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“ Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.” VOL. I. ALBAN V, BAKER COUNTY, GEORGIA, DECEMBER 17,1815. NO. 36. THE ALBANY PATRIOT, . nT .i isllED EVERY WEDNESDAY MORR1KG, BY NELSON TIFT & SETH N. B0U6HT0N, Editor* and Proprietors. TERMS. TWO Dollar* per annum, if paid in advance, or Three Dollar* at the end ofthe year. Vlv rtfoments not exceeding twelve lines, will ie inserted at Oue Dollar for the first insertion, and rftv cents for each continuance. Advertisements t Uvin* the number of insertions specified, will u/nnhlishcd until forbid. Sales of land and Negroes by Executors, Adminis- ■jon-and guardians, are required by law to I* "v’Ttiscd in a public gazette, sixty days previous to the (!av of rale. Tie" rales of Personal Property mnst be advertised m like manner forty days. " \piiec to Debtors and Creditors of an estate must w.VaUished lortyday*. Notice that application will be made to the Court (Winary for leave to sell Land and Negroes, must published wepltly for four months. Monthly AdrejIisements.One Dollar per square r eaeli insertion. jj^Ai l U tters on business must be port paid. EXTRACTS FROM THE President’s Message. deliberate homage of each people to the great prin ciple of our federative union. If we consider the extent of territory involved in the annexation—its prospective influence on Ameri ca—tlie means by which it has been accomplished, wringing purely from the choice of the people themselves to share toe blessing of our union,—the history of the world may be challenged to furnish a parallel. The jurisdiction of the United States, which at the formation of the federal constitution was bounded by the St Mary’s, on the Atlantic, has pu-scl the Capes of Florida, and been peacefully extended to the Del Norte. In contemplating the grandeur of this oventj.it is not to be forgotten that the result was achieved in despite of tlie diplomatic interference of European monarchies. Even France—the country which had been our ancient ally—the country which has a common interest with us in maintaining the freedom of the seas—tlie country which, by tlie ces sion of Louisiana, first opened to us access to the Gulf of Mexico—the country with which wo have been every year drawing more and more closely tho bonds of successful commerce—most unexpectedly, and to our unfeigned regret, took part in an efihrt to prevent annexation, and to impose on Texas, as a condition of the recognition of her independence by Mexico, that she would never join herself to tho United States.* We may rejoice that the tranquil and pervading influence of the American principle of self-government was snflicicnt to defeat the pur poses of British and French interference, and that the almost unanimous voice of the people of Texas liwcitizens of the Senate and Haute of Reprcsentalires: It is to me a source of unaffected satisfaction to -cl tlie Representatives of the States and the pco- ,.j n Congress assembled, as it will be to receive j has given to that interference a peaceful and offec- • aid of their combined wisdom in the ndministra- tive rebuke. From this example, European goveru- f public affairs. In performing, fnr the first •30, the duty imposed on me by the Constitution, f gi\ing to you information of the state of tlie nion, and recommending to your consideration :ch measures as in my judgment are necessary r.d expedient, I am happy that I can congratulate IU on the continued prosperity of our country.— uder the blessings of Divine Providence and tlie raign influence of our free institutions, it stands la-furc tlie world a spectacle of national happiness. With our unexampled advancement in all the ele cts of national greatness, the affection of the peo ple is confirmed for the union of tlie States, and for -'he doctrines of popular liberty, which lie at the foundation of our government. K becomes us, i.i humility, to make our devout acknowledgements to tho Supreme Ruler of tho 1'niveise, for tlie inestimable civil and religious blessing* with which we am favored. hi euiiing the attention of Congress to our rela tions with foreign Powers, I am gratified to bo able to state, that, though with some of them there huvo xisted since your last session serious causes of irritation and misunderstanding, yet no actual hos tilities have taken place. Adopting the maxim in tin- conduct of our foreign affairs, to “ ask nothing liiat is not right, and submit to” nothing that is wrong,” it has been my unxious desire to presetve peace with all nations; hut, at the same time, to be prepared to resist aggression, and to inainlaiu all our just rights. In pursuance of tho joint resolution of Congress, “ for annexing Texas to the United States,” my pre decessor, on the third day of March, 184ft, elected to submit the lirst and second sections ot that reso lution to the republic of Texas, os an overture, on tV part of tho United States, for hor admission a* :t State into our Union. This election I approved, •;nd accordingly the charge d’aflhirs of tho United States in Texas, under instructions of the tenth ot March, 1810, presented these sections ot the resolu tion fur the acceptance 01 that republic. The