Part 9

DECEMBER 27, 1802.

Gentlemen of the Senate:

I lay before you a treaty, which has been agreed to by commissioners duly authorized on the part of the United States and the Creek Nation of Indians, for the extinguishment of the native title to lands in the Talassee County, and others between the forks of Oconce and Oakmulgee rivers, in Georgia, in pursuance of the convention with that State, together with the documents explanatory thereof; and it is submitted to your determination whether you will advise and consent to the ratification thereof.

TH. JEFFERSON.

DECEMBER 27, 1802.

Gentlemen of the Senate:

I lay before you a treaty, which has been concluded between the State of New York and the Oneida Indians, for the purchase of lands within that State.

One other, between the same State and the Seneca Indians, for the purchase of other lands within the same State.

One other, between certain individuals styled the Holland Company with the Senecas, for the exchange of certain lands in the same State.

And one other, between Oliver Phelps, a citizen of the United States, and the Senecas, for the exchange of lands in the same State; with sundry explanatory papers, all of them conducted under the superintendence of a commissioner on the part of the United States, who reports that they have been adjusted with the fair and free consent and understanding of the parties. It is therefore submitted to your determination whether you will advise and consent to their respective ratifications.

TH. JEFFERSON.

DECEMBER 27, 1802.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

In my message of the 15th instant I mentioned that plans and estimates of a dry dock for the preservation of our ships of war, prepared by a person of skill and experience, should be laid before you without delay. These are now transmitted, the report and estimates by duplicates; but the plans being single only, I must request an intercommunication of them between the Houses and their return when they shall no longer be wanting for their consideration.

TH. JEFFERSON.

DECEMBER 30, 1802.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

In addition to the information accompanying my message of the 22d instant, I now transmit the copy of a letter on the same subject, recently received.

TH. JEFFERSON.

WASHINGTON, December 30, 1802.

The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

SIR: Although an informal communication to the public of the substance of the inclosed letter may be proper for quieting the public mind, yet I refer to the consideration of the House of Representatives whether the publication of it in form might not give dissatisfaction to the writer and tend to discourage the freedom and confidence of communications between the agents of the two Governments. Accept assurances of my high consideration and respect.

TH. JEFFERSON.

NATCHEZ, November 25, 1802.

The Honorable the Secretary of State,

Washington.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose you an original copy of a communication (together with a translation thereof) which I this morning received from the governor-general of the Province of Louisiana in answer to my letters of the 28th ultimo.

I am, sir, with respect and esteem, your humble servant,