In case the measures taken for amicable adjustment of our difficulties with Spain should, unfortunately, fail, I shall not hesitate to use the authority and means which Congress may grant to insure the observance of our just rights, to obtain redress for injuries received, and to vindicate the honor of our flag.

In anticipation of that contingency, which I earnestly hope may not arise, I suggest to Congress the propriety of adopting such provisional measures as the exigency may seem to demand.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,

Washington, March 17, 1854.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I communicate to the Senate herewith, for its constitutional action, two treaties recently negotiated by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, as commissioner on the part of the United States, with the delegates now at the seat of Government representing the confederated tribes of Otoes and Missourias and the Omaha Indians, for the extinguishment of their titles to lands west of the Missouri River.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,

Washington, March 18. 1854.

Hon. LINN BOYD,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SIR:  I transmit to you herewith a report of the present date from the Secretary of the Interior, accompanied by a tabular statement containing the information[12] called for by resolution of the House of Representatives adopted the 13th ultimo.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

[Footnote 12:  Area of each State and Territory; extent of the public domain remaining in each State and Territory, and the extent alienated by sales, grants, etc.]

WASHINGTON, March 21, 1854.

To the Senate of the United States: 

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 15th instant, adopted in executive session, I transmit confidentially a report from the Secretary of State and the documents[13] by which it was accompanied.  Pursuant to the suggestion in the report, it is desirable that such of the papers as may be originals should be returned to the Department of State.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

[Footnote 13:  Instructions and correspondence relative to the negotiation of the treaty with Mexico of December 30, 1853, etc.]

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,

March 25, 1854.

Hon. LENN BOYD,

Speaker of the House of Representatives: 

I communicate to the House of Representatives herewith a report from the Secretary of the Interior, dated the 24th instant, containing so much of the information called for by the resolution of the 17th instant as it is practicable or compatible with the public interest to furnish at the present time, respecting the proceedings which have been had and negotiations entered into for the extinguishment of the Indian titles to lands west of the States of Missouri and Iowa.