I have thought best to await a survey of the territory before it is decided on what particular spot on the northeastern side of the river the public buildings shall be erected.

I have by a proclamation bearing date this day directed commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, to survey and limit a part of the territory of 10 miles square on both sides of the river Potomac.

I have not by this first act given to the said territory the whole extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of the river, because I thought it important that Congress should have an opportunity of considering whether by an amendatory law they would authorize the location of the residue at the lower end of the present.

I do appoint them the said Thomas Johnson, Daniel Carroll and David Stuart, Commissioners for surveying the District of Territory accepted by the said Act for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States.

I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States.

I lay before you a representation of the charge' d'affaires of France.

GO. WASHINGTON.

the United States formed a treaty with the Cherokees in November, 1785

the treaty with the Creeks may be regarded as the main foundation of the future peace and prosperity of the Southwestern frontier of the United States

the white people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the said boundary by intruding on the Indian lands

I shall conceive myself bound to exert the powers intrusted to me by the Constitution in order to carry into faithful execution the treaty of Hopewell

It is to be expected that it will also in its consequences be the means of firmly attaching the Creeks and the neighboring tribes to the interests of the United States.

I have directed the commissioner to whom the charge of adjusting this treaty has been committed to lay before you such papers and documents...

It contains a regular, full, and definitive relinquishment on the part of the Creek Nation of the Oconee land.

But although the most valuable of the disputed land is included, yet there is a certain claim of Georgia...

It therefore appears to be important to form a secret article of a treaty similar to the one which accompanies this message.

Will such an article be proper?

The trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political management.