To the Senate and House of Representatives:
As the United States have, in common with Great Britain and France, a deep interest in the preservation and development of the fisheries adjacent to the Northeastern coast and Islands of this continent, it seems proper that we should concert with the Governments of those countries such measures as may be conducive to those important objects. With this view, I transmit to Congress a copy of a correspondence between the Secretary of State and the British Minister here, in which the latter proposes, on behalf of his Government, the appointment of a Joint Commission to inquire into the matter, in order that such ulterior measures may be adopted as may be advisable for the objects proposed. Such legislation is recommended as may be necessary to enable the Executive to provide for a Commissioner on behalf of the United States.
Washington, 19th. July, 1861. ABRAHAM LINCOLN