JAMES MADISON.

DECEMBER 21, 1816.

To the House of Representatives of the United States: 

In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 6th instant, I transmit to them the proceedings of the commissioner appointed under the act “to authorize the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed by the enemy while in the military service of the United States, and for other purposes,” as reported by the commissioner to the Department of War.

JAMES MADISON.

DECEMBER 26, 1816.

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

It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States as a nation at peace toward belligerent parties and other unlawful acts on the high seas by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States.

With a view to maintain more effectually the respect due to the laws, to the character, and to the neutral and pacific relations of the United States, I recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of such further legislative provisions as may be requisite for detaining vessels actually equipped, or in a course of equipment, with a warlike force within the jurisdiction of the United States, or, as the case may be, for obtaining from the owners or commanders of such vessels adequate securities against the abuse of their armaments, with the exceptions in such provisions proper for the cases of merchant vessels furnished with the defensive armaments usual on distant and dangerous expeditions, and of a private commerce in military stores permitted by our laws, and which the law of nations does not require the United States to prohibit.

JAMES MADISON.

JANUARY 25, 1817.

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

I lay before Congress copies of ratified treaties between the United States and the following Indian tribes: 

First.  The Wea and Kickapoo.

Second.  The united tribes of Ottawas, Chippawas, and Potowotomies residing on the Illinois and Melwakee rivers and their waters and on the southwestern parts of Lake Michigan.

Third.  That portion of the Winnebago tribe or nation residing on the Ouisconsin River,

Fourth.  The Sacs of Rock River and the adjacent country.

Fifth.  Eight bands of the Siouxs, composing the three tribes called the Siouxs of the Leaf, the Siouxs of the Broad Leaf, and the Siouxs who Shoot in the Pine Tops.

Sixth.  The Chickasaw tribe of Indians.

Seventh.  The Cherokee tribe of Indians.

Eighth.  The Chactaw tribe of Indians.

Congress will take into consideration how far legislative provisions may be necessary for carrying into effect stipulations contained in the said treaties,