The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:
I communicate to Congress, in confidence, a letter of the
2d of December from Governor Folch, of West Florida, to
the Secretary of State, and another of the same date from
the same to John McKee.
I communicate in like manner a letter from the British
charge d'affaires to the Secretary of State, with the answer
of the latter. Although the letter can not have been written
founded on the late order for taking possession of the
portion of West Florida well known to be claimed by the
United States; although no communication has ever been
made by that Government to this of any stipulation with
Spain contemplating an interposition which might so materially
affect the United States, and although no call can have been
made by Spain in the present instance for the fulfillment of
any such subsisting engagement, yet the spirit and scope of
the document, with the accredited source from which it proceeds,
required that it should not be withheld from the consideration
of Congress.
Taking into view the tenor of these several communications,
the posture of things with which they are connected, the intimate
relation of the country adjoining the United States
eastward of the river Perdido to their security and tranquillity,
and the peculiar interest they otherwise have in its destiny,
I recommend to the consideration of Congress the seasonableness
of a declaration that the United States could not see
without serious inquietude any part of a neighboring territory
in which they have in different respects so deep and so just
a concern pass from the hands of Spain into those of any other
foreign power.
I recommend to their consideration also the expediency
of authorizing the Executive to take temporary possession of
any part or parts of the said Territory, in pursuance of arrangements
which may be desired by the Spanish authorities, and
for making provision for the government of the same during
such possession.
The wisdom of Congress will at the same time determine
how far it may be expedient to provide for the event of a
subversion of the Spanish authorities within the Territory in
question, and an apprehended occupancy thereof by any
other foreign power.
| The writings of James Madison, | |