conjunction with our present force, would secure to us the command of the gulf, and greatly facilitate the operations of our own army, while il would enable us lo embarrass every military movement of the enemy. The judicial department of the government is in a very imperfect state. By the Constitu lion, the old system is abolished and an entirely new judiciary created: but il was not considered advisable, by the executive government, lo make any further innovalion upon the established courts, than necessity imperiously demanded. The courts were closed to civil business, and they were thought to be adequate lo the conservation of the public peace of the country. But I am apprehensive that opinion is illusory, and that a more energetic administration of criminal justice, is indispensable. The increase of crime, is an inevitable concomitant to an increase of population. Under the existing system, there was no tribunal in the country, vested with maritime jurisdiction and consequently, none competent lo adjudicate questions, arising from captures on sea. Some prizes had already been taken, and it was due to the character of the navy and of the country, that a regular and lawful disposition, should be made of them. The government therefore, concluded to appoint a district jusge for the district of Brazos: within which it was probable, all prizes taken, would be brought, or to which they could easily be transported. I accordingly appointed Benjamin C Franklin Esw. to that office. It remains for the wisdom of congress lo determine, how soon the new organization shall be perfected. The recent and much lamented decease of the honorable Bailey Hardeman, whose devoted patriotism and inflexible integrity are well known, and who has been with me through all the vicissitudes of the limes, deprives me of the pleasure of presenting to you a regular report from the treasury department. The principal intelligence in my power lo convey, you will find in the auditor's expose, herewith transmilled. The importance of filling the vacancy in that interesting department of the government, induced me lo invite lo it. Bernard E. Bee, Esq. a gentleman of high character, lo whome I had previously designed tendering the office of secretary of stale, lo which office I have nominated him. The post office establishment, created by the late provisional government, ceased its operations soon after the advance of the enemy within our settlements, and they have not been resumed. The great importance of inslitu ting the means of transmitting intelligence throughout the country, scarcely involves a question; and I doubt not, you will render an early attention to this
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