Letter transmitting "An Act making further Provision for the Expense Attending to Intercourse between the United States and Foreign Nations"

Transcript

Congress of the United States,

            In the House of Representatives,

                        Tuesday, the 15th of February, 1803.


[in brackets] Confidential


            Ordered, that Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Bayard be a committee to carry to the Senate the
following message,

[stray mark?] Gentlemen of the Senate,

            We transmit you a bill which has passed this House, intituled “An act making further
provision for the expenses attending the intercourse between the United States and foreign
nations,” and in which we request your concurrence. This bill has been passed by us in order to
enable the President of the United States to commence, with more effect, a negociation with the
French and Spanish governments relative to the purchase of the island of New Orleans and the
provinces of East and West Florida: The nature and importance of the measure contemplated
have induced us to act upon the subject with closed doors. You will, of consequence, consider
this communication as confidential.

Attest,

           William Lambert, for John Beckley, Clerk.