These people are becoming very sensible of the baneful effects produced
on their morals, their health, and existence by the abuse of ardent
spirits, and some of them earnestly desire a prohibition of that article
from being carried among them. The Legislature will consider whether the
effectuating that desire would not be in the spirit of benevolence and
liberality which they have hitherto practiced toward these our
neighbors, and which has had so happy an effect toward conciliating
their friendship. It has been found, too, in experience that the same
abuse gives frequent rise to incidents tending much to commit our peace
with the Indians.
It is now become necessary to run and mark the boundaries between them
and us in various parts. The law last mentioned has authorized this to
be done, but no existing appropriation meets the expense.
Certain papers explanatory of the grounds of this communication are
herewith inclosed.
TH. JEFFERSON.
FEBRUARY 2, 1802.
_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
I now lay before you--
1. A return of ordnance, arms, and military stores the property of the
United States.
2. Returns of muskets and bayonets fabricated at the armories of the
United States at Springfield and Harpers Ferry, and of the expenditures
at those places; and
3. An estimate of expenditures which may be necessary for fortifications
and barracks for the present year.
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