The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Collection Reference Number GLC05569
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1818 
Title "Commencement" address to Congress
Date 16 November 1818
Author Monroe, James (1758-1831)  
Document Type Government document
Content Description Commencement Message of President Monroe to both houses of Congress. Begins with positive assessment of America's situation and a discussion of a trade agreement with Great Britain. Then gets into relations with Spain, the real thrust of the speech. Defends recent American actions against Florida. Says that Spanish territory in North America is poorly policed, claiming "the government of Spain, has scarcely been felt." Says criminals and marauding Indian tribes have used Florida as a base to attack the United States. Says Spain could have prevented problems by ceding the territory to America and that there eventually comes a point where a power must act to preserve its interests and self defense. Goes on to defend Major General Andrew Jackson's incursion into Florida. Says land taken was not taken from Spain, but from criminals and rebels that had taken it from her in the first place. Claims no harm was meant to Spain. Finishes speech with a discussion on the wars in South America and domestic concerns, especially Indian relations in the West. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819.
Subjects President  Congress  Presidential Speeches and Proclamations  Treaty  Merchants and Trade  Commerce  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  American Indian History  Military History  Crime  Land Transaction  Rebellion  Latin and South America  
People Monroe, James (1758-1831)  Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845)  
Theme The Presidency; Foreign Affairs; Merchants & Commerce; Law; Native Americans
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information President Monroe's initial objective of his presidency was to secure the nation's southern border. A particular source of concern was Spanish Florida. In December 1817, Monroe authorized Andrew Jackson to attack the Seminole Indians in Florida. Jackson proceeded to destroy their villages, overthrow the Spanish governor, and execute two British citizens whom he accused of inciting the Seminoles to commit atrocities against Americans. Instead of apologizing for Jackson's conduct, President Monroe, in the following message, defended the Florida raid as a legitimate act of self-defense and informed Spain that it would either have to police Florida effectively or cede it to the United States. In 1819, Spain transferred Florida to the United States and the U.S. government agreed to honor $5 million in damage claims by Americans against Spain.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript Show/hide