Congress, copies of its Resolutions, transmitted by the Governor of that State. Whereas in cases of great national concern, involving in their consequences the interests, the rights and the welfare, as well of the future as of the present generation; it cannot fail to be useful and acceptable, to those entrusted with the...
5From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
6American 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...
7From James Madison to Congress, 3 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, in confidence, a letter of the 2d of December, from Governor Folch of West Florida, to the Secretary of State; and another of the same date, from the same, to John McKee. I communicate, in like manner, a letter from the British Chargè d’affaires, to the Secretary of State, with the answer of the latter. Altho’ the letter can not have been written in consequence of...
8II. 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...
9From James Madison to Congress, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
On comparing the fourth section of the Act of Congress passed March 31st. 1814 providing for the indemnification of certain claimants of public lands in the Missippi [ sic ] Territory, with the Articles of agreement and cession between the United States and State of Georgia, bearing date April 30th. 1802, it appears that the engagements entered into with the claimants interfere with the rights...
10From James Madison to Congress, 18 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress, copies of the Treaty of Peace and Amity, between the United States and His Britannic Majesty, which was signed by the commissioners of both parties, at Ghent, on the 24th of December 1814, and the ratifications of which have been duly exchanged. While performing this act, I congratulate you, and our constituents, upon an event which is highly honorable to the nation, and...
11From 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...
12From James Madison to Congress, 23 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress copies of an Act of the Legislature of New York, relating to a canal from the Great Lakes to Hudsons river. In making the communication, I consult the respect due to that State; in whose behalf, the commissioners appointed by the Act, have placed it in my hands for the purpose. The utility of canal navigation is universally admitted. It is not less certain that...
13From James Madison to Congress, 9 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
The tendency of our commercial and navigation laws in their present state, to favor the Enemy and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by experience. Supplies of the most essential kinds find their way, not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the armies in our neighbourhood, with which our own are contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a...
14From James Madison to Congress, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering influence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accumulation of duties in the several Departments of the Government: And this has been necessarily the greater, in consequence of the peculiar State of our foreign relations, and the connection of these with...
15From James Madison to Congress, 12 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1810. Communicates a report from the secretary of state on expenditures from the fund for the relief of distressed seamen. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38 vols.; Washington, 1832–61). ,...
16From James Madison to Congress, 8 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1812. “I lay before Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. JM...
17Commissioners 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,...
18From James Madison to Congress, 1 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress certain Documents, being a continuation of those heretofore laid before them, on the subject of our Affairs with Great Britain. Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803, of the war in which Great Britain is eng[a]ged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior magnitude; the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts, hostile to the United States, as an...
19From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
20Report 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...
21From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
22From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of certain Documents, which remain in the Department of State. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neutrality towards Great Britain; and in the midst of amicable professions and negociations on the part of the British Government, through its public...
23From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
24From James Madison to Congress, 19 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1811. Transmits a return of the militia of the U.S. as received by the War Department. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E6). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38...
25From 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...
26From James Madison to Congress, 11 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
27XI. 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;...
28The 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...
29George 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...
30From James Madison to Congress, 7 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1811, Washington. Transmits the director of the Mint’s annual report for 1810. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E5). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Read and tabled by the Senate on 7 Jan. and by the House on 9 Jan. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of...
31Annual 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...
32Annual Message to Congress, 5 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. In calling you together sooner than, a separation from your homes, would otherwise have been required; I yielded to considerations, drawn from the posture of our foreign affairs; and in fixing the present, for the time of your meeting; regard was had to the probability of further developements of the policy of the Belligerent...
33VI. 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...
34From James Madison to Congress, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, Washington. “I lay before Congress copies of Resolutions entered into by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which have been transmitted to me with, that view, by the Governor of that State, in pursuance of one of the said Resolutions.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of...
35The 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...
36Annual Message to Congress, 5 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the satisfaction, on our present meeting, of being able to communicate to you, the successful termination of the war, which had been commenced against the United States by the regency of Algiers. The Squadron in advance, on that service, under Commodore Decatur, lost not a moment after its arrival in the mediterranean, in seeking the naval force of the Enemy, then cruising in that sea;...
37From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813. Transmits “copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, and the British Admiral commanding at that station.” Also transmits “copies of a letter from commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC...
38Thomas 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...
39From James Madison to Congress, 11 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
With a view to the more convenient management of the important and growing business connected with the grant of exclusive rights to Inventors & Authors; I recommend the establishment of a distinct Office, within the Department of State, to be charged therewith, under a director, with a Salary adequate to his services; and with the privelege of franking communications by mail from and to the...
40From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a statement of the Militia of the United States, according to the latest returns received by the Department of War. RC , two copies, and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1). Each RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . RC and enclosure printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
41From James Madison to Congress, 23 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Congress will have seen, by the communication from the Consul General of the United States at Algiers, laid before them on the 17th of November 1812, the hostile proceedings of the Dey against that Functionary. These have been followed by acts of more overt and direct warfare against the Citizens of the United States trading in the Mediterranean, some of whom are still detained in captivity,...
42From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His most Christian Majesty having renewed, under Special instructions from his Government, the claim of the Representative of Caron de Beau Marchais for One million of livres, which were debited to him in the settlement of his accounts with the United States, I lay before...
43Annual 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...
44From James Madison to Congress, 30 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1811. “I transmit to Congress Copies of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury accompanied by copies of the ‘Laws, Treaties and other documents relative to the public lands’ as collected and arranged pursuant to the Act passed April 27th 1810.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1...
45From James Madison to Congress, 26 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress for their information copies of a letter from Admiral Cockrane, commanding His Britannic Majesty’s Naval forces on the American station to the Secretary of State with his answer and of a reply from Admiral Cockrane. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 13A–E2). Each RC...
46From James Madison to Congress, 15 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
47Annual Message to Congress, 5 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. The embarassments which have prevailed in our foreign relations, and so much employed the deliberations of Congress, make it a primary duty, in meeting you, to communicate whatever may have occurred, in that branch of our national affairs. The Act of the last Session of Congress “concerning the commercial intercourse between...
48From 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...
49From 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...
50From James Madison to Congress, 5 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1810. Transmits the director of the Mint’s annual report for 1809. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E5). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Received by both houses on 10 Jan. Read and tabled by the Senate on 10 Jan. and by the House on 11 Jan. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in...