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diff --git a/old/11314-8.txt b/old/11314-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1fb2852 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11314-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12428 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of +the Presidents, by James D. Richardson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents + Section 1 (of 4) of Volume 1: George Washington + +Author: James D. Richardson + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [EBook #11314] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + +A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + +BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON + +A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + + +VOLUME I + + + +1897 + + + + +Prefatory Note + + +In compliance with the authorization of the Joint Committee on Printing, +I have undertaken this compilation. + +The messages of the several Presidents of the United States--annual, +veto, and special--are among the most interesting, instructive, and +valuable contributions to the public literature of our Republic. They +discuss from the loftiest standpoint nearly all the great questions of +national policy and many subjects of minor interest which have engaged +the attention of the people from the beginning of our history, and +so constitute important and often vital links in their progressive +development. The proclamations, also, contain matter and sentiment no +less elevating, interesting, and important. They inspire to the highest +and most exalted degree the patriotic fervor and love of country in the +hearts of the people. + +It is believed that legislators and other public men, students of our +national history, and many others will hail with satisfaction the +compilation and publication of these messages and proclamations in +such compact form as will render them easily accessible and of ready +reference. The work can not fail to be exceedingly convenient and useful +to all who have occasion to consult these documents. The Government has +never heretofore authorized a like publication. + +In executing the commission with which I have been charged I have sought +to bring together in the several volumes of the series all Presidential +proclamations, addresses, messages, and communications to Congress +excepting those nominating persons to office and those which simply +transmit treaties, and reports of heads of Departments which contain +no recommendation from the Executive. The utmost effort has been made +to render the compilation accurate and exhaustive. + +Although not required by the terms of the resolution authorizing the +compilation, it has been deemed wise and wholly consistent with its +purpose to incorporate in the first volume authentic copies of the +Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the +Constitution of the United States, together with steel engravings of +the Capitol, the Executive Mansion, and of the historical painting the +"Signing of the Declaration of Independence." Steel portraits of the +Presidents will be inserted each in its appropriate place. + +The compilation has not been brought even to its present stage without +much labor and close application, and the end is far from view; but if +it shall prove satisfactory to Congress and the country, I will feel +compensated for my time and effort. + +JAMES D. RICHARDSON. + +WASHINGTON, D.C., + +_February 22, 1896_. + + + + + +Declaration of Independence + +July 4, 1776 + + + + +Declaration of Independence + +NOTE.--The words "Declaration of Independence" do not appear on +the original. + + +IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. + +The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, + +When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people +to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, +and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal +station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, +a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should +declare the causes which impel them to the separation.--We hold these +truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are +endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among +these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure +these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just +powers from the consent of the governed,--That whenever any Form of +Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the +People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, +laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in +such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety +and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long +established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and +accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed +to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by +abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train +of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a +design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is +their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for +their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these +Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter +their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of +Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all +having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over +these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid +world.--He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and +necessary for the public good.--He has forbidden his Governors to pass +Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their +operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he +has utterly neglected to attend to them.--He has refused to pass other +Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those +people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, +a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.--He has +called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, +and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole +purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.--He has +dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly +firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.--He has refused for +a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; +whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned +to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the +mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and +convulsions within.--He has endeavoured to prevent the population of +these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization +of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations +hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.--He +has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to +Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.--He has made Judges dependent +on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and +payment of their salaries.--He has erected a multitude of New Offices, +and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out +their substance.--He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing +Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.--He has affected to +render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.--He +has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our +constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their +Acts of pretended Legislation:--For quartering large bodies of armed +troops among us:--For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment +for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these +States:--For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:--For +imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:--For depriving us in many +cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:--For transporting us beyond +Seas to be tried for pretended offences:--For abolishing the free System +of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an +Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render +it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same +absolute rule into these Colonies:--For taking away our Charters, +abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms +of our Governments:--For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring +themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases +whatsoever.--He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of +his Protection and waging War against us.--He has plundered our seas, +ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our +people.--He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign +Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, +already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely +paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head +of a civilized nation.--He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken +Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become +the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by +their Hands.--He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has +endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless +Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished +destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these +Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our +repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, +whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, +is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting +in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time +to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable +jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our +emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice +and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common +kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt +our connections and correspondence They too have been deaf to the voice +of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the +necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold +the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.-- + +We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of +America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme +Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, +and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish +and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be +Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all +Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection +between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally +dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power +to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and +to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right +do.--And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on +the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other +our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. + +JOHN HANCOCK + + JOSIAH BARTLETT + W'M WHIPPLE + SAM'L. ADAMS + JOHN ADAMS + ROB'T. TREAT PAINE + ELBRIDGE GERRY + STEP. HOPKINS + WILLIAM ELLERY + ROGER SHERMAN + SAM'EL HUNTINGTON + W'M WILLIAMS + OLIVER WOLCOTT + MATTHEW THORNTON + W'M FLOYD + PHIL. LIVINGSTON + FRAN'S LEWIS + LEWIS MORRIS + RICH'D STOCKTON + JN'O. WITHERSPOON + FRA'S. HOPKINSON + JOHN HART + ABRA CLARK + ROB'T. MORRIS + BENJAMIN RUSH + BENJ'A. FRANKLIN + JOHN MORTON + GEO CLYMER + JA'S. SMITH. + GEO. TAYLOR + JAMES WILSON + GEO. ROSS + CAESAR RODNEY + GEO READ + THO M'KEAN + SAMUEL CHASE + W'M. PACA + THO'S. STONE + CHARLES CARROLL of Carrollton + GEORGE WYTHE + RICHARD HENRY LEE. + TH. JEFFERSON + BENJ'A. HARRISON + THO'S. NELSON jr. + FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE + CARTER BRAXTON + W'M. HOOPER + JOSEPH HEWES. + JOHN PENN + EDWARD RUTLEDGE. + THO'S. HEYWARD Jun'r. + THOMAS LYNCH Jun'r. + ARTHUR MIDDLETON + BUTTON GWINNETT + LYMAN HALL + GEO WALTON. + + * * * * * + + + + +Articles of Confederation + + + +Articles of Confederation + +NOTE.--The original is indorsed: Act of Confederation of The +United States of America. + +To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned +Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting. Whereas the +Delegates of the United States of America in Congress assembled did on +the fifteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven +Hundred and Seventy seven, and in the Second Year of the Independence of +America agree to certain articles of Confederation and perpetual Union +between the States of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland and +Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, +Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and Georgia +in the Words following, viz. "Articles of Confederation and perpetual +Union between the states of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland +and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, +Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, +South-Carolina and Georgia." + +Article I. The Stile of this confederacy shall be "The United States of +America." + +Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom an independence, +and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this +confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress +assembled. + +Article III. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league +of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security +of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding +themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or +attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, +sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatsoever. + +Article IV. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and +intercourse among the people of the different states in this union, +the free inhabitants of each of these states, paupers, vagabonds and +fugitives from Justice excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges +and immunities of free citizens in the several states; and the people +of each state shall have free ingress and regress to and from any other +state, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges of trade and commerce, +subject to the same duties, impositions and restrictions as the +inhabitants thereof respectively, provided that such restriction shall +not extend so far as to prevent the removal of property imported into +any state, to any other state of which the Owner is an inhabitant; +provided also that no imposition, duties or restriction shall be laid +by any state, on the property of the united states, or either of them. + +If any Person guilty of, or charged with treason, felony, or other high +misdemeanor in any state, shall flee from Justice, and be found in any +of the united states, he shall upon demand of the Governor or executive +power, of the state from which he fled, be delivered up and removed to +the state having jurisdiction of his offence. + +Full faith and credit shall be given in each of these states to the +records, acts and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates +of every other state. + +Article V. For the more convenient management of the general interests +of the united states, delegates shall be annually appointed in such +manner as the legislature of each state shall direct, to meet in +Congress on the first Monday in November, in every year, with a power +reserved to each state, to recal its delegates, or any of them, at +any time within the year, and to send others in their stead, for the +remainder of the Year. + +No state shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor by more +than seven Members; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate +for more than three years in any term of six years; nor shall any +person, being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under the +united states, for which he, or another for his benefit receives any +salary, fees or emolument of any kind. + +Each state shall maintain its own delegates in a meeting of the states, +and while they act as members of the committee of the states. + +In determining questions in the united states, in Congress assembled, +each state shall have one vote. + +Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be impeached or +questioned in any Court, or place out of Congress, and the members +of congress shall be protected in their persons from arrests and +imprisonments, during the time of their going to and from, and +attendance on congress, except for treason, felony, or breach of +the peace. + +Article VI. No state without the Consent of the united states in +congress assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any embassy +from, or enter into any conferrence, agreement, alliance or treaty with +any King prince or state; nor shall any person holding any office of +profit or trust under the united states, or any of them, accept of any +present, emolument, office or title of any kind whatever from any king, +prince or foreign state; nor shall the united states in congress +assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility. + +No two or more states shall enter into any treaty, confederation or +alliance whatever between them, without the consent of the united states +in congress assembled, specifying accurately the purposes for which the +same is to be entered into, and how long it shall continue. + +No state shall lay any imposts or duties, which may interfere with any +stipulations in treaties, entered into by the united states in congress +assembled, with any king, prince or state, in pursuance of any treaties +already proposed by congress, to the courts of France and Spain. + +No vessels of war shall be kept up in time of peace by any state, except +such number only, as shall be deemed necessary by the united states in +congress assembled, for the defence of such state, or its trade; nor +shall any body of forces be kept up by any state, in time of peace, +except such number only, as in the judgment of the united states, in +congress assembled, shall be deemed requisite to garrison the forts +necessary for the defence of such state; but every state shall always +keep up a well regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently armed +and accoutred, and shall provide and constantly have ready for use, +in public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper +quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage. + +No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the united +states in congress assembled, unless such state be actually invaded +by enemies, or shall have received certain advice of a resolution +being formed by some nation of Indians to invade such state, and the +danger is so imminent as not to admit of a delay, till the united +states in congress assembled can be consulted: nor shall any state grant +commissions to any ships or vessels of war, nor letters of marque or +reprisal, except it be after a declaration of war by the united states +in congress assembled, and then only against the kingdom or state and +the subjects thereof, against which war has been so declared, and under +such regulations as shall be established by the united states in +congress assembled, unless such state be infested by pirates, in which +case vessels of war may be fitted out for that occasion, and kept so +long as the danger shall continue, or until the united states in +congress assembled shall determine otherwise. + +Article VII. When land-forces are raised by any state for the common +defence, all officers of or under the rank of colonel, shall be +appointed by the legislature of each state respectively by whom such +forces shall be raised, or in such manner as such state shall direct, +and all vacancies shall be filled up by the state which first made the +appointment. + +Article VIII. All charges of war, and all other expences that shall be +incurred for the common defence or general welfare, and allowed by the +united states in congress assembled, shall be defrayed out of a common +treasury, which shall be supplied by the several states, in proportion +to the value of all land within each state, granted to or surveyed for +any Person, as such land and the buildings and improvements thereon +shall be estimated according to such mode as the united states in +congress assembled, shall from time to time direct and appoint. +The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the +authority and direction of the legislatures of the several states within +the time agreed upon by the united states in congress assembled. + +Article IX. The united states in congress assembled, shall have the sole +and exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war, except +in the cases mentioned in the sixth article--of sending and receiving +ambassadors--entering into treaties and alliances, provided that no +treaty of commerce shall be made whereby the legislative power of the +respective states shall be restrained from imposing such imposts and +duties on foreigners, as their own people are subjected to, or from +prohibiting the exportation or importation of any species of goods or +commodities whatsoever--of establishing rules for deciding in all cases, +what captures on land or water shall be legal, and in what manner prizes +taken by land or naval forces in the service of the united states shall +be divided or appropriated.--of granting letters of marque and reprisal +in times of peace--appointing courts for the trial of piracies and +felonies committed on the high seas and establishing courts for +receiving and determining finally appeals in all cases of captures, +provided that no member of congress shall be appointed a judge of any +of the said courts. + +The united states in congress assembled shall also be the last resort on +appeal in all disputes and differences now subsisting or that hereafter +may arise between two or more states concerning boundary, jurisdiction +or any other cause whatever; which authority shall always be exercised +in the manner following. Whenever the legislative or executive authority +or lawful agent of any state in controversy with another shall present +a petition to congress, stating the matter in question and praying for +a hearing, notice thereof shall be given by order of congress to the +legislative or executive authority of the other state in controversy, +and a day assigned for the appearance of the parties by their lawful +agents, who shall then be directed to appoint by joint consent, +commissioners or judges to constitute a court for hearing and +determining the matter in question: but if they cannot agree, congress +shall name three persons out of each of the united states, and from the +list of such persons each party shall alternately strike out one, the +petitioners beginning, until the number shall be reduced to thirteen; +and from that number not less than seven, nor more than nine names as +congress shall direct, shall in the presence of congress be drawn out by +lot, and the persons whose names shall be so drawn or any five of them, +shall be commissioners or judges, to hear and finally determine the +controversy, so always as a major part of the judges who shall hear +the cause shall agree in the determination: and if either party shall +neglect to attend at the day appointed, without shewing reasons, which +congress shall judge sufficient, or being present shall refuse to +strike, the congress shall proceed to nominate three persons out of +each state, and the secretary of congress shall strike in behalf of +such party absent or refusing; and the judgment and sentence of the +court to be appointed, in the manner before prescribed, shall be final +and conclusive; and if any of the parties shall refuse to submit to the +authority of such court, or to appear or defend their claim or cause, +the court shall nevertheless proceed to pronounce sentence, or judgment, +which shall in like manner be final and decisive, the judgment or +sentence and other proceedings being in either case transmitted to +congress, and lodged among the acts of congress for the security of the +parties concerned: provided that every commissioner, before he sits in +judgment, shall take an oath to be administred by one of the judges of +the supreme or superior court of the state, where the cause shall be +tried, "well and truly to hear and determine the matter in question, +according to the best of his judgment, without favour, affection or hope +of reward:" provided also that no state shall be deprived of territory +for the benefit of the united states. + +All controversies concerning the private right of soil claimed under +different grants of two or more states, whose jurisdictions as they +may respect such lands, and the states which passed such grants are +adjusted, the said grants or either of them being at the same time +claimed to have originated antecedent to such settlement of +jurisdiction, shall on the petition of either party to the congress +of the united states, be finally determined as near as may be in the +same manner as is before prescribed for deciding disputes respecting +territorial jurisdiction between different states. + +The united states in congress assembled shall also have the sole +and exclusive right and power of regulating the alloy and value of +coin struck by their own authority, or by that of the respective +states--fixing the standard of weights and measures throughout the +united states.--regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the +Indians, not members of any of the states, provided that the legislative +right of any state within its own limits be not infringed or +violated--establishing and regulating post-offices from one state to +another, throughout all the united states, and exacting such postage +on the papers passing thro' the same as may be requisite to defray +the expences of the said office--appointing all officers of the land +forces, in the service of the united states, excepting regimental +officers.--appointing all the officers of the naval forces, and +commissioning all officers whatever in the service of the united +states--making rules for the government and regulation of the said +land and naval forces, and directing their operations. + +The united states in congress assembled shall have authority to appoint +a committee, to sit in the recess of congress, to be denominated +"A Committee of the States," and to consist of one delegate from each +state; and to appoint such other committees and civil officers as may be +necessary for managing the general affairs of the united states under +their direction--to appoint one of their number to preside, provided +that no person be allowed to serve in the office of president more than +one year in any term of three years; to ascertain the necessary sums +of Money to be raised for the service of the united states, and to +appropriate and apply the same for defraying the public expences--to +borrow money, or emit bills on the credit of the united states, +transmitting every half year to the respective states an account of the +sums of money so borrowed or emitted,--to build and equip a navy--to +agree upon the number of land forces, and to make requisitions from each +state for its quota, in proportion to the number of white inhabitants +in such state; which requisition shall be binding, and thereupon the +legislature of each state shall appoint the regimental officers, raise +the men and cloath, arm and equip them in a soldier like manner, at the +expence of the united states, and the officers and men so cloathed, +armed and equipped shall march to the place appointed, and within the +time agreed on by the united states in congress assembled: But if +the united states in congress assembled shall, on consideration of +circumstances judge proper that any state should not raise men, or +should raise a smaller number than its quota, and that any other state +should raise a greater number of men than the quota thereof, such extra +number shall be raised, officered, cloathed, armed and equipped in the +same manner as the quota of such state, unless the legislature of such +state shall judge that such extra number cannot be safely spared out of +the same, in which case they shall raise officer, cloath, arm and equip +as many of such extra number as they judge can be safely spared. And the +officers and men so cloathed, armed and equipped, shall march to the +place appointed, and within the time agreed on by the united states +in congress assembled. + +The united states in congress assembled shall never engage in a war, +nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor enter +into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value +thereof, nor ascertain the sums and expences necessary for the defence +and welfare of the united states, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor +borrow money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate money, +nor agree upon the number of vessels of war, to be built or purchased, +or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, nor appoint a +commander in chief of the army or navy, unless nine states assent to the +same: nor shall a question on any other point, except for adjourning +from day to day be determined, unless by the votes of a majority of +the united states in congress assembled. + +The congress of the united states shall have power to adjourn to any +time within the year, and to any place within the united states, so that +no period of adjournment be for a longer duration than the space of six +Months, and shall publish the Journal of their proceedings monthly, +except such parts thereof relating to treaties, alliances or military +operations, as in their judgment require secresy; and the yeas and nays +of the delegates of each state on any question shall be entered on the +Journal, when it is desired by any delegate; and the delegates of a +state, or any of them, at his or their request shall be furnished with a +transcript of the said Journal, except such parts as are above excepted, +to lay before the legislatures of the several states. + +Article X. The committee of the states, or any nine of them, shall be +authorised to execute, in the recess of congress, such of the powers of +congress as the united states in congress assembled, by the consent of +nine states, shall from time to time think expedient to vest them with; +provided that no power be delegated to the said committee, for the +exercise of which, by the articles of confederation, the voice of nine +states in the congress of the united states assembled is requisite. + +Article XI. Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the +measures of the united states, shall be admitted into, and entitled to +all the advantages of this union: but no other colony shall be admitted +into the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine states. + +Article XII. All bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed and debts +contracted by, or under the authority of congress, before the assembling +of the united states, in pursuance of the present confederation, shall +be deemed and considered as a charge against the united states, for +payment and satisfaction whereof the said united states, and the public +faith are hereby solemnly pledged. + +Article XIII. Every state shall abide by the determinations of the +united states in congress assembled, on all questions which by this +confederation are submitted to them. And the Articles of this +confederation shall be inviolably observed by every state, and the +union shall be perpetual; nor shall any alteration at any time hereafter +be made in any of them; unless such alteration be agreed to in a congress +of the united states, and be afterwards confirmed by the legislatures of +every state. + +And whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to +incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in +congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said articles +of confederation and perpetual union. Know Ye that we the +under-signed delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given +for that purpose, do by these presents, in the name and in behalf of our +respective constituents, fully and entirely ratify and confirm each and +every of the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, and all +and singular the matters and things therein contained: And we do further +solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective constituents, +that they shall abide by the determinations of the united states in +congress assembled, on all questions, which by the said confederation +are submitted to them. And that the articles thereof shall be inviolably +observed by the states we respectively represent, and that the union +shall be perpetual. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands in +Congress. Done at Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania the ninth +Day of July in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and +Seventy-eight, and in the third year of the independence of America. + + +On the part & behalf of the State of New Hampshire + + JOSIAH BARTLETT, JOHN WENTWORTH Jun'r. August 8th 1778 + +On the part and behalf of The State of Massachusetts Bay + + JOHN HANCOCK, SAMUEL ADAMS, ELBRIDGE GERRY, FRANCIS DANA, + JAMES LOVELL, SAMUEL HOLTEN + +On the part and behalf of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence +Plantations + + WILLIAM ELLARY, HENRY MARCHANT, JOHN COLLINS + +On the part and behalf of the State of Connecticut + + ROGER SHERMAN, SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, OLIVER WOLCOTT, TITUS HOSMER, + ANDREW ADAMS + +On the Part and Behalf of the State of New York + + JA'S. DUANE, FRA'S. LEWIS, W'M DUER., GOUV MORRIS + +On the Part and in Behalf of the State of New Jersey. Nov'r. 26, 1778-- + + JNO. WITHERSPOON, NATHL. SCUDDER + +On the part and behalf of the State of Pennsylvania + + ROB'T. MORRIS, DANIEL ROBERDEAU, JON'A. BAYARD SMITH., WILLIAM + CLINGAN, JOSEPH REED 22d July 1778 + +On the part & behalf of the State of Delaware + + THO McKEAN Feby 12 1779, JOHN DICKINSON May 5th 1779, NICHOLAS VAN DYKE + +On the part and behalf of the State of Maryland + + JOHN HANSON March 1 1781, DANIEL CARROLL d'o + +On the Part and Behalf of the State of Virginia + + RICHARD HENRY LEE, JOHN BANISTER, THOMAS ADAMS, JN'O. HARVIE, + FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE + +On the part and Behalf of the State of N'o Carolina + + JOHN PENN July 21st 1778, CORN'S HARNETT, JN'O. WILLIAMS + +On the part & behalf of the State of South-Carolina + + HENRY LAURENS., WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, JN'O. MATHEWS, RICH'D. HUTSON., + THO'S. HEYWARD Jun'r + +On the part & behalf of the State of Georgia + +JN'O. WALTON 24th July 1778, ELW'D. TELFAIR., EDW'D. LANGWORTHY. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Constitution + + + +The Constitution + +NOTE.--The words "The Constitution" do not appear on the original. + + +We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more +perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide +for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the +Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and +establish this Constitution for the United States of America. + + +Article 1. + +Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a +Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House +of Representatives. + +Section. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members +chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the +Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for +Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. + +No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the +Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United +States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State +in which he shall be chosen. + +Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several +States which may be included within this Union, according to their +respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole +Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term +of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other +Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after +the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within +every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law +direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every +thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; +and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire +shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and +Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey +four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, +North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. + +When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the +Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such +Vacancies. + +The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other +Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. + +Section. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two +Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six +Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. + +Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first +Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. +The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the +Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration +of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the +sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if +Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of +the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary +Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall +then fill such Vacancies. + +No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of +thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and +who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which +he shall be chosen. + +The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the +Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. + +The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro +tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise +the Office of President of the United States. + +The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When +sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When +the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall +preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of +two thirds of the Members present. + +Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to +removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office +of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party +convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, +Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. + +Section. 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for +Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the +Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or +alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. + +The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such +Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall +by Law appoint a different Day. + +Section. 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns +and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall +constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn +from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of +absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each +House may provide. + +Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its +Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two +thirds, expel a Member. + +Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to +time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment +require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House +on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, +be entered on the Journal. + +Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the +Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any +other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. + +Section. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a +Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out +of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except +Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest +during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and +in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate +in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. + +No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was +elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the +United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof +shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any +Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during +his Continuance in Office. + +Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House +of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments +as on other Bills. + +Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the +Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of +the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall +return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have +originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, +and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds +of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together +with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be +reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall +become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be +determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for +and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House +respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within +ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, +the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless +the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it +shall not be a Law. + +Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate +and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of +Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; +and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or +being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate +and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations +prescribed in the Case of a Bill. + +Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, +Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common +Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, +Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; + +To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; + +To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, +and with the Indian Tribes; + +To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the +subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; + +To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix +the Standard of Weights and Measures; + +To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and +current Coin of the United States; + +To establish Post Offices and post Roads; + +To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for +limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their +respective Writings and Discoveries; + +To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; + +To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, +and Offences against the Law of Nations; + +To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules +concerning Captures on Land and Water; + +To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use +shall be for a longer Term than two Years; + +To provide and maintain a Navy; + +To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval +Forces; + +To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the +Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; + +To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and +for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the +United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of +the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the +discipline prescribed by Congress; + +To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such +District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of +particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of +the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over +all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in +which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, +dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And + +To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into +Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this +Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any +Department or Officer thereof. + +Section. 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the +States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited +by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, +but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten +dollars for each Person. + +The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, +unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may +require it. + +No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. + +No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion +to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. + +No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. + +No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to +the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound +to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in +another. + +No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of +Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the +Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from +time to time. + +No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no +Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without +the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, +or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. + +Section. 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or +Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit +Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in +Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law +impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. + +No State shall, without the Consent of [the] Congress, lay any Imposts +or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary +for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties +and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the +Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be +subject to the Revision and Controul of [the] Congress. + +No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of +Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any +Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or +engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as +will not admit of delay. + + +Article II. + +Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the +United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of +four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same +Term, be elected, as follows + +Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may +direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and +Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but +no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or +Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. + +The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot +for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of +the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the +Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List +they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the +Government of the United States, directed to the President of the +Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate +and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes +shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes +shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number +of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such +Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of +Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for +President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest +on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. +But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the +Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this +Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the +States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. +In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the +greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. +But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate +shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. + +The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day +on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same +throughout the United States. + +No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United +States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be +eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be +eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty +five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. + +In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, +Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said +Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress +may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or +Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what +Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act +accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be +elected. + +The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a +Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the +Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive +within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of +them. + +Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the +following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that +I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, +and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the +Constitution of the United States." + +Section. 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and +Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, +when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require +the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the +executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their +respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and +Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of +Impeachment. + +He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, +to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; +and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the +Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, +Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United +States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and +which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the +Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the +President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. + +The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen +during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall +expire at the End of their next Session. + +Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information +of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration +such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, +on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, +and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of +Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; +he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take +Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the +Officers of the United States. + +Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the +United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and +Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. + + +Article III. + +Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in +one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from +time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and +inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and +shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, +which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. + +Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and +Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, +and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to +all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to +all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to +which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two +or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State;--between +Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State +claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, +or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. + +In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, +and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have +original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the +supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and +Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress +shall make. + +The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by +Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes +shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the +Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have +directed. + +Section. 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in +levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them +Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the +Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in +open Court. + +The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but +no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture +except during the Life of the Person attainted. + + +Article. IV. + +Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the +public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And +the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such +Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. + +Section. 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all +Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. + +A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who +shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand +of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered +up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. + +No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws +thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or +Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall +be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may +be due. + +Section. 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; +but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of +any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more +States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of +the States concerned as well as of the Congress. + +The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules +and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging +to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so +construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any +particular State. + +Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this +Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them +against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the +Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic +Violence. + + +Article. V. + + +The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it +necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the +Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, +shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either +Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this +Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the +several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one +or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; +Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One +thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first +and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that +no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of it's equal Suffrage +in the Senate. + + +Article. VI. + +All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption +of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under +this Constitution, as under the Confederation. + +This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made +in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, +under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of +the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any +Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary +notwithstanding. + +The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of +the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, +both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by +Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test +shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust +under the United States. + +Article. VII. + +The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient +for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so +ratifying the Same. + +[Sidenote: The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and +eighth Lines of the first Page, The Word "Thirty" being partly written +on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is +tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines +of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty +third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.--Attest WILLIAM JACKSON +Secretary] + +done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present +the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand +seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independance of the United +States of America the Twelfth In Witness whereof We have hereunto +subscribed our Names, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON--Presidt. and deputy from Virginia. + +New Hampshire: JOHN LANGDON, NICHOLAS GILMAN. + +Massachusetts: NATHANIEL GORHAM, RUFUS KING. + +Connecticut: W'M SAM'L JOHNSON, ROGER SHERMAN. + +New York: ALEXANDER HAMILTON. + +New Jersey: WIL. LIVINGSTON, DAVID BREARLEY, W'M PATERSON, JONA. DAYTON. + +Pensylvania: B FRANKLIN, THOMAS MIFFLIN, ROBT. MORRIS, GEO. CLYMER, +THO'S FITZSIMONS, JARED INGERSOLL, JAMES WILSON, GOUV MORRIS. + +Delaware: GEO. READ, GUNNING BEDFORD jun, JOHN DICKINSON, RICHARD +BASSETT, JACO. BROOM. + +Maryland: JAMES McHENRY, DAN OF ST THO'S JENIFER, DAN'L CARROLL. + +Virginia: JOHN BLAIR--, JAMES MADISON Jr. + +North Carolina: W'M BLOUNT, RICH'D DOBBS SPAIGHT, HU WILLIAMSON. + +South Carolina: J. RUTLEDGE, CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY, CHARLES +PINCKNEY, PIERCE BUTLER. + +Georgia: WILLIAM FEW, ABR BALDWIN. + + + +In Convention Monday September 17th 1787. + +Present + +The States of + +New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr Hamilton from New York, +New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, +South Carolina and Georgia. + +That the preceding Constitution be laid before the United States in +Congress assembled, and that it is the Opinion of this Convention, that +it should afterwards be submitted to a Convention of Delegates, chosen +in each State by the People thereof, under the Recommendation of its +Legislature, for their Assent and Ratification; and that each Convention +assenting to, and ratifying the Same, should give Notice thereof to the +United States in Congress assembled. + +Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Convention, that as soon as the +Conventions of nine States shall have ratified this Constitution, the +United States in Congress assembled should fix a Day on which Electors +should be appointed by the States which shall have ratified the same, +and a Day on which the Electors should assemble to vote for the +President, and the Time and Place for commencing Proceedings under +this Constitution. That after such Publication the Electors should be +appointed, and the Senators and Representatives elected: That the +Electors should meet on the Day fixed for the Election of the President, +and should transmit their Votes certified, signed, sealed and directed, +as the Constitution requires, to the Secretary of the United States in +Congress assembled, that the Senators and Representatives should convene +at the Time and Place assigned; that the Senators should appoint a +President of the Senate, for the sole Purpose of receiving, opening and +counting the Votes for President; and, that after he shall be chosen, +the Congress, together with the President, should, without Delay, +proceed to execute this Constitution. + +By the Unanimous Order of the Convention + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. Presid't + +W. Jackson Secretary. + + + +Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the +United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the +Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of +the original Constitution. + + +[Article I.] + +Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, +or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom +of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to +assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. + +[Article II.] + +A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free +State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be +infringed. + +[Article III.] + +No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without +the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be +prescribed by law. + +[Article IV.] + +The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, +and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not +be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, +supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the +place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. + +[Article V.] + +No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous +crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in +cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in +actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be +subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; +nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against +himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process +of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just +compensation. + +[Article VI.] + +In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a +speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district +wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have +been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature +and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against +him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, +and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. + +[Article VII.] + +In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed +twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no +fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of +the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. + +[Article VIII.] + +Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor +cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. + +[Article IX.] + +The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be +construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. + +[Article X.] + +The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor +prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, +or to the people. + +[Article XI.] + +The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to +extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against +one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens +or Subjects of any Foreign State. + +[Article XII.] + +The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot +for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an +inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their +ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the +person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists +of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for +as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists +they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the +government of the United States, directed to the President of the +Senate;--The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the +Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the +votes shall then be counted;--The person having the greatest number +of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a +majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person +have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not +exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House +of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. +But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the +representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this +purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the +states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. +And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President +whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth +day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as +President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional +disability of the President.--The person having the greatest number of +votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be +a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person +have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the +Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall +consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority +of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person +constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be +eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States. + +Article XIII. + +Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a +punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, +shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their +jurisdiction. + +Section. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by +appropriate legislation. + +Article XIV. + +Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and +subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States +and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any +law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the +United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, +or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within +its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. + +Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States +according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of +persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right +to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and +Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the +Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the +Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such +State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, +or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other +crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the +proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the +whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. + +Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, +or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil +or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having +previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of +the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an +executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution +of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion +against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But +Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such +disability. + +Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, +authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and +bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall +not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall +assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection +or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or +emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims +shall be held illegal and void. + +Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate +legislation, the provisions of this article. + +Article XV. + +Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not +be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account +of race, color, or previous condition of servitude-- + +Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by +appropriate legislation-- + + * * * * * + + + + +George Washington + +April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797 + + + + +George Washington + + +George Washington was born at Bridges Creek, on the Potomac River, in +Westmoreland County, Va., on the 22d day of February (or 11th, old +style), 1732. Augustine Washington, his father, was a son of Lawrence +Washington, whose father, John Washington, came to Virginia from England +in 1657, and settled at Bridges Creek. Augustine Washington died in +1743, leaving several children, George being the eldest by his second +wife, Mary Ball. At the early age of 19 years he was appointed +adjutant-general of one of the districts of Virginia, with the rank of +major. In November, 1753, he was sent by Lieutenant-Governor Dinwiddie, +of Virginia, to visit the French army in the Ohio Valley on important +business. War followed, and in 1754 he was promoted to the rank of +lieutenant-colonel, and engaged in the war. In 1755 he acted as +aid-de-camp to General Braddock. Soon after this he was appointed by the +legislature commander in chief of all the forces of the Colony, and for +three years devoted himself to recruiting and organizing troops for her +defense. In 1758 he commanded a successful expedition to Fort Du Quesne. +He then left the Army, and was married to Mrs. Martha Custis, a widow +lady of Virginia. For sixteen years he resided at Mount Vernon, +occasionally acting as a magistrate or as a member of the legislature. +He was a delegate to the Williamsburg convention, August, 1773, which +resolved that taxation and representation were inseparable. In 1774 +he was sent to the Continental Congress as a delegate from Virginia. +The following year he was unanimously chosen commander in chief, and +assumed the command of the Continental Army July 2, 1775. He commanded +the armies throughout the War for Independence. At the close he resigned +his commission, December 23, 1783, and retired to private life. He was +a delegate to, and president of, the National Convention which met +in Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1787, and adopted a new Constitution, +that greatly increased the power of the Federal Government. He was +unanimously elected the first President of the United States, and was +inaugurated on the 30th of April, 1789, in New York City, and at the +end of his first term was unanimously reelected. He retired March 4, +1797, having declined a third term. In September, 1796, he issued his +Farewell Address to the people. July 3, 1798, he was again appointed +to the command of the armies of the United States, with the rank of +lieutenant-general. He was a Freemason, and served as master of his +lodge. He died at Mount Vernon, Va., after a short illness, December +14, 1799, and was buried there. + + + + +PROCEEDINGS INITIATORY TO THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION. + + +[From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings, vol. 17), Department +of State.] + +Charles Thomson, esq., Secretary of the late Congress, being appointed +by the Senate of the United States to carry to General Washington the +official information of his unanimous election to the office of +President of the United States of America, arrived at Mount Vernon on +the 14th day of April, A.D. 1789, when he communicated to General +Washington the purport of his mission in the following words: + +Sir: The President of the Senate chosen for the special purpose, having +opened and counted the votes of the electors in presence of the Senate +and House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the +Senate to wait upon Your Excellency with the information of your being +elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This +commission was intrusted to me on account of my having been long in the +confidence of the late Congress, and charged with the duties of one of +the principal civil departments of Government. + +I have now, sir, to inform you that the proofs you have given of your +patriotism, and of your readiness to sacrifice domestic ease and private +enjoyments to preserve the happiness of your country, did not permit the +two Houses to harbor a doubt of your undertaking this great and +important office, to which you are called, not only by the unanimous +vote of the electors, but by the voice of America. + +I have it, therefore, in command to accompany you to New York, where the +Senate and House of Representatives are convened for the dispatch of +public business. + +To which General Washington replied: + +SIR: I have been accustomed to pay so much respect to the opinion of my +fellow-citizens that the knowledge of their having given their unanimous +suffrages in my favor scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. +I can not, I believe, give a greater evidence of my sensibility of the +honor which they have done me than by accepting the appointment. + +I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country's esteem and +confidence that silence can best explain my gratitude. While I realize +the arduous nature of the task which is imposed upon me, and feel my own +inability to perform it, I wish, however, that there may not be reason +for regretting the choice, for, indeed, all I can promise is only to +accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal. + +Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both Houses +of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be +to proceed to business, and how deeply the public mind appears to be +impressed with the necessity of doing it speedily, I can not find myself +at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set +out the day after to-morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your +company, for you will permit me to say that it is a peculiar +gratification to have received the communication from you. + + + +OFFICIAL INFORMATION OF THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES, APRIL 6, 1789. + +Be it known that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America, being convened in the city and State of New York, +this 6th day of April, A.D. 1789, the underwritten, appointed President +of the Senate for the sole purpose of receiving, opening, and counting +the votes of the electors, did, in the presence of the said Senate and +House of Representatives, open all the certificates and count all the +votes of the electors for a President and Vice-President, by which it +appears that His Excellency George Washington, esq., was unanimously +elected, agreeably to the Constitution, to the office of President of +the said United States of America. + +In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. + +JOHN LANGDON. + + + +MOUNT VERNON, _April 14, 1789_. + +To the Honorable JOHN LANGDON, + +_President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States_. + +SIR: I had the honor to receive your official communication, by the hand +of Mr. Secretary Thomson, about 1 o'clock this day. Having concluded to +obey the important and flattering call of my country, and having been +impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as +early a period as possible, I propose to commence my journey on Thursday +morning, which will be the day after to-morrow. + +I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem, sir, your most +obedient servant, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING MR. OSGOOD'S +PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + +_In Senate, April 15, 1789_. + +The committee to whom it was referred to consider of and report to the +House respecting the ceremonial of receiving the President, and to whom +also was referred a letter from the chairman of a committee of the +Senate to the Speaker, communicating an instruction from that House to a +committee thereof to report if any and what arrangements are necessary +for the reception of the Vice-President, have agreed to the following +report: + +That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the +President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture +thereof in proper condition for the residence and use of the President +of the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United +States, to provide for his temporary accommodation. + +That it will be more eligible, in the first instance, that a committee +of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of +Representatives, to be appointed by the two Houses respectively, attend +to receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New +Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately +occupied by the President of Congress, and at such time thereafter as +the President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be +formally received by both Houses. + +Read and accepted. + + + +IN SENATE, _April 16, 1789_. + +The Senate proceeded by ballot to the choice of a committee, agreeably +to the report of the committee of both Houses agreed to the 15th +instant, when the Honorable Mr. Langdon, the Honorable Mr. Carroll, +and the Honorable Mr. Johnson were chosen. + +A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + +Attest: + +SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING +MR. OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF +THE UNITED STATES. + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Wednesday, April 15, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson reported from the committee to whom it was referred to +consider of and report to the House respecting the ceremonial of +receiving the President, and to whom was also referred a letter from the +chairman of a committee of the Senate to the Speaker, communicating an +instruction from that House to a committee thereof to report if any and +what arrangements are necessary for the reception of the Vice-President, +that the committee had, according to order, considered of the same, and +had agreed to a report thereupon, which he delivered in at the Clerk's +table, and where the same was thrice read, and the question put +thereupon agreed to by the House as followeth: + +That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the +President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture +therein in proper order for the residence and use of the President of +the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United States, +to provide for his temporary accommodation. + +That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, that a committee +of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of +Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses respectively, attend to +receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey +for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately occupied +by the President of Congress, and that at such time thereafter as the +President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be +formally received by both Houses. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTING A COMMITTEE TO MEET +THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, + +_Wednesday, April_ 15, _1789_. + +_Resolved_, That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, +that a committee of three members from the Senate and five members +from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses +respectively, attend to receive the President at such place as he shall +embark from New Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to +the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, and that at such +time thereafter as the President shall signify, he be formally received +by both Houses. + + + +THURSDAY, _April 16, 1789_. + +The committee elected on the part of this House, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. +Bland, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Lawrance. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY CONGRESS TO KNOW WHEN THEY SHOULD +MEET THE PRESIDENT. + +The committee appointed in consequence of the resolutions of both +Houses of Congress, and which accompany this note, most respectfully +communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, +with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when +they shall attend, with a barge which has been prepared for that +purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town, or at such other place as +he shall choose to embark from New Jersey for this city. + +NEW YORK, _April 17, 1789_. + + JOHN LANGDON. + CHARGES CARROLL, of Carrollton. + WM. SAMUEL JOHNSON. + ELIAS BOUDINOT. + THEODORICK BLAND. + THOS. TUDR. TUCKER. + EGBT. BENSON. + JOHN LAWRANCE. + + + +TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE PRESIDENT +MEETING THEM AT ELIZABETH TOWN. + +PHILADELPHIA, _April 20, 1789_. + +GENTLEMEN: Upon my arrival in this city I received your note, with +the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it, and in answer +thereto beg leave to inform you that, knowing how anxious both Houses +must be to proceed to business, I shall continue my journey dispatch +as possible. To-morrow evening I purpose to be at Trenton, the night +following at Brunswick, and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you +at Elizabeth Town point on Thursday at 12 o'clock. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT. + +NEW YORK, _April 21, 1789_. + +His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + +SIR: The committee have just received Your Excellency's letter of the +20th, and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday morning. + +I must beg Your Excellency will alight at my house, where the committee +will attend, and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the +utmost pleasure to receive you. + +I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, sir, your most +obedient and very humble servant, + +ELIAS BOUDINOT. + + + +LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT, APRIL 23, 1789. + + +ELIZABETH TOWN, _Wednesday Evening_. + +His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + +SIR: I have the honor of informing Your Excellency that the committees +of both Houses arrived here this afternoon, and will be ready to receive +Your Excellency at my house as soon as you can arrive here to-morrow +morning. + +If you, sir, will honor us with your company at breakfast, it will give +us great pleasure. We shall wait Your Excellency's arrival in hopes of +that gratification. You can have a room to dress in, if you should think +it necessary, as convenient as you can have it in town. + +I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, + +ELIAS BOUDINOT. + + + +REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE +INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Saturday, April 25, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson, from the committee appointed to consider of the time, place, +and manner in which, and of the person by whom, the oath prescribed by +the Constitution shall be administered to the President of the United +States, and to confer with a committee of the Senate, appointed for the +purpose, reported as followeth: + +That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or +place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which +shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable to +him. + +That requisite preparations can not probably be made before Thursday +next; that the President be on that day formally received in the Senate +Chamber; that the Representatives' Chamber being capable of receiving +the greater number of persons, that therefore the President do take the +oath in that place and in the presence of both Houses; that after the +formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be attended +by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that the oath be +administered by the chancellor of this State. + +The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper +that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for further +conducting the ceremonial. + +The said report was twice read, and on the question put thereupon was +agreed to by the House. + +_Ordered_, That Mr. Benson, Mr. Ames, and Mr. Carroll be a +committee on the part of this House pursuant to the said report. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO THE SENATE RESPECTING THE TIME OF +THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, + +_In Senate_, _April 25, 1789_. + +The committee appointed to consider of the time, place, and manner in +which and of the person by whom the oath prescribed by the Constitution +shall be administered to the President of the United States, and to +confer with a committee of the House appointed for that purpose, report: + +That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or +place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which +shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable +to him; that requisite preparations can not probably be made before +Thursday next; that the President be on that day formally received in +the Senate Chamber by both Houses; that the Representatives' Chamber +being capable of receiving the greater number of persons, that therefore +the President do take the oath in that place in presence of both Houses; +that after the formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber +he be attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that +the oath be administered by the chancellor of this State. + +The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper +that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for conducting +the ceremonial. + +Read and accepted. + +And Mr. Lee, Mr. Izard, and Mr. Dalton, on the part of the Senate, +together with the committee that may be appointed on the part of the +House, are empowered to take order for conducting the business. + +A true copy from the Journals of Senate. + + + +IN SENATE, _April 27_, _1789_ + +The committees appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of +the formal reception, etc., of the President report that it appears to +them more eligible that the oath should be administered to the President +in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the +Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submit to the respective Houses +the propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to the +place where the oath shall be administered to the President, the +resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' Chamber as the +place notwithstanding. + +Read and accepted. + +A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + +SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. + + + +ORDER FOR CONDUCTING THE CEREMONIAL FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE +PRESIDENT. + +The committees of both Houses of Congress appointed to take order +for conducting the ceremonial for the formal reception, etc., of the +President of the United States on Thursday next have agreed to the +following order thereon, viz: + +That General Webb, Colonel Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel Fish, Major Franks, +Major L'Enfant, Major Bleeker, and Mr. John R. Livingston be requested +to serve as assistants on the occasion. + +That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the President. + +That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the Vice-President, to +the right of the President's chair, and that the Senators take their +seats on that side of the Chamber on which the Vice-President's chair +shall be placed. That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the +Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the left of the President's +chair, and that the Representatives take their seats on that side of the +Chamber on which the Speaker's chair shall be placed. + +That seats be provided in the Senate Chamber sufficient to accommodate +the late President of Congress, the governor of the Western Territory, +the five persons being the heads of the great Departments, the minister +plenipotentiary of France, the encargado de negocios of Spain, the +chaplains of Congress, the persons in the suite of the President, and +also to accommodate the following public officers of the State, viz: +The governor, lieutenant-governor, the chancellor, the chief justice of +the supreme court and other judges thereof, and the mayor of the city. + +That one of the assistants wait on these gentlemen and inform them that +seats are provided for their accommodation, and also to signify to them +that no precedence of seats is intended, and that no salutation is +expected from them on their entrance into or their departure from the +Senate Chamber. + +That the members of both Houses assemble in their respective chambers +precisely at 12 o'clock, and that the Representatives, preceded by their +Speaker and attended by their Clerk and other officers, proceed to the +Senate Chamber, there to be received by the Vice-President and Senators +rising. + +That the committees attend the President from his residence to the +Senate Chamber, and that he be there received by the Vice-President, the +Senators and Representatives rising, and by the Vice-President conducted +to his chair. + +That after the President shall be seated in his chair and the +Vice-President, Senators, and Representatives shall be again seated, the +Vice-President shall announce to the President that the members of both +Houses will attend him to be present at his taking the oath of office +required by the Constitution. + +To the end that the oath of office may be administered to the President +in the most public manner and that the greatest number of the people +of the United States, and without distinction, may be witnesses to the +solemnity, that therefore the oath be administered in the outer gallery +adjoining to the Senate Chamber. + +That when the President shall proceed to the gallery to take the oath +he be attended by the Vice-President, and be followed by the chancellor +of the State, and pass through the middle door; that the Senators pass +through the door on the right, and the Representatives pass through the +door on the left, and such of the persons who may have been admitted +into the Senate Chamber and may be desirous to go into the gallery are +then also to pass through the door on the right. + +That when the President shall have taken the oath and returned into the +Senate Chamber, attended by the Vice-President, and shall be seated in +his chair, that Senators and Representatives also return into the Senate +Chamber, and that the Vice-President and they resume their respective +seats. + +That when the President retire from the Senate Chamber he be conducted +by the Vice-President to the door, the members of both Houses rising, +and that he be there received by the committees and attended to his +residence. + +That immediately as the President shall retire the Representatives do +also return from the Senate Chamber to their own. + +That it be intrusted to the assistants to take proper precautions for +keeping the avenues to the hall open, and for that purpose they wait +on his excellency the governor of this State, and in the name of the +committees request his aid by an order or recommendation to the civil +officers or militia of the city to attend and serve on the occasion as +he shall judge most proper, + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE +RESPECTING THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Monday, April 27, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson, from the committee of both Houses appointed to take order +for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception of the President +of the United States, reported as followeth: + +That it appears to the committee more eligible that the oath should be +administered to the President in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate +Chamber than in the Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submits to +the respective Houses the propriety of authorizing their committees to +take order as to the place where the oath shall be administered to the +President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' +Chamber as the place notwithstanding. + +The said report being twice read, + +_Resolved_, That this House doth concur in the said report and +authorize the committee to take order for the change of place thereby +proposed. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + + +FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + + +IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. + +APRIL 30, 1789. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled +me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was +transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present +month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can +never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had +chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with +an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years--a retreat +which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me +by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions +in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other +hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of +my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and +most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his +qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who +(inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the +duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of +his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver +is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just +appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All +I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much +swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an +affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of +my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity +as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, +my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its +consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality +in which they originated. + +Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the +public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly +improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to +that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the +councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human +defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and +happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by +themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument +employed in its administration to execute with success the functions +allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of +every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your +sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at +large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore +the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those +of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the +character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by +some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just +accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil +deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from +which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which +most governments have been established without some return of pious +gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings +which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the +present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be +suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are +none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free +government can more auspiciously commence. + +By the article establishing the executive department it is made the duty +of the President "to recommend to your consideration such measures as +he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which +I now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject further +than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are +assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects +to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with +those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which +actuate me, to substitute, in place of a recommendation of particular +measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the +patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. +In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on +one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party +animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought +to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on +another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the +pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence +of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win +the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. +I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love +for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly +established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature +an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and +advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous +policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we +ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can +never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order +and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation +of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model +of government are justly considered, perhaps, as _deeply_, as +_finally_, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the +American people. + +Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will remain with +your judgment to decide how far an exercise of the occasional power +delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution is rendered expedient +at the present juncture by the nature of objections which have been +urged against the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given +birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this +subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official +opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your +discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that +whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the +benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await +the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic +rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently +influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be +impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously +promoted. + +To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will be most +properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, +and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored +with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an +arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my +duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From +this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under +the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to +myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably +included in a permanent provision for the executive department, and must +accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which +I am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such actual +expenditures as the public good may be thought to require. + +Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by +the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; +but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human +Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor +the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect +tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity +on a form of government for the security of their union and the +advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally +_conspicuous_ in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and +the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere +thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both Houses of Congress, +congratulate you on the complete organization of the Federal Government, +and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation +to the office of President, an office highly important by the powers +constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable from the manner +in which the appointment is made. The unanimous suffrage of the +elective body in your favor is peculiarly expressive of the gratitude, +confidence, and affection of the citizens of America, and is the highest +testimonial at once of your merit and their esteem. We are sensible, +sir, that nothing but the voice of your fellow-citizens could have +called you from a retreat chosen with the fondest predilection, endeared +by habit, and consecrated to the repose of declining years. We rejoice, +and with us all America, that in obedience to the call of our common +country you have returned once more to public life. In you all parties +confide; in you all interests unite; and we have no doubt that your +past services, great as they have been, will be equaled by your future +exertions, and that your prudence and sagacity as a statesman will tend +to avert the dangers to which we were exposed, to give stability to the +present Government and dignity and splendor to that country which your +skill and valor as a soldier so eminently contributed to raise to +independence and empire. + +When we contemplate the coincidence of circumstances and wonderful +combination of causes which gradually prepared the people of this +country for independence; when we contemplate the rise, progress, and +termination of the late war, which gave them a name among the nations of +the earth, we are with you unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the +Great Arbiter of the Universe, by whom empires rise and fall. A review +of the many signal instances of divine interposition in favor of this +country claims our most pious gratitude; and permit us, sir, to observe +that among the great events which have led to the formation and +establishment of a Federal Government we esteem your acceptance of +the office of President as one of the most propitious and important. + +In the execution of the trust reposed in us we shall endeavor to pursue +that enlarged and liberal policy to which your speech so happily +directs. We are conscious that the prosperity of each State is +inseparably connected with the welfare of all, and that in promoting +the latter we shall effectually advance the former. In full persuasion +of this truth, it shall be our invariable aim to divest ourselves of +local prejudices and attachments, and to view the great assemblage of +communities and interests committed to our charge with an equal eye. +We feel, sir, the force and acknowledge the justness of the observation +that the foundation of our national policy should be laid in private +morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in +vain to look for public virtue. It is therefore the duty of legislators +to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility as well as the +necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice. +We beg you to be assured that the Senate will at all times cheerfully +cooperate in every measure which may strengthen the Union, conduce +to the happiness or secure and perpetuate the liberties of this great +confederated Republic. + +We commend you, sir, to the protection of Almighty God, earnestly +beseeching Him long to preserve a life so valuable and dear to the +people of the United States, and that your Administration may be +prosperous to the nation and glorious to yourself. + +MAY 7, 1789. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, in which the most affectionate +sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence +of circumstances which led to this auspicious crisis, the confidence +reposed in me by my fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect +from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy +seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my Administration than a +diffidence of my abilities had taught me to anticipate. I now feel +myself inexpressibly happy in a belief that Heaven, which has done so +much for our infant nation, will not withdraw its providential influence +before our political felicity shall have been completed, and in a +conviction that the Senate will at all times cooperate in every measure +which may tend to promote the welfare of this confederated Republic. +Thus supported by a firm trust in the Great Arbiter of the Universe, +aided by the collected wisdom of the Union, and imploring the divine +benediction on our joint exertions in the service of our country, I +readily engage with you in the arduous but pleasing task of attempting +to make a nation happy. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +MAY 18, 1789. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States present +their congratulations on the event by which your fellow-citizens have +attested the preeminence of your merit. You have long held the first +place in their esteem. You have often received tokens of their +affection. You now possess the only proof that remained of their +gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and +of their confidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because +the truest, honor of being the first Magistrate by the unanimous choice +of the freest people on the face of the earth. + +We well know the anxieties with which you must have obeyed a summons +from the repose reserved for your declining years into public scenes, of +which you had taken your leave forever. But the obedience was due to the +occasion. It is already applauded by the universal joy which welcomes +you to your station. And we can not doubt that it will be rewarded with +all the satisfaction with which an ardent love for your fellow-citizens +must review successful efforts to promote their happiness. + +This anticipation is not justified merely by the past experience +of your signal services. It is particularly suggested by the pious +impressions under which you commence your Administration and the +enlightened maxims by which you mean to conduct it. We feel with you +the strongest obligations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the +American people through so many difficulties, to cherish a conscious +responsibility for the destiny of republican liberty, and to seek the +only sure means of preserving and recommending the precious deposit in a +system of legislation founded on the principles of an honest policy and +directed by the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. + +The question arising out of the fifth article of the Constitution will +receive all the attention demanded by its importance, and will, we +trust, be decided under the influence of all the considerations to which +you allude. + +In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive department we +shall not lose sight of a wish resulting from motives which give it a +peculiar claim to our regard. Your resolution, in a moment critical to +the liberties of your country, to renounce all personal emolument, was +among the many presages of your patriotic services which have been amply +fulfilled; and your scrupulous adherence now to the law then imposed on +yourself can not fail to demonstrate the purity, whilst it increases the +luster, of a character which has so many titles to admiration. + +Such are the sentiments which we have thought fit to address to you. +They flow from our own hearts, and we verily believe that among the +millions we represent there is not a virtuous citizen whose heart will +disown them. + +All that remains is that we join in our fervent supplications for the +blessings of Heaven on our country, and that we add our own for the +choicest of these blessings on the most beloved of her citizens. + +MAY 5, 1789. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Your very affectionate address produces emotions which I know +not how to express. I feel that my past endeavors in the service of my +country are far overpaid by its goodness, and I fear much that my future +ones may not fulfill your kind anticipation. All that I can promise is +that they will be invariably directed by an honest and an ardent zeal. +Of this resource my heart assures me. For all beyond I rely on the +wisdom and patriotism of those with whom I am to cooperate and a +continuance of the blessings of Heaven on our beloved country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +MAY 8, 1789. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +NEW YORK, _May 25, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In pursuance of the order of the late Congress, treaties between the +United States and several nations of Indians have been negotiated and +signed. These treaties, with sundry papers respecting them, I now lay +before you, for your consideration and advice, by the hands of General +Knox, under whose official superintendence the business was transacted, +and who will be ready to communicate to you any information on such +points as may appear to require it, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _June 11, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +A convention between His Most Christian Majesty and the United +States, for the purposes of determining and fixing the functions and +prerogatives of their respective consuls, vice-consuls, agents, and +commissaries, was signed by their respective plenipotentiaries on the +29th of July, 1784. + +It appearing to the late Congress that certain alterations in that +convention ought to be made, they instructed their minister at the Court +of France to endeavor to obtain them. + +It has accordingly been altered in several respects, and as amended was +signed by the plenipotentiaries of the contracting powers on the 14th of +November, 1788. + +The sixteenth article provides that it shall be in force during the term +of twelve years, to be counted from the day of the exchange _of +ratifications, which shall be given in proper form_, and exchanged on +both sides within the space of one year, or sooner if possible. + +I now lay before you the original by the hands of Mr. Jay for your +consideration and advice. The papers relative to this negotiation are +in his custody, and he has my orders to communicate to you whatever +official papers and information on the subject he may possess and you +may require. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _June 15, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Mr. Jefferson, the present minister of the United States at the Court of +France, having applied for permission to return home for a few months, +and it appearing to me proper to comply with his request, it becomes +necessary that some person be appointed _to take charge_ of our affairs +at that Court during his absence. + +For this purpose I nominate William Short, esq., and request your advice +on the propriety of appointing him. + +There are in the Office for Foreign Affairs papers which will acquaint +you with his character, and which Mr. Jay has my directions to lay +before you at such time as you may think proper to assign. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 6, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +My nomination of Benjamin Fishbourn for the place of naval officer +of the port of Savannah not having met with your concurrence, I now +nominate Lachlan McIntosh for that office. + +Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your dissent, I am +persuaded they were such as you deemed sufficient. Permit me to submit +to your consideration whether on occasions where the propriety of +nominations appear questionable to you it would not be expedient to +communicate that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the +information which led me to make them, and which I would with pleasure +lay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn may +tend to show that such a mode of proceeding in such cases might be +useful. I will therefore detail them. + +First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an officer in actual service and +chiefly under my own eye, his conduct appeared to me irreproachable; nor +did I ever hear anything injurious to his reputation as an officer or a +gentleman. At the storm of Stony Point his behavior was represented to +have been active and brave, and he was charged by his general to bring +the account of that success to the headquarters of the Army. + +Secondly. Since his residence in Georgia he has been repeatedly elected +to the assembly as a representative of the county of Chatham, in which +the port of Savannah is situated, and sometimes of the counties of Glynn +and Camden; he has been chosen a member of the executive council of the +State and has lately been president of the same; he has been elected by +the officers of the militia in the county of Chatham lieutenant-colonel +of the militia in that district, and on a very recent occasion, to wit, +in the month of May last, he has been appointed by the council (on the +suspension of the late collector) to an office in the port of Savannah +nearly similar to that for which I nominated him, which office he +actually holds at this time. To these reasons for nominating Mr. +Fishbourn I might add that I received private letters of recommendation +and oral testimonials in his favor from some of the most respectable +characters in that State; but as they were secondary considerations +with me, I do not think it necessary to communicate them to you. + +It appeared, therefore, to me that Mr. Fishbourn must have enjoyed the +_confidence_ of the militia officers in order to have been elected to a +military rank; the _confidence_ of the freemen to have been elected to +the assembly; the _confidence_ of the assembly to have been selected for +the council, and the _confidence_ of the council to have been appointed +collector of the port of Savannah. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 7, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The business which has hitherto been under the consideration of Congress +has been of so much importance that I was unwilling to draw their +attention from it to any other subject; but the disputes which exist +between some of the United States and several powerful tribes of Indians +within the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in +several instances been committed on the frontiers, seem to require the +immediate interposition of the General Government. + +I have therefore directed the several statements and papers which have +been submitted to me on this subject by General Knox to be laid before +you for your information. + +While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to protect its +citizens from all injury and violence, a due regard should be extended +to those Indian tribes whose happiness in the course of events so +materially depends on the national justice and humanity of the United +States. + +If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be most +expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern district, and +to lay the foundation for future confidence by an amicable treaty +with the Indian tribes in that quarter, I think proper to suggest the +consideration of the expediency of instituting a temporary commission +for that purpose, to consist of three persons, whose authority should +expire with the occasion. How far such a measure, unassisted by posts, +would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and +tranquillity on the frontiers is also a matter which merits your serious +consideration. + +Along with this object I am induced to suggest another, with the +national importance and necessity of which I am deeply impressed; +I mean some uniform and effective system for the militia of the United +States. It is unnecessary to offer arguments in recommendation of a +measure on which the honor, safety, and well-being of our country so +evidently and so essentially depend; but it may not be amiss to observe +that I am particularly anxious it should receive as early attention +as circumstances will admit, because it is now in our power to avail +ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several +States by means of the many well-instructed officers and soldiers of +the late Army, a resource which is daily diminishing by death and other +causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away unimproved would +be to neglect an opportunity which will never again occur, unless, +unfortunately, we should again be involved in a long and arduous war. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 10, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have directed a statement of the troops in the service of the United +States to be laid before you for your information. + +These troops were raised by virtue of the resolves of Congress of the +20th October, 1786, and the 3d of October, 1787, in order to protect the +frontiers from the depredations of the hostile Indians, to prevent all +intrusions on the public lands, and to facilitate the surveying and +selling of the same for the purpose of reducing the public debt. + +As these important objects continue to require the aid of the troops, it +is necessary that the establishment thereof should in all respects be +conformed by law to the Constitution of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 20, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_ + +In consequence of an act providing for the expenses which may attend +negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes and the appointment of +commissioners for managing the same, I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one +of three commissioners whom I shall propose to be employed to negotiate +a treaty with the Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this +early moment is that it will not be possible for the public to avail +itself of his services on this occasion unless his appointment can be +forwarded to him by the mail which will leave this place to-morrow +morning. