I lay before you the convention signed on the 12th day of May last between the United States and Great Britain for settling their boundaries in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the United States.

While we regret the miseries in which we see others involved, let us bow with gratitude.

Whereas great and weighty matters claiming the consideration of the Congress of the United States form an extraordinary occasion for convening them, I do by these presents appoint Monday, the 17th day of October next, for their meeting at the city of Washington

hereby requiring their respective Senators and Representatives then and there to assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may then be made to them and to consult and determine on such measures as in their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States

The portion actually completed has rendered the situation of the persons confined much more comfortable and secure than it has been heretofore.

Their services to be compensated are from the 1st day of June last.

A single article of $1,440, paid for bringing home 72 seamen discharged in foreign ports from vessels sold abroad, is the only expenditure from that fund.

I now lay before Congress the annual account of the fund established for defraying the contingent charges of Government.

Duty has required me to submit these views to the judgment of the Legislature, but as their disclosure might embarrass and defeat their effect, they are committed to the special confidence of the two Houses.

I inclose a report of the Secretary of War, stating the trading houses established in the Indian territories.

These springs are said to possess the advantage of being accompanied with a bed of coal.

For these purposes a small appropriation would be necessary to meet the first expenses, after which they should support themselves and repay those advances.

In leading them thus to agriculture, to manufactures, and civilization; in bringing together their and our sentiments, and in preparing them ultimately to participate in the benefits of our Government, I trust and believe we are acting for their greatest good.

We consequently undersell private traders, foreign and domestic, drive them from the competition, and thus, with the good will of the Indians, rid ourselves of a description of men who are constantly endeavoring to excite in the Indian mind suspicions, fears, and irritations toward us.

In the strengthening and gratifying of these wants I see the only prospect of planting on the Mississippi itself the means of its own safety.

Indeed, it would be the most proper and acceptable form in which the annuity could be paid which we propose to give them for the cession.

The Spanish Government listened to our proposition with an honorable readiness and agreed to a convention, which I now submit for your advice and consent.

The spoliations and irregularities committed on our commerce during the late war by subjects of Spain or by others deemed within her responsibility having called for attention.