The restrictions laid upon the power to transfer by the latter clauses of the act have rendered its passage of no avail at the present moment.

I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their resolution of the 16th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with the correspondence therein referred to.

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.

Relating to slaves committing crimes and escaping from the United States to the British dominions since the ratification of the treaty of 1842, and the refusal of the British authorities to give them up, and to the construction which the British Government puts upon the article of said treaty relative to slaves committing crimes in the United States and taking refuge in the British dominions.

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.

In compliance with the request contained in the accompanying letter from the governor of the State of Kentucky, I herewith transmit certain resolutions adopted by the legislature of that State, in relation to a digest of the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States.

I transmit herewith a letter from the governor of Iowa, accompanied by a memorial from the legislative assembly of that Territory, asking admission as an independent State into the Union.

I transmit herewith the copy of a report made by Captain R. F. Stockton, of the United States Navy, relative to the vessel of war the Princeton, which has been constructed under his supervision and direction, and recommend the same to the attentive consideration of Congress.

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.

To the Senate of the United States.