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 21, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The President of the United States will meet the Senate in the Senate +Chamber at half past 11 o'clock to-morrow, to advise with them on the +terms of the treaty to be negotiated with the Southern Indians. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +SEPTEMBER 16, 1789. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The governor of the Western territory has made a statement to me of the +reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians and the people inhabiting +the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio, which I herewith lay before +Congress. + +The United States in Congress assembled, by their acts of the 21st +day of July, 1787, and of the 12th August, 1788, made a provisional +arrangement for calling forth the militia of Virginia and Pennsylvania +in the proportions therein specified. + +As the circumstances which occasioned the said arrangement continue +nearly the same, I think proper to suggest to your consideration the +expediency of making some temporary provision for calling forth +the militia of the United States for the purposes stated in the +Constitution, which would embrace the cases apprehended by the +governor of the Western territory. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +SEPTEMBER 17, 1789. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +It doubtless is important that all treaties and compacts formed by the +United States with other nations, whether civilized or not, should be +made with caution and executed with fidelity. + +It is said to be the general understanding and practice of nations, as a +check on the mistakes and indiscretions of ministers or commissioners, +not to consider any treaty negotiated and signed by such officers as +final and conclusive until ratified by the sovereign or government from +whom they derive their powers. This practice has been adopted by the +United States respecting their treaties with European nations, and I am +inclined to think it would be advisable to observe it in the conduct of +our treaties with the Indians; for though such treaties, being on their +part made by their chiefs or rulers, need not be ratified by them, yet, +being formed on our part by the agency of subordinate officers, it seems +to be both prudent and reasonable that their acts should not be binding +on the nation until approved and ratified by the Government. It strikes +me that this point should be well considered and settled, so that our +national proceedings in this respect may become uniform and be directed +by fixed and stable principles. + +The treaties with certain Indian nations, which were laid before you +with my message of the 25th May last, suggested two questions to my +mind, viz: First, whether those treaties were to be considered as +perfected and consequently as obligatory without being ratified. If not, +then secondly, whether both or either, and which, of them ought to be +ratified. On these questions I request your opinion and advice. + +You have, indeed, advised me "_to execute and enjoin an observance of_" +the treaty with the Wyandottes, etc. You, gentlemen, doubtless intended +to be clear and explicit, and yet, without further explanation, I fear +I may misunderstand your meaning, for if by my _executing_ that treaty +you mean that I should make it (in a more particular and immediate manner +than it now is) the act of Government, then it follows that I am to +ratify it. If you mean by my _executing it_ that I am to see that it be +carried into effect and operation, then I am led to conclude either that +you consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its present state, +and therefore to be executed and observed, or that you consider it as +to derive its completion and obligation from the silent approbation and +ratification which my proclamation may be construed to imply. Although I +am inclined to think that the latter is your intention, yet it certainly +is best that all doubts respecting it be removed. + +Permit me to observe that it will be proper for me to be informed of +your sentiments relative to the treaty with the Six Nations previous to +the departure of the governor of the Western territory, and therefore +I recommend it to your early consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +His Most Christian Majesty, by a letter dated the 7th of June last, +addressed to the President and members of the General Congress of the +United States of North America, announces the much lamented death of his +son, the Dauphin. The generous conduct of the French monarch and nation +toward this country renders every event that may affect his or their +prosperity interesting to us, and I shall take care to assure him of the +sensibility with which the United States participate in the affliction +which a loss so much to be regretted must have occasioned both to him +and to them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +Agreeably to the act of Congress for adapting the establishment of the +troops in public service to the Constitution of the United States, +I nominate the persons specified in the inclosed list to be the +commissioned officers thereof. + +This nomination differs from the existing arrangement only in the +following cases, to wit: Lieutenant Erkuries Beatty, promoted to a +vacant captaincy in the infantry; Ensign Edward Spear, promoted to a +vacant lieutenancy of artillery; Jacob Melcher, who has been serving as +a volunteer, to be an ensign, vice Benjamin Lawrence, who was appointed +nearly three years past and has never been mustered or joined the +troops. + +It is to be observed that the order in which the captains and subalterns +are named is not to affect their relative rank, which has been hitherto +but imperfectly settled owing to the perplexity of promotions in the +State quotas conformably to the late Confederation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of +Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to +continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest +opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious +this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this +resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures +to their consideration at present, or now to call your attention, +gentlemen, to any of those matters in my department which require your +advice and consent and yet remain to be dispatched. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:_ + +Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of +Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to +continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest +opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious +this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this +resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures +to their consideration at present. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + + +A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING. + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 119.] + +Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of +Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and +humbly to implore His protection and favor; and + +Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, +requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of +public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with +grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially +by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of +government for their safety and happiness:" + +Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of +November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the +service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of +all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all +unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind +care and protection of the people of this country previous to their +becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable +interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the +late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which +we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which +we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our +safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately +instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are +blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful +knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors +which He has been pleased to confer upon us. + +And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and +supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to +pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether +in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative +duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a +blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, +just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and +obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such +as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, +peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true +religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; +and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal +prosperity as He alone knows to be best. + +Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, +A.D. 1789. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1790_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents +itself of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our +public affairs. The recent accession of the important State of North +Carolina to the Constitution of the United States (of which official +information has been received), the rising credit and respectability of +our country, the general and increasing good will toward the Government +of the Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are +blessed are circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our +national prosperity. + +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but +derive encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last +session have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty +and difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize +their expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious +Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of the present +important session call for the cool and, deliberate exertion of your +patriotism, firmness, and wisdom. + +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that +of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. + +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end +a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and +interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to +render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, +supplies. + +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may +be made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the +comfortable support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to +economy. + +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard +to certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants +of our Southern and Western frontiers from their depredations, but you +will perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall +direct to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the +Commonwealth of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford +protection to those parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish +aggressors. + +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with +other nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable +me to fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances +may render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensations to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and +a competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of our foreign affairs. + +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. + +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States +is an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly +attended to. + +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as +well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as +to the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country +by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that +there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the +promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country +the surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of +government receive their impressions so immediately from the sense of +the community as in ours it is proportionably essential. To the security +of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by convincing +those who are intrusted with the public administration that every +valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves +to know and to value their own rights; to discern and provide against +invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary +exercise of lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a +disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the inevitable +exigencies of society; to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that +of licentiousness--cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting +a speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an +inviolable respect to the laws. + +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids +to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of +a place in the deliberations of the Legislature. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an +adequate provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of +high importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment +I entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly consistent with the end I add +an equal reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +Legislature. It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure +in which the character and permanent interests of the United States are +so obviously and so deeply concerned, and which has received so explicit +a sanction from your declaration. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, +such papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended +to your consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information +of the state of the Union which it is my duty to afford. + +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from +a cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring +to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect +from a free, efficient, and equal government. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our thanks for your +speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. The accession of the State +of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States gives us much +pleasure, and we offer you our congratulations on that event, which at +the same time adds strength to our Union and affords a proof that the +more the Constitution has been considered the more the goodness of it +has appeared. The information which we have received, that the measures +of the last session have been as satisfactory to our constituents as we +had reason to expect from the difficulty of the work in which we were +engaged, will afford us much consolation and encouragement in resuming +our deliberations in the present session for the public good, and every +exertion on our part shall be made to realize and secure to our country +those blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within her reach. +We are persuaded that one of the most effectual means of preserving +peace is to be prepared for war, and our attention shall be directed to +the objects of common defense and to the adoption of such plans as shall +appear the most likely to prevent our dependence on other countries +for essential supplies. In the arrangements to be made respecting the +establishment of such troops as may be deemed indispensable we shall +with pleasure provide for the comfortable support of the officers and +soldiers, with a due regard to economy. We regret that the pacific +measures adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile tribes of +Indians have not been attended with the beneficial effects toward the +inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers which we had reason to +hope; and we shall cheerfully cooperate in providing the most effectual +means for their protection, and, if necessary, for the punishment +of aggressors. The uniformity of the currency and of weights and +measures, the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad +and the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, +the facilitating the communication between the distant parts of our +country by means of the post-office and post-roads, a provision for +the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and a uniform rule +of naturalization, by which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of +citizens, are objects which shall receive such early attention as their +respective importance requires. Literature and science are essential +to the preservation of a free constitution; the measures of Government +should therefore be calculated to strengthen the confidence that is +due to that important truth. Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, +forming the basis of the wealth and strength of our confederated +Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation, and shall be +advanced by all proper means in our power. Public credit being an object +of great importance, we shall cheerfully cooperate in all proper +measures for its support. Proper attention shall be given to such papers +and estimates as you may be pleased to lay before us. Our cares and +efforts shall be directed to the welfare of our country, and we have the +most perfect dependence upon your cooperating with us on all occasions +in such measures as will insure to our fellow-citizens the blessings +which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient, and equal +government. + +JANUARY 11, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, and for the assurances which it +contains of attention to the several matters suggested by me to your +consideration. + +Relying on the continuance of your exertions for the public good, I +anticipate for our country the salutary effects of upright and prudent +counsels. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +JANUARY 14, 1790. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken +into consideration your speech to both Houses of Congress at the opening +of the present session. + +We reciprocate your congratulations on the accession of the State +of North Carolina, an event which, while it is a testimony of the +increasing good will toward the Government of the Union, can not fail to +give additional dignity and strength to the American Republic, already +rising in the estimation of the world in national character and +respectability. + +The information that our measures of the last session have not proved +dissatisfactory to our constituents affords us much encouragement at +this juncture, when we are resuming the arduous task of legislating for +so extensive an empire. + +Nothing can be more gratifying to the Representatives of a free people +than the reflection that their labors are rewarded by the approbation +of their fellow-citizens. Under this impression we shall make every +exertion to realize their expectations, and to secure to them those +blessings which Providence has placed within their reach. Still prompted +by the same desire to promote their interests which then actuated us, +we shall in the present session diligently and anxiously pursue those +measures which shall appear to us conducive to that end. + +We concur with you in the sentiment that agriculture, commerce, and +manufactures are entitled to legislative protection, and that the +promotion of science and literature will contribute to the security of a +free Government; in the progress of our deliberations we shall not lose +sight of objects so worthy of our regard. + +The various and weighty matters which you have judged necessary to +recommend to our attention appear to us essential to the tranquillity +and welfare of the Union, and claim our early and most serious +consideration. We shall proceed without delay to bestow on them that +calm discussion which their importance requires. + +We regret that the pacific arrangements pursued with regard to certain +hostile tribes of Indians have not been attended with that success which +we had reason to expect from them. We shall not hesitate to concur in +such further measures as may best obviate any ill effects which might +be apprehended from the failure of those negotiations. + +Your approbation of the vote of this House at the last session +respecting the provision for the public creditors is very acceptable to +us. The proper mode of carrying that resolution into effect, being a +subject in which the future character and happiness of these States are +deeply involved, will be among the first to deserve our attention. + +The prosperity of the United States is the primary object of all our +deliberations, and we cherish the reflection that every measure which +we may adopt for its advancement will not only receive your cheerful +concurrence, but will at the same time derive from your cooperation +additional efficacy, in insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings +of a free, efficient, and equal government. + +JANUARY 12, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I receive with pleasure the assurances you give me that you +will diligently and anxiously pursue such measures as shall appear to +you conducive to the interest of your constituents, and that an early +and serious consideration will be given to the various and weighty +matters recommended by me to your attention. + +I have full confidence that your deliberations will continue to be +directed by an enlightened and virtuous zeal for the happiness of our +country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +JANUARY 14, 1790. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Having advised with you upon the terms of a treaty to be offered to the +Creek Nation of Indians, I think it proper you should be informed of +the result of that business previous to its coming before you in your +legislative capacity. I have therefore directed the Secretary for the +Department of War to lay before you my instructions to the commissioners +and their report in consequence thereof. + +The apparently critical state of the Southern frontier will render it +expedient for me to communicate to both Houses of Congress, with other +papers, the whole of the transactions relative to the Creeks, in order +that they may be enabled to form a judgment of the measures which the +case may require, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed Mr. Lear, my private secretary, to lay before you a +copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United +States by the State of North Carolina, together with a copy of a letter +from His Excellency Samuel Johnston, president of the convention of said +State, to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the papers which are herewith transmitted to you will +be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 12, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement of the Southwestern frontiers and of the +Indian Department, which have been submitted to me by the Secretary for +the Department of War. + +I conceive that an unreserved but confidential communication of all the +papers relative to the recent negotiations with some of the Southern +tribes of Indians is indispensably requisite for the information of +Congress. I am persuaded that they will effectually prevent either +transcripts or publications of all such circumstances as might be +injurious to the public interests, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +The Secretary for the Department of War has submitted to me certain +principles to serve as a plan for the general arrangement of the militia +of the United States. + +Conceiving the subject to be of the highest importance to the welfare of +our country and liable to be placed in various points of view, I have +directed him to lay the plan before Congress for their information, in +order that they may make such use thereof as they may judge proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency John E. Howard, governor of the +State of Maryland, an act of the legislature of Maryland to ratify +certain articles in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the +United States of America, proposed by Congress to the legislatures of +the several States, and have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the +same before you, together with the copy of a letter, accompanying the +above act, from his excellency the governor of Maryland to the President +of the United States. + +The originals will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 28, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act of the +legislature of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations entitled "An act +for calling a convention to take into consideration the Constitution +proposed for the United States, passed on the 17th day of September, +A.D. 1787, by the General Convention held at Philadelphia," together +with the copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency +John Collins, governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence +Plantations, to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency Alexander Martin, governor of the +State of North Carolina, an act of the general assembly of that State +entitled "An act for the purpose of ceding to the United States of +America certain western lands therein described," and have directed my +secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with a copy of +a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency Governor Martin to +the President of the United States. + +The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_ + +You will perceive from the papers herewith delivered, and which are +enumerated in the annexed list, that a difference subsists between Great +Britain and the United States relative to the boundary line between our +eastern and their territories. A plan for deciding this difference was +laid before the late Congress, and whether that or some other plan of a +like kind would not now be eligible is submitted to your consideration. + +In my opinion, it is desirable that all questions between this and other +nations be speedily and amicably settled, and in this instance I think +it advisable to postpone any negotiations on the subject until I shall +be informed of the result of your deliberations and receive your advice +as to the propositions most proper to be offered on the part of the +United States. + +As I am taking measures for learning the intentions of Great Britain +respecting the further detention of our posts, etc., I am the more +solicitous that the business now submitted to you may be prepared for +negotiation as soon as the other important affairs which engage your +attention will permit. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of a vote of +the legislature of the State of New Hampshire, to accept the articles +proposed in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United +States of America, except the second article. At the same time will be +delivered to you the copy of a letter from his excellency the president +of the State of New Hampshire to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the above-mentioned vote and letter will be lodged in +the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +By the mail of last evening I received a letter from His Excellency John +Hancock, governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, inclosing a +resolve of the senate and house of representatives of that Commonwealth +and sundry documents relative to the eastern boundary of the United +States. + +I have directed a copy of the letter and resolve to be laid before you. +The documents which accompanied them being but copies of some of the +papers which were delivered to you with my communication of the 9th of +this month, I have thought it unnecessary to lay them before you at this +time. They will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, +together with the originals of the above-mentioned letters and resolve. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency Joshua Clayton, president of the +State of Delaware, the articles proposed by Congress to the legislatures +of the several States as amendments to the Constitution of the United +States, which articles were transmitted to him for the consideration of +the legislature of Delaware, and are now returned with the following +resolutions annexed to them, viz: + + + The general assembly of Delaware having taken into their + consideration the above amendments, proposed by Congress to the + respective legislatures of the several States, + + _Resolved_, That the first article be postponed; + + _Resolved_, That the general assembly do agree to the second, third, + fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and + twelfth articles, and we do hereby assent to, ratify, and confirm + the same as part of the Constitution of the United States. + + In testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of the State to + be hereunto affixed this 28th day of January, A.D. 1790, and in the + fourteenth year of the independence of the Delaware State. + + +Signed by order of council. + +GEORGE MITCHELL, _Speaker_. + +Signed by order of the house of assembly. + +JEHU DAVIS, _Speaker_. + + +I have directed a copy of the letter which accompanied the said +articles, from His Excellency Joshua Clayton to the President of the +United States, to be laid before you. + +The before-mentioned articles and the original of the letter will be +lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 16, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act +and the form of ratification of certain articles of amendment to the +Constitution of the United States by the legislature of the State of +Pennsylvania, together with the copy of a letter which accompanied the +said act, from the speaker of the house of assembly of Pennsylvania to +the President of the United States. + +The originals of the above will be lodged in the office of the Secretary +of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my private secretary to lay before you a copy of the +adoption by the legislature of South Carolina of the articles proposed +by Congress to the legislatures of the several States as amendments +to the Constitution of the United States, together with the copy of +a letter from the governor of the State of South Carolina to the +President of the United States, which have lately come to my hands. + +The originals of the foregoing will be lodged in the office of the +Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my private secretary to lay before you copies of three +acts of the legislature of the State of New York, which have been +transmitted to me by the governor thereof, viz: + +"An act declaring it to be the duty of the sheriffs of the several +counties within this State to receive and safe keep such prisoners +as shall be committed under the authority of the United States." + +"An act for vesting in the United States of America the light-house +and the lands thereunto belonging at Sandy Hook." + +"An act ratifying certain articles in addition to and amendment of the +Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress." + +A copy of a letter accompanying said acts, from the governor of the +State of New York to the President of the United States, will at the +same time be laid before you, and the originals be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 31, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Mr. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the last years +of the late war as secretary to Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, +and might probably at that time have obtained the commission of captain +from Congress upon application to that body. At present he is an officer +in the French national guards, and solicits a brevet commission from +the United States of America. I am authorized to add, that while the +compliance will involve no expense on our part, it will be particularly +grateful to that friend of America, the Marquis de Lafayette. +I therefore nominate M. de Poiery to be a captain by brevet. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +Having received official information of the accession of the State of +Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the Constitution of the +United States, I take the earliest opportunity of communicating the +same to you, with my congratulations on this happy event, which unites +under the General Government all the States which were originally +confederated, and have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy +of the letter from the president of the convention of the State of +Rhode Island to the President of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of the +ratification of the amendments to the Constitution of the United States +by the State of North Carolina, together with an extract from a letter, +accompanying said ratification, from the governor of the State of North +Carolina to the President of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 16, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +The ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by +the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was received by me +last night, together with a letter to the President of the United States +from the president of the convention. I have directed my secretary to +lay before you a copy of each. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 30, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island and Providence +Plantations, for ratifying certain articles as amendments to the +Constitution of the United States, was yesterday put into my hands, +and I have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 4, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_; + +In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the Senate in +August, 1789, the adjustment of the terms of a treaty is far advanced +between the United States and the chiefs of the Creek Indians, now in +this city, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation. + +In preparing the articles of this treaty the present arrangements of +the trade with the Creeks have caused much embarrassment. It seems to +be well ascertained that the said trade is almost exclusively in the +hands of a company of British merchants, who by agreement make their +importations of goods from England into the Spanish ports. + +As the trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political +management, it is therefore obvious that the United States can not +possess any security for the performance of treaties with the Creeks +while their trade is liable to be interrupted or withheld at the caprice +of two foreign powers. + +Hence it becomes an object of real importance to form new channels for +the commerce of the Creeks through the United States. But this operation +will require time, as the present arrangements can not be suddenly +broken without the greatest violation of faith and morals. + +It therefore appears to be important to form a secret article of a +treaty similar to the one which accompanies this message. + +If the Senate should require any further explanation, the Secretary of +War will attend them for that purpose. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +The President of the United States states the following question for the +consideration and advice of the Senate: If it should be found essential +to a treaty for the firm establishment of peace with the Creek Nation of +Indians that an article to the following effect should be inserted +therein, will such an article be proper? viz: + +SECRET ARTICLE. + +The commerce necessary for the Creek Nation shall be carried on through +the ports and by the citizens of the United States if substantial and +effectual arrangements shall be made for that purpose by the United +States on or before the 1st day of August, 1792. In the meantime the +said commerce may be carried on through its present channels and +according to its present regulations. + +And whereas the trade of the said Creek Nation is now carried +on wholly or principally through the territories of Spain, and +obstructions thereto may happen by war or prohibitions of the Spanish +Government, it is therefore agreed between the said parties that in +the event of any such obstructions happening it shall be lawful for +such persons as ---- ---- ---- ---- shall designate to introduce into +and transport through the territories of the United States to the +country of the said Creek Nation any quantity of goods, wares, and +merchandise not exceeding in value in any one year $60,000, and that +free from any duties or impositions whatsoever, but subject to such +regulations for guarding against abuse as the United States shall judge +necessary, which privilege shall continue as long as such obstruction +shall continue. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Considering the circumstances which prevented the late commissioners +from concluding a peace with the Creek Nation of Indians, it appeared +to me most prudent that all subsequent measures for disposing them to +a treaty should in the first instance be informal. + +I informed you on the 4th instant that the adjustment of the terms of +a treaty with their chiefs, now here, was far advanced. Such further +progress has since been made that I think measures may at present be +taken for conducting and concluding that business in form. It therefore +becomes necessary that a proper person be appointed and authorized to +treat with these chiefs and to conclude a treaty with them. For this +purpose I nominate to you Henry Knox. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of an exemplified +copy of a law to ratify on the part of the State of New Jersey certain +amendments to the Constitution of the United States, together with a +copy of a letter, which accompanied said ratification, from Hon. Elisha +Lawrence, esq., vice-president of the State of New Jersey, to the +President of the United States. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 7, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +I lay before you a treaty between the United States and the chiefs of +the Creek Nation, now in this city, in behalf of themselves and the +whole Creek Nation, subject to the ratification of the President of the +United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. + +While I flatter myself that this treaty will be productive of present +peace and prosperity to our Southern frontier, it is to be expected that +it will also in its consequences be the means of firmly attaching the +Creeks and the neighboring tribes to the interests of the United States. + +At the same time it is to be hoped that it will afford solid grounds of +satisfaction to the State of Georgia, as it contains a regular, full, +and definitive relinquishment on the part of the Creek Nation of the +Oconee land in the utmost extent in which it has been claimed by that +State, and thus extinguishes the principal cause of those hostilities +from which it has more than once experienced such severe calamities. + +But although the most valuable of the disputed land is included, yet +there is a certain claim of Georgia, arising out of the treaty made by +that State at Galphinston in November, 1785, of land to the eastward of +a new temporary line from the forks of the Oconee and Oakmulgee in a +southwest direction to the St. Marys River, which tract of land the +Creeks in this city absolutely refuse to yield. + +This land is reported to be generally barren, sunken, and unfit for +cultivation, except in some instances on the margin of the rivers, on +which by improvement rice might be cultivated, its chief value depending +on the timber fit for the building of ships, with which it is +represented as abounding. + +While it is thus circumstanced on the one hand, it is stated by the +Creeks on the other to be of the highest importance to them as +constituting some of their most valuable winter hunting ground. + +I have directed the commissioner to whom the charge of adjusting this +treaty has been committed to lay before you such papers and documents +and to communicate to you such information relatively to it as you may +require. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Although the treaty with the Creeks may be regarded as the main +foundation of the future peace and prosperity of the Southwestern +frontier of the United States, yet in order fully to effect so desirable +an object the treaties which have been entered into with the other +tribes in that quarter must be faithfully performed on our parts. + +During the last year I laid before the Senate a particular statement of +the case of the Cherokees. By a reference to that paper it will appear +that the United States formed a treaty with the Cherokees in November, +1785; that the said Cherokees thereby placed themselves under the +protection of the United States and had a boundary assigned them; that +the white people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the said +boundary by intruding on the Indian lands; that the United States in +Congress assembled did, on the 1st day of September, 1788, issue their +proclamation forbidding all such unwarrantable intrusions, and enjoined +all those who had settled upon the hunting grounds of the Cherokees to +depart with their families and effects without loss of time, as they +would answer their disobedience to the injunctions and prohibitions +expressed at their peril. + +But information has been received that notwithstanding the said treaty +and proclamation upward of 500 families have settled on the Cherokee +lands exclusively of those settled between the fork of French Broad and +Holstein rivers, mentioned in the said treaty. + +As the obstructions to a proper conduct on this matter have been removed +since it was mentioned to the Senate on the 22d of August, 1789, by the +accession of North Carolina to the present Union and the cessions of +the land in question, I shall conceive myself bound to exert the powers +intrusted to me by the Constitution in order to carry into faithful +execution the treaty of Hopewell, unless it shall be thought proper to +attempt to arrange a new boundary with the Cherokees, embracing the +settlements, and compensating the Cherokees for the cessions they shall +make on the occasion. On this point, therefore, I state the following +questions and request the advice of the Senate thereon: + +First. Is it the judgment of the Senate that overtures shall be made to +the Cherokees to arrange a new boundary so as to embrace the settlements +made by the white people since the treaty of Hopewell, in November, 1785? + +Second. If so, shall compensation to the amount of ---- dollars +annually, or of ---- dollars in gross, be made to the Cherokees for +the land they shall relinquish, holding the occupiers of the land +accountable to the United States for its value? + +Third. Shall the United States stipulate solemnly to guarantee the new +boundary which may be arranged? + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From the Gazette of the United States (New York), September 15, 1790, +in the Library of Congress.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas a treaty of peace and friendship between the United States and +the Creek Nation was made and concluded on the 7th day of the present +month of August; and + +Whereas I have, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in due +form ratified the said treaty: + +Now, therefore, to the end that the same may be observed and performed +with good faith on the part of the United States, I have ordered the +said treaty to be herewith published; and I do hereby enjoin and require +all officers of the United States, civil and military, and all other +citizens and inhabitants thereof, faithfully to observe and fulfill the +same. + +Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of +New York, the 14th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year +of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +[From Miscellaneous letters, Department of State, vol. 3.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it hath at this time become peculiarly necessary to warn the +citizens of the United States against a violation of the treaties made +at Hopewell, on the Keowee, on the 28th day of November, 1785, and on +the 3d and 10th days of January, 1786, between the United States and the +Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations of Indians, and to enforce an +act entitled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian +tribes," copies of which treaties and act are hereunto annexed, I have +therefore thought fit to require, and I do by these presents require, +all officers of the United States, as well civil as military, and all +other citizens and inhabitants thereof, to govern themselves according +to the treaties and act aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at +their peril. + +Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of +New York, the 26th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year +of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + + +SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1790_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed +our country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted +for this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is +the more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our +resources, but as it assures us of a further increase of the national +respectability and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable +testimony to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine +part of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging their +engagements has been exemplary. + +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, +a loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures +had previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well +the celerity with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms +(considering the more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the +situation of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further execution +of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of +the Treasury has my directions to communicate such further particulars +as may be requisite for more precise information. + +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it +appears that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, +has concurred in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, +in consequence of which the district is to become a distinct member of +the Union, in case the requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this +sanction application is now made. I shall cause the papers on this very +important transaction to be laid before you. The liberality and harmony +with which it has been conducted will be found to do great honor to both +the parties, and the sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its +present Government expressed by our fellow-citizens of Kentucky can not +fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular welfare to the +great national impressions under which you will decide on the case +submitted to you. + +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have +been made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians +from the northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes +dwelling on and near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active +in their depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their +crimes and aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be +seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their +prisoners and plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane +invitations and overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed +their violences with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a +number of valuable citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them +under circumstances peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried +into a deplorable captivity. + +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that +the Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their +crimes than it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their +attachments. As this object could not be effected by defensive measures, +it became necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President +to call out the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have +accordingly authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in +that quarter are combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed +sufficient. The event of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary +of War is directed to lay before you a statement of the information on +which it is founded, as well as an estimate of the expense with which +it will be attended. + +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical +posture of the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the +more thankful for the general peace and security enjoyed by the United +States, reminds us at the same time of the circumspection with which it +becomes us to preserve these blessings. It requires also that we should +not overlook the tendency of a war, and even of preparations for a war, +among the nations most concerned in active commerce with this country +to abridge the means, and thereby at least enhance the price, of +transporting its valuable productions to their proper markets. I +recommend it to your serious reflections how far and in what mode it may +be expedient to guard against embarrassments from these contingencies by +such encouragements to our own navigation as will render our commerce +and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, which may fail us in +the very moments most interesting to both of these great objects. Our +fisheries and the transportation of our own produce offer us abundant +means for guarding ourselves against this evil. + +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not +think any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and +protection. + +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. +You will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may +yet be made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on +sentences issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all +the States. + +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and seamen, has called +for the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient +to regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions +which are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, +too, with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the +aid of the national authority to his consuls established here. Some +legislative provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full +effect. + +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post-office and post-roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects +to which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary +provisions will be commensurate to the other objects for which the +public faith stands now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it +will be a favorite policy with you, not merely to secure a payment of +the interest of the debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing +resources of the country will permit to exonerate it of the principal +itself. The appropriation you have made of the Western land explains +your dispositions on this subject, and I am persuaded that the sooner +that valuable fund can be made to contribute, along with other means, +to the actual reduction of the public debt the more salutary will the +measure be to every public interest, as well as the more satisfactory +to our constituents. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session +I indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultations will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an +undiminished zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us +both, and our best reward, if, by a successful administration of our +respective trusts, we can make the established Government more and more +instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow-citizens, and more and +more the object of their attachment and confidence. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: + +We receive, sir, with particular satisfaction the communications +contained in your speech, which confirm to us the progressive state +of the public credit and afford at the same time a new proof of the +solidity of the foundation on which it rests; and we cheerfully join in +the acknowledgment which is due to the probity and patriotism of the +mercantile and marine part of our fellow-citizens, whose enlightened +attachment to the principles of good government is not less conspicuous +in this than it has been in other important respects. + +In confidence that every constitutional preliminary has been observed, +we assure you of our disposition to concur in giving the requisite +sanction to the admission of Kentucky as a distinct member of the Union; +in doing which we shall anticipate the happy effects to be expected from +the sentiments of attachment toward the Union and its present Government +which have been expressed by the patriotic inhabitants of that district. + +While we regret that the continuance and increase of the hostilities and +depredations which have distressed our Northwestern frontiers should +have rendered offensive measures necessary, we feel an entire confidence +in the sufficiency of the motives which have produced them and in the +wisdom of the dispositions which have been concerted in pursuance of +the powers vested in you, and whatever may have been the event, we +shall cheerfully concur in the provisions which the expedition that has +been undertaken may require on the part of the Legislature, and in any +other which the future peace and safety of our frontier settlements may +call for. + +The critical posture of the European powers will engage a due portion +of our attention, and we shall be ready to adopt any measures which a +prudent circumspection may suggest for the preservation of the blessings +of peace. The navigation and the fisheries of the United States are +objects too interesting not to inspire a disposition to promote them +by all the means which shall appear to us consistent with their natural +progress and permanent prosperity. + +Impressed with the importance of a free intercourse with the +Mediterranean, we shall not think any deliberations misemployed which +may conduce to the adoption of proper measures for removing the +impediments that obstruct it. + +The improvement of the judiciary system and the other important objects +to which you have pointed our attention will not fail to engage the +consideration they respectively merit. + +In the course of our deliberations upon every subject we shall rely +upon that cooperation which an undiminished zeal and incessant anxiety +for the public welfare on your part so thoroughly insure; and as it is +our anxious desire so it shall be our constant endeavor to render the +established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good +of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment +and confidence. + +DECEMBER 10, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: These assurances of favorable attention to the subjects +I have recommended and of entire confidence in my views make the +impression on me which I ought to feel. I thank you for them both, and +shall continue to rely much for the success of all our measures for the +public good on the aid they will receive from the wisdom and integrity +of your councils. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 13, 1790. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken +into consideration your address to the two Houses at the opening of the +present session of Congress. + +We share in the satisfaction inspired by the prospects which continue to +be so auspicious to our public affairs. The blessings resulting from the +smiles of Heaven on our agriculture, the rise of public credit, with the +further advantages promised by it, and the fertility of resources which +are found so little burdensome to the community, fully authorize our +mutual congratulations on the present occasion. Nor can we learn without +an additional gratification that the energy of the laws for providing +adequate revenues have been so honorably seconded by those classes of +citizens whose patriotism and probity were more immediately concerned. + +The success of the loan opened in Holland, under the disadvantages of +the present moment, is the more important, as it not only denotes the +confidence already placed in the United States, but as the effect of a +judicious application of that aid will still further illustrate the +solidity of the foundation on which the public credit rests. + +The preparatory steps taken by the State of Virginia, in concert with +the district of Kentucky, toward the erection of the latter into a +distinct member of the Union exhibit a liberality mutually honorable to +the parties. We shall bestow on this important subject the favorable +consideration which it merits, and, with the national policy which ought +to govern our decision, shall not fail to mingle the affectionate +sentiments which are awakened by those expressed on behalf of our +fellow-citizens of Kentucky. + +Whilst we regret the necessity which has produced offensive hostilities +against some of the Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio, we sympathize +too much with our Western brethren not to behold with approbation the +watchfulness and vigor which have been exerted by the executive +authority for their protection, and which we trust will make the +aggressors sensible that it is their interest to merit by a peaceable +behavior the friendship and humanity which the United States are always +ready to extend to them. + +The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times appeared to us +highly important. The point of view under which you have recommended +it to us is strongly enforced by the actual state of things in Europe. +It will be incumbent on us to consider in what mode our commerce and +agriculture can be best relieved from an injurious dependence on the +navigation of other nations, which the frequency of their wars renders +a too precarious resource for conveying the productions of our country +to market. + +The present state of our trade to the Mediterranean seems not less to +demand, and will accordingly receive, the attention which you have +recommended. + +Having already concurred in establishing a judiciary system which opens +the doors of justice to all, without distinction of persons, it will be +our disposition to incorporate every improvement which experience may +suggest. And we shall consider in particular how far the uniformity +which in other cases is found convenient in the administration of the +General Government through all the States may be introduced into the +forms and rules of executing sentences issuing from the Federal courts. + +The proper regulation of the jurisdiction and functions which may be +exercised by consuls of the United States in foreign countries, with the +provisions stipulated to those of His Most Christian Majesty established +here, are subjects of too much consequence to the public interest and +honor not to partake of our deliberations. + +We shall renew our attention to the establishment of the militia and the +other subjects unfinished at the last session, and shall proceed in them +with all the dispatch which the magnitude of all and the difficulty of +some of them will allow. + +Nothing has given us more satisfaction than to find that the revenues +heretofore established have proved adequate to the purposes to which +they were allotted. In extending the provision to the residuary objects +it will be equally our care to secure sufficiency and punctuality in the +payments due from the Treasury of the United States. We shall also never +lose sight of the policy of diminishing the public debt as fast as the +increase of the public resources will permit, and are particularly +sensible of the many considerations which press a resort to the +auxiliary resource furnished by the public lands. + +In pursuing every branch of the weighty business of the present session +it will be our constant study to direct our deliberations to the public +welfare. Whatever our success may be, we can at least answer for the +fervent love of our country, which ought to animate our endeavors. +In your cooperation we are sure of a resource which fortifies our +hopes that the fruits of the established Government will justify the +confidence which has been placed in it, and recommend it more and more +to the affection and attachment of our fellow-citizens. + +DECEMBER 11, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The sentiments expressed in your address are entitled to my +particular acknowledgment. + +Having no object but the good of our country, this testimony of +approbation and confidence from its immediate Representatives must be +among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has +been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will +continue to be actuated by the same auspicious principle, I look forward +to the happiest consequences from your deliberations during the present +session. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 13, 1790. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +It appearing by the report of the secretary of the government northwest +of the Ohio that there are certain cases respecting grants of land +within that territory which require the interference of the Legislature +of the United States, I have directed a copy of said report and the +papers therein referred to to be laid before you, together with a copy +of the report of the Secretary of State upon the same subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the subject of +the citizens of the United States in captivity at Algiers, that you may +provide on their behalf what to you shall seem most expedient. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 3, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act passed by the +legislature of the State of New Jersey for vesting in the United States +of America the jurisdiction of a lot of land at Sandy Hook, in the +county of Monmouth, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said act, +from the governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the +United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you an official statement of the appropriation of $10,000, +granted to defray the contingent expenses of Government by an act of the +26th March, 1790. + +A copy of two resolutions of the legislature of Virginia, and a petition +of sundry officers and assignees of officers and soldiers of the +Virginia line on continental establishment, on the subject of bounty +lands allotted to them on the northwest side of the Ohio; and + +A copy of an act of the legislature of Maryland to empower the wardens +of the port of Baltimore to levy and collect the duty therein mentioned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you a letter from His Most Christian Majesty, addressed to +the President and Members of Congress of the United States of America. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +_To our very dear friends and allies, the President and Members of +the General Congress of the United States of North America_. + +VERY DEAR GREAT FRIENDS AND ALLIES: We have received the letter by which +you inform us of the new mark of confidence that you have shown to +Mr. Jefferson, and which puts a period to his appointment of minister +plenipotentiary at our Court. + +The manner in which he conducted during his residence with us has +merited our esteem and entire approbation, and it is with pleasure that +we now give him this testimony of it. + +It is with the most sincere pleasure that we embrace this opportunity of +renewing these assurances of regard and friendship which we feel for the +United States in general and for each of them in particular. Under their +influence we pray God that He will keep you, very dear friends and +allies, under His holy and beneficent protection. + +Done at Paris this 11th September, 1790. + +Your good friend and ally, + +LOUIS. + +MONTMORIN. [SEAL.] + +The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 10, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you a representation of the chargé d'affaires of France, +made by order of his Court, on the acts of Congress of the 20th of +July, 1789 and 1790, imposing an extra tonnage on foreign vessels, +not excepting those of that country, together with the report of +the Secretary of State thereon, and I recommend the same to your +consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may +best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +DOCUMENTS. + +JANUARY 18, 1791. + +The Secretary of State having received from the chargé d'affaires of +France a note on the tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of +the United States, has had the same under his consideration, and +thereupon makes the following report to the President of the United +States: + +The chargé d'affaires of France, by a note of the 13th of December, +represents, by order of his Court, that they consider so much of the +acts of Congress of July 20, 1789 and 1790, as imposes an extraordinary +tonnage on foreign vessels without excepting those of France, to be in +contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of amity and commerce +between the two nations; that this would have authorized on their +part a proportional modification in the favors granted to the American +navigation, but that his Sovereign had thought it more conformable to +his principles of friendship and attachment to the United States to +order him to make representations thereon, and to ask in favor of French +vessels a modification of the acts which impose an extraordinary tonnage +on foreign vessels. + +The Secretary of State, in giving in this paper to the President of the +United States, thinks it his duty to accompany it with the following +observations: + +The third and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and commerce +between France and the United States subject the vessels of each nation +to pay in the ports of the other only such duties as are paid by the +most favored nation, and give them reciprocally all the privileges and +exemptions in navigation and commerce which are given by either to the +most favored nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they +would have been free to raise or lower their tonnage as they should find +it expedient, only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the +most favored nation. The question, then, is whether the fifth article +cited in the note is anything more than an application of the principle +comprised in the third and fourth to a particular object, or whether it +is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised. + +I. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the +preceding articles is declared by the express words of the article, to +wit: "_Dans l'exemption ci-dessus est nommément compris_," etc., "_in +the above exemption is particularly comprised_, the imposition of 100 +sols per ton established in France on foreign vessels." Here, then, is +at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 +sols is _comprised_ in the third and fourth articles; that is to say, +it was one of the exemptions enjoyed by the most favored nations, and +as such extended to us by those articles. If the exemption spoken of in +this first member of the fifth article was _comprised_ in the third and +fourth articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by +France out of that exemption (which makes the second member of the same +article) _was also comprised_; that is to say, if _the whole_ was +comprised, _the part_ was comprised. And if this reservation of France +in the second member was comprised in the third and fourth articles, +then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the +third and last member of the same article) was also comprised, because +it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which +had been comprised by the same terms with theirs. + +In short, the whole article relates to a particular duty of 100 sols, +laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, +relinquished as to the most favored, and consequently to us. It is not a +new and additional stipulation, then, but a declared application of the +stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a particular case by +way of greater caution. + +The doctrine laid down generally in the third and fourth articles, +and exemplified specially in the fifth, amounts to this: "The vessels +of the most favored nations coming from foreign ports are exempted from +the duty of 100 sols; therefore you are exempted from it by the third +and fourth articles. The vessels of the most favored nations coming +coastwise pay that duty; therefore you are to pay it by the third and +fourth articles. We shall not think it unfriendly in you to lay a +like duty on coasters, because it will be no more than we have done +ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels +coming from foreign ports, provided they apply to all other nations, +even the most favored. We are free to do the same under the same +restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most favored +nations do not pay does not exempt you from one which they do pay." + +In this view, it is evident that the fifth article neither enlarges +nor abridges the stipulations of the third and fourth. The effect of +the treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted +altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by +the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be +added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is +completely useless, as well as her previous abandonment of the same +duty, and, in short, the whole article. Each party, then, remains free +to raise or lower its tonnage, provided the change operates on all +nations, even the most favored. + +Without undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture that this +article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an +overcaution to guard, _nommément, by name_, against a particular +aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured +against; and that has happened which generally happens--doubts have been +produced by the too great number of words used to prevent doubt. + +II. The Court of France, however, understands this article as intended +to introduce something to which the preceding articles had not reached, +and not merely as an application of them to a particular case. Their +opinion seems to be founded on the general rule in the construction of +instruments, to leave no words merely useless for which any rational +meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States +of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 sols, reserved +by France, would have been completely useless if they were left free +by the preceding articles to lay a tonnage to any extent whatever; +consequently, that the reservation of a part proves a relinquishment +of the residue. + +If some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member +of the article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the +corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right +to lay an equivalent duty implies a relinquishment of their right to +lay any other, the reservation by France of a right to continue the +specified duty to which it is an equivalent must imply a relinquishment +of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent +reservations by both must imply equivalent restrictions on both. +The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which +pervades every part of the treaty, insures a counter right to each +party for every right ceded to the other. + +Let it be further considered that the duty called _tonnage_ in the +United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of +buoys, beacons, and light-houses, to guide the mariner into harbor and +along the coast, which are provided and supported at the expense of the +United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gangers, etc., who +are paid by the United States, for which articles, among many others +(light-house money excepted), duties are paid by us in the ports of +France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought +these duties consistent with the treaty, and consequently the same +duties under a general instead of specific names, with us, must be +equally consistent with it. It is not the name, but the thing, which is +essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they +must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new +or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received +from their vessels since the date of the act of Congress, they should +refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the +date of the treaty, for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of +the treaty. + +If this construction be adopted, then each party has forever renounced +the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from +any foreign port, or more than 100 sols on those coming coastwise. Could +this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone, +the United States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much +greater number of American than of French vessels are employed in the +commerce between the two countries; but the exemption once conceded by +the one nation to the other becomes immediately the property of all +others who are on the footing of the most favored nations. It is true +that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that +is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether we should gain or +lose in the exchange of the measure with them is not easy to say. + +Another consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the +most favored nations paying no duties will be on a better footing than +those of natives which pay a moderate duty; consequently either the duty +on these also must be given up or they will be supplanted by foreign +vessels in our own ports. + +The resource, then, of duty on vessels for the purposes either of +revenue or regulation will be forever lost to both. It is hardly +conceivable that either party looking forward to all these consequences +would see their interest in them. + +III. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what is to +be done? The claim, indeed, is couched in mild and friendly terms; +but the idea leaks out that a refusal would authorize them to modify +proportionally the favors granted by the same article to our navigation. +Perhaps they may do what we should feel much more severely, they may +turn their eyes to the favors granted us by their arrets of December 29, +1787, and December 7, 1788, which hang on their will alone, unconnected +with the treaty. Those arrets, among other advantages, admit our whale +oils to the exclusion of that of all other foreigners. And this monopoly +procures a vent for seven-twelfths of the produce of that fishery, which +experience has taught us could find no other market. Near two-thirds of +the produce of our cod fisheries, too, have lately found a free vent in +the colonies of France. This, indeed, has been an irregularity growing +out of the anarchy reigning in those colonies. Yet the demands of the +colonists, even of the Government party among them (if an auxiliary +disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and distinction +on our part), may perhaps produce a constitutional concession to them +to procure their provisions at the cheapest market; that is to say, +at ours. + +Considering the value of the interests we have at stake and +considering the smallness of difference between foreign and native +tonnage on French vessels alone, it might perhaps be thought advisable +to make the sacrifice asked, and especially if it can be so done as +to give no title to other the most favored nations to claim it. If the +act should put French vessels on the footing of those of natives, and +declare it to be in consideration of the favors granted us by the arrets +of December 29, 1787, and December 7, 1788 (and perhaps this would +satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same favor without +offering an equivalent compensation. It might strengthen, too, the +tenure by which those arrets are held, which must be precarious so +long as they are gratuitous. + +It is desirable in many instances to exchange mutual advantages by +legislative acts rather than by treaty, because the former, though +understood to be in consideration of each other, and therefore greatly +respected, yet when they become too inconvenient can be dropped at +the will of either party; whereas stipulations by treaty are forever +irrevocable but by joint consent, let a change of circumstances render +them ever so burdensome. + +On the whole, if it be the opinion that the first construction is to be +insisted on as ours, in opposition to the second urged by the Court of +France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be +given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as +friendly terms as possible the difficulties opposed to the exemption +they claim. + +2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to close with +France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption +from tonnage, a repeal of so much of the tonnage law will be the answer. + +3. If it be thought better to waive rigorous and nice discussions of +right and to make the modification an act of friendship and of +compensation for favors received, the passage of such a bill will then +be the answer. + +TH. JEFFERSON. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. + +SIR: During the long stay you made in France you had opportunities of +being satisfied of the favorable dispositions of His Majesty to render +permanent the ties that united the two nations and to give stability to +the treaties of alliance and of commerce which form the basis of this +union. These treaties were so well maintained by the Congress formed +under the ancient Confederation that they thought it their duty to +interpose their authority whenever any laws made by individual States +appeared to infringe their stipulations, and particularly in 1785, +when the States of New Hampshire and of Massachusetts had imposed an +extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without exempting those of the +French nation. The reflections that I have the honor to address to you +in the subjoined note being founded on the same principles, I flatter +myself that they will merit on the part of the Government of the United +States the most serious attention. + +I am, with respect, etc., + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. + +NOTE.--The underwritten, chargé d'affaires of France, has received the +express order of his Court to represent to the United States that the +act passed by Congress the 20th July, 1789, and renewed the 20th July +of the present year, which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign +vessels without excepting French vessels, is directly contrary to the +spirit and to the object of the treaty of commerce which unites the two +nations, and of which His Majesty has not only scrupulously observed the +tenor, but of which he has extended the advantages by many regulations +very favorable to the commerce and navigation of the United States. + +By the fifth article of this treaty the citizens of these States are +declared exempt from the tonnage duty imposed in France on foreign +vessels, and they are not subject to that duty but in the coasting +business. Congress has reserved the privilege of establishing _a duty +equivalent to this last_, a stipulation founded on the state in which +matters were in America at the time of the signature of the treaty. +There did not exist at that epoch any duty on tonnage in the United +States. + +It is evident that it was the nonexistence of this duty and the motive +of a perfect reciprocity stipulated in the preamble of the treaty that +had determined the King to grant the exemption contained in the article +fifth; and a proof that Congress had no intention to contravene this +reciprocity is that _it only reserves a privilege of establishing on the +coasting business a duty equivalent to that which is levied in France_. +This reservation would have been completely useless if by the words of +the treaty Congress thought themselves at liberty to lay _any_ tonnage +they should think proper on French vessels. + +The undersigned has the honor to observe that this contravention of +the fifth article of the treaty of commerce might have authorized +His Majesty to modify proportionately the favors granted by the same +article to the American navigation; but the King, always faithful to +the principles of friendship and attachment to the United States, and +desirous of strengthening more and more the ties which subsist so +happily between the French nation and these States, thinks it +more conformable to these views to order the undersigned to make +representations on this subject, and to ask in favor of French vessels +a modification of the act which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on +foreign vessels. His Majesty does not doubt but that the United States +will acknowledge the justice of this claim, and will be disposed to +restore things to the footing on which they were at the signature of +the treaty of the 6th February, 1778. + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +NEW YORK, _January 8, 1791_. + +His Excellency M. JEFFERSON, + +_Secretary of State_. + +SIR: I have the honor herewith to send you a letter from the King to +Congress, and one which M. de Montmorin has written to yourself. You +will find therein the sincere sentiments with which you have inspired +our Government, and the regret of the minister in not having a more near +relation of correspondence with you. In these every person who has had +the advantage of knowing you in France participates. + +At the same time, it gives me pain, sir, to be obliged to announce to +you that the complaints of our merchants on the subject of the tonnage +duty increase, and that they have excited not only the attention of the +King but that of several departments of the Kingdom. I have received new +orders to request of the United States a decision on this matter and +to solicit in favor of the aggrieved merchants the restitution of the +duties which have already been paid. I earnestly beg of you, sir, not to +lose sight of an object which, as I have already had the honor to tell +you verbally, is of the greatest importance for cementing the future +commercial connections between the two nations. + +In more particularly examining this question you will perhaps find that +motives of convenience are as powerful as those of justice to engage the +United States to give to His Majesty the satisfaction which he requires. +At least twice as many American vessels enter the ports of France as do +those of France the ports of America. The exemption of the tonnage of +duty, then, is evidently less advantageous for the French than for the +navigators of the United States. Be this as it may, I can assure you, +sir, that the delay of a decision in this respect by augmenting the just +complaints of the French merchants will only augment the difficulties. + +I therefore beg of you to enable me before the sailing of the packet, +which will take place toward the last of this month, to give to my Court +a satisfactory answer. + +I have the honor to be, etc., + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement relative to the frontiers of the United +States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary for the +Department of War. + +I rely upon your wisdom to make such arrangements as may be essential +for the preservation of good order and the effectual protection of the +frontiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest +me by their act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and +permanent seat of Government of the United States," and on mature +consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several +positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have by +a proclamation bearing date this day (a copy of which is herewith +transmitted) directed commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, +to survey and limit a part of the territory of 10 miles square on both +sides of the river Potomac, so as to comprehend Georgetown, in Maryland, +and extend to the Eastern Branch. + +I have not by this first act given to the said territory the whole +extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of the river, because +I thought it important that Congress should have an opportunity of +considering whether by an amendatory law they would authorize the +location of the residue at the lower end of the present, so as to +comprehend the Eastern Branch itself and some of the country on its +lower side, in the State of Maryland, and the town of Alexandria, in +Virginia. If, however, they are of opinion that the Federal territory +should be bounded by the water edge of the Eastern Branch, the location +of the residue will be to be made at the upper end of what is now +directed. + +I have thought best to await a survey of the territory before it is +decided on what particular spot on the northeastern side of the river +the public buildings shall be erected. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter from the President of the +National Assembly of France to the President of the United States, +and of a decree of that Assembly, which was transmitted with the +above-mentioned letter. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In order that you may be fully informed of the situation of the +frontiers and the prospect of hostility in that quarter, I lay before +you the intelligence of some recent depredations, received since my +message to you upon this subject of the 24th instant. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from the governor of Vermont authentic documents, +expressing the consent of the legislatures of New York and of the +Territory of Vermont that the said Territory shall be admitted to be a +distinct member of our Union; and a memorial of Nathaniel Chipman and +Lewis R. Morris, commissioners from the said Territory, praying the +consent of Congress to that admission, by the name and style of the +State of Vermont, copies of which I now lay before Congress, with +whom the Constitution has vested the object of these proceedings. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +Soon after I was called to the administration of the Government I found +it important to come to an understanding with the Court of London on +several points interesting to the United States, and particularly to +know whether they were disposed to enter into arrangements by mutual +consent which might fix the commerce between the two nations on +principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorized +informal conferences with their ministers, and from these I do not infer +any disposition on their part to enter into any arrangements merely +commercial. I have thought it proper to give you this information, as it +might at some time have influence on matters under your consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Conceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of justice on the +part of Great Britain we should stand less committed should it be made +to a private rather than to a public person, I employed Mr. Gouverneur +Morris, who was on the spot, and without giving him any definite +character, to enter informally into the conferences before mentioned. +For your more particular information I lay before you the instructions +I gave him and those parts of his communications wherein the British +ministers appear either in conversation or by letter. These are two +letters from the Duke of Leeds to Mr. Morris, and three letters of Mr. +Morris giving an account of two conferences with the Duke of Leeds and +one with him and Mr. Pitt. The sum of these is that they declare without +scruple they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the treaty of peace +to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to understand the +delivery of the posts and payment for property carried off) till +performance on our part, and compensation where the delay has rendered +the performance now impracticable; that on the subject of a treaty of +commerce they avoided direct answers, so as to satisfy Mr. Morris they +did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to a treaty +of alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in the event of a rupture +with Spain. + +As to the sending a minister here, they made excuses at the first +conference, seemed disposed to it in the second, and in the last express +an intention of so doing. + +Their views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have directed +Mr. Morris to discontinue his communications with them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The aspect of affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially +between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favorable occasion +for pressing to accommodation the unsettled matters between them and us. +Mr. Carmichael, our charge d'affaires at Madrid, having been long absent +from his country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances +and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send +some person, in a private character, fully acquainted with the present +state of things here, to be the bearer of written and confidential +instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and +frequent conversations of all those details of facts and topics of +argument which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be +necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that Court with +advantage. Colonel David Humphreys was therefore sent for these +purposes. + +An additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same +quarter. The Court of Lisbon had on several occasions made the most +amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with +the United States. The exchange of a diplomatic character had been +informally, but repeatedly, suggested on their part. It was our interest +to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions and to concur in the +exchange proposed. But my wish was at the same time that the character +to be exchanged should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To +this it was known that certain rules of long standing at that Court +would produce obstacles. Colonel Humphreys was charged with dispatches +to the prime minister of Portugal and with instructions to endeavor to +arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that previous to his +arrival at Lisbon the Queen had appointed a minister _resident_ to the +United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty +completely insurmountable. The minister of that Court in his conferences +with Colonel Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet +expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur +in the grade of chargé d'affaires, a grade of little privilege or +respectability by the rules of their Court and held in so low estimation +with them that no proper character would accept it to go abroad. In a +letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same sentiments, and +announces the appointment on their part of a minister _resident_ to +the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive +one from us at her Court. A copy of his letter, and also of Colonel +Humphreys's giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered +to you. + +On consideration of all circumstances I have determined to accede to +the desire of the Court of Lisbon in the article of grade. I am aware +that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the +only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be +necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil than +to disgust a government so friendly and so interesting to us as that +of Portugal. + +I do not mean that the change of grade shall render the mission more +expensive. + +I have therefore nominated David Humphreys minister resident from the +United States to Her Most Faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 22, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in +captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice of +the 1st instant, so soon as the moneys necessary shall be appropriated +by the Legislature and shall be in readiness. + +The recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco requires +also previous appropriation and provision. The importance of this last +to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on +your earliest attention. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 23, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed +vice-consul of the United States at Cowes, in Great Britain, that his +commission has not been recognized by that Government because it is a +port at which no foreign consul has yet been received, and that it has +been intimated to him that his appointment to the port of Poole and +parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other consul of the +United States would be recognized and his residence at Cowes not +noticed, I have therefore thought it expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo +to be vice-consul for the United States at the port of Poole, in Great +Britain, and such parts within the allegiance of His Britannic Majesty +as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other consul or +vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. + +I also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be consul for the United +States in the island of Santa Cruz and such other parts within the +allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the +residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within +the same allegiance. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having +fixed on this as the day of its admission, it was thought that this +would also be the first day on which any officer of the Union might +legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore +required your attendance to receive nominations of the several officers +necessary to put the Federal Government into motion in that State.[1] + +For this purpose I nominate Nathaniel Chipman to be judge of the +district of Vermont; Stephen Jacobs to be attorney for the United +States in the district of Vermont; Lewis R. Morris to be marshal of +the district of Vermont, and Stephen Keyes to be collector of the port +of Allburgh, in the State of Vermont. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the act entitled "An act +repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid +upon distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their +stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for +appropriating the same," I have thought fit to divide the United States +into the following districts, namely: + +The district of New Hampshire, to consist of the State of New Hampshire; +the district of Massachusetts, to consist of the State of Massachusetts; +the district of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to consist of +the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; the district of +Connecticut, to consist of the State of Connecticut; the district of +Vermont, to consist of the State of Vermont; the district of New York, +to consist of the State of New York; the district of New Jersey, to +consist of the State of New Jersey; the district of Pennsylvania, to +consist of the State of Pennsylvania; the district of Delaware, to +consist of the State of Delaware; the district of Maryland, to consist +of the State of Maryland; the district of Virginia, to consist of the +State of Virginia; the district of North Carolina, to consist of the +State of North Carolina; the district of South Carolina, to consist of +the State of South Carolina; and the district of Georgia, to consist +of the State of Georgia. + +And I hereby nominate as supervisors of the said districts, +respectively, the following persons, viz: + +For the district of New Hampshire, Joshua Wentworth; for the district of +Massachusetts, Nathaniel Gorham; for the district of Rhode Island and +Providence Plantations, John S. Dexter; for the district of Connecticut, +John Chester; for the district of Vermont, Noah Smith; for the district +of New York, William S. Smith; for the district of New Jersey, Aaron +Dunham; for the district of Pennsylvania, George Clymer; for the +district of Delaware, Henry Latimer; for the district of Maryland, +George Gale; for the district of Virginia, Edward Carrington; for the +district of North Carolina, William Polk; for the district of South +Carolina, Daniel Stevens; for the district of Georgia, John Mathews. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +[Footnote 1: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session +see p. 587.] + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas the general assembly of the State of Maryland, by an act passed +on the 23d day of December, A.D. 1788, intituled "An act to cede to +Congress a district of 10 miles square in this State for the seat of the +Government of the United States," did enact that the Representatives of +the said State in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the +United States, appointed to assemble at New York on the first Wednesday +of March then next ensuing, should be, and they were thereby, authorized +and required on the behalf of the said State to cede to the Congress of +the United States any district in the said State not exceeding 10 miles +square which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of +Government of the United States; + +And the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an act +passed on the 3d day of December, 1789, and intituled "An act for the +cession of 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, of territory within +this State to the United States in Congress assembled, for the permanent +seat of the General Government," did enact that a tract of country not +exceeding 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within +the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as Congress might +by law direct, should be, and the same was thereby, forever ceded and +relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in +full and absolute right and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as +of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and +effect of the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution +of Government of the United States; + +And the Congress of the United States, by their act passed the 16th day +of July, 1790, and intituled "An act for establishing the temporary and +permanent seat of the Government of the United States," authorized the +President of the United States to appoint three commissioners to survey +under his direction and by proper metes and bounds to limit a district +of territory, not exceeding 10 miles square, on the river Potomac, at +some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Connogocheque, +which district, so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said +act of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the Government +of the United States: + +Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, and after +duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the +several situations within the limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and +make known that the location of one part of the said district of 10 +miles square shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the +following manner, that is to say: Running from the court-house of +Alexandria, in Virginia, due southwest half a mile, and thence a due +southeast course till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix the +beginning of the said four lines of experiment. + +Then beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment at the +point on Hunting Creek where the said southeast course shall have struck +the same, and running the said first line due northwest 10 miles; thence +the second line into Maryland due northeast 10 miles; thence the third +line due southeast 10 miles, and thence the fourth line due southwest +10 miles to the beginning on Hunting Creek. + +And the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do hereby +declare and make known that all that part within the said four lines +of experiment which shall be within the State of Maryland and above +the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the same four lines of +experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia and above +a line to be run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the +mouth of the Eastern Branch due southwest, and no more, is now fixed +upon and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited, and located for a +part of the said district accepted by the said act of Congress for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States (hereby expressly +reserving the direction of the survey and location of the remaining part +of the said district to be made hereafter contiguous to such part or +parts of the present location as is or shall be agreeable to law). + +And I do accordingly direct the said commissioners, appointed agreeably +to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith to run the said lines +of experiment, and the same being run, to survey and by proper metes +and bounds to define and limit the part within the same which is +hereinbefore directed for immediate location and acceptance, and +thereof to make due report to me under their hands and seals. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to +be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of January, A.D. 1791, +and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + TH: JEFFERSON. + + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it hath been represented to me that James O'Fallon is levying +an armed force in that part of the State of Virginia which is called +Kentucky, disturbs the public peace, and sets at defiance the treaties +of the United States with the Indian tribes, the act of Congress +intituled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian +tribes," and my proclamations of the 14th and 26th days of August +last founded thereon; and it is my earnest desire that those who have +incautiously associated themselves with the said James O'Fallon may be +warned of their danger, I have therefore thought fit to publish this +proclamation, hereby declaring that all persons violating the treaties +and act aforesaid shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. + +And I do, moreover, require all officers of the United States whom it +may concern to use their best exertions to bring to justice any persons +offending in the premises. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 19th day of March, A.D. 1791, +and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + TH: JEFFERSON. + + + +[From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings), vol. 20, p. 191.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a proclamation bearing date the 24th day of January of this +present year, and in pursuance of certain acts of the States of Maryland +and Virginia and of the Congress of the United States, therein +mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run in the +neighborhood of Georgetown, in Maryland, for the purpose of determining +the location of a part of the territory of 10 miles square for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States, and a certain +part was directed to be located within the said lines of experiment on +both sides of the Potomac and above the limit of the Eastern Branch +prescribed by the said act of Congress; + +And Congress by an amendatory act passed on the 3d day of the present +month of March have given further authority to the President of the +United States "to make any part of the territory below the said limit +and above the mouth of Hunting Creek a part of the said district, so as +to include a convenient part of the Eastern Branch and of the lands +lying on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alexandria": + +Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing the location +of the whole of the said territory of 10 miles square in conformity with +the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby declare and make known +that the whole of the said territory shall be located and included +within the four lines following, that is to say: + +Beginning at Jones's Point, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, in +Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of 45 degrees west of the north, +and running in a direct line 10 miles for the first line; then beginning +again at the same Jones's Point and running another direct line at a +right angle with the first across the Potomac 10 miles for the second +line; then from the termination of the said first and second lines +running two other direct lines of 10 miles each, the one crossing the +Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting each +other in a point. + +And I do accordingly direct the commissioners named under the authority +of the said first-mentioned act of Congress to proceed forthwith to have +the said four lines run, and by proper metes and bounds defined and +limited, and thereof to make due report under their hands and seals; and +the territory so to be located, defined, and limited shall be the whole +territory accepted by the said acts of Congress as the district for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at Georgetown aforesaid, the 30th day of March, A.D. 1791, and of +the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _October 25, 1791_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are +naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of +our common country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors +of the session which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a +spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to +the stability and increase of national prosperity. + +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again +rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape +recollection. + +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied +you of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, +and navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with +particular pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, +public as well as private, to which the Constitution and laws of the +United States have so eminently contributed; and you will have observed +with no less interest new and decisive proofs of the increasing +reputation and credit of the nation. But you nevertheless can not fail +to derive satisfaction from the confirmation of these circumstances +which will be disclosed in the several official communications that +will be made to you in the course of your deliberations. + +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which +completed the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among +the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only +of confidence in the Government, but of resource in the community. + +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the +execution of the different objects which were specially provided for +by the laws and resolutions of the last session. + +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +Western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was +a primary wish. + +Accordingly, at the same time that treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to +confirm in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, +effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile +description sensible that a pacification was desired upon terms of +moderation and justice. + +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to +convince the refractory of the power of the United States to punish +their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, +to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates +of humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success and +others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been completed were +carried on under the authority and at the expense of the United States +by the militia of Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good +conduct are entitled to peculiar commendation. + +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately +renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, +and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United +States. + +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may +cease and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to +advance the happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to +the United States. + +In order to this it seems necessary-- + +That they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation +of justice. + +That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent +and war, should be so defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and +as far as may be practicable controversy concerning the reality and +extent of the alienations which are made. + +That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending +to secure an equitable deportment toward them, and that such rational +experiments should be made for imparting to them the blessings of +civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. + +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. + +And that efficacious provision should be made for inflicting adequate +penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights, shall infringe +the treaties and endanger the peace of the Union. + +A system corresponding with the mild principles of religion and +philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose happiness +materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as +honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. + +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits; which respect the subdivisions of the districts +into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of +compensations, have likewise been carried into effect. In a matter +in which both materials and experience were wanting to guide the +calculation it will be readily conceived that there must have been +difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would +conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to the limits +prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the circumspection which has +been used will be found in the result to have secured the last of the +two objects; but it is probable that with a view to the first in some +instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable. + +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community +have been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened +and well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the +measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the +United States and a misconception of some of its provisions have given +occasion in particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is +satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations +and more just apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I +entertain a full confidence that it will in all give way to motives +which arise out of a just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the +public welfare. + +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with +its main design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned +objections that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise +moderation to make the proper variations. It is desirable on all +occasions to unite with a steady and firm adherence to constitutional +and necessary acts of Government the fullest evidence of a disposition +as far as may be practicable to consult the wishes of every part of the +community and to lay the foundations of the public administration in +the affections of the people. + +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, +a district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government +of the United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which +district will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and +the towns of Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out +agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there +is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which have already taken +place, of ample funds for carrying on the necessary public buildings, +there is every expectation of their due progress. + +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with +this duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing +assurance that the present population of the United States borders on +4,000,000 persons. + +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those +of the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. +Another, on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot +under circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees +and Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your +consideration and ratification. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily +incident to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive +country have been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious +exertions of your predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of +the Legislature. The important objects which remain to be accomplished +will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive +and equally well calculated for the advancement of the general weal. + +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by +the act making provision for the debt of the United States having +expired, statements from the proper department will as soon as possible +apprise you of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to +afford an assurance that the views of that act have been substantially +fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States +has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at +the same time proof of the general satisfaction of the public creditors +with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance and of the +spirit of accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which +they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the respective +States as far as the provisions of the law have permitted may be said to +be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States which +remains unsubscribed will naturally engage your further deliberations. + +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. + +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained +demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, +and such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public +business, for which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; +of all which a proper estimate will be laid before you. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them +to your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the +most arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to +resume them with advantage. + +There are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post-office and +post-roads, the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale +of the vacant lands of the United States. + +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community +or to the preservation of order. In connection with this the +establishment of competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification +of such places as are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally +present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States +under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of systematic and +solid arrangements, exposed as little as possible to the hazards of +fortuitous circumstances. + +The importance of the post-office and post-roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, +which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves +also to guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and +misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts, especially +to some of the important points in the Western and Northern parts of +the Union, can not fail to be of material utility. + +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity +of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer +classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the +resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. +Measures have been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some +of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. + +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no +less honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public +convenience. + +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; +that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of +burthening our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the +principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a +limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the +public of its right. