TH.  JEFFERSON.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

OCTOBER 17, 1803.

Gentlemen of the Senate: 

In my message of this day to both Houses of Congress I explained the circumstances which had led to the conclusion of conventions with France for the cession of the Province of Louisiana to the United States.  Those conventions are now laid before you with such communications relating to them as may assist in deciding whether you will advise and consent to their ratification.

The ratification of the First Consul of France is in the hands of his charge d’affaires here, to be exchanged for that of the United States whensoever, before the 30th instant, it shall be in readiness.

TH.  JEFFERSON.

OCTOBER 21, 1803.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: 

In my communication to you of the 17th instant I informed you that conventions had been entered into with the Government of France for the cession of Louisiana to the United States.  These, with the advice and consent of the Senate, having now been ratified and my ratification exchanged for that of the First Consul of France in due form, they are communicated to you for consideration in your legislative capacity.  You will observe that some important conditions can not be carried into execution but with the aid of the Legislature, and that time presses a decision on them without delay.

The ulterior provisions, also suggested in the same communication, for the occupation and government of the country will call for early attention.  Such information relative to its government as time and distance have permitted me to obtain will be ready to be laid before you within a few days; but as permanent arrangements for this object may require time and deliberation, it is for your consideration whether you will not forthwith make such temporary provisions for the preservation in the meanwhile of order and tranquillity in the country as the case may require.

TH.  JEFFERSON.

OCTOBER 24, 1803.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I lay before you the convention signed on the 12th day of May last between the United States and Great Britain for settling their boundaries in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the United States, which was mentioned in my general message of the 17th instant, together with such papers relating thereto as may enable you to determine whether you will advise and consent to its ratification.

TH.  JEFFERSON.

OCTOBER 31, 1803.

To the Senate of the United States of America: 

I now lay before you the treaty mentioned im my general message at the opening of the session as having been concluded with the Kaskaskia Indians for the transfer of their country to us under certain reservations and conditions.