JOHN ADAMS.

[Footnote 28:  Estimates of the necessary expenditures for the purchase and fabrication of arms and cannon and establishment of foundries and armories, 1798-1801, and statement of appropriations for above purposes and of warrants drawn on same to December 31, 1800.]

JANUARY 12, 1802.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: 

According to the request in your resolution of the 8th instant, I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, containing an estimate of the expenses necessary for carrying into effect the convention between the United States of America and the French Republic.

TH:  JEFFERSON.

FEBRUARY 8, 1802.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: 

In compliance with your resolution of the 2d instant, I have to inform you that early in the preceding summer I took measures for carrying into effect the act passed on the 19th of February, 1799, and that of the 13th of May, 1800, mentioned in your resolution.  The objects of these acts were understood to be to purchase from the Indians south of the Ohio some portions of land peculiarly interesting to the Union or to particular States and the establishment of certain roads to facilitate communication with our distant settlements.  Commissioners were accordingly appointed to treat with the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Creeks.  As these nations are known to be very jealous on the subject of their lands, the commissioners were instructed, as will be seen by the inclosed extract, to enlarge, restrain, or even to suppress propositions as appearances should indicate to be expedient.  Their first meeting was with the Cherokees.  The extract from the speech of our commissioners and the answers of the Cherokee chiefs will show the caution of the former and the temper of the latter, and that though our overtures to them were moderate and respectful of their rights, their determination was to yield no accommodation.

The commissioners proceeded then to the Chickasaws, who discovered at first considerable alarm and anxiety lest land should be asked of them.  A just regard for this very friendly nation, whose attachment to us has been invariable, forbade the pressure of anything disagreeable on them, and they yielded with alacrity the road through their country which was asked and was essential to our communication with the Mississippi Territory.

The conferences with the Choctaws are probably ended, but as yet we are not informed of their result.  Those with the Creeks are not expected to be held till the ensuing spring.

TH:  JEFFERSON.

FEBRUARY 17, 1802.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: 

I lay before both Houses of Congress, for their information, the report from the Director of the Mint, now inclosed.