Government

In order to a full understanding of the matter I have deemed it proper to transmit with the information requested a copy of the reply of the Adjutant-General to Brevet Major-General Gaines, with the documents to which it refers.

I communicate herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, submitting a report from the Commissioner of the General Land Office and accompanying papers.

My mind is not clear of doubt as to the power of the Executive to act in the matter, but being opposed to the assumption of any doubtful power, I have considered it best to submit the agreement to your consideration.

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 31st January, I herewith transmit the accompanying letter* from the Secretary of the Navy.

I transmit to the Senate of the United States, in answer to their resolution of the 9th of January last, a report* from the Secretary of State and a report** from the Secretary of War.

I transmit a report of the War Department, prepared under a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant.

That action having since taken place, it is communicated with the papers.

It will be perceived that at the date of the resolution the final action of the Executive was not had upon the case.

That Government has thus afforded a gratifying proof of its promptness and good faith in observing the stipulation of the sixth article of the convention of the 30th of January last.

I am happy to believe that this convention provides as fully as is practicable for the adjustment of all claims of our citizens on the Government of Mexico.

That system requires that payments under the authority of any Department shall be made upon its requisition, countersigned by the proper Auditor and Comptroller.

The authority of this Government to direct its application to particular claims is more than questionable.

Such a violation of the individual rights of the claimants would impose upon the Government the obligation of making further appropriations to indemnify them, and thus Congress would be obliged to enlarge a provision, liberal and…

I recommend that at your present session you adopt such measures in order to carry into effect the Smithsonian bequest.

Confidence between man and man is in a great measure restored and the credit of this Government fully and perfectly reestablished.

I shall be permitted to exchange congratulations with you, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, on these auspicious circumstances.

I have much pleasure in saying that the Government of Brazil has adjusted the claim upon that Government in the case of the schooner John S. Bryan.

A careful search in the Government libraries of Washington warrants me in asserting that the report has never been printed.