Thomas Jefferson: “The first application by the ambassador for restitution of the vessels taken in violation of blockade having been…”

I transmit to Congress a letter recently received from our minister at the Court of St. James, covering one to him from the British secretary of state, with his reply.

His high station and the relations of Russia to the predominant powers of Europe must give him weight with them according to the vicissitudes of the war.

I now render to Congress the account of the fund established for defraying the contingent expenses of Government for the year 1808.

I have thought that the friendly dispositions of such a power might be advantageously cherished by a mission which should manifest our willingness to meet his good will.