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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 27th ultimo, I now transmit the letter and pamphlet which accompanies this.

It is not to be supposed that excited attention to public and national transactions or general political discussions in Europe on subjects open to all the world are known only in consequence of private information communicated to the…

The treaty has not been communicated to the Government of the United States from any other quarter, in any other manner, or for any other purpose.

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.

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…

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

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…

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.

It is far better by other means to supersede any supposed necessity or any motive for such examination or visit.

No application or request has been made to this Government to become a party to this treaty.

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.