Their services to be compensated are from the 1st day of June last.

The portion actually completed has rendered the situation of the persons confined much more comfortable and secure than it has been heretofore.

I now lay before Congress the annual account of the fund established for defraying the contingent charges of Government.

A single article of $1,440, paid for bringing home 72 seamen discharged in foreign ports from vessels sold abroad, is the only expenditure from that fund.

In the strengthening and gratifying of these wants I see the only prospect of planting on the Mississippi itself the means of its own safety.

We consequently undersell private traders, foreign and domestic, drive them from the competition, and thus, with the good will of the Indians, rid ourselves of a description of men who are constantly endeavoring to excite in the Indian…

For these purposes a small appropriation would be necessary to meet the first expenses, after which they should support themselves and repay those advances.

Indeed, it would be the most proper and acceptable form in which the annuity could be paid which we propose to give them for the cession.

Duty has required me to submit these views to the judgment of the Legislature, but as their disclosure might embarrass and defeat their effect, they are committed to the special confidence of the two Houses.

I inclose a report of the Secretary of War, stating the trading houses established in the Indian territories.

In leading them thus to agriculture, to manufactures, and civilization; in bringing together their and our sentiments, and in preparing them ultimately to participate in the benefits of our Government, I trust and believe we are acting for…

These springs are said to possess the advantage of being accompanied with a bed of coal.

It does not go to the satisfaction of all our claims, but the express reservation of our right to press the validity of the residue has been made the ground of further instructions to our minister.

The Spanish Government listened to our proposition with an honorable readiness and agreed to a convention, which I now submit for your advice and consent.

The spoliations and irregularities committed on our commerce during the late war by subjects of Spain or by others deemed within her responsibility having called for attention.

But as the possession of these provinces is still in Spain, and the course of events may retard or prevent the cession to France being carried into effect, to secure our object it will be expedient to address equal powers to the Government…

While my confidence in our minister plenipotentiary at Paris is entire and undiminished, I still think that these objects might be promoted by joining with him a person sent from hence directly, carrying with him the feelings and…

Should any others in consequence of this be made during the session of Congress, they shall be immediately communicated.