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Senate of the United States have received with the highest +satisfaction the assurances of public prosperity contained in your +speech to both Houses. The multiplied blessings of Providence have not +escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. + +The benefits which flow from the restoration of public and private +confidence are conspicuous and important, and the pleasure with which +we contemplate them is heightened by your assurance of those further +communications which shall confirm their existence and indicate their +source. + +While we rejoice in the success of those military operations which have +been directed against the hostile Indians, we lament with you the +necessity that has produced them, and we participate the hope that the +present prospect of a general peace on terms of moderation and justice +may be wrought into complete and permanent effect, and that the measures +of Government may equally embrace the security of our frontiers and +the general interests of humanity, our solicitude to obtain which will +insure our zealous attention to an object so warmly espoused by the +principles of benevolence and so highly interesting to the honor and +welfare of the nation. + +The several subjects which you have particularly recommended and those +which remain of former sessions will engage our early consideration. +We are encouraged to prosecute them with alacrity and steadiness by +the belief that they will interest no passion but that for the general +welfare, by the assurance of concert, and by a view of those arduous +and important arrangements which have been already accomplished. + +We observe, sir, the constancy and activity of your zeal for the public +good. The example will animate our efforts to promote the happiness of +our country. + +OCTOBER 28, 1791. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the +happiness of our country derives its full value from the share which +your deliberations have already had in promoting both. + +I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I +have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the +United States, and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will +continue to second those further efforts for the public good which are +insured by the spirit in which you are entering on the present session. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +OCTOBER 31, 1791. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: In receiving your address at the opening of the present session +the House of Representatives have taken an ample share in the feelings +inspired by the actual prosperity and flattering prospects of our +country, and whilst with becoming gratitude to Heaven we ascribe this +happiness to the true source from which it flows, we behold with an +animating pleasure the degree in which the Constitution and laws of +the United States have been instrumental in dispensing it. + +It yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success with which the +different important measures of the Government have proceeded, as well +those specially provided for at the last session as those of preceding +date. The safety of our Western frontier, in which the lives and repose +of so many of our fellow-citizens are involved, being peculiarly +interesting, your communications on that subject are proportionally +grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct of the militia, whose +services were called for, is an honorable confirmation of the efficacy +of that precious resource of a free state, and we anxiously wish that +the consequences of their successful enterprises and of the other +proceedings to which you have referred may leave the United States free +to pursue the most benevolent policy toward the unhappy and deluded race +of people in our neighborhood. + +The amount of the population of the United States, determined +by the returns of the census, is a source of the most pleasing +reflections whether it be viewed in relation to our national safety +and respectability or as a proof of that felicity in the situation of +our country which favors so unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor +ought any to be insensible to the additional motive suggested by this +important fact to perpetuate the free Government established, with a +wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth which promises such +an increase of the number which is to enjoy those blessings within the +limits of the United States. + +We shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic +recommendations and with a deep sense of the trust committed to us by +our fellow-citizens to take into consideration the various and important +matters falling within the present session; and in discussing and +deciding each we shall feel every disposition whilst we are pursuing +the public welfare, which must be the supreme object with all our +constituents, to accommodate as far as possible the means of attaining +it to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them. + +OCTOBER 27, 1791. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to +the objects I have recommended to you is doubled by your concurrence in +the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public +affairs. + +Relying on the sanctions of your enlightened judgment and on your +patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavors for +the public weal, and particularly in those which may be required on my +part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present +deliberations. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +OCTOBER 28, 1791. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you copies of the following acts, which have been +transmitted to me during the recess of Congress, viz: + +An act passed by the legislature of New Hampshire for ceding to the +United States the fort and light-house belonging to the said State. + +An act of the legislature of Pennsylvania ratifying on behalf of said +State the first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United +States as proposed by Congress; and + +An act of the legislature of North Carolina granting the use of the +jails within that State to the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you for your +consideration all the papers relative to the late negotiations with +the Cherokee Indians, and the treaty concluded with that tribe on the +2d day of July last by the superintendent of the southern district, +and I request your advice whether I shall ratify the same. + +I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering and his +conferences with the Six Nations of Indians. These conferences were for +the purpose of conciliation, and at a critical period, to withdraw those +Indians to a greater distance from the theater of war, in order to +prevent their being involved therein. + +It might not have been necessary to have requested your opinion on +this business had not the commissioner, with good intentions, but +incautiously, made certain ratifications of lands unauthorized by +his instructions and unsupported by the Constitution. + +It therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction explicitly in a +letter written by my orders to the governor of New York on the 17th of +August last. + +The speeches to the Complanter and other Seneca chiefs, the instructions +to Colonel Proctor, and his report, and other messages and directions +are laid before you for your information and as evidences that all +proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coercion. + +The letters to the chief of the Creeks are also laid before you, to +evince that the requisite steps have been taken to produce a full +compliance with the treaty made with that nation on the 7th of +August, 1790. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents which I have +received from the governor of Pennsylvania, respecting certain persons +who are said to have fled from justice out of the State of Pennsylvania +into that of Virginia, together with a report of the Attorney-General of +the United States upon the same subject. + +I have received from the governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of +the general assembly of that State, authorizing him to convey to the +United States the right and jurisdiction of the said State over 1 acre +of land in Occacock Island and 10 acres on the Cape Island, within the +said State, for the purpose of erecting light-houses thereon, together +with the deed of the governor in pursuance thereof and the original +conveyances made to the State by the individual proprietors, which +original conveyances contain conditions that the light-house on Occacock +shall be built before the 1st day of January, 1801, and that on the Cape +Island before the 8th day of October, 1800. And I have caused these +several papers to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + +A statement of the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of +the United States which have been received will at this time be laid +before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you, for your +information, the reports of Brigadier-General Scott and +Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the +two expeditions against the Wabash Indians in the months of June and +August last, together with the instructions by virtue of which the said +expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be +terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 31, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant +to the act entitled "An act repealing after the last day of June next +the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad +and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within +the United States, and for appropriating the same," in respect to the +subdivision of the several districts created by the said act into +surveys of inspection, the appointment of officers for the same, and +the assignment of compensations. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 1, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I received yesterday from the judge of the district of South Carolina a +letter, inclosing the presentments of the grand jury to him, and stating +the causes which have prevented the return of the census from that +district, copies of which are now laid before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 10, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The resolution passed at the last session of Congress, requesting the +President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before +Congress at their next session of the quantity and situation of the +lands not claimed by the Indians nor granted to nor claimed by any of +the citizens of the United States within the territory ceded to the +United States by the State of North Carolina and within the territory of +the United States northwest of the river Ohio, has been referred to the +Secretary of State, a copy of whose report on that subject I now lay +before you, together with the copy of a letter accompanying it. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 11, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have received from the governor of Virginia a resolution of the +general assembly of that Commonwealth, ratifying the first article of +the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United +States, a copy of which and of the letter accompanying it I now lay +before you. + +Sundry papers relating to the purchase by Judge Symmes of the lands on +the Great Miami having been communicated to me, I have thought it proper +to lay the same before you for your information on that subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 12, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is with great concern that I communicate to you the information +received from Major-General St. Clair of the misfortune which has +befallen the troops under his command. + +Although the national loss is considerable according to the scale of the +event, yet it may be repaired without great difficulty, excepting as to +the brave men who have fallen on the occasion, and who are a subject of +public as well as private regret. + +A further communication will shortly be made of all such matters as +shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to judge of the future +measures which it may be proper to pursue. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 13, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I place before you the plan of a city that has been laid out within the +district of 10 miles square, which was fixed upon for the permanent seat +of the Government of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 20, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the +governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry documents +which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a +certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie, together with a copy of +a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of the ratification by the Commonwealth of +Virginia of the articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the +Constitution of the United States, and a copy of a letter which +accompanied said ratification from the governor of Virginia. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the following report, which has been made to me by the +Secretary of State: + + +DECEMBER 22, 1791. + + The Secretary of State reports to the President of the United States + that one of the commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately + communicated to him verbally, by order of his Court, that His Catholic + Majesty, apprised of our solicitude to have some arrangements made + respecting our free navigation of the river Mississippi and the use + of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid. + + The Secretary of State is of opinion that this overture should be + attended to without delay, and that the proposal of treating at Madrid, + though not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted, and a + commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose. + + That Mr. Carmichael, the present chargé d'affaires of the United States + at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with + persons and circumstances, would be an useful and proper member of the + commission, but that it would be useful also to join with him some + person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the + navigation to be treated of. + + That the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of + intercourse between the United States and foreign nations will + insufficiently furnish the ordinary and regular demands on it, and is + consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional commissioner + express from hence. + + That therefore it will be advisable on this account, as well as for + the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the ministers of the + United States in Europe, jointly with Mr. Carmichael, commissioners + plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating and concluding + with any person or persons duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a + convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Mississippi + by the citizens of the United States under such accommodations with + respect to a port and other circumstances as may render the said + navigation practicable, useful, and free from dispute, saving to the + President and Senate their respective rights as to the ratification + of the same, and that the said negotiation be at Madrid, or such + other place in Spain as shall be desired by His Catholic Majesty. + +TH. JEFFERSON. + +In consequence of the communication from the Court of Spain, as stated +in the preceding report, I nominate William Carmichael, present chargé +d'affaires of the United States at Madrid, and William Short, present +chargé d'affaires of the United States at Paris, to be commissioners +plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding with any person or +persons who shall be duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a +convention or treaty concerning the navigation of the river Mississippi +by the citizens of the United States, saving to the President and +Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you, in confidence, two reports, made to me by the +Secretary for the Department of War, relatively to the present state +of affairs on the Western frontiers of the United States. + +In these reports the causes of the present war with the Indians, the +measures taken by the Executive to terminate it amicably, and the +military preparations for the late campaign are stated and explained, +and also a plan suggested of such further measures on the occasion as +appear just and expedient. + +I am persuaded, gentlemen, that you will take this important subject +into your immediate and serious consideration, and that the result of +your deliberations will be the adoption of such wise and efficient +measures as will reflect honor on our national councils and promote +the welfare of our country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act of the +legislature of Vermont, ratifying on behalf of that State the articles +of amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United +States together with a copy of a letter which accompanied said +ratification. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the Cherokee +Nation of Indians now in this city, and I request your advice whether an +additional article shall be made to the Cherokee treaty to the following +effect, to wit: + +That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the Cherokee +Nation of Indians in consideration of the relinquishment of lands as +stated in the treaty made with them on the 2d day of July, 1791, shall +be $1,500 instead of $1,000 mentioned in the said treaty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Having received from the governor of Virginia a letter, inclosing a +resolution of the general assembly of that State and a report of a +committee of the House of Delegates respecting certain lands located by +the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line under the laws of that +State, and since ceded to the Chickasaw Indians, I lay copies of the +same before you, together with a report of the Secretary of State on +this subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 8, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +An article of expense having occurred in the Department of Foreign +Affairs for which no provision has been made by law, I lay before you a +letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same, in order that +you may do thereon what you shall find to be right. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a return of the number of inhabitants in the +district of South Carolina as made to me by the marshal thereof, and a +copy of a letter which accompanied said return. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Knowing the friendly interest you take in whatever may promote the +happiness and prosperity of the French nation, it is with pleasure that +I lay before you the translation of a letter which I have received from +His Most Christian Majesty, announcing to the United States of America +his acceptance of the constitution presented to him by his nation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +_Very Dear Great Friends and Allies_: + +We make it our duty to inform you that we have accepted the constitution +which has been presented to us in the name of the nation, and according +to which France will be henceforth governed. + +We do not doubt that you take an interest in an event so important +to our Kingdom and to us, and it is with real pleasure we take this +occasion to renew to you assurances of the sincere friendship we bear +you. Whereupon we pray God to have you, very dear great friends and +allies, in His just and holy keeping. + +Written at Paris the 19th of September, 1791. + +Your good friend and ally, + +LOUIS. + +MONTMORIN. + +The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 6, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the following report, which has been submitted to me by +the Secretary of State: + + +JANUARY 10, 1792. + +The Secretary of State having received information that the merchants +and merchandise of the United States are subject in Copenhagen and other +ports of Denmark to considerable extra duties, from which they might +probably be relieved by the presence of a consul there-- + +Reports to the President of the United States that it would be expedient +to name a consul to be resident in the port of Copenhagen; that he has +not been able to find that there is any citizen of the United States +residing there; that there is a certain Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish +subject and merchant of that place, of good character, of wealth and +distinction, and well qualified and disposed to act there for the United +States, who would probably accept the commission of consul; but that +that of vice-consul, hitherto given by the President to foreigners in +ports where there was no proper American citizen, would probably not be +accepted because in this, as in some other ports of Europe, usage has +established it as a subordinate grade. + +And that he is therefore of the opinion that the said Hans Rudolph Saaby +should be nominated consul of the United States of America for the port +of Copenhagen and such other places within the allegiance of His Danish +Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of +any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance. + +THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + +With a view to relieve the merchants and merchandise of the United +States from the extra duties to which they are or may be subjected in +the ports of Denmark, I have thought it for the interest of the United +States that a consul be appointed to reside at Copenhagen. I therefore +nominate Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish subject and merchant of +Copenhagen, to be consul for the United States of America at the port +of Copenhagen and for such other places within the allegiance of His +Danish Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence +of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I submit to your consideration the report of the Secretary of State, +which accompanies this, stating the reasons for extending the +negotiation proposed at Madrid to the subject of commerce, and +explaining, under the form of instructions to the commissioners lately +appointed to that Court, the principles on which commercial arrangements +with Spain might, if desired on her part, be acceded to on ours; and +I have to request your decision whether you will advise and consent to +the extension of the powers of the commissioners as proposed, and to +the ratification of a treaty which shall conform to those instructions +should they enter into such a one with that Court. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +MARCH 7, 1792. + + The Secretary of State having understood from communications with the + commissioners of His Catholic Majesty, subsequent to that which he + reported to the President on the 22d of December last, that though they + considered the navigation of the Mississippi as the principal object + of negotiation between the two countries, yet it was expected by their + Court that the conferences would extend to all the matters which were + under negotiation on the former occasion with Mr. Gardoqui, and + particularly to some arrangements of commerce, is of opinion that to + renew the conferences on this subject also, since they desire it, will + be but friendly and respectful, and can lead to nothing without our + own consent, and that to refuse it might obstruct the settlement of + the questions of navigation and boundary; and therefore reports to + the President of the United States the following observations and + instructions to the commissioners of the United States appointed to + negotiate with the Court of Spain a treaty or convention relative to + the navigation of the Mississippi, which observations and instructions + he is of opinion should be laid before the Senate of the United States, + and their decision be desired whether they will advise and consent that + a treaty be entered into by the commissioners of the United States with + Spain conformably thereto. + + After stating to our commissioners the foundation of our rights to + navigate the Mississippi and to hold our southern boundary at the + thirty-first degree of latitude, and that each of these is to be a + sine qua non, it is proposed to add as follows: + + On the former conferences on the navigation of the Mississippi, Spain + chose to blend with it the subject of commerce, and accordingly + specific propositions thereon passed between the negotiators. Her + object then was to obtain our renunciation of the navigation and to + hold out commercial arrangements perhaps as a lure to us. Perhaps, + however, she might then, and may now, really set a value on commercial + arrangements with us, and may receive them as a consideration for + accommodating us in the navigation, or may wish for them to have the + appearance of receiving a consideration. Commercial arrangements, if + acceptable in themselves, will not be the less so if coupled with + those relating to navigation and boundary. We have only to take care + that they be acceptable in themselves. + + There are two principles which may be proposed as the basis of a + commercial treaty: First, that of exchanging the privileges of native + citizens, or, second, those of the most favored nation. + + First. With the nations holding important possessions in America we + are ready to exchange the rights of native citizens, provided they + be extended through the whole possessions of both parties; but the + propositions of Spain made on the former occasion (a copy of which + accompanies this) were that we should give their merchants, vessels, + and productions the privileges of native merchants, vessels, and + productions through the whole of our possessions, and they give the + same to ours only in Spain and the Canaries. This is inadmissible, + because unequal; and as we believe that Spain is not ripe for an + equal exchange on this basis, we avoid proposing it. + + Second. Though treaties which merely exchange the rights of the most + favored nations are not without all inconvenience, yet they have their + conveniences also. It is an important one that they leave each party + free to make what internal regulations they please, and to give what + preferences they find expedient to native merchants, vessels, and + productions; and as we already have treaties on this basis with + France, Holland, Sweden, and Prussia, the two former of which are + perpetual, it will be but small additional embarrassment to extend it + to Spain. On the contrary, we are sensible it is right to place that + nation on the most favored footing, whether we have a treaty with them + or not, and it can do us no harm to secure by treaty a reciprocation + of the right. + + Of the four treaties before mentioned, either the French or the + Prussian might be taken as a model; but it would be useless to + propose the Prussian, because we have already supposed that Spain + would never consent to those articles which give to each party + access to all the dominions of the other; and without this equivalent + we would not agree to tie our own hands so materially in war as would + be done by the twenty-third article, which renounces the right of + fitting out privateers or of capturing merchant vessels. The French + treaty, therefore, is proposed as the model. In this, however, the + following changes are to be made: + + We should be admitted to all the dominions of Spain to which any + other foreign nation is or may be admitted. + + Article 5, being an exemption from a particular duty in France, + will of course be omitted as inapplicable to Spain. + + Article 8 to be omitted as unnecessary with Morocco, and + inefficacious and little honorable with any of the Barbary powers; + but it may furnish occasion to sound Spain on the project of a + convention of the powers at war with the Barbary States to keep + up by rotation a constant cruise of a given force on their coasts + till they shall be compelled to renounce forever and against all + nations their predatory practices. Perhaps the infidelities of the + Algerines to their treaty of peace with Spain, though the latter + does not choose to break openly, may induce her to subsidize _us_ + to cruise against them with a given force. + + Articles 9 and 10, concerning fisheries, to be omitted as + inapplicable. + + Article 11. The first paragraph of this article respecting the + droit d'aubaine to be omitted, that law being supposed peculiar + to France. + + Article 17, giving asylum in the ports of either to the armed vessels + of the other with the prizes taken from the enemies of that other, + must be qualified as it is in the nineteenth article of the Prussian + treaty, as the stipulation in the latter part of the article that + "no shelter or refuge shall be given in the ports of the one to such + as shall have made prize on the subjects of the other of the parties" + would forbid us, in case of a war between France and Spain, to give + shelter in our ports to prizes made by the latter on the former, + while the first part of the article would oblige us to shelter those + made by the former on the latter--a very dangerous covenant, and which + ought never to be repeated in any other instance. + + Article 29. Consuls should be received at all the ports at which the + vessels of either party may be received. + + Article 30, concerning free ports in Europe and America, free ports in + the Spanish possessions in America, and particularly at The Havannah, + are more to be desired than expected. It can therefore only be + recommended to the best endeavors of the commissioners to obtain them. + It will be something to obtain for our vessels, flour, etc., admission + to those ports during their pleasure. In like manner, if they could be + prevailed on to reestablish our right of cutting logwood in the Bay of + Campeachy on the footing on which it stood before the treaty of 1763, + it would be desirable and not endanger to us any contest with the + English, who by the revolution treaty are restrained to the + southeastern parts of Yucatan. + + Article 31. The _act_ of ratification on our part may require a + twelvemonth from the date of the treaty, as the Senate meets regularly + but once a year; and to return it to Madrid for _exchange_ may require + four months more. + + The treaty must not exceed ---- years' duration, except the clauses + relating to boundary and the navigation of the Mississippi, which must + be perpetual and final. Indeed, these two subjects had better be in a + separate instrument. + + There might have been mentioned a third species of arrangement--that + of making special agreements on every special subject of commerce, + and of settling a tariff of duty to be paid on each side on every + particular article; but this would require in our commissioners a + very minute knowledge of our commerce, as it is impossible to foresee + every proposition of this kind which might be brought into discussion + and to prepare them for it by information and instruction from hence. + Our commerce, too, is as yet rather in a course of experiment, and + the channels in which it will ultimately flow are not sufficiently + known to enable us to provide for it by special agreement; nor + have the exigencies of our new Government as yet so far developed + themselves as that we can know to what degree we may or must have + recourse to commerce for the purposes of revenue. No common + consideration, therefore, ought to induce us as yet to arrangements + of this kind. Perhaps nothing should do it with any nation short + of the privileges of natives in all their possessions, foreign and + domestic. + + It were to be wished, indeed, that some positively favorable + stipulations respecting our grain, flour, and fish could be obtained, + even on our giving reciprocal advantages to some of the commodities + of Spain, say her wines and brandies; but, + + First. If we quit the ground of the _most favored nation_ as to + certain articles for our convenience, Spain may insist on doing + the same for other articles for her convenience, and thus our + commissioners will get themselves on the ground of _a treaty of + detail_, for which they will not be prepared. + + Second. If we grant favor to the wines and brandies of Spain, then + Portugal and France will demand the same; and in order to create an + equivalent Portugal may lay a duty on our fish and grain, and France + a prohibition on our whale oils, the removal of which will be proposed + as an equivalent. + + Thus much, however, as to grain and flour may be attempted. There has + not long since been a considerable duty laid on them in Spain. This + was while a treaty on the subject of commerce was pending between us + and Spain, as that Court considers the matter. It is not generally + thought right to change the state of things pending a treaty + concerning them. On this consideration and on the motive of + cultivating our friendship, perhaps the commissioners may induce them + to restore this commodity to the footing on which it was on opening + the conferences with Mr. Gardoqui, on the 26th day of July, 1785. If + Spain says, "Do the same by your tonnage on our vessels," the answer + may be that "Our foreign tonnage affects Spain very little and other + nations very much; whereas the duty on flour in Spain affects us very + much and other nations very little; consequently there would be no + equality in reciprocal relinquishment, as there had been none in the + reciprocal innovation; and Spain, by insisting on this, would in fact + only be aiding the interests of her rival nations, to whom we should + be forced to extend the same indulgence." At the time of opening the + conferences, too, we had as yet not erected any system, our Government + itself being not yet erected. Innovation then was unavoidable on our + part, if it be innovation to establish a system. We did it on fair and + general ground, on ground favorable to Spain; but they had a system, + and therefore innovation was avoidable on their part. + + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +ARTICLES PROPOSED BY DON DIEGO GARDOQUI TO BE INSERTED IN THE TREATY +WITH THE UNITED STATES. + +First. That all commercial regulations affecting each other shall be +founded in perfect reciprocity. Spanish merchants shall enjoy all the +commercial privileges of native merchants in the United States, and +American merchants shall enjoy all the commercial privileges of native +merchants in the Kingdom of Spain and in the Canaries and other islands +belonging to and adjacent thereto. The same privileges shall extend to +their respective vessels and merchandise consisting of the manufactures +and products of their respective countries. + +Second. Each party may establish consuls in the countries of the other +(excepting such provinces in Spain into which none have heretofore been +admitted, viz, Bilboa and Guipusca), with such powers and privileges as +shall be ascertained by a particular convention. + +Third. That the bona fide manufactures and productions of the United +States (tobacco only excepted, which shall continue under its present +regulation) may be imported in American or Spanish vessels into any +parts of His Majesty's European dominions and islands aforesaid in like +manner as if they were the productions of Spain, and, on the other hand, +that the bona fide manufactures and productions of His Majesty's +dominions may be imported into the United States in Spanish or American +vessels in like manner as if they were the manufactures and productions +of the said States. And further, that all such duties and imposts as may +mutually be thought necessary to lay on them by either party shall be +ascertained and regulated on principles of exact reciprocity by a +tariff, to be formed by a convention for that purpose, to be negotiated +and made within _one_ year after the exchange of the ratification of +this treaty; and in the meantime that no other duties or imposts shall +be exacted from each other's merchants and ships than such as may be +payable by natives in like cases. + +Fourth. That inasmuch as the United States, from not having mines of +gold and silver, may often want supplies of specie for a circulating +medium, His Catholic Majesty, as a proof of his good will, agrees to +order the masts and timber which may from time to time be wanted for his +royal navy to be purchased and paid for in specie in the United States, +provided the said masts and timber shall be of equal quality and when +brought to Spain shall not cost more than the like may there be had for +from other countries. + +Fifth. It is agreed that the articles commonly inserted in other +treaties of commerce for mutual and reciprocal convenience shall be +inserted in this, and that this treaty and every article and stipulation +therein shall continue in full force for ----- years, to be computed +from the day of the date hereof. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 9, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a general account rendered by the bankers of the +United States at Amsterdam of the payments they had made between the +1st of July, 1790 and 1791, from the fund deposited in their hands for +the purposes of the act providing the means of intercourse between the +United States and foreign nations, and of the balance remaining in their +hands, together with a letter from the Secretary of State on the +subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 20, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several acts which have been passed relatively to the military +establishment of the United States and the protection of the +frontiers do not appear to have made provision for more than one +brigadier-general. It is incumbent upon me to observe that, with a view +merely to the organization of the troops designated by those acts, +a greater number of officers of that grade would, in my opinion, be +conducive to the good of the public service. But an increase of the +number becomes still more desirable in reference to a different +organization which is contemplated, pursuant to the authority vested +in me for that purpose, and which, besides other advantages expected +from it, is recommended by considerations of economy. I therefore +request that you will be pleased to take this subject into your early +consideration and to adopt such measures thereon as you shall judge +proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 23, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +At the conferences which Colonel Pickering had with the Five Nations at +the Painted Post the last year ideas were then held out of introducing +among them some of the primary principles of civilization, in +consequence of which, as well as more firmly to attach them to the +interests of the United States, they have been invited to the seat of +the General Government. + +As the representation now here is respectable for its character and +influence, it is of some importance that the chiefs should be well +satisfied of the entire good faith and liberality of the United States. + +In managing the affairs of the Indian tribes generally it appears proper +to teach them to expect annual presents, conditioned on the evidence of +their attachment to the interests of the United States. The situation of +the Five Nations and the present crisis of affairs would seem to render +the extension of this measure to them highly judicious. I therefore +request the advice of the Senate whether an article shall be stipulated +with the Five Nations to the following purport, to wit: + +The United States, in order to promote the happiness of the Five Nations +of Indians, will cause to be expended annually the amount of $1,500 in +purchasing for them clothing, domestic animals, and implements of +husbandry, and for encouraging useful artificers to reside in their +villages, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +APRIL 13, 1792. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have thought it proper to lay before you a communication of the 11th +instant from the minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the +Secretary of State, relative to the commerce of the two countries, +together with their explanatory correspondence and the Secretary of +State's letter to me on the subject, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a letter from the judges of the circuit court +of the United States held for the New York district, and of their +opinion and agreement respecting the "Act to provide for the settlement +of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore +established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 21, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from +the judges of the circuit court of the United States held for the +Pennsylvania district relatively to the "Act to provide for the +settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations +heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 8, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +If the President of the United States should conclude a convention or +treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen +Americans in captivity there for a sum not exceeding $40,000, all +expenses included, will the Senate approve the same? Or is there any, +and what, greater or lesser sum which they would fix on as the limit +beyond which they would not approve the ransom? + +If the President of the United States should conclude a treaty with the +Government of Algiers for the establishment of peace with them, at an +expense not exceeding $25,000, paid at the signature, and a like sum to +be paid annually afterwards during the continuance of the treaty, would +the Senate approve the same? Or are there any greater or lesser sums +which they would fix on as the limits beyond which they would not +approve of such treaty? + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +VETO MESSAGE. + + +UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have maturely considered the act passed by the two Houses entitled +"An act for an apportionment of Representatives among the several States +according to the first enumeration," and I return it to your House, +wherein it originated, with the following objections: + +First. The Constitution has prescribed that Representatives shall be +apportioned among the several States according to their respective +numbers, and there is no one proportion or divisor which, applied to the +respective numbers of the States, will yield the number and allotment of +Representatives proposed by the bill. + +Second. The Constitution has also provided that the number of +Representatives shall not exceed 1 for every 30,000, which restriction +is by the context and by fair and obvious construction to be applied to +the separate and respective numbers of the States; and the bill has +allotted to eight of the States more than 1 for every 30,000. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. X, p. 532.] + +Whereas certain violent and unwarrantable proceedings have lately taken +place tending to obstruct the operation of the laws of the United States +for raising a revenue upon spirits distilled within the same, enacted +pursuant to express authority delegated in the Constitution of the +United States, which proceedings are subversive of good order, contrary +to the duty that every citizen owes to his country and to the laws, and +of a nature dangerous to the very being of a government; and + +Whereas such proceedings are the more unwarrantable by reason of the +moderation which has been heretofore shown on the part of the Government +and of the disposition which has been manifested by the Legislature (who +alone have authority to suspend the operation of laws) to obviate causes +of objection and to render the laws as acceptable as possible; and + +Whereas it is the particular duty of the Executive "to take care that +the laws be faithfully executed," and not only that duty but the +permanent interests and happiness of the people require that every legal +and necessary step should be pursued as well to prevent such violent and +unwarrantable proceedings as to bring to justice the infractors of the +laws and secure obedience thereto: + +Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do +by these presents most earnestly admonish and exhort all persons whom it +may concern to refrain and desist from all unlawful combinations and +proceedings whatsoever having for object or tending to obstruct the +operation of the laws aforesaid, inasmuch as all lawful ways and means +will be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors +thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and +officers whom it may concern, according to the duties of their several +offices, to exert the powers in them respectively vested by law for the +purposes aforesaid, hereby also enjoining and requiring all persons +whomsoever, as they tender the welfare of their country, the just and +due authority of Government, and the preservation of the public peace, +to be aiding and assisting therein according to law. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done this 15th of September, A.D. 1792, and of the Independence of the +United States the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 6, 1792_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the +national prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information +that the Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. + +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I +communicate it that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification +have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering +hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. +An earnest desire to procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the +further effusion of blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward +the prevalent wish of the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts +through various channels to accomplish these desirable purposes; in +making which efforts I consulted less my own anticipations of the event, +or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, +than the wish to find the object attainable, or if not attainable, +to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case. + +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their +consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to +you the want of success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as +proper and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. +The issue of some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable +one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has +yet happened. + +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable +citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A +sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found in this +instance insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. +It will, I presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not +call for an exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. + +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the +continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, +some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those +south of it. + +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting +five villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. + +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation +in July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; +but the event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided +by some banditti of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently +perpetrated wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the +United States in that quarter. The information which has been received +on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions +only have been strictly enjoined and observed. + +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever +on the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. + +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for +the alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be +raised have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and +pains have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the +particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations +(besides being dictated by the measures which were pursuing toward a +pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to +immature efforts. A statement from the proper department with regard +to the number of troops raised, and some other points which have been +suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to the +legislative consultations, and among other things will enable Congress +to judge whether some additional stimulus to the recruiting service may +not be advisable. + +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive +that the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to +supersede the necessity of additional burthens on the community for the +service of the ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained +in the course of the session, and it is proper to add that the +information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material +extension of the spirit of hostility. + +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again +recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate +provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier +and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians, without +which all pacific plans must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent +rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among +them as agents would also contribute to the preservation of peace and +good neighborhood. If in addition to these expedients an eligible plan +could be devised for promoting civilization among the friendly tribes +and for carrying on trade with them upon a scale equal to their wants +and under regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and +extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with ours could +not but be considerable. + +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be +still more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places +continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled +within the United States. These impediments have lessened and are +lessening in local extent, and, as applied to the community at large, +the contentment with the law appears to be progressive. + +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves +in certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper +and advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation +warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for +their object or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in +question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be +strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors +thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal +limits which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain +the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count +entirely upon the full cooperation of the other departments of the +Government and upon the zealous support of all good citizens. + +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out +some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the +execution of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of that +system which in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected +with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon +processes out of the courts of the United States and a supplementary +definition of offenses against the Constitution and laws of the Union +and of the punishment for such offenses will, it is presumed, be found +worthy of particular attention. + +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. +It would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those +acts of our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put +ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations +which we may sometimes have occasion to require from them. I +particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing +those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other nations, and +other infractions of the law of nations, which, furnishing just subject +of complaint, might endanger our peace with them; and, in general, the +maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign powers will be +presented to your attention by the expiration of the law for that +purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the present +session. + +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have +been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the +establishment of our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision +has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into +proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also +been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes, the want of small +coins in circulation calling the first attention to them. + +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles +of our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation +and to order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and +completed. + +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes +the post-office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of +newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due +inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of +facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information +will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been +notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction +which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of +the nation to which it relates and conducive to the general order. + +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication +on the subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making +provision for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new +loans have been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at +the annual interest of 4-1/2 per cent, with an allowance of 4 per cent +in lieu of all charges, and the other two at Amsterdam, at the annual +interest of 4 per cent, with an allowance of 5-1/2 per cent in one case +and of 5 per cent in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates of +these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to +the provision made during the last session, has been embraced. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is +now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and +effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the +public debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the +Government. No measure can be more desirable, whet her viewed with an +eye to its intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish +of the nation. + +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which +has been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will +be made. + +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not +will engage, your early attention. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such +objects, not particularized in my present, as have been suggested +in my former communications to you. + +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among +these, that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes +will merit particular notice. + +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such +as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend +to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of +Government upon which, under Divine Providence, materially depend their +union, their safety, and their happiness. + +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is +nothing which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful +cultivation of harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, +in the public councils. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + +Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your address at the +opening of the present session. We participate with you in the +satisfaction arising from the continuance of the general prosperity of +the nation, but it is not without the most sincere concern that we are +informed that the reiterated efforts which have been made to establish +peace with the hostile Indians have hitherto failed to accomplish that +desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may prove more +successful than those which have preceded them, we shall nevertheless +concur in every necessary preparation for the alternative, and should +the Indians on either side of the Ohio persist in their hostilities, +fidelity to the Union, as well as affection for our fellow-citizens on +the frontiers, will insure our decided cooperation in every measure +which shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety. + +At the same time that we avow the obligation of the Government to afford +its protection to every part of the Union, we can not refrain from +expressing our regret that even a small portion of our fellow-citizens +in any quarter of it should have combined to oppose the operation of the +law for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the United +States, a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority of the nation, and +at this juncture materially connected with the safety and protection of +those who oppose it. Should the means already adopted fail in securing +obedience to this law, such further measures as may be thought necessary +to carry the same into complete operation can not fail to receive the +approbation of the Legislature and the support of every patriotic +citizen. + +It yields us particular pleasure to learn that the productiveness of the +revenue of the present year will probably supersede the necessity of any +additional tax for the service of the next. + +The organization of the government of the State of Kentucky being an +event peculiarly interesting to a part of our fellow-citizens and +conducive to the general order, affords us particular satisfaction. + +We are happy to learn that the high state of our credit abroad has been +evinced by the terms on which the new loans have been negotiated. + +In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into consideration +the several objects which you have been pleased to recommend to our +attention, and keeping in view the importance of union and stability in +the public councils, we shall labor to render our decisions conducive to +the safety and happiness of our country. + +We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your +Administration and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal for the +public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity of the nation, +and every ingredient of personal happiness. + +JOHN LANGDON, + +_President pro tempore_. + +NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very satisfactory address. +The renewed assurances of your confidence in my Administration and the +expression of your wish for my personal happiness claim and receive +my particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the public +welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not cease to count +upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic support of the Senate. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives, who always feel a satisfaction +in meeting you, are much concerned that the occasion for mutual +felicitation afforded by the circumstances favorable to the national +prosperity should be abated by a continuance of the hostile spirit of +many of the Indian tribes, and particularly that the reiterated efforts +for effecting a general pacification with them should have issued in +new proofs of their persevering enmity and the barbarous sacrifice of +citizens who, as the messengers of peace, were distinguishing themselves +by their zeal for the public service. In our deliberations on this +important department of our affairs we shall be disposed to pursue every +measure that may be dictated by the sincerest desire, on one hand, of +cultivating peace and manifesting by every practicable regulation our +benevolent regard for the welfare of those misguided people, and by the +duty we feel, on the other, to provide effectually for the safety and +protection of our fellow-citizens. + +While with regret we learn that symptoms of opposition to the law +imposing duties on spirits distilled within the United States have +manifested themselves, we reflect with consolation that they are +confined to a small portion of our fellow-citizens. It is not more +essential to the preservation of true liberty that a government should +be always ready to listen to the representations of its constituents and +to accommodate its measures to the sentiments and wishes of every part +of them, as far as will consist with the good of the whole, than it is +that the just authority of the laws should be steadfastly maintained. +Under this impression every department of the Government and all good +citizens must approve the measures you have taken and the purpose you +have formed to execute this part of your trust with firmness and energy; +and be assured, sir, of every constitutional aid and cooperation which +may become requisite on our part. And we hope that, while the progress +of contentment under the law in question is as obvious as it is +rational, no particular part of the community may be permitted to +withdraw from the general burthens of the country by a conduct as +irreconcilable to national justice as it is inconsistent with public +decency. + +The productive state of the public revenue and the confirmation of the +credit of the United States abroad, evinced by the loans at Antwerp +and Amsterdam, are communications the more gratifying as they enforce +the obligation to enter on systematic and effectual arrangements for +discharging the public debt as fast as the conditions of it will permit, +and we take pleasure in the opportunity to assure you of our entire +concurrence in the opinion that no measure can be more desirable, +whether viewed with an eye to the urgent wish of the community or the +intrinsic importance of promoting so happy a change in our situation. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky is an event +on which we join in all the satisfaction you have expressed. It may be +considered as particularly interesting since, besides the immediate +benefits resulting from it, it is another auspicious demonstration of +the facility and success with which an enlightened people is capable of +providing, by free and deliberate plans of government, for their own +safety and happiness. + +The operation of the law establishing the post-office, as it relates +to the transmission of newspapers, will merit our particular inquiry +and attention, the circulation of political intelligence through these +vehicles being justly reckoned among the surest means of preventing +the degeneracy of a free government, as well as of recommending every +salutary public measure to the confidence and cooperation of all +virtuous citizens. + +The several other matters which you have communicated and +recommended will in their order receive the attention due to them, +and our discussions will in all cases, we trust, be guided by a proper +respect for harmony and stability in the public councils and a desire +to conciliate more and more the attachment of our constituents to the +Constitution, by measures accommodated to the true ends for which it +was established. + +NOVEMBER 10, 1792. + + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: It gives me pleasure to express to you the satisfaction +which your address affords me. I feel, as I ought, the approbation you +manifest of the measures I have taken and the purpose I have formed to +maintain, pursuant to the trust reposed in me by the Constitution, the +respect which is due to the laws, and the assurance which you at the +same time give me of every constitutional aid and cooperation that may +become requisite on your part. + +This is a new proof of that enlightened solicitude for the establishment +and confirmation of public order which, embracing a zealous regard for +the principles of true liberty, has guided the deliberations of the +House of Representatives, a perseverance in which can alone secure, +under the divine blessing, the real and permanent felicity of our +common country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 12, 1792. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In pursuance of the law, I now lay before you a statement of the +administration of the funds appropriated to certain foreign purposes, +together with a letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same. + +I also lay before you a copy of a letter and representation from the +Chief Justice and associate judges of the Supreme Court of the United +States, stating the difficulties and inconveniences which attend the +discharge of their duties according to the present judiciary system. + +A copy of a letter from the judges attending the circuit court of the +United States for the North Carolina district in June last, containing +their observations on an act, passed during the last session of +Congress, entitled "An act to provide for the settlement of the claims +of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, +and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions;" and + +A copy of the constitution formed for the State of Kentucky. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 9, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, covering +the copy of one from the governor of Virginia, with the several papers +therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State +and the territory of the United States south of the Ohio. It will remain +with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best for +settling the said boundary with that State, and at the same time, if it +thinks proper, for extending the settlement to the State of Kentucky, +between which and the same territory the boundary is as yet +undetermined. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 22, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you herewith the abstract of a supplementary arrangement which +has been made by me, pursuant to the acts of the 3d day of March, 1791, +and the 8th day of May, 1792, for raising a revenue upon foreign and +domestic distilled spirits, in respect to the subdivisions and officers +which have appeared to me necessary and to the allowances for their +respective services to the supervisors, inspectors, and other officers +of inspection, together with the estimates of the amount of +compensations and charges. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 6, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several measures which have been pursued to induce the hostile +Indian tribes north of the Ohio to enter into a conference or treaty +with the United States at which all causes of difference might be fully +understood and justly and amicably arranged have already been submitted +to both Houses of Congress. + +The papers herewith sent will inform you of the result. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you two letters, with their inclosures, from the governor +of the Southwestern territory, and an extract of a letter to him from +the Department of War. + +These and a letter of the 9th of October last, which has been already +communicated to you, from the same Department to the governor, will shew +in what manner the first section of the act of the last session which +provides for calling out the militia for the repelling of Indian +invasions has been executed. It remains to be considered by Congress +whether in the present situation of the United States it be advisable or +not to pursue any further or other measures than those which have been +already adopted. The nature of the subject does of itself call for your +immediate attention to it, and I must add that upon the result of your +deliberations the future conduct of the Executive will on this occasion +materially depend. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since my last communication to you on the subject of the revenue on +distilled spirits it has been found necessary, on experience, to revise +and amend the arrangements relative thereto in regard to certain surveys +and the officers thereof in the district of North Carolina, which I have +done accordingly in the manner following: + +First. The several counties of the said district originally and +heretofore contained within the first, second, and third surveys have +been allotted into and are now contained in two surveys, one of which +(to be hereafter denominated the first) comprehends the town of +Wilmington and the counties of Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, +Robertson, Sampson, Craven, Jones, Lenox, Glascow, Johnston, and Wayne, +and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the second) +comprehends the counties of Kurrituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, +Chowan, Gates, Hartford, Tyrrel, Bertie, Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, +and Pitt. + +Secondly. The several counties of the said district originally and +heretofore contained within the fifth survey of the district aforesaid +has been allotted into and is contained in two surveys, one of which +(to be hereafter denominated the third) comprehends the counties of +Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Montgomery, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, +and Surrey, and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the +fifth) comprehends the counties of Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke, Buncombe, +and Wilkes. + +Thirdly. The duties of the inspector of the revenue in and for the +third survey as constituted above is to be performed for the present +by the supervisor. + +Fourthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the +first survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $250 per annum +and commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed +to the inspector of the late first survey as it was originally +constituted. + +Fifthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the +second survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $100 per annum +and the commissions and other emoluments heretofore allowed to the +inspector of the late third survey as it was originally constituted. + +Sixthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the fifth +survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $120 per annum and the +commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed to +the inspector of the late fifth survey as it was originally constituted. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you an official statement of the expenditure to the year +1792 from the sum of $10,000, granted to defray the contingent expenses +of Government by an act passed on the 26th of March, 1790. + +Also an abstract of a supplementary arrangement made in the district of +North Carolina in regard to certain surveys to facilitate the execution +of the law laying a duty on distilled spirits. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 13, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you for your consideration and advice a treaty of peace +and friendship made and concluded on the 27th day of September, 1792, +by Brigadier-General Rufus Putnam, in behalf of the United States, with +the Wabash and Illinois tribes of Indians, and also the proceedings +attending the said treaty, the explanation of the fourth article +thereof, and a map explanatory of the reservation to the French +inhabitants and the general claim of the said Indians. + +In connection with this subject I also lay before the Senate the copy of +a paper which has been delivered by a man by the name of John Baptiste +Mayeé, who has accompanied the Wabash Indians at present in this city. + +It will appear by the certificate of Brigadier-General Putnam that the +Wabash Indians disclaimed the validity of the said paper, excepting a +certain tract upon the Wabash, as mentioned in the proceedings. + +The instructions to Brigadier-General Putnam of the 22d of May, together +with a letter to him of the 7th of August, 1792, were laid before the +Senate on the 7th of November, 1792. + +After the Senate shall have considered this treaty, I request that they +would give me their advice whether the same shall be ratified and +confirmed; and if to be ratified and confirmed, whether it would not be +proper, in order to prevent any misconception hereafter of the fourth +article, to guard in the ratification the exclusive preemption of the +United States to the lands of the said Indians. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a report and plat of the territory of the United +States on the Potomac as given in by the commissioners of that +territory, together with a letter from the Secretary of State which +accompanied them. These papers, being original, are to be again +deposited with the records of the Department of State after having +answered the purpose of your information. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +It has been agreed on the part of the United States that a treaty or +conference shall be held at the ensuing season with the hostile Indians +northwest of the Ohio, in order to remove, if possible, all causes of +difference and to establish a solid peace with them. + +As the estimates heretofore presented to the House for the current year +did not contemplate this object, it will be proper that an express +provision be made by law as well for the general expenses of the treaty +as to establish the compensation to be allowed the commissioners who +shall be appointed for the purpose. + +I shall therefore direct the Secretary of War to lay before you an +estimate of the expenses which may probably attend this measure. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 27, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplification of an act of the +legislature of New York ceding to the United States the jurisdiction of +certain lands on Montauk Point for the purpose mentioned in said act, +and the copy of a letter from the governor of New York to the Secretary +of State, which accompanied said exemplification. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I was led by a consideration of the qualifications of William Patterson, +of New Jersey, to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme Court +of the United States. It has since occurred that he was a member of the +Senate when the law creating that office was passed, and that the time +for which he was elected is not yet expired. I think it my duty, +therefore, to declare that I deem the nomination to have been null +by the Constitution. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From Freneau's National Gazette of December 15, 1792.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +Whereas I have received authentic information that certain lawless and +wicked persons of the western frontier in the State of Georgia did +lately invade, burn, and destroy a town belonging to the Cherokee +Nation, although in amity with the United States, and put to death +several Indians of that nation; and + +Whereas such outrageous conduct not only violates the rights of +humanity, but also endangers the public peace, and it highly becomes the +honor and good faith of the United States to pursue all legal means for +the punishment of those atrocious offenders: + +I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, hereby +exhorting all the citizens of the United States and requiring all the +officers thereof, according to their respective stations, to use their +utmost endeavors to apprehend and bring those offenders to justice. +And I do moreover offer a reward of $500 for each and every of the +above-named persons who shall be so apprehended and brought to justice +and shall be proved to have assumed or exercised any command or +authority among the perpetrators of the crimes aforesaid at the time +of committing the same. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 12th day of December, A.D. 1792, +and of the Independence of the United States the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +[From Annuals of Congress, Second Congress, 666.] + +MARCH 1, 1793. + +_The President of the United States to the President of the Senate_: + +Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate +shall be convened on Monday, the 4th instant, I have desired their +attendance, as I do yours, by these presents, at the Senate Chamber, in +Philadelphia, on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate +on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + +IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA. + +Fellow-citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to +execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper +for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I +entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has +been reposed in me by the people of united America. + +Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the +Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about +to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my +administration of the Government I have in any instance violated +willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring +constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are +now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. + +MARCH 4, 1793. + + + + +FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 3, 1793_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again +called into office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my +fellow-citizens at large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of +the renewed testimony of public approbation. While on the one hand it +awakened my gratitude for all those instances of affectionate partiality +with which I have been honored by my country, on the other it could +not prevent an earnest wish for that retirement from which no private +consideration should ever have torn me. But influenced by the belief +that my conduct would be estimated according to its real motives, and +that the people, and the authorities derived from them, would support +exertions having nothing personal for their object, I have obeyed the +suffrage which commanded me to resume the Executive power; and I humbly +implore that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown +with success our mutual endeavors for the general happiness. + +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the +United States have the most extensive relations there was reason to +apprehend that our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our +disposition for peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often +entertained by belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty +to admonish our citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and +of hostile acts to any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of +the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to +the immunities belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the +proclamation which will be laid before you was issued. + +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of +our territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form +within the limits of the United States. + +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce +this plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to +extend the legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United +States to many cases which, though dependent on principles already +recognized, demand some further provisions. + +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves +in hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, +or usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or +where the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive +too early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive +remedies. + +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by +the judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. + +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a +false color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to +liberate certain captures within the protection of our territory, it +would seem proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if +the Executive is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned +cases, it is hoped that he will be authorized by law to have facts +ascertained by the courts when for his own information he shall +request it. + +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals +to arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is +a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, +if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to +avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, +one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must +be known that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which +will be presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and +military stores now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition +even to these supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would +leave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring of warlike apparatus in +the moment of public danger. + +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure +or jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess +a pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may +be trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of +the United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly +pursued, whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national +defense by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" +has organized them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own +experience in the several States has not detected some imperfections in +the scheme, and whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought +not to be to afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of +the military art which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under +the knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a +subsequent communication. + +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed +that every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of +dissension with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given +to the commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a +sincere love of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the +essential interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, +however, of an amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops +have marched to act offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not +arrest the progress of military preparation, it is doubtful how far the +advance of the season, before good faith justified active movements, +may retard them during the remainder of the year. From the papers and +intelligence which relate to this important subject you will determine +whether the deficiency in the number of troops granted by law shall be +compensated by succors of militia, or additional encouragements shall +be proposed to recruits. + +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with +the Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn +and with clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited +during the recess of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, +prosecutions have been instituted for the violences committed upon them. +But the papers which will be delivered to you disclose the critical +footing on which we stand in regard to both those tribes, and it is +with Congress to pronounce what shall be done. + +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages +permanent by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of +justice on the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with +the Indian nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to +conciliate their attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, +without extortion, with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready +market for the commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what +they give in payment and receive in exchange. Individuals will not +pursue such a traffic unless they be allured by the hope of profit; but +it will be enough for the United States to be reimbursed only. Should +this recommendation accord with the opinion of Congress, they will +recollect that it can not be accomplished by any means yet in the hands +of the Executive. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important functions +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of +the Treasury. + +On the 1st day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted +by a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan +at an interest of 5 per cent for the term of ten years, and the expenses +of this operation were a commission of 3 per cent. + +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the +United States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it +is necessary that provision should be made. + +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption +and discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious +or an economy of time more valuable. + +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to +equal the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected +to prove commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. +Some auxiliary provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, +and it is hoped that these may be made consistently with a due regard to +the convenience of our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true +wisdom of encountering a small present addition to their contributions +to obviate a future accumulation of burthens. + +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided +by an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce +more than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused +without restraint throughout the United States. + +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of +the ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military +stores made during the recess will be presented to Congress. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to +your deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our +common country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude +of your task. Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the +Government may be hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with +freedom of sentiment its dignity may be lost. But as the legislative +proceedings of the United States will never, I trust, be reproached +for the want of temper or of candor, so shall not the public happiness +languish from the want of my strenuous and warmest cooperation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + +Accept, sir, the thanks of the Senate for your speech delivered to both +Houses of Congress at the opening of the session. Your reelection to +the Chief Magistracy of the United States gives us sincere pleasure. +We consider it as an event every way propitious to the happiness of +our country, and your compliance with the call as a fresh instance of +the patriotism which has so repeatedly led you to sacrifice private +inclination to the public good. In the unanimity which a second time +marks this important national act we trace with particular satisfaction, +besides the distinguished tribute paid to the virtues and abilities +which it recognizes, another proof of that just discernment and +constancy of sentiments and views which have hitherto characterized +the citizens of the United States. + +As the European powers with whom the United States have the most +extensive relations were involved in war, in which we had taken no part, +it seemed necessary that the disposition of the nation for peace should +be promulgated to the world, as well for the purpose of admonishing our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of acts hostile +to any of the belligerent parties as to obtain by a declaration of the +existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the +immunities of our situation. We therefore contemplate with pleasure the +proclamation by you issued, and give it our hearty approbation. We deem +it a measure well timed and wise, manifesting a watchful solicitude for +the welfare of the nation and calculated to promote it. + +The several important matters presented to our consideration will, in +the course of the session, engage all the attention to which they are +respectively entitled, and as the public happiness will be the sole +guide of our deliberations, we are perfectly assured of receiving your +strenuous and most zealous cooperation. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 9, 1793. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The pleasure expressed by the Senate on my reelection to the +station which I fill commands my sincere and warmest acknowledgments. If +this be an event which promises the smallest addition to the happiness +of our country, as it is my duty so shall it be my study to realize the +expectation. + +The decided approbation which the proclamation now receives from your +House, by completing the proofs that this measure is considered as +manifesting a vigilant attention to the welfare of the United States, +brings with it a peculiar gratification to my mind. + +The other important subjects which have been communicated to you will, +I am confident, receive a due discussion, and the result will, I trust, +prove fortunate to the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 10, 1793. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States, in meeting +you for the first time since you have been again called by an unanimous +suffrage to your present station, find an occasion which they embrace +with no less sincerity than promptitude for expressing to you their +congratulations on so distinguished a testimony of public approbation, +and their entire confidence in the purity and patriotism of the motives +which have produced this obedience to the voice of your country. It +is to virtues which have commanded long and universal reverence and +services from which have flowed great and lasting benefits that the +tribute of praise may be paid without the reproach of flattery, and it +is from the same sources that the fairest anticipations may be derived +in favor of the public happiness. + +The United States having taken no part in the war which had embraced +in Europe the powers with whom they have the most extensive relations, +the maintenance of peace was justly to be regarded as one of the most +important duties of the Magistrate charged with the faithful execution +of the laws. We accordingly witness with approbation and pleasure +the vigilance with which you have guarded against an interruption of +that blessing by your proclamation admonishing our citizens of the +consequences of illicit or hostile acts toward the belligerent parties, +and promoting by a declaration of the existing legal state of things +an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our +situation. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has evidently become +extremely interesting. The communications which remain to be exhibited +to us will no doubt assist in giving us a fuller view of the subject and +in guiding our deliberations to such results as may comport with the +rights and true interests of our country. + +We learn with deep regret that the measures, dictated by love of peace, +for obtaining an amicable termination of the afflicting war on our +frontiers have been frustrated, and that a resort to offensive measures +should have again become necessary. As the latter, however, must be +rendered more satisfactory in proportion to the solicitude for peace +manifested by the former, it is to be hoped they will be pursued under +the better auspices on that account, and be finally crowned with more +happy success. + +In relation to the particular tribes of Indians against whom offensive +measures have been prohibited, as well as on all the other important +subjects which you have presented to our view, we shall bestow the +attention which they claim. We can not, however, refrain at this time +from particularly expressing our concurrence in your anxiety for the +regular discharge of the public debts as fast as circumstances and +events will permit and in the policy of removing any impediments +that may be found in the way of a faithful representation of public +proceedings throughout the United States, being persuaded with you +that on no subject more than the former can delay be more injurious or +an economy of time more valuable, and that with respect to the latter +no resource is so firm for the Government of the United States as the +affections of the people, guided by an enlightened policy. + +Throughout our deliberations we shall endeavor to cherish every +sentiment which may contribute to render them conducive to the dignity +as well as to the welfare of the United States; and we join with you in +imploring that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown +with success our mutual endeavors. + +DECEMBER 6, 1793. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I shall not affect to conceal the cordial satisfaction which +I derive from the address of the House of Representatives. Whatsoever +those services may be which you have sanctioned by your favor, it is +a sufficient reward that they have been accepted as they were meant. +For the fulfillment of your anticipations of the future I can give +no other assurance than that the motives which you approve shall +continue unchanged. + +It is truly gratifying to me to learn that the proclamation has been +considered as a seasonable guard against the interruption of the public +peace. Nor can I doubt that the subjects which I have recommended to +your attention as depending on legislative provisions will receive a +discussion suited to their importance. With every reason, then, it may +be expected that your deliberations, under the divine blessing, will +be matured to the honor and happiness of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 7, 1793. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 5, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and +especially of those with which the United States have important +relations, can not but render the state of things between them and us +matter of interesting inquiry to the Legislature, and may indeed give +rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought +it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have +taken place. + +The representative and executive bodies of France have manifested +generally a friendly attachment to this country; have given advantages +to our commerce and navigation, and have made overtures for placing +these advantages on permanent ground. A decree, however, of the National +Assembly subjecting vessels laden with provisions to be carried into +their ports and making enemy goods lawful prize in the vessel of a +friend, contrary to our treaty, though revoked at one time as to the +United States, has been since extended to their vessels also, as has +been recently stated to us. Representations on this subject will be +immediately given in charge to our minister there, and the result +shall be communicated to the Legislature. + +It is with extreme concern I have to inform you that the proceedings +of the person whom they have unfortunately appointed their minister +plenipotentiary here have breathed nothing of the friendly spirit of +the nation which sent him. Their tendency, on the contrary, has been to +involve us in war abroad and discord and anarchy at home. So far as his +acts or those of his agents have threatened our immediate commitment in +the war, or flagrant insult to the authority of the laws, their effect +has been counteracted by the ordinary cognizance of the laws and by an +exertion of the powers confided to me. Where their danger was not +imminent they have been borne with from sentiments of regard to his +nation, from a sense of their friendship toward us, from a conviction +that they would not suffer us to remain long exposed to the action of a +person who has so little respected our mutual dispositions, and, I will +add, from a reliance on the firmness of my fellow-citizens in their +principles of peace and order. In the meantime I have respected and +pursued the stipulations of our treaties according to what I judged +their true sense, and have withheld no act of friendship which their +affairs have called for from us, and which justice to others left us +free to perform. I have gone farther. Rather than employ force for the +restitution of certain vessels which I deemed the United States bound to +restore, I thought it more advisable to satisfy the parties by avowing +it to be my opinion that if restitution were not made it would be +incumbent on the United States to make compensation. The papers now +communicated will more particularly apprise you of these transactions. + +The vexations and spoliation understood to have been committed on +our vessels and commerce by the cruisers and officers of some of the +belligerent powers appear to require attention. The proofs of these, +however, not having been brought forward, the descriptions of citizens +supposed to have suffered were notified that, on furnishing them to the +Executive, due measures would be taken to obtain redress of the past and +more effectual provisions against the future. Should such documents be +furnished, proper representations will be made thereon, with a just +reliance on a redress proportioned to the exigency of the case. + +The British Government having undertaken, by orders to the commanders +of their armed vessels, to restrain generally our commerce in corn and +other provisions to their own ports and those of their friends, the +instructions now communicated were immediately forwarded to our minister +at that Court. In the meantime some discussions on the subject took +place between him and them. These are also laid before you, and I may +expect to learn the result of his special instructions in time to make +it known to the Legislature during their present session. + +Very early after the arrival of a British minister here mutual +explanations on the inexecution of the treaty of peace were entered into +with that minister. These are now laid before you for your information. + +On the subjects of mutual interest between this country and Spain +negotiations and conferences are now depending. The public good +requiring that the present state of these should be made known to the +Legislature _in confidence only_, they shall be the subject of a +separate and subsequent communication. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The situation of affairs in Europe in the course of the year 1790 +having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for +the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought +proper to prepare our representative at that Court to avail us of it. +A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of +instructions to him, and to supply, by verbal communications, any +additional information of which he might find himself in need. The +Government of France was at the same time applied to for its aid and +influence in this negotiation. Events, however, took a turn which did +not present the occasion hoped for. + +About the close of the ensuing year I was informed through the +representatives of Spain here that their Government would be willing +to renew at Madrid the former conferences on these subjects. Though the +transfer of scene was not what would have been desired, yet I did not +think it important enough to reject the proposition, and therefore, +with the advice and consent of the Senate, I appointed commissioners +plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding a treaty with that +country on the several subjects of boundary, navigation, and commerce, +and gave them the instructions now communicated. Before these +negotiations, however, could be got into train the new troubles which +had arisen in Europe had produced new combinations among the powers +there, the effects of which are but too visible in the proceedings +now laid before you. + +In the meantime some other points of discussion had arisen with that +country, to wit, the restitution of property escaping into the +territories of each other, the mutual exchange of fugitives from +justice, and, above all the mutual interferences with the Indians lying +between us. I had the best reason to believe that the hostilities +threatened and exercised by the Southern Indians on our border were +excited by the agents of that Government. Representations were thereon +directed to be made by our commissioners to the Spanish Government, and +a proposal to cultivate with good faith the peace of each other with +those people. In the meantime corresponding suspicions were entertained, +or pretended to be entertained, on their part of like hostile +excitements by our agents to disturb their peace with the same nations. +These were brought forward by the representatives of Spain here in a +style which could not fail to produce attention. A claim of patronage +and protection of those Indians was asserted; a mediation between them +and us by that sovereign assumed; their boundaries with us made a +subject of his interference, and at length, at the very moment when +these savages were committing daily inroads upon our frontier, we were +informed by them that "the continuation of the peace, good harmony, and +perfect friendship of the two nations was very problematical for the +future, unless the United States should take more convenient measures +and of greater energy than those adopted for a long time past." + +If their previous correspondence had worn the appearance of a desire to +urge on a disagreement, this last declaration left no room to evade it, +since it could not be conceived we would submit to the scalping knife +and tomahawk of the savage without any resistance. I thought it time, +therefore, to know if these were the views of their sovereign, and +dispatched a special messenger with instructions to our commissioners, +which are among the papers now communicated. Their last letter gives us +reason to expect very shortly to know the result. I must add that the +Spanish representatives here, perceiving that their last communication +had made considerable impression, endeavored to abate this by some +subsequent professions, which, being also among the communications +to the Legislature, they will be able to form their own conclusions. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the measures +which have been taken on behalf of the United States for the purpose of +obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Morocco and for the ransom of +our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. + +While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so +much concern their interest and their feelings have duly engaged the +attention of their Legislature and Executive, it would still be improper +that some particulars of this communication should be made known. +The confidential conversation stated in one of the last letters sent +herewith is one of these. Both justice and policy require that the +source of that information should remain secret. So a knowledge of +the sums meant to have been given for peace and ransom might have a +disadvantageous influence on future proceedings for the same objects. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the +United States with Spain and on the truce between Portugal and Algiers +some other papers have been received, which, making a part of the same +subjects, are now communicated for your information. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration, a letter from the Secretary +of State, informing me of certain impediments which have arisen to the +coinage of the precious metals at the Mint, as also a letter from the +same officer relative to certain advances of money which have been made +on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been +done, or be of opinion that anything more shall be done in the same way, +you will judge whether there are not circumstances which would render +secrecy expedient. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 7, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Experience has shewn that it would be useful to have an officer +particularly charged, under the direction of the Department of War, +with the duties of receiving, safe-keeping, and distributing the public +supplies in all cases in which the laws and the course of service do not +devolve them upon other officers, and also with that of superintending +in all cases the issues in detail of supplies, with power for that +purpose to bring to account all persons intrusted to make such issues +in relation thereto. + +An establishment of this nature, by securing a regular and punctual +accountability for the issues of public supplies, would be a great guard +against abuse, would tend to insure their due application and to give +public satisfaction on that point. + +I therefore recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of +an establishment of this nature, under such regulations as shall appear +to them advisable, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 20, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th of August, 1793, +from the Secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the +conduct and urging the recall of the minister plenipotentiary of the +Republic of France, I now communicate to you that his conduct has been +unequivocally disapproved, and that the strongest assurances have been +given that his recall should be expedited without delay. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is with satisfaction I announce to you that the alterations which +have been made by law in the original plan for raising a duty on spirits +distilled within the United States, and on stills, cooperating with +better information, have had a considerable influence in obviating the +difficulties which have embarrassed that branch of the public revenue. +But the obstacles which have been experienced, though lessened, are not +yet entirely surmounted, and it would seem that some further legislative +provisions may usefully be superadded, which leads me to recall the +attention of Congress to the subject. Among the matters which may demand +regulation is the effect, in point of organization, produced by the +separation of Kentucky from the State of Virginia, and the situation +with regard to the law of the territories northwest and southwest of +the Ohio. + +The laws respecting light-house establishments require, as a condition +of their permanent maintenance at the expense of the United States, a +complete cession of soil and jurisdiction. The cessions of different +States having been qualified with a reservation of the right of serving +legal process within the ceded jurisdiction are understood to be +inconclusive as annexing a qualification not consonant with the terms of +the law. I present this circumstance to the view of Congress, that they +may judge whether any alteration ought to be made. + +As it appears to be conformable with the intention of the "ordinance for +the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the +river Ohio," although it is not expressly directed that the laws of that +territory should be laid before Congress, I now transmit to you a copy +of such as have been passed from July to December, 1792, inclusive. +being the last which have been received by the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 30, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Communications have been made to Congress during the present session +with the intention of affording a full view of the posture of affairs +on the Southwestern frontiers. By the information which has lately been +laid before Congress it appeared that the difficulties with the Creeks +had been amicably and happily terminated; but it will be perceived with +regret by the papers herewith transmitted that the tranquillity has, +unfortunately, been of short duration, owing to the murder of several +friendly Indians by some lawless white men. + +The condition of things in that quarter requires the serious and +immediate consideration of Congress, and the adoption of such wise and +vigorous laws as will be competent to the preservation of the national +character and of the peace made under the authority of the United States +with the several Indian tribes. Experience demonstrates that the +existing legal provisions are entirely inadequate to those great +objects. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 7, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you an act and three ordinances passed by the government +of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio on the +13th and 21st of March and the 7th of May, 1793, and also certain +letters from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to +the Secretary of State, inclosing dispatches from the general and +extraordinary commission of Guadaloupe. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the +Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United +States, and, at their desire, the representation mentioned in the said +letter, pointing out certain defects in the judiciary system. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 24, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The extracts which I now lay before you, from a letter of our minister +at London, are supplementary to some of my past communications, and will +appear to be of a confidential nature. + +I also transmit to you copies of a letter from the Secretary of State +to the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty, and of the +answer thereto, upon the subject of the treaty between the United States +and Great Britain, together with the copy of a letter from Messrs. +Carmichael and Short, relative to our affairs with Spain, which letter +is connected with a former confidential message, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have caused the correspondence which is the subject of your +resolution of the 24th day of January last to be laid before me. After +an examination of it I directed copies and translations to be made, +except in those particulars which, in my judgment, for public +considerations, ought not to be communicated. + +These copies and translations are now transmitted to the Senate; but +the nature of them manifests the propriety of their being received as +confidential. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you an extract from a letter of Mr. Short, relative to +our affairs with Spain, and copies of two letters from our minister at +Lisbon, with their inclosures, containing intelligence from Algiers. The +whole of these communications are made in confidence, except the passage +in Mr. Short's letter which respects the Spanish convoy. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The Secretary of State having reported to me upon the several complaints +which have been lodged in his office against the vexations and +spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war, +I transmit to you a copy of his statement, together with the documents +upon which it is founded. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 18, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic having requested an +advance of money, I transmit to Congress certain documents relative to +that subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 28, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; + +In the execution of the resolution of Congress bearing date the 26th of +March, 1794, and imposing an embargo, I have requested the governors of +the several States to call forth the force of their militia, if it +should be necessary, for the detention of vessels. This power is +conceived to be incidental to an embargo. + +It also deserves the attention of Congress how far the clearances from +one district to another, under the law as it now stands, may give rise +to evasions of the embargo. As one security the collectors have been +instructed to refuse to receive the surrender of coasting licenses for +the purpose of taking out registers, and to require bond from registered +vessels bound from one district to another, for the delivery of the +cargo within the United States. + +It is not understood that the resolution applies to fishing vessels, +although their occupations lie generally in parts beyond the United +States. But without further restrictions there is an opportunity of +their privileges being used as means of eluding the embargo. + +All armed vessels possessing public commissions from any foreign power +(letters of marque excepted) are considered as not liable to the embargo. + +These circumstances are transmitted to Congress for their consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 4, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you three letters from our minister in London, advices +concerning the Algerine mission from our minister at Lisbon and others, +and a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic +to the Secretary of State, with his answer. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 15, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of His +Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State; a letter from the secretary +of the territory south of the river Ohio, inclosing an ordinance and +proclamation of the governor thereof; the translation of so much of +a petition of the inhabitants of Post Vincennes, addressed to the +President, as relates to Congress, and certain dispatches lately +received from our commissioners at Madrid. These dispatches from +Madrid being a part of the business which has been hitherto deemed +confidential, they are forwarded under that view. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The communications which I have made to you during your present session +from the dispatches of our minister in London contain a serious aspect +of our affairs with Great Britain. But as peace ought to be pursued with +unremitted zeal before the last resource, which has so often been the +scourge of nations, and can not fail to check the advanced prosperity of +the United States, is contemplated, I have thought proper to nominate, +and do hereby nominate, John Jay as envoy extraordinary of the United +States to His Britannic Majesty. + +My confidence in our minister plenipotentiary in London continues +undiminished. But a mission like this, while it corresponds with the +solemnity of the occasion, will announce to the world a solicitude for +a friendly adjustment of our complaints and a reluctance to hostility. +Going immediately from the United States, such an envoy will carry with +him a full knowledge of the existing temper and sensibility of our +country, and will thus be taught to vindicate our rights with firmness +and to cultivate peace with sincerity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 12, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +As the letter which I forwarded to Congress on the 15th day of April +last, from the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty to the +Secretary of State, in answer to a memorial of our minister in London, +related to a very interesting subject, I thought it proper not to delay +its communication. But since that time the memorial itself has been +received in a letter from our minister, and a reply has been made to +that answer by the Secretary of State. Copies of them are therefore now +transmitted. + +I also send the copy of a letter from the governor of Rhode Island, +inclosing an act of the legislature of that State empowering the United +States to hold lands within the same for the purpose of erecting +fortifications, and certain papers concerning patents for the donation +lands to the ancient settlers of Vincennes upon the Wabash. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 20, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In the communications which I have made to Congress during the present +session relative to foreign nations I have omitted no opportunity of +testifying my anxiety to preserve the United States in peace. It is +peculiarly, therefore, my duty at this time to lay before you the +present state of certain hostile threats against the territories of +Spain in our neighborhood. + +The documents which accompany this message develop the measures which I +have taken to suppress them, and the intelligence which has been lately +received. + +It will be seen from thence that the subject has not been neglected; +that every power vested in the Executive on such occasions has been +exerted, and that there was reason to believe that the enterprise +projected against the Spanish dominions was relinquished. + +But it appears to have been revived upon principles which set public +order at defiance and place the peace of the United States in the +discretion of unauthorized individuals. The means already deposited in +the different departments of Government are shewn by experience not to +be adequate to these high exigencies, although such of them as are +lodged in the hands of the Executive shall continue to be used with +promptness, energy, and decision proportioned to the case. But I am +impelled by the position of our public affairs to recommend that +provision be made for a stronger and more vigorous opposition than can +be given to such hostile movements under the laws as they now stand. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you in confidence sundry papers, by which you will +perceive the state of affairs between us and the Six Nations, and +the probable cause to which it is owing, and also certain information +whereby it would appear that some encroachment was about to be made on +our territory by an officer and party of British troops. Proceeding +upon a supposition of the authenticity of this information, although +of a private nature, I have caused the representation to be made to +the British minister a copy of which accompanies this message. + +It can not be necessary to comment upon the very serious nature of such +an encroachment, nor to urge that this new state of things suggests +the propriety of placing the United States in a posture of effectual +preparation for an event which, notwithstanding the endeavors making to +avert it, may by circumstances beyond our control be forced upon us. