I know that the acquisition of Louisiana had been disapproved by some from a candid apprehension that the enlargement of our territory would endanger its union.

I shall now enter on the duties to which my fellow-citizens have again called me, and shall proceed in the spirit of those principles which they have approved.

I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe the religious exercises suited to it, but have left them, as the Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of the church or state authorities acknowledged by the…

We are firmly convinced, and we act on that conviction, that with nations as with individuals our interests soundly calculated will ever be found inseparable from our moral duties.

In matters of religion I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the General Government.

In all events, it will replace the advances we shall have made.

My conscience tells me I have on every occasion acted up to that declaration according to its obvious import and to the understanding of every candid mind.

War will then be but a suspension of useful works, and a return to a state of peace, a return to the progress of improvement.

The suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses, enabled us to discontinue our internal taxes.

No occasion having arisen for making use of any part of the balance of $18,560 unexpended on the 31st day of December, 1803, when the last account was rendered by message, that balance has been carried to the credit of the surplus fund.

It will be perceived that some of these are not of recent dates, and that from the States of Maryland, Delaware, and Tennessee no returns are stated.

The energy and judgment displayed by this excellent officer through the whole course of the service lately confided to him and the zeal and valor of his officers and men in the several enterprises executed by them can not fail to give high…

These treaties, having been advised and consented to by the Senate, have accordingly been ratified, but as they involve conditions which require legislative provision, they are now submitted to both branches for consideration.

As these documents appear to form a necessary appendage to those already before Congress, and throw additional light on the subject, I transmit copies of them herewith.

The offer was accepted and he was furnished with an accurate sextant for his observations.

I think it my duty without further delay to communicate to the House the information I possess, however imperfect.

So soon as they shall be received they shall be communicated to the House of Representatives.

A commission had been made out for him bearing date the 1st day of October last, and forwarded before the receipt of his letter of October 26.