e opportunity to atone
for the past before we take redress into our own hands. To avoid all
misconception on the part of Mexico, as well as to protect our own
national character from reproach, this opportunity should be given with
the avowed design and full preparation to take immediate satisfaction if
it should not be obtained on a repetition of the demand for it. To this
end I recommend that an act be passed authorizing reprisals, and the use
of the naval force of the United States by the Executive against Mexico
to enforce them, in the event of a refusal by the Mexican Government to
come to an amicable adjustment of the matters in controversy between us
upon another demand thereof made from on board one of our vessels of
war on the coast of Mexico.

The documents herewith transmitted, with those accompanying my message
in answer to a call of the House of Representatives of the 17th ultimo,
will enable Congress to judge of the propriety of the course heretofore
pursued and to decide upon the necessity of that now recommended.

If these views should fail to meet the concurrence of Congress, and that
body be able to find in the condition of the affairs between the two
countries, as disclosed by the accompanying documents, with those
referred to, any well-grounded reasons to hope that an adjustment of
the controversy between them can be effected without a resort to the
measures I have felt it my duty to recommend, they may be assured of
my cooperation in any other course that shall be deemed honorable
and proper.

ANDREW JACKSON.

WASHINGTON, _February 7, 1837_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit communications from the War Department relating to the treaty
with the Sacs and Foxes recently submitted to the Senate.

ANDREW JACKSON.

WASHINGTON, _February 7, 1837_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, for the constitutional action of the Senate, a
report from the War Department, accompanied by a treaty with the Saganaw
tribe of Chippewa Indians.

ANDREW JACKSON.

WASHINGTON, _February, 1837_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit, for your consideration and action, a treaty with certain
Potawatamie Indians, accompanied by a report from the War Department.

ANDREW JACKSON.

WASHINGTON, _February 9, 1837_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:

I communicate to Congress printed copies of the treaty of pe