country, have been reduced and others dismissed, but under the law that result was inevitable.  It is believed that none have been retained who had not, likewise, the strongest claims to the appointments which have been conferred on them.  To discriminate between men of acknowledged merit, especially in a way to affect so sensibly and materially their feelings and interests, for many of whom I have personal consideration and regard, has been a most painful duty; yet I am conscious that I have discharged it with the utmost impartiality.  Had I opened the door to change in any case, even where error might have been committed, against whom could I afterwards have closed it, and into what consequences might not such a proceeding have led?  The same remarks are applicable to the subject in its relation to the Senate, to whose calm and enlightened judgment, with these explanations, I again submit the nominations which have been rejected.

JAMES MONROE.

APRIL 15, 1822.

To the Senate of the United States: 

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 12th instant, requesting the President of the United States “to cause to be laid before the Senate the original proceedings of the board of general officers charged with the reduction of the Army under the act of the 2d of March, 1821, together with all communications to and from said board on the subject of reducing the Army, including the case submitted to the Attorney-General, and his opinion thereon,” I now transmit a report from the Secretary of War, furnishing the information requested.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, April 15, 1822.

To the Senate of the United States: 

In compliance with a resolution of the Senate requesting the President of the United States to lay before that House any report or information which may be in his possession as to the most eligible situation on the Western waters for the erection of a national arsenal, I herewith transmit a report from the Secretary of War, containing all the information on that subject in the possession of the Executive.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, April 15, 1822.

To the House of Representatives of the United States: 

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th of February last, requesting the President of the United States “to communicate to that House whether any foreign government has made any claim to any part of the territory of the United States upon the coast of the Pacific Ocean north of the forty-second degree of latitude, and to what extent; whether any regulations have been made by foreign powers affecting the trade on that coast, and how it affects the interest of this Republic, and whether any communications have been made to this Government by foreign powers touching the contemplated occupation of Columbia River,” I now transmit a report from the Secretary of State, containing the information embraced by that resolution.