would be much interrupted, if not altogether destroyed.  Such, too, has been the growth of a spirit of piracy in the other quarters mentioned, by adventurers from every country, in abuse of the friendly flags which they have assumed, that not to protect our commerce there would be to abandon it as a prey to their rapacity.  Due attention has likewise been paid to the suppression of the slave trade, in compliance with a law of the last session.  Orders have been given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize all vessels navigated under our flag engaged in that trade, and to bring them in to be proceeded against in the manner prescribed by that law.  It is hoped that these vigorous measures, supported by like acts by other nations, will soon terminate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized world.

In the execution of the duty imposed by these acts, and of a high trust connected with it, it is with deep regret I have to state the loss which has been sustained by the death of Commodore Perry.  His gallantry in a brilliant exploit in the late war added to the renown of his country.  His death is deplored as a national misfortune.

JAMES MONROE.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

WASHINGTON, December 7, 1819.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit herewith to the Senate a collection of the commercial regulations of the different foreign countries with which the United States have commercial intercourse, which has been compiled in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of 3d March, 1817.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, December 14, 1819.

To the House of Representatives of the United States: 

In conformity with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 24th of February last, I now transmit a report of the Secretary of State, with extracts and copies of several letters, touching the causes of the imprisonment of William White, an American citizen, at Buenos Ayres.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, December 17, 1819.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: 

Some doubt being entertained respecting the true intent and meaning of the act of the last session entitled “An act in addition to the acts prohibiting the slave trade,” as to the duties of the agents to be appointed on the coast of Africa, I think it proper to state the interpretation which has been given of the act and the measures adopted to carry it into effect, that Congress may, should it be deemed advisable, amend the same before further proceeding is had under it.

The obligation to instruct the commanders of all our armed vessels to seize and bring into port all ships or vessels of the United States, wheresoever found, having on board any negro, mulatto, or person of color in violation of former acts for the suppression of the slave trade, being imperative, was executed without delay.  No seizures have yet been made, but as they were contemplated by the law, and might be presumed, it seemed proper to make the necessary regulations applicable to such seizures for carrying the several provisions of the act into effect.