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 26, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The commissioners of His Catholic Majesty having communicated to the +Secretary of State the form of a certificate without which the vessels +of the United States can not be admitted into the ports of Spain, +I think it proper to lay it before Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 27, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The Executive Provisory Council of the French Republic having requested +me to recall Gouverneur Morris, our minister plenipotentiary in France, +I have thought proper, in pursuance of that request, to recall him. +I therefore nominate James Monroe, of Virginia, as minister +plenipotentiary of the United States to the said Republic. + +I also nominate William Short, now minister resident for the United +States with Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United +Netherlands, to be minister resident for the United States to His +Catholic Majesty, in the room of William Carmichael, who is recalled. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 2, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you certain communications, recently received from Georgia, which +materially change the prospect of affairs in that quarter, and seem to +render a war with the Creek Nations more probable than it has been at +any antecedent period. While the attention of Congress will be directed +to the consideration of measures suited to the exigency, it can not +escape their observation that this intelligence brings a fresh proof +of the insufficiency of the existing provisions of the laws toward +the effectual cultivation and preservation of peace with our Indian +neighbors. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, +Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands of the one part and +France on the other, and the duty and interest of the United States +require that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue +a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers: + +I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the +disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid toward +those powers respectively, and to exhort and warn the citizens of the +United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever +which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition. + +And I do hereby also make known that whosoever of the citizens of the +United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture +under the law of nations by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities +against any of the said powers, or by carrying to any of them those +articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, +will not receive the protection of the United States against such +punishment or forfeiture; and further, that I have given instructions to +those officers to whom it belongs to cause prosecutions to be instituted +against all persons who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of +the United States, violate the law of nations with respect to the powers +at war, or any of them. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 22d day of April, 1793, and of the +Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas I have received information that certain persons, in violation +of the laws, have presumed, under color of a foreign authority, to +enlist citizens of the United States and others within the State of +Kentucky, and have there assembled an armed force for the purpose of +invading and plundering the territories of a nation at peace with the +said United States; and + +Whereas such unwarrantable measures, being contrary to the laws of +nations and to the duties incumbent on every citizen of the United +States, tend to disturb the tranquillity of the same, and to involve +them in the calamities of war; and + +Whereas it is the duty of the Executive to take care that such criminal +proceedings should be suppressed, the offenders brought to justice, +and all good citizens cautioned against measures likely to prove so +pernicious to their country and themselves, should they be seduced into +similar infractions of the laws: + +I have therefore thought proper to issue this proclamation, hereby +solemnly warning every person, not authorized by the laws, against +enlisting any citizen or citizens of the United States, or levying +troops, or assembling any persons within the United States for the +purposes aforesaid, or proceeding in any manner to the execution +thereof, as they will answer for the same at their peril; and I do also +admonish and require all citizens to refrain from enlisting, enrolling, +or assembling themselves for such unlawful purposes and from being in +anywise concerned, aiding, or abetting therein, as they tender their own +welfare, inasmuch as all lawful means will be strictly put in execution +for securing obedience to the laws and for punishing such dangerous and +daring violations thereof. + +And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and other +officers whom it may concern, according to their respective duties, to +exert the powers in them severally vested to prevent and suppress all +such unlawful assemblages and proceedings, and to bring to condign +punishment those who may have been guilty thereof, as they regard the +due authority of Government and the peace and welfare of the United +States. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of March, 1794, and of +the Independence of the United States of America the eighteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Annals of Congress, Fourth Congress, second session, 2796.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws laying duties +upon spirits distilled within the United States and upon stills have +from the time of the commencement of those laws existed in some of the +western parts of Pennsylvania; and + +Whereas the said combinations, proceeding in a manner subversive +equally of the just authority of government and of the rights of +individuals, have hitherto effected their dangerous and criminal +purpose by the influence of certain irregular meetings whose proceedings +have tended to encourage and uphold the spirit of opposition by +misrepresentations of the laws calculated to render them odious; by +endeavors to deter those who might be so disposed from accepting offices +under them through fear of public resentment and of injury to person and +property, and to compel those who had accepted such offices by actual +violence to surrender or forbear the execution of them; by circulating +vindictive menaces against all those who should otherwise, directly or +indirectly, aid in the execution of the said laws, or who, yielding +to the dictates of conscience and to a sense of obligation, should +themselves comply therewith; by actually injuring and destroying +the property of persons who were understood to have so complied; by +inflicting cruel and humiliating punishments upon private citizens for +no other cause than that of appearing to be the friends of the laws; by +intercepting the public officers on the highways, abusing, assaulting, +and otherwise ill treating them; by going to their houses in the night, +gaining admittance by force, taking away their papers, and committing +other outrages, employing for these unwarrantable purposes the agency of +armed banditti disguised in such manner as for the most part to escape +discovery; and + +Whereas the endeavors of the Legislature to obviate objections to the +said laws by lowering the duties and by other alterations conducive +to the convenience of those whom they immediately affect (though they +have given satisfaction in other quarters), and the endeavors of +the executive officers to conciliate a compliance with the laws by +explanations, by forbearance, and even by particular accommodations +founded on the suggestion of local considerations, have been +disappointed of their effect by the machinations of persons whose +industry to excite resistance has increased with every appearance of +a disposition among the people to relax in their opposition and to +acquiesce in the laws, insomuch that many persons in the said western +parts of Pennsylvania have at length been hardy enough to perpetrate +acts which I am advised amount to treason, being overt acts of levying +war against the United States, the said persons having on the 16th and +17th July last past proceeded in arms (on the second day amounting to +several hundreds) to the house of John Neville, inspector of the revenue +for the fourth survey of the district of Pennsylvania; having repeatedly +attacked the said house with the persons therein, wounding some of them; +having seized David Lenox, marshal of the district of Pennsylvania, who +previous thereto had been fired upon while in the execution of his duty +by a party of armed men, detaining him for some time prisoner, till for +the preservation of his life and the obtaining of his liberty he found +it necessary to enter into stipulations to forbear the execution of +certain official duties touching processes issuing out of a court of the +United States; and having finally obliged the said inspector of the said +revenue and the said marshal from considerations of personal safety to +fly from that part of the country, in order, by a circuitous route, to +proceed to the seat of Government, avowing as the motives of these +outrageous proceedings an intention to prevent by force of arms the +execution of the said laws, to oblige the said inspector of the revenue +to renounce his said office, to withstand by open violence the lawful +authority of the Government of the United States, and to compel thereby +an alteration in the measures of the Legislature and a repeal of the +laws aforesaid; and + +Whereas by a law of the United States entitled "An act to provide for +calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress +insurrections, and repel invasions," it is enacted "that whenever the +laws of the United States shall be opposed or the execution thereof +obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested +in the marshals by that act, the same being notified by an associate +justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the President of +the United States to call forth the militia of such State to suppress +such combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. And if the +militia of a State where such combinations may happen shall refuse or be +insufficient to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, +if the Legislature of the United States shall not be in session, to +call forth and employ such numbers of the militia of any other State or +States most convenient thereto as may be necessary; and the use of the +militia so to be called forth may be continued, if necessary, until the +expiration of thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session: +_Provided always_, That whenever it may be necessary in the judgment +of the President to use the military force hereby directed to be +called forth, the President shall forthwith, and previous thereto, by +proclamation, command such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably +to their respective abodes within a limited time;" and + +Whereas James Wilson, an associate justice, on the 4th instant, by +writing under his hand, did from evidence which had been laid before +him notify to me that "in the counties of Washington and Allegany, in +Pennsylvania, laws of the United States are opposed and the execution +thereof obstructed by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the +ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the +marshal of that district;" and + +Whereas it is in my judgment necessary under the circumstances of the +case to take measures for calling forth the militia in order to suppress +the combinations aforesaid, and to cause the laws to be duly executed; +and I have accordingly determined so to do, feeling the deepest regret +for the occasion, but withal the most solemn conviction that the +essential interests of the Union demand it, that the very existence of +Government and the fundamental principles of social order are materially +involved in the issue, and that the patriotism and firmness of all good +citizens are seriously called upon, as occasions may require, to aid in +the effectual suppression of so fatal a spirit: + +Wherefore, and in pursuance of the proviso above recited, I, George +Washington, President of the United States, do hereby command all +persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom it may +concern, on or before the 1st day of September next to disperse and +retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do moreover warn +all persons whomsoever against aiding, abetting, or comforting the +perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and do require all +officers and other citizens, according to their respective duties and +the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and +suppress such dangerous proceedings. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 7th day of August, 1794, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Annals of Congress, Third Congress, 1413.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas from a hope that the combinations against the Constitution +and laws of the United States in certain of the western counties of +Pennsylvania would yield to time and reflection I thought it sufficient +in the first instance rather to take measures for calling forth the +militia than immediately to embody them, but the moment is now come when +the overtures of forgiveness, with no other condition than a submission +to law, have been only partially accepted; when every form of +conciliation not inconsistent with the being of Government has been +adopted without effect; when the well-disposed in those counties are +unable by their influence and example to reclaim the wicked from their +fury, and are compelled to associate in their own defense; when the +proffered lenity has been perversely misinterpreted into an apprehension +that the citizens will march with reluctance; when the opportunity of +examining the serious consequences of a treasonable opposition has been +employed in propagating principles of anarchy, endeavoring through +emissaries to alienate the friends of order from its support, and +inviting its enemies to perpetrate similar acts of insurrection; when +it is manifest that violence would continue to be exercised upon every +attempt to enforce the laws; when, therefore, Government is set at +defiance, the contest being whether a small portion of the United States +shall dictate to the whole Union, and, at the expense of those who +desire peace, indulge a desperate ambition: + +Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, +in obedience to that high and irresistible duty consigned to me by +the Constitution "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed," +deploring that the American name should be sullied by the outrages of +citizens on their own Government, commiserating such as remain obstinate +from delusion, but resolved, in perfect reliance on that gracious +Providence which so signally displays its goodness towards this country, +to reduce the refractory to a due subordination to the law, do hereby +declare and make known that, with a satisfaction which can be equaled +only by the merits of the militia summoned into service from the States +of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I have received +intelligence of their patriotic alacrity in obeying the call of the +present, though painful, yet commanding necessity; that a force which, +according to every reasonable expectation, is adequate to the exigency +is already in motion to the scene of disaffection; that those who have +confided or shall confide in the protection of Government shall meet +full succor under the standard and from the arms of the United States; +that those who, having offended against the laws, have since entitled +themselves to indemnity will be treated with the most liberal good faith +if they shall not have forfeited their claim by any subsequent conduct, +and that instructions are given accordingly. + +And I do moreover exhort all individuals, officers, and bodies of men to +contemplate with abhorrence the measures leading directly or indirectly +to those crimes which produce this resort to military coercion; to check +in their respective spheres the efforts of misguided or designing men +to substitute their misrepresentation in the place of truth and their +discontents in the place of stable government, and to call to mind +that, as the people of the United States have been permitted, under the +Divine favor, in perfect freedom, after solemn deliberation, and in an +enlightened age, to elect their own government, so will their gratitude +for this inestimable blessing be best distinguished by firm exertions +to maintain the Constitution and the laws. + +And, lastly, I again warn all persons whomsoever and wheresoever not to +abet, aid, or comfort the insurgents aforesaid, as they will answer the +contrary at their peril; and I do also require all officers and other +citizens, according to their several duties, as far as may be in their +power, to bring under the cognizance of the laws all offenders in the +premises. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United +States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same +with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 25th day of September, 1794, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + + +SIXTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 19, 1794_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; + +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity +of our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to +which it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you +that during your recess some of the citizens of the United States have +been found capable of an insurrection. It is due, however, to the +character of our Government and to its stability, which can not be +shaken by the enemies of order, freely to unfold the course of this +event. + +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States +"to lay and collect excises." In a majority of the States scarcely an +objection was heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms +were at first conceived, until they were banished by reason and +patriotism. In the four western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, +fostered and imbittered by the artifice of men who labored for an +ascendency over the will of others by the guidance of their passions, +produced symptoms of riot and violence. It is well known that Congress +did not hesitate to examine the complaints which were presented, and +to relieve them as far as justice dictated or general convenience +would permit. But the impression which this moderation made on the +discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was +misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and +associations of men began to denounce threats against the officers +employed. From a belief that by a more formal concert their operation +might be defeated, certain self-created societies assumed the tone of +condemnation. Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself +were conforming themselves to the acts of excise, a few counties were +resolved to frustrate them. It was now perceived that every expectation +from the tenderness which had been hitherto pursued was unavailing, +and that further delay could only create an opinion of impotency or +irresolution in the Government. Legal process was therefore delivered +to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent distillers. + +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the +vengeance of armed men was aimed at _his_ person and the person and +property of the inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, +arrested him, and detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was +obliged, by the jeopardy of his life, to renounce the service of other +process on the west side of the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was +afterwards sent to him to demand a surrender of that which he _had_ +served. A numerous body repeatedly attacked the house of the inspector, +seized his papers of office, and finally destroyed by fire his buildings +and whatsoever they contained. Both of these officers, from a just +regard to their safety, fled to the seat of Government, it being avowed +that the motives to such outrages were to compel the resignation of the +inspector, to withstand by force of arms the authority of the United +States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws of excise and an +alteration in the conduct of Government. + +Upon the testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme +Court of the United States notified to me that "in the counties of +Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States +were opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too +powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings +or by the powers vested in the marshal of that district." On this call, +momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighed what might best subdue +the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be stripped +of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends +of Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an +apparent acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small +a portion of the United States would be to violate the fundamental +principle of our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the +majority shall prevail. On the other, to array citizen against citizen, +to publish the dishonor of such excesses, to encounter the expense and +other embarrassments of so distant an expedition, were steps too +delicate, too closely interwoven with many affecting considerations, to +be lightly adopted. I postponed, therefore, the summoning the militia +immediately into the field, but I required them to be held in readiness, +that if my anxious endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the +malignant of their danger should be fruitless, military force might be +prepared to act before the season should be too far advanced. + +My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and +accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to +repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer with +any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be candid +and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion _must_ be the +resort; but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor +of faithful citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of +Executive power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of +the United States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition +than a satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. + +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means +of conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or +abetted the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed +as the atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. + +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the +militia to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my +proclamation of the 25th of September last. + +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest +degree of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From +a respect, indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow-citizens +belonging to the militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish +such an estimate. My very reluctance to ascribe too much importance +to the opposition, had its extent been accurately seen, would have +been a decided inducement to the smallest efficient numbers, In this +uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion 15,000 men, as being an army +which, according to all human calculation, would be prompt and adequate +in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering resistance desperate, +prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been assigned to the States +of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the governor of +Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion which justified +a requisition to the other States. + +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service +of the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous +to obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior +movements. Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were +secure from obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to +justice such of the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered +terms of amnesty, and may be deemed fit objects of example; that the +friends to peace and good government were not in need of that aid and +countenance which they ought always to receive, and, I trust, ever will +receive, against the vicious and turbulent, I should have caught with +avidity the opportunity of restoring the militia to their families and +homes. But succeeding intelligence has tended to manifest the necessity +of what has been done, it being now confessed by those who were not +inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of the insurgents that their +malevolence was not pointed merely to a particular law, but that a +spirit inimical to all order has actuated many of the offenders. If the +state of things had afforded reason for the continuance of my presence +with the army, it would not have been withholden. But every appearance +assuring such an issue as will redound to the reputation and strength +of the United States, I have judged it most proper to resume my duties +at the seat of Government, leaving the chief command with the governor +of Virginia. + +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period +in the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, +whether we contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the +execution of the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an +honorable attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this +session being the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, +Congress can not be too early occupied with this subject. + +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, +and from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not +escape their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, +but other officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from +their fidelity in the discharge of their functions, sustained material +injuries to their property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying +them are strong and obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy +will not enlarge this provision to the retribution of other citizens +who, though not under the ties of office, may have suffered damage by +their generous exertions for upholding the Constitution and the laws. +The amount, even if all the injured were included, would not be great, +and on future emergencies the Government would be amply repaid by the +influence of an example that he who incurs a loss in its defense shall +find a recompense in its liberality. + +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should +have disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of +our community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion +of the public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial +consolations for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity +rests on solid foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my +fellow-citizens understand the true principles of government and +liberty; that they feel their inseparable union; that notwithstanding +all the devices which have been used to sway them from their interest +and duty, they are now as ready to maintain the authority of the laws +against licentious invasions as they were to defend their rights +against usurpation. It has been a spectacle displaying to the highest +advantage the value of republican government to behold the most and +the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, +by the approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. +Nor ought I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic +cooperation which I have experienced from the chief magistrates +of the States to which my requisitions have been addressed. + +To every description of citizens, indeed, let praise be given. But +let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious +depository of American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. +Let them cherish it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, +are daily seeking a dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments +of reflection they shall have retraced the origin and progress of the +insurrection, let them determine whether it has not been fomented by +combinations of men who, careless of consequences and disregarding the +unerring truth that those who rouse can not always appease a civil +convulsion, have disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, +suspicions, jealousies, and accusations of the whole Government. + +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States," on you, gentlemen, and the people +by whom you are deputed, I rely for support. + +In the arrangements to which the possibility of a similar contingency +will naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the +militia laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been +supplied but by the zeal of our citizens, Besides the extraordinary +expense and waste, which are not the least of the defects, every appeal +to those laws is attended with a doubt on its success. + +The devising and establishing of a well-regulated militia would be +a genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will +not pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, +arming, and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the +language of the Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the +laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never +too frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the +fortifications which have been already licensed by law be commensurate +with our exigencies. + +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians +north of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the +advance which he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and +weakened their obstinacy in waging war against the United States, And +yet, even at this late hour, when our power to punish them can not be +questioned, we shall not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon +terms of candor, equity, and good neighborhood. + +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been +spared. The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the +interposition of the General Government and that of Georgia. From a +desire also to remove the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement +meditated at Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an +agent is now endeavoring to rectify any misconception into which they +may have fallen. But I can not refrain from again pressing upon your +deliberations the plan which I recommended at the last session for the +improvement of harmony with all the Indians within our limits by the +fixing and conducting of trading houses upon the principles then +expressed. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a +definite plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that +the result is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work +without delay. Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the +nation and nothing would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, +whatsoever is unfinished of our system of public credit can not be +benefited by procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought +to place that credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to +prevent that progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately +endanger all governments. + +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_. + +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the +precious metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion +have been lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing +prospect that the institution will at no remote day realize the +expectation which was originally formed of its utility. + +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our +intercourse with foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. +However, it may not be unseasonable to announce that my policy in our +foreign transactions has been to cultivate peace with all the world; +to observe treaties with pure and absolute faith; to check every +deviation from the line of impartiality; to explain what may have been +misapprehended and correct what may have been injurious to any nation, +and having thus acquired the right, to lose no time in acquiring the +ability to insist upon justice being done to ourselves. + +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations +to spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to +enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to +flight; to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness +has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this +Government being a safeguard to human rights. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. +In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern +for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country which has +uniformly distinguished your past Administration. + +Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the +laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania has been increased by the +proceedings of certain self-created societies relative to the laws and +administration of the Government; proceedings, in our apprehension, +founded in political error, calculated, if not intended, to disorganize +our Government, and which, by inspiring delusive hopes of support, have +been influential in misleading our fellow-citizens in the scene of +insurrection. + +In a situation so delicate and important the lenient and persuasive +measures which you adopted merit and receive our affectionate +approbation. These failing to procure their proper effect, and coercion +having become inevitable, we have derived the highest satisfaction from +the enlightened patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of +New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia have rallied around the +standard of Government in opposition to anarchy and insurrection. + +Our warm and cordial acknowledgments are due to you, sir, for the wisdom +and decision with which you arrayed the militia to execute the public +will, and to them for the disinterestedness and alacrity with which they +obeyed your summons. + +The example is precious to the theory of our Government, and confers the +brightest honor upon the patriots who have given it. + +We shall readily concur in such further provisions for the security +of internal peace and a due obedience to the laws as the occasion +manifestly requires. + +The effectual organization of the militia and a prudent attention to the +fortifications of our ports and harbors are subjects of great national +importance, and, together with the other measures you have been pleased +to recommend, will receive our deliberate consideration. + +The success of the troops under the command of General Wayne can not +fail to produce essential advantages. The pleasure with which we +acknowledge the merits of that gallant general and army is enhanced by +the hope that their victories will lay the foundation of a just and +durable peace with the Indian tribes. + +At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations the temperate, just, +and firm policy that you have pursued in respect to foreign powers has +been eminently calculated to promote the great and essential interest of +our country, and has created the fairest title to the public gratitude +and thanks. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +NOVEMBER 21, 1794. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Among the occasions which have been afforded for expressing +my sense of the zealous and steadfast cooperation of the Senate in the +maintenance of Government, none has yet occurred more forcibly demanding +my unqualified acknowledgments than the present. + +Next to the consciousness of upright intentions, it is the highest +pleasure to be approved by the enlightened representatives of a free +nation. With the satisfaction, therefore, which arises from an +unalterable attachment to public order do I learn that the Senate +discountenance those proceedings which would arrogate the direction of +our affairs without any degree of authority derived from the people. + +It has been more than once the lot of our Government to be thrown into +new and delicate situations, and of these the insurrection has not been +the least important. Having been compelled at length to lay aside my +repugnance to resort to arms, I derive much happiness from being +confirmed by your judgment in the necessity of decisive measures, and +from the support of my fellow-citizens of the militia, who were the +patriotic instruments of that necessity. + +With such demonstrations of affection for our Constitution; with an +adequate organization of the militia; with the establishment of +necessary fortifications; with a continuance of those judicious and +spirited exertions which have brought victory to our Western army; with +a due attention to public credit, and an unsullied honor toward all +nations, we may meet, under every assurance of success, our enemies +from within and from without. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 22, 1794. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives, calling to mind the blessings enjoyed +by the people of the United States, and especially the happiness of +living under constitutions and laws which rest on their authority alone, +could not learn with other emotions than those you have expressed that +any part of our fellow-citizens should have shewn themselves capable +of an insurrection. And we learn with the greatest concern that any +misrepresentations whatever of the Government and its proceedings, +either by individuals or combinations of men, should have been made +and so far credited as to foment the flagrant outrage which has been +committed on the laws. We feel with you the deepest regret at so painful +an occurrence in the annals of our country. As men regardful of the +tender interests of humanity, we look with grief at scenes which might +have stained our land with civil blood; as lovers of public order, we +lament that it has suffered so flagrant a violation; as zealous friends +of republican government, we deplore every occasion which in the hands +of its enemies may be turned into a calumny against it. + +This aspect of the crisis, however, is happily not the only one which +it presents. There is another, which yields all the consolations which +you have drawn from it. It has demonstrated to the candid world, as +well as to the American people themselves, that the great body of them +everywhere are equally attached to the luminous and vital principle of +our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall +prevail; that they understand the indissoluble union between true +liberty and regular government; that they feel their duties no less than +they are watchful over their rights; that they will be as ready at all +times to crush licentiousness as they have been to defeat usurpation. +In a word, that they are capable of carrying into execution that noble +plan of self-government which they have chosen as the guaranty of their +own happiness and the asylum for that of all, from every clime, who may +wish to unite their destiny with ours. + +These are the just inferences flowing from the promptitude with which +the summons to the standard of the laws has been obeyed, and from the +sentiments which have been witnessed in every description of citizens in +every quarter of the Union. The spectacle, therefore, when viewed in its +true light, may well be affirmed to display in equal luster the virtues +of the American character and the value of republican government. +All must particularly acknowledge and applaud the patriotism of that +portion of citizens who have freely sacrificed everything less dear +than the love of their country to the meritorious task of defending +its happiness. + +In the part which you have yourself borne through this delicate and +distressing period we trace the additional proofs it has afforded of +your solicitude for the public good. Your laudable and successful +endeavors to render lenity in executing the laws conducive to their +real energy, and to convert tumult into order without the effusion of +blood, form a particular title to the confidence and praise of your +constituents. In all that may be found necessary on our part to complete +this benevolent purpose, and to secure the ministers and friends of +the laws against the remains of danger, our due cooperation will +be afforded. + +The other subjects which you have recommended or communicated, and of +which several are peculiarly interesting, will all receive the attention +which they demand. We are deeply impressed with the importance of an +effectual organization of the militia. We rejoice at the intelligence +of the advance and success of the army under the command of General +Wayne, whether we regard it as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, +and superiority of our troops, or as a happy presage to our military +operations against the hostile Indians, and as a probable prelude to the +establishment of a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, and good +neighborhood. We receive it with the greater pleasure as it increases +the probability of sooner restoring a part of the public resources to +the desirable object of reducing the public debt. + +We shall on this, as on all occasions, be disposed to adopt any measures +which may advance the safety and prosperity of our country. In nothing +can we more cordially unite with you than in imploring the Supreme Ruler +of Nations to multiply his blessings on these United States; to guard +our free and happy Constitution against every machination and danger, +and to make it the best source of public happiness, by verifying its +character of being the best safeguard of human rights, + +NOVEMBER 28, 1794. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I anticipated with confidence the concurrence of the House of +Representatives in the regret produced by the insurrection. Every effort +ought to be used to discountenance what has contributed to foment it, +and thus discourage a repetition of like attempts; for notwithstanding +the consolations which may be drawn from the issue of this event, it +is far better that the artful approaches to such a situation of things +should be checked by the vigilant and duly admonished patriotism of our +fellow-citizens than that the evil should increase until it becomes +necessary to crush it by the strength of their arm. + +I am happy that the part which I have myself borne on this occasion +receives the approbation of your House. For the discharge of a +constitutional duty it is a sufficient reward to me to be assured +that you will unite in consummating what remains to be done. + +I feel also great satisfaction in learning that the other subjects +which I have communicated or recommended will meet with due attention; +that you are deeply impressed with the importance of an effectual +organization of the militia, and that the advance and success of the +army under the command of General Wayne is regarded by you, no less +than myself, as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, and superiority +of our troops. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 29, 1794. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of New York and of the exemplification of an act of the legislature +thereof ratifying the amendment of the Constitution of the United States +proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last +session, respecting the judicial power. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In the negotiation between the United States and His Catholic Majesty +I have received satisfactory proofs of attention and ability exerted +in behalf of the United States to bring it to a happy and speedy issue. +But it is probable that by complying with an intimation made to the +Secretary of State by the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty much +further delay in concluding it may be prevented. Notwithstanding, +therefore, I retain full confidence in our minister resident at Madrid, +who is charged with powers as commissioner plenipotentiary, I nominate +Thomas Pinckney to be envoy extraordinary of the United States to His +Catholic Majesty, for the purpose of negotiating of and concerning the +navigation of the river Mississippi, and such other matters relative +to the confines of their territories, and the intercourse to be had +thereon, as the mutual interests and general harmony of neighboring and +friendly nations require should be precisely adjusted and regulated, +and of and concerning the general commerce between the United States +and the kingdoms and dominions of his said Catholic Majesty. + +It is believed that by his temporary absence from London in the +discharge of these new functions no injury will arise to the United +States. + +I also nominate: + +John Miller Russell, of Massachusetts, to be consul of the United States +of America for the port of St. Petersburg, in Russia, and for such other +places as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of +any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance; + +Joseph Pitcairn, of New York, to be vice-consul of the United States +of America at Paris, vice Alexander Duvernet, superseded; and + +Nathaniel Brush, of Vermont, to be supervisor for the United States +in the district of Vermont, vice Noah Smith, who has resigned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 25, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement of the troops in the service of the United +States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary of War. It will +rest with Congress to consider and determine whether further inducements +shall be held out for entering into the military service of the United +States in order to complete the establishment authorized by law. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 17, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of the journal of the proceedings of the +executive department of the government of the United States south of +the river Ohio to the 1st of September, 1794. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report, made to me by the Secretary of War, +respecting the frontiers of the United States. The disorders and +the great expenses which incessantly arise upon the frontiers are +of a nature and magnitude to excite the most serious considerations. + +I feel a confidence that Congress will devise such constitutional and +efficient measures as shall be equal to the great objects of preserving +our treaties with the Indian tribes and of affording an adequate +protection to our frontiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +A spirit of discontent, from several causes, arose in the early part of +the present year among the Six Nations of Indians, and particularly on +the ground of a projected settlement by Pennsylvania, at Presque Isle, +upon Lake Erie. The papers upon this point have already been laid before +Congress. It was deemed proper on my part to endeavor to tranquillize +the Indians by pacific measures. Accordingly a time and place was +appointed at which a free conference should be had upon all the causes +of discontent, and an agent was appointed with the instructions of +which No. 1, herewith transmitted, is a copy. + +A numerous assembly of Indians was held in Canandaigua, in the State of +New York the proceedings whereof accompany this message, marked No. 2. + +The two treaties, the one with the Six Nations and the other with the +Oneida, Tuscorora, and Stockbridge Indians dwelling in the country of +the Oneidas, which have resulted from the mission of the agent, are +herewith laid before the Senate for their consideration and advice. + +The original engagement of the United States to the Oneidas is also sent +herewith. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of acts passed by the legislatures of the +States of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York, ratifying the amendment +proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last +session to the Constitution of the United States respecting the +judicial power thereof. + +The minister of the French Republic having communicated to the Secretary +of State certain proceedings of the committee of public safety +respecting weights and measures, I lay these also before Congress. + +The letter from the governor of the Western territory, copies of which +are now transmitted, refers to a defect in the judicial system of that +territory deserving the attention of Congress. + +The necessary absence of the judge of the district of Pennsylvania upon +business connected with the late insurrection is stated by him in a +letter of which I forward copies to have produced certain interruptions +in the judicial proceedings of that district which can not be removed +without the interposition of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 4, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress, for their consideration, a letter from the +Secretary of State upon the subject of a loan which is extremely +interesting and urgent. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of New Hampshire and of an act of the legislature thereof "ratifying the +article proposed in amendment to the Constitution of the United States +respecting the judicial power." + +I also lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of +the State of North Carolina and of an act of the legislature thereof +ceding to the United States certain lands upon the conditions therein +mentioned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have received copies of two acts of the legislature of Georgia, +one passed on the 28th day of December and the other on the 7th day +of January last, for appropriating and selling the Indian lands within +the territorial limits claimed by that State. These copies, though not +officially certified, have been transmitted to me in such a manner as to +leave no room to doubt their authenticity. These acts embrace an object +of such magnitude, and in their consequences may so deeply affect the +peace and welfare of the United States, that I have thought it necessary +now to lay them before Congress. + +In _confidence_, I also forward copies of several documents and papers +received from the governor of the Southwestern territory. By these it +seems that hostilities with the Cherokees have ceased, and that there is +a pleasing prospect of a permanent peace with that nation; but from all +the communications of the governor it appears that the Creeks, in small +parties, continue their depredations, and it is uncertain to what they +may finally lead. + +The several papers now communicated deserve the immediate attention of +Congress, who will consider how far the subjects of them may require +their cooperation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I communicate to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the +State of Georgia and of an act of the legislature thereof "to ratify the +resolution of Congress explanatory of the judicial power of the United +States." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In my first communication to Congress during their present session +I gave them reason to expect that "certain circumstances of our +intercourse with foreign nations" would be transmitted to them. There +was at that time every assurance for believing that some of the most +important of our foreign affairs would have been concluded and others +considerably matured before they should rise. But notwithstanding I have +waited until this moment, it has so happened that, either from causes +unknown to me or from events which could not be controlled, I am yet +unable to execute my original intention. That I may, however, fulfill +the expectation given as far as the actual situation of things will in +my judgment permit, I now, _in confidence_', lay before Congress the +following general statement: + +Our minister near the French Republic has urged compensation for +the injuries which our commerce has sustained from captures by French +cruisers, from the nonfulfillment of the contracts of the agents of that +Republic with our citizens, and from the embargo at Bordeaux. He has +also pressed an allowance for the money voted by Congress for relieving +the inhabitants of St. Domingo. It affords me the highest pleasure to +inform Congress that perfect harmony reigns between the two Republics, +and that those claims are in a train of being discussed with candor +and of being amicably adjusted. + +So much of our relation to Great Britain may depend upon the result +of our late negotiations in London that until that result shall arrive +I can not undertake to make any communication upon this subject. + +After the negotiation with Spain had been long depending unusual and +unexpected embarrassments were raised to interrupt its progress. But +the commissioner of His Catholic Majesty near the United States having +declared to the Secretary of State that if a particular accommodation +should be made in the _conducting_ of the business no further delay +would ensue, I thought proper, under all circumstances, to send to +His Catholic Majesty an envoy extraordinary specially charged to bring +to a conclusion the discussions which have been formerly announced +to Congress. + +The friendship of Her Most Faithful Majesty has been often manifested in +checking the passage of the Algerine corsairs into the Atlantic Ocean. +She has also furnished occasional convoys to the vessels of the United +States, even when bound to other ports than her own. We may therefore +promise ourselves that, as in the ordinary course of things few causes +can exist for dissatisfaction between the United States and Portugal, +so the temper with which accidental difficulties will be met on each +side will speedily remove them. + +Between the Executive of the United States and the Government of the +United Netherlands but little intercourse has taken place during the +last year. It may be acceptable to Congress to learn that our credit in +Holland is represented as standing upon the most respectable footing. + +Upon the death of the late Emperor of Morocco an agent was dispatched +to renew with his successor the treaty which the United States had made +with _him_. The agent, unfortunately, died after he had reached Europe +in the prosecution of his mission. But until lately it was impossible +to determine with any degree of probability who of the competitors for +that Empire would be ultimately fixed in the supreme power. Although +the measures which have been since adopted for the renewal of the treaty +have been obstructed by the disturbed situation of Amsterdam, there are +good grounds for presuming as yet upon the pacific disposition of the +Emperor, in fact, toward the United States, and that the past +miscarriage will be shortly remedied. + +Congress are already acquainted with the failure of the loan attempted +in Holland for the relief of our unhappy fellow-citizens in Algiers. +This subject, than which none deserves a more affectionate zeal, has +constantly commanded my best exertions. I am happy, therefore, in being +able to say that from the last authentic accounts the Dey was disposed +to treat for a peace and ransom, and that both would in all probability +have been accomplished had we not been disappointed in the means. +Nothing which depends upon the Executive shall be left undone for +carrying into immediate effect the supplementary act of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It appears from the information which I have lately received that it may +be probably necessary to the more successful conduct of our affairs on +the coast of Barbary that one consul should reside in Morocco, another +in Algiers, and a third in Tunis or Tripoli. As no appointment for these +offices will be accepted without some emolument annexed, I submit to the +consideration of Congress whether it may not be advisable to authorize +a stipend to be allowed to two consuls for that coast in addition to the +one already existing. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of Delaware and of an act inclosed "declaring the assent of that State +to an amendment therein mentioned to the Constitution of the United +States." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 8, 1795_.[2] + +[Footnote 2: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session +see p. 587.] + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In pursuance of my nomination of John Jay as envoy extraordinary to His +Britannic Majesty on the 16th day of April, 1794, and of the advice and +consent of the Senate thereto on the 19th, a negotiation was opened in +London. On the 7th of March, 1795, the treaty resulting therefrom was +delivered to the Secretary of State. I now transmit to the Senate that +treaty and other documents connected with it. They will, therefore, in +their wisdom decide whether they will advise and consent that the said +treaty be made between the United States and His Britannic Majesty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +It has been represented by our minister plenipotentiary near the French +Republic that such of our commercial relations with France as may +require the support of the United States in _detail_ can not be well +executed without a consul-general. Of this I am satisfied when I +consider the extent of the mercantile claims now depending before the +French Government, the necessity of bringing into the hands of one agent +the various applications to the several committees of administration +residing at Paris, the attention which must be paid to the conduct of +consuls, and vice-consuls, and the nature of the services which are the +peculiar objects of a minister's care, and leave no leisure for his +intervention in business to which consular functions are competent. +I therefore nominate Fulwar Skipwith to be consul-general of the +United States in France. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Just at the close of the last session of Congress I received from one +of the Senators and one of the Representatives of the State of Georgia +an application for a treaty to be held with the tribes or nations of +Indians claiming the right of soil to certain lands lying beyond the +present temporary boundary line of that State, and which were described +in an act of the legislature of Georgia passed on the 28th of December +last, which has already been laid before the Senate. This application +and the subsequent correspondence with the governor of Georgia are +herewith transmitted. The subject being very important, I thought proper +to postpone a decision upon that application. The views I have since +taken of the matter, with the information received of a more pacific +disposition on the part of the Creeks, have induced me now to accede to +the request, but with this explicit declaration, that neither my assent +nor the treaty which may be made shall be considered as affecting any +question which may arise upon the supplementary act passed by the +legislature of the State of Georgia on the 7th of January last, upon +which inquiries have been instituted in pursuance of a resolution +of the Senate and House of Representatives, and that any cession or +relinquishment of the Indian claims shall be made in the general terms +of the treaty of New York, which are contemplated as the form proper to +be generally used on such occasions, and on the condition that one-half +of the expense of the supplies of provisions for the Indians assembled +at the treaty be borne by the State of Georgia. + +Having concluded to hold the treaty requested by that State, I was +willing to embrace the opportunity it would present of inquiring +into the causes of the dissatisfaction of the Creeks which has +been manifested since the treaty of New York by their numerous +and distressing depredations on our Southwestern frontiers. Their +depredations on the Cumberland have been so frequent and so peculiarly +destructive as to lead me to think they must originate in some claim to +the lands upon that river. But whatever may have been the cause, it is +important to trace it to its source; for, independent of the destruction +of lives and property, it occasions a very serious annual expense to the +United States. The commissioners for holding the proposed treaty will, +therefore, be instructed to inquire into the causes of the hostilities +to which I have referred, and to enter into such reasonable stipulations +as will remove them and give permanent peace to those parts of the +United States. + +I now nominate Benjamin Hawkins, of North Carolina: George Clymer, of +Pennsylvania, and Andrew Pickens, of South Carolina, to be commissioners +to hold a treaty with the Creek Nation of Indians, for the purposes +hereinbefore expressed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +When we review the calamities which afflict so many other nations, +the present condition of the United States affords much matter of +consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war, +an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption, the great +degree of internal tranquillity we have enjoyed, the recent confirmation +of that tranquillity by the suppression of an insurrection which so +wantonly threatened it, the happy course of our public affairs in +general, the unexampled prosperity of all classes of our citizens, +are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications +of the Divine beneficence toward us. In such a state of things it is +in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and +affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations +to Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings +we experience. + +Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President +of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and +denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, within the United States +to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a +day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together +and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations +for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a +nation, particularly for the possession of constitutions of government +which unite and by their union establish liberty with order; for the +preservation of our peace, foreign and domestic; for the seasonable +control which has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression +of the late insurrection, and generally, for the prosperous course +of our affairs, public and private; and at the same time humbly and +fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings graciously to +prolong them to us; to imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of +our obligations to Him for them; to teach us rightly to estimate their +immense value; to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity, and +from hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits; to dispose +us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them; by our +gratitude for them, and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and men; +to render this country more and more a safe and propitious asylum for +the unfortunate of other countries; to extend among us true and useful +knowledge; to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, +and piety, and finally, to impart all the blessings we possess, or ask +for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with +my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 1st day of January, 1795, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 134.] + +PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas the commissioners appointed by the President of the United +States to confer with the citizens in the western counties of +Pennsylvania during the late insurrection which prevailed therein, by +their act and agreement bearing date the 2d day of September last, in +pursuance of the powers in them vested, did promise and engage that, +if assurances of submission to the laws of the United States should +be bona fide given by the citizens resident in the fourth survey of +Pennsylvania, in the manner and within the time in the said act and +agreement specified, a general pardon should be granted on the 10th day +of July then next ensuing of all treasons and other indictable offenses +against the United States committed within the said survey before the +22d day of August last, excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person +who should refuse or neglect to subscribe such assurance and engagement +in manner aforesaid, or who should after such subscription violate the +same, or willfully obstruct or attempt to obstruct the execution of the +acts for raising a revenue on distilled spirits and stills, or be aiding +or abetting therein; and + +Whereas I have since thought proper to extend the said pardon to +all persons guilty of the said treasons, misprisions of treasons, or +otherwise concerned in the late insurrection within the survey aforesaid +who have not since been indicted or convicted thereof, or of any other +offense against the United States: + +Therefore be it known that I, George Washington, President of the said +United States, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full, +free, and entire pardon to all persons (excepting as is hereinafter +excepted) of all treasons, misprisions of treason, and other indictable +offenses against the United States committed within the fourth survey of +Pennsylvania before the said 22d day of August last past, excepting and +excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person who refused or neglected +to give and subscribe the said assurances in the manner aforesaid +(or having subscribed hath violated the same) and now standeth indicted +or convicted of any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense +against the said United States, hereby remitting and releasing unto all +persons, except as before excepted, all penalties incurred, or supposed +to be incurred, for or on account of the premises. + +In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed, this 10th day of July, A.D. 1795, and +the twentieth year of the Independence of the said United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +SEVENTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1795_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that +I have never met you at any period when more than at the present the +situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual +congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound +gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary +blessings we enjoy. + +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed +in the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of +our army has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that +region. + +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was +deemed an object worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of +the United States as the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The +object, it is believed, has been fully attained. The articles agreed +upon will immediately be laid before the Senate for their consideration. + +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had +taken. But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has +been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia +are represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the +Creeks, which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and +danger, which will be productive of further expense, and may occasion +more effusion of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate +the usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of their +succeeding at least to avert general hostility. + +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of +our treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add +that information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to +Algiers importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency +of that country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the +expectation of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate +fellow-citizens from a grievous captivity. + +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had received assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending +upon unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it +is agreeable to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing +amicably very essential interests of the United States, will at the same +time lay the foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship +we have uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. + +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate +have advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which +excepts part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment +I was able to form of the public interest after full and mature +deliberation, I have added my sanction. The result on the part of His +Britannic Majesty is unknown. When received, the subject will without +delay be placed before Congress. + +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign +powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, +and with regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have +been in a state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for +consoling and gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation +on every side the extinguishment of all the causes of external discord +which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible +with our national rights and honor, shall be the happy result, how firm +and how precious a foundation will have been laid for accelerating, +maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country. + +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external +relations of the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment +and satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their +American dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, +exhausting, and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been +aggravated by domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of +the arts most useful to society have been exposed to discouragement and +decay; in which scarcity of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; +while even the anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and +repose are alloyed by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, +which press upon all the departments of industry and threaten to clog +the future springs of government, our favored country, happy in a +striking contrast, has enjoyed general tranquillity--a tranquillity +the more satisfactory because maintained at the expense of no duty. +Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no obligation to others. Our +agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, +however, very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced +by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our +population advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine +calculations, proportionally augments our strength and resources, +and guarantees our future security. Every part of the Union displays +indications of rapid and various improvement; and with burthens so +light as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to our +present exigencies, with governments founded on the genuine principles +of rational liberty, and with mild and wholesome laws, is it too much +to say that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness +never surpassed, if ever before equaled? + +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding +force impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to +our country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our +immense advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a +fervent and favorite wish of my heart. + +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that +the part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and +insurrection now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled +have abandoned their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and +laws which is due from good citizens to the public authorities of the +society. These circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the +offenders here referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had +been adjudged to capital punishment. For though I shall always think it +a sacred duty to exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional +powers with which I am vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent +with the public good than it is with my personal feelings to mingle in +the operations of Government every degree of moderation and tenderness +which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit. + +GENTLEMEN: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the +course of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the +least important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and +maybe expected still further to change, the relative situation of our +frontiers. In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the +considerations that the questions between us and certain foreign powers +are not yet finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet +terminated, and that our Western posts, when recovered, will demand +provision for garrisoning and securing them. A statement of our present +military force will be laid before you by the Department of War. + +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing +plan further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much +moment in my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the +consideration of it may be renewed until the greatest attainable +perfection shall be accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages +for forwarding the object, while none better deserves the persevering +attention of the public councils. + +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our +Western borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should +not lose sight of an important truth which continually receives new +confirmations, namely, that the provisions heretofore made with a view +to the protection of the Indians from the violences of the lawless part +of our frontier inhabitants are insufficient. It is demonstrated that +these violences can now be perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no +argument to prove that unless the murdering of Indians can be restrained +by bringing the murderers to condign punishment, all the exertions of +the Government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians will +prove fruitless and all our present agreeable prospects illusory. The +frequent destruction of innocent women and children, who are chiefly the +victims of retaliation, must continue to shock humanity, and an enormous +expense to drain the Treasury of the Union. + +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is +indispensable that there shall be competent means of rendering justice +to them. If these means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and +especially if there can be added an adequate provision for supplying the +necessities of the Indians on reasonable terms (a measure the mention +of which I the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences with them +they urge it with solicitude), I should not hesitate to entertain a +strong hope of rendering our tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure +that the probability even of their civilization is not diminished by +the experiments which have been thus far made under the auspices of +Government. The accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will +reflect undecaying luster on our national character and administer +the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted +from the proper Department, together with an estimate of the +appropriations necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. + +Whether measures may not be advisable to reenforce the provision for the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous +to repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest +of our country as with the general sense of our constituents. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will +shew the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely +into effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in +particular quarters. + +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building +them, the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which +have been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for +replenishing our magazines with military stores, and the steps which +have been taken toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with +the Indians will likewise be presented for the information of Congress. + +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference +of opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and +welfare of our country to need any recommendation of mine. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by your +speech to the two Houses of Congress that the long and expensive war in +which we have been engaged with the Indians northwest of the Ohio is in +a situation to be finally terminated; and though we view with concern +the danger of an interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with +the Creeks, we indulge the hope that the measures that you have adopted +to prevent the same, if followed by those legislative provisions +that justice and humanity equally demand, will succeed in laying the +foundation of a lasting peace with the Indian tribes on the Southern +as well as on the Western frontiers. + +The confirmation of our treaty with Morocco, and the adjustment of +a treaty of peace with Algiers, in consequence of which our captive +fellow-citizens shall be delivered from slavery, are events that will +prove no less interesting to the public humanity than they will be +important in extending and securing the navigation and commerce of +our country. + +As a just and equitable conclusion of our depending negotiations with +Spain will essentially advance the interest of both nations, and thereby +cherish and confirm the good understanding and friendship which we have +at all times desired to maintain, it will afford us real pleasure to +receive an early confirmation of our expectations on this subject. + +The interesting prospect of our affairs with regard to the foreign +powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted +is not more satisfactory than the review of our internal situation. +If from the former we derive an expectation of the extinguishment of +all the causes of external discord that have heretofore endangered +our tranquillity, and on terms consistent with our national honor +and safety, in the latter we discover those numerous and widespread +tokens of prosperity which in so peculiar a manner distinguish our +happy country. + +Circumstances thus every way auspicious demand our gratitude and sincere +acknowledgments to Almighty God, and require that we should unite our +efforts in imitation of your enlightened, firm, and persevering example +to establish and preserve the peace, freedom, and prosperity of our +country. + +The objects which you have recommended to the notice of the Legislature +will in the course of the session receive our careful attention, and +with a true zeal for the public welfare we shall cheerfully cooperate +in every measure that shall appear to us best calculated to promote +the same. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 11, 1795. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: With real pleasure I receive your address, recognizing +the prosperous situation of our public affairs, and giving assurances +of your careful attention to the objects demanding legislative +consideration, and that with a true zeal for the public welfare you +will cheerfully cooperate in every measure which shall appear to you +best calculated to promote the same. + +But I derive peculiar satisfaction from your concurrence with me in +the expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, which a review of the +auspicious circumstances that distinguish our happy country have +excited, and I trust the sincerity of our acknowledgments will be +evinced by a union of efforts to establish and preserve its peace, +freedom, and prosperity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 12, 1795. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: As the Representatives of the people of the United States, we can +not but participate in the strongest sensibility to every blessing which +they enjoy, and cheerfully join with you in profound gratitude to the +Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings which +He has conferred on our favored country. + +A final and formal termination of the distressing war which has +ravaged our Northwestern frontier will be an event which must afford a +satisfaction proportionate to the anxiety with which it has long been +sought, and in the adjustment of the terms we perceive the true policy +of making them satisfactory to the Indians as well as to the United +States as the best basis of a durable tranquillity. The disposition of +such of the Southern tribes as had also heretofore annoyed our frontier +is another prospect in our situation so important to the interest and +happiness of the United States that it is much to be lamented that any +clouds should be thrown over it, more especially by excesses on the +part of our own citizens. + +While our population is advancing with a celerity which exceeds the most +sanguine calculations; while every part of the United States displays +indications of rapid and various improvement; while we are in the +enjoyment of protection and security by mild and wholesome laws, +administered by governments founded on the genuine principles of +rational liberty, a secure foundation will be laid for accelerating, +maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country if, by treaty +and amicable negotiation, all those causes of external discord which +heretofore menaced our tranquillity shall be extinguished on terms +compatible with our national rights and honor and with our Constitution +and great commercial interests. + +Among the various circumstances in our internal situation none can be +viewed with more satisfaction and exultation than that the late scene of +disorder and insurrection has been completely restored to the enjoyment +of order and repose. Such a triumph of reason and of law is worthy of +the free Government under which it happened, and was justly to be hoped +from the enlightened and patriotic spirit which pervades and actuates +the people of the United States. + +In contemplating that spectacle of national happiness which our +country exhibits, and of which you, sir, have been pleased to make an +interesting summary, permit us to acknowledge and declare the very great +share which your zealous and faithful services have contributed to it, +and to express the affectionate attachment which we feel for your +character. + +The several interesting subjects which you recommend to our +consideration will receive every degree of attention which is due +to them; and whilst we feel the obligation of temperance and mutual +indulgence in all our discussions, we trust and pray that the result +to the happiness and welfare of our country may correspond with the +pure affection we bear to it. + +DECEMBER 16, 1795. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Coming as you do from all parts of the United States, +I receive great satisfaction from the concurrence of your testimony +in the justness of the interesting summary of our national happiness +which, as the result of my inquiries, I presented to your view. The +sentiments we have mutually expressed of profound gratitude to the +source of those numerous blessings, the Author of all Good, are pledges +of our obligations to unite our sincere and zealous endeavors, as the +instruments of Divine Providence, to preserve and perpetuate them. + +Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for your declaration that to my agency you +ascribe the enjoyment of a great share of these benefits. So far as my +services contribute to the happiness of my country, the acknowledgment +thereof by my fellow-citizens and their affectionate attachment will +ever prove an abundant reward. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 17, 1795. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 9, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty of peace which has +been negotiated by General Wayne, on behalf of the United States, with +all the late hostile tribes of Indians northwest of the river Ohio, +together with the instructions which were given to General Wayne and +the proceedings at the place of treaty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 21, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Herewith I transmit, for your information and consideration, the +original letter from the Emperor of Morocco, recognizing the treaty of +peace and friendship between the United States and his father, the late +Emperor, accompanied with a translation thereof, and various documents +relating to the negotiation by which the recognition was effected. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +A letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic, +received on the 22d of the last month, covered an address, dated the +21st of October, 1794, from the committee of public safety to the +Representatives of the United States in Congress, and also informed me +that he was instructed by the committee to present to the United States +the colors of France. I thereupon proposed to receive them last Friday, +the first day of the new year, a day of general joy and congratulation. +On that day the minister of the French Republic delivered the colors, +with an address, to which I returned an answer. By the latter Congress +will see that I have informed the minister that the colors will be +deposited with the archives of the United States. But it seemed to +me proper previously to exhibit to the two Houses of Congress these +evidences of the continued friendship of the French Republic, together +with the sentiments expressed by me on the occasion in behalf of the +United States. They are herewith communicated. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you a memorial of the commissioners appointed by virtue +of an act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent +seat of the Government of the United States," on the subject of the +public buildings under their direction. + +Since locating a district for the permanent seat of the Government of +the United States, as heretofore announced to both Houses of Congress, +I have accepted the grants of money and of land stated in the memorial +of the commissioners. I have directed the buildings therein mentioned +to be commenced on plans which I deemed consistent with the liberality +of the grants and proper for the purposes intended. + +I have not been inattentive to this important business intrusted by the +Legislature to my care. I have viewed the resources placed in my hands, +and observed the manner in which they have been applied. The progress is +pretty fully detailed in the memorial from the commissioners, and one +of them attends to give further information if required. In a case new +and arduous, like the present, difficulties might naturally be expected. +Some have occurred, but they are in a great degree surmounted, and I +have no doubt, if the remaining resources are properly cherished, so +as to prevent the loss of property by hasty and numerous sales, that all +the buildings required for the accommodation of the Government of the +United States may be completed in season without aid from the Federal +Treasury. The subject is therefore recommended to the consideration of +Congress, and the result will determine the measures which I shall cause +to be pursued with respect to the property remaining unsold. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith for the information of Congress: + +First. An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island, ratifying +an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prevent suits +in certain cases against a State. + +Second. An act of the State of North Carolina making the like +ratification. + +Third. An act of the State of North Carolina, assenting to the purchase +by the United States of a sufficient quantity of land on Shell Castle +Island for the purpose of erecting a beacon thereon, and ceding the +jurisdiction thereof to the United States. + +Fourth. A copy from the journal of proceedings of the governor in his +executive department of the territory of the United States northwest +of the river Ohio from July 1 to December 31, 1794. + +Fifth. A copy from the records of the executive proceedings of the same +governor from January 1 to June 30, 1795; and + +Sixth and seventh. A copy of the journal of the proceedings of the +governor in his executive department of the territory of the United +States south of the river Ohio from September 1, 1794, to September +1, 1795. + +Eighth. The acts of the first and second sessions of the general +assembly of the same territory. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United +States by an act of Congress passed the 3d of March last, to reduce the +weights of the copper coin of the United States whenever he should think +it for the benefit of the United States, provided that the reduction +should not exceed 2 pennyweights in each cent, and in the like +proportion in a half cent, I have caused the same to be reduced since +the 27th of last December, to wit, 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in each +cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent; and I have given notice +thereof by proclamation. + +By the letter of the judges of the circuit court of the United States, +held at Boston in June last, and the inclosed application of the +underkeeper of the jail at that place, of which copies are herewith +transmitted, Congress will perceive the necessity of making a suitable +provision for the maintenance of prisoners committed to the jails of +the several States under the authority of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 2, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit herewith the copy of a letter, dated the 19th of December +last, from Governor Blount to the Secretary of War, stating the avowed +and daring designs of certain persons to take possession of the lands +belonging to the Cherokees, and which the United States have by treaty +solemnly guaranteed to that nation. The injustice of such intrusions and +the mischievous consequences which must necessarily result therefrom +demand that effectual provision be made to prevent them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Herewith I transmit, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of +peace and amity, concluded on the 5th day of last September by Joseph +Donaldson, Jr., on the part of the United States, with the Dey of +Algiers, for himself, his Divan, and his subjects. + +The instructions and other necessary papers relative to this negotiation +are also sent herewith, for the information of the Senate. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I send herewith the treaty concluded on the 27th of October last between +the United States and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries. + +The communications to the Senate referred to in my message of the 16th +of December, 1793, contain the instructions to the commissioners of +the United States, Messrs. Carmichael and Short, and various details +relative to the negotiations with Spain. Herewith I transmit copies of +the documents authorizing Mr. Pinckney, the envoy extraordinary from +the United States to the Court of Spain, to conclude the negotiation +agreeably to the original instructions above mentioned, and to adjust +the claims of the United States for the spoliations committed by the +armed vessels of His Catholic Majesty on the commerce of our citizens. + +The numerous papers exhibiting the progress of the negotiation under the +conduct of Mr. Pinckney, being in the French and Spanish languages, will +be communicated to the Senate as soon as the translations which appear +necessary shall be completed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 1, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation concluded between the +United States of America and His Britannic Majesty having been duly +ratified, and the ratifications having been exchanged at London on the +28th day of October, 1795, I have directed the same to be promulgated, +and herewith transmit a copy thereof for the information of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith, for the information of Congress, the treaty concluded +between the United States and the Dey and Regency of Algiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 15, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +By the ninth section of the act entitled "An act to provide a naval +armament" it is enacted "that if a peace shall take place between the +United States and the Regency of Algiers, that no further proceedings +be had under this act." + +The peace which is here contemplated having taken place, it is incumbent +upon the Executive to suspend all orders respecting the building of the +frigates, procuring materials for them, or preparing materials already +obtained, which may be done without intrenching upon contracts or +agreements made and entered into before this event. + +But inasmuch as the loss which the public would incur might be +considerable from dissipation of workmen, from certain works or +operations being suddenly dropped or left unfinished, and from the +derangement in the whole system consequent upon an immediate suspension +of all proceedings under it, I have therefore thought advisable, before +taking such a step, to submit the subject to the Senate and House of +Representatives, that such measures may be adopted in the premises +as may best comport with the public interest. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 25, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith, for your information, the translation of a letter from +the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of +State, announcing the peace made by the Republic with the Kings of +Prussia and Spain, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Landgrave of Hesse +Cassel, and that the republican constitution decreed by the National +Convention had been accepted by the people of France and was in +operation. I also send you a copy of the answer given by my direction to +this communication from the French minister. My sentiments therein +expressed I am persuaded will harmonize with yours and with those of all +my fellow-citizens. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith a copy of the treaty of friendship, limits, and +navigation, concluded on the 27th of October last, between the United +States and His Catholic Majesty. This treaty has been ratified by me +agreeably to the Constitution, and the ratification has been dispatched +for Spain, where it will doubtless be immediately ratified by His +Catholic Majesty. + +This early communication of the treaty with Spain has become necessary +because it is stipulated in the third article that commissioners for +running the boundary line between the territory of the United States and +the Spanish colonies of East and West Florida shall meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of six months from the ratification; and as that +period will undoubtedly arrive before the next meeting of Congress, +the House will see the necessity of making provision in their present +session for the object here mentioned. It will also be necessary to +provide for the expense to be incurred in executing the twenty-first +article of the treaty, to enable our fellow-citizens to obtain with as +little delay as possible compensation for the losses they have sustained +by the capture of their vessels and cargoes by the subjects of His +Catholic Majesty during the late war between France and Spain. + +Estimates of the moneys necessary to be provided for the purposes of +this and several other treaties with foreign nations and the Indian +tribes will be laid before you by the proper Department. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 30, 1796_. + +_To the House of Representatives of the United States_: + +With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the +24th instant, requesting me to lay before your House a copy of the +instructions to the minister of the United States who negotiated the +treaty with the King of Great Britain, together with the correspondence +and other documents relative to that treaty, excepting such of the said +papers as any existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed. + +In deliberating upon this subject it was impossible for me to lose sight +of the principle which some have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid +extending my views to the consequences which must flow from the +admission of that principle. + +I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to +withhold any information which the Constitution has enjoined upon the +President as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either +House of Congress as a right; and with truth I affirm that it has been, +as it will continue to be while I have the honor to preside in the +Government, my constant endeavor to harmonize with the other branches +thereof so far as the trust delegated to me by the people of the United +States and my sense of the obligation it imposes to "preserve, protect, +and defend the Constitution" will permit. + +The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution, and their success +must often depend on secrecy; and even when brought to a conclusion a +full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions +which may have been proposed or contemplated would be extremely +impolitic; for this might have a pernicious influence on future +negotiations, or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps danger and +mischief, in relation to other powers. The necessity of such caution and +secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the power of making treaties +in the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the +principle on which that body was formed confining it to a small number +of members. To admit, then, a right in the House of Representatives +to demand and to have as a matter of course all the papers respecting +a negotiation with a foreign power would be to establish a dangerous +precedent. + +It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for can +be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the House of +Representatives, except that of an impeachment, which the resolution +has not expressed. I repeat that I have no disposition to withhold any +information which the duty of my station will permit or the public good +shall require to be disclosed; and, in fact, all the papers affecting +the negotiation with Great Britain were, laid before the Senate when +the treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice. + +The course which the debate has taken on the resolution of the House +leads to some observations on the mode of making treaties under the +Constitution of the United States. + +Having been a member of the General Convention, and knowing the +principles on which the Constitution was formed, I have ever entertained +but one opinion on this subject; and from the first establishment of the +Government to this moment my conduct has exemplified that opinion--that +the power of making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, +by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, provided two-thirds +of the Senators present concur; and that every treaty so made and +promulgated thenceforward became the law of the land. It is thus that +the treaty-making power has been understood by foreign nations, and +in all the treaties made with them _we_ have declared and _they_ have +believed that, when ratified by the President, with the advice and +consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In this construction +of the Constitution every House of Representatives has heretofore +acquiesced, and until the present time not a doubt or suspicion has +appeared, to my knowledge, that this construction was not the true one. +Nay, they have more than acquiesced; for till now, without controverting +the obligation of such treaties, they have made all the requisite +provisions for carrying them into effect. + +There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees with +the opinions entertained by the State conventions when they were +deliberating on the Constitution, especially by those who objected to it +because there was not required in _commercial treaties_ the consent of +two-thirds of the whole number of the members of the Senate instead of +two-thirds of the Senators present, and because in treaties respecting +territorial and certain other rights and claims the concurrence of +three-fourths of the whole number of the members of both Houses, +respectively, was not made necessary. + +It is a fact declared by the General Convention and universally +understood that the Constitution of the United States was the result +of a spirit of amity and mutual concession; and it is well known +that under this influence the smaller States were admitted to an equal +representation in the Senate with the larger States, and that this +branch of the Government was invested with great powers, for on the +equal participation of those powers the sovereignty and political +safety of the smaller States were deemed essentially to depend. + +If other proofs than these and the plain letter of the Constitution +itself be necessary to ascertain the point under consideration, they +may be found in the journals of the General Convention, which I have +deposited in the office of the Department of State. In those journals +it will appear that a proposition was made "that no treaty should be +binding on the United States which was not ratified by a law," and +that the proposition was explicitly rejected. + +As, therefore, it is perfectly clear to my understanding that the assent +of the House of Representatives is not necessary to the validity of a +treaty; as the treaty with Great Britain exhibits in itself all the +objects requiring legislative provision, and on these the papers called +for can throw no light, and as it is essential to the due administration +of the Government that the boundaries fixed by the Constitution between +the different departments should be preserved, a just regard to the +Constitution and to the duty of my office, under all the circumstances +of this case, forbids a compliance with your request. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 31, 1776_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States +and Great Britain requiring that commissioners should be appointed +to fix certain boundaries between the territories of the contracting +parties, and to ascertain the losses and damages represented to have +been sustained by their respective citizens and subjects, as set forth +in the fifth, sixth, and seventh articles of the treaty, in order to +carry those articles into execution I nominate as commissioners on +the part of the United States: + +For the purpose mentioned in the fifth article, Henry Knox, of +Massachusetts; + +For the purpose mentioned in the sixth article, Thomas Fitzsimons, +of Pennsylvania, and James Innes, of Virginia; and + +For the purposes mentioned in the seventh article, Christopher Gore, +of Massachusetts, and William Pinckney, of Maryland. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +By an act of Congress passed on the 26th of May, 1790, it was declared +that the inhabitants of the territory of the United States south of the +river Ohio should enjoy all the privileges, benefits, and advantages set +forth in the ordinance of Congress for the government of the territory +of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, and that the +government of the said territory south of the Ohio should be similar to +that which was then exercised in the territory northwest of the Ohio, +except so far as was otherwise provided in the conditions expressed in +an act of Congress passed the 2d of April, 1790, entitled "An act to +accept a cession of the claims of the State of North Carolina to a +certain district of western territory." + +Among the privileges, benefits, and advantages thus secured to the +inhabitants of the territory south of the river Ohio appear to be the +right of forming a permanent constitution and State government, and of +admission as a State, by its Delegates, into the Congress of the United +States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects +whatever, when it should have therein 60,000 free inhabitants; provided +the constitution and government so to be formed should be republican, +and in conformity to the principles contained in the articles of the +said ordinance. + +As proofs of the several requisites to entitle the territory south of +the river Ohio to be admitted as a State into the Union, Governor Blount +has transmitted a return of the enumeration of its inhabitants and a +printed copy of the constitution and form of government on which they +have agreed, which, with his letters accompanying the same, are herewith +laid before Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 28, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Herewith I lay before you a letter from the Attorney-General of the +United States, relative to compensation to the attorneys of the United +States in the several districts, which is recommended to your +consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 2, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Some time last year Jeremiah Wadsworth was authorized to hold a treaty +with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven Nations of +Canada, to enable the State of New York to extinguish, by purchase, a +claim which the said Indians had set up to a parcel of land lying within +that State. The negotiation having issued without effecting its object, +and the State of New York having requested a renewal of the negotiation, +and the Indians having come forward with an application on the same +subject, I now nominate Jeremiah Wadsworth to be a commissioner to +hold a treaty with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven +Nations of Canada, for the purpose of enabling the State of New York +to extinguish the aforesaid claim. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 5, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, an explanatory +article proposed to be added to the treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation between the United States and Great Britain, together with a +copy of the full power to the Secretary of State to negotiate the same. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 25, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The measures now in operation for taking possession of the posts of +Detroit and Michilimackinac render it proper that provision should be +made for extending to these places and any others alike circumstanced +the civil authority of the Northwestern Territory. To do this will +require an expense to defray which the ordinary salaries of the governor +and secretary of that Territory appear to be incompetent. + +The forming of a new county, or new counties, and the appointment of the +various officers, which the just exercise of government must require, +will oblige the governor and secretary to visit those places, and to +spend considerable time in making the arrangements necessary for +introducing and establishing the Government of the United States. +Congress will consider what provision will in this case be proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 28, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The extraordinary expenses to be incurred in the present year in +supporting our foreign intercourse I find will require a provision +beyond the ordinary appropriation and the additional $20,000 already +granted. + +I have directed an estimate to be made, which is sent herewith, and +will exhibit the deficiency for which an appropriation appears to be +necessary. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1796_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had +last the pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed +expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a +continued series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. + +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have +been as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. + +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been +taken to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the +predatory incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be +restrained by their tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights +secured to the Indians by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized +state and inspire them with correct conceptions of the power as well +as justice of the Government. + +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the +State of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of +a parcel of their land by that State, broke up without its being +accomplished, the nation having previous to their departure instructed +them against making any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved +to confirm by a new treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements +with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment +of trading houses and military posts within their boundary, by means of +which their friendship and the general peace may be more effectually +secured. + +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Britannic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered +beyond the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the +Governor-General of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the +subject, arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their +evacuation, and the United States took possession of the principal of +them, comprehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort +Miami, where such repairs and additions have been ordered to be made as +appeared indispensable. + +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of +Great Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the +treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of +New York, for the third commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrews, in +Passamaquoddy Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to +be made of the rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have +these surveys completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet +at Boston in August, 1797, for the final decision of the question. + +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, +agreeably to the seventh article of the treaty with Great Britain, +relative to captures and condemnation of vessels and other property, +met the commissioners of His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, +when John Trumbull, esq., was chosen by lot for the fifth commissioner. +In October following the board were to proceed to business. As yet there +has been no communication of commissioners on the part of Great Britain +to unite with those who have been appointed on the part of the United +States for carrying into effect the sixth article of the treaty. + +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running +the boundary line between the territory of the United States and His +Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the +Natchez before the expiration of six months after the exchange of the +ratifications, which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; +and the troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the +limits of the United States were within the same period to be withdrawn. +The commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey +for the Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the +posts from which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information +has been recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the +part of His Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of +any appointment for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose +vessels were captured by the armed vessels of Spain. + +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American seamen, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will +be beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining +to accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. + +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, +the final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey +and Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with +success, but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the +pecuniary transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further +provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were +prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling heart, is itself +an earnest of a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. +Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies +of Tunis and Tripoli. + +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State +is itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that +the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the +depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag +requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult +or aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to war by +discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of +the rights of the neutral party as may, first or last, leave no other +option. From the best information I have been able to obtain it would +seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean without a protecting force +will always be insecure and our citizens exposed to the calamities +from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and +to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of +their navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply +of seamen, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It +is an encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give +weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it +not, then, be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the +materials for the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed +in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it +practicable without inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may +not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was +found by the present? + +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their +attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too +much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every +way which shall appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on +public account are inexpedient; but where the state of things in a +country leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will for +a great length of time obtain, when these are of a nature essential to +the furnishing and equipping of the public force in time of war, are +not establishments for procuring them on public account to the extent +of the ordinary demand for the public service recommended by strong +considerations of national policy as an exception to the general +rule? Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign +supply, precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary +article should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the +security and independence thence arising form an ample compensation? +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the +public service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended +in proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps +be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so +as to mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If +adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, +or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that there +may be no danger of interference with pursuits of individual industry. + +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or +national welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as +nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this +truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil +more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting +it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it +be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been +employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than +the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged +with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and +small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and +improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the +increase of improvement by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, +and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual +skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. +Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very cheap instruments +of immense national benefits. + +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the +expediency of establishing a national university and also a military +academy. The desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly +increased with every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not +omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be +fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences +contributes to national prosperity and reputation. + +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries +of learning highly respectable and useful; but the funds upon which they +rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, +though they would be excellent auxiliaries. + +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of _government_. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who +are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? + +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it +ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and +both would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war +could not be avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon +its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might +exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing the rules of the +military art ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by +proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument +may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough +examination of the subject will evince that the art of war is at once +comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous study, and +that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state is +always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose +an academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. + +The compensations to the officers of the United States in various +instances, and in none more than in respect to the most important +stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a +defective provision are of serious import to the Government. If private +wealth is to supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly +contract the sphere within which the selection of character for office +is to be made, and will proportionally diminish the probability of +a choice of men able as well as upright. Besides that, it would be +repugnant to the vital principles of our Government virtually to exclude +from public trusts talents and virtue unless accompanied by wealth. + +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much +pain and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome +nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering +extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of +the French Republic, and communications have been received from its +minister here which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our +commerce by its authority, and which are in other respects far from +agreeable. + +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with +that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I +shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of +what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the +rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the +expectation that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part +of the Republic will eventually insure success. + +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to +the character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire +confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude +of my countrymen. + +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the +service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, +with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period +to which an account can be prepared. + +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. + +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public +debt was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. +Some preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will +no doubt engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only +add that it will afford me a heartfelt satisfaction to concur in such +further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a +speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret +if from any motive intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for +accelerating this valuable end. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed +that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present +occasion, at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether +our harbors are yet sufficiently secured. + +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst +of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally +recalls the period when the administration of the present form of +government commenced, and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate +you and my country on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my +fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign +Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may still be extended to +the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be +preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted for the +protection of their liberties may be perpetual, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the +existing situation of our country, and we sincerely join in sentiments +of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of +public prosperity and private happiness which the people of the United +States so peculiarly enjoy. + +We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the +adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) +to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization +amongst the Indian tribes on the Western frontiers. Feelings of humanity +and the most solid political interests equally encourage the continuance +of this system. + +We observe with pleasure that the delivery of the military posts lately +occupied by the British forces within the territory of the United States +was made with cordiality and promptitude as soon as circumstances would +admit, and that the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain +and Spain that were objects of eventual arrangement are about being +carried into effect with entire harmony and good faith. + +The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a timely +compliance with the terms of the Algerine treaty are much to be +lamented, as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages +to be derived from a solid peace with that power and a perfect security +from its predatory warfare. At the same time, the lively impressions +that affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive +fellow-citizens afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions +to remove the remaining obstacles. + +We perfectly coincide with you in opinion that the importance of our +commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult +and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always +proportionate to its magnitude. + +The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful +manufactures by the intervention of legislative aid and protection and +the encouragement due to agriculture by the creation of boards (composed +of intelligent individuals) to patronize this primary pursuit of society +are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention. + +A national university may be converted to the most useful purposes. The +science of legislation being so essentially dependent on the endowments +of the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid from the +general diffusion of knowledge, and the United States will assume a +more dignified station among the nations of the earth by the successful +cultivation of the higher branches of literature. + +A military academy may be likewise rendered equally important. To aid +and direct the physical force of the nation by cherishing a military +spirit, enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating a +scientific system of tactics is consonant to the soundest maxims of +public policy. Connected with and supported by such an establishment +a well-regulated militia, constituting the natural defense of the +country, would prove the most effectual as well as economical +preservative of peace. + +We can not but consider with serious apprehensions the inadequate +compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more +important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a +public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operation and so +destructive in its consequences that we trust it will receive the most +pointed legislative attention. + +We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United States has +been uniformly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and +love of peace in the maintenance of all their foreign relationships, our +trade should be so harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic +of France throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies. + +Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists that could +authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or disengage that Republic +from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of treaties, we can not +but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been +made to you indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. +Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice and a +consideration of our mutual interests will moderate their councils, we +are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor +unprepared to adopt that system of conduct which, compatible with the +dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue. + +We cordially acquiesce in the reflection that the United States, under +the operation of the Federal Government, have experienced a most rapid +aggrandizement and prosperity as well political as commercial. + +Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we +must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system and the +wisdom of the legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in +gratitude and justice did we not attribute a great portion of these +advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your Administration, +which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying time and on +the most critical occasions. It is therefore with the sincerest regret +that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to +retire from the public employments of your country. + +When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so +successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military, +as well during the struggles of the American Revolution as the +convulsive periods of a recent date, we can not look forward to your +retirement without our warmest affections and most anxious regards +accompanying you, and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large +in the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility and +attachment can express. + +The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about +to sustain arises from the animating reflection that the influence of +your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus +continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic administration. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 10, 1796. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your address a +concurrence in sentiment with me on the various topics which I presented +for your information and deliberation, and that the latter will receive +from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance. + +For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and +your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my +cordial thanks. Those services, and greater had I possessed ability to +render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country, and its +approbation is my abundant reward. + +When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw virtuous and +enlightened men among whom I relied on the discernment and patriotism +of my fellow-citizens to make the proper choice of, a successor--men +who would require no influential example to insure to the United States +"an able, upright, and energetic administration." To such men I shall +cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our common +country; but at the same time I hope I may be indulged in expressing the +consoling reflection (which consciousness suggests), and to bear it with +me to my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than I have +done or with a more disinterested zeal. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 12, 1796. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives have attended to your communication +respecting the state of our country with all the sensibility that the +contemplation of the subject and a sense of duty can inspire. + +We are gratified by the information that measures calculated to insure +a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to maintain the +tranquillity of the Western frontier have been adopted, and we indulge +the hope that these, by impressing the Indian tribes with more correct +conceptions of the justice as well as power of the United States, will +be attended with success. + +While we notice with satisfaction the steps that you have taken in +pursuance of the late treaties with several foreign nations, the +liberation of our citizens who were prisoners at Algiers is a subject +of peculiar felicitation. We shall cheerfully cooperate in any further +measures that shall appear on consideration to be requisite. + +We have ever concurred with you in the most sincere and uniform +disposition to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and it is of +course with anxiety and deep regret we hear that any interruption of +our harmony with the French Republic has occurred, for we feel with you +and with our constituents the cordial and unabated wish to maintain a +perfectly friendly understanding with that nation. Your endeavors to +fulfill that wish, and by all honorable means to preserve peace, and +to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily +subsisted between the French Republic and the United States, can not +fail, therefore, to interest our attention. And while we participate in +the full reliance you have expressed on the patriotism, self-respect, +and fortitude of our countrymen, we cherish the pleasing hope that a +mutual spirit of justice and moderation will insure the success of your +perseverance. + +The various subjects of your communication will respectively meet with +the attention that is due to their importance. + +When we advert to the internal situation of the United States, we deem +it equally natural and becoming to compare the present period with +that immediately antecedent to the operation of the Government, and to +contrast it with the calamities in which the state of war still involves +several of the European nations, as the reflections deduced from both +tend to justify as well as to excite a warmer admiration of our free +Constitution, and to exalt our minds to a more fervent and grateful +sense of piety toward Almighty God for the beneficence of His +providence, by which its administration has been hitherto so remarkably +distinguished. And while we entertain a grateful conviction that your +wise, firm, and patriotic Administration has been signally conducive to +the success of the present form of government, we can not forbear to +express the deep sensations of regret with which we contemplate your +intended retirement from office. + +As no other suitable occasion may occur, we can not suffer the present +to pass without attempting to disclose some of the emotions which it can +not fail to awaken. + +The gratitude and admiration of your countrymen are still drawn to the +recollection of those resplendent virtues and talents which were so +eminently instrumental to the achievement of the Revolution, and of +which that glorious event will ever be the memorial. Your obedience to +the voice of duty and your country when you quitted reluctantly a second +time the retreat you had chosen and first accepted the Presidency +afforded a new proof of the devotedness of your zeal in its service and +an earnest of the patriotism and success which have characterized your +Administration. As the grateful confidence of the citizens in the +virtues of their Chief Magistrate has essentially contributed to that +success, we persuade ourselves that the millions whom we represent +participate with us in the anxious solicitude of the present occasion. + +Yet we can not be unmindful that your moderation and magnanimity, twice +displayed by retiring from your exalted stations, afford examples no +less rare and instructive to mankind than valuable to a republic. + +Although we are sensible that this event of itself completes the luster +of a character already conspicuously unrivaled by the coincidence of +virtue, talents, success, and public estimation, yet we conceive we owe +it to you, sir, and still more emphatically to ourselves and to our +nation (of the language of whose hearts we presume to think ourselves +at this moment the faithful interpreters), to express the sentiments +with which it is contemplated. + +The spectacle of a free and enlightened nation offering, by its +Representatives, the tribute of unfeigned approbation to its first +citizen, however novel and interesting it may be, derives all its luster +(a luster which accident or enthusiasm could not bestow, and which +adulation would tarnish) from the transcendent merit of which it is +the voluntary testimony. + +May you long enjoy that liberty which is so dear to you, and to which +your name will ever be so dear. May your own virtues and a nation's +prayers obtain the happiest sunshine for the decline of your days and +the choicest of future blessings. For our country's sake, for the sake +of republican liberty, it is our earnest wish that your example may be +the guide of your successors, and thus, after being the ornament and +safeguard of the present age, become the patrimony of our descendants. + +DECEMBER 15, 1796. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: To a citizen whose views were unambitious, who preferred the +shade and tranquillity of private life to the splendor and solicitude +of elevated stations, and whom the voice of duty and his country could +alone have drawn from his chosen retreat, no reward for his public +services can be so grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a +consciousness that to render those services useful to that country has +been his single aim; and when this approbation is expressed by the +Representatives of a free and enlightened nation, the reward will admit +of no addition. Receive, gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks +for this signal testimony that my services have been acceptable and +useful to my country. The strong confidence of my fellow-citizens, while +it animated all my actions, insured their zealous cooperation, which +rendered those services successful. The virtue and wisdom of my +successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the citizens +who compose the other branches of Government, I firmly trust will +lead them to the adoption of measures which, by the beneficence of +Providence, will give stability to our system of government, add to its +success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that liberty which is +to all of us so dear. + +While I acknowledge with pleasure the sincere and uniform disposition +of the House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations +inviolate, and with them deeply regret any degree of interruption of +our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg you, gentlemen, +to rest assured that my endeavors will be earnest and unceasing by all +honorable means to preserve peace and to restore that harmony and +affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between our two +nations; and with you I cherish the pleasing hope that a mutual spirit +of justice and moderation will crown those endeavors with success. + +I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which your +deliberations shall mature on the various subjects demanding your +attention; and while directing your labors to advance the real interests +of our country, you receive its blessings. With perfect sincerity my +individual wishes will be offered for your present and future felicity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 16, 1796. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you for your consideration a treaty which has been +negotiated and concluded on the 29th day of June last by Benjamin +Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and George Clymer, commissioners on behalf +of the United States, with the Creek Indians, together with the +instructions which were given to the said commissioners and the +proceedings at the place of treaty. + +I submit also the proceedings and result of a treaty, held at the city +of New York, on behalf of the State of New York, with certain nations or +tribes of Indians denominating themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 9, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Herewith I lay before you in confidence reports from the Departments of +State and the Treasury, by which you will see the present situation of +our affairs with the Dey and Regency of Algiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 19, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +At the opening of the present session of Congress I mentioned that some +circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation +to France; that our trade had suffered, and was suffering, extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and that communications had been received from its minister +here which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by +its authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable, but +that I reserved for a special message a more particular communication +on this interesting subject. This communication I now make. + +The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions +of our Government in relation to France from an early period of the +present war, which, therefore, it was necessary carefully to review. +A collection has been formed of letters and papers relating to those +transactions, which I now lay before you, with a letter to Mr. Pinckney, +our minister at Paris, containing an examination of the notes of the +French minister and such information as I thought might be useful to +Mr. Pinckney in any further representations he might find necessary to +be made to the French Government. The immediate object of his mission +was to make to that Government such explanations of the principles and +conduct of our own as, by manifesting our good faith, might remove all +jealousy and discontent and maintain that harmony and good understanding +with the French Republic which it has been my constant solicitude to +preserve. A government which required only a knowledge of the _truth_ +to justify its measures could not but be anxious to have this fully +and frankly displayed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Application having been made to me to permit a treaty to be held with +the Seneca Nation of Indians to effect the purchase of a parcel of their +land under a preemption right derived from the State of Massachusetts +and situated within the State of New York, and it appearing to me +reasonable that such opportunity should be afforded, provided the +negotiation shall be conducted at the expense of the applicant, and at +the desire and with the consent of the Indians, always considering these +as prerequisites, I now nominate Isaac Smith to be a commissioner to +hold a treaty with the Seneca Nation for the aforesaid purpose. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +VETO MESSAGE. + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +Having maturely considered the bill to alter and amend an act entitled +"An act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United +States," which was presented to me on the 22d day of this month, I now +return it to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, with +my objections: + +First. If the bill passes into a law, the two companies of light +dragoons will be from that moment _legally_ out of service, though they +will afterwards continue _actually_ in service; and for their services +during this interval, namely, from the time of _legal_ to the time of +_actual_ discharge, it will not be lawful to pay them, unless some +future provision be made by law. Though they may be discharged at the +pleasure of Congress, in justice they ought to receive their pay, not +only to the time of passing the law, but at least to the time of their +actual discharge. + +Secondly. It will be inconvenient and injurious to the public to dismiss +the light dragoons as soon as notice of the law can be conveyed to them, +one of the companies having been lately destined to a necessary and +important service. + +Thirdly. The companies of light dragoons consist of 126 noncommissioned +officers and privates, who are bound to serve as dismounted dragoons +when ordered so to do. They have received in bounties about $2,000. One +of them is completely equipped, and above half of the noncommissioned +officers and privates have yet to serve more than one-third of the time +of their enlistment; and besides, there will in the course of the year +be a considerable deficiency in the complement of infantry intended to +be continued. Under these circumstances, to discharge the dragoons does +not seem to comport with economy. + +Fourthly. It is generally agreed that some cavalry, either militia or +regular, will be necessary; and according to the best information I have +been able to obtain, it is my opinion that the latter will be less +expensive and more useful than the former in preserving peace between +the frontier settlers and the Indians, and therefore a part of the +military establishment should consist of cavalry. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + + +[From Senate Journal, vol. 2, p. 397.] + +MARCH 1, 1797. + +_To the Vice-President and Senators of the United States, respectively_. + +SIR: It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United States +should be convened on Saturday, the 4th of March instant, you are +desired to attend in the Chamber of the Senate on that day, at 10 +o'clock in the forenoon, to receive any communications which the +President of the United States may then lay before you touching +their interests. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FAREWELL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _September 17, 1796_. + +_Friends and Fellow-Citizens:_ + +The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the Executive +Government of the United States being not far distant, and the time +actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the +person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me +proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of +the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have +formed to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom +a choice is to be made. + +I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured that +this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all +the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful +citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, +which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no +diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful +respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction +that the step is compatible with both. + +The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in the office to which +your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of +inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared +to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much +earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at +liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been +reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this previous +to the last election had even led to the preparation of an address to +declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and +critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations and the unanimous +advice of persons entitled to my confidence impelled me to abandon the +idea. I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as +internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible +with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am persuaded, whatever +partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present +circumstances of our country you will not disapprove my determination +to retire. + +The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were +explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust I +will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the +organization and administration of the Government the best exertions +of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the +outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own +eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the +motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight +of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement +is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any +circumstances have given peculiar value to my services they were +temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and +prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not +forbid it. + +In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the +career of my political life my feelings do not permit me to suspend the +deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved +country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for +the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me, and for the +opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable +attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness +unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from +these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an +instructive example in our annals that under circumstances in which +the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; +amidst appearances sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of fortune often +discouraging; in situations in which not unfrequently want of success +has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support +was the essential prop of the efforts and a guaranty of the plans by +which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall +carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows +that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; +that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free +Constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained; +that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom +and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, +under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a +preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to +them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and +adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. + +Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which +can not end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to +that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present to offer to +your solemn contemplation and to recommend to your frequent review some +sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable +observation, and which appear to me all important to the permanency of +your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more +freedom as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a +parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his +counsel. Nor can I forget as an encouragement to it your indulgent +reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. + +Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your +hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm +the attachment. + +The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now +dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of +your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your +peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty +which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that from +different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken, +many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this +truth, as this is the point in your political fortress against which the +batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and +actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of +infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of +your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that +you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; +accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of +your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with +jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion +that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the +first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country +from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together +the various parts. + +For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens +by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to +concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to +you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of +patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. +With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, +habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and +triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess are the +work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, +and successes. + +But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves +to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more +immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds +the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the +union of the whole. + +The _North_, in an unrestrained intercourse with the _South_, protected +by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions +of the latter great additional resources of maritime and commercial +enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The +_South_, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same agency of the +_North_, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning +partly into its own channels the seamen of the _North_, it finds its +particular navigation invigorated; and while it contributes in different +ways to nourish and increase the general mass of the national +navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength +to which itself is unequally adapted. The _East_, in a like intercourse +with the _West_, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of +interior communications by land and water will more and more find, +a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or +manufactures at home. The _West_ derives from the _East_ supplies +requisite to its growth and comfort, and what is perhaps of still +greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the _secure_ enjoyment +of indispensable _outlets_ for its own productions to the weight, +influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of +the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as _one +nation_. Any other tenure by which the _West_ can hold this essential +advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength or from an +apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be +intrinsically precarious. + +While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and +particular interest in union, all the parts combined can not fail to +find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater +resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less +frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations, and what is +of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from +those broils and wars between themselves which so frequently afflict +neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which +their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which +opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate +and imbitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those +overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, +are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as +particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is that +your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and +that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of +the other. + +These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting +and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the union as a +primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common +government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. +To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are +authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the +auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will +afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full +experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union affecting +all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated +its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the +patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken +its bands. + +In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it occurs as +matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for +characterizing parties by _geographical_ discriminations--_Northern_ and +_Southern, Atlantic_ and _Western_--whence designing men may endeavor +to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests +and views, One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within +particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other +districts. You can not shield yourselves too much against the jealousies +and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend +to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by +fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our Western country have lately +had a useful lesson on this head. They have seen in the negotiation by +the Executive and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate of the +treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event +throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the +suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government +and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to +the Mississippi. They have been witnesses to the formation of two +treaties--that with Great Britain and that with Spain--which secure to +them everything they could desire in respect to our foreign relations +toward confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely +for the preservation of these advantages on the union by which they were +procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such +there are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them +with aliens? + +To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole +is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be +an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions +and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. +Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first +essay by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated +than your former for an intimate union and for the efficacious +management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of +our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation +and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the +distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing +within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to +your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance +with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the +fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems +is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of +government. But the constitution which at any time exists till changed +by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly +obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the +people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual +to obey the established government. + +All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations +and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real +design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation +and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this +fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize +faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in the +place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often +a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community, and, +according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the +public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous +projects of faction rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome +plans, digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests. + +However combinations or associations of the above description may now +and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time +and things to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and +unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and +to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards +the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. + +Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency of +your present happy state, it is requisite not only that you steadily +discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, +but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its +principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be +to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair +the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what can not be directly +overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited remember that +time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of +governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the +surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing +constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the credit +of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the +endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember especially that +for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so +extensive as ours a government of as much vigor as is consistent with +the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will +find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and +adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a +name where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises +of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits +prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil +enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated +to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to +the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a +more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against +the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. + +This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having +its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under +different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, +or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its +greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy. + +The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the +spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages +and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself +a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and +permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually +incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute +power of an individual, and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing +faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this +disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of +public liberty. + +Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless +ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual +mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the +interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. + +It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public +administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies +and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; +foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign +influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the +government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the +policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and +will of another. + +There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks +upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the +spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in +governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, +if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular +character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be +encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always +be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being +constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public +opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it +demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, +lest, instead of warming, it should consume. + +It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country +should inspire caution in those intrusted with its administration to +confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, +avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach +upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers +of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of +government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power +and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is +sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity +of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing +and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each +the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has +been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our +country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary +as to institute them. If in the opinion of the people the distribution +or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, +let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution +designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in +one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon +by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always +greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit +which the use can at any time yield. + +Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, +religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man +claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great +pillars of human happiness--these firmest props of the duties of men +and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought +to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their +connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, +Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if +the sense of religious obligation _desert_ the oaths which are the +instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with +caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without +religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education +on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us +to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious +principle. + +It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring +of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force +to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it +can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the +fabric? Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions +for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure +of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that +public opinion should be enlightened. + +As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public +credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as +possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but +remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger +frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding +likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions +of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge +the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously +throwing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear. +The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives; but it +is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to +them the performance of their duty it is essential that you should +practically bear in mind that toward the payment of debts there must +be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes +can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; +that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the +proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to +be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of +the Government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the +measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies may at +any time dictate. + +Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and +harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct. And can it +be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a +free, enlightened, and at no distant period a great nation to give to +mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided +by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that in the course +of time and things the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any +temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? +Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of +a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by +every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered +impossible by its vices? + +In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that +permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and +passionate attachments for others should be excluded, and that in place +of them just and amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The +nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual +fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to +its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its +duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes +each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight +causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when accidental +or trifling occasions of dispute occur. + +Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. +The nation prompted by ill will and resentment sometimes impels to +war the government contrary to the best calculations of policy. The +government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts +through passion what reason would reject. At other times it makes the +animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility, instigated +by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace +often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations has been the victim. + +So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces +a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the +illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common +interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, +betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of +the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also +to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others, +which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions by +unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by +exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate in the +parties from whom equal privileges are withheld; and it gives to +ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the +favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their +own country without odium, sometimes even with popularity, gilding +with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable +deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good the +base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. + +As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments +are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent +patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic +factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, +to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small +or weak toward a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be +the satellite of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign +influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy +of a free people ought to be _constantly_ awake, since history and +experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes +of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be +impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be +avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one +foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they +actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even +second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist +the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, +while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the +people to surrender their interests. + +The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, +in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little +_political_ connection as possible. So far as we have already formed +engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let +us stop. + +Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or a very +remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, +the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, +therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial +ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary +combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. + +Our detached, and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue +a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient +government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury +from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will +cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously +respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making +acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; +when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, +shall counsel. + +Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own +to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that +of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of +European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? + +It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any +portion of the foreign world, so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty +to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing +infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable +to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best +policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their +genuine sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise +to extend them. + +Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on +a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary +alliances for extraordinary emergencies. + +Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations are recommended by policy, +humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an +equal and impartial hand, neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors +or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing +and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing +nothing; establishing with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a +stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the +Government to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best +that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary +and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied as experience and +circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view that it is folly +in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it +must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept +under that character; that by such acceptance it may place itself in the +condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of +being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no +greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation +to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just +pride ought to discard. + +In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and +affectionate friend I dare not hope they will make the strong and +lasting impression I could wish--that they will control the usual +current of the passions or prevent our nation from running the course +which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even +flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some +occasional good--that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury +of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to +guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism--this hope will be +a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they +have been dictated. + +How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by +the principles which have been delineated the public records and other +evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, +the assurance of my own conscience is that I have at least believed +myself to be guided by them. + +In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe my proclamation +of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your +approving voice and by that of your representatives in both Houses of +Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, +uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. + +After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I +could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the +circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty +and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined +as far as should depend upon me to maintain it with moderation, +perseverance, and firmness. + +The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct it is +not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, +according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from +being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually +admitted by all. + +The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything +more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every +nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the +relations of peace and amity toward other nations. + +The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be +referred to your own reflections and experience. With me a predominant +motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and +mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption +to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give +it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. + +Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious +of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not +to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever +they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the +evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that +my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, +after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an +upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned +to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. + +Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that +fervent love toward it which is so natural to a man who views in it the +native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, +I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise +myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the +midst of my fellow-citizens the benign influence of good laws under a +free government--the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy +reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and +Papers of the Presidents, by James D. 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Richardson. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .r { text-align: right; } + .q { margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 80%; } + // --> + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of +the Presidents, by James D. Richardson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents + Section 1 (of 4) of Volume 1: George Washington + +Author: James D. Richardson + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [EBook #11314] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + + <h1> + A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + </h1> + <center> + <b>BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON</b> + </center> + <center> + A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + VOLUME I + </h2> + <center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p>PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS<br> + 1902<br> + Copyright 1897 by James D. Richardson + </center> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Prefatory Note + </h2> + <p> + In compliance with the authorization of the Joint Committee + on Printing, I have undertaken this compilation. + </p> + <p> + The messages of the several Presidents of the United + States—annual, veto, and special—are among the + most interesting, instructive, and valuable contributions to + the public literature of our Republic. They discuss from the + loftiest standpoint nearly all the great questions of + national policy and many subjects of minor interest which + have engaged the attention of the people from the beginning + of our history, and so constitute important and often vital + links in their progressive development. The proclamations, + also, contain matter and sentiment no less elevating, + interesting, and important. They inspire to the highest and + most exalted degree the patriotic fervor and love of country + in the hearts of the people. + </p> + <p> + It is believed that legislators and other public men, + students of our national history, and many others will hail + with satisfaction the compilation and publication of these + messages and proclamations in such compact form as will + render them easily accessible and of ready reference. The + work can not fail to be exceedingly convenient and useful to + all who have occasion to consult these documents. The + Government has never heretofore authorized a like + publication. + </p> + <p> + In executing the commission with which I have been charged I + have sought to bring together in the several volumes of the + series all Presidential proclamations, addresses, messages, + and communications to Congress excepting those nominating + persons to office and those which simply transmit treaties, + and reports of heads of Departments which contain no + recommendation from the Executive. The utmost effort has been + made to render the compilation accurate and exhaustive. + </p> + <p> + Although not required by the terms of the resolution + authorizing the compilation, it has been deemed wise and + wholly consistent with its purpose to incorporate in the + first volume authentic copies of the Declaration of + Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the + Constitution of the United States, together with steel + engravings of the Capitol, the Executive Mansion, and of the + historical painting the "Signing of the Declaration of + Independence." Steel portraits of the Presidents will be + inserted each in its appropriate place. + </p> + <p> + The compilation has not been brought even to its present + stage without much labor and close application, and the end + is far from view; but if it shall prove satisfactory to + Congress and the country, I will feel compensated for my time + and effort. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JAMES D. RICHARDSON.<br> + WASHINGTON, D.C., + </p> + <p> + <i>February 22, 1896</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <hr style="width: 90%"> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Declaration of Independence + </h2> + <h3> + July 4, 1776 + </h3> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Declaration of Independence + </h2> + <center> + <b>NOTE</b>.—The words "Declaration of Independence" do + not appear on the original. + </center> + <h3> + IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. + </h3> + <p> + The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of + America, + </p> + <p> + When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for + one people to dissolve the political bands which have + connected them with another, and to assume among the powers + of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the + Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent + respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should + declare the causes which impel them to the + separation.—We hold these truths to be self-evident, + that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by + their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among + these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of + Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are + instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the + consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of + Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right + of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new + Government, laying its foundation on such principles and + organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem + most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, + indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should + not be changed for light and transient causes; and + accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more + disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right + themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are + accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, + pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to + reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it + is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide + new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the + patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the + necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems + of Government. The history of the present King of Great + Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, + all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute + Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be + submitted to a candid world.—He has refused his Assent + to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public + good.—He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of + immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their + operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so + suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to + them.—He has refused to pass other Laws for the + accommodation of large districts of people, unless those + people would relinquish the right of Representation in the + Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to + tyrants only.—He has called together legislative bodies + at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the + depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of + fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.—He + has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing + with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the + people.—He has refused for a long time, after such + dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the + Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned + to the People at large for their exercise; the State + remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of + invasion from without, and convulsions within.—He has + endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for + that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of + Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their + migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new + Appropriations of Lands.—He has obstructed the + Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for + establishing Judiciary powers.—He has made Judges + dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, + and the amount and payment of their salaries.—He has + erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of + Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their + substance.—He has kept among us, in times of peace, + Standing Armies without the Consent of our + legislatures.—He has affected to render the Military + independent of and superior to the Civil power.—He has + combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign + to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving + his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:—For + quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:—For + protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any + Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these + States:—For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the + world:—For imposing Taxes on us without our + Consent:—For depriving us in many cases, of the + benefits of Trial by Jury:—For transporting us beyond + Seas to be tried for pretended offences:—For abolishing + the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, + establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging + its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit + instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these + Colonies:—For taking away our Charters, abolishing our + most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of + our Governments:—For suspending our own Legislatures, + and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for + us in all cases whatsoever.—He has abdicated Government + here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War + against us.—He has plundered our seas, ravaged our + Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our + people.—He is at this time transporting large Armies of + foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, + desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of + Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most + barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized + nation.—He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken + Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, + to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or + to fall themselves by their Hands.—He has excited + domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to + bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless + Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an + undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and + conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have + Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated + Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A + Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may + define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. + Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish + brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts + by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction + over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our + emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their + native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by + the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, + which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and + correspondence They too have been deaf to the voice of + justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce + in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold + them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in + Peace Friends.— + </p> + <p> + <b>We, therefore</b>, the Representatives of the <b>united + States of America</b>, in General Congress, Assembled, + appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude + of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the + good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, + That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be + <b>Free and Independent States</b>; that they are Absolved + from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all + political connection between them and the State of Great + Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as + Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy + War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, + and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States + may of right do.—And for the support of this + Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine + Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our + Fortunes and our sacred Honor. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN HANCOCK + </p> + <p style="margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em;"> + JOSIAH BARTLETT, W'M WHIPPLE, SAM'L. ADAMS, JOHN ADAMS, + ROB'T. TREAT PAINE, ELBRIDGE GERRY, STEP. HOPKINS, WILLIAM + ELLERY, ROGER SHERMAN, SAM'EL HUNTINGTON, W'M WILLIAMS, + OLIVER WOLCOTT, MATTHEW THORNTON, W'M FLOYD, PHIL. + LIVINGSTON, FRAN'S LEWIS, LEWIS MORRIS, RICH'D STOCKTON, + JN'O. WITHERSPOON, FRA'S. HOPKINSON, JOHN HART, ABRA CLARK, + ROB'T. MORRIS, BENJAMIN RUSH, BENJ'A. FRANKLIN, JOHN MORTON, + GEO CLYMER, JA'S. SMITH, GEO. TAYLOR, JAMES WILSON, GEO. + ROSS, CAESAR RODNEY, GEO READ, THO M'KEAN, SAMUEL CHASE, W'M. + PACA, THO'S. STONE, CHARLES CARROLL of Carrollton, GEORGE + WYTHE, RICHARD HENRY LEE, TH. JEFFERSON, BENJ'A. HARRISON, + THO'S. NELSON jr., FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, CARTER BRAXTON, + W'M. HOOPER, JOSEPH HEWES, JOHN PENN, EDWARD RUTLEDGE, THO'S. + HEYWARD Jun'r., THOMAS LYNCH Jun'r., ARTHUR MIDDLETON, BUTTON + GWINNETT, LYMAN HALL, GEO WALTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <hr style="width: 90%"> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Articles of Confederation + </h2> + <center> + <b>NOTE</b>.—The original is indorsed: Act of + Confederation of The United States of America. + </center> + <p> + <b>To all to whom</b> these Presents shall come, we the + undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send + greeting. Whereas the Delegates of the United States of + America in Congress assembled did on the fifteenth day of + November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred + and Seventy seven, and in the Second Year of the Independence + of America agree to certain articles of Confederation and + perpetual Union between the States of Newhampshire, + Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland and Providence Plantations, + Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, + Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and + Georgia in the Words following, viz. "Articles of + Confederation and perpetual Union between the states of + Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland and Providence + Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, + Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina + and Georgia." + </p> + <p> + Article I. The Stile of this confederacy shall be "The United + States of America." + </p> + <p> + Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom an + independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which + is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the + United States, in Congress assembled. + </p> + <p> + Article III. The said states hereby severally enter into a + firm league of friendship with each other, for their common + defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual + and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, + against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or + any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or + any other pretence whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + Article IV. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual + friendship and intercourse among the people of the different + states in this union, the free inhabitants of each of these + states, paupers, vagabonds and fugitives from Justice + excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities + of free citizens in the several states; and the people of + each state shall have free ingress and regress to and from + any other state, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges + of trade and commerce, subject to the same duties, + impositions and restrictions as the inhabitants thereof + respectively, provided that such restriction shall not extend + so far as to prevent the removal of property imported into + any state, to any other state of which the Owner is an + inhabitant; provided also that no imposition, duties or + restriction shall be laid by any state, on the property of + the united states, or either of them. + </p> + <p> + If any Person guilty of, or charged with treason, felony, or + other high misdemeanor in any state, shall flee from Justice, + and be found in any of the united states, he shall upon + demand of the Governor or executive power, of the state from + which he fled, be delivered up and removed to the state + having jurisdiction of his offence. + </p> + <p> + Full faith and credit shall be given in each of these states + to the records, acts and judicial proceedings of the courts + and magistrates of every other state. + </p> + <p> + Article V. For the more convenient management of the general + interests of the united states, delegates shall be annually + appointed in such manner as the legislature of each state + shall direct, to meet in Congress on the first Monday in + November, in every year, with a power reserved to each state, + to recal its delegates, or any of them, at any time within + the year, and to send others in their stead, for the + remainder of the Year. + </p> + <p> + No state shall be represented in Congress by less than two, + nor by more than seven Members; and no person shall be + capable of being a delegate for more than three years in any + term of six years; nor shall any person, being a delegate, be + capable of holding any office under the united states, for + which he, or another for his benefit receives any salary, + fees or emolument of any kind. + </p> + <p> + Each state shall maintain its own delegates in a meeting of + the states, and while they act as members of the committee of + the states. + </p> + <p> + In determining questions in the united states, in Congress + assembled, each state shall have one vote. + </p> + <p> + Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be + impeached or questioned in any Court, or place out of + Congress, and the members of congress shall be protected in + their persons from arrests and imprisonments, during the time + of their going to and from, and attendance on congress, + except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace. + </p> + <p> + Article VI. No state without the Consent of the united states + in congress assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive + any embassy from, or enter into any conferrence, agreement, + alliance or treaty with any King prince or state; nor shall + any person holding any office of profit or trust under the + united states, or any of them, accept of any present, + emolument, office or title of any kind whatever from any + king, prince or foreign state; nor shall the united states in + congress assembled, or any of them, grant any title of + nobility. + </p> + <p> + No two or more states shall enter into any treaty, + confederation or alliance whatever between them, without the + consent of the united states in congress assembled, + specifying accurately the purposes for which the same is to + be entered into, and how long it shall continue. + </p> + <p> + No state shall lay any imposts or duties, which may interfere + with any stipulations in treaties, entered into by the united + states in congress assembled, with any king, prince or state, + in pursuance of any treaties already proposed by congress, to + the courts of France and Spain. + </p> + <p> + No vessels of war shall be kept up in time of peace by any + state, except such number only, as shall be deemed necessary + by the united states in congress assembled, for the defence + of such state, or its trade; nor shall any body of forces be + kept up by any state, in time of peace, except such number + only, as in the judgment of the united states, in congress + assembled, shall be deemed requisite to garrison the forts + necessary for the defence of such state; but every state + shall always keep up a well regulated and disciplined + militia, sufficiently armed and accoutred, and shall provide + and constantly have ready for use, in public stores, a due + number of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of + arms, ammunition and camp equipage. + </p> + <p> + No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the + united states in congress assembled, unless such state be + actually invaded by enemies, or shall have received certain + advice of a resolution being formed by some nation of Indians + to invade such state, and the danger is so imminent as not to + admit of a delay, till the united states in congress + assembled can be consulted: nor shall any state grant + commissions to any ships or vessels of war, nor letters of + marque or reprisal, except it be after a declaration of war + by the united states in congress assembled, and then only + against the kingdom or state and the subjects thereof, + against which war has been so declared, and under such + regulations as shall be established by the united states in + congress assembled, unless such state be infested by pirates, + in which case vessels of war may be fitted out for that + occasion, and kept so long as the danger shall continue, or + until the united states in congress assembled shall determine + otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Article VII. When land-forces are raised by any state for the + common defence, all officers of or under the rank of colonel, + shall be appointed by the legislature of each state + respectively by whom such forces shall be raised, or in such + manner as such state shall direct, and all vacancies shall be + filled up by the state which first made the appointment. + </p> + <p> + Article VIII. All charges of war, and all other expences that + shall be incurred for the common defence or general welfare, + and allowed by the united states in congress assembled, shall + be defrayed out of a common treasury, which shall be supplied + by the several states, in proportion to the value of all land + within each state, granted to or surveyed for any Person, as + such land and the buildings and improvements thereon shall be + estimated according to such mode as the united states in + congress assembled, shall from time to time direct and + appoint. The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid + and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures + of the several states within the time agreed upon by the + united states in congress assembled. + </p> + <p> + Article IX. The united states in congress assembled, shall + have the sole and exclusive right and power of determining on + peace and war, except in the cases mentioned in the sixth + article—of sending and receiving + ambassadors—entering into treaties and alliances, + provided that no treaty of commerce shall be made whereby the + legislative power of the respective states shall be + restrained from imposing such imposts and duties on + foreigners, as their own people are subjected to, or from + prohibiting the exportation or importation of any species of + goods or commodities whatsoever—of establishing rules + for deciding in all cases, what captures on land or water + shall be legal, and in what manner prizes taken by land or + naval forces in the service of the united states shall be + divided or appropriated.—of granting letters of marque + and reprisal in times of peace—appointing courts for + the trial of piracies and felonies committed on the high seas + and establishing courts for receiving and determining finally + appeals in all cases of captures, provided that no member of + congress shall be appointed a judge of any of the said + courts. + </p> + <p> + The united states in congress assembled shall also be the + last resort on appeal in all disputes and differences now + subsisting or that hereafter may arise between two or more + states concerning boundary, jurisdiction or any other cause + whatever; which authority shall always be exercised in the + manner following. Whenever the legislative or executive + authority or lawful agent of any state in controversy with + another shall present a petition to congress, stating the + matter in question and praying for a hearing, notice thereof + shall be given by order of congress to the legislative or + executive authority of the other state in controversy, and a + day assigned for the appearance of the parties by their + lawful agents, who shall then be directed to appoint by joint + consent, commissioners or judges to constitute a court for + hearing and determining the matter in question: but if they + cannot agree, congress shall name three persons out of each + of the united states, and from the list of such persons each + party shall alternately strike out one, the petitioners + beginning, until the number shall be reduced to thirteen; and + from that number not less than seven, nor more than nine + names as congress shall direct, shall in the presence of + congress be drawn out by lot, and the persons whose names + shall be so drawn or any five of them, shall be commissioners + or judges, to hear and finally determine the controversy, so + always as a major part of the judges who shall hear the cause + shall agree in the determination: and if either party shall + neglect to attend at the day appointed, without shewing + reasons, which congress shall judge sufficient, or being + present shall refuse to strike, the congress shall proceed to + nominate three persons out of each state, and the secretary + of congress shall strike in behalf of such party absent or + refusing; and the judgment and sentence of the court to be + appointed, in the manner before prescribed, shall be final + and conclusive; and if any of the parties shall refuse to + submit to the authority of such court, or to appear or defend + their claim or cause, the court shall nevertheless proceed to + pronounce sentence, or judgment, which shall in like manner + be final and decisive, the judgment or sentence and other + proceedings being in either case transmitted to congress, and + lodged among the acts of congress for the security of the + parties concerned: provided that every commissioner, before + he sits in judgment, shall take an oath to be administred by + one of the judges of the supreme or superior court of the + state, where the cause shall be tried, "well and truly to + hear and determine the matter in question, according to the + best of his judgment, without favour, affection or hope of + reward:" provided also that no state shall be deprived of + territory for the benefit of the united states. + </p> + <p> + All controversies concerning the private right of soil + claimed under different grants of two or more states, whose + jurisdictions as they may respect such lands, and the states + which passed such grants are adjusted, the said grants or + either of them being at the same time claimed to have + originated antecedent to such settlement of jurisdiction, + shall on the petition of either party to the congress of the + united states, be finally determined as near as may be in the + same manner as is before prescribed for deciding disputes + respecting territorial jurisdiction between different states. + </p> + <p> + The united states in congress assembled shall also have the + sole and exclusive right and power of regulating the alloy + and value of coin struck by their own authority, or by that + of the respective states—fixing the standard of weights + and measures throughout the united states.—regulating + the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians, not + members of any of the states, provided that the legislative + right of any state within its own limits be not infringed or + violated—establishing and regulating post-offices from + one state to another, throughout all the united states, and + exacting such postage on the papers passing thro' the same as + may be requisite to defray the expences of the said + office—appointing all officers of the land forces, in + the service of the united states, excepting regimental + officers.—appointing all the officers of the naval + forces, and commissioning all officers whatever in the + service of the united states—making rules for the + government and regulation of the said land and naval forces, + and directing their operations. + </p> + <p> + The united states in congress assembled shall have authority + to appoint a committee, to sit in the recess of congress, to + be denominated "A Committee of the States," and to consist of + one delegate from each state; and to appoint such other + committees and civil officers as may be necessary for + managing the general affairs of the united states under their + direction—to appoint one of their number to preside, + provided that no person be allowed to serve in the office of + president more than one year in any term of three years; to + ascertain the necessary sums of Money to be raised for the + service of the united states, and to appropriate and apply + the same for defraying the public expences—to borrow + money, or emit bills on the credit of the united states, + transmitting every half year to the respective states an + account of the sums of money so borrowed or emitted,—to + build and equip a navy—to agree upon the number of land + forces, and to make requisitions from each state for its + quota, in proportion to the number of white inhabitants in + such state; which requisition shall be binding, and thereupon + the legislature of each state shall appoint the regimental + officers, raise the men and cloath, arm and equip them in a + soldier like manner, at the expence of the united states, and + the officers and men so cloathed, armed and equipped shall + march to the place appointed, and within the time agreed on + by the united states in congress assembled: But if the united + states in congress assembled shall, on consideration of + circumstances judge proper that any state should not raise + men, or should raise a smaller number than its quota, and + that any other state should raise a greater number of men + than the quota thereof, such extra number shall be raised, + officered, cloathed, armed and equipped in the same manner as + the quota of such state, unless the legislature of such state + shall judge that such extra number cannot be safely spared + out of the same, in which case they shall raise officer, + cloath, arm and equip as many of such extra number as they + judge can be safely spared. And the officers and men so + cloathed, armed and equipped, shall march to the place + appointed, and within the time agreed on by the united states + in congress assembled. + </p> + <p> + The united states in congress assembled shall never engage in + a war, nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of + peace, nor enter into any treaties or alliances, nor coin + money, nor regulate the value thereof, nor ascertain the sums + and expences necessary for the defence and welfare of the + united states, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor borrow + money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate + money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war, to be + built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be + raised, nor appoint a commander in chief of the army or navy, + unless nine states assent to the same: nor shall a question + on any other point, except for adjourning from day to day be + determined, unless by the votes of a majority of the united + states in congress assembled. + </p> + <p> + The congress of the united states shall have power to adjourn + to any time within the year, and to any place within the + united states, so that no period of adjournment be for a + longer duration than the space of six Months, and shall + publish the Journal of their proceedings monthly, except such + parts thereof relating to treaties, alliances or military + operations, as in their judgment require secresy; and the + yeas and nays of the delegates of each state on any question + shall be entered on the Journal, when it is desired by any + delegate; and the delegates of a state, or any of them, at + his or their request shall be furnished with a transcript of + the said Journal, except such parts as are above excepted, to + lay before the legislatures of the several states. + </p> + <p> + Article X. The committee of the states, or any nine of them, + shall be authorised to execute, in the recess of congress, + such of the powers of congress as the united states in + congress assembled, by the consent of nine states, shall from + time to time think expedient to vest them with; provided that + no power be delegated to the said committee, for the exercise + of which, by the articles of confederation, the voice of nine + states in the congress of the united states assembled is + requisite. + </p> + <p> + Article XI. Canada acceding to this confederation, and + joining in the measures of the united states, shall be + admitted into, and entitled to all the advantages of this + union: but no other colony shall be admitted into the same, + unless such admission be agreed to by nine states. + </p> + <p> + Article XII. All bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed and + debts contracted by, or under the authority of congress, + before the assembling of the united states, in pursuance of + the present confederation, shall be deemed and considered as + a charge against the united states, for payment and + satisfaction whereof the said united states, and the public + faith are hereby solemnly pledged. + </p> + <p> + Article XIII. Every state shall abide by the determinations + of the united states in congress assembled, on all questions + which by this confederation are submitted to them. And the + Articles of this confederation shall be inviolably observed + by every state, and the union shall be perpetual; nor shall + any alteration at any time hereafter be made in any of them; + unless such alteration be agreed to in a congress of the + united states, and be afterwards confirmed by the + legislatures of every state. + </p> + <p> + <b>And whereas</b> it hath pleased the Great Governor of the + World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we + respectively represent in congress, to approve of, and to + authorize us to ratify the said articles of confederation and + perpetual union. <b>Know Ye</b> that we the under-signed + delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given + for that purpose, do by these presents, in the name and in + behalf of our respective constituents, fully and entirely + ratify and confirm each and every of the said articles of + confederation and perpetual union, and all and singular the + matters and things therein contained: And we do further + solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective + constituents, that they shall abide by the determinations of + the united states in congress assembled, on all questions, + which by the said confederation are submitted to them. And + that the articles thereof shall be inviolably observed by the + states we respectively represent, and that the union shall be + perpetual. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands + in Congress. Done at Philadelphia in the state of + Pennsylvania the ninth Day of July in the Year of our Lord + one Thousand seven Hundred and Seventy-eight, and in the + third year of the independence of America. + </p> + <p> + On the part & behalf of the State of New Hampshire + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JOSIAH BARTLETT, JOHN WENTWORTH Jun'r. August 8th 1778 + </p> + <p> + On the part and behalf of The State of Massachusetts Bay + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JOHN HANCOCK, SAMUEL ADAMS, ELBRIDGE GERRY, FRANCIS DANA, + JAMES LOVELL, SAMUEL HOLTEN + </p> + <p> + On the part and behalf of the State of Rhode-Island and + Providence Plantations + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + WILLIAM ELLARY, HENRY MARCHANT, JOHN COLLINS + </p> + <p> + On the part and behalf of the State of Connecticut + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + ROGER SHERMAN, SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, OLIVER WOLCOTT, TITUS + HOSMER, ANDREW ADAMS + </p> + <p> + On the Part and Behalf of the State of New York + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JA'S. DUANE, FRA'S. LEWIS, W'M DUER., GOUV MORRIS + </p> + <p> + On the Part and in Behalf of the State of New Jersey. Nov'r. + 26, 1778— + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JNO. WITHERSPOON, NATHL. SCUDDER + </p> + <p> + On the part and behalf of the State of Pennsylvania + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + ROB'T. MORRIS, DANIEL ROBERDEAU, JON'A. BAYARD SMITH., + WILLIAM CLINGAN, JOSEPH REED 22d July 1778 + </p> + <p> + On the part & behalf of the State of Delaware + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + THO McKEAN Feby 12 1779, JOHN DICKINSON May 5th 1779, + NICHOLAS VAN DYKE + </p> + <p> + On the part and behalf of the State of Maryland + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JOHN HANSON March 1 1781, DANIEL CARROLL d'o + </p> + <p> + On the Part and Behalf of the State of Virginia + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + RICHARD HENRY LEE, JOHN BANISTER, THOMAS ADAMS, JN'O. HARVIE, + FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE + </p> + <p> + On the part and Behalf of the State of N'o Carolina + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JOHN PENN July 21st 1778, CORN'S HARNETT, JN'O. WILLIAMS + </p> + <p> + On the part & behalf of the State of South-Carolina + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + HENRY LAURENS., WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, JN'O. MATHEWS, RICH'D. + HUTSON., THO'S. HEYWARD Jun'r + </p> + <p> + On the part & behalf of the State of Georgia + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + JN'O. WALTON 24th July 1778, ELW'D. TELFAIR., EDW'D. + LANGWORTHY. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <hr style="width: 90%"> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + The Constitution + </h2> + <center> + <b>NOTE</b>.—The words "The Constitution" do not appear + on the original. + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + <span style="font-size: 200%"><b>We the People</b></span> of + the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, + establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for + the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure + the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do + ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States + of America. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article 1.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be + vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall + consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. + </p> + <p> + Section. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of + Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several + States, and the Electors in each State shall have the + Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous + Branch of the State Legislature. + </p> + <p> + No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have + attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven + Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when + elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be + chosen. + </p> + <p> + Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among + the several States which may be included within this Union, + according to their respective Numbers, which shall be + determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, + including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and + excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other + Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three + Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United + States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in + such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of + Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty + Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one + Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the + State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, + Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations + one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, + Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, + North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. + </p> + <p> + When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, + the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election + to fill such Vacancies. + </p> + <p> + The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and + other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. + </p> + <p> + Section. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed + of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature + thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of + the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may + be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first + Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, + of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and + of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so + that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if + Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the + Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof + may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the + Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. + </p> + <p> + No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to + the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the + United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an + Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. + </p> + <p> + The Vice President of the United States shall be President of + the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally + divided. + </p> + <p> + The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a + President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, + or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. + When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or + Affirmation. When the President of the United States is + tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall + be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the + Members present. + </p> + <p> + Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further + than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and + enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United + States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable + and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, + according to Law. + </p> + <p> + Section. 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections + for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each + State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any + time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the + Places of chusing Senators. + </p> + <p> + The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and + such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless + they shall by Law appoint a different Day. + </p> + <p> + Section. 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, + Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority + of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a + smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be + authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in + such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may + provide. + </p> + <p> + Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish + its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the + Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. + </p> + <p> + Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from + time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in + their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the + Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire + of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. + </p> + <p> + Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without + the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, + nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses + shall be sitting. + </p> + <p> + Section. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a + Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, + and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall + in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, + be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the + Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and + returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in + either House, they shall not be questioned in any other + Place. + </p> + <p> + No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which + he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the + Authority of the United States which shall have been created, + or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during + such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United + States, shall be a Member of either House during his + Continuance in Office. + </p> + <p> + Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in + the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or + concur with Amendments as on other Bills. + </p> + <p> + Every Bill which shall have passed the House of + Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a + Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If + he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, + with his Objections to that House in which it shall have + originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their + Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such + Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass + the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to + the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, + and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become + a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall + be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons + voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the + Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be + returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) + after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be + a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the + Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which + Case it shall not be a Law. + </p> + <p> + Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of + the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary + (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to + the President of the United States; and before the Same shall + take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved + by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and + House of Representatives, according to the Rules and + Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. + </p> + <p> + Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect + Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and + provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the + United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be + uniform throughout the United States; + </p> + <p> + To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; + </p> + <p> + To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the + several States, and with the Indian Tribes; + </p> + <p> + To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform + Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United + States; + </p> + <p> + To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign + Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; + </p> + <p> + To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the + Securities and current Coin of the United States; + </p> + <p> + To establish Post Offices and post Roads; + </p> + <p> + To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by + securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the + exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries; + </p> + <p> + To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; + </p> + <p> + To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the + high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; + </p> + <p> + To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and + make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; + </p> + <p> + To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to + that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; + </p> + <p> + To provide and maintain a Navy; + </p> + <p> + To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land + and naval Forces; + </p> + <p> + To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws + of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; + </p> + <p> + To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the + Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be + employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to + the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and + the Authority of training the Militia according to the + discipline prescribed by Congress; + </p> + <p> + To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, + over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, + by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of + Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United + States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places + purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in + which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, + Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful + Buildings;—And + </p> + <p> + To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for + carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other + Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the + United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. + </p> + <p> + Section. 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as + any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, + shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one + thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be + imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for + each Person. + </p> + <p> + The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be + suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the + public Safety may require it. + </p> + <p> + No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. + </p> + <p> + No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in + Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before + directed to be taken. + </p> + <p> + No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any + State. + </p> + <p> + No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or + Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor + shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to + enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. + </p> + <p> + No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence + of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and + Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money + shall be published from time to time. + </p> + <p> + No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: + And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under + them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of + any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind + whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. + </p> + <p> + Section. 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, + or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin + Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and + silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of + Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation + of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. + </p> + <p> + No State shall, without the Consent of [the] Congress, lay + any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may + be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: + and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any + State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the + Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be + subject to the Revision and Controul of [the] Congress. + </p> + <p> + No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty + of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, + enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or + with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually + invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of + delay. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article II.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a + President of the United States of America. He shall hold his + Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the + Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as + follows + </p> + <p> + Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature + thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole + Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may + be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or + Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or + Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an + Elector. + </p> + <p> + The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote + by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be + an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they + shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the + Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and + certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of + the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. + The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the + Senate and House of Representatives, open all the + Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person + having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, + if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors + appointed; and if there be more than one who have such + Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House + of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of + them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then + from the five highest on the List the said House shall in + like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the + President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the + Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for + this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two + thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall + be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of + the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes + of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there + should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate + shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. + </p> + <p> + The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, + and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day + shall be the same throughout the United States. + </p> + <p> + No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the + United States, at the time of the Adoption of this + Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; + neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall + not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been + fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. + </p> + <p> + In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of + his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers + and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the + Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the + Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the + President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall + then act as President, and such Officer shall act + accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President + shall be elected. + </p> + <p> + The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his + Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased + nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been + elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any + other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. + </p> + <p> + Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take + the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear + (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of + President of the United States, and will to the best of my + Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the + United States." + </p> + <p> + Section. 