exec utive government, the Congress, and the people of Texas in convention, have successively complied with all flic terms and conditions of tho joint resolu tion. A constitution for the government of the State of Texas, formed by a convention ot deputies, is herewith laid before Congress. It is well known, also, that the people of Texas at tlie polls have ac cepted the terms of annexation, and ratified the con stitution. I communicate to Congress tho correspondence between the Secretary of State and our charge d’af- foirs in Texas *, and also tho correspondence of the latter with the authorities of Texas; together with the official documents transmitted by him to bis own government. The terms of annexation which were offered by 'be United States having been accepted by Texas, the public faith of both parties is solemnly pledged to the compact of their onion. Nothing remains to consumsto the event, but the paasago of an act by Congress to admit the State of Texas into the Union ments may icarn how vain diplomatic arts und in trigues must ever prove upon this continent, against that system of self-government which seems natural to our sdll, and which will over resist foreign inter ference. ' Towards Texas, I do not doubt that a liberal and generous spirit will actuate Congress in all that concerns her interests nr.d prosperity, and tliat she will never have causo to regret that she has united her “ lone star” to our glorious constellation. I regret to inform you that our relations with Mexico, since your last session, have not been of tho amicable character which it is our desire to cultivate witli all foreign nations. On tlie sixth day of March last, tlie Mexican envoy extraordinary and minister p!eni|>otcutiary to tho United States made a formal protest, in tho namo of his govern ment, against the joint resolution passed by Con gress, “ for the annexation of Texas to tho United States,” which he chose to regard as a violation of tlie rights of Mexico, and, in consequence of it, he demanded his passports, lie was informed that tho government of the United States did not consider this joint resolution as a violation of any of the rights of Mexico, or tliat it afforded any just causo of offence to his government; that tlie Republic of Texas was an independent I’owcr, owing no allc- to prescribe restrictions ns to the form of govern ment which Texas might afterwards choose to as sume. But though Mexico cannot complain of the United States on account of tlie annexation of Texas, it is to be regretted that rerious causes of misunderstand ing between the tun countries continue to exist, growing out of unrelrcsscd injuries inflicted by the Mexican authorities and people on the persons and property of citizens sf the United States, through a long series of years. Mexico lias admitted these injuries, but has neglected and refused to repair them. Such was tie character of the wrongs, and such the insults repeatedly offered to American citizens and the American flag by Mexico, in palpa ble violation of the laws of nations and the treaty between the two countries of the fifth of April, 1831, that they liave been repeatedly brought to the notice of Congress by my predecessors. As early as the eighth of February, 1837, the President of tlie U. States declared, in a message to Congress, that “ the length of time since some of the injuries liave been committed, the repeated and unavailing sppli cations for redress, the wooton character of some of tlie outrages upon the persons and property of our citizens, upon the officers and flag of the United States, independent of recent insults to this govern ment and people by the late Extraordinary Mexican minister, would justify in the eyes of all nations im mediate war.” He did not, however, recommend an immediate resort to this extreme measure, which, he declared, “ should not be used by just and gener ous nations, confiding in their strength, for injuries committed, if it can be honorably avoidedbut, in a spirit of forbearance, proposed that another de mand be made on Mexico for that redress which had been so long and unjustly withheld. In these views, committees of tlie two Houses of Congress, in reports made to their respective bodies, concurred. Since these proceedings more than eight years have clapscd, during which, in addition to tho wrongs then complained of, others of an aggravated charac ter hare been committed on the persons and proper ty of our citizens. A special agent was sent to Mexico in the summer of 1838, with full authority to make another and final demand for redress. The demand was made; the Mexican government prom ised to repair the wrongs of which we complained; and after much delay, a treaty of indemnity witli tliat view was concluded between the two Powers on the eleventh of April, 1839, and was duly ratified by both governments. By this treaty a joint com mission was created to adjudicate and decide on tlie claims of American citizens on the government of Mexico. The commission was organized at Wash ington on tho twenty-fifth day of August, 18-10.