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.

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…

I have hitherto flattered myself that the motives which influenced my conduct had been fully appreciated by those who advised and approved it.

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…

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.

In compliance with your resolution of the 12th of February, 1841, requesting me to communicate to the House of Representatives the documents and other information in the possession of the Executive regarding claims of citizens of the…

Events appear likely to break down and soften this spirit of nonintercourse and to bring China ere long into the relations which usually subsist between civilized states.

Far remote from the dominions of European powers, its growth and prosperity as an independent state may yet be in a high degree useful to all whose trade is extended to those regions;

She has agreed in the treaty with England that correspondence between the agents of the two Governments shall be on equal terms--a concession which it is hardly probable will hereafter be withheld from other nations.

An Empire supposed to contain 300,000,000 subjects, fertile in various rich products of the earth, not without the knowledge of letters and of many arts, and with large and expensive accommodations for internal intercourse and traffic, has…

The exports, too, from the United States to China constitute an interesting and growing part of the commerce of the country.

The importations into the United States from China are known to be large, having amounted in some years, as will be seen by the annexed tables, to $9,000,000.

In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 14th December, I transmit herewith the accompanying letter

Considering, therefore, that the United States possesses so large a share of the intercourse with those islands, it is deemed not unfit to make the declaration that their Government seeks, nevertheless, no peculiar advantages, no exclusive…

I herewith transmit to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers, in answer to their resolution of the 27th instant.

In advance of the acquirement of individual rights to these lands sound policy dictates that every effort should be resorted to by the two Governments to settle their respective claims.

I herewith communicate to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to a resolution of the Senate adopted on the 22d instant.

I do not deem it consistent with the public interest to make any communication on the subject.