It was reasonably expected that while the limits between the territories of the United States and of Spain were unsettled neither party would have innovated on the existing state of their respective positions.  Some time since, however, we learnt that the Spanish authorities were advancing into the disputed country to occupy new posts and make new settlements.  Unwilling to take any measures which might preclude a peaceable accommodation of differences, the officers of the United States were ordered to confine themselves within the country on this side of the Sabine River which, by delivery of its principal post, Natchitoches, was understood to have been itself delivered up by Spain, and at the same time to permit no adverse post to be taken nor armed men to remain within it.  In consequence of these orders the commanding officer of Natchitoches, learning that a party of Spanish troops had crossed the Sabine River and were posting themselves on this side the Adais, sent a detachment of his force to require them to withdraw to the other side of the Sabine, which they accordingly did.

I have thought it proper to communicate to Congress the letter detailing this incident, that they may fully understand the state of things in that quarter and be enabled to make such provision for its security as, in their wisdom, they shall deem sufficient.

TH.  JEFFERSON.

APRIL 11, 1806.

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

I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States according to the returns last received from the several States and Territories.  It will be perceived that some of these are not of recent dates, and that from the States of Maryland and Delaware no returns are stated.  As far as appears from our records, none were ever rendered from either of these States.  From the Territories of Orleans, Louisiana, and Michigan complete returns have not yet been received.

TH.  JEFFERSON.

APRIL 14, 1806.

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

During the blockade of Tripoli by the squadron of the United States a small cruiser, under the flag of Tunis, with two prizes, all of trifling value, attempted to enter Tripoli; was turned back, warned, and, attempting again to enter, was taken and detained as prize by the squadron.  Her restitution was claimed by the Bey of Tunis with a threat of war in terms so serious that on withdrawing from the blockade of Tripoli the commanding officer of the squadron thought it his duty to repair to Tunis with his squadron and to require a categorical declaration whether peace or war was intended.  The Bey preferred explaining himself by an ambassador to the United States, who on his arrival renewed the request that the vessel and her prizes should be restored.  It was deemed proper to give this proof of friendship to the Bey, and the ambassador was informed the vessels would be restored.  Afterwards he made a requisition of naval stores to be sent to the Bey, in order to secure a peace for the term of three years, with a threat of war if refused.  It has been refused, and the ambassador is about to depart without receding from his threat or demand.