GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 17, 1795.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of New Hampshire and of an act of the legislature thereof “ratifying the article proposed in amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the judicial power.”

I also lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of North Carolina and of an act of the legislature thereof ceding to the United States certain lands upon the conditions therein mentioned.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 17, 1795.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

I have received copies of two acts of the legislature of Georgia, one passed on the 28th day of December and the other on the 7th day of January last, for appropriating and selling the Indian lands within the territorial limits claimed by that State.  These copies, though not officially certified, have been transmitted to me in such a manner as to leave no room to doubt their authenticity.  These acts embrace an object of such magnitude, and in their consequences may so deeply affect the peace and welfare of the United States, that I have thought it necessary now to lay them before Congress.

In confidence, I also forward copies of several documents and papers received from the governor of the Southwestern territory.  By these it seems that hostilities with the Cherokees have ceased, and that there is a pleasing prospect of a permanent peace with that nation; but from all the communications of the governor it appears that the Creeks, in small parties, continue their depredations, and it is uncertain to what they may finally lead.

The several papers now communicated deserve the immediate attention of Congress, who will consider how far the subjects of them may require their cooperation.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 25, 1795.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

I communicate to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State of Georgia and of an act of the legislature thereof “to ratify the resolution of Congress explanatory of the judicial power of the United States.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 28, 1795.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

In my first communication to Congress during their present session I gave them reason to expect that “certain circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations” would be transmitted to them.  There was at that time every assurance for believing that some of the most important of our foreign affairs would have been concluded and others considerably matured before they should rise.  But notwithstanding I have waited until this moment, it has so happened that, either from causes unknown to me or from events which could not be controlled, I am yet unable to execute my original intention.  That I may, however, fulfill the expectation given as far as the actual situation of things will in my judgment permit, I now, in confidence’, lay before Congress the following general statement: