itish Government to the subject, with a view to that object.
He was instructed to propose also that the negotiation which it
was wished to open might extend to the general commerce of the two
countries, and to every other interest and unsettled difference between
them, particularly those relating to impressment, the fisheries, and
boundaries, in the hope that an arrangement might be made on principles
of reciprocal advantage which might comprehend and provide in a
satisfactory manner for all these high concerns. I have the satisfaction
to state that the proposal was received by the British Government in
the spirit which prompted it, and that a negotiation has been opened at
London embracing all these objects. On full consideration of the great
extent and magnitude of the trust it was thought proper to commit it to
not less than two of our distinguished citizens, and in consequence the
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States
at Paris has been associated with our envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary at London, to both of whom corresponding instructions
have been given, and they are now engaged in the discharge of its
duties. It is proper to add that to prevent any inconvenience resulting
from the delay incident to a negotiation on so many important subjects
it was agreed before entering on it that the existing convention should
be continued for a term not less than eight years.

Our relations with Spain remain nearly in the state in which they were
at the close of the last session. The convention of 1802, providing for
the adjustment of a certain portion of the claims of our citizens for
injuries sustained by spoliation, and so long suspended by the Spanish
Government, has at length been ratified by it, but no arrangement has
yet been made for the payment of another portion of like claims, not
less extensive or well founded, or for other classes of claims, or for
the settlement of boundaries. These subjects have again been brought
under consideration in both countries, but no agreement has been entered
into respecting them. In the meantime events have occurred which clearly
prove the ill effect of the policy which that Government has so long
pursued on the friendly relations of the two countries, which it is
presumed is at least of as much importance to Spain as to the United
States to maintain. A state of things has existed in the Floridas the
tendency of which has been obvious to