— Their time was limited to eighteen months; at the expiration of which, they had adjudicated and deci ded claims amounting to two millions twenty-six thousand one hundred and thirty-nino dollars and sixty-eight cents in favor of citizens of tho United States against the Mexican government, leaving a glance to Mexico, and constituting no part of her large amount of claims undecided. Of the latter, territory or rightful sovereignty and jurisdiction.! the American commissioners had decided in favor He was nlso assured tliat it was tlie sincere desire of our citizens, claims amounting to nine hundred of his government to maintain witli that of Mexico and twenty-eight thousand six hundred arid twenty- relations of peace and good understanding. That seven dollars and eighty-eighty cents, which were functionary, however, notwithstanding tliese repre- left unacted on by tho umjire authorized by the sentations and assurances, abruptly terminated his treaty. Still farther claims, amounting to between mission, and shortly afterwards left the country, three and four millions of dtllars, were submitted Our Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten- to the board too late to be considered, and were left tiary to Mexico was refused all official intercourse undisposed of. The sum oF two millions twenty- witli that government, and, after remaining several six thousand one hundred and thirty nine dollars montlis, by tlie permission of his own government, and sixty-eight cents, decided by the board, was a lie returned to tho United States. Thus, by the acts liquidated and ascertained debt du6 by Mexico to of .Mexico, all diplomatic intercourse between the the claimants, and there war no justifiable reason two countries was suspended. for delaying its payment according to the terms of Since that time Mexico has, until recently, occu- the treaty. It was not, however, paid. Mexico pied an attitude of hostility towards the United applied for further indulgence; and, in that spirit of States—has been marshalling and organizing ar- liberality and forbearance which has ever marked mica, issuing proclamations, and avowing the in* the policy of tho United States towards that repub- tention to make war on tlie United States,either by He, the request was granted; and, on the thirtieth an open declaration, or by invading Texas. Both of January, 1843, a new treaty was concluded. By tlie Congress and Convention of the people of Texas this treaty it was provided, that the interest due ou invited this Government to send an army into that the awards in favor of claimants under the conven- territory, to protect and defend them against the tion of the eleventh of April, 1839, shonld be paid menaced attack. Tlie moment tlie terms of aonexa- 0 n the thirtieth of April, 1343; and that “ the prin- tion, offered by tlie United States, were accepted by cipal of the said awards, and the interest arising Texas, the latter became so far a part of our own thereon, shall be paid in five years, in equal instal- country, as to make it our duty to afford such pro- ments every three months; the said term of five lection and defence. I therefore deemed it proper, years to commence on the thirtieth day of April, as a precautionary measure, to order a strong squad- 18-13, as aforesaid.” The interest doe on the thir- ron to the coasts of Mexico, and to concentrate an tieth day of April, 1843, and the three first of the efficient military force on the western frontier of twenty instalments, have been paid. Seventeen of Texas. Our army was Ardcred to take position in these instalments remain unpaid, seven of which the country between the Nueces and the Del Norte, and to repel any invasion of the Texan territory which might be attempted by the Mexican forces. upon an equal footing with tho original States.— Our squadron in tho gulf was ordered to co-operate Strung reasons exist why this should be douo at an j with Iho army. But though our army and navy early period ot the session. It will be observed that, I were placed in a position to defend our own, and by tlie constitution of Texas, the OT ‘- tin g govern- the rights of Texas, they were ordered to commit meni is only continued temporarily till Congress no act of hostility against Mexico, unless she de- — ‘ ‘ ■ clared war, or wms herself the aggressor by striking the first blow. The result has-been, that Mexico has made no aggressive movement, and oar military and naval commanders have executed their orders ran act; ami that the third Monday of the present month is the day appointed for holding the first gen ual election. On that day a governor, a lieutenant governor, and both branches of the legislature, will with such discretion, that the peaco of the two re- 1c chosen by the people- The President of Texas with such d >* required, immediately after the receipt of official | publics has not been disturbed, information that the new State has been admitted j Texas had declared her independence, and main- into our Union by Congress, to convene the legists-; tained it by her anas for more thin nine yearly— ■Ireland, upon its meeting, the existing govern- j She has bad an organized government in successful tarot will be superseded, and the Stole government operation during that period. Her separate exirt- organized. Questions deeply interesting to Texas,; enee, as an independent State, had been recognized in common with the other States; the extension of: by the United 8totes and the principal Powers of our revenue laws and judicial system over her poo- Europe. Treaties of commerce and navigation bad pie and territory, as well as measures of local ciiar- been concluded with her by different nations, and it actor, will ri»i~ the early »»m of Congress; i had become manifest to the whole world that any and, therefore, upon every principle of republican further attempt on the part of Mexiooto conquer government, she ought to be represented in that body her, or overthrow her government, would be vain, without unnecessary delay. 