the offense referred to in the resolution has been committed

I did not approve this joint resolution

On this question I have differed in several instances from the courts of inquiry.

A wiser and better spirit seemed to prevail before the first Monday of January last, when an election was held under the constitution.

I lose no time in communicating this information.

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretaries of State and Navy, with the accompanying papers, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 11th of March, 1858.

I respectfully invite the attention of the two Houses to the suggestion in the latter part of the report

In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th ultimo, requesting information respecting the seizure and confiscation of the bark Georgiana, of Maine, and brig Susan Loud, of Massachusetts, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents which accompanied it.

The Government of the United States is emphatically a government of written laws.

I did not consider the irregularities into which the surveyor-general had fallen as of sufficient magnitude to induce his dismissal from office at the time that the papers reached me

This subject is now submitted for the consideration of the Senate.

I have been influenced by what appeared to me to be the most controlling considerations of public policy and the general good.

For the Executive to assume such a power would be to assume a power of the most dangerous character.

My fervent prayer is that it may never come.

To the House of Representatives:I transmit herewith a report

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of War, prepared in compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 26th ultimo.

In compliance with your resolution of the 26th ultimo, I herewith transmit a report from the Secretary of the Navy.

I could not forego the favorable opportunity which has presented itself, growing out of the communication from the Secretary of the Navy, to urge upon you the foregoing recommendations.