the ground then assumed, to withdraw this great question from the consideration of Congress, and to act on it myself.  Had the Executive been in error, it is entitled to censure, making a just allowance for the motive which guided it.  If its conduct was correct, the ground then assumed ought to be maintained by it.  It belongs to Congress alone to terminate this distressing incident on just principles, with a view to the highest interests of our Union.

From the view which I have taken of the subject I am confirmed in the opinion that Congress should now decide on the claim and allow to the State such portions thereof as are founded on the principles laid down in the former message.  If those principles are correct, as on great consideration I am satisfied they are, it appears to me to be just in itself and of high importance that the sums which may be due in conformity therewith should no longer be withheld from the State.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, February 21, 1825.

The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE PRO TEMPORE: 

I transmit to the Senate a convention, signed by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic of Colombia at Bogota on the 10th of December, 1824, together with the documents appertaining to the negotiation of the same, for the constitutional consideration of the Senate with regard to its ratification,

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, February 21, 1825.

The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE PRO TEMPORE: 

I transmit to the Senate a convention of general peace, amity, navigation, and commerce, signed by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic of Colombia at Bogota on the 3d of October, 1824, together with the documents appertaining to the negotiation of the same, for the constitutional consideration of the Senate with regard to its ratification.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, February 23, 1825.

To the House of Representatives: 

I transmit to the House of Representatives a further report from the Secretary of State, in pursuance of their resolution of the 1st instant, with the papers to which it refers, upon the subject of the capture and detention of American fishermen the past season in the Bay of Fundy.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, February 25, 1825.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I communicate herewith to both Houses of Congress copies of the treaties between the United States and the Quapaw Nation of Indians, concluded at Harringtons, in the Territory of Arkansas, on the 15th day of November last, and between the United States and the Choctaw Nation of Indians, concluded at the city of Washington on the 20th day of January last, which have been duly ratified.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, February 26, 1825.

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