The Public Record
John Tyler was the 10th President of the United States, serving from April 4, 1841, to March 4, 1845. He was the first vice president to assume the presidency following the death of a sitting president, William Henry Harrison. A member of the Whig Party, Tyler's presidency was marked by significant political conflict, particularly with his own party, as he often vetoed legislation that aligned with Whig principles, leading to his expulsion from the party. His administration is noted for the annexation of Texas, which would later contribute to the Mexican-American War.
The proper objects of taxation are peculiarly within the discretion of the Legislature, while it is the duty of the Executive to keep Congress duly advised of the state of the Treasury and to admonish it of any danger which there may be…
The public faith in this or in all things else ought to be placed beyond question and beyond contingency.
To the House of Representatives:In order to enable Congress to approve or disapprove the selection of a site for a Western armory made by the board of commissioners appointed by me for that purpose pursuant to the act of September 9, 1841…
Stating that no information is in possession of the Government of any negotiation of a treaty, or of any overtures to treat, for a cession of California by Mexico to England.
To the House of Representatives of the United States: I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their resolution of the 28th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State.
To maintain that the President can exercise no discretion as to the time in which the matters thus collected shall be promulgated or in respect to the character of the information obtained would deprive him at once of the means of…
The knowledge that such is to be the consequence will inevitably prevent the performance of duties of that character, and thus the Government will be deprived of an important means of investigating the conduct of its agents.
Shall there be no discretionary authority permitted to refuse to become the instruments of such malevolence?
It was stated by him that the nature and subject of the report, in the opinion of the President and the Department, rendered its publication at that time inconsistent with the public interest.
I have thought proper to direct that the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock concerning the frauds which he was charged to investigate be transmitted to the House of Representatives, and it accordingly accompanies this message.
In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 24th instant, requesting me to communicate answers to certain queries therein contained respecting instructions given to the commissioners appointed to adjudicate…
He expressed the opinion that to promulgate those statements at that time would be grossly unjust to those persons and would be calculated to defeat rather than promote the objects of the inquiry.
I have to request the House to consider it so far confidential as not to direct its publication until the appropriate committee shall have examined it and expressed their opinion whether a just regard to the character and rights of persons…
The officer charged with a confidential inquiry, and who reports its result under the pledge of confidence which his appointment implies, ought not to be exposed individually to the resentment of those whose conduct may be impugned by the…
To require from the Executive the transfer of this discretion to a coordinate branch of the Government is equivalent to the denial of its possession by him and would render him dependent upon that branch in the performance of a duty purely…
But his suggestions and projects respecting the anticipated propositions of the delegates and his views of their personal characters can not in any event aid the legislation of Congress, and in my opinion the promulgation of them would be…
I transmit to the Senate herewith, in answer to their resolution of the 5th instant, a report* from the Secretary of State, with accompanying documents.
To the Senate of the United States: I herewith transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 19th instant, reports* from the State and War Departments.
In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 27th ultimo, I now transmit the letter and pamphlet which accompanies this.
I have hitherto flattered myself that the motives which influenced my conduct had been fully appreciated by those who advised and approved it.
It is difficult to say that such vessels can claim any interference of the Government in their behalf, into whosesoever hands they may happen to fall.
The examination or visitation of the merchant vessels of one nation by the cruisers of another for any purposes except those known and acknowledged by the law of nations, under whatever restraints or regulations it may take place, may lead…
Desirous of maintaining those principles fully, at the same time that existing obligations should be fulfilled, I have thought it most consistent with the honor and dignity of the country that it should execute its own laws and perform its…
The treaty has thus become the law of the land by the express advice of the Senate, given in the most solemn manner known to its proceedings.
I felt it to be my duty to arrest that progress, to rescue the immunity of the American flag from the danger which hung over it.
Politicians like John Tyler
