The question was referred to the Attorney-General, who was of
opinion that the transfer could not be legally made without the assent
of the President and Senate to the particular act.
I have therefore respectfully to request that you will lay the matter
before the President, that if he concurs in the propriety of so doing he
may give his own and ask the consent of the Senate to the proposed
proceeding.
Very respectfully, your most obedient,
T. HARTLEY CRAWFORD.
WASHINGTON, _December 10, 1840_.
_To the Senate_:
I communicate a report[82] of the Secretary of State, with the documents
accompanying it, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the
20th of July last.
M. VAN BUREN.
[Footnote 82: Relating to sales and donations of public lots in
Washington, D.C.]
WASHINGTON, _December 21, 1840_.
_To the Senate of the United States_:
I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to
its ratification, a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United
States of America and His Majesty the King of the Belgians, signed at
Washington on the 29th day of March, 1840.
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