I avail myself of the opportunity afforded in the performance of this pleasing task to tender you assurances of my high respect and esteem.

I nevertheless felt myself at liberty and deemed it entirely proper to communicate a copy of the resolution to Mr. Washington, as is manifested by the accompanying copy of the letter which I addressed to him.

I transmit herewith to the Senate, for their consideration in reference to its ratification, a convention for the surrender of criminals between the United States of America and His Majesty the King of the French, signed at this place on…

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of the Treasury, exhibiting certain transfers of appropriations which have been made in that Department in pursuance of the power vested in the President of the United States by the act of…

While, therefore, the Executive would deplore any collision with Mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations which exist between the two countries, it can not permit that Government to control its policy.

It is by such acts of good will by one to another of the family of nations that fraternal feelings are nourished and the blessings of permanent peace secured.

It is time that this war had ceased.

I can not, however, withhold the remark that its advantages contrasted with a bank of the United States, apart from the fact that a bank was esteemed as obnoxious to the public sentiment.

I can not take leave of this painful subject without adverting to the aid rendered upon the occasion by the British authorities at Gibraltar.

We have new cause for the expression of our gratitude

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

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.

The United States would be at all times indisposed to aggrandize itself at the expense of any other nation.

The occasional interruption experienced by our fellow-citizens engaged in the fisheries on the neighboring coast of Nova Scotia has not failed to claim the attention of the Executive.

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

As preparatory, therefore, to entering once more upon the high duties of legislation, it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence upon Him as our guide and protector.

It can not be too often repeated that the prominent interest of every important pursuit of life requires for success permanency and stability in legislation.

Our own interests are involved in the matter, since, however neutral may be our course of policy, we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers.

Since the last adjournment of Congress the Executive has relaxed no effort to render indestructible the relations of amity which so happily exist between the United States and other countries.

We could not be expected quietly to permit any such interference to our disadvantage.

The war which has existed for so long a time between Mexico and Texas has since the battle of San Jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions.

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

I was led to do so by considerations of his high talent, his exalted character, and great moral worth.

That review has satisfied me that I could not have a more able adviser in the administration of public affairs or the country a more faithful officer.

The copy of the report which was transmitted to the House of Representatives is missing from the files of the House.