I have not been inattentive to this important business intrusted by the Legislature to my care.  I have viewed the resources placed in my hands, and observed the manner in which they have been applied.  The progress is pretty fully detailed in the memorial from the commissioners, and one of them attends to give further information if required.  In a case new and arduous, like the present, difficulties might naturally be expected.  Some have occurred, but they are in a great degree surmounted, and I have no doubt, if the remaining resources are properly cherished, so as to prevent the loss of property by hasty and numerous sales, that all the buildings required for the accommodation of the Government of the United States may be completed in season without aid from the Federal Treasury.  The subject is therefore recommended to the consideration of Congress, and the result will determine the measures which I shall cause to be pursued with respect to the property remaining unsold.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, January 29, 1796.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

I send herewith for the information of Congress: 

First.  An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island, ratifying an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prevent suits in certain cases against a State.

Second.  An act of the State of North Carolina making the like ratification.

Third.  An act of the State of North Carolina, assenting to the purchase by the United States of a sufficient quantity of land on Shell Castle Island for the purpose of erecting a beacon thereon, and ceding the jurisdiction thereof to the United States.

Fourth.  A copy from the journal of proceedings of the governor in his executive department of the territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio from July 1 to December 31, 1794.

Fifth.  A copy from the records of the executive proceedings of the same governor from January 1 to June 30, 1795; and

Sixth and seventh.  A copy of the journal of the proceedings of the governor in his executive department of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio from September 1, 1794, to September 1, 1795.

Eighth.  The acts of the first and second sessions of the general assembly of the same territory.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, January 29, 1796.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States by an act of Congress passed the 3d of March last, to reduce the weights of the copper coin of the United States whenever he should think it for the benefit of the United States, provided that the reduction should not exceed 2 pennyweights in each cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent, I have caused the same to be reduced since the 27th of last December, to wit, 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in each cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent; and I have given notice thereof by proclamation.