Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 3.djvu/511



The following resolution and acts, passed in 1811 and 1812, were not promulgated until their publication in “the sessions acts” of the Fifteenth Congress, ending April 20, 1818. They are altogether omitted in Mr. Justice Story’s edition of the laws of the United States, and they are also omitted in Davis’ and Force’s edition of the laws from 1816 to 1827, published under the authority of Congress, in 1822 and 1827. They were passed in secret sessions of the Eleventh and Twelfth Congress.

The editor has not considered it proper to insert these laws in this edition, before their promulgation under the authority of the Secretary of State; under whose direction the laws of each session of Congress are published.  RESOLUTION AND ACTS

Taking into view the 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, tranquility, 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 future negotiation.

, January 15, 1811.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized, to take possession of, and occupy, all or any part of the territory lying east of the river Perdido, and south of the state of Georgia and the Mississippi territory, in case an arrangement has been, or shall be, made with the local authority of the said territory, for delivering up the possession of the same, or any part thereof, to the United States, or in the event of an attempt to occupy the said territory, or any part thereof, by any foreign government; and he may, for the purpose of taking possession, and occupying the territory aforesaid, and in order to maintain therein the authority of the United States, employ any part of the army and navy of the United States which he may deem necessary.

. And be it further enacted, That one hundred thousand dollars be appropriated for defraying such expenses as the President may deem necessary for obtaining possession as aforesaid, and the security of the said territory, to be applied under the direction of the President, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

. And be it further enacted, That in case possession of the territory aforesaid shall be obtained by the United States, as aforesaid, that until other provision be made by Congress, the President be, and he is hereby authorized to establish, within the territory aforesaid, a temporary government, and the military, civil, and judicial, powers thereof shall be vested