1 too earnestly Even Mexico herself had become satisfied, of this ^commend prompt action on this important aubjoct feet; and whilst the question of annexation was As soon as the act to admit Texas a* a State pending before the people of Texas, during the past be passed, the anion of the two republics will summer, the government of Mexico by a formal act, consummated by their own voluntary consent , agreeddo recognise the independence of Texas <*» , This accession to our territory has been a blood- condition that rim would not annex beraelf toany achievement. No anu of force hga boon raised other other Power. The agreement to acknow produce the result The sword has had no part edge the independence of Texas, whethcr with or »» foe victory. We hare not sought to extend 'our- without this condition, is conclusive against Mexico, territorial possessions ,by conquest, or our republi- The independence of Texas 's u foot c *» institutions overs reluctant people. It was the, Mexico herself, and she had no right or authority are now doe. The claims which were left undecided by the joint commission, amounting to more than three million* of dollare, together with other claims for spoliations on the property of onr citizens, were subsequently presented to the Mexican Government for payment, and were so for recognised, that a treaty, providing for their examination and settlement by a joint com mission, was concluded and signed at Mexico on the 90th day of November, 1843. This treaty was rati fied by the United States, with certain amendments, to which no just exception could have been taken; but it has not yet received the ratification of the Mex ican Government In the meantime our citizens have suffered great losses, and some of whom have been reduced from affluence to bankruptcy, are with out remedy, unless their rights be enforced by their government Such a continued and unprovoked se ries of wrongs oould never have been tolerated by the United States, bad they been committed by one of the principal nations of Europe. Mexicowas, how ever, a neighboring sister rejmhiic, which, following onr example, had aheieved her independence, and for whoso success and prosperity all onr sympathies were early enlisted. The United States were the first to recognise her independence, and to receive her into the family of nations, and have ever been desirouc of cultivating with her a good understand ing. We have, therefore, borne the repeated wrongs she has committed, with great patience, in the hope that a returning sense of justice would ultimately guide her councils, and that we might, if possible, honorably avoid any hostile collision with her. Without the previous authority of Congress, the executive possessed no power to adopt or enforce ad equate remedies for the injuries we had suffered, or to do more than be prepared to repel the threatened aggression on the part of Mexico. Alter our army and navy had remained outlie frontier and coasts of Mexico for many weeks, without any hostile move ment on her part, though her menaces were contin ued, I deemed it important to put an end, if possilile, to this state of things. With this view, I caused steps to be taken, in the month of September last, to ascertain distinctly, and in an authentic form, what the designs of the Mexican government were; whe ther it wms their intention to declare war, or invade Texas, or whether they were disposed to adjust and settle, in an amicable manner, the pending differen ces between the two countries. On the ninth of No vember an official answer wms received, tliat tlie Mex ican government consented to reriew tlie diplomatic relations which had been,suspended in March last, and for that purpose wcrewflling to accrcditaminis- tcr from the U. States. With a sincere desire to pre serve peace, and restore relations of good understan ding between the two republics, I waived all ceremo ny as to the manner of renewing diplomatic intercourse between them; and, assuming the initiative, on the tenth of November a distinguished citizen of louisi- ana was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minis ter Plenipotentiary to Mexico, clothed with full (low ers to adjust, and definitely settle, all pending differ ences between the two countries, including those of boondary between Mexico and tbc State of Texas. The minister appointed has set out on his mission, and is probably by tills time near tbc Mexican capi tal. He Iras been instructed to bring the negotiation with which be is cliarged to a conclusion at the