An attempt has been made with the Government of France to regulate by treaty the commerce between the two countries on the principle of reciprocity and equality.

The commercial relations between the United States and the British colonies in the West Indies and on this continent have undergone no change.

I can not regard the pressures to which I have adverted otherwise than in the light of mild and instructive admonitions.

Considerable progress has also been made in the construction of ships of war, some of which have been launched in the course of the present year.

Happy as our situation is, it does not exempt us from solicitude and care for the future.

A few prominent facts will place this great interest in a just light before you.

In execution of the law of the last session for the suppression of the slave trade some of our public ships have also been employed on the coast of Africa, where several captures have already been made of vessels engaged in that…

Considerable progress has been made during the present season in examining the coast and its various bays and other inlets.

The contest between Spain and the colonies, according to the most authentic information, is maintained by the latter with improved success.

Our military positions have been maintained at Belle Point, on the Arkansas, at Council Bluffs, on the Missouri, at St. Peters, on the Mississippi, and at Green Bay, on the upper Lakes.

It is proper to add that there is now due to the Treasury for the sale of public lands $22,996,545.

With the Indians peace has been preserved and a progress made in carrying into effect the act of Congress making an appropriation for their civilization.

The question depending between the United States and Great Britain respecting the construction of the first article of the treaty of Ghent has been referred by both Governments to the decision of the Emperor of Russia.

I see much cause to rejoice in the felicity of our situation.

Among these none holds a more important place than the public revenue.

The friendly sentiment which was expressed on the part of the United States in the message of the 9th of May last is still entertained for Spain.

Our peace with the powers on the coast of Barbary has been preserved, but we owe it altogether to the presence of our squadron in the Mediterranean.

On the subject of claims of citizens of the United States for Spanish spoliations upon their property and commerce.