In compliance with the resolution of the House of the 17th of the last month, requesting the President to obtain and communicate to it as soon as may be practicable information "whether possession has been taken of any part of the territory of the United States on the Pacific Ocean by the subjects of any foreign power, with any other information relative to the condition and character of the said territory," I transmit herewith reports from the Secretaries of the State and Navy Departments, from which it will appear that there is no satisfactory information on the subject now in possession of the Executive, and that none is likely to be obtained but at an expense which can not be incurred without the authority of Congress.
ANDREW JACKSON.
WASHINGTON, April 4, 1832.
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith to Congress a report from the Secretary of State, showing the circumstances under which refuge was given on board the United States ship St. Louis, Captain Sloat, to the vice-president of the Republic of Peru and to General Miller, and the expense thereby incurred by Captain Sloat, for the payment of which there is no fund applicable to the case.
I recommend to Congress that provision be made for this and similar cases that may occur in future.
ANDREW JACKSON.
WASHINGTON, April 4, 1832.
To the Congress of the United States:
I submit herewith to the consideration of Congress a report from the Secretary of State, showing the necessity of providing additional accommodations for the Patent Office, and proposing the purchase of a suitable building, which has been offered to the Government for the purpose.