_In House of Representatives, Jan. 8, 1811._
Taking into view the present state of the world, the peculiar
situation of Spain and of the American provinces, and the
intimate relation of the territory eastward of the river
Perdido, adjoining the United States, to their security and
tranquillity: Therefore,
_Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_, That the
United States cannot see, with indifference, any part of the
Spanish provinces, adjoining the said States, eastward of the
river Perdido, pass from the hands of Spain into those of any
other foreign power.
The resolution was read, and passed to a second reading.
THURSDAY, January 10.
So it was _Resolved_, That this bill do pass, and that the title
thereof be, "An act to enable the President of the United States,
under certain contingencies, to take possession of the country lying
east of the river Perdido, and south of the State of Georgia and the
Mississippi Territory, and for other purposes."
On motion, by Mr. CLAY,
_Resolved_, That a committee of two be appointed to carry the said bill
to the House of Representatives, and ask their concurrence therein.
_Ordered_, That Mr. CLAY and Mr. BAYARD be the committee.
Mr. CLAY reported that the committee had performed the service assigned
them.
FRIDAY, January 11.
Mr. ANDERSON, from the committee appointed on the subject, reported the
confidential resolution from the House of Representatives, with the
following amendment:
Strike out all the words after the word "the," first mentioned
in the first line of the resolution, to the end thereof, and in
lieu thereof, insert "peculiar situation of Spain and of her
American provinces; and considering the influence which the
destiny of the territory adjoining the southern border of the
United States may have upon their security, tranquillity, and
commerce:" Therefore,
_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_, That the
United States, under the peculiar circumstances of the existing
crisis, cannot, without serious inquietude, see any part of the
said territory pass into the hands of any foreign power; and
that a due regard to their own safety compels them to provide,
under certain contingencies, for the temporary occupation of
the said territory; they, at the same time, declare that the
said territory shall, in their hands, remain subject to a
future negotiation.
Which report was read, and considered as in Committee of the Whole;
and, on motion to adopt the report, a division of the question was
called for by Mr. DANA, and the question to strike out was agreed
to, and the amendment was adopted; and the President reported the
resolution to the House accordingly.
_Ordered_, That the resolution pass to the third reading, as amended.