Leave was given to present the pamphlets mentioned in the above letter, as requested.
Navigation of the Mobile.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States:
To the House of Representatives of the United States:
I transmit to the House a report of the Secretary of State, complying with their resolution of the 22d of January.
JAMES MADISON.
February 9, 1810.
Department State, Feb. 8, 1810.
The Secretary of State, to whom the President has been pleased to refer the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 22d of last month, has the honor to state that it appears from the records in this department, that in the years 1801 and 1802, the Executive had endeavored to obtain, for the citizens of the United States residing on the waters of Tombigbee and Alabama rivers, the free navigation of the Mobile river to its confluence with the ocean—first, by claiming this navigation as a natural right, sanctioned by the general principles of the law of nations applicable to rivers similarly situated; and, secondly, by endeavoring to purchase the country held by Spain on the Mobile.
These efforts were made before it was known that Spain had ceded Louisiana to France, and consequently before the purchase of that province by the United States. Since that purchase, the country held by Spain on the Mobile has been claimed as being included therein.