Under these circumstances, and considering that the several provisions of the act of March 25, 1804, will cease in consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace with Tripoli, now advised and consented to by the Senate, I have…

The Bey preferred explaining himself by an ambassador to the United States, who on his arrival renewed the request that the vessel and her prizes should be restored.

Her restitution was claimed by the Bey of Tunis with a threat of war in terms so serious that on withdrawing from the blockade of Tripoli the commanding officer of the squadron thought it his duty to repair to Tunis with his squadron and…

As far as appears from our records, none were ever rendered from either of these States.

It will be perceived that some of these are not of recent dates, and that from the States of Maryland and Delaware no returns are stated.

From the Territories of Orleans, Louisiana, and Michigan complete returns have not yet been received.

Unwilling to take any measures which might preclude a peaceable accommodation of differences, the officers of the United States were ordered to confine themselves within the country on this side of the Sabine River.

I have thought it proper to communicate to Congress the letter detailing this incident, that they may fully understand the state of things in that quarter and be enabled to make such provision for its security as, in their wisdom, they…

It was reasonably expected that while the limits between the territories of the United States and of Spain were unsettled neither party would have innovated on the existing state of their respective positions.

We have no information of this letter but through the channel of the party interested in the ship, nor any proof of it more authentic than that now communicated.

If these be within the scope of the request of the Senate, the printed copies can be sent in immediately, but if translations be necessary some considerable time will be requisite for their execution.

On this subject any further desire which the Senate shall think proper to express shall be complied with.

Having been disappointed, after considerable preparation, in the purpose of sending an exploring party up that river in the summer of 1804, it was thought best to employ the autumn of that year in procuring a knowledge of an interesting…

The examination of the Red River itself is but now commencing.

We entered the Missouri May 14, 1804, and on the 1st of November took up our winter quarters near the Mandan towns, 1,609 miles above the mouth of the river.

Although nothing forbids the substance of these letters from being communicated without reserve, yet so many ill effects proceed from the publications of correspondences between ministers remaining still in office that I can not but…

No doubt is entertained that the legislature deemed them such.

The Senate having advised and consented to the ratification of these several treaties and conventions, I now lay them before both Houses of Congress for the exercise of their constitutional powers as to the means of fulfilling them.