To the Senate and House of Representatives:
Referring to my communication to Congress of the 26th ultimo, concerning a decree made by the United States chargé d'affaires in China, on 1st of June last, prohibiting steamers sailing under the flag of the United States from using or passing through the Straw Shoe Channel on the Yangtse River, I now transmit a copy of a dispatch of the 22d of August last, No. 25, from S. Wells Williams, esq., and of such of the papers accompanying it as were not contained in my former communication. I also transmit a copy of the reply of the 6th instant made by the Secretary of State to the above-named dispatch.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, February 24, 1869.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a copy of a convention between the United States and the Mexican Republic, providing for the adjustment of the claims of citizens of either country against the other, signed on the 4th day of July last, and the ratifications of which were exchanged on the 1st instant.
It is recommended that such legislation as may be necessary to carry this convention into effect shall receive early consideration.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, March 1, 1869.
To the Senate of the United States: