Primary sourceDocument17 February 1855

Special Message of President Pierce Vetoing the French Spoliation Claims Bill

Franklin Pierce · 17 February 1855

Pierce's own 1855 veto message to the House of Representatives explaining his objections to a bill on French spoliation claims.

Pierce's own veto message, showing him exercising presidential power and explaining his reasoning directly.

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Special Message of President Pierce Vetoing the French Spoliation Claims Bill — Franklin Pierce, Special Message Vetoing the French Spoliation Claims Bill, 17 February 1855. Internet Archive.

About this source

What it is

This is an official message written by President Franklin Pierce and sent to the House of Representatives on 17 February 1855. In it he explains his reasons for vetoing a bill meant to settle American citizens' claims against France for property losses dating back to before 1801.

Why it matters

A presidential veto message shows a leader directly exercising constitutional power and defending his reasoning in writing. This document lets students read Pierce's own words as he justifies blocking Congress, revealing how he balanced the legislature's wishes against his own judgment.

Look closer

What reasons does Pierce give for rejecting the bill?
Why would a president choose to explain a veto in such detail rather than simply refusing the bill?
What does this tell you about the relationship between the president and Congress at the time?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Franklin Pierce on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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