ear liest practical period; which, it is expected, will be in time to enable me to communicate tlie result to Congress during the present session. Until that re sult is known, 1 forbear to recommend to Congress such ulterior measures of redress for the wrongs and injnrics we have so long borne, as it would have been proper to make had no such negotiation been institu ted. Congress appropriated, at the last session, the sum of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars for tiie payment of the April and July instalments of tho Mexican indemnities for the year 1844: “ Provided it shall be ascertained to tlie satisfaction of the Ameri can government that said instalments liave been paid by the Mexican government to tho agent appointed by the United States to receive tho same, in such manner os to discharge all claim on the Mexican go vernment, and said agent to be delinquent in remit ting tlie money to tlie United States.” The unsettled state of our relations with Mexico has involved this subject in much mystery. The first information, in an authentic form, from the ngent of the United States, appointed under tlie administra tion of my predecessor, was received at tlie State Department on the ninth of November last. This is contained in a letter, dated tlie 17tii of October, ad dressed by him to one of our citizens then inffitexico, with a view of having it communicated to that de partment. From this it appears that the agent, on the 20tb of September, 1844, gave a receipt to the treasury of Mexico for the amount of tho April and July instalments of tlie indemnity. In the tame com munication, however, ho asserts that he had not re ceived a single dollar iu rash; bat that he holds sncli securities as warranted him at the time in giving the reccipt, and entertains no doubt-but tliat he will eventually obtain tbc money. As these instalments appear never to have been actually paid by the gov ernment of Mexico to tiie agent, and as tint govern ment has not heretofore been released, so as to dis charge the claim, I do not (eel myself warranted in directing the payment to bo made to the claimants out of tho treasury, without further legislation.— Their case is, undoubtedly, one of much hardship and it remains for Congress to decide whether any and what, relief ought to be granted to them. Our minister to Mexico has been instructed to ascertain tiie facts of the case from the Mexican government, in on authentic and official form, and report the re port with as little delay os possible. My attention was early directed to the ncgociation which, on the fourth of March last, I found pending at Washington between the United States and Great Britain, on the subject of the Oregon territory. Three several attempts bad been previously made to settle the question in dispute between the two countries, by negotiation, upon the principle of compromise but each bad proved unsuccessful. These negotiations took place in London, in the years 1818,1824,and 1826, the two first tinder the administration of Mr. Monroe, and the last under that of Mr, Adams. The negotiation of 1818 having failed to accomplish its object, resulted in the con vention ofthe 20th of October of that jrcar. By the third article of that convention, it was “ agreed that any country that may be claimed by either party on tho north-west coast of America, westward of the Stony mountains, shall, together with its harbors, bays, and creeks, and the navigation of all riven within tbc same, be free and open foe tbc term of ten years from tho date of the signature of the present convention, to the vessels, citizens, and subjects ofthe two Pow ers; it being well understood that this agreement not to be construed to the prejudice of any claim which either of the two high contracting parties may have to any part ofthe said country, nor shall itbeta- ken to affect the claims of any other Power or State to any part of the raid country, the only object of tho high contracting parties in that respect being, The negotiation of 1824 was productive of no re sult, and the convention of 1818 was left unchanged. The negotiation of 1826, having alio foiled to ef fect an adjustment by compromise, resulted in the convention of August tho sixth, 1827, by which it was agreed to continue in fore*, for an indefinite po- riod, tho prorisians of the third articloof the oonveo- t*® °fthe 20th of October, 18I8;andit;was further provided, that “ it shall be competent, however, te ei ther of the contracting parties, in ease either shoutt think fit, at any time after tho 20th of October, 1838, on giving due notico of twelve months to tho other contracting party, to annul and abrogate this conven tion; and it shall, in such case, be accordingly, entire ly annulled and abrogated after the expiration of tho said term of notice.” In these attempts to" adjust the aatroveny, the parallel of the forty-ninth degree of north latitude had beenqfibrtd by theUnited Staton to Great Britain, and in those of 1816 and 1826, with a further concession of the free navigation of the Co lumbia river south of tint latitude. Tho parallel of the forty-ninth degree from the Rocky mountain to its intersection with the ntethcastenunost branch of the Columbia, and thence down the channel of that river to the sea, I tod been offered by Great Britain, witli an addition of a small detached territory north of the Columbia. Each of these propositions had been rejected by tlie parties respectively. * In October, 1843, the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States in Lon don was authorized to make a similar offer to those made in 1818 and 1826. Thus stood the question, when tiie negotiation was shortly afterwards trans ferred to Washington; and on the 23d of August. 