By virtue of the authority contained in the sixth section of the act of 21st April, 1864, which enacts "that any officer in the naval service, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may be advanced not exceeding thirty numbers in his own grade for distinguished conduct in battle or extraordinary heroism," I recommend Lieutenant-Commander James S. Thornton, United States Navy, the executive officer of the United States steamer _Kearsarge_, for advancement in his grade ten numbers, to take rank next after lieutenant-Commander William D. Whiting, for his good conduct and faithful discharge of his duties in the brilliant action with the rebel steamer _Alabama_, which led to the destruction of that vessel on the 19th June, 1864. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, _December 7, 1864_. _To the Senate of the United States_: In answer to the Senate's resolution of yesterday, requesting information in regard to aid furnished to the rebellion by British subjects, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was accompanied. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, _December 13, 1864_. _To the Senate of the United States_: I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, "a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United States of America and the Republic of Honduras," signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at Comayagua on the 4th of July (1864) last. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, _December 13, 1864_. _To the Senate of the United States_: I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, "a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, and for the extradition of fugitive criminals, between the United States of America and the Republic of Hayti, signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at Port an Prince on the 3d of November" last. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, _January 7, 1865_. _To the Senate and House of Representatives_: I transmit to Congress a copy of two treaties between the United States and Belgium, for the extinguishment of the Scheldt dues, etc., concluded on the 20th of May, 1863, and 20th of July, 1863, respectively, the ratifications of which were exchanged at Brussels on the 24th of June last; and I recommend an appropriation to carry into effect the provisions thereof relative to the payment of the proportion of the United States toward the capitalization of the said dues. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 9, 1865_. Hon. SCHUYLER COLFAX, _Speaker House of Representatives_.