President Thomas Jefferson's message to Congress regarding the Louisiana Purchase, January 16, 1804
President Thomas Jefferson sent this message to Congress regarding the formal transfer of Louisiana to the United States from France. In it Jefferson references the December 20, 1803 William C. C. Claiborne Proclamation and congratulates Congress on "this important acquisition, so favorable to the immediate interests of our western citizens…"
Message from President Jefferson to Congress Regarding the Louisiana Purchase, January 16, 1804; Records of the U.S. Senate, RG 46.