1814, was formally opened, under the direction of my immediate predecessor. like the previous ne gotiations, it was based upon principles of “compro mise;’ and the avowed purpose of the parties was, “ to t^eat ofthe respective claims of tho two coun tries to the Oregon territory, with tbo viewtoestah lUli a permanent boundary between them westward of tiie Rocky mountains to the Pacific ocean.” Ac cordingly, on the 2Cth of Aitgnst, 1844, the British plenipotentiary offered to divide tho Oregon territory by the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude, from tlie Rocky mountains to the point of its intersection with the northca3tcmmosl branch of tho Columbia river, and thence down that river to tiie sea; leaving tho free navigation of tho river to bo enjoyed in common by both parties—the country south of this line to be long to the United states, and that north of it to Gr- Hrituin. At the same time he proposed to yiold to tiie United Slates a detached territory, north of tho Columbia, extending along the Pacific and the Straits of Fiica, from Bulfinch's Harbor inclustve, to Hood's Canal, andto make free to tlie United States ary ports south of latitude forty-nine degrees, which they might desire, cither on the main laird, or on Quadra and Vancouver’s Island. With tho exception of free ports, this was the same offer which had been made by the British, and rejected by tho American government in the negotiation of 182(1. This propo sition was properly rejected by the American pleni potentiary on the duy it was submitted. This was the only proposition of compromise offered by tho British plenipotentiary. Tlio proposition on tlie part of Great Britain having been rejected, tho British plenipotentiary requested that a proposal should be made by tho United States for “ an equitable adjust ment of the question,” When 1 came into office, I found this to be the state ofthe negotiation. Though entertaining the settled conviction, that the BritishTprctcnsions of title could not be maintained to any portion of tho Oregon territory upon any priuciple of public law recognised by nations, yet, in deflereuce to what had been done by my predecessors, and especially in consideration tliat propositions of compromise had been made by two proceeding administrations, to adjust the question on tiie parallel of forty-nine degrees, and in two of them yielding to Great Britain the free navigation of the Colombia, and that the sending negotiation had been commenced on the hosts of compromise, I deemed it ray duty not abruptly to break it off In consideration, too, that UDdcr the conventions of 1818 and 1827, tbo citizens and subjects of tho two Pow ers held a joint occupancy of the couutry,Iwaa indu ced to make aoutlter effort to settle this long-pending controversy hi the spirit of moderation which had given birth to the renew ed discussion. A proposi tion was accordingly made, which was rejected by the British plenipotentiary, who, without submitting any other proposition, suffered the negotiation on his part to drop, expressing his trust that the United States would offer what he saw fit to call “some fur ther proposal for the settlement of tho Oregon ques tion, more consistent with fairness and equity, and with the reasonable expectations of the British gov ernment.” Thr proposition thus offered and rejected, repeated tho offer of the parallel of forty-nine degrees of north latitude, which bad been made liy two,pre ceding ad aiinist rations, bat without proposing to sur render to Great Britain, as they had done, the firco navigation ofthe Columbia river. Tbc right of any foreign Power to the free navigation of any of our rivers, through the heart of our country, was one which I was unwilling to concede. It also embraced a provision to make free to Great Britain any port or ports on the cape of Quadra and Vancouver’s Island, south of this parallel. Had this been a hew ques tion, coming under discussion for the first time, this proposition woold not have boon made. Hm extra ordinary and wholly inadmissible demands ofthe Brit ish government, aDd tho rejection ofthe proposition made in deference aisoe to what find been done by my prodeccssors, and the implied obligation which their acts seemed to impose, affords satisfactory evi dence that no compromise which the United States ought to accept, can bo effected. With this convic tion, the proposition of compromise which had been made and rejected, was. by my direction, subsequent ly withdrawn, and our title to tho wholo of Oregou asserted, and, as is believed, maintained by irrefraga* Uo fact> and argument*. • The civilized world win see in theso proceedings