I have transmitted these papers to Congress not so much for the purpose of communicating an account of so daring a violation of the territory of the United States as to show the propriety and necessity of enabling the Executive authority of Government to take measures for protecting the citizens of the United States and such foreigners as have a right to enjoy their peace and the protection of their laws within their limits in that as well as some other harbors which are equally exposed. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, _February 12, 1798_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: In obedience to the law, I now present to both Houses of Congress my annual account of expenditures from the contingent fund during the year 1797, by which it appears that on the 1st day of January last there remained in the Treasury a balance of $15,494.24 subject to future dispositions of Government. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1798_. _Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: In the report of the Secretary of State and the documents herewith transmitted will be found such information as is in our possession of the losses recovered by the citizens of the United States under the treaty made with Great Britain, which are now presented to the House of Representatives in compliance with their request in their resolution of the 1st of this month. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, _February 20, 1798_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: In obedience to the law of the United States of the 3d of March, 1797, entitled "An act authorizing an expenditure and making an appropriation for the prosecution of the claims of certain citizens of the United States for property captured by the belligerent powers," I submit to Congress the account exhibited to me by the Secretary of State with his report of the 17th of this month. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, _February 21, 1798_. _Gentlemen of the Senate_: Having received the original treaty concluded between the United States and the Government of Tunis, I lay it before the Senate of the United States whether they advise and consent to its ratification. JOHN ADAMS. UNITED STATES, _February 23, 1798_. _Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: The inclosed memorial from the commissioners appointed under an act of the United States entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States," representing the situation and circumstances of the city of Washington, I take this opportunity to present to both Houses of the Legislature and recommend to their consideration. Alexander White, esq., one of those commissioners, is now in this city, and will be able to give to Congress, or any of their committees, any explanation or further information which the subject may require. JOHN ADAMS UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1798_.