Adams, John | President John Adams convenes a special session of Congress to address the mounting crisis in French-American relations

Adams, John 

By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. [Philadelphia, 25 March 1797]

Folio broadside (346 x 211 mm). Printed in one column below a three-line headline, printed circular seal, docketed on verso by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering with his free frank, addressed "To the Hon. Jonathan Freeman Esquire," United States Representative from New Hampshire; reinforced where separating along folds, a few scattered spots, light toning. In a custom blue cloth box with a portrait of John Adams inlaid on the front cover. 

President Adams convenes a special session of Congress to address the mounting crisis in French-American relations, the beginnings of the XYZ Affair"

Whereas the Constitution of the United States provides that the president may on extraordinary occasions convene both houses of Congress: And whereas an extraordinary occasion exists for convening Congress, and divers weighty matters claim their consideration; I have therefore thought it necessary to convene, and I do by these presents convene, the Congress of the United States of America at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on Monday, the 15th day of May next." 

REFERENCE

ESTC W30080; Evans 33047