GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, January 28, 1790.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act of the legislature of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations entitled “An act for calling a convention to take into consideration the Constitution proposed for the United States, passed on the 17th day of September, A.D. 1787, by the General Convention held at Philadelphia,” together with the copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency John Collins, governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to the President of the United States.

The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 1, 1790.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I have received from His Excellency Alexander Martin, governor of the State of North Carolina, an act of the general assembly of that State entitled “An act for the purpose of ceding to the United States of America certain western lands therein described,” and have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with a copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency Governor Martin to the President of the United States.

The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 9, 1790.

Gentlemen of the Senate

You will perceive from the papers herewith delivered, and which are enumerated in the annexed list, that a difference subsists between Great Britain and the United States relative to the boundary line between our eastern and their territories.  A plan for deciding this difference was laid before the late Congress, and whether that or some other plan of a like kind would not now be eligible is submitted to your consideration.

In my opinion, it is desirable that all questions between this and other nations be speedily and amicably settled, and in this instance I think it advisable to postpone any negotiations on the subject until I shall be informed of the result of your deliberations and receive your advice as to the propositions most proper to be offered on the part of the United States.

As I am taking measures for learning the intentions of Great Britain respecting the further detention of our posts, etc., I am the more solicitous that the business now submitted to you may be prepared for negotiation as soon as the other important affairs which engage your attention will permit.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES, February 15, 1790.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: 

I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of a vote of the legislature of the State of New Hampshire, to accept the articles proposed in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, except the second article.  At the same time will be delivered to you the copy of a letter from his excellency the president of the State of New Hampshire to the President of the United States.