American State Papers 1789-1838

Scope

The American State Papers are comprised of 38 volumes of important executive and legislative documents from 1789-1838. Pickler Library also has five print volumes for one class of the American State Papers: the Public Lands (Special Collections HD 171 .A15 A4 1834.)

This collection is also available full-text and fully searchable on the Library of Congress American Memory website.

“In subject matter, the documents included reflect the problems and uncertainties of the struggling young government as it sought to protect its newly won independence, develop internally, and expand westward, finally to achieve its “manifest destiny” as a continental national. In the early years, Spain, France, and Great Britain were a source of major concern. Impressment of seamen by British vessels, protection of commerce on the high seas during the Napoleonic struggles in Europe, depredations of the Barbary Pirates, and the fighting of the second war with Great Britain in 1812 were among the difficulties encountered with foreign nations.” ( U.S. Serial Set Index).

“The American State Papers cover such historical events as Lewis and Clark’s Expedition as communicated to Congress on Feb. 16, 1806, Burr’s Conspiracy and Arrest, and the Treaty of the Creek Indians made by Andrew Jackson on Aug. 9, 1814. They also include speeches and messages of Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, April 30, 1789 – Sept. 20, 1814.

The American State Papers are NOT a complete record of the activities of that time period because of the fire of 1814 and the lack of record keeping.”

The American State Papers are the first part of the U.S. Serial Set.