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the + Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the + several States, when called into the actual Service of the + United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the + principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon + any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective + Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and + Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in + Cases of Impeachment. + </p> + <p> + He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of + the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the + Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and + with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint + Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of + the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United + States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided + for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress + may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as + they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of + Law, or in the Heads of Departments. + </p> + <p> + The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that + may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting + Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next + Session. + </p> + <p> + Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress + Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their + Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and + expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both + Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement + between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may + adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall + receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take + Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall + Commission all the Officers of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil + Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office + on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or + other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article III.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be + vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as + the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The + Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold + their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated + Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which + shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. + </p> + <p> + Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in + Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of + the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, + under their Authority;—to all Cases affecting + Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;—to all + Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;—to + Controversies to which the United States shall be a + Party;—to Controversies between two or more + States;—between a State and Citizens of another + State;—between Citizens of different + States,—between Citizens of the same State claiming + Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, + or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or + Subjects. + </p> + <p> + In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers + and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the + supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the + other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have + appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such + Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall + make. + </p> + <p> + The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, + shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State + where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not + committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place + or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. + </p> + <p> + Section. 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist + only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their + Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be + convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses + to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. + </p> + <p> + The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of + Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of + Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person + attainted. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article. IV.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each + State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings + of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws + prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and + Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. + </p> + <p> + Section. 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to + all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several + States. + </p> + <p> + A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other + Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another + State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the + State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to + the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. + </p> + <p> + No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the + Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of + any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such + Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the + Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. + </p> + <p> + Section. 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into + this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected + within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be + formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of + States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States + concerned as well as of the Congress. + </p> + <p> + The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all + needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or + other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in + this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any + Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. + </p> + <p> + Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State + in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall + protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of + the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature + cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article. V.</b> + </h3> + <p> + The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem + it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, + or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of + the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing + Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all + Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when + ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several + States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the + one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the + Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior + to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any + Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth + Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its + Consent, shall be deprived of it's equal Suffrage in the + Senate. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article. VI.</b> + </h3> + <p> + All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the + Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the + United States under this Constitution, as under the + Confederation. + </p> + <p> + This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which + shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or + which shall be made, under the Authority of the United + States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges + in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the + Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary + notwithstanding. + </p> + <p> + The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the + Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive + and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the + several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to + support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever + be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust + under the United States. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article. VII.</b> + </h3> + <p> + The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be + sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between + the States so ratifying the Same. + </p> + <div style= + "float: left; width: 35%; font-size: 40%; padding: 1em; background-color: #f0f0f0; border: 0; border-right: thin; border-style: dashed; margin-right: 1em;"> + <p> + The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and + eighth Lines of the first Page, The Word "Thirty" being + partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the + first Page, The Words "is tried" being interlined between + the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page + and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty third + and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.—Attest + WILLIAM JACKSON Secretary + </p> + </div> + <p> + <b>done</b> in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the + States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year + of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and + of the Independance of the United States of America the + Twelfth <b>In Witness</b> whereof We have hereunto subscribed + our Names, + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON—Presidt. and deputy from Virginia. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + New Hampshire: JOHN LANGDON, NICHOLAS GILMAN. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Massachusetts: NATHANIEL GORHAM, RUFUS KING. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Connecticut: W'M SAM'L JOHNSON, ROGER SHERMAN. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + New York: ALEXANDER HAMILTON. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + New Jersey: WIL. LIVINGSTON, DAVID BREARLEY, W'M PATERSON, + JONA. DAYTON. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Pensylvania: B FRANKLIN, THOMAS MIFFLIN, ROBT. MORRIS, GEO. + CLYMER, THO'S FITZSIMONS, JARED INGERSOLL, JAMES WILSON, GOUV + MORRIS. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Delaware: GEO. READ, GUNNING BEDFORD jun, JOHN DICKINSON, + RICHARD BASSETT, JACO. BROOM. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Maryland: JAMES McHENRY, DAN OF ST THO'S JENIFER, DAN'L + CARROLL. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Virginia: JOHN BLAIR—, JAMES MADISON Jr. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + North Carolina: W'M BLOUNT, RICH'D DOBBS SPAIGHT, HU + WILLIAMSON. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + South Carolina: J. RUTLEDGE, CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY, + CHARLES PINCKNEY, PIERCE BUTLER. + </p> + <p style= + "margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: 0em;"> + Georgia: WILLIAM FEW, ABR BALDWIN. + </p> + <h3> + <b>In Convention</b> Monday September 17th 1787. + </h3> + <center> + Present + </center> + <center> + The States of + </center> + <p> + New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr Hamilton from + New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, + Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. + </p> + <p> + That the preceding Constitution be laid before the United + States in Congress assembled, and that it is the Opinion of + this Convention, that it should afterwards be submitted to a + Convention of Delegates, chosen in each State by the People + thereof, under the Recommendation of its Legislature, for + their Assent and Ratification; and that each Convention + assenting to, and ratifying the Same, should give Notice + thereof to the United States in Congress assembled. + </p> + <p> + <span style="font-size: 125%;"><b>Resolved,</b></span> + </p> + <p> + That it is the Opinion of this Convention, that as soon as + the Conventions of nine States shall have ratified this + Constitution, the United States in Congress assembled should + fix a Day on which Electors should be appointed by the States + which shall have ratified the same, and a Day on which the + Electors should assemble to vote for the President, and the + Time and Place for commencing Proceedings under this + Constitution. That after such Publication the Electors should + be appointed, and the Senators and Representatives elected: + That the Electors should meet on the Day fixed for the + Election of the President, and should transmit their Votes + certified, signed, sealed and directed, as the Constitution + requires, to the Secretary of the United States in Congress + assembled, that the Senators and Representatives should + convene at the Time and Place assigned; that the Senators + should appoint a President of the Senate, for the sole + Purpose of receiving, opening and counting the Votes for + President; and, that after he shall be chosen, the Congress, + together with the President, should, without Delay, proceed + to execute this Constitution. + </p> + <p> + By the Unanimous Order of the Convention + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. Presid't + </p> + <p> + W. Jackson Secretary. + </p> + <p style= + "font-size: 110%; margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 2em; text-indent: -2em;"> + Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of + the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and + ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to + the fifth Article of the original Constitution. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article I.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of + religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or + abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the + right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition + the Government for a redress of grievances. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article II.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of + a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, + shall not be infringed. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article III.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, + without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in + a manner to be prescribed by law. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article IV.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + The right of the people to be secure in their persons, + houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches + and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall + issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or + affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be + searched, and the persons or things to be seized. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article V.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise + infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a + Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval + forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of + War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the + same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor + shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness + against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or + property, without due process of law; nor shall private + property be taken for public use, without just compensation. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article VI.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the + right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of + the State and district wherein the crime shall have been + committed, which district shall have been previously + ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and + cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses + against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining + witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel + for his defence. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article VII.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall + exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be + preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise + re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according + to the rules of the common law. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article VIII.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines + imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article IX.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall + not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the + people. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article X.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + The powers not delegated to the United States by the + Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are + reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article XI.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + The Judicial power of the United States shall not be + construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced + or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of + another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign + State. + </p> + <h3> + [<b>Article XII.</b>] + </h3> + <p> + The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote + by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at + least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with + themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted + for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted + for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of + all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted + for as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, + which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed + to the seat of the government of the United States, directed + to the President of the Senate;—The President of the + Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of + Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes + shall then be counted;—The person having the greatest + number of votes for President, shall be the President, if + such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors + appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the + persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the + list of those voted for as President, the House of + Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the + President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be + taken by states, the representation from each state having + one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member + or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of + all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And if the + House of Representatives shall not choose a President + whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before + the fourth day of March next following, then the + Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the + death or other constitutional disability of the + President.—The person having the greatest number of + votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such + number be a majority of the whole number of Electors + appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the + two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the + Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of + two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of + the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no + person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President + shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United + States. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article XIII.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except + as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been + duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any + place subject to their jurisdiction. + </p> + <p> + Section. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article + by appropriate legislation. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article XIV.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United + States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens + of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No + State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the + privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; + nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or + property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person + within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. + </p> + <p> + Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the + several States according to their respective numbers, + counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding + Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election + for the choice of electors for President and Vice President + of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the + Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of + the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male + inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and + citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except + for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of + representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion + which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the + whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such + State. + </p> + <p> + Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in + Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold + any office, civil or military, under the United States, or + under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a + member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or + as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or + judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of + the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or + rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the + enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of + each House, remove such disability. + </p> + <p> + Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United + States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for + payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing + insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But + neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay + any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or + rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the + loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, + obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void. + </p> + <p> + Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by + appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. + </p> + <h3> + <b>Article XV.</b> + </h3> + <p> + Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote + shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by + any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of + servitude— + </p> + <p> + Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this + article by appropriate legislation— + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <hr style="width: 90%"> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + George Washington + </h2> + <h3> + April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797 + </h3> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + George Washington + </h2> + <p> + George Washington was born at Bridges Creek, on the Potomac + River, in Westmoreland County, Va., on the 22d day of + February (or 11th, old style), 1732. Augustine Washington, + his father, was a son of Lawrence Washington, whose father, + John Washington, came to Virginia from England in 1657, and + settled at Bridges Creek. Augustine Washington died in 1743, + leaving several children, George being the eldest by his + second wife, Mary Ball. At the early age of 19 years he was + appointed adjutant-general of one of the districts of + Virginia, with the rank of major. In November, 1753, he was + sent by Lieutenant-Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, to visit + the French army in the Ohio Valley on important business. War + followed, and in 1754 he was promoted to the rank of + lieutenant-colonel, and engaged in the war. In 1755 he acted + as aid-de-camp to General Braddock. Soon after this he was + appointed by the legislature commander in chief of all the + forces of the Colony, and for three years devoted himself to + recruiting and organizing troops for her defense. In 1758 he + commanded a successful expedition to Fort Du Quesne. He then + left the Army, and was married to Mrs. Martha Custis, a widow + lady of Virginia. For sixteen years he resided at Mount + Vernon, occasionally acting as a magistrate or as a member of + the legislature. He was a delegate to the Williamsburg + convention, August, 1773, which resolved that taxation and + representation were inseparable. In 1774 he was sent to the + Continental Congress as a delegate from Virginia. The + following year he was unanimously chosen commander in chief, + and assumed the command of the Continental Army July 2, 1775. + He commanded the armies throughout the War for Independence. + At the close he resigned his commission, December 23, 1783, + and retired to private life. He was a delegate to, and + president of, the National Convention which met in + Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1787, and adopted a new + Constitution, that greatly increased the power of the Federal + Government. He was unanimously elected the first President of + the United States, and was inaugurated on the 30th of April, + 1789, in New York City, and at the end of his first term was + unanimously reelected. He retired March 4, 1797, having + declined a third term. In September, 1796, he issued his + Farewell Address to the people. July 3, 1798, he was again + appointed to the command of the armies of the United States, + with the rank of lieutenant-general. He was a Freemason, and + served as master of his lodge. He died at Mount Vernon, Va., + after a short illness, December 14, 1799, and was buried + there. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + PROCEEDINGS INITIATORY TO THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL + INAUGURATION. + </h3> + <center> + [From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings, vol. 17), + Department of State.] + </center> + <p> + Charles Thomson, esq., Secretary of the late Congress, being + appointed by the Senate of the United States to carry to + General Washington the official information of his unanimous + election to the office of President of the United States of + America, arrived at Mount Vernon on the 14th day of April, + A.D. 1789, when he communicated to General Washington the + purport of his mission in the following words: + </p> + <p> + SIR: The President of the Senate chosen for the special + purpose, having opened and counted the votes of the electors + in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, I was + honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon Your + Excellency with the information of your being elected to the + office of President of the United States of America. This + commission was intrusted to me on account of my having been + long in the confidence of the late Congress, and charged with + the duties of one of the principal civil departments of + Government. + </p> + <p> + I have now, sir, to inform you that the proofs you have given + of your patriotism, and of your readiness to sacrifice + domestic ease and private enjoyments to preserve the + happiness of your country, did not permit the two Houses to + harbor a doubt of your undertaking this great and important + office, to which you are called, not only by the unanimous + vote of the electors, but by the voice of America. + </p> + <p> + I have it, therefore, in command to accompany you to New + York, where the Senate and House of Representatives are + convened for the dispatch of public business. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + To which General Washington replied: + </p> + <p> + SIR: I have been accustomed to pay so much respect to the + opinion of my fellow-citizens that the knowledge of their + having given their unanimous suffrages in my favor scarcely + leaves me the alternative for an option. I can not, I + believe, give a greater evidence of my sensibility of the + honor which they have done me than by accepting the + appointment. + </p> + <p> + I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country's + esteem and confidence that silence can best explain my + gratitude. While I realize the arduous nature of the task + which is imposed upon me, and feel my own inability to + perform it, I wish, however, that there may not be reason for + regretting the choice, for, indeed, all I can promise is only + to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal. + </p> + <p> + Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both + Houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously + desirous they must be to proceed to business, and how deeply + the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of + doing it speedily, I can not find myself at liberty to delay + my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the + day after to-morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of + your company, for you will permit me to say that it is a + peculiar gratification to have received the communication + from you. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + OFFICIAL INFORMATION OF THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES, APRIL 6, 1789. + </h3> + <p> + Be it known that the Senate and House of Representatives of + the United States of America, being convened in the city and + State of New York, this 6th day of April, A.D. 1789, the + underwritten, appointed President of the Senate for the sole + purpose of receiving, opening, and counting the votes of the + electors, did, in the presence of the said Senate and House + of Representatives, open all the certificates and count all + the votes of the electors for a President and Vice-President, + by which it appears that His Excellency George Washington, + esq., was unanimously elected, agreeably to the Constitution, + to the office of President of the said United States of + America. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN LANGDON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + MOUNT VERNON, <i>April 14, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + To the Honorable JOHN LANGDON,<br> + <i>President pro tempore of the Senate of the United + States</i>. + </p> + <p> + SIR: I had the honor to receive your official communication, + by the hand of Mr. Secretary Thomson, about 1 o'clock this + day. Having concluded to obey the important and flattering + call of my country, and having been impressed with an idea of + the expediency of my being with Congress at as early a period + as possible, I propose to commence my journey on Thursday + morning, which will be the day after to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem, sir, your + most obedient servant, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + RESOLVE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING MR. + OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br> + <i>In Senate, April 15, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + The committee to whom it was referred to consider of and + report to the House respecting the ceremonial of receiving + the President, and to whom also was referred a letter from + the chairman of a committee of the Senate to the Speaker, + communicating an instruction from that House to a committee + thereof to report if any and what arrangements are necessary + for the reception of the Vice-President, have agreed to the + following report: + </p> + <p> + That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied + by the President of Congress, be requested to put the same + and the furniture thereof in proper condition for the + residence and use of the President of the United States, and + otherwise, at the expense of the United States, to provide + for his temporary accommodation. + </p> + <p> + That it will be more eligible, in the first instance, that a + committee of three members from the Senate and five members + from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the two + Houses respectively, attend to receive the President at such + place as he shall embark from New Jersey for this city, and + conduct him without form to the house lately occupied by the + President of Congress, and at such time thereafter as the + President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, + he be formally received by both Houses. + </p> + <p> + Read and accepted. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + IN SENATE, <i>April 16, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Senate proceeded by ballot to the choice of a committee, + agreeably to the report of the committee of both Houses + agreed to the 15th instant, when the Honorable Mr. Langdon, + the Honorable Mr. Carroll, and the Honorable Mr. Johnson were + chosen. + </p> + <p> + A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + </p> + <p> + Attest: + </p> + <p class="r"> + SAM. A. OTIS, <i>Secretary</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + RESPECTING MR. OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION + OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES<br> + <i>Wednesday, April 15, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Benson reported from the committee to whom it was + referred to consider of and report to the House respecting + the ceremonial of receiving the President, and to whom was + also referred a letter from the chairman of a committee of + the Senate to the Speaker, communicating an instruction from + that House to a committee thereof to report if any and what + arrangements are necessary for the reception of the + Vice-President, that the committee had, according to order, + considered of the same, and had agreed to a report thereupon, + which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, and where the + same was thrice read, and the question put thereupon agreed + to by the House as followeth: + </p> + <p> + That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied + by the President of Congress, be requested to put the same + and the furniture therein in proper order for the residence + and use of the President of the United States, and otherwise, + at the expense of the United States, to provide for his + temporary accommodation. + </p> + <p> + That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, that a + committee of three members from the Senate and five members + from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the + Houses respectively, attend to receive the President at such + place as he shall embark from New Jersey for this city, and + conduct him without form to the house lately occupied by the + President of Congress, and that at such time thereafter as + the President shall signify it will be most convenient for + him, he be formally received by both Houses. + </p> + <p> + Extract from the Journal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN BECKLEY, <i>Clerk</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTING A + COMMITTEE TO MEET THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES,<br> + <i>Wednesday, April</i> 15, <i>1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Resolved</i>, That it will be most eligible, in the first + instance, that a committee of three members from the Senate + and five members from the House of Representatives, to be + appointed by the Houses respectively, attend to receive the + President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey + for this city, and conduct him without form to the house + lately occupied by the President of Congress, and that at + such time thereafter as the President shall signify, he be + formally received by both Houses. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + THURSDAY, <i>April 16, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + The committee elected on the part of this House, Mr. + Boudinot, Mr. Bland, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Benson, and Mr. + Lawrance. + </p> + <p> + Extract from the Journal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN BECKLEY, <i>Clerk</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY CONGRESS TO KNOW WHEN + THEY SHOULD MEET THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + The committee appointed in consequence of the resolutions of + both Houses of Congress, and which accompany this note, most + respectfully communicate their appointment to the President + of the United States, with a request that he will please to + have it signified to them when they shall attend, with a + barge which has been prepared for that purpose, to receive + him at Elizabeth Town, or at such other place as he shall + choose to embark from New Jersey for this city. + </p> + <p> + NEW YORK, <i>April 17, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN LANGDON.<br> + CHARGES CARROLL, of Carrollton.<br> + WM. SAMUEL JOHNSON.<br> + ELIAS BOUDINOT.<br> + THEODORICK BLAND.<br> + THOS. TUDR. TUCKER.<br> + EGBT. BENSON.<br> + JOHN LAWRANCE. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE + PRESIDENT MEETING THEM AT ELIZABETH TOWN. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + PHILADELPHIA, <i>April 20, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: Upon my arrival in this city I received your note, + with the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it, + and in answer thereto beg leave to inform you that, knowing + how anxious both Houses must be to proceed to business, I + shall continue my journey dispatch as possible. To-morrow + evening I purpose to be at Trenton, the night following at + Brunswick, and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you at + Elizabeth Town point on Thursday at 12 o'clock. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>April 21, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + </p> + <p> + SIR: The committee have just received Your Excellency's + letter of the 20th, and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday + morning. + </p> + <p> + I must beg Your Excellency will alight at my house, where the + committee will attend, and where it will give me (in a + particular manner) the utmost pleasure to receive you. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, sir, + your most obedient and very humble servant, + </p> + <p class="r"> + ELIAS BOUDINOT. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT, APRIL 23, 1789. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + ELIZABETH TOWN, <i>Wednesday Evening</i>. + </p> + <p> + His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + </p> + <p> + SIR: I have the honor of informing Your Excellency that the + committees of both Houses arrived here this afternoon, and + will be ready to receive Your Excellency at my house as soon + as you can arrive here to-morrow morning. + </p> + <p> + If you, sir, will honor us with your company at breakfast, it + will give us great pleasure. We shall wait Your Excellency's + arrival in hopes of that gratification. You can have a room + to dress in, if you should think it necessary, as convenient + as you can have it in town. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble + servant, + </p> + <p class="r"> + ELIAS BOUDINOT. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF + THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES<br> + <i>Saturday, April 25, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Benson, from the committee appointed to consider of the + time, place, and manner in which, and of the person by whom, + the oath prescribed by the Constitution shall be administered + to the President of the United States, and to confer with a + committee of the Senate, appointed for the purpose, reported + as followeth: + </p> + <p> + That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that + any time or place which both Houses may think proper to + appoint and any manner which shall appear most eligible to + them will be convenient and acceptable to him. + </p> + <p> + That requisite preparations can not probably be made before + Thursday next; that the President be on that day formally + received in the Senate Chamber; that the Representatives' + Chamber being capable of receiving the greater number of + persons, that therefore the President do take the oath in + that place and in the presence of both Houses; that after the + formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be + attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and + that the oath be administered by the chancellor of this + State. + </p> + <p> + The committee further report it as their opinion that it will + be proper that a committee of both Houses be appointed to + take order for further conducting the ceremonial. + </p> + <p> + The said report was twice read, and on the question put + thereupon was agreed to by the House. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ordered</i>, That Mr. Benson, Mr. Ames, and Mr. Carroll be + a committee on the part of this House pursuant to the said + report. + </p> + <p> + Extract from the Journal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN BECKLEY, <i>Clerk</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO THE SENATE RESPECTING + THE TIME OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,<br> + <i>In Senate</i>, <i>April 25, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + The committee appointed to consider of the time, place, and + manner in which and of the person by whom the oath prescribed + by the Constitution shall be administered to the President of + the United States, and to confer with a committee of the + House appointed for that purpose, report: + </p> + <p> + That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that + any time or place which both Houses may think proper to + appoint and any manner which shall appear most eligible to + them will be convenient and acceptable to him; that requisite + preparations can not probably be made before Thursday next; + that the President be on that day formally received in the + Senate Chamber by both Houses; that the Representatives' + Chamber being capable of receiving the greater number of + persons, that therefore the President do take the oath in + that place in presence of both Houses; that after the formal + reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be + attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and + that the oath be administered by the chancellor of this + State. + </p> + <p> + The committee further report it as their opinion that it will + be proper that a committee of both Houses be appointed to + take order for conducting the ceremonial. + </p> + <p> + Read and accepted. + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Lee, Mr. Izard, and Mr. Dalton, on the part of the + Senate, together with the committee that may be appointed on + the part of the House, are empowered to take order for + conducting the business. + </p> + <p> + A true copy from the Journals of Senate. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + IN SENATE, <i>April 27</i>, <i>1789</i> + </p> + <p> + The committees appointed to take order for conducting the + ceremonial of the formal reception, etc., of the President + report that it appears to them more eligible that the oath + should be administered to the President in the outer gallery + adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the Representatives' + Chamber, and therefore submit to the respective Houses the + propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to + the place where the oath shall be administered to the + President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the + Representatives' Chamber as the place notwithstanding. + </p> + <p> + Read and accepted. + </p> + <p> + A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + </p> + <p class="r"> + SAM. A. OTIS, <i>Secretary</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ORDER FOR CONDUCTING THE CEREMONIAL FOR THE INAUGURATION OF + THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + The committees of both Houses of Congress appointed to take + order for conducting the ceremonial for the formal reception, + etc., of the President of the United States on Thursday next + have agreed to the following order thereon, viz: + </p> + <p> + That General Webb, Colonel Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel Fish, + Major Franks, Major L'Enfant, Major Bleeker, and Mr. John R. + Livingston be requested to serve as assistants on the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the + President. + </p> + <p> + That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the + Vice-President, to the right of the President's chair, and + that the Senators take their seats on that side of the + Chamber on which the Vice-President's chair shall be placed. + That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the Speaker + of the House of Representatives, to the left of the + President's chair, and that the Representatives take their + seats on that side of the Chamber on which the Speaker's + chair shall be placed. + </p> + <p> + That seats be provided in the Senate Chamber sufficient to + accommodate the late President of Congress, the governor of + the Western Territory, the five persons being the heads of + the great Departments, the minister plenipotentiary of + France, the encargado de negocios of Spain, the chaplains of + Congress, the persons in the suite of the President, and also + to accommodate the following public officers of the State, + viz: The governor, lieutenant-governor, the chancellor, the + chief justice of the supreme court and other judges thereof, + and the mayor of the city. + </p> + <p> + That one of the assistants wait on these gentlemen and inform + them that seats are provided for their accommodation, and + also to signify to them that no precedence of seats is + intended, and that no salutation is expected from them on + their entrance into or their departure from the Senate + Chamber. + </p> + <p> + That the members of both Houses assemble in their respective + chambers precisely at 12 o'clock, and that the + Representatives, preceded by their Speaker and attended by + their Clerk and other officers, proceed to the Senate + Chamber, there to be received by the Vice-President and + Senators rising. + </p> + <p> + That the committees attend the President from his residence + to the Senate Chamber, and that he be there received by the + Vice-President, the Senators and Representatives rising, and + by the Vice-President conducted to his chair. + </p> + <p> + That after the President shall be seated in his chair and the + Vice-President, Senators, and Representatives shall be again + seated, the Vice-President shall announce to the President + that the members of both Houses will attend him to be present + at his taking the oath of office required by the + Constitution. + </p> + <p> + To the end that the oath of office may be administered to the + President in the most public manner and that the greatest + number of the people of the United States, and without + distinction, may be witnesses to the solemnity, that + therefore the oath be administered in the outer gallery + adjoining to the Senate Chamber. + </p> + <p> + That when the President shall proceed to the gallery to take + the oath he be attended by the Vice-President, and be + followed by the chancellor of the State, and pass through the + middle door; that the Senators pass through the door on the + right, and the Representatives pass through the door on the + left, and such of the persons who may have been admitted into + the Senate Chamber and may be desirous to go into the gallery + are then also to pass through the door on the right. + </p> + <p> + That when the President shall have taken the oath and + returned into the Senate Chamber, attended by the + Vice-President, and shall be seated in his chair, that + Senators and Representatives also return into the Senate + Chamber, and that the Vice-President and they resume their + respective seats. + </p> + <p> + That when the President retire from the Senate Chamber he be + conducted by the Vice-President to the door, the members of + both Houses rising, and that he be there received by the + committees and attended to his residence. + </p> + <p> + That immediately as the President shall retire the + Representatives do also return from the Senate Chamber to + their own. + </p> + <p> + That it be intrusted to the assistants to take proper + precautions for keeping the avenues to the hall open, and for + that purpose they wait on his excellency the governor of this + State, and in the name of the committees request his aid by + an order or recommendation to the civil officers or militia + of the city to attend and serve on the occasion as he shall + judge most proper, + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE REPORT OF + THE COMMITTEE RESPECTING THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES<br> + <i>Monday, April 27, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Benson, from the committee of both Houses appointed to + take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal + reception of the President of the United States, reported as + followeth: + </p> + <p> + That it appears to the committee more eligible that the oath + should be administered to the President in the outer gallery + adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the Representatives' + Chamber, and therefore submits to the respective Houses the + propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to + the place where the oath shall be administered to the + President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the + Representatives' Chamber as the place notwithstanding. + </p> + <p> + The said report being twice read, + </p> + <p> + <i>Resolved</i>, That this House doth concur in the said + report and authorize the committee to take order for the + change of place thereby proposed. + </p> + <p> + Extract from the Journal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN BECKLEY, <i>Clerk</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.<br> + APRIL 30, 1789. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have + filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the + notification was transmitted by your order, and received on + the 14th day of the present month. On the one hand, I was + summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with + veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with + the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with + an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining + years—a retreat which was rendered every day more + necessary as well as more dear to me by the addition of habit + to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to + the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other hand, + the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice + of my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the + wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful + scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm + with despondence one who (inheriting inferior endowments from + nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration) + ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In + this conflict of emotions all I dare aver is that it has been + my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation + of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All I + dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too + much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or + by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of + the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and have thence too + little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for + the weighty and untried cares before me, my error will be + palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its + consequences be judged by my country with some share of the + partiality in which they originated. + </p> + <p> + Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience + to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it + would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official + act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules + over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, + and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, + that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and + happiness of the people of the United States a Government + instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and + may enable every instrument employed in its administration to + execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In + tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and + private good, I assure myself that it expresses your + sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my + fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be + bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which + conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United + States. Every step by which they have advanced to the + character of an independent nation seems to have been + distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in + the important revolution just accomplished in the system of + their united government the tranquil deliberations and + voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which + the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by + which most governments have been established without some + return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation + of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These + reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced + themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will + join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under + the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free + government can more auspiciously commence. + </p> + <p> + By the article establishing the executive department it is + made the duty of the President "to recommend to your + consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and + expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you will + acquit me from entering into that subject further than to + refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are + assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the + objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be + more consistent with those circumstances, and far more + congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, + in place of a recommendation of particular measures, the + tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the + patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and + adopt them. In these honorable qualifications I behold the + surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or + attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will + misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to + watch over this great assemblage of communities and + interests, so, on another, that the foundation of our + national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable + principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free + government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win + the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the + world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which + an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no + truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in + the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union + between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; + between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous + policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and + felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the + propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation + that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which + Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the + sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican + model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as + <i>deeply</i>, as <i>finally</i>, staked on the experiment + intrusted to the hands of the American people. + </p> + <p> + Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will + remain with your judgment to decide how far an exercise of + the occasional power delegated by the fifth article of the + Constitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by + the nature of objections which have been urged against the + system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth + to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on + this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived + from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my + entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the + public good; for I assure myself that whilst you carefully + avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of + an united and effective government, or which ought to await + the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the + characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public + harmony will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the + question how far the former can be impregnably fortified or + the latter be safely and advantageously promoted. + </p> + <p> + To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will + be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives. + It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as + possible. When I was first honored with a call into the + service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle + for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty + required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. + From this resolution I have in no instance departed; and + being still under the impressions which produced it, I must + decline as inapplicable to myself any share in the personal + emoluments which may be indispensably included in a permanent + provision for the executive department, and must accordingly + pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I + am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such + actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to + require. + </p> + <p> + Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been + awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall + take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to + the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication + that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people + with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, + and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on + a form of government for the security of their union and the + advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be + equally <i>conspicuous</i> in the enlarged views, the + temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the + success of this Government must depend. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our + sincere thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both + Houses of Congress, congratulate you on the complete + organization of the Federal Government, and felicitate + ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation to the + office of President, an office highly important by the powers + constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable from + the manner in which the appointment is made. The unanimous + suffrage of the elective body in your favor is peculiarly + expressive of the gratitude, confidence, and affection of the + citizens of America, and is the highest testimonial at once + of your merit and their esteem. We are sensible, sir, that + nothing but the voice of your fellow-citizens could have + called you from a retreat chosen with the fondest + predilection, endeared by habit, and consecrated to the + repose of declining years. We rejoice, and with us all + America, that in obedience to the call of our common country + you have returned once more to public life. In you all + parties confide; in you all interests unite; and we have no + doubt that your past services, great as they have been, will + be equaled by your future exertions, and that your prudence + and sagacity as a statesman will tend to avert the dangers to + which we were exposed, to give stability to the present + Government and dignity and splendor to that country which + your skill and valor as a soldier so eminently contributed to + raise to independence and empire. + </p> + <p> + When we contemplate the coincidence of circumstances and + wonderful combination of causes which gradually prepared the + people of this country for independence; when we contemplate + the rise, progress, and termination of the late war, which + gave them a name among the nations of the earth, we are with + you unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the Great + Arbiter of the Universe, by whom empires rise and fall. A + review of the many signal instances of divine interposition + in favor of this country claims our most pious gratitude; and + permit us, sir, to observe that among the great events which + have led to the formation and establishment of a Federal + Government we esteem your acceptance of the office of + President as one of the most propitious and important. + </p> + <p> + In the execution of the trust reposed in us we shall endeavor + to pursue that enlarged and liberal policy to which your + speech so happily directs. We are conscious that the + prosperity of each State is inseparably connected with the + welfare of all, and that in promoting the latter we shall + effectually advance the former. In full persuasion of this + truth, it shall be our invariable aim to divest ourselves of + local prejudices and attachments, and to view the great + assemblage of communities and interests committed to our + charge with an equal eye. We feel, sir, the force and + acknowledge the justness of the observation that the + foundation of our national policy should be laid in private + morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral + principles, it is in vain to look for public virtue. It is + therefore the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept + and example, the utility as well as the necessity of a strict + adherence to the rules of distributive justice. We beg you to + be assured that the Senate will at all times cheerfully + cooperate in every measure which may strengthen the Union, + conduce to the happiness or secure and perpetuate the + liberties of this great confederated Republic. + </p> + <p> + We commend you, sir, to the protection of Almighty God, + earnestly beseeching Him long to preserve a life so valuable + and dear to the people of the United States, and that your + Administration may be prosperous to the nation and glorious + to yourself. + </p> + <p> + MAY 7, 1789. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, in which the most + affectionate sentiments are expressed in the most obliging + terms. The coincidence of circumstances which led to this + auspicious crisis, the confidence reposed in me by my + fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect from + counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal + policy seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my + Administration than a diffidence of my abilities had taught + me to anticipate. I now feel myself inexpressibly happy in a + belief that Heaven, which has done so much for our infant + nation, will not withdraw its providential influence before + our political felicity shall have been completed, and in a + conviction that the Senate will at all times cooperate in + every measure which may tend to promote the welfare of this + confederated Republic. Thus supported by a firm trust in the + Great Arbiter of the Universe, aided by the collected wisdom + of the Union, and imploring the divine benediction on our + joint exertions in the service of our country, I readily + engage with you in the arduous but pleasing task of + attempting to make a nation happy. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + MAY 18, 1789. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States + present their congratulations on the event by which your + fellow-citizens have attested the preeminence of your merit. + You have long held the first place in their esteem. You have + often received tokens of their affection. You now possess the + only proof that remained of their gratitude for your + services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and of their + confidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because + the truest, honor of being the first Magistrate by the + unanimous choice of the freest people on the face of the + earth. + </p> + <p> + We well know the anxieties with which you must have obeyed a + summons from the repose reserved for your declining years + into public scenes, of which you had taken your leave + forever. But the obedience was due to the occasion. It is + already applauded by the universal joy which welcomes you to + your station. And we can not doubt that it will be rewarded + with all the satisfaction with which an ardent love for your + fellow-citizens must review successful efforts to promote + their happiness. + </p> + <p> + This anticipation is not justified merely by the past + experience of your signal services. It is particularly + suggested by the pious impressions under which you commence + your Administration and the enlightened maxims by which you + mean to conduct it. We feel with you the strongest + obligations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the + American people through so many difficulties, to cherish a + conscious responsibility for the destiny of republican + liberty, and to seek the only sure means of preserving and + recommending the precious deposit in a system of legislation + founded on the principles of an honest policy and directed by + the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. + </p> + <p> + The question arising out of the fifth article of the + Constitution will receive all the attention demanded by its + importance, and will, we trust, be decided under the + influence of all the considerations to which you allude. + </p> + <p> + In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive + department we shall not lose sight of a wish resulting from + motives which give it a peculiar claim to our regard. Your + resolution, in a moment critical to the liberties of your + country, to renounce all personal emolument, was among the + many presages of your patriotic services which have been + amply fulfilled; and your scrupulous adherence now to the law + then imposed on yourself can not fail to demonstrate the + purity, whilst it increases the luster, of a character which + has so many titles to admiration. + </p> + <p> + Such are the sentiments which we have thought fit to address + to you. They flow from our own hearts, and we verily believe + that among the millions we represent there is not a virtuous + citizen whose heart will disown them. + </p> + <p> + All that remains is that we join in our fervent supplications + for the blessings of Heaven on our country, and that we add + our own for the choicest of these blessings on the most + beloved of her citizens. + </p> + <p> + MAY 5, 1789. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: Your very affectionate address produces emotions + which I know not how to express. I feel that my past + endeavors in the service of my country are far overpaid by + its goodness, and I fear much that my future ones may not + fulfill your kind anticipation. All that I can promise is + that they will be invariably directed by an honest and an + ardent zeal. Of this resource my heart assures me. For all + beyond I rely on the wisdom and patriotism of those with whom + I am to cooperate and a continuance of the blessings of + Heaven on our beloved country. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + MAY 8, 1789. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>May 25, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of the order of the late Congress, treaties + between the United States and several nations of Indians have + been negotiated and signed. These treaties, with sundry + papers respecting them, I now lay before you, for your + consideration and advice, by the hands of General Knox, under + whose official superintendence the business was transacted, + and who will be ready to communicate to you any information + on such points as may appear to require it, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>June 11, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + A convention between His Most Christian Majesty and the + United States, for the purposes of determining and fixing the + functions and prerogatives of their respective consuls, + vice-consuls, agents, and commissaries, was signed by their + respective plenipotentiaries on the 29th of July, 1784. + </p> + <p> + It appearing to the late Congress that certain alterations in + that convention ought to be made, they instructed their + minister at the Court of France to endeavor to obtain them. + </p> + <p> + It has accordingly been altered in several respects, and as + amended was signed by the plenipotentiaries of the + contracting powers on the 14th of November, 1788. + </p> + <p> + The sixteenth article provides that it shall be in force + during the term of twelve years, to be counted from the day + of the exchange <i>of ratifications, which shall be given in + proper form</i>, and exchanged on both sides within the space + of one year, or sooner if possible. + </p> + <p> + I now lay before you the original by the hands of Mr. Jay for + your consideration and advice. The papers relative to this + negotiation are in his custody, and he has my orders to + communicate to you whatever official papers and information + on the subject he may possess and you may require. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>June 15, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jefferson, the present minister of the United States at + the Court of France, having applied for permission to return + home for a few months, and it appearing to me proper to + comply with his request, it becomes necessary that some + person be appointed <i>to take charge</i> of our affairs at + that Court during his absence. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose I nominate William Short, esq., and request + your advice on the propriety of appointing him. + </p> + <p> + There are in the Office for Foreign Affairs papers which will + acquaint you with his character, and which Mr. Jay has my + directions to lay before you at such time as you may think + proper to assign. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>August 6, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + My nomination of Benjamin Fishbourn for the place of naval + officer of the port of Savannah not having met with your + concurrence, I now nominate Lachlan McIntosh for that office. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your + dissent, I am persuaded they were such as you deemed + sufficient. Permit me to submit to your consideration whether + on occasions where the propriety of nominations appear + questionable to you it would not be expedient to communicate + that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the + information which led me to make them, and which I would with + pleasure lay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating + Mr. Fishbourn may tend to show that such a mode of proceeding + in such cases might be useful. I will therefore detail them. + </p> + <p> + First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an officer in actual + service and chiefly under my own eye, his conduct appeared to + me irreproachable; nor did I ever hear anything injurious to + his reputation as an officer or a gentleman. At the storm of + Stony Point his behavior was represented to have been active + and brave, and he was charged by his general to bring the + account of that success to the headquarters of the Army. + </p> + <p> + Secondly. Since his residence in Georgia he has been + repeatedly elected to the assembly as a representative of the + county of Chatham, in which the port of Savannah is situated, + and sometimes of the counties of Glynn and Camden; he has + been chosen a member of the executive council of the State + and has lately been president of the same; he has been + elected by the officers of the militia in the county of + Chatham lieutenant-colonel of the militia in that district, + and on a very recent occasion, to wit, in the month of May + last, he has been appointed by the council (on the suspension + of the late collector) to an office in the port of Savannah + nearly similar to that for which I nominated him, which + office he actually holds at this time. To these reasons for + nominating Mr. Fishbourn I might add that I received private + letters of recommendation and oral testimonials in his favor + from some of the most respectable characters in that State; + but as they were secondary considerations with me, I do not + think it necessary to communicate them to you. + </p> + <p> + It appeared, therefore, to me that Mr. Fishbourn must have + enjoyed the <i>confidence</i> of the militia officers in + order to have been elected to a military rank; the + <i>confidence</i> of the freemen to have been elected to the + assembly; the <i>confidence</i> of the assembly to have been + selected for the council, and the <i>confidence</i> of the + council to have been appointed collector of the port of + Savannah. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>August 7, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The business which has hitherto been under the consideration + of Congress has been of so much importance that I was + unwilling to draw their attention from it to any other + subject; but the disputes which exist between some of the + United States and several powerful tribes of Indians within + the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in + several instances been committed on the frontiers, seem to + require the immediate interposition of the General + Government. + </p> + <p> + I have therefore directed the several statements and papers + which have been submitted to me on this subject by General + Knox to be laid before you for your information. + </p> + <p> + While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to + protect its citizens from all injury and violence, a due + regard should be extended to those Indian tribes whose + happiness in the course of events so materially depends on + the national justice and humanity of the United States. + </p> + <p> + If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be + most expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern + district, and to lay the foundation for future confidence by + an amicable treaty with the Indian tribes in that quarter, I + think proper to suggest the consideration of the expediency + of instituting a temporary commission for that purpose, to + consist of three persons, whose authority should expire with + the occasion. How far such a measure, unassisted by posts, + would be competent to the establishment and preservation of + peace and tranquillity on the frontiers is also a matter + which merits your serious consideration. + </p> + <p> + Along with this object I am induced to suggest another, with + the national importance and necessity of which I am deeply + impressed; I mean some uniform and effective system for the + militia of the United States. It is unnecessary to offer + arguments in recommendation of a measure on which the honor, + safety, and well-being of our country so evidently and so + essentially depend; but it may not be amiss to observe that I + am particularly anxious it should receive as early attention + as circumstances will admit, because it is now in our power + to avail ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated + throughout the several States by means of the many + well-instructed officers and soldiers of the late Army, a + resource which is daily diminishing by death and other + causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away + unimproved would be to neglect an opportunity which will + never again occur, unless, unfortunately, we should again be + involved in a long and arduous war. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>August 10, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed a statement of the troops in the service of + the United States to be laid before you for your information. + </p> + <p> + These troops were raised by virtue of the resolves of + Congress of the 20th October, 1786, and the 3d of October, + 1787, in order to protect the frontiers from the depredations + of the hostile Indians, to prevent all intrusions on the + public lands, and to facilitate the surveying and selling of + the same for the purpose of reducing the public debt. + </p> + <p> + As these important objects continue to require the aid of the + troops, it is necessary that the establishment thereof should + in all respects be conformed by law to the Constitution of + the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>August 20, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i> + </p> + <p> + In consequence of an act providing for the expenses which may + attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes and + the appointment of commissioners for managing the same, I + nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one of three commissioners whom + I shall propose to be employed to negotiate a treaty with the + Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this early + moment is that it will not be possible for the public to + avail itself of his services on this occasion unless his + appointment can be forwarded to him by the mail which will + leave this place to-morrow morning. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>August 21, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The President of the United States will meet the Senate in + the Senate Chamber at half past 11 o'clock to-morrow, to + advise with them on the terms of the treaty to be negotiated + with the Southern Indians. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + SEPTEMBER 16, 1789. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The governor of the Western territory has made a statement to + me of the reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians and + the people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river + Ohio, which I herewith lay before Congress. + </p> + <p> + The United States in Congress assembled, by their acts of the + 21st day of July, 1787, and of the 12th August, 1788, made a + provisional arrangement for calling forth the militia of + Virginia and Pennsylvania in the proportions therein + specified. + </p> + <p> + As the circumstances which occasioned the said arrangement + continue nearly the same, I think proper to suggest to your + consideration the expediency of making some temporary + provision for calling forth the militia of the United States + for the purposes stated in the Constitution, which would + embrace the cases apprehended by the governor of the Western + territory. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + SEPTEMBER 17, 1789. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + It doubtless is important that all treaties and compacts + formed by the United States with other nations, whether + civilized or not, should be made with caution and executed + with fidelity. + </p> + <p> + It is said to be the general understanding and practice of + nations, as a check on the mistakes and indiscretions of + ministers or commissioners, not to consider any treaty + negotiated and signed by such officers as final and + conclusive until ratified by the sovereign or government from + whom they derive their powers. This practice has been adopted + by the United States respecting their treaties with European + nations, and I am inclined to think it would be advisable to + observe it in the conduct of our treaties with the Indians; + for though such treaties, being on their part made by their + chiefs or rulers, need not be ratified by them, yet, being + formed on our part by the agency of subordinate officers, it + seems to be both prudent and reasonable that their acts + should not be binding on the nation until approved and + ratified by the Government. It strikes me that this point + should be well considered and settled, so that our national + proceedings in this respect may become uniform and be + directed by fixed and stable principles. + </p> + <p> + The treaties with certain Indian nations, which were laid + before you with my message of the 25th May last, suggested + two questions to my mind, viz: First, whether those treaties + were to be considered as perfected and consequently as + obligatory without being ratified. If not, then secondly, + whether both or either, and which, of them ought to be + ratified. On these questions I request your opinion and + advice. + </p> + <p> + You have, indeed, advised me "<i>to execute and enjoin an + observance of</i>" the treaty with the Wyandottes, etc. You, + gentlemen, doubtless intended to be clear and explicit, and + yet, without further explanation, I fear I may misunderstand + your meaning, for if by my <i>executing</i> that treaty you + mean that I should make it (in a more particular and + immediate manner than it now is) the act of Government, then + it follows that I am to ratify it. If you mean by my + <i>executing it</i> that I am to see that it be carried into + effect and operation, then I am led to conclude either that + you consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its + present state, and therefore to be executed and observed, or + that you consider it as to derive its completion and + obligation from the silent approbation and ratification which + my proclamation may be construed to imply. Although I am + inclined to think that the latter is your intention, yet it + certainly is best that all doubts respecting it be removed. + </p> + <p> + Permit me to observe that it will be proper for me to be + informed of your sentiments relative to the treaty with the + Six Nations previous to the departure of the governor of the + Western territory, and therefore I recommend it to your early + consideration. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>September 29, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate:</i> + </p> + <p> + His Most Christian Majesty, by a letter dated the 7th of June + last, addressed to the President and members of the General + Congress of the United States of North America, announces the + much lamented death of his son, the Dauphin. The generous + conduct of the French monarch and nation toward this country + renders every event that may affect his or their prosperity + interesting to us, and I shall take care to assure him of the + sensibility with which the United States participate in the + affliction which a loss so much to be regretted must have + occasioned both to him and to them. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>September 29, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate:</i> + </p> + <p> + Agreeably to the act of Congress for adapting the + establishment of the troops in public service to the + Constitution of the United States, I nominate the persons + specified in the inclosed list to be the commissioned + officers thereof. + </p> + <p> + This nomination differs from the existing arrangement only in + the following cases, to wit: Lieutenant Erkuries Beatty, + promoted to a vacant captaincy in the infantry; Ensign Edward + Spear, promoted to a vacant lieutenancy of artillery; Jacob + Melcher, who has been serving as a volunteer, to be an + ensign, vice Benjamin Lawrence, who was appointed nearly + three years past and has never been mustered or joined the + troops. + </p> + <p> + It is to be observed that the order in which the captains and + subalterns are named is not to affect their relative rank, + which has been hitherto but imperfectly settled owing to the + perplexity of promotions in the State quotas conformably to + the late Confederation. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>September 29, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both + Houses of Congress that they had agreed to a recess to + commence this day and to continue until the first Monday of + January next, I take the earliest opportunity of acquainting + you that, considering how long and laborious this session has + been and the reasons which I presume have produced this + resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend + any measures to their consideration at present, or now to + call your attention, gentlemen, to any of those matters in my + department which require your advice and consent and yet + remain to be dispatched. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>September 29, 1789</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:</i> + </p> + <p> + Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both + Houses of Congress that they had agreed to a recess to + commence this day and to continue until the first Monday of + January next, I take the earliest opportunity of acquainting + you that, considering how long and laborious this session has + been and the reasons which I presume have produced this + resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend + any measures to their consideration at present. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATION. + </h2> + <h3> + A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING. + </h3> + <center> + [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 119.] + </center> + <p> + Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the + providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful + for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and + favor; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint + committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the + United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be + observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and + signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them + an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government + for their safety and happiness:" + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th + day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these + States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is + the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or + that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto + Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and + protection of the people of this country previous to their + becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and + the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course + and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of + tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; + for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been + enabled to establish constitutions of government for our + safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now + lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with + which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and + diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the + great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer + upon us. + </p> + <p> + And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our + prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of + Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other + trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private + stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly + and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing + to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, + just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully + executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and + nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and + to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to + promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and + virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, + generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of + temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. + </p> + <p> + Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of + October, A.D. 1789. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 8, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now + presents itself of congratulating you on the present + favorable prospects of our public affairs. The recent + accession of the important State of North Carolina to the + Constitution of the United States (of which official + information has been received), the rising credit and + respectability of our country, the general and increasing + good will toward the Government of the Union, and the + concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are + circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national + prosperity. + </p> + <p> + In resuming your consultations for the general good you can + not but derive encouragement from the reflection that the + measures of the last session have been as satisfactory to + your constituents as the novelty and difficulty of the work + allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their + expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious + Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of + the present important session call for the cool and, + deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and wisdom. + </p> + <p> + Among the many interesting objects which will engage your + attention that of providing for the common defense will merit + particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most + effectual means of preserving peace. + </p> + <p> + A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to + which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and + their safety and interest require that they should promote + such manufactories as tend to render them independent of + others for essential, particularly military, supplies. + </p> + <p> + The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed + indispensable will be entitled to mature consideration. In + the arrangements which may be made respecting it it will be + of importance to conciliate the comfortable support of the + officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. + </p> + <p> + There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted + with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians would have + relieved the inhabitants of our Southern and Western + frontiers from their depredations, but you will perceive from + the information contained in the papers which I shall direct + to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the + Commonwealth of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to + afford protection to those parts of the Union, and, if + necessary, to punish aggressors. + </p> + <p> + The interests of the United States require that our + intercourse with other nations should be facilitated by such + provisions as will enable me to fulfill my duty in that + respect in the manner which circumstances may render most + conducive to the public good, and to this end that the + compensations to be made to the persons who may be employed + should, according to the nature of their appointments, be + defined by law, and a competent fund designated for defraying + the expenses incident to the conduct of our foreign affairs. + </p> + <p> + Various considerations also render it expedient that the + terms on which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of + citizens should be speedily ascertained by a uniform rule of + naturalization. + </p> + <p> + Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the + United States is an object of great importance, and will, I + am persuaded, be duly attended to. + </p> + <p> + The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by + all proper means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but + I can not forbear intimating to you the expediency of giving + effectual encouragement as well to the introduction of new + and useful inventions from abroad as to the exertions of + skill and genius in producing them at home, and of + facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our + country by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + </p> + <p> + Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in + opinion that there is nothing which can better deserve your + patronage than the promotion of science and literature. + Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public + happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive + their impressions so immediately from the sense of the + community as in ours it is proportionably essential. To the + security of a free constitution it contributes in various + ways—by convincing those who are intrusted with the + public administration that every valuable end of government + is best answered by the enlightened confidence of the people, + and by teaching the people themselves to know and to value + their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of + them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary + exercise of lawful authority; between burthens proceeding + from a disregard to their convenience and those resulting + from the inevitable exigencies of society; to discriminate + the spirit of liberty from that of + licentiousness—cherishing the first, avoiding the + last—and uniting a speedy but temperate vigilance + against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the + laws. + </p> + <p> + Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by + affording aids to seminaries of learning already established, + by the institution of a national university, or by any other + expedients will be well worthy of a place in the + deliberations of the Legislature. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session + the resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion + that an adequate provision for the support of the public + credit is a matter of high importance to the national honor + and prosperity. In this sentiment I entirely concur; and to a + perfect confidence in your best endeavors to devise such a + provision as will be truly consistent with the end I add an + equal reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other + branch of the Legislature. It would be superfluous to specify + inducements to a measure in which the character and permanent + interests of the United States are so obviously and so deeply + concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from + your declaration. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, + respectively, such papers and estimates as regard the affairs + particularly recommended to your consideration, and necessary + to convey to you that information of the state of the Union + which it is my duty to afford. + </p> + <p> + The welfare of our country is the great object to which our + cares and efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive + great satisfaction from a cooperation with you in the + pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our + fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to + expect from a free, efficient, and equal government. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </p> + <p> + SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our + thanks for your speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. + The accession of the State of North Carolina to the + Constitution of the United States gives us much pleasure, and + we offer you our congratulations on that event, which at the + same time adds strength to our Union and affords a proof that + the more the Constitution has been considered the more the + goodness of it has appeared. The information which we have + received, that the measures of the last session have been as + satisfactory to our constituents as we had reason to expect + from the difficulty of the work in which we were engaged, + will afford us much consolation and encouragement in resuming + our deliberations in the present session for the public good, + and every exertion on our part shall be made to realize and + secure to our country those blessings which a gracious + Providence has placed within her reach. We are persuaded that + one of the most effectual means of preserving peace is to be + prepared for war, and our attention shall be directed to the + objects of common defense and to the adoption of such plans + as shall appear the most likely to prevent our dependence on + other countries for essential supplies. In the arrangements + to be made respecting the establishment of such troops as may + be deemed indispensable we shall with pleasure provide for + the comfortable support of the officers and soldiers, with a + due regard to economy. We regret that the pacific measures + adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile tribes + of Indians have not been attended with the beneficial effects + toward the inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers + which we had reason to hope; and we shall cheerfully + cooperate in providing the most effectual means for their + protection, and, if necessary, for the punishment of + aggressors. The uniformity of the currency and of weights and + measures, the introduction of new and useful inventions from + abroad and the exertions of skill and genius in producing + them at home, the facilitating the communication between the + distant parts of our country by means of the post-office and + post-roads, a provision for the support of the Department of + Foreign Affairs, and a uniform rule of naturalization, by + which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens, + are objects which shall receive such early attention as their + respective importance requires. Literature and science are + essential to the preservation of a free constitution; the + measures of Government should therefore be calculated to + strengthen the confidence that is due to that important + truth. Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, forming the + basis of the wealth and strength of our confederated + Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation, + and shall be advanced by all proper means in our power. + Public credit being an object of great importance, we shall + cheerfully cooperate in all proper measures for its support. + Proper attention shall be given to such papers and estimates + as you may be pleased to lay before us. Our cares and efforts + shall be directed to the welfare of our country, and we have + the most perfect dependence upon your cooperating with us on + all occasions in such measures as will insure to our + fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to + expect from a free, efficient, and equal government. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 11, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, and for the + assurances which it contains of attention to the several + matters suggested by me to your consideration. + </p> + <p> + Relying on the continuance of your exertions for the public + good, I anticipate for our country the salutary effects of + upright and prudent counsels. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 14, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States + have taken into consideration your speech to both Houses of + Congress at the opening of the present session. + </p> + <p> + We reciprocate your congratulations on the accession of the + State of North Carolina, an event which, while it is a + testimony of the increasing good will toward the Government + of the Union, can not fail to give additional dignity and + strength to the American Republic, already rising in the + estimation of the world in national character and + respectability. + </p> + <p> + The information that our measures of the last session have + not proved dissatisfactory to our constituents affords us + much encouragement at this juncture, when we are resuming the + arduous task of legislating for so extensive an empire. + </p> + <p> + Nothing can be more gratifying to the Representatives of a + free people than the reflection that their labors are + rewarded by the approbation of their fellow-citizens. Under + this impression we shall make every exertion to realize their + expectations, and to secure to them those blessings which + Providence has placed within their reach. Still prompted by + the same desire to promote their interests which then + actuated us, we shall in the present session diligently and + anxiously pursue those measures which shall appear to us + conducive to that end. + </p> + <p> + We concur with you in the sentiment that agriculture, + commerce, and manufactures are entitled to legislative + protection, and that the promotion of science and literature + will contribute to the security of a free Government; in the + progress of our deliberations we shall not lose sight of + objects so worthy of our regard. + </p> + <p> + The various and weighty matters which you have judged + necessary to recommend to our attention appear to us + essential to the tranquillity and welfare of the Union, and + claim our early and most serious consideration. We shall + proceed without delay to bestow on them that calm discussion + which their importance requires. + </p> + <p> + We regret that the pacific arrangements pursued with regard + to certain hostile tribes of Indians have not been attended + with that success which we had reason to expect from them. We + shall not hesitate to concur in such further measures as may + best obviate any ill effects which might be apprehended from + the failure of those negotiations. + </p> + <p> + Your approbation of the vote of this House at the last + session respecting the provision for the public creditors is + very acceptable to us. The proper mode of carrying that + resolution into effect, being a subject in which the future + character and happiness of these States are deeply involved, + will be among the first to deserve our attention. + </p> + <p> + The prosperity of the United States is the primary object of + all our deliberations, and we cherish the reflection that + every measure which we may adopt for its advancement will not + only receive your cheerful concurrence, but will at the same + time derive from your cooperation additional efficacy, in + insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings of a free, + efficient, and equal government. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 12, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: I receive with pleasure the assurances you give me + that you will diligently and anxiously pursue such measures + as shall appear to you conducive to the interest of your + constituents, and that an early and serious consideration + will be given to the various and weighty matters recommended + by me to your attention. + </p> + <p> + I have full confidence that your deliberations will continue + to be directed by an enlightened and virtuous zeal for the + happiness of our country. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 14, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 11, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having advised with you upon the terms of a treaty to be + offered to the Creek Nation of Indians, I think it proper you + should be informed of the result of that business previous to + its coming before you in your legislative capacity. I have + therefore directed the Secretary for the Department of War to + lay before you my instructions to the commissioners and their + report in consequence thereof. + </p> + <p> + The apparently critical state of the Southern frontier will + render it expedient for me to communicate to both Houses of + Congress, with other papers, the whole of the transactions + relative to the Creeks, in order that they may be enabled to + form a judgment of the measures which the case may require, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 11, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed Mr. Lear, my private secretary, to lay before + you a copy of the adoption and ratification of the + Constitution of the United States by the State of North + Carolina, together with a copy of a letter from His + Excellency Samuel Johnston, president of the convention of + said State, to the President of the United States. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the papers which are herewith transmitted to + you will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 12, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a statement of the Southwestern frontiers + and of the Indian Department, which have been submitted to me + by the Secretary for the Department of War. + </p> + <p> + I conceive that an unreserved but confidential communication + of all the papers relative to the recent negotiations with + some of the Southern tribes of Indians is indispensably + requisite for the information of Congress. I am persuaded + that they will effectually prevent either transcripts or + publications of all such circumstances as might be injurious + to the public interests, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 21, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The Secretary for the Department of War has submitted to me + certain principles to serve as a plan for the general + arrangement of the militia of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Conceiving the subject to be of the highest importance to the + welfare of our country and liable to be placed in various + points of view, I have directed him to lay the plan before + Congress for their information, in order that they may make + such use thereof as they may judge proper. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 25, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received from His Excellency John E. Howard, governor + of the State of Maryland, an act of the legislature of + Maryland to ratify certain articles in addition to and + amendment of the Constitution of the United States of + America, proposed by Congress to the legislatures of the + several States, and have directed my secretary to lay a copy + of the same before you, together with the copy of a letter, + accompanying the above act, from his excellency the governor + of Maryland to the President of the United States. + </p> + <p> + The originals will be deposited in the office of the + Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 28, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an + act of the legislature of Rhode Island and Providence + Plantations entitled "An act for calling a convention to take + into consideration the Constitution proposed for the United + States, passed on the 17th day of September, A.D. 1787, by + the General Convention held at Philadelphia," together with + the copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His + Excellency John Collins, governor of the State of Rhode + Island and Providence Plantations, to the President of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be + deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 1, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received from His Excellency Alexander Martin, + governor of the State of North Carolina, an act of the + general assembly of that State entitled "An act for the + purpose of ceding to the United States of America certain + western lands therein described," and have directed my + secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with + a copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His + Excellency Governor Martin to the President of the United + States. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be + deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 9, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i> + </p> + <p> + You will perceive from the papers herewith delivered, and + which are enumerated in the annexed list, that a difference + subsists between Great Britain and the United States relative + to the boundary line between our eastern and their + territories. A plan for deciding this difference was laid + before the late Congress, and whether that or some other plan + of a like kind would not now be eligible is submitted to your + consideration. + </p> + <p> + In my opinion, it is desirable that all questions between + this and other nations be speedily and amicably settled, and + in this instance I think it advisable to postpone any + negotiations on the subject until I shall be informed of the + result of your deliberations and receive your advice as to + the propositions most proper to be offered on the part of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + As I am taking measures for learning the intentions of Great + Britain respecting the further detention of our posts, etc., + I am the more solicitous that the business now submitted to + you may be prepared for negotiation as soon as the other + important affairs which engage your attention will permit. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 15, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of a + vote of the legislature of the State of New Hampshire, to + accept the articles proposed in addition to and amendment of + the Constitution of the United States of America, except the + second article. At the same time will be delivered to you the + copy of a letter from his excellency the president of the + State of New Hampshire to the President of the United States. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the above-mentioned vote and letter will be + lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 18, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + By the mail of last evening I received a letter from His + Excellency John Hancock, governor of the Commonwealth of + Massachusetts, inclosing a resolve of the senate and house of + representatives of that Commonwealth and sundry documents + relative to the eastern boundary of the United States. + </p> + <p> + I have directed a copy of the letter and resolve to be laid + before you. The documents which accompanied them being but + copies of some of the papers which were delivered to you with + my communication of the 9th of this month, I have thought it + unnecessary to lay them before you at this time. They will be + deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, together + with the originals of the above-mentioned letters and + resolve. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 8, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received from His Excellency Joshua Clayton, president + of the State of Delaware, the articles proposed by Congress + to the legislatures of the several States as amendments to + the Constitution of the United States, which articles were + transmitted to him for the consideration of the legislature + of Delaware, and are now returned with the following + resolutions annexed to them, viz: + </p> + <p class="q"> + The general assembly of Delaware having taken into their + consideration the above amendments, proposed by Congress to + the respective legislatures of the several States, + </p> + <p class="q"> + <i>Resolved</i>, That the first article be postponed; + </p> + <p class="q"> + <i>Resolved</i>, That the general assembly do agree to the + second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, + tenth, eleventh, and twelfth articles, and we do hereby + assent to, ratify, and confirm the same as part of the + Constitution of the United States. + </p> + <p class="q"> + In testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of the + State to be hereunto affixed this 28th day of January, A.D. + 1790, and in the fourteenth year of the independence of the + Delaware State. + </p> + <p> + Signed by order of council. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE MITCHELL, <i>Speaker</i>. + </p> + <p> + Signed by order of the house of assembly. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JEHU DAVIS, <i>Speaker</i>. + </p> + <p> + I have directed a copy of the letter which accompanied the + said articles, from His Excellency Joshua Clayton to the + President of the United States, to be laid before you. + </p> + <p> + The before-mentioned articles and the original of the letter + will be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 16, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an + act and the form of ratification of certain articles of + amendment to the Constitution of the United States by the + legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, together with the + copy of a letter which accompanied the said act, from the + speaker of the house of assembly of Pennsylvania to the + President of the United States. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the above will be lodged in the office of + the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 1, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my private secretary to lay before you a copy + of the adoption by the legislature of South Carolina of the + articles proposed by Congress to the legislatures of the + several States as amendments to the Constitution of the + United States, together with the copy of a letter from the + governor of the State of South Carolina to the President of + the United States, which have lately come to my hands. + </p> + <p> + The originals of the foregoing will be lodged in the office + of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 5, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my private secretary to lay before you copies + of three acts of the legislature of the State of New York, + which have been transmitted to me by the governor thereof, + viz: + </p> + <p> + "An act declaring it to be the duty of the sheriffs of the + several counties within this State to receive and safe keep + such prisoners as shall be committed under the authority of + the United States." + </p> + <p> + "An act for vesting in the United States of America the + light-house and the lands thereunto belonging at Sandy Hook." + </p> + <p> + "An act ratifying certain articles in addition to and + amendment of the Constitution of the United States of + America, proposed by Congress." + </p> + <p> + A copy of a letter accompanying said acts, from the governor + of the State of New York to the President of the United + States, will at the same time be laid before you, and the + originals be deposited in the office of the Secretary of + State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 31, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Mr. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the + last years of the late war as secretary to Major-General the + Marquis de Lafayette, and might probably at that time have + obtained the commission of captain from Congress upon + application to that body. At present he is an officer in the + French national guards, and solicits a brevet commission from + the United States of America. I am authorized to add, that + while the compliance will involve no expense on our part, it + will be particularly grateful to that friend of America, the + Marquis de Lafayette. I therefore nominate M. de Poiery to be + a captain by brevet. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 1, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having received official information of the accession of the + State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the + Constitution of the United States, I take the earliest + opportunity of communicating the same to you, with my + congratulations on this happy event, which unites under the + General Government all the States which were originally + confederated, and have directed my secretary to lay before + you a copy of the letter from the president of the convention + of the State of Rhode Island to the President of the United + States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 11, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of the + ratification of the amendments to the Constitution of the + United States by the State of North Carolina, together with + an extract from a letter, accompanying said ratification, + from the governor of the State of North Carolina to the + President of the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 16, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The ratification of the Constitution of the United States of + America by the State of Rhode Island and Providence + Plantations was received by me last night, together with a + letter to the President of the United States from the + president of the convention. I have directed my secretary to + lay before you a copy of each. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 30, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island and + Providence Plantations, for ratifying certain articles as + amendments to the Constitution of the United States, was + yesterday put into my hands, and I have directed my secretary + to lay a copy of the same before you. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GO. WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>August 4, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>; + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the + Senate in August, 1789, the adjustment of the terms of a + treaty is far advanced between the United States and the + chiefs of the Creek Indians, now in this city, in behalf of + themselves and the whole Creek Nation. + </p> + <p> + In preparing the articles of this treaty the present + arrangements of the trade with the Creeks have caused much + embarrassment. It seems to be well ascertained that the said + trade is almost exclusively in the hands of a company of + British merchants, who by agreement make their importations + of goods from England into the Spanish ports. + </p> + <p> + As the trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political + management, it is therefore obvious that the United States + can not possess any security for the performance of treaties + with the Creeks while their trade is liable to be interrupted + or withheld at the caprice of two foreign powers. + </p> + <p> + Hence it becomes an object of real importance to form new + channels for the commerce of the Creeks through the United + States. But this operation will require time, as the present + arrangements can not be suddenly broken without the greatest + violation of faith and morals. + </p> + <p> + It therefore appears to be important to form a secret article + of a treaty similar to the one which accompanies this + message. + </p> + <p> + If the Senate should require any further explanation, the + Secretary of War will attend them for that purpose. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + The President of the United States states the following + question for the consideration and advice of the Senate: If + it should be found essential to a treaty for the firm + establishment of peace with the Creek Nation of Indians that + an article to the following effect should be inserted + therein, will such an article be proper? viz: + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + SECRET ARTICLE. + </h3> + <p> + The commerce necessary for the Creek Nation shall be carried + on through the ports and by the citizens of the United States + if substantial and effectual arrangements shall be made for + that purpose by the United States on or before the 1st day of + August, 1792. In the meantime the said commerce may be + carried on through its present channels and according to its + present regulations. + </p> + <p> + And whereas the trade of the said Creek Nation is now carried + on wholly or principally through the territories of Spain, + and obstructions thereto may happen by war or prohibitions of + the Spanish Government, it is therefore agreed between the + said parties that in the event of any such obstructions + happening it shall be lawful for such persons as + —— —— —— —— + shall designate to introduce into and transport through the + territories of the United States to the country of the said + Creek Nation any quantity of goods, wares, and merchandise + not exceeding in value in any one year $60,000, and that free + from any duties or impositions whatsoever, but subject to + such regulations for guarding against abuse as the United + States shall judge necessary, which privilege shall continue + as long as such obstruction shall continue. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>August 6, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Considering the circumstances which prevented the late + commissioners from concluding a peace with the Creek Nation + of Indians, it appeared to me most prudent that all + subsequent measures for disposing them to a treaty should in + the first instance be informal. + </p> + <p> + I informed you on the 4th instant that the adjustment of the + terms of a treaty with their chiefs, now here, was far + advanced. Such further progress has since been made that I + think measures may at present be taken for conducting and + concluding that business in form. It therefore becomes + necessary that a proper person be appointed and authorized to + treat with these chiefs and to conclude a treaty with them. + For this purpose I nominate to you Henry Knox. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GO. WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>August 6, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of an + exemplified copy of a law to ratify on the part of the State + of New Jersey certain amendments to the Constitution of the + United States, together with a copy of a letter, which + accompanied said ratification, from Hon. Elisha Lawrence, + esq., vice-president of the State of New Jersey, to the + President of the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GO. WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>August 7, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate:</i> + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a treaty between the United States and the + chiefs of the Creek Nation, now in this city, in behalf of + themselves and the whole Creek Nation, subject to the + ratification of the President of the United States with the + advice and consent of the Senate. + </p> + <p> + While I flatter myself that this treaty will be productive of + present peace and prosperity to our Southern frontier, it is + to be expected that it will also in its consequences be the + means of firmly attaching the Creeks and the neighboring + tribes to the interests of the United States. + </p> + <p> + At the same time it is to be hoped that it will afford solid + grounds of satisfaction to the State of Georgia, as it + contains a regular, full, and definitive relinquishment on + the part of the Creek Nation of the Oconee land in the utmost + extent in which it has been claimed by that State, and thus + extinguishes the principal cause of those hostilities from + which it has more than once experienced such severe + calamities. + </p> + <p> + But although the most valuable of the disputed land is + included, yet there is a certain claim of Georgia, arising + out of the treaty made by that State at Galphinston in + November, 1785, of land to the eastward of a new temporary + line from the forks of the Oconee and Oakmulgee in a + southwest direction to the St. Marys River, which tract of + land the Creeks in this city absolutely refuse to yield. + </p> + <p> + This land is reported to be generally barren, sunken, and + unfit for cultivation, except in some instances on the margin + of the rivers, on which by improvement rice might be + cultivated, its chief value depending on the timber fit for + the building of ships, with which it is represented as + abounding. + </p> + <p> + While it is thus circumstanced on the one hand, it is stated + by the Creeks on the other to be of the highest importance to + them as constituting some of their most valuable winter + hunting ground. + </p> + <p> + I have directed the commissioner to whom the charge of + adjusting this treaty has been committed to lay before you + such papers and documents and to communicate to you such + information relatively to it as you may require. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>August 11, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Although the treaty with the Creeks may be regarded as the + main foundation of the future peace and prosperity of the + Southwestern frontier of the United States, yet in order + fully to effect so desirable an object the treaties which + have been entered into with the other tribes in that quarter + must be faithfully performed on our parts. + </p> + <p> + During the last year I laid before the Senate a particular + statement of the case of the Cherokees. By a reference to + that paper it will appear that the United States formed a + treaty with the Cherokees in November, 1785; that the said + Cherokees thereby placed themselves under the protection of + the United States and had a boundary assigned them; that the + white people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the + said boundary by intruding on the Indian lands; that the + United States in Congress assembled did, on the 1st day of + September, 1788, issue their proclamation forbidding all such + unwarrantable intrusions, and enjoined all those who had + settled upon the hunting grounds of the Cherokees to depart + with their families and effects without loss of time, as they + would answer their disobedience to the injunctions and + prohibitions expressed at their peril. + </p> + <p> + But information has been received that notwithstanding the + said treaty and proclamation upward of 500 families have + settled on the Cherokee lands exclusively of those settled + between the fork of French Broad and Holstein rivers, + mentioned in the said treaty. + </p> + <p> + As the obstructions to a proper conduct on this matter have + been removed since it was mentioned to the Senate on the 22d + of August, 1789, by the accession of North Carolina to the + present Union and the cessions of the land in question, I + shall conceive myself bound to exert the powers intrusted to + me by the Constitution in order to carry into faithful + execution the treaty of Hopewell, unless it shall be thought + proper to attempt to arrange a new boundary with the + Cherokees, embracing the settlements, and compensating the + Cherokees for the cessions they shall make on the occasion. + On this point, therefore, I state the following questions and + request the advice of the Senate thereon: + </p> + <p> + First. Is it the judgment of the Senate that overtures shall + be made to the Cherokees to arrange a new boundary so as to + embrace the settlements made by the white people since the + treaty of Hopewell, in November, 1785? + </p> + <p> + Second. If so, shall compensation to the amount of + —— dollars annually, or of —— dollars + in gross, be made to the Cherokees for the land they shall + relinquish, holding the occupiers of the land accountable to + the United States for its value? + </p> + <p> + Third. Shall the United States stipulate solemnly to + guarantee the new boundary which may be arranged? + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. + </h2> + <center> + [From the Gazette of the United States (New York), September + 15, 1790, in the Library of Congress.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas a treaty of peace and friendship between the United + States and the Creek Nation was made and concluded on the 7th + day of the present month of August; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas I have, by and with the advice and consent of the + Senate, in due form ratified the said treaty: + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, to the end that the same may be observed and + performed with good faith on the part of the United States, I + have ordered the said treaty to be herewith published; and I + do hereby enjoin and require all officers of the United + States, civil and military, and all other citizens and + inhabitants thereof, faithfully to observe and fulfill the + same. + </p> + <p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the + city of New York, the 14th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in + the fifteenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From Miscellaneous letters, Department of State, vol. 3.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas it hath at this time become peculiarly necessary to + warn the citizens of the United States against a violation of + the treaties made at Hopewell, on the Keowee, on the 28th day + of November, 1785, and on the 3d and 10th days of January, + 1786, between the United States and the Cherokee, Choctaw, + and Chickasaw nations of Indians, and to enforce an act + entitled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the + Indian tribes," copies of which treaties and act are hereunto + annexed, I have therefore thought fit to require, and I do by + these presents require, all officers of the United States, as + well civil as military, and all other citizens and + inhabitants thereof, to govern themselves according to the + treaties and act aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary + at their peril. + </p> + <p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the + city of New York, the 26th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in + the fifteenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 8, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able + to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which + continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant + fruits of another year have blessed our country with plenty + and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of + public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of American + stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted + for this and other national purposes have been productive + beyond the calculations by which they were regulated. This + latter circumstance is the more pleasing, as it is not only a + proof of the fertility of our resources, but as it assures us + of a further increase of the national respectability and + credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony + to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine + part of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in + discharging their engagements has been exemplary. + </p> + <p> + In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last + session, a loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some + provisional measures had previously taken place, has been + completed in Holland. As well the celerity with which it has + been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the more + than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation + of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further execution + of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The + Secretary of the Treasury has my directions to communicate + such further particulars as may be requisite for more precise + information. + </p> + <p> + Since your last sessions I have received communications by + which it appears that the district of Kentucky, at present a + part of Virginia, has concurred in certain propositions + contained in a law of that State, in consequence of which the + district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case + the requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this + sanction application is now made. I shall cause the papers on + this very important transaction to be laid before you. The + liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will + be found to do great honor to both the parties, and the + sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its present + Government expressed by our fellow-citizens of Kentucky can + not fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular + welfare to the great national impressions under which you + will decide on the case submitted to you. + </p> + <p> + It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent + incursions have been made on our frontier settlements by + certain banditti of Indians from the northwest side of the + Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and near the + Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their + depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their + crimes and aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as + could be seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them + a retreat for their prisoners and plunder, they have, instead + of listening to the humane invitations and overtures made on + the part of the United States, renewed their violences with + fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of + valuable citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them + under circumstances peculiarly shocking, whilst others have + been carried into a deplorable captivity. + </p> + <p> + These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the + safety of the Western settlements that the aggressors should + be made sensible that the Government of the Union is not less + capable of punishing their crimes than it is disposed to + respect their rights and reward their attachments. As this + object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became + necessary to put in force the act which empowers the + President to call out the militia for the protection of the + frontiers, and I have accordingly authorized an expedition in + which the regular troops in that quarter are combined with + such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event + of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is + directed to lay before you a statement of the information on + which it is founded, as well as an estimate of the expense + with which it will be attended. + </p> + <p> + The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the + critical posture of the great maritime powers, whilst it + ought to make us the more thankful for the general peace and + security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at the same + time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to + preserve these blessings. It requires also that we should not + overlook the tendency of a war, and even of preparations for + a war, among the nations most concerned in active commerce + with this country to abridge the means, and thereby at least + enhance the price, of transporting its valuable productions + to their proper markets. I recommend it to your serious + reflections how far and in what mode it may be expedient to + guard against embarrassments from these contingencies by such + encouragements to our own navigation as will render our + commerce and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, + which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to + both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the + transportation of our own produce offer us abundant means for + guarding ourselves against this evil. + </p> + <p> + Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular + branch of our trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So + many circumstances unite in rendering the present state of it + distressful to us that you will not think any deliberations + misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. + </p> + <p> + The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a + judiciary system have opened the doors of justice to all + descriptions of persons. You will consider in your wisdom + whether improvements in that system may yet be made, and + particularly whether an uniform process of execution on + sentences issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable + through all the States. + </p> + <p> + The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and seamen, + has called for the appointment of consuls in foreign + countries. It seems expedient to regulate by law the exercise + of that jurisdiction and those functions which are permitted + them, either by express convention or by a friendly + indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular + convention, too, with His Most Christian Majesty has + stipulated in certain cases the aid of the national authority + to his consuls established here. Some legislative provision + is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. + </p> + <p> + The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of + weights and measures, of the post-office and post-roads are + subjects which I presume you will resume of course, and which + are abundantly urged by their own importance. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the + objects to which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that + the residuary provisions will be commensurate to the other + objects for which the public faith stands now pledged. Allow + me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy with + you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the + debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources + of the country will permit to exonerate it of the principal + itself. The appropriation you have made of the Western land + explains your dispositions on this subject, and I am + persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to + contribute, along with other means, to the actual reduction + of the public debt the more salutary will the measure be to + every public interest, as well as the more satisfactory to + our constituents. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present + session I indulge the fullest persuasion that your + consultations will be equally marked with wisdom and animated + by the love of your country. In whatever belongs to my duty + you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished zeal + for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, + and our best reward, if, by a successful administration of + our respective trusts, we can make the established Government + more and more instrumental in promoting the good of our + fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their + attachment and confidence. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: + </p> + <p> + We receive, sir, with particular satisfaction the + communications contained in your speech, which confirm to us + the progressive state of the public credit and afford at the + same time a new proof of the solidity of the foundation on + which it rests; and we cheerfully join in the acknowledgment + which is due to the probity and patriotism of the mercantile + and marine part of our fellow-citizens, whose enlightened + attachment to the principles of good government is not less + conspicuous in this than it has been in other important + respects. + </p> + <p> + In confidence that every constitutional preliminary has been + observed, we assure you of our disposition to concur in + giving the requisite sanction to the admission of Kentucky as + a distinct member of the Union; in doing which we shall + anticipate the happy effects to be expected from the + sentiments of attachment toward the Union and its present + Government which have been expressed by the patriotic + inhabitants of that district. + </p> + <p> + While we regret that the continuance and increase of the + hostilities and depredations which have distressed our + Northwestern frontiers should have rendered offensive + measures necessary, we feel an entire confidence in the + sufficiency of the motives which have produced them and in + the wisdom of the dispositions which have been concerted in + pursuance of the powers vested in you, and whatever may have + been the event, we shall cheerfully concur in the provisions + which the expedition that has been undertaken may require on + the part of the Legislature, and in any other which the + future peace and safety of our frontier settlements may call + for. + </p> + <p> + The critical posture of the European powers will engage a due + portion of our attention, and we shall be ready to adopt any + measures which a prudent circumspection may suggest for the + preservation of the blessings of peace. The navigation and + the fisheries of the United States are objects too + interesting not to inspire a disposition to promote them by + all the means which shall appear to us consistent with their + natural progress and permanent prosperity. + </p> + <p> + Impressed with the importance of a free intercourse with the + Mediterranean, we shall not think any deliberations + misemployed which may conduce to the adoption of proper + measures for removing the impediments that obstruct it. + </p> + <p> + The improvement of the judiciary system and the other + important objects to which you have pointed our attention + will not fail to engage the consideration they respectively + merit. + </p> + <p> + In the course of our deliberations upon every subject we + shall rely upon that cooperation which an undiminished zeal + and incessant anxiety for the public welfare on your part so + thoroughly insure; and as it is our anxious desire so it + shall be our constant endeavor to render the established + Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good + of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their + attachment and confidence. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 10, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: These assurances of favorable attention to the + subjects I have recommended and of entire confidence in my + views make the impression on me which I ought to feel. I + thank you for them both, and shall continue to rely much for + the success of all our measures for the public good on the + aid they will receive from the wisdom and integrity of your + councils. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 13, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States + have taken into consideration your address to the two Houses + at the opening of the present session of Congress. + </p> + <p> + We share in the satisfaction inspired by the prospects which + continue to be so auspicious to our public affairs. The + blessings resulting from the smiles of Heaven on our + agriculture, the rise of public credit, with the further + advantages promised by it, and the fertility of resources + which are found so little burdensome to the community, fully + authorize our mutual congratulations on the present occasion. + Nor can we learn without an additional gratification that the + energy of the laws for providing adequate revenues have been + so honorably seconded by those classes of citizens whose + patriotism and probity were more immediately concerned. + </p> + <p> + The success of the loan opened in Holland, under the + disadvantages of the present moment, is the more important, + as it not only denotes the confidence already placed in the + United States, but as the effect of a judicious application + of that aid will still further illustrate the solidity of the + foundation on which the public credit rests. + </p> + <p> + The preparatory steps taken by the State of Virginia, in + concert with the district of Kentucky, toward the erection of + the latter into a distinct member of the Union exhibit a + liberality mutually honorable to the parties. We shall bestow + on this important subject the favorable consideration which + it merits, and, with the national policy which ought to + govern our decision, shall not fail to mingle the + affectionate sentiments which are awakened by those expressed + on behalf of our fellow-citizens of Kentucky. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we regret the necessity which has produced offensive + hostilities against some of the Indian tribes northwest of + the Ohio, we sympathize too much with our Western brethren + not to behold with approbation the watchfulness and vigor + which have been exerted by the executive authority for their + protection, and which we trust will make the aggressors + sensible that it is their interest to merit by a peaceable + behavior the friendship and humanity which the United States + are always ready to extend to them. + </p> + <p> + The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times + appeared to us highly important. The point of view under + which you have recommended it to us is strongly enforced by + the actual state of things in Europe. It will be incumbent on + us to consider in what mode our commerce and agriculture can + be best relieved from an injurious dependence on the + navigation of other nations, which the frequency of their + wars renders a too precarious resource for conveying the + productions of our country to market. + </p> + <p> + The present state of our trade to the Mediterranean seems not + less to demand, and will accordingly receive, the attention + which you have recommended. + </p> + <p> + Having already concurred in establishing a judiciary system + which opens the doors of justice to all, without distinction + of persons, it will be our disposition to incorporate every + improvement which experience may suggest. And we shall + consider in particular how far the uniformity which in other + cases is found convenient in the administration of the + General Government through all the States may be introduced + into the forms and rules of executing sentences issuing from + the Federal courts. + </p> + <p> + The proper regulation of the jurisdiction and functions which + may be exercised by consuls of the United States in foreign + countries, with the provisions stipulated to those of His + Most Christian Majesty established here, are subjects of too + much consequence to the public interest and honor not to + partake of our deliberations. + </p> + <p> + We shall renew our attention to the establishment of the + militia and the other subjects unfinished at the last + session, and shall proceed in them with all the dispatch + which the magnitude of all and the difficulty of some of them + will allow. + </p> + <p> + Nothing has given us more satisfaction than to find that the + revenues heretofore established have proved adequate to the + purposes to which they were allotted. In extending the + provision to the residuary objects it will be equally our + care to secure sufficiency and punctuality in the payments + due from the Treasury of the United States. We shall also + never lose sight of the policy of diminishing the public debt + as fast as the increase of the public resources will permit, + and are particularly sensible of the many considerations + which press a resort to the auxiliary resource furnished by + the public lands. + </p> + <p> + In pursuing every branch of the weighty business of the + present session it will be our constant study to direct our + deliberations to the public welfare. Whatever our success may + be, we can at least answer for the fervent love of our + country, which ought to animate our endeavors. In your + cooperation we are sure of a resource which fortifies our + hopes that the fruits of the established Government will + justify the confidence which has been placed in it, and + recommend it more and more to the affection and attachment of + our fellow-citizens. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 11, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: The sentiments expressed in your address are + entitled to my particular acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + Having no object but the good of our country, this testimony + of approbation and confidence from its immediate + Representatives must be among my best rewards, as the support + of your enlightened patriotism has been among my greatest + encouragements. Being persuaded that you will continue to be + actuated by the same auspicious principle, I look forward to + the happiest consequences from your deliberations during the + present session. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 13, 1790. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 23, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It appearing by the report of the secretary of the government + northwest of the Ohio that there are certain cases respecting + grants of land within that territory which require the + interference of the Legislature of the United States, I have + directed a copy of said report and the papers therein + referred to to be laid before you, together with a copy of + the report of the Secretary of State upon the same subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 30, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the + subject of the citizens of the United States in captivity at + Algiers, that you may provide on their behalf what to you + shall seem most expedient. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 3, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act + passed by the legislature of the State of New Jersey for + vesting in the United States of America the jurisdiction of a + lot of land at Sandy Hook, in the county of Monmouth, and a + copy of a letter which accompanied said act, from the + governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the + United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 17, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you an official statement of the appropriation + of $10,000, granted to defray the contingent expenses of + Government by an act of the 26th March, 1790. + </p> + <p> + A copy of two resolutions of the legislature of Virginia, and + a petition of sundry officers and assignees of officers and + soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment, + on the subject of bounty lands allotted to them on the + northwest side of the Ohio; and + </p> + <p> + A copy of an act of the legislature of Maryland to empower + the wardens of the port of Baltimore to levy and collect the + duty therein mentioned. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 17, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a letter from His Most Christian Majesty, + addressed to the President and Members of Congress of the + United States of America. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + <i>To our very dear friends and allies, the President and + Members of the General Congress of the United States of North + America</i>. + </p> + <p> + VERY DEAR GREAT FRIENDS AND ALLIES: We have received the + letter by which you inform us of the new mark of confidence + that you have shown to Mr. Jefferson, and which puts a period + to his appointment of minister plenipotentiary at our Court. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which he conducted during his residence with us + has merited our esteem and entire approbation, and it is with + pleasure that we now give him this testimony of it. + </p> + <p> + It is with the most sincere pleasure that we embrace this + opportunity of renewing these assurances of regard and + friendship which we feel for the United States in general and + for each of them in particular. Under their influence we pray + God that He will keep you, very dear friends and allies, + under His holy and beneficent protection. + </p> + <p> + Done at Paris this 11th September, 1790. + </p> + <p> + Your good friend and ally, + </p> + <p class="r"> + LOUIS. + </p> + <p> + MONTMORIN. [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 10, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a representation of the chargé + d'affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the acts + of Congress of the 20th of July, 1789 and 1790, imposing an + extra tonnage on foreign vessels, not excepting those of that + country, together with the report of the Secretary of State + thereon, and I recommend the same to your consideration, that + I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may best + comport with the justice and the interests of the United + States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + DOCUMENTS. + </h3> + <p class="r"> + JANUARY 18, 1791. + </p> + <p> + The Secretary of State having received from the chargé + d'affaires of France a note on the tonnage payable by French + vessels in the ports of the United States, has had the same + under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following + report to the President of the United States: + </p> + <p> + The chargé d'affaires of France, by a note of the 13th + of December, represents, by order of his Court, that they + consider so much of the acts of Congress of July 20, 1789 and + 1790, as imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels + without excepting those of France, to be in contravention of + the fifth article of the treaty of amity and commerce between + the two nations; that this would have authorized on their + part a proportional modification in the favors granted to the + American navigation, but that his Sovereign had thought it + more conformable to his principles of friendship and + attachment to the United States to order him to make + representations thereon, and to ask in favor of French + vessels a modification of the acts which impose an + extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels. + </p> + <p> + The Secretary of State, in giving in this paper to the + President of the United States, thinks it his duty to + accompany it with the following observations: + </p> + <p> + The third and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and + commerce between France and the United States subject the + vessels of each nation to pay in the ports of the other only + such duties as are paid by the most favored nation, and give + them reciprocally all the privileges and exemptions in + navigation and commerce which are given by either to the most + favored nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, + they would have been free to raise or lower their tonnage as + they should find it expedient, only taking care to keep the + other on the footing of the most favored nation. The + question, then, is whether the fifth article cited in the + note is anything more than an application of the principle + comprised in the third and fourth to a particular object, or + whether it is an additional stipulation of something not so + comprised. + </p> + <p> + I. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised + in the preceding articles is declared by the express words of + the article, to wit: "<i>Dans l'exemption ci-dessus est + nommément compris</i>," etc., "<i>in the above + exemption is particularly comprised</i>, the imposition of + 100 sols per ton established in France on foreign vessels." + Here, then, is at once an express declaration that the + exemption from the duty of 100 sols is <i>comprised</i> in + the third and fourth articles; that is to say, it was one of + the exemptions enjoyed by the most favored nations, and as + such extended to us by those articles. If the exemption + spoken of in this first member of the fifth article was + <i>comprised</i> in the third and fourth articles, as is + expressly declared, then the reservation by France out of + that exemption (which makes the second member of the same + article) <i>was also comprised</i>; that is to say, if <i>the + whole</i> was comprised, <i>the part</i> was comprised. And + if this reservation of France in the second member was + comprised in the third and fourth articles, then the counter + reservation by the United States (which constitutes the third + and last member of the same article) was also comprised, + because it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole + on our part, which had been comprised by the same terms with + theirs. + </p> + <p> + In short, the whole article relates to a particular duty of + 100 sols, laid by some antecedent law of France on the + vessels of foreign nations, relinquished as to the most + favored, and consequently to us. It is not a new and + additional stipulation, then, but a declared application of + the stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a + particular case by way of greater caution. + </p> + <p> + The doctrine laid down generally in the third and fourth + articles, and exemplified specially in the fifth, amounts to + this: "The vessels of the most favored nations coming from + foreign ports are exempted from the duty of 100 sols; + therefore you are exempted from it by the third and fourth + articles. The vessels of the most favored nations coming + coastwise pay that duty; therefore you are to pay it by the + third and fourth articles. We shall not think it unfriendly + in you to lay a like duty on coasters, because it will be no + more than we have done ourselves. You are free also to lay + that or any other duty on vessels coming from foreign ports, + provided they apply to all other nations, even the most + favored. We are free to do the same under the same + restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most + favored nations do not pay does not exempt you from one which + they do pay." + </p> + <p> + In this view, it is evident that the fifth article neither + enlarges nor abridges the stipulations of the third and + fourth. The effect of the treaty would have been precisely + the same had it been omitted altogether; consequently it may + be truly said that the reservation by the United States in + this article is completely useless. And it may be added with + equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is + completely useless, as well as her previous abandonment of + the same duty, and, in short, the whole article. Each party, + then, remains free to raise or lower its tonnage, provided + the change operates on all nations, even the most favored. + </p> + <p> + Without undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture + that this article has been inserted on the part of the United + States from an overcaution to guard, <i>nommément, by + name</i>, against a particular aggrievance, which they + thought they could never be too well secured against; and + that has happened which generally happens—doubts have + been produced by the too great number of words used to + prevent doubt. + </p> + <p> + II. The Court of France, however, understands this article as + intended to introduce something to which the preceding + articles had not reached, and not merely as an application of + them to a particular case. Their opinion seems to be founded + on the general rule in the construction of instruments, to + leave no words merely useless for which any rational meaning + can be found. They say that the reservation by the United + States of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 + sols, reserved by France, would have been completely useless + if they were left free by the preceding articles to lay a + tonnage to any extent whatever; consequently, that the + reservation of a part proves a relinquishment of the residue. + </p> + <p> + If some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last + member of the article, some meaning, and a similar one, must + be given to the corresponding member. If the reservation by + the United States of a right to lay an equivalent duty + implies a relinquishment of their right to lay any other, the + reservation by France of a right to continue the specified + duty to which it is an equivalent must imply a relinquishment + of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. + Equivalent reservations by both must imply equivalent + restrictions on both. The exact reciprocity stipulated in the + preceding articles, and which pervades every part of the + treaty, insures a counter right to each party for every right + ceded to the other. + </p> + <p> + Let it be further considered that the duty called + <i>tonnage</i> in the United States is in lieu of the duties + for anchorage, for the support of buoys, beacons, and + light-houses, to guide the mariner into harbor and along the + coast, which are provided and supported at the expense of the + United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gangers, + etc., who are paid by the United States, for which articles, + among many others (light-house money excepted), duties are + paid by us in the ports of France under their specific names. + That Government has hitherto thought these duties consistent + with the treaty, and consequently the same duties under a + general instead of specific names, with us, must be equally + consistent with it. It is not the name, but the thing, which + is essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port + duties, they must be understood to have equally renounced + that of either laying new or continuing the old. If we ought + to refund the port duties received from their vessels since + the date of the act of Congress, they should refund the port + duties they have received from our vessels since the date of + the treaty, for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of + the treaty. + </p> + <p> + If this construction be adopted, then each party has forever + renounced the right of laying any duties on the vessels of + the other coming from any foreign port, or more than 100 sols + on those coming coastwise. Could this relinquishment be + confined to the two contracting parties alone, the United + States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much + greater number of American than of French vessels are + employed in the commerce between the two countries; but the + exemption once conceded by the one nation to the other + becomes immediately the property of all others who are on the + footing of the most favored nations. It is true that those + others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that + is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether we + should gain or lose in the exchange of the measure with them + is not easy to say. + </p> + <p> + Another consequence of this construction will be that the + vessels of the most favored nations paying no duties will be + on a better footing than those of natives which pay a + moderate duty; consequently either the duty on these also + must be given up or they will be supplanted by foreign + vessels in our own ports. + </p> + <p> + The resource, then, of duty on vessels for the purposes + either of revenue or regulation will be forever lost to both. + It is hardly conceivable that either party looking forward to + all these consequences would see their interest in them. + </p> + <p> + III. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what + is to be done? The claim, indeed, is couched in mild and + friendly terms; but the idea leaks out that a refusal would + authorize them to modify proportionally the favors granted by + the same article to our navigation. Perhaps they may do what + we should feel much more severely, they may turn their eyes + to the favors granted us by their arrets of December 29, + 1787, and December 7, 1788, which hang on their will alone, + unconnected with the treaty. Those arrets, among other + advantages, admit our whale oils to the exclusion of that of + all other foreigners. And this monopoly procures a vent for + seven-twelfths of the produce of that fishery, which + experience has taught us could find no other market. Near + two-thirds of the produce of our cod fisheries, too, have + lately found a free vent in the colonies of France. This, + indeed, has been an irregularity growing out of the anarchy + reigning in those colonies. Yet the demands of the colonists, + even of the Government party among them (if an auxiliary + disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and + distinction on our part), may perhaps produce a + constitutional concession to them to procure their provisions + at the cheapest market; that is to say, at ours. + </p> + <p> + Considering the value of the interests we have at stake and + considering the smallness of difference between foreign and + native tonnage on French vessels alone, it might perhaps be + thought advisable to make the sacrifice asked, and especially + if it can be so done as to give no title to other the most + favored nations to claim it. If the act should put French + vessels on the footing of those of natives, and declare it to + be in consideration of the favors granted us by the arrets of + December 29, 1787, and December 7, 1788 (and perhaps this + would satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same + favor without offering an equivalent compensation. It might + strengthen, too, the tenure by which those arrets are held, + which must be precarious so long as they are gratuitous. + </p> + <p> + It is desirable in many instances to exchange mutual + advantages by legislative acts rather than by treaty, because + the former, though understood to be in consideration of each + other, and therefore greatly respected, yet when they become + too inconvenient can be dropped at the will of either party; + whereas stipulations by treaty are forever irrevocable but by + joint consent, let a change of circumstances render them ever + so burdensome. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, if it be the opinion that the first + construction is to be insisted on as ours, in opposition to + the second urged by the Court of France, and that no + relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be given to + that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as + friendly terms as possible the difficulties opposed to the + exemption they claim. + </p> + <p> + 2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to + close with France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and + perpetual exemption from tonnage, a repeal of so much of the + tonnage law will be the answer. + </p> + <p> + 3. If it be thought better to waive rigorous and nice + discussions of right and to make the modification an act of + friendship and of compensation for favors received, the + passage of such a bill will then be the answer. + </p> + <p class="r"> + TH. JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [Translation.] + </center> + <center> + <i>L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State</i>. + </center> + <p class="r"> + PHILADELPHIA, <i>December 13, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + SIR: During the long stay you made in France you had + opportunities of being satisfied of the favorable + dispositions of His Majesty to render permanent the ties that + united the two nations and to give stability to the treaties + of alliance and of commerce which form the basis of this + union. These treaties were so well maintained by the Congress + formed under the ancient Confederation that they thought it + their duty to interpose their authority whenever any laws + made by individual States appeared to infringe their + stipulations, and particularly in 1785, when the States of + New Hampshire and of Massachusetts had imposed an + extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without exempting + those of the French nation. The reflections that I have the + honor to address to you in the subjoined note being founded + on the same principles, I flatter myself that they will merit + on the part of the Government of the United States the most + serious attention. + </p> + <p> + I am, with respect, etc., + </p> + <p class="r"> + L.G. OTTO. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [Translation.] + </center> + <center> + <i>L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State</i>. + </center> + <p class="r"> + PHILADELPHIA, <i>December 13, 1790</i>. + </p> + <p> + NOTE.—The underwritten, chargé d'affaires of + France, has received the express order of his Court to + represent to the United States that the act passed by + Congress the 20th July, 1789, and renewed the 20th July of + the present year, which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on + foreign vessels without excepting French vessels, is directly + contrary to the spirit and to the object of the treaty of + commerce which unites the two nations, and of which His + Majesty has not only scrupulously observed the tenor, but of + which he has extended the advantages by many regulations very + favorable to the commerce and navigation of the United + States. + </p> + <p> + By the fifth article of this treaty the citizens of these + States are declared exempt from the tonnage duty imposed in + France on foreign vessels, and they are not subject to that + duty but in the coasting business. Congress has reserved the + privilege of establishing <i>a duty equivalent to this + last</i>, a stipulation founded on the state in which matters + were in America at the time of the signature of the treaty. + There did not exist at that epoch any duty on tonnage in the + United States. + </p> + <p> + It is evident that it was the nonexistence of this duty and + the motive of a perfect reciprocity stipulated in the + preamble of the treaty that had determined the King to grant + the exemption contained in the article fifth; and a proof + that Congress had no intention to contravene this reciprocity + is that <i>it only reserves a privilege of establishing on + the coasting business a duty equivalent to that which is + levied in France</i>. This reservation would have been + completely useless if by the words of the treaty Congress + thought themselves at liberty to lay <i>any</i> tonnage they + should think proper on French vessels. + </p> + <p> + The undersigned has the honor to observe that this + contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of commerce + might have authorized His Majesty to modify proportionately + the favors granted by the same article to the American + navigation; but the King, always faithful to the principles + of friendship and attachment to the United States, and + desirous of strengthening more and more the ties which + subsist so happily between the French nation and these + States, thinks it more conformable to these views to order + the undersigned to make representations on this subject, and + to ask in favor of French vessels a modification of the act + which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels. + His Majesty does not doubt but that the United States will + acknowledge the justice of this claim, and will be disposed + to restore things to the footing on which they were at the + signature of the treaty of the 6th February, 1778. + </p> + <p class="r"> + L.G. OTTO. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [Translation.] + </center> + <center> + <i>L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State</i>. + </center> + <p class="r"> + NEW YORK, <i>January 8, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + His Excellency M. JEFFERSON,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. + </p> + <p> + SIR: I have the honor herewith to send you a letter from the + King to Congress, and one which M. de Montmorin has written + to yourself. You will find therein the sincere sentiments + with which you have inspired our Government, and the regret + of the minister in not having a more near relation of + correspondence with you. In these every person who has had + the advantage of knowing you in France participates. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, it gives me pain, sir, to be obliged to + announce to you that the complaints of our merchants on the + subject of the tonnage duty increase, and that they have + excited not only the attention of the King but that of + several departments of the Kingdom. I have received new + orders to request of the United States a decision on this + matter and to solicit in favor of the aggrieved merchants the + restitution of the duties which have already been paid. I + earnestly beg of you, sir, not to lose sight of an object + which, as I have already had the honor to tell you verbally, + is of the greatest importance for cementing the future + commercial connections between the two nations. + </p> + <p> + In more particularly examining this question you will perhaps + find that motives of convenience are as powerful as those of + justice to engage the United States to give to His Majesty + the satisfaction which he requires. At least twice as many + American vessels enter the ports of France as do those of + France the ports of America. The exemption of the tonnage of + duty, then, is evidently less advantageous for the French + than for the navigators of the United States. Be this as it + may, I can assure you, sir, that the delay of a decision in + this respect by augmenting the just complaints of the French + merchants will only augment the difficulties. + </p> + <p> + I therefore beg of you to enable me before the sailing of the + packet, which will take place toward the last of this month, + to give to my Court a satisfactory answer. + </p> + <p> + I have the honor to be, etc., + </p> + <p class="r"> + L.G. OTTO. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 24, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a statement relative to the frontiers of the + United States, which has been submitted to me by the + Secretary for the Department of War. + </p> + <p> + I rely upon your wisdom to make such arrangements as may be + essential for the preservation of good order and the + effectual protection of the frontiers. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 24, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased + to invest me by their act entitled "An act for establishing + the temporary and permanent seat of Government of the United + States," and on mature consideration of the advantages and + disadvantages of the several positions within the limits + prescribed by the said act, I have by a proclamation bearing + date this day (a copy of which is herewith transmitted) + directed commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, to + survey and limit a part of the territory of 10 miles square + on both sides of the river Potomac, so as to comprehend + Georgetown, in Maryland, and extend to the Eastern Branch. + </p> + <p> + I have not by this first act given to the said territory the + whole extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of + the river, because I thought it important that Congress + should have an opportunity of considering whether by an + amendatory law they would authorize the location of the + residue at the lower end of the present, so as to comprehend + the Eastern Branch itself and some of the country on its + lower side, in the State of Maryland, and the town of + Alexandria, in Virginia. If, however, they are of opinion + that the Federal territory should be bounded by the water + edge of the Eastern Branch, the location of the residue will + be to be made at the upper end of what is now directed. + </p> + <p> + I have thought best to await a survey of the territory before + it is decided on what particular spot on the northeastern + side of the river the public buildings shall be erected. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 26, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the copy of a letter from the President of + the National Assembly of France to the President of the + United States, and of a decree of that Assembly, which was + transmitted with the above-mentioned letter. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 27, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In order that you may be fully informed of the situation of + the frontiers and the prospect of hostility in that quarter, + I lay before you the intelligence of some recent + depredations, received since my message to you upon this + subject of the 24th instant. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 9, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received from the governor of Vermont authentic + documents, expressing the consent of the legislatures of New + York and of the Territory of Vermont that the said Territory + shall be admitted to be a distinct member of our Union; and a + memorial of Nathaniel Chipman and Lewis R. Morris, + commissioners from the said Territory, praying the consent of + Congress to that admission, by the name and style of the + State of Vermont, copies of which I now lay before Congress, + with whom the Constitution has vested the object of these + proceedings. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 14, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Soon after I was called to the administration of the + Government I found it important to come to an understanding + with the Court of London on several points interesting to the + United States, and particularly to know whether they were + disposed to enter into arrangements by mutual consent which + might fix the commerce between the two nations on principles + of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorized + informal conferences with their ministers, and from these I + do not infer any disposition on their part to enter into any + arrangements merely commercial. I have thought it proper to + give you this information, as it might at some time have + influence on matters under your consideration. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 14, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Conceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of justice + on the part of Great Britain we should stand less committed + should it be made to a private rather than to a public + person, I employed Mr. Gouverneur Morris, who was on the + spot, and without giving him any definite character, to enter + informally into the conferences before mentioned. For your + more particular information I lay before you the instructions + I gave him and those parts of his communications wherein the + British ministers appear either in conversation or by letter. + These are two letters from the Duke of Leeds to Mr. Morris, + and three letters of Mr. Morris giving an account of two + conferences with the Duke of Leeds and one with him and Mr. + Pitt. The sum of these is that they declare without scruple + they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the treaty of + peace to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to + understand the delivery of the posts and payment for property + carried off) till performance on our part, and compensation + where the delay has rendered the performance now + impracticable; that on the subject of a treaty of commerce + they avoided direct answers, so as to satisfy Mr. Morris they + did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to + a treaty of alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in + the event of a rupture with Spain. + </p> + <p> + As to the sending a minister here, they made excuses at the + first conference, seemed disposed to it in the second, and in + the last express an intention of so doing. + </p> + <p> + Their views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have + directed Mr. Morris to discontinue his communications with + them. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 18, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The aspect of affairs in Europe during the last summer, and + especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a + favorable occasion for pressing to accommodation the + unsettled matters between them and us. Mr. Carmichael, our + charge d'affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his + country, great changes having taken place in our + circumstances and sentiments during that interval, it was + thought expedient to send some person, in a private + character, fully acquainted with the present state of things + here, to be the bearer of written and confidential + instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in + full and frequent conversations of all those details of facts + and topics of argument which could not be conveyed in + writing, but which would be necessary to enable him to meet + the reasonings of that Court with advantage. Colonel David + Humphreys was therefore sent for these purposes. + </p> + <p> + An additional motive for this confidential mission arose in + the same quarter. The Court of Lisbon had on several + occasions made the most amicable advances for cultivating + friendship and intercourse with the United States. The + exchange of a diplomatic character had been informally, but + repeatedly, suggested on their part. It was our interest to + meet this nation in its friendly dispositions and to concur + in the exchange proposed. But my wish was at the same time + that the character to be exchanged should be of the lowest + and most economical grade. To this it was known that certain + rules of long standing at that Court would produce obstacles. + Colonel Humphreys was charged with dispatches to the prime + minister of Portugal and with instructions to endeavor to + arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that + previous to his arrival at Lisbon the Queen had appointed a + minister <i>resident</i> to the United States. This + embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty + completely insurmountable. The minister of that Court in his + conferences with Colonel Humphreys, professing every wish to + accommodate, yet expresses his regrets that circumstances do + not permit them to concur in the grade of chargé + d'affaires, a grade of little privilege or respectability by + the rules of their Court and held in so low estimation with + them that no proper character would accept it to go abroad. + In a letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same + sentiments, and announces the appointment on their part of a + minister <i>resident</i> to the United States, and the + pleasure with which the Queen will receive one from us at her + Court. A copy of his letter, and also of Colonel Humphreys's + giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered to + you. + </p> + <p> + On consideration of all circumstances I have determined to + accede to the desire of the Court of Lisbon in the article of + grade. I am aware that the consequences will not end here, + and that this is not the only instance in which a like change + may be pressed. But should it be necessary to yield elsewhere + also, I shall think it a less evil than to disgust a + government so friendly and so interesting to us as that of + Portugal. + </p> + <p> + I do not mean that the change of grade shall render the + mission more expensive. + </p> + <p> + I have therefore nominated David Humphreys minister resident + from the United States to Her Most Faithful Majesty the Queen + of Portugal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 22, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our + citizens in captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your + resolution of advice of the 1st instant, so soon as the + moneys necessary shall be appropriated by the Legislature and + shall be in readiness. + </p> + <p> + The recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco + requires also previous appropriation and provision. The + importance of this last to the liberty and property of our + citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest attention. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 23, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was + appointed vice-consul of the United States at Cowes, in Great + Britain, that his commission has not been recognized by that + Government because it is a port at which no foreign consul + has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him + that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to + that than to the residence of any other consul of the United + States would be recognized and his residence at Cowes not + noticed, I have therefore thought it expedient to nominate + Thomas Auldjo to be vice-consul for the United States at the + port of Poole, in Great Britain, and such parts within the + allegiance of His Britannic Majesty as shall be nearer + thereto than to the residence of any other consul or + vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. + </p> + <p> + I also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be consul for + the United States in the island of Santa Cruz and such other + parts within the allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be + nearer thereto than to the residence of any other consul or + vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 4, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this + Union having fixed on this as the day of its admission, it + was thought that this would also be the first day on which + any officer of the Union might legally perform any act of + authority relating to that State. I therefore required your + attendance to receive nominations of the several officers + necessary to put the Federal Government into motion in that + State.[<a href="#note-1">1</a>] + </p> + <p> + For this purpose I nominate Nathaniel Chipman to be judge of + the district of Vermont; Stephen Jacobs to be attorney for + the United States in the district of Vermont; Lewis R. Morris + to be marshal of the district of Vermont, and Stephen Keyes + to be collector of the port of Allburgh, in the State of + Vermont. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 4, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the act entitled "An + act repealing after the last day of June next the duties + heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad + and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits + distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the + same," I have thought fit to divide the United States into + the following districts, namely: + </p> + <p> + The district of New Hampshire, to consist of the State of New + Hampshire; the district of Massachusetts, to consist of the + State of Massachusetts; the district of Rhode Island and + Providence Plantations, to consist of the State of Rhode + Island and Providence Plantations; the district of + Connecticut, to consist of the State of Connecticut; the + district of Vermont, to consist of the State of Vermont; the + district of New York, to consist of the State of New York; + the district of New Jersey, to consist of the State of New + Jersey; the district of Pennsylvania, to consist of the State + of Pennsylvania; the district of Delaware, to consist of the + State of Delaware; the district of Maryland, to consist of + the State of Maryland; the district of Virginia, to consist + of the State of Virginia; the district of North Carolina, to + consist of the State of North Carolina; the district of South + Carolina, to consist of the State of South Carolina; and the + district of Georgia, to consist of the State of Georgia. + </p> + <p> + And I hereby nominate as supervisors of the said districts, + respectively, the following persons, viz: + </p> + <p> + For the district of New Hampshire, Joshua Wentworth; for the + district of Massachusetts, Nathaniel Gorham; for the district + of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, John S. Dexter; + for the district of Connecticut, John Chester; for the + district of Vermont, Noah Smith; for the district of New + York, William S. Smith; for the district of New Jersey, Aaron + Dunham; for the district of Pennsylvania, George Clymer; for + the district of Delaware, Henry Latimer; for the district of + Maryland, George Gale; for the district of Virginia, Edward + Carrington; for the district of North Carolina, William Polk; + for the district of South Carolina, Daniel Stevens; for the + district of Georgia, John Mathews. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. + </h2> + <center> + [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of + State.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas the general assembly of the State of Maryland, by an + act passed on the 23d day of December, A.D. 1788, intituled + "An act to cede to Congress a district of 10 miles square in + this State for the seat of the Government of the United + States," did enact that the Representatives of the said State + in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United + States, appointed to assemble at New York on the first + Wednesday of March then next ensuing, should be, and they + were thereby, authorized and required on the behalf of the + said State to cede to the Congress of the United States any + district in the said State not exceeding 10 miles square + which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of + Government of the United States; + </p> + <p> + And the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by + an act passed on the 3d day of December, 1789, and intituled + "An act for the cession of 10 miles square, or any lesser + quantity, of territory within this State to the United States + in Congress assembled, for the permanent seat of the General + Government," did enact that a tract of country not exceeding + 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within + the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as + Congress might by law direct, should be, and the same was + thereby, forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and + Government of the United States, in full and absolute right + and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as of persons + residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and + effect of the eighth section of the first article of the + Constitution of Government of the United States; + </p> + <p> + And the Congress of the United States, by their act passed + the 16th day of July, 1790, and intituled "An act for + establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the + Government of the United States," authorized the President of + the United States to appoint three commissioners to survey + under his direction and by proper metes and bounds to limit a + district of territory, not exceeding 10 miles square, on the + river Potomac, at some place between the mouths of the + Eastern Branch and Connogocheque, which district, so to be + located and limited, was accepted by the said act of Congress + as the district for the permanent seat of the Government of + the United States: + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, + and after duly examining and weighing the advantages and + disadvantages of the several situations within the limits + aforesaid, I do hereby declare and make known that the + location of one part of the said district of 10 miles square + shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the + following manner, that is to say: Running from the + court-house of Alexandria, in Virginia, due southwest half a + mile, and thence a due southeast course till it shall strike + Hunting Creek, to fix the beginning of the said four lines of + experiment. + </p> + <p> + Then beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment + at the point on Hunting Creek where the said southeast course + shall have struck the same, and running the said first line + due northwest 10 miles; thence the second line into Maryland + due northeast 10 miles; thence the third line due southeast + 10 miles, and thence the fourth line due southwest 10 miles + to the beginning on Hunting Creek. + </p> + <p> + And the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do + hereby declare and make known that all that part within the + said four lines of experiment which shall be within the State + of Maryland and above the Eastern Branch, and all that part + within the same four lines of experiment which shall be + within the Commonwealth of Virginia and above a line to be + run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the + mouth of the Eastern Branch due southwest, and no more, is + now fixed upon and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited, + and located for a part of the said district accepted by the + said act of Congress for the permanent seat of the Government + of the United States (hereby expressly reserving the + direction of the survey and location of the remaining part of + the said district to be made hereafter contiguous to such + part or parts of the present location as is or shall be + agreeable to law). + </p> + <p> + And I do accordingly direct the said commissioners, appointed + agreeably to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith + to run the said lines of experiment, and the same being run, + to survey and by proper metes and bounds to define and limit + the part within the same which is hereinbefore directed for + immediate location and acceptance, and thereof to make due + report to me under their hands and seals. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same + with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of January, + A.D. 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the + fifteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + TH: JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of + State.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas it hath been represented to me that James O'Fallon is + levying an armed force in that part of the State of Virginia + which is called Kentucky, disturbs the public peace, and sets + at defiance the treaties of the United States with the Indian + tribes, the act of Congress intituled "An act to regulate + trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes," and my + proclamations of the 14th and 26th days of August last + founded thereon; and it is my earnest desire that those who + have incautiously associated themselves with the said James + O'Fallon may be warned of their danger, I have therefore + thought fit to publish this proclamation, hereby declaring + that all persons violating the treaties and act aforesaid + shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. + </p> + <p> + And I do, moreover, require all officers of the United States + whom it may concern to use their best exertions to bring to + justice any persons offending in the premises. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same + with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 19th day of March, A.D. + 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the + fifteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + TH: JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings), vol. 20, + p. 191.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas by a proclamation bearing date the 24th day of + January of this present year, and in pursuance of certain + acts of the States of Maryland and Virginia and of the + Congress of the United States, therein mentioned, certain + lines of experiment were directed to be run in the + neighborhood of Georgetown, in Maryland, for the purpose of + determining the location of a part of the territory of 10 + miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the + United States, and a certain part was directed to be located + within the said lines of experiment on both sides of the + Potomac and above the limit of the Eastern Branch prescribed + by the said act of Congress; + </p> + <p> + And Congress by an amendatory act passed on the 3d day of the + present month of March have given further authority to the + President of the United States "to make any part of the + territory below the said limit and above the mouth of Hunting + Creek a part of the said district, so as to include a + convenient part of the Eastern Branch and of the lands lying + on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alexandria": + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing + the location of the whole of the said territory of 10 miles + square in conformity with the said amendatory act of + Congress, I do hereby declare and make known that the whole + of the said territory shall be located and included within + the four lines following, that is to say: + </p> + <p> + Beginning at Jones's Point, being the upper cape of Hunting + Creek, in Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of 45 + degrees west of the north, and running in a direct line 10 + miles for the first line; then beginning again at the same + Jones's Point and running another direct line at a right + angle with the first across the Potomac 10 miles for the + second line; then from the termination of the said first and + second lines running two other direct lines of 10 miles each, + the one crossing the Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other + the Potomac, and meeting each other in a point. + </p> + <p> + And I do accordingly direct the commissioners named under the + authority of the said first-mentioned act of Congress to + proceed forthwith to have the said four lines run, and by + proper metes and bounds defined and limited, and thereof to + make due report under their hands and seals; and the + territory so to be located, defined, and limited shall be the + whole territory accepted by the said acts of Congress as the + district for the permanent seat of the Government of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same + with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at Georgetown aforesaid, the 30th day of March, A.D. + 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the + fifteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 25, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which + are naturally inspired by a strong impression of the + prosperous situation of our common country, and by a + persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session + which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit + no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive + to the stability and increase of national prosperity. + </p> + <p> + Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our + grateful acknowledgments, the abundance with which another + year has again rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too + important to escape recollection. + </p> + <p> + Your own observations in your respective situations will have + satisfied you of the progressive state of agriculture, + manufactures, commerce, and navigation. In tracing their + causes you will have remarked with particular pleasure the + happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well + as private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United + States have so eminently contributed; and you will have + observed with no less interest new and decisive proofs of the + increasing reputation and credit of the nation. But you + nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the + confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed + in the several official communications that will be made to + you in the course of your deliberations. + </p> + <p> + The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, + which completed the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single + day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which + present themselves, not only of confidence in the Government, + but of resource in the community. + </p> + <p> + In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to + the execution of the different objects which were specially + provided for by the laws and resolutions of the last session. + </p> + <p> + Among the most important of these is the defense and security + of the Western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane + principles was a primary wish. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, at the same time that treaties have been + provisionally concluded and other proper means used to attach + the wavering and to confirm in their friendship the + well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures have been + adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that + a pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and + justice. + </p> + <p> + Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became + necessary to convince the refractory of the power of the + United States to punish their depredations. Offensive + operations have therefore been directed, to be conducted, + however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of + humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success + and others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been + completed were carried on under the authority and at the + expense of the United States by the militia of Kentucky, + whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled + to peculiar commendation. + </p> + <p> + Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, + and considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them + have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from + their former situations, and placed themselves under the + immediate protection of the United States. + </p> + <p> + It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in + future may cease and that an intimate intercourse may + succeed, calculated to advance the happiness of the Indians + and to attach them firmly to the United States. + </p> + <p> + In order to this it seems necessary— + </p> + <p> + That they should experience the benefits of an impartial + dispensation of justice. + </p> + <p> + That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of + discontent and war, should be so defined and regulated as to + obviate imposition and as far as may be practicable + controversy concerning the reality and extent of the + alienations which are made. + </p> + <p> + That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations + tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, and + that such rational experiments should be made for imparting + to them the blessings of civilization as may from time to + time suit their condition. + </p> + <p> + That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to + employ the means to which the Indians have been long + accustomed for uniting their immediate interests with the + preservation of peace. + </p> + <p> + And that efficacious provision should be made for inflicting + adequate penalties upon all those who, by violating their + rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger the peace of + the Union. + </p> + <p> + A system corresponding with the mild principles of religion + and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose + happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United + States, would be as honorable to the national character as + conformable to the dictates of sound policy. + </p> + <p> + The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain + duties on distilled spirits; which respect the subdivisions + of the districts into surveys, the appointment of officers, + and the assignment of compensations, have likewise been + carried into effect. In a matter in which both materials and + experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be + readily conceived that there must have been difficulty in + such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would + conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to + the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the + circumspection which has been used will be found in the + result to have secured the last of the two objects; but it is + probable that with a view to the first in some instances a + revision of the provision will be found advisable. + </p> + <p> + The impressions with which this law has been received by the + community have been upon the whole such as were to be + expected among enlightened and well-disposed citizens from + the propriety and necessity of the measure. The novelty, + however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United + States and a misconception of some of its provisions have + given occasion in particular places to some degree of + discontent; but it is satisfactory to know that this + disposition yields to proper explanations and more just + apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain + a full confidence that it will in all give way to motives + which arise out of a just sense of duty and a virtuous regard + to the public welfare. + </p> + <p> + If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently + with its main design may be so varied as to remove any + well-intentioned objections that may happen to exist, it will + consist with a wise moderation to make the proper variations. + It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady and + firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of + Government the fullest evidence of a disposition as far as + may be practicable to consult the wishes of every part of the + community and to lay the foundations of the public + administration in the affections of the people. + </p> + <p> + Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on + that subject, a district of 10 miles square for the permanent + seat of the Government of the United States has been fixed + and announced by proclamation, which district will comprehend + lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of + Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out + agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress, and + as there is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which + have already taken place, of ample funds for carrying on the + necessary public buildings, there is every expectation of + their due progress. + </p> + <p> + The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which + provision was made by law, has been duly notified (excepting + one instance in which the return has been informal, and + another in which it has been omitted or miscarried), and the + returns of the officers who were charged with this duty, + which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing + assurance that the present population of the United States + borders on 4,000,000 persons. + </p> + <p> + It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of + 2,500,000 florins has been completed in Holland, the terms of + which are similar to those of the one last announced, except + as to a small reduction of charges. Another, on like terms, + for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under + circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the + Cherokees and Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you + for your consideration and ratification. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you + must anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties + necessarily incident to the first arrangements of a new + government for an extensive country have been happily + surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your + predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the + Legislature. The important objects which remain to be + accomplished will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon + principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated + for the advancement of the general weal. + </p> + <p> + The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans + proposed by the act making provision for the debt of the + United States having expired, statements from the proper + department will as soon as possible apprise you of the exact + result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an + assurance that the views of that act have been substantially + fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the + United States has embraced by far the greatest proportion of + that debt, affording at the same time proof of the general + satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which + has been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of + accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which + they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the + respective States as far as the provisions of the law have + permitted may be said to be yet more general. The part of the + debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will + naturally engage your further deliberations. + </p> + <p> + It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to + you that the revenues which have been established promise to + be adequate to their objects, and may be permitted, if no + unforeseen exigency occurs, to supersede for the present the + necessity of any new burthens upon our constituents. + </p> + <p> + An object which will claim your early attention is a + provision for the current service of the ensuing year, + together with such ascertained demands upon the Treasury as + require to be immediately discharged, and such casualties as + may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for + which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of + all which a proper estimate will be laid before you. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I shall content myself with a general reference to former + communications for several objects upon which the urgency of + other affairs has hitherto postponed any definitive + resolution. Their importance will recall them to your + attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the + most arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you + leisure to resume them with advantage. + </p> + <p> + There are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a + more particular mention. These are the militia, the + post-office and post-roads, the mint, weights and measures, a + provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United + States. + </p> + <p> + The first is certainly an object of primary importance + whether viewed in reference to the national security to the + satisfaction of the community or to the preservation of + order. In connection with this the establishment of competent + magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places + as are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present + themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States + under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of + systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as little as + possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. + </p> + <p> + The importance of the post-office and post-roads on a plan + sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the + expedition, safety, and facility of communication, is + increased by their instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge + of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, while + it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to + guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and + misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts, + especially to some of the important points in the Western and + Northern parts of the Union, can not fail to be of material + utility. + </p> + <p> + The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the + scarcity of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly + distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the + carrying into immediate effect the resolution already entered + into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have + been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of + the most necessary artists, together with the requisite + apparatus. + </p> + <p> + An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is + among the important objects submitted to you by the + Constitution, and if it can be derived from a standard at + once invariable and universal, must be no less honorable to + the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. + </p> + <p> + A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United + States is particularly urged, among other reasons, by the + important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for + reimbursing the public debt; that if timely and judiciously + applied they may save the necessity of burthening our + citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the + principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but + in a limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for + availing the public of its right. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </p> + <p> + SIR: The Senate of the United States have received with the + highest satisfaction the assurances of public prosperity + contained in your speech to both Houses. The multiplied + blessings of Providence have not escaped our notice or failed + to excite our gratitude. + </p> + <p> + The benefits which flow from the restoration of public and + private confidence are conspicuous and important, and the + pleasure with which we contemplate them is heightened by your + assurance of those further communications which shall confirm + their existence and indicate their source. + </p> + <p> + While we rejoice in the success of those military operations + which have been directed against the hostile Indians, we + lament with you the necessity that has produced them, and we + participate the hope that the present prospect of a general + peace on terms of moderation and justice may be wrought into + complete and permanent effect, and that the measures of + Government may equally embrace the security of our frontiers + and the general interests of humanity, our solicitude to + obtain which will insure our zealous attention to an object + so warmly espoused by the principles of benevolence and so + highly interesting to the honor and welfare of the nation. + </p> + <p> + The several subjects which you have particularly recommended + and those which remain of former sessions will engage our + early consideration. We are encouraged to prosecute them with + alacrity and steadiness by the belief that they will interest + no passion but that for the general welfare, by the assurance + of concert, and by a view of those arduous and important + arrangements which have been already accomplished. + </p> + <p> + We observe, sir, the constancy and activity of your zeal for + the public good. The example will animate our efforts to + promote the happiness of our country. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 28, 1791. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and + the happiness of our country derives its full value from the + share which your deliberations have already had in promoting + both. + </p> + <p> + I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view + the part I have borne in the arduous trust committed to the + Government of the United States, and desire you to be assured + that all my zeal will continue to second those further + efforts for the public good which are insured by the spirit + in which you are entering on the present session. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 31, 1791. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: In receiving your address at the opening of the present + session the House of Representatives have taken an ample + share in the feelings inspired by the actual prosperity and + flattering prospects of our country, and whilst with becoming + gratitude to Heaven we ascribe this happiness to the true + source from which it flows, we behold with an animating + pleasure the degree in which the Constitution and laws of the + United States have been instrumental in dispensing it. + </p> + <p> + It yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success + with which the different important measures of the Government + have proceeded, as well those specially provided for at the + last session as those of preceding date. The safety of our + Western frontier, in which the lives and repose of so many of + our fellow-citizens are involved, being peculiarly + interesting, your communications on that subject are + proportionally grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct + of the militia, whose services were called for, is an + honorable confirmation of the efficacy of that precious + resource of a free state, and we anxiously wish that the + consequences of their successful enterprises and of the other + proceedings to which you have referred may leave the United + States free to pursue the most benevolent policy toward the + unhappy and deluded race of people in our neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + The amount of the population of the United States, determined + by the returns of the census, is a source of the most + pleasing reflections whether it be viewed in relation to our + national safety and respectability or as a proof of that + felicity in the situation of our country which favors so + unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor ought any to be + insensible to the additional motive suggested by this + important fact to perpetuate the free Government established, + with a wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth + which promises such an increase of the number which is to + enjoy those blessings within the limits of the United States. + </p> + <p> + We shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic + recommendations and with a deep sense of the trust committed + to us by our fellow-citizens to take into consideration the + various and important matters falling within the present + session; and in discussing and deciding each we shall feel + every disposition whilst we are pursuing the public welfare, + which must be the supreme object with all our constituents, + to accommodate as far as possible the means of attaining it + to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 27, 1791. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your + attention to the objects I have recommended to you is doubled + by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the + prosperous condition of our public affairs. + </p> + <p> + Relying on the sanctions of your enlightened judgment and on + your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my + endeavors for the public weal, and particularly in those + which may be required on my part for executing the salutary + measures I anticipate from your present deliberations. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 28, 1791. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 26, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you copies of the following acts, which have + been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress, viz: + </p> + <p> + An act passed by the legislature of New Hampshire for ceding + to the United States the fort and light-house belonging to + the said State. + </p> + <p> + An act of the legislature of Pennsylvania ratifying on behalf + of said State the first article of amendment to the + Constitution of the United States as proposed by Congress; + and + </p> + <p> + An act of the legislature of North Carolina granting the use + of the jails within that State to the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 26, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you for + your consideration all the papers relative to the late + negotiations with the Cherokee Indians, and the treaty + concluded with that tribe on the 2d day of July last by the + superintendent of the southern district, and I request your + advice whether I shall ratify the same. + </p> + <p> + I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering + and his conferences with the Six Nations of Indians. These + conferences were for the purpose of conciliation, and at a + critical period, to withdraw those Indians to a greater + distance from the theater of war, in order to prevent their + being involved therein. + </p> + <p> + It might not have been necessary to have requested your + opinion on this business had not the commissioner, with good + intentions, but incautiously, made certain ratifications of + lands unauthorized by his instructions and unsupported by the + Constitution. + </p> + <p> + It therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction + explicitly in a letter written by my orders to the governor + of New York on the 17th of August last. + </p> + <p> + The speeches to the Complanter and other Seneca chiefs, the + instructions to Colonel Proctor, and his report, and other + messages and directions are laid before you for your + information and as evidences that all proper lenient measures + preceded the exercise of coercion. + </p> + <p> + The letters to the chief of the Creeks are also laid before + you, to evince that the requisite steps have been taken to + produce a full compliance with the treaty made with that + nation on the 7th of August, 1790. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 27, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents + which I have received from the governor of Pennsylvania, + respecting certain persons who are said to have fled from + justice out of the State of Pennsylvania into that of + Virginia, together with a report of the Attorney-General of + the United States upon the same subject. + </p> + <p> + I have received from the governor of North Carolina a copy of + an act of the general assembly of that State, authorizing him + to convey to the United States the right and jurisdiction of + the said State over 1 acre of land in Occacock Island and 10 + acres on the Cape Island, within the said State, for the + purpose of erecting light-houses thereon, together with the + deed of the governor in pursuance thereof and the original + conveyances made to the State by the individual proprietors, + which original conveyances contain conditions that the + light-house on Occacock shall be built before the 1st day of + January, 1801, and that on the Cape Island before the 8th day + of October, 1800. And I have caused these several papers to + be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + </p> + <p> + A statement of the returns of the enumeration of the + inhabitants of the United States which have been received + will at this time be laid before you. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 27, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you, for + your information, the reports of Brigadier-General Scott and + Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who + commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash Indians in + the months of June and August last, together with the + instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were + undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be + terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid + before you. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>October 31, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by + me, pursuant to the act entitled "An act repealing after the + last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon + distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in + their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the + United States, and for appropriating the same," in respect to + the subdivision of the several districts created by the said + act into surveys of inspection, the appointment of officers + for the same, and the assignment of compensations. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 1, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I received yesterday from the judge of the district of South + Carolina a letter, inclosing the presentments of the grand + jury to him, and stating the causes which have prevented the + return of the census from that district, copies of which are + now laid before you. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 10, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The resolution passed at the last session of Congress, + requesting the President of the United States to cause an + estimate to be laid before Congress at their next session of + the quantity and situation of the lands not claimed by the + Indians nor granted to nor claimed by any of the citizens of + the United States within the territory ceded to the United + States by the State of North Carolina and within the + territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, + has been referred to the Secretary of State, a copy of whose + report on that subject I now lay before you, together with + the copy of a letter accompanying it. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 11, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received from the governor of Virginia a resolution of + the general assembly of that Commonwealth, ratifying the + first article of the amendments proposed by Congress to the + Constitution of the United States, a copy of which and of the + letter accompanying it I now lay before you. + </p> + <p> + Sundry papers relating to the purchase by Judge Symmes of the + lands on the Great Miami having been communicated to me, I + have thought it proper to lay the same before you for your + information on that subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 12, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It is with great concern that I communicate to you the + information received from Major-General St. Clair of the + misfortune which has befallen the troops under his command. + </p> + <p> + Although the national loss is considerable according to the + scale of the event, yet it may be repaired without great + difficulty, excepting as to the brave men who have fallen on + the occasion, and who are a subject of public as well as + private regret. + </p> + <p> + A further communication will shortly be made of all such + matters as shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to + judge of the future measures which it may be proper to + pursue. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 13, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I place before you the plan of a city that has been laid out + within the district of 10 miles square, which was fixed upon + for the permanent seat of the Government of the United + States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 20, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received + from the governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of + sundry documents which accompanied it, relative to a contract + for the purchase of a certain tract of land bounding on Lake + Erie, together with a copy of a report of the Secretary of + State on the same subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 30, 1791</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of the ratification by the + Commonwealth of Virginia of the articles of amendment + proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United + States, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said + ratification from the governor of Virginia. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 11, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the following report, which has been made to + me by the Secretary of State: + </p> + <p class="r"> + DECEMBER 22, 1791. + </p> + <p class="q"> + The Secretary of State reports to the President of the United + States that one of the commissioners of Spain, in the name of + both, has lately communicated to him verbally, by order of + his Court, that His Catholic Majesty, apprised of our + solicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free + navigation of the river Mississippi and the use of a port + thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid. + </p> + <p class="q"> + The Secretary of State is of opinion that this overture + should be attended to without delay, and that the proposal of + treating at Madrid, though not what might have been desired, + should yet be accepted, and a commission plenipotentiary made + out for the purpose. + </p> + <p class="q"> + That Mr. Carmichael, the present chargé d'affaires of + the United States at Madrid, from the local acquaintance + which he must have acquired with persons and circumstances, + would be an useful and proper member of the commission, but + that it would be useful also to join with him some person + more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the + navigation to be treated of. + </p> + <p class="q"> + That the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of + intercourse between the United States and foreign nations + will insufficiently furnish the ordinary and regular demands + on it, and is consequently inadequate to the mission of an + additional commissioner express from hence. + </p> + <p class="q"> + That therefore it will be advisable on this account, as well + as for the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the + ministers of the United States in Europe, jointly with Mr. + Carmichael, commissioners plenipotentiary for the special + purpose of negotiating and concluding with any person or + persons duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a convention + or treaty for the free navigation of the river Mississippi by + the citizens of the United States under such accommodations + with respect to a port and other circumstances as may render + the said navigation practicable, useful, and free from + dispute, saving to the President and Senate their respective + rights as to the ratification of the same, and that the said + negotiation be at Madrid, or such other place in Spain as + shall be desired by His Catholic Majesty. + </p> + <p class="r"> + TH. JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the communication from the Court of Spain, + as stated in the preceding report, I nominate William + Carmichael, present chargé d'affaires of the United + States at Madrid, and William Short, present chargé + d'affaires of the United States at Paris, to be commissioners + plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding with any + person or persons who shall be duly authorized by His + Catholic Majesty a convention or treaty concerning the + navigation of the river Mississippi by the citizens of the + United States, saving to the President and Senate their + respective rights as to the ratification of the same. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 11, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you, in confidence, two reports, made to me by + the Secretary for the Department of War, relatively to the + present state of affairs on the Western frontiers of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + In these reports the causes of the present war with the + Indians, the measures taken by the Executive to terminate it + amicably, and the military preparations for the late campaign + are stated and explained, and also a plan suggested of such + further measures on the occasion as appear just and + expedient. + </p> + <p> + I am persuaded, gentlemen, that you will take this important + subject into your immediate and serious consideration, and + that the result of your deliberations will be the adoption of + such wise and efficient measures as will reflect honor on our + national councils and promote the welfare of our country. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 18, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act of + the legislature of Vermont, ratifying on behalf of that State + the articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the + Constitution of the United States together with a copy of a + letter which accompanied said ratification. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 18, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the + Cherokee Nation of Indians now in this city, and I request + your advice whether an additional article shall be made to + the Cherokee treaty to the following effect, to wit: + </p> + <p> + That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the + Cherokee Nation of Indians in consideration of the + relinquishment of lands as stated in the treaty made with + them on the 2d day of July, 1791, shall be $1,500 instead of + $1,000 mentioned in the said treaty. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 23, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having received from the governor of Virginia a letter, + inclosing a resolution of the general assembly of that State + and a report of a committee of the House of Delegates + respecting certain lands located by the officers and soldiers + of the Virginia line under the laws of that State, and since + ceded to the Chickasaw Indians, I lay copies of the same + before you, together with a report of the Secretary of State + on this subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 8, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + An article of expense having occurred in the Department of + Foreign Affairs for which no provision has been made by law, + I lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State + explaining the same, in order that you may do thereon what + you shall find to be right. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 3, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of a return of the number of + inhabitants in the district of South Carolina as made to me + by the marshal thereof, and a copy of a letter which + accompanied said return. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 5, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Knowing the friendly interest you take in whatever may + promote the happiness and prosperity of the French nation, it + is with pleasure that I lay before you the translation of a + letter which I have received from His Most Christian Majesty, + announcing to the United States of America his acceptance of + the constitution presented to him by his nation. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + <i>Very Dear Great Friends and Allies</i>: + </p> + <p> + We make it our duty to inform you that we have accepted the + constitution which has been presented to us in the name of + the nation, and according to which France will be henceforth + governed. + </p> + <p> + We do not doubt that you take an interest in an event so + important to our Kingdom and to us, and it is with real + pleasure we take this occasion to renew to you assurances of + the sincere friendship we bear you. Whereupon we pray God to + have you, very dear great friends and allies, in His just and + holy keeping. + </p> + <p> + Written at Paris the 19th of September, 1791. + </p> + <p> + Your good friend and ally, + </p> + <p class="r"> + LOUIS. + </p> + <p> + MONTMORIN. + </p> + <p> + The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 6, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the following report, which has been + submitted to me by the Secretary of State: + </p> + <p class="r"> + JANUARY 10, 1792. + </p> + <p class="q"> + The Secretary of State having received information that the + merchants and merchandise of the United States are subject in + Copenhagen and other ports of Denmark to considerable extra + duties, from which they might probably be relieved by the + presence of a consul there— + </p> + <p class="q"> + Reports to the President of the United States that it would + be expedient to name a consul to be resident in the port of + Copenhagen; that he has not been able to find that there is + any citizen of the United States residing there; that there + is a certain Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish subject and + merchant of that place, of good character, of wealth and + distinction, and well qualified and disposed to act there for + the United States, who would probably accept the commission + of consul; but that that of vice-consul, hitherto given by + the President to foreigners in ports where there was no + proper American citizen, would probably not be accepted + because in this, as in some other ports of Europe, usage has + established it as a subordinate grade. + </p> + <p class="q"> + And that he is therefore of the opinion that the said Hans + Rudolph Saaby should be nominated consul of the United States + of America for the port of Copenhagen and such other places + within the allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be + nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other + consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same + allegiance. + </p> + <p class="r"> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + With a view to relieve the merchants and merchandise of the + United States from the extra duties to which they are or may + be subjected in the ports of Denmark, I have thought it for + the interest of the United States that a consul be appointed + to reside at Copenhagen. I therefore nominate Hans Rudolph + Saaby, a Danish subject and merchant of Copenhagen, to be + consul for the United States of America at the port of + Copenhagen and for such other places within the allegiance of + His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than + to the residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the + United States within the same allegiance. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 7, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I submit to your consideration the report of the Secretary of + State, which accompanies this, stating the reasons for + extending the negotiation proposed at Madrid to the subject + of commerce, and explaining, under the form of instructions + to the commissioners lately appointed to that Court, the + principles on which commercial arrangements with Spain might, + if desired on her part, be acceded to on ours; and I have to + request your decision whether you will advise and consent to + the extension of the powers of the commissioners as proposed, + and to the ratification of a treaty which shall conform to + those instructions should they enter into such a one with + that Court. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + MARCH 7, 1792. + </p> + <p class="q"> + The Secretary of State having understood from communications + with the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty, subsequent to + that which he reported to the President on the 22d of + December last, that though they considered the navigation of + the Mississippi as the principal object of negotiation + between the two countries, yet it was expected by their Court + that the conferences would extend to all the matters which + were under negotiation on the former occasion with Mr. + Gardoqui, and particularly to some arrangements of commerce, + is of opinion that to renew the conferences on this subject + also, since they desire it, will be but friendly and + respectful, and can lead to nothing without our own consent, + and that to refuse it might obstruct the settlement of the + questions of navigation and boundary; and therefore reports + to the President of the United States the following + observations and instructions to the commissioners of the + United States appointed to negotiate with the Court of Spain + a treaty or convention relative to the navigation of the + Mississippi, which observations and instructions he is of + opinion should be laid before the Senate of the United + States, and their decision be desired whether they will + advise and consent that a treaty be entered into by the + commissioners of the United States with Spain conformably + thereto. + </p> + <p class="q"> + After stating to our commissioners the foundation of our + rights to navigate the Mississippi and to hold our southern + boundary at the thirty-first degree of latitude, and that + each of these is to be a sine qua non, it is proposed to add + as follows: + </p> + <p class="q"> + On the former conferences on the navigation of the + Mississippi, Spain chose to blend with it the subject of + commerce, and accordingly specific propositions thereon + passed between the negotiators. Her object then was to obtain + our renunciation of the navigation and to hold out commercial + arrangements perhaps as a lure to us. Perhaps, however, she + might then, and may now, really set a value on commercial + arrangements with us, and may receive them as a consideration + for accommodating us in the navigation, or may wish for them + to have the appearance of receiving a consideration. + Commercial arrangements, if acceptable in themselves, will + not be the less so if coupled with those relating to + navigation and boundary. We have only to take care that they + be acceptable in themselves. + </p> + <p class="q"> + There are two principles which may be proposed as the basis + of a commercial treaty: First, that of exchanging the + privileges of native citizens, or, second, those of the most + favored nation. + </p> + <p class="q"> + First. With the nations holding important possessions in + America we are ready to exchange the rights of native + citizens, provided they be extended through the whole + possessions of both parties; but the propositions of Spain + made on the former occasion (a copy of which accompanies + this) were that we should give their merchants, vessels, and + productions the privileges of native merchants, vessels, and + productions through the whole of our possessions, and they + give the same to ours only in Spain and the Canaries. This is + inadmissible, because unequal; and as we believe that Spain + is not ripe for an equal exchange on this basis, we avoid + proposing it. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Second. Though treaties which merely exchange the rights of + the most favored nations are not without all inconvenience, + yet they have their conveniences also. It is an important one + that they leave each party free to make what internal + regulations they please, and to give what preferences they + find expedient to native merchants, vessels, and productions; + and as we already have treaties on this basis with France, + Holland, Sweden, and Prussia, the two former of which are + perpetual, it will be but small additional embarrassment to + extend it to Spain. On the contrary, we are sensible it is + right to place that nation on the most favored footing, + whether we have a treaty with them or not, and it can do us + no harm to secure by treaty a reciprocation of the right. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Of the four treaties before mentioned, either the French or + the Prussian might be taken as a model; but it would be + useless to propose the Prussian, because we have already + supposed that Spain would never consent to those articles + which give to each party access to all the dominions of the + other; and without this equivalent we would not agree to tie + our own hands so materially in war as would be done by the + twenty-third article, which renounces the right of fitting + out privateers or of capturing merchant vessels. The French + treaty, therefore, is proposed as the model. In this, + however, the following changes are to be made: + </p> + <p class="q"> + We should be admitted to all the dominions of Spain to which + any other foreign nation is or may be admitted. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 5, being an exemption from a particular duty in + France, will of course be omitted as inapplicable to Spain. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 8 to be omitted as unnecessary with Morocco, and + inefficacious and little honorable with any of the Barbary + powers; but it may furnish occasion to sound Spain on the + project of a convention of the powers at war with the Barbary + States to keep up by rotation a constant cruise of a given + force on their coasts till they shall be compelled to + renounce forever and against all nations their predatory + practices. Perhaps the infidelities of the Algerines to their + treaty of peace with Spain, though the latter does not choose + to break openly, may induce her to subsidize <i>us</i> to + cruise against them with a given force. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Articles 9 and 10, concerning fisheries, to be omitted as + inapplicable. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 11. The first paragraph of this article respecting + the droit d'aubaine to be omitted, that law being supposed + peculiar to France. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 17, giving asylum in the ports of either to the armed + vessels of the other with the prizes taken from the enemies + of that other, must be qualified as it is in the nineteenth + article of the Prussian treaty, as the stipulation in the + latter part of the article that "no shelter or refuge shall + be given in the ports of the one to such as shall have made + prize on the subjects of the other of the parties" would + forbid us, in case of a war between France and Spain, to give + shelter in our ports to prizes made by the latter on the + former, while the first part of the article would oblige us + to shelter those made by the former on the latter—a + very dangerous covenant, and which ought never to be repeated + in any other instance. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 29. Consuls should be received at all the ports at + which the vessels of either party may be received. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 30, concerning free ports in Europe and America, free + ports in the Spanish possessions in America, and particularly + at The Havannah, are more to be desired than expected. It can + therefore only be recommended to the best endeavors of the + commissioners to obtain them. It will be something to obtain + for our vessels, flour, etc., admission to those ports during + their pleasure. In like manner, if they could be prevailed on + to reestablish our right of cutting logwood in the Bay of + Campeachy on the footing on which it stood before the treaty + of 1763, it would be desirable and not endanger to us any + contest with the English, who by the revolution treaty are + restrained to the southeastern parts of Yucatan. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Article 31. The <i>act</i> of ratification on our part may + require a twelvemonth from the date of the treaty, as the + Senate meets regularly but once a year; and to return it to + Madrid for <i>exchange</i> may require four months more. + </p> + <p class="q"> + The treaty must not exceed —— years' duration, + except the clauses relating to boundary and the navigation of + the Mississippi, which must be perpetual and final. Indeed, + these two subjects had better be in a separate instrument. + </p> + <p class="q"> + There might have been mentioned a third species of + arrangement—that of making special agreements on every + special subject of commerce, and of settling a tariff of duty + to be paid on each side on every particular article; but this + would require in our commissioners a very minute knowledge of + our commerce, as it is impossible to foresee every + proposition of this kind which might be brought into + discussion and to prepare them for it by information and + instruction from hence. Our commerce, too, is as yet rather + in a course of experiment, and the channels in which it will + ultimately flow are not sufficiently known to enable us to + provide for it by special agreement; nor have the exigencies + of our new Government as yet so far developed themselves as + that we can know to what degree we may or must have recourse + to commerce for the purposes of revenue. No common + consideration, therefore, ought to induce us as yet to + arrangements of this kind. Perhaps nothing should do it with + any nation short of the privileges of natives in all their + possessions, foreign and domestic. + </p> + <p class="q"> + It were to be wished, indeed, that some positively favorable + stipulations respecting our grain, flour, and fish could be + obtained, even on our giving reciprocal advantages to some of + the commodities of Spain, say her wines and brandies; but, + </p> + <p class="q"> + First. If we quit the ground of the <i>most favored + nation</i> as to certain articles for our convenience, Spain + may insist on doing the same for other articles for her + convenience, and thus our commissioners will get themselves + on the ground of <i>a treaty of detail</i>, for which they + will not be prepared. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Second. If we grant favor to the wines and brandies of Spain, + then Portugal and France will demand the same; and in order + to create an equivalent Portugal may lay a duty on our fish + and grain, and France a prohibition on our whale oils, the + removal of which will be proposed as an equivalent. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Thus much, however, as to grain and flour may be attempted. + There has not long since been a considerable duty laid on + them in Spain. This was while a treaty on the subject of + commerce was pending between us and Spain, as that Court + considers the matter. It is not generally thought right to + change the state of things pending a treaty concerning them. + On this consideration and on the motive of cultivating our + friendship, perhaps the commissioners may induce them to + restore this commodity to the footing on which it was on + opening the conferences with Mr. Gardoqui, on the 26th day of + July, 1785. If Spain says, "Do the same by your tonnage on + our vessels," the answer may be that "Our foreign tonnage + affects Spain very little and other nations very much; + whereas the duty on flour in Spain affects us very much and + other nations very little; consequently there would be no + equality in reciprocal relinquishment, as there had been none + in the reciprocal innovation; and Spain, by insisting on + this, would in fact only be aiding the interests of her rival + nations, to whom we should be forced to extend the same + indulgence." At the time of opening the conferences, too, we + had as yet not erected any system, our Government itself + being not yet erected. Innovation then was unavoidable on our + part, if it be innovation to establish a system. We did it on + fair and general ground, on ground favorable to Spain; but + they had a system, and therefore innovation was avoidable on + their part. + </p> + <p class="r"> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + ARTICLES PROPOSED BY DON DIEGO GARDOQUI TO BE INSERTED IN THE + TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES. + </center> + <p class="q"> + First. That all commercial regulations affecting each other + shall be founded in perfect reciprocity. Spanish merchants + shall enjoy all the commercial privileges of native merchants + in the United States, and American merchants shall enjoy all + the commercial privileges of native merchants in the Kingdom + of Spain and in the Canaries and other islands belonging to + and adjacent thereto. The same privileges shall extend to + their respective vessels and merchandise consisting of the + manufactures and products of their respective countries. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Second. Each party may establish consuls in the countries of + the other (excepting such provinces in Spain into which none + have heretofore been admitted, viz, Bilboa and Guipusca), + with such powers and privileges as shall be ascertained by a + particular convention. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Third. That the bona fide manufactures and productions of the + United States (tobacco only excepted, which shall continue + under its present regulation) may be imported in American or + Spanish vessels into any parts of His Majesty's European + dominions and islands aforesaid in like manner as if they + were the productions of Spain, and, on the other hand, that + the bona fide manufactures and productions of His Majesty's + dominions may be imported into the United States in Spanish + or American vessels in like manner as if they were the + manufactures and productions of the said States. And further, + that all such duties and imposts as may mutually be thought + necessary to lay on them by either party shall be ascertained + and regulated on principles of exact reciprocity by a tariff, + to be formed by a convention for that purpose, to be + negotiated and made within <i>one</i> year after the exchange + of the ratification of this treaty; and in the meantime that + no other duties or imposts shall be exacted from each other's + merchants and ships than such as may be payable by natives in + like cases. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Fourth. That inasmuch as the United States, from not having + mines of gold and silver, may often want supplies of specie + for a circulating medium, His Catholic Majesty, as a proof of + his good will, agrees to order the masts and timber which may + from time to time be wanted for his royal navy to be + purchased and paid for in specie in the United States, + provided the said masts and timber shall be of equal quality + and when brought to Spain shall not cost more than the like + may there be had for from other countries. + </p> + <p class="q"> + Fifth. It is agreed that the articles commonly inserted in + other treaties of commerce for mutual and reciprocal + convenience shall be inserted in this, and that this treaty + and every article and stipulation therein shall continue in + full force for ——- years, to be computed from the + day of the date hereof. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 9, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I now lay before you a general account rendered by the + bankers of the United States at Amsterdam of the payments + they had made between the 1st of July, 1790 and 1791, from + the fund deposited in their hands for the purposes of the act + providing the means of intercourse between the United States + and foreign nations, and of the balance remaining in their + hands, together with a letter from the Secretary of State on + the subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 20, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The several acts which have been passed relatively to the + military establishment of the United States and the + protection of the frontiers do not appear to have made + provision for more than one brigadier-general. It is + incumbent upon me to observe that, with a view merely to the + organization of the troops designated by those acts, a + greater number of officers of that grade would, in my + opinion, be conducive to the good of the public service. But + an increase of the number becomes still more desirable in + reference to a different organization which is contemplated, + pursuant to the authority vested in me for that purpose, and + which, besides other advantages expected from it, is + recommended by considerations of economy. I therefore request + that you will be pleased to take this subject into your early + consideration and to adopt such measures thereon as you shall + judge proper. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 23, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + At the conferences which Colonel Pickering had with the Five + Nations at the Painted Post the last year ideas were then + held out of introducing among them some of the primary + principles of civilization, in consequence of which, as well + as more firmly to attach them to the interests of the United + States, they have been invited to the seat of the General + Government. + </p> + <p> + As the representation now here is respectable for its + character and influence, it is of some importance that the + chiefs should be well satisfied of the entire good faith and + liberality of the United States. + </p> + <p> + In managing the affairs of the Indian tribes generally it + appears proper to teach them to expect annual presents, + conditioned on the evidence of their attachment to the + interests of the United States. The situation of the Five + Nations and the present crisis of affairs would seem to + render the extension of this measure to them highly + judicious. I therefore request the advice of the Senate + whether an article shall be stipulated with the Five Nations + to the following purport, to wit: + </p> + <p> + The United States, in order to promote the happiness of the + Five Nations of Indians, will cause to be expended annually + the amount of $1,500 in purchasing for them clothing, + domestic animals, and implements of husbandry, and for + encouraging useful artificers to reside in their villages, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + APRIL 13, 1792. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have thought it proper to lay before you a communication of + the 11th instant from the minister plenipotentiary of Great + Britain to the Secretary of State, relative to the commerce + of the two countries, together with their explanatory + correspondence and the Secretary of State's letter to me on + the subject, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 16, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of a letter from the judges of the + circuit court of the United States held for the New York + district, and of their opinion and agreement respecting the + "Act to provide for the settlement of the claims of widows + and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, + and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 21, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received + from the judges of the circuit court of the United States + held for the Pennsylvania district relatively to the "Act to + provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and + orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and + to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 8, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + If the President of the United States should conclude a + convention or treaty with the Government of Algiers for the + ransom of the thirteen Americans in captivity there for a sum + not exceeding $40,000, all expenses included, will the Senate + approve the same? Or is there any, and what, greater or + lesser sum which they would fix on as the limit beyond which + they would not approve the ransom? + </p> + <p> + If the President of the United States should conclude a + treaty with the Government of Algiers for the establishment + of peace with them, at an expense not exceeding $25,000, paid + at the signature, and a like sum to be paid annually + afterwards during the continuance of the treaty, would the + Senate approve the same? Or are there any greater or lesser + sums which they would fix on as the limits beyond which they + would not approve of such treaty? + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + VETO MESSAGE. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 5, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have maturely considered the act passed by the two Houses + entitled "An act for an apportionment of Representatives + among the several States according to the first enumeration," + and I return it to your House, wherein it originated, with + the following objections: + </p> + <p> + First. The Constitution has prescribed that Representatives + shall be apportioned among the several States according to + their respective numbers, and there is no one proportion or + divisor which, applied to the respective numbers of the + States, will yield the number and allotment of + Representatives proposed by the bill. + </p> + <p> + Second. The Constitution has also provided that the number of + Representatives shall not exceed 1 for every 30,000, which + restriction is by the context and by fair and obvious + construction to be applied to the separate and respective + numbers of the States; and the bill has allotted to eight of + the States more than 1 for every 30,000. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATION. + </h2> + <center> + [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. X, p. 532.] + </center> + <p> + Whereas certain violent and unwarrantable proceedings have + lately taken place tending to obstruct the operation of the + laws of the United States for raising a revenue upon spirits + distilled within the same, enacted pursuant to express + authority delegated in the Constitution of the United States, + which proceedings are subversive of good order, contrary to + the duty that every citizen owes to his country and to the + laws, and of a nature dangerous to the very being of a + government; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas such proceedings are the more unwarrantable by reason + of the moderation which has been heretofore shown on the part + of the Government and of the disposition which has been + manifested by the Legislature (who alone have authority to + suspend the operation of laws) to obviate causes of objection + and to render the laws as acceptable as possible; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas it is the particular duty of the Executive "to take + care that the laws be faithfully executed," and not only that + duty but the permanent interests and happiness of the people + require that every legal and necessary step should be pursued + as well to prevent such violent and unwarrantable proceedings + as to bring to justice the infractors of the laws and secure + obedience thereto: + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United + States, do by these presents most earnestly admonish and + exhort all persons whom it may concern to refrain and desist + from all unlawful combinations and proceedings whatsoever + having for object or tending to obstruct the operation of the + laws aforesaid, inasmuch as all lawful ways and means will be + strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the + infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. + </p> + <p> + And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, + and officers whom it may concern, according to the duties of + their several offices, to exert the powers in them + respectively vested by law for the purposes aforesaid, hereby + also enjoining and requiring all persons whomsoever, as they + tender the welfare of their country, the just and due + authority of Government, and the preservation of the public + peace, to be aiding and assisting therein according to law. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same + with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done this 15th of September, A.D. 1792, and of the + Independence of the United States the seventeenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 6, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet + you on the present occasion that, in felicitating you on a + continuance of the national prosperity generally, I am not + able to add to it information that the Indian hostilities + which have for some time past distressed our Northwestern + frontier have terminated. + </p> + <p> + You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I + communicate it that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a + pacification have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous + proofs of persevering hostility on the part of the tribes + with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to procure + tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of + blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the + prevalent wish of the nation for peace has led to strenuous + efforts through various channels to accomplish these + desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted less + my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some + considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to + find the object attainable, or if not attainable, to + ascertain unequivocally that such is the case. + </p> + <p> + A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their + consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will + confirm to you the want of success thus far, will, I trust, + evince that means as proper and as efficacious as could have + been devised have been employed. The issue of some of them, + indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not + to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet + happened. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the attempts which have been made some + valuable citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the + public service. A sanction commonly respected even among + savages has been found in this instance insufficient to + protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I + presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not + call for an exercise of liberality toward the families of the + deceased. + </p> + <p> + It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the + continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of + the Ohio, some threatening symptoms have of late been revived + among some of those south of it. + </p> + <p> + A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, + inhabiting five villages on the Tennessee River, have long + been in the practice of committing depredations on the + neighboring settlements. + </p> + <p> + It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the + Cherokee Nation in July, 1791, would have prevented a + repetition of such depredations; but the event has not + answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti + of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated + wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the + United States in that quarter. The information which has been + received on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto + defensive precautions only have been strictly enjoined and + observed. + </p> + <p> + It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression + whatsoever on the part of the United States or their citizens + is even alleged as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in + this quarter. + </p> + <p> + I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has + been made (pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) + to be prepared for the alternative of a prosecution of the + war in the event of a failure of pacific overtures. A large + proportion of the troops authorized to be raised have been + recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains + have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for + the particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of + operations (besides being dictated by the measures which were + pursuing toward a pacific termination of the war) has been in + itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement + from the proper department with regard to the number of + troops raised, and some other points which have been + suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to + the legislative consultations, and among other things will + enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to + the recruiting service may not be advisable. + </p> + <p> + In looking forward to the future expense of the operations + which may be found inevitable I derive consolation from the + information I receive that the product of the revenues for + the present year is likely to supersede the necessity of + additional burthens on the community for the service of the + ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in + the course of the session, and it is proper to add that the + information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no + material extension of the spirit of hostility. + </p> + <p> + I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again + recommending to your consideration the expediency of more + adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout + our interior frontier and for restraining the commission of + outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans + must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the + employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among + them as agents would also contribute to the preservation of + peace and good neighborhood. If in addition to these + expedients an eligible plan could be devised for promoting + civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on + trade with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under + regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and + extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with + ours could not but be considerable. + </p> + <p> + The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This + would be still more the case were it not for the impediments + which in some places continue to embarrass the collection of + the duties on spirits distilled within the United States. + These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local + extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the + contentment with the law appears to be progressive. + </p> + <p> + But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested + themselves in certain quarters, I judged a special + interposition on my part proper and advisable, and under this + impression have issued a proclamation warning against all + unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object + or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, + and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be + strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the + infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. + </p> + <p> + Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of + offenders, and Congress may be assured that nothing within + constitutional and legal limits which may depend upon me + shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just authority of + the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely + upon the full cooperation of the other departments of the + Government and upon the zealous support of all good citizens. + </p> + <p> + I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the + Legislature the subject of a revision of the judiciary + system. A representation from the judges of the Supreme + Court, which will be laid before you, points out some of the + inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the + execution of the laws considerations arise out of the + structure of that system which in some cases tend to relax + their efficacy. As connected with this subject, provisions to + facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the + courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of + offenses against the Constitution and laws of the Union and + of the punishment for such offenses will, it is presumed, be + found worthy of particular attention. + </p> + <p> + Observations on the value of peace with other nations are + unnecessary. It would be wise, however, by timely provisions + to guard against those acts of our own citizens which might + tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a condition to + give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may + sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly + recommend to your consideration the means of preventing those + aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other + nations, and other infractions of the law of nations, which, + furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger our + peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a + friendly intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to + your attention by the expiration of the law for that purpose, + which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the + present session. + </p> + <p> + In execution of the authority given by the Legislature + measures have been taken for engaging some artists from + abroad to aid in the establishment of our mint. Others have + been employed at home. Provision has been made of the + requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper + condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has + also been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes, the + want of small coins in circulation calling the first + attention to them. + </p> + <p> + The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the + principles of our national coinage, as being essential to + their due operation and to order in our money concerns, will, + I doubt not, be resumed and completed. + </p> + <p> + It is represented that some provisions in the law which + establishes the post-office operate, in experiment, against + the transmission of newspapers to distant parts of the + country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to be the + fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the + circulation of political intelligence and information will, I + doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy. + </p> + <p> + The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has + been notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in + the satisfaction which arises from an event interesting to + the happiness of the part of the nation to which it relates + and conducive to the general order. + </p> + <p> + It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last + communication on the subject, and in further execution of the + acts severally making provision for the public debt and for + the reduction thereof, three new loans have been effected, + each for 3,000,000 florins—one at Antwerp, at the + annual interest of 4-1/2 per cent, with an allowance of 4 per + cent in lieu of all charges, and the other two at Amsterdam, + at the annual interest of 4 per cent, with an allowance of + 5-1/2 per cent in one case and of 5 per cent in the other in + lieu of all charges. The rates of these loans and the + circumstances under which they have been made are + confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + </p> + <p> + Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to + be applied, the payment of the debts due to certain foreign + officers, according to the provision made during the last + session, has been embraced. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national + finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter + upon a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular + redemption and discharge of the public debt, according to the + right which has been reserved to the Government. No measure + can be more desirable, whet her viewed with an eye to its + intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish of + the nation. + </p> + <p> + Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the + loan which has been made of the Bank of the United States, + pursuant to the eleventh section of the act by which it is + incorporated. In fulfilling the public stipulations in this + particular it is expected a valuable saving will be made. + </p> + <p> + Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year + and for such extraordinaries as may require provision will + demand, and I doubt not will engage, your early attention. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I content myself with recalling your attention generally to + such objects, not particularized in my present, as have been + suggested in my former communications to you. + </p> + <p> + Various temporary laws will expire during the present + session. Among these, that which regulates trade and + intercourse with the Indian tribes will merit particular + notice. + </p> + <p> + The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I + trust, be productive of solid and durable advantages to our + constituents, such as, by conciliating more and more their + ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen and confirm their + attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, + under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their + safety, and their happiness. + </p> + <p> + Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends + there is nothing which can have a more powerful tendency than + the careful cultivation of harmony, combined with a due + regard to stability, in the public councils. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + </p> + <p> + Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your address at + the opening of the present session. We participate with you + in the satisfaction arising from the continuance of the + general prosperity of the nation, but it is not without the + most sincere concern that we are informed that the reiterated + efforts which have been made to establish peace with the + hostile Indians have hitherto failed to accomplish that + desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may + prove more successful than those which have preceded them, we + shall nevertheless concur in every necessary preparation for + the alternative, and should the Indians on either side of the + Ohio persist in their hostilities, fidelity to the Union, as + well as affection for our fellow-citizens on the frontiers, + will insure our decided cooperation in every measure which + shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety. + </p> + <p> + At the same time that we avow the obligation of the + Government to afford its protection to every part of the + Union, we can not refrain from expressing our regret that + even a small portion of our fellow-citizens in any quarter of + it should have combined to oppose the operation of the law + for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the + United States, a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority + of the nation, and at this juncture materially connected with + the safety and protection of those who oppose it. Should the + means already adopted fail in securing obedience to this law, + such further measures as may be thought necessary to carry + the same into complete operation can not fail to receive the + approbation of the Legislature and the support of every + patriotic citizen. + </p> + <p> + It yields us particular pleasure to learn that the + productiveness of the revenue of the present year will + probably supersede the necessity of any additional tax for + the service of the next. + </p> + <p> + The organization of the government of the State of Kentucky + being an event peculiarly interesting to a part of our + fellow-citizens and conducive to the general order, affords + us particular satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + We are happy to learn that the high state of our credit + abroad has been evinced by the terms on which the new loans + have been negotiated. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into + consideration the several objects which you have been pleased + to recommend to our attention, and keeping in view the + importance of union and stability in the public councils, we + shall labor to render our decisions conducive to the safety + and happiness of our country. + </p> + <p> + We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your + Administration and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal + for the public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity + of the nation, and every ingredient of personal happiness. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN LANGDON,<br> + <i>President pro tempore</i>. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very + satisfactory address. The renewed assurances of your + confidence in my Administration and the expression of your + wish for my personal happiness claim and receive my + particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the + public welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not + cease to count upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic + support of the Senate. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The House of Representatives, who always feel a + satisfaction in meeting you, are much concerned that the + occasion for mutual felicitation afforded by the + circumstances favorable to the national prosperity should be + abated by a continuance of the hostile spirit of many of the + Indian tribes, and particularly that the reiterated efforts + for effecting a general pacification with them should have + issued in new proofs of their persevering enmity and the + barbarous sacrifice of citizens who, as the messengers of + peace, were distinguishing themselves by their zeal for the + public service. In our deliberations on this important + department of our affairs we shall be disposed to pursue + every measure that may be dictated by the sincerest desire, + on one hand, of cultivating peace and manifesting by every + practicable regulation our benevolent regard for the welfare + of those misguided people, and by the duty we feel, on the + other, to provide effectually for the safety and protection + of our fellow-citizens. + </p> + <p> + While with regret we learn that symptoms of opposition to the + law imposing duties on spirits distilled within the United + States have manifested themselves, we reflect with + consolation that they are confined to a small portion of our + fellow-citizens. It is not more essential to the preservation + of true liberty that a government should be always ready to + listen to the representations of its constituents and to + accommodate its measures to the sentiments and wishes of + every part of them, as far as will consist with the good of + the whole, than it is that the just authority of the laws + should be steadfastly maintained. Under this impression every + department of the Government and all good citizens must + approve the measures you have taken and the purpose you have + formed to execute this part of your trust with firmness and + energy; and be assured, sir, of every constitutional aid and + cooperation which may become requisite on our part. And we + hope that, while the progress of contentment under the law in + question is as obvious as it is rational, no particular part + of the community may be permitted to withdraw from the + general burthens of the country by a conduct as + irreconcilable to national justice as it is inconsistent with + public decency. + </p> + <p> + The productive state of the public revenue and the + confirmation of the credit of the United States abroad, + evinced by the loans at Antwerp and Amsterdam, are + communications the more gratifying as they enforce the + obligation to enter on systematic and effectual arrangements + for discharging the public debt as fast as the conditions of + it will permit, and we take pleasure in the opportunity to + assure you of our entire concurrence in the opinion that no + measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to + the urgent wish of the community or the intrinsic importance + of promoting so happy a change in our situation. + </p> + <p> + The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky is + an event on which we join in all the satisfaction you have + expressed. It may be considered as particularly interesting + since, besides the immediate benefits resulting from it, it + is another auspicious demonstration of the facility and + success with which an enlightened people is capable of + providing, by free and deliberate plans of government, for + their own safety and happiness. + </p> + <p> + The operation of the law establishing the post-office, as it + relates to the transmission of newspapers, will merit our + particular inquiry and attention, the circulation of + political intelligence through these vehicles being justly + reckoned among the surest means of preventing the degeneracy + of a free government, as well as of recommending every + salutary public measure to the confidence and cooperation of + all virtuous citizens. + </p> + <p> + The several other matters which you have communicated and + recommended will in their order receive the attention due to + them, and our discussions will in all cases, we trust, be + guided by a proper respect for harmony and stability in the + public councils and a desire to conciliate more and more the + attachment of our constituents to the Constitution, by + measures accommodated to the true ends for which it was + established. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 10, 1792. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: It gives me pleasure to express to you the + satisfaction which your address affords me. I feel, as I + ought, the approbation you manifest of the measures I have + taken and the purpose I have formed to maintain, pursuant to + the trust reposed in me by the Constitution, the respect + which is due to the laws, and the assurance which you at the + same time give me of every constitutional aid and cooperation + that may become requisite on your part. + </p> + <p> + This is a new proof of that enlightened solicitude for the + establishment and confirmation of public order which, + embracing a zealous regard for the principles of true + liberty, has guided the deliberations of the House of + Representatives, a perseverance in which can alone secure, + under the divine blessing, the real and permanent felicity of + our common country. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 12, 1792. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 7, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of the law, I now lay before you a statement of + the administration of the funds appropriated to certain + foreign purposes, together with a letter from the Secretary + of State explaining the same. + </p> + <p> + I also lay before you a copy of a letter and representation + from the Chief Justice and associate judges of the Supreme + Court of the United States, stating the difficulties and + inconveniences which attend the discharge of their duties + according to the present judiciary system. + </p> + <p> + A copy of a letter from the judges attending the circuit + court of the United States for the North Carolina district in + June last, containing their observations on an act, passed + during the last session of Congress, entitled "An act to + provide for the settlement of the claims of widows and + orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, and + to regulate the claims to invalid pensions;" and + </p> + <p> + A copy of the constitution formed for the State of Kentucky. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 9, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, + covering the copy of one from the governor of Virginia, with + the several papers therein referred to, on the subject of the + boundary between that State and the territory of the United + States south of the Ohio. It will remain with the Legislature + to take such measures as it shall think best for settling the + said boundary with that State, and at the same time, if it + thinks proper, for extending the settlement to the State of + Kentucky, between which and the same territory the boundary + is as yet undetermined. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 22, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send you herewith the abstract of a supplementary + arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the acts + of the 3d day of March, 1791, and the 8th day of May, 1792, + for raising a revenue upon foreign and domestic distilled + spirits, in respect to the subdivisions and officers which + have appeared to me necessary and to the allowances for their + respective services to the supervisors, inspectors, and other + officers of inspection, together with the estimates of the + amount of compensations and charges. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 6, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The several measures which have been pursued to induce the + hostile Indian tribes north of the Ohio to enter into a + conference or treaty with the United States at which all + causes of difference might be fully understood and justly and + amicably arranged have already been submitted to both Houses + of Congress. + </p> + <p> + The papers herewith sent will inform you of the result. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 7, 1792</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you two letters, with their inclosures, from the + governor of the Southwestern territory, and an extract of a + letter to him from the Department of War. + </p> + <p> + These and a letter of the 9th of October last, which has been + already communicated to you, from the same Department to the + governor, will shew in what manner the first section of the + act of the last session which provides for calling out the + militia for the repelling of Indian invasions has been + executed. It remains to be considered by Congress whether in + the present situation of the United States it be advisable or + not to pursue any further or other measures than those which + have been already adopted. The nature of the subject does of + itself call for your immediate attention to it, and I must + add that upon the result of your deliberations the future + conduct of the Executive will on this occasion materially + depend. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 23, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Since my last communication to you on the subject of the + revenue on distilled spirits it has been found necessary, on + experience, to revise and amend the arrangements relative + thereto in regard to certain surveys and the officers thereof + in the district of North Carolina, which I have done + accordingly in the manner following: + </p> + <p> + First. The several counties of the said district originally + and heretofore contained within the first, second, and third + surveys have been allotted into and are now contained in two + surveys, one of which (to be hereafter denominated the first) + comprehends the town of Wilmington and the counties of + Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, Robertson, Sampson, Craven, + Jones, Lenox, Glascow, Johnston, and Wayne, and the other of + which (to be hereafter denominated the second) comprehends + the counties of Kurrituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, + Chowan, Gates, Hartford, Tyrrel, Bertie, Carteret, Hyde, + Beaufort, and Pitt. + </p> + <p> + Secondly. The several counties of the said district + originally and heretofore contained within the fifth survey + of the district aforesaid has been allotted into and is + contained in two surveys, one of which (to be hereafter + denominated the third) comprehends the counties of + Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Montgomery, Guilford, + Rockingham, Stokes, and Surrey, and the other of which (to be + hereafter denominated the fifth) comprehends the counties of + Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke, Buncombe, and Wilkes. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly. The duties of the inspector of the revenue in and + for the third survey as constituted above is to be performed + for the present by the supervisor. + </p> + <p> + Fourthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue + for the first survey as above constituted are to be a salary + of $250 per annum and commissions and other emoluments + similar to those heretofore allowed to the inspector of the + late first survey as it was originally constituted. + </p> + <p> + Fifthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue + for the second survey as above constituted are to be a salary + of $100 per annum and the commissions and other emoluments + heretofore allowed to the inspector of the late third survey + as it was originally constituted. + </p> + <p> + Sixthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue + for the fifth survey as above constituted are to be a salary + of $120 per annum and the commissions and other emoluments + similar to those heretofore allowed to the inspector of the + late fifth survey as it was originally constituted. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 25, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you an official statement of the expenditure to + the year 1792 from the sum of $10,000, granted to defray the + contingent expenses of Government by an act passed on the + 26th of March, 1790. + </p> + <p> + Also an abstract of a supplementary arrangement made in the + district of North Carolina in regard to certain surveys to + facilitate the execution of the law laying a duty on + distilled spirits. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 13, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you for your consideration and advice a treaty + of peace and friendship made and concluded on the 27th day of + September, 1792, by Brigadier-General Rufus Putnam, in behalf + of the United States, with the Wabash and Illinois tribes of + Indians, and also the proceedings attending the said treaty, + the explanation of the fourth article thereof, and a map + explanatory of the reservation to the French inhabitants and + the general claim of the said Indians. + </p> + <p> + In connection with this subject I also lay before the Senate + the copy of a paper which has been delivered by a man by the + name of John Baptiste Mayeé, who has accompanied the + Wabash Indians at present in this city. + </p> + <p> + It will appear by the certificate of Brigadier-General Putnam + that the Wabash Indians disclaimed the validity of the said + paper, excepting a certain tract upon the Wabash, as + mentioned in the proceedings. + </p> + <p> + The instructions to Brigadier-General Putnam of the 22d of + May, together with a letter to him of the 7th of August, + 1792, were laid before the Senate on the 7th of November, + 1792. + </p> + <p> + After the Senate shall have considered this treaty, I request + that they would give me their advice whether the same shall + be ratified and confirmed; and if to be ratified and + confirmed, whether it would not be proper, in order to + prevent any misconception hereafter of the fourth article, to + guard in the ratification the exclusive preemption of the + United States to the lands of the said Indians. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 18, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I now lay before you a report and plat of the territory of + the United States on the Potomac as given in by the + commissioners of that territory, together with a letter from + the Secretary of State which accompanied them. These papers, + being original, are to be again deposited with the records of + the Department of State after having answered the purpose of + your information. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 19, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It has been agreed on the part of the United States that a + treaty or conference shall be held at the ensuing season with + the hostile Indians northwest of the Ohio, in order to + remove, if possible, all causes of difference and to + establish a solid peace with them. + </p> + <p> + As the estimates heretofore presented to the House for the + current year did not contemplate this object, it will be + proper that an express provision be made by law as well for + the general expenses of the treaty as to establish the + compensation to be allowed the commissioners who shall be + appointed for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + I shall therefore direct the Secretary of War to lay before + you an estimate of the expenses which may probably attend + this measure. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 27, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a copy of an exemplification of an act of + the legislature of New York ceding to the United States the + jurisdiction of certain lands on Montauk Point for the + purpose mentioned in said act, and the copy of a letter from + the governor of New York to the Secretary of State, which + accompanied said exemplification. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 28, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I was led by a consideration of the qualifications of William + Patterson, of New Jersey, to nominate him an associate + justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. It has + since occurred that he was a member of the Senate when the + law creating that office was passed, and that the time for + which he was elected is not yet expired. I think it my duty, + therefore, to declare that I deem the nomination to have been + null by the Constitution. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. + </h2> + <center> + [From Freneau's National Gazette of December 15, 1792.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + Whereas I have received authentic information that certain + lawless and wicked persons of the western frontier in the + State of Georgia did lately invade, burn, and destroy a town + belonging to the Cherokee Nation, although in amity with the + United States, and put to death several Indians of that + nation; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas such outrageous conduct not only violates the rights + of humanity, but also endangers the public peace, and it + highly becomes the honor and good faith of the United States + to pursue all legal means for the punishment of those + atrocious offenders: + </p> + <p> + I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, + hereby exhorting all the citizens of the United States and + requiring all the officers thereof, according to their + respective stations, to use their utmost endeavors to + apprehend and bring those offenders to justice. And I do + moreover offer a reward of $500 for each and every of the + above-named persons who shall be so apprehended and brought + to justice and shall be proved to have assumed or exercised + any command or authority among the perpetrators of the crimes + aforesaid at the time of committing the same. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same + with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 12th day of December, + A.D. 1792, and of the Independence of the United States the + seventeenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From Annuals of Congress, Second Congress, 666.] + </center> + <p class="r"> + MARCH 1, 1793. + </p> + <p> + <i>The President of the United States to the President of the + Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the + Senate shall be convened on Monday, the 4th instant, I have + desired their attendance, as I do yours, by these presents, + at the Senate Chamber, in Philadelphia, on that day, then and + there to receive and deliberate on such communications as + shall be made to you on my part. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA. + </p> + <p> + Fellow-citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my + country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. + When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall + endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this + distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been + reposed in me by the people of united America. + </p> + <p> + Previous to the execution of any official act of the + President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This + oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it + shall be found during my administration of the Government I + have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the + injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional + punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now + witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. + </p> + <p> + MARCH 4, 1793. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + PHILADELPHIA, <i>December 3, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Since the commencement of the term for which I have been + again called into office no fit occasion has arisen for + expressing to my fellow-citizens at large the deep and + respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony of + public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my + gratitude for all those instances of affectionate partiality + with which I have been honored by my country, on the other it + could not prevent an earnest wish for that retirement from + which no private consideration should ever have torn me. But + influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated + according to its real motives, and that the people, and the + authorities derived from them, would support exertions having + nothing personal for their object, I have obeyed the suffrage + which commanded me to resume the Executive power; and I + humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of nations + depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the + general happiness. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with + whom the United States have the most extensive relations + there was reason to apprehend that our intercourse with them + might be interrupted and our disposition for peace drawn into + question by the suspicions too often entertained by + belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to + admonish our citizens of the consequences of a contraband + trade and of hostile acts to any of the parties, and to + obtain by a declaration of the existing legal state of things + an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging + to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation + which will be laid before you was issued. + </p> + <p> + In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved + to adopt general rules which should conform to the treaties + and assert the privileges of the United States. These were + reduced into a system, which will be communicated to you. + Although I have not thought myself at liberty to forbid the + sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of commerce with + France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to + cause them to be restored when they were taken within the + protection of our territory, or by vessels commissioned or + equipped in a warlike form within the limits of the United + States. + </p> + <p> + It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or + enforce this plan of procedure; and it will probably be found + expedient to extend the legal code and the jurisdiction of + the courts of the United States to many cases which, though + dependent on principles already recognized, demand some + further provisions. + </p> + <p> + Where individuals shall, within the United States, array + themselves in hostility against any of the powers at war, or + enter upon military expeditions or enterprises within the + jurisdiction of the United States, or usurp and exercise + judicial authority within the United States, or where the + penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been + indistinctly marked, or are inadequate—these offenses + can not receive too early and close an attention, and require + prompt and decisive remedies. + </p> + <p> + Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well + administered by the judiciary, who possess a long-established + course of investigation, effectual process, and officers in + the habit of executing it. + </p> + <p> + In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under + particular circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels + of a nation at peace, and even of a citizen of the United + States, although seized under a false color of being hostile + property, and have denied their power to liberate certain + captures within the protection of our territory, it would + seem proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. + But if the Executive is to be the resort in either of the two + last-mentioned cases, it is hoped that he will be authorized + by law to have facts ascertained by the courts when for his + own information he shall request it. + </p> + <p> + I can not recommend to your notice measures for the + fulfillment of our duties to the rest of the world without + again pressing upon you the necessity of placing ourselves in + a condition of complete defense and of exacting from them the + fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United States + ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order + of human events, they will forever keep at a distance those + painful appeals to arms with which the history of every other + nation abounds. There is a rank due to the United States + among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, + by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, + we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, + one of the most powerful instruments of our rising + prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready + for war. The documents which will be presented to you will + shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores now in + our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these + supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would + leave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring of warlike + apparatus in the moment of public danger. + </p> + <p> + Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to + the censure or jealousy of the warmest friends of republican + government. They are incapable of abuse in the hands of the + militia, who ought to possess a pride in being the depository + of the force of the Republic, and may be trained to a degree + of energy equal to every military exigency of the United + States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly + pursued, whether the act "more effectually to provide for the + national defense by establishing an uniform militia + throughout the United States" has organized them so as to + produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the + several States has not detected some imperfections in the + scheme, and whether a material feature in an improvement of + it ought not to be to afford an opportunity for the study of + those branches of the military art which can scarcely ever be + attained by practice alone. + </p> + <p> + The connection of the United States with Europe has become + extremely interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and + have passed under the knowledge of the Executive will be + exhibited to Congress in a subsequent communication. + </p> + <p> + When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly + affirmed that every reasonable effort has been made to adjust + the causes of dissension with the Indians north of the Ohio. + The instructions given to the commissioners evince a + moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love of + peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the + essential interests and dignity of the United States. The + attempt, however, of an amicable negotiation having been + frustrated, the troops have marched to act offensively. + Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of + military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of + the season, before good faith justified active movements, may + retard them during the remainder of the year. From the papers + and intelligence which relate to this important subject you + will determine whether the deficiency in the number of troops + granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, or + additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. + </p> + <p> + An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for + peace with the Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been + relieved with corn and with clothing, and offensive measures + against them prohibited during the recess of Congress. To + satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have been + instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the + papers which will be delivered to you disclose the critical + footing on which we stand in regard to both those tribes, and + it is with Congress to pronounce what shall be done. + </p> + <p> + After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it + will merit their most serious labors to render tranquillity + with the savages permanent by creating ties of interest. Next + to a rigorous execution of justice on the violators of peace, + the establishment of commerce with the Indian nations in + behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate + their attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, + without extortion, with constant and plentiful supplies, with + a ready market for the commodities of the Indians and a + stated price for what they give in payment and receive in + exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless + they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough + for the United States to be reimbursed only. Should this + recommendation accord with the opinion of Congress, they will + recollect that it can not be accomplished by any means yet in + the hands of the Executive. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts + between the United States and individual States concluded + their important functions within the time limited by law, and + the balances struck in their report, which will be laid + before Congress, have been placed on the books of the + Treasury. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 + florins became payable on the loans of the United States in + Holland. This was adjusted by a prolongation of the period of + reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an interest of 5 per + cent for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this + operation were a commission of 3 per cent. + </p> + <p> + The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank + of the United States has been paid, as was directed by law. + For the second it is necessary that provision should be made. + </p> + <p> + No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular + redemption and discharge of the public debt. On none can + delay be more injurious or an economy of time more valuable. + </p> + <p> + The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has + continued to equal the anticipations which were formed of it, + but it is not expected to prove commensurate with all the + objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary provisions + will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped + that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the + convenience of our citizens, who can not but be sensible of + the true wisdom of encountering a small present addition to + their contributions to obviate a future accumulation of + burthens. + </p> + <p> + But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax + on the transportation of public prints. There is no resource + so firm for the Government of the United States as the + affections of the people, guided by an enlightened policy; + and to this primary good nothing can conduce more than a + faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused + without restraint throughout the United States. + </p> + <p> + An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current + service of the ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of + arms and military stores made during the recess will be + presented to Congress. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide + range to your deliberations and involve some of the choicest + interests of our common country. Permit me to bring to your + remembrance the magnitude of your task. Without an + unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be + hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of + sentiment its dignity may be lost. But as the legislative + proceedings of the United States will never, I trust, be + reproached for the want of temper or of candor, so shall not + the public happiness languish from the want of my strenuous + and warmest cooperation. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + </p> + <p> + Accept, sir, the thanks of the Senate for your speech + delivered to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the + session. Your reelection to the Chief Magistracy of the + United States gives us sincere pleasure. We consider it as an + event every way propitious to the happiness of our country, + and your compliance with the call as a fresh instance of the + patriotism which has so repeatedly led you to sacrifice + private inclination to the public good. In the unanimity + which a second time marks this important national act we + trace with particular satisfaction, besides the distinguished + tribute paid to the virtues and abilities which it + recognizes, another proof of that just discernment and + constancy of sentiments and views which have hitherto + characterized the citizens of the United States. + </p> + <p> + As the European powers with whom the United States have the + most extensive relations were involved in war, in which we + had taken no part, it seemed necessary that the disposition + of the nation for peace should be promulgated to the world, + as well for the purpose of admonishing our citizens of the + consequences of a contraband trade and of acts hostile to any + of the belligerent parties as to obtain by a declaration of + the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our + right to the immunities of our situation. We therefore + contemplate with pleasure the proclamation by you issued, and + give it our hearty approbation. We deem it a measure well + timed and wise, manifesting a watchful solicitude for the + welfare of the nation and calculated to promote it. + </p> + <p> + The several important matters presented to our consideration + will, in the course of the session, engage all the attention + to which they are respectively entitled, and as the public + happiness will be the sole guide of our deliberations, we are + perfectly assured of receiving your strenuous and most + zealous cooperation. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN ADAMS,<br> + <i>Vice-President of the United States and President of the + Senate</i>. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 9, 1793. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: The pleasure expressed by the Senate on my + reelection to the station which I fill commands my sincere + and warmest acknowledgments. If this be an event which + promises the smallest addition to the happiness of our + country, as it is my duty so shall it be my study to realize + the expectation. + </p> + <p> + The decided approbation which the proclamation now receives + from your House, by completing the proofs that this measure + is considered as manifesting a vigilant attention to the + welfare of the United States, brings with it a peculiar + gratification to my mind. + </p> + <p> + The other important subjects which have been communicated to + you will, I am confident, receive a due discussion, and the + result will, I trust, prove fortunate to the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 10, 1793. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States, + in meeting you for the first time since you have been again + called by an unanimous suffrage to your present station, find + an occasion which they embrace with no less sincerity than + promptitude for expressing to you their congratulations on so + distinguished a testimony of public approbation, and their + entire confidence in the purity and patriotism of the motives + which have produced this obedience to the voice of your + country. It is to virtues which have commanded long and + universal reverence and services from which have flowed great + and lasting benefits that the tribute of praise may be paid + without the reproach of flattery, and it is from the same + sources that the fairest anticipations may be derived in + favor of the public happiness. + </p> + <p> + The United States having taken no part in the war which had + embraced in Europe the powers with whom they have the most + extensive relations, the maintenance of peace was justly to + be regarded as one of the most important duties of the + Magistrate charged with the faithful execution of the laws. + We accordingly witness with approbation and pleasure the + vigilance with which you have guarded against an interruption + of that blessing by your proclamation admonishing our + citizens of the consequences of illicit or hostile acts + toward the belligerent parties, and promoting by a + declaration of the existing legal state of things an easier + admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our + situation. + </p> + <p> + The connection of the United States with Europe has evidently + become extremely interesting. The communications which remain + to be exhibited to us will no doubt assist in giving us a + fuller view of the subject and in guiding our deliberations + to such results as may comport with the rights and true + interests of our country. + </p> + <p> + We learn with deep regret that the measures, dictated by love + of peace, for obtaining an amicable termination of the + afflicting war on our frontiers have been frustrated, and + that a resort to offensive measures should have again become + necessary. As the latter, however, must be rendered more + satisfactory in proportion to the solicitude for peace + manifested by the former, it is to be hoped they will be + pursued under the better auspices on that account, and be + finally crowned with more happy success. + </p> + <p> + In relation to the particular tribes of Indians against whom + offensive measures have been prohibited, as well as on all + the other important subjects which you have presented to our + view, we shall bestow the attention which they claim. We can + not, however, refrain at this time from particularly + expressing our concurrence in your anxiety for the regular + discharge of the public debts as fast as circumstances and + events will permit and in the policy of removing any + impediments that may be found in the way of a faithful + representation of public proceedings throughout the United + States, being persuaded with you that on no subject more than + the former can delay be more injurious or an economy of time + more valuable, and that with respect to the latter no + resource is so firm for the Government of the United States + as the affections of the people, guided by an enlightened + policy. + </p> + <p> + Throughout our deliberations we shall endeavor to cherish + every sentiment which may contribute to render them conducive + to the dignity as well as to the welfare of the United + States; and we join with you in imploring that Being on whose + will the fate of nations depends to crown with success our + mutual endeavors. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 6, 1793. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: I shall not affect to conceal the cordial + satisfaction which I derive from the address of the House of + Representatives. Whatsoever those services may be which you + have sanctioned by your favor, it is a sufficient reward that + they have been accepted as they were meant. For the + fulfillment of your anticipations of the future I can give no + other assurance than that the motives which you approve shall + continue unchanged. + </p> + <p> + It is truly gratifying to me to learn that the proclamation + has been considered as a seasonable guard against the + interruption of the public peace. Nor can I doubt that the + subjects which I have recommended to your attention as + depending on legislative provisions will receive a discussion + suited to their importance. With every reason, then, it may + be expected that your deliberations, under the divine + blessing, will be matured to the honor and happiness of the + United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 7, 1793. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 5, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, + and especially of those with which the United States have + important relations, can not but render the state of things + between them and us matter of interesting inquiry to the + Legislature, and may indeed give rise to deliberations to + which they alone are competent, I have thought it my duty to + communicate to them certain correspondences which have taken + place. + </p> + <p> + The representative and executive bodies of France have + manifested generally a friendly attachment to this country; + have given advantages to our commerce and navigation, and + have made overtures for placing these advantages on permanent + ground. A decree, however, of the National Assembly + subjecting vessels laden with provisions to be carried into + their ports and making enemy goods lawful prize in the vessel + of a friend, contrary to our treaty, though revoked at one + time as to the United States, has been since extended to + their vessels also, as has been recently stated to us. + Representations on this subject will be immediately given in + charge to our minister there, and the result shall be + communicated to the Legislature. + </p> + <p> + It is with extreme concern I have to inform you that the + proceedings of the person whom they have unfortunately + appointed their minister plenipotentiary here have breathed + nothing of the friendly spirit of the nation which sent him. + Their tendency, on the contrary, has been to involve us in + war abroad and discord and anarchy at home. So far as his + acts or those of his agents have threatened our immediate + commitment in the war, or flagrant insult to the authority of + the laws, their effect has been counteracted by the ordinary + cognizance of the laws and by an exertion of the powers + confided to me. Where their danger was not imminent they have + been borne with from sentiments of regard to his nation, from + a sense of their friendship toward us, from a conviction that + they would not suffer us to remain long exposed to the action + of a person who has so little respected our mutual + dispositions, and, I will add, from a reliance on the + firmness of my fellow-citizens in their principles of peace + and order. In the meantime I have respected and pursued the + stipulations of our treaties according to what I judged their + true sense, and have withheld no act of friendship which + their affairs have called for from us, and which justice to + others left us free to perform. I have gone farther. Rather + than employ force for the restitution of certain vessels + which I deemed the United States bound to restore, I thought + it more advisable to satisfy the parties by avowing it to be + my opinion that if restitution were not made it would be + incumbent on the United States to make compensation. The + papers now communicated will more particularly apprise you of + these transactions. + </p> + <p> + The vexations and spoliation understood to have been + committed on our vessels and commerce by the cruisers and + officers of some of the belligerent powers appear to require + attention. The proofs of these, however, not having been + brought forward, the descriptions of citizens supposed to + have suffered were notified that, on furnishing them to the + Executive, due measures would be taken to obtain redress of + the past and more effectual provisions against the future. + Should such documents be furnished, proper representations + will be made thereon, with a just reliance on a redress + proportioned to the exigency of the case. + </p> + <p> + The British Government having undertaken, by orders to the + commanders of their armed vessels, to restrain generally our + commerce in corn and other provisions to their own ports and + those of their friends, the instructions now communicated + were immediately forwarded to our minister at that Court. In + the meantime some discussions on the subject took place + between him and them. These are also laid before you, and I + may expect to learn the result of his special instructions in + time to make it known to the Legislature during their present + session. + </p> + <p> + Very early after the arrival of a British minister here + mutual explanations on the inexecution of the treaty of peace + were entered into with that minister. These are now laid + before you for your information. + </p> + <p> + On the subjects of mutual interest between this country and + Spain negotiations and conferences are now depending. The + public good requiring that the present state of these should + be made known to the Legislature <i>in confidence only</i>, + they shall be the subject of a separate and subsequent + communication. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 16, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The situation of affairs in Europe in the course of the year + 1790 having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive + favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with + Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at + that Court to avail us of it. A confidential person was + therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, + and to supply, by verbal communications, any additional + information of which he might find himself in need. The + Government of France was at the same time applied to for its + aid and influence in this negotiation. Events, however, took + a turn which did not present the occasion hoped for. + </p> + <p> + About the close of the ensuing year I was informed through + the representatives of Spain here that their Government would + be willing to renew at Madrid the former conferences on these + subjects. Though the transfer of scene was not what would + have been desired, yet I did not think it important enough to + reject the proposition, and therefore, with the advice and + consent of the Senate, I appointed commissioners + plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding a treaty with + that country on the several subjects of boundary, navigation, + and commerce, and gave them the instructions now + communicated. Before these negotiations, however, could be + got into train the new troubles which had arisen in Europe + had produced new combinations among the powers there, the + effects of which are but too visible in the proceedings now + laid before you. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime some other points of discussion had arisen + with that country, to wit, the restitution of property + escaping into the territories of each other, the mutual + exchange of fugitives from justice, and, above all the mutual + interferences with the Indians lying between us. I had the + best reason to believe that the hostilities threatened and + exercised by the Southern Indians on our border were excited + by the agents of that Government. Representations were + thereon directed to be made by our commissioners to the + Spanish Government, and a proposal to cultivate with good + faith the peace of each other with those people. In the + meantime corresponding suspicions were entertained, or + pretended to be entertained, on their part of like hostile + excitements by our agents to disturb their peace with the + same nations. These were brought forward by the + representatives of Spain here in a style which could not fail + to produce attention. A claim of patronage and protection of + those Indians was asserted; a mediation between them and us + by that sovereign assumed; their boundaries with us made a + subject of his interference, and at length, at the very + moment when these savages were committing daily inroads upon + our frontier, we were informed by them that "the continuation + of the peace, good harmony, and perfect friendship of the two + nations was very problematical for the future, unless the + United States should take more convenient measures and of + greater energy than those adopted for a long time past." + </p> + <p> + If their previous correspondence had worn the appearance of a + desire to urge on a disagreement, this last declaration left + no room to evade it, since it could not be conceived we would + submit to the scalping knife and tomahawk of the savage + without any resistance. I thought it time, therefore, to know + if these were the views of their sovereign, and dispatched a + special messenger with instructions to our commissioners, + which are among the papers now communicated. Their last + letter gives us reason to expect very shortly to know the + result. I must add that the Spanish representatives here, + perceiving that their last communication had made + considerable impression, endeavored to abate this by some + subsequent professions, which, being also among the + communications to the Legislature, they will be able to form + their own conclusions. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 16, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the + measures which have been taken on behalf of the United States + for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of our treaty with + Morocco and for the ransom of our citizens and establishment + of peace with Algiers. + </p> + <p> + While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects + which so much concern their interest and their feelings have + duly engaged the attention of their Legislature and + Executive, it would still be improper that some particulars + of this communication should be made known. The confidential + conversation stated in one of the last letters sent herewith + is one of these. Both justice and policy require that the + source of that information should remain secret. So a + knowledge of the sums meant to have been given for peace and + ransom might have a disadvantageous influence on future + proceedings for the same objects. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 23, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Since the communications which were made to you on the + affairs of the United States with Spain and on the truce + between Portugal and Algiers some other papers have been + received, which, making a part of the same subjects, are now + communicated for your information. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 30, 1793</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you, for your consideration, a letter from the + Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments which + have arisen to the coinage of the precious metals at the + Mint, as also a letter from the same officer relative to + certain advances of money which have been made on public + account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been + done, or be of opinion that anything more shall be done in + the same way, you will judge whether there are not + circumstances which would render secrecy expedient. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 7, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Experience has shewn that it would be useful to have an + officer particularly charged, under the direction of the + Department of War, with the duties of receiving, + safe-keeping, and distributing the public supplies in all + cases in which the laws and the course of service do not + devolve them upon other officers, and also with that of + superintending in all cases the issues in detail of supplies, + with power for that purpose to bring to account all persons + intrusted to make such issues in relation thereto. + </p> + <p> + An establishment of this nature, by securing a regular and + punctual accountability for the issues of public supplies, + would be a great guard against abuse, would tend to insure + their due application and to give public satisfaction on that + point. + </p> + <p> + I therefore recommend to the consideration of Congress the + expediency of an establishment of this nature, under such + regulations as shall appear to them advisable, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 20, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th of + August, 1793, from the Secretary of State to our minister at + Paris, stating the conduct and urging the recall of the + minister plenipotentiary of the Republic of France, I now + communicate to you that his conduct has been unequivocally + disapproved, and that the strongest assurances have been + given that his recall should be expedited without delay. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 21, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It is with satisfaction I announce to you that the + alterations which have been made by law in the original plan + for raising a duty on spirits distilled within the United + States, and on stills, cooperating with better information, + have had a considerable influence in obviating the + difficulties which have embarrassed that branch of the public + revenue. But the obstacles which have been experienced, + though lessened, are not yet entirely surmounted, and it + would seem that some further legislative provisions may + usefully be superadded, which leads me to recall the + attention of Congress to the subject. Among the matters which + may demand regulation is the effect, in point of + organization, produced by the separation of Kentucky from the + State of Virginia, and the situation with regard to the law + of the territories northwest and southwest of the Ohio. + </p> + <p> + The laws respecting light-house establishments require, as a + condition of their permanent maintenance at the expense of + the United States, a complete cession of soil and + jurisdiction. The cessions of different States having been + qualified with a reservation of the right of serving legal + process within the ceded jurisdiction are understood to be + inconclusive as annexing a qualification not consonant with + the terms of the law. I present this circumstance to the view + of Congress, that they may judge whether any alteration ought + to be made. + </p> + <p> + As it appears to be conformable with the intention of the + "ordinance for the government of the territory of the United + States northwest of the river Ohio," although it is not + expressly directed that the laws of that territory should be + laid before Congress, I now transmit to you a copy of such as + have been passed from July to December, 1792, inclusive. + being the last which have been received by the Secretary of + State. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 30, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Communications have been made to Congress during the present + session with the intention of affording a full view of the + posture of affairs on the Southwestern frontiers. By the + information which has lately been laid before Congress it + appeared that the difficulties with the Creeks had been + amicably and happily terminated; but it will be perceived + with regret by the papers herewith transmitted that the + tranquillity has, unfortunately, been of short duration, + owing to the murder of several friendly Indians by some + lawless white men. + </p> + <p> + The condition of things in that quarter requires the serious + and immediate consideration of Congress, and the adoption of + such wise and vigorous laws as will be competent to the + preservation of the national character and of the peace made + under the authority of the United States with the several + Indian tribes. Experience demonstrates that the existing + legal provisions are entirely inadequate to those great + objects. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 7, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit to you an act and three ordinances passed by the + government of the territory of the United States south of the + river Ohio on the 13th and 21st of March and the 7th of May, + 1793, and also certain letters from the minister + plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of + State, inclosing dispatches from the general and + extraordinary commission of Guadaloupe. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 19, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received + from the Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme + Court of the United States, and, at their desire, the + representation mentioned in the said letter, pointing out + certain defects in the judiciary system. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 24, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The extracts which I now lay before you, from a letter of our + minister at London, are supplementary to some of my past + communications, and will appear to be of a confidential + nature. + </p> + <p> + I also transmit to you copies of a letter from the Secretary + of State to the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic + Majesty, and of the answer thereto, upon the subject of the + treaty between the United States and Great Britain, together + with the copy of a letter from Messrs. Carmichael and Short, + relative to our affairs with Spain, which letter is connected + with a former confidential message, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 26, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have caused the correspondence which is the subject of your + resolution of the 24th day of January last to be laid before + me. After an examination of it I directed copies and + translations to be made, except in those particulars which, + in my judgment, for public considerations, ought not to be + communicated. + </p> + <p> + These copies and translations are now transmitted to the + Senate; but the nature of them manifests the propriety of + their being received as confidential. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 3, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit to you an extract from a letter of Mr. Short, + relative to our affairs with Spain, and copies of two letters + from our minister at Lisbon, with their inclosures, + containing intelligence from Algiers. The whole of these + communications are made in confidence, except the passage in + Mr. Short's letter which respects the Spanish convoy. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 5, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The Secretary of State having reported to me upon the several + complaints which have been lodged in his office against the + vexations and spoliations on our commerce since the + commencement of the European war, I transmit to you a copy of + his statement, together with the documents upon which it is + founded. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 18, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic having + requested an advance of money, I transmit to Congress certain + documents relative to that subject. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 28, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>; + </p> + <p> + In the execution of the resolution of Congress bearing date + the 26th of March, 1794, and imposing an embargo, I have + requested the governors of the several States to call forth + the force of their militia, if it should be necessary, for + the detention of vessels. This power is conceived to be + incidental to an embargo. + </p> + <p> + It also deserves the attention of Congress how far the + clearances from one district to another, under the law as it + now stands, may give rise to evasions of the embargo. As one + security the collectors have been instructed to refuse to + receive the surrender of coasting licenses for the purpose of + taking out registers, and to require bond from registered + vessels bound from one district to another, for the delivery + of the cargo within the United States. + </p> + <p> + It is not understood that the resolution applies to fishing + vessels, although their occupations lie generally in parts + beyond the United States. But without further restrictions + there is an opportunity of their privileges being used as + means of eluding the embargo. + </p> + <p> + All armed vessels possessing public commissions from any + foreign power (letters of marque excepted) are considered as + not liable to the embargo. + </p> + <p> + These circumstances are transmitted to Congress for their + consideration. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 4, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you three letters from our minister in London, + advices concerning the Algerine mission from our minister at + Lisbon and others, and a letter from the minister + plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of + State, with his answer. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 15, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a letter from the minister plenipotentiary + of His Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State; a letter + from the secretary of the territory south of the river Ohio, + inclosing an ordinance and proclamation of the governor + thereof; the translation of so much of a petition of the + inhabitants of Post Vincennes, addressed to the President, as + relates to Congress, and certain dispatches lately received + from our commissioners at Madrid. These dispatches from + Madrid being a part of the business which has been hitherto + deemed confidential, they are forwarded under that view. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 16, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The communications which I have made to you during your + present session from the dispatches of our minister in London + contain a serious aspect of our affairs with Great Britain. + But as peace ought to be pursued with unremitted zeal before + the last resource, which has so often been the scourge of + nations, and can not fail to check the advanced prosperity of + the United States, is contemplated, I have thought proper to + nominate, and do hereby nominate, John Jay as envoy + extraordinary of the United States to His Britannic Majesty. + </p> + <p> + My confidence in our minister plenipotentiary in London + continues undiminished. But a mission like this, while it + corresponds with the solemnity of the occasion, will announce + to the world a solicitude for a friendly adjustment of our + complaints and a reluctance to hostility. Going immediately + from the United States, such an envoy will carry with him a + full knowledge of the existing temper and sensibility of our + country, and will thus be taught to vindicate our rights with + firmness and to cultivate peace with sincerity. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 12, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + As the letter which I forwarded to Congress on the 15th day + of April last, from the minister plenipotentiary of His + Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State, in answer to a + memorial of our minister in London, related to a very + interesting subject, I thought it proper not to delay its + communication. But since that time the memorial itself has + been received in a letter from our minister, and a reply has + been made to that answer by the Secretary of State. Copies of + them are therefore now transmitted. + </p> + <p> + I also send the copy of a letter from the governor of Rhode + Island, inclosing an act of the legislature of that State + empowering the United States to hold lands within the same + for the purpose of erecting fortifications, and certain + papers concerning patents for the donation lands to the + ancient settlers of Vincennes upon the Wabash. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 20, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In the communications which I have made to Congress during + the present session relative to foreign nations I have + omitted no opportunity of testifying my anxiety to preserve + the United States in peace. It is peculiarly, therefore, my + duty at this time to lay before you the present state of + certain hostile threats against the territories of Spain in + our neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + The documents which accompany this message develop the + measures which I have taken to suppress them, and the + intelligence which has been lately received. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen from thence that the subject has not been + neglected; that every power vested in the Executive on such + occasions has been exerted, and that there was reason to + believe that the enterprise projected against the Spanish + dominions was relinquished. + </p> + <p> + But it appears to have been revived upon principles which set + public order at defiance and place the peace of the United + States in the discretion of unauthorized individuals. The + means already deposited in the different departments of + Government are shewn by experience not to be adequate to + these high exigencies, although such of them as are lodged in + the hands of the Executive shall continue to be used with + promptness, energy, and decision proportioned to the case. + But I am impelled by the position of our public affairs to + recommend that provision be made for a stronger and more + vigorous opposition than can be given to such hostile + movements under the laws as they now stand. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 21, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you in confidence sundry papers, by which you + will perceive the state of affairs between us and the Six + Nations, and the probable cause to which it is owing, and + also certain information whereby it would appear that some + encroachment was about to be made on our territory by an + officer and party of British troops. Proceeding upon a + supposition of the authenticity of this information, although + of a private nature, I have caused the representation to be + made to the British minister a copy of which accompanies this + message. + </p> + <p> + It can not be necessary to comment upon the very serious + nature of such an encroachment, nor to urge that this new + state of things suggests the propriety of placing the United + States in a posture of effectual preparation for an event + which, notwithstanding the endeavors making to avert it, may + by circumstances beyond our control be forced upon us. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 26, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The commissioners of His Catholic Majesty having communicated + to the Secretary of State the form of a certificate without + which the vessels of the United States can not be admitted + into the ports of Spain, I think it proper to lay it before + Congress. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 27, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The Executive Provisory Council of the French Republic having + requested me to recall Gouverneur Morris, our minister + plenipotentiary in France, I have thought proper, in + pursuance of that request, to recall him. I therefore + nominate James Monroe, of Virginia, as minister + plenipotentiary of the United States to the said Republic. + </p> + <p> + I also nominate William Short, now minister resident for the + United States with Their High Mightinesses the States-General + of the United Netherlands, to be minister resident for the + United States to His Catholic Majesty, in the room of William + Carmichael, who is recalled. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 2, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send you certain communications, recently received from + Georgia, which materially change the prospect of affairs in + that quarter, and seem to render a war with the Creek Nations + more probable than it has been at any antecedent period. + While the attention of Congress will be directed to the + consideration of measures suited to the exigency, it can not + escape their observation that this intelligence brings a + fresh proof of the insufficiency of the existing provisions + of the laws toward the effectual cultivation and preservation + of peace with our Indian neighbors. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. + </h2> + <center> + [From a broadside in the archives of the Department of + State.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between + Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United + Netherlands of the one part and France on the other, and the + duty and interest of the United States require that they + should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a + conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers: + </p> + <p> + I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the + disposition of the United States to observe the conduct + aforesaid toward those powers respectively, and to exhort and + warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all + acts and proceedings whatsoever which may in any manner tend + to contravene such disposition. + </p> + <p> + And I do hereby also make known that whosoever of the + citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to + punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations by + committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of + the said powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles + which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, + will not receive the protection of the United States against + such punishment or forfeiture; and further, that I have given + instructions to those officers to whom it belongs to cause + prosecutions to be instituted against all persons who shall, + within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, + violate the law of nations with respect to the powers at war, + or any of them. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed + the same with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 22d day of April, 1793, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + seventeenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas I have received information that certain persons, in + violation of the laws, have presumed, under color of a + foreign authority, to enlist citizens of the United States + and others within the State of Kentucky, and have there + assembled an armed force for the purpose of invading and + plundering the territories of a nation at peace with the said + United States; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas such unwarrantable measures, being contrary to the + laws of nations and to the duties incumbent on every citizen + of the United States, tend to disturb the tranquillity of the + same, and to involve them in the calamities of war; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas it is the duty of the Executive to take care that + such criminal proceedings should be suppressed, the offenders + brought to justice, and all good citizens cautioned against + measures likely to prove so pernicious to their country and + themselves, should they be seduced into similar infractions + of the laws: + </p> + <p> + I have therefore thought proper to issue this proclamation, + hereby solemnly warning every person, not authorized by the + laws, against enlisting any citizen or citizens of the United + States, or levying troops, or assembling any persons within + the United States for the purposes aforesaid, or proceeding + in any manner to the execution thereof, as they will answer + for the same at their peril; and I do also admonish and + require all citizens to refrain from enlisting, enrolling, or + assembling themselves for such unlawful purposes and from + being in anywise concerned, aiding, or abetting therein, as + they tender their own welfare, inasmuch as all lawful means + will be strictly put in execution for securing obedience to + the laws and for punishing such dangerous and daring + violations thereof. + </p> + <p> + And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, + and other officers whom it may concern, according to their + respective duties, to exert the powers in them severally + vested to prevent and suppress all such unlawful assemblages + and proceedings, and to bring to condign punishment those who + may have been guilty thereof, as they regard the due + authority of Government and the peace and welfare of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed + the same with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of March, + 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America + the eighteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + EDM. RANDOLPH. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From Annals of Congress, Fourth Congress, second session, + 2796.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws + laying duties upon spirits distilled within the United States + and upon stills have from the time of the commencement of + those laws existed in some of the western parts of + Pennsylvania; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas the said combinations, proceeding in a manner + subversive equally of the just authority of government and of + the rights of individuals, have hitherto effected their + dangerous and criminal purpose by the influence of certain + irregular meetings whose proceedings have tended to encourage + and uphold the spirit of opposition by misrepresentations of + the laws calculated to render them odious; by endeavors to + deter those who might be so disposed from accepting offices + under them through fear of public resentment and of injury to + person and property, and to compel those who had accepted + such offices by actual violence to surrender or forbear the + execution of them; by circulating vindictive menaces against + all those who should otherwise, directly or indirectly, aid + in the execution of the said laws, or who, yielding to the + dictates of conscience and to a sense of obligation, should + themselves comply therewith; by actually injuring and + destroying the property of persons who were understood to + have so complied; by inflicting cruel and humiliating + punishments upon private citizens for no other cause than + that of appearing to be the friends of the laws; by + intercepting the public officers on the highways, abusing, + assaulting, and otherwise ill treating them; by going to + their houses in the night, gaining admittance by force, + taking away their papers, and committing other outrages, + employing for these unwarrantable purposes the agency of + armed banditti disguised in such manner as for the most part + to escape discovery; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas the endeavors of the Legislature to obviate + objections to the said laws by lowering the duties and by + other alterations conducive to the convenience of those whom + they immediately affect (though they have given satisfaction + in other quarters), and the endeavors of the executive + officers to conciliate a compliance with the laws by + explanations, by forbearance, and even by particular + accommodations founded on the suggestion of local + considerations, have been disappointed of their effect by the + machinations of persons whose industry to excite resistance + has increased with every appearance of a disposition among + the people to relax in their opposition and to acquiesce in + the laws, insomuch that many persons in the said western + parts of Pennsylvania have at length been hardy enough to + perpetrate acts which I am advised amount to treason, being + overt acts of levying war against the United States, the said + persons having on the 16th and 17th July last past proceeded + in arms (on the second day amounting to several hundreds) to + the house of John Neville, inspector of the revenue for the + fourth survey of the district of Pennsylvania; having + repeatedly attacked the said house with the persons therein, + wounding some of them; having seized David Lenox, marshal of + the district of Pennsylvania, who previous thereto had been + fired upon while in the execution of his duty by a party of + armed men, detaining him for some time prisoner, till for the + preservation of his life and the obtaining of his liberty he + found it necessary to enter into stipulations to forbear the + execution of certain official duties touching processes + issuing out of a court of the United States; and having + finally obliged the said inspector of the said revenue and + the said marshal from considerations of personal safety to + fly from that part of the country, in order, by a circuitous + route, to proceed to the seat of Government, avowing as the + motives of these outrageous proceedings an intention to + prevent by force of arms the execution of the said laws, to + oblige the said inspector of the revenue to renounce his said + office, to withstand by open violence the lawful authority of + the Government of the United States, and to compel thereby an + alteration in the measures of the Legislature and a repeal of + the laws aforesaid; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas by a law of the United States entitled "An act to + provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of + the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions," it + is enacted "that whenever the laws of the United States shall + be opposed or the execution thereof obstructed in any State + by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary + course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the + marshals by that act, the same being notified by an associate + justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the + President of the United States to call forth the militia of + such State to suppress such combinations and to cause the + laws to be duly executed. And if the militia of a State where + such combinations may happen shall refuse or be insufficient + to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, + if the Legislature of the United States shall not be in + session, to call forth and employ such numbers of the militia + of any other State or States most convenient thereto as may + be necessary; and the use of the militia so to be called + forth may be continued, if necessary, until the expiration of + thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session: + <i>Provided always</i>, That whenever it may be necessary in + the judgment of the President to use the military force + hereby directed to be called forth, the President shall + forthwith, and previous thereto, by proclamation, command + such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their + respective abodes within a limited time;" and + </p> + <p> + Whereas James Wilson, an associate justice, on the 4th + instant, by writing under his hand, did from evidence which + had been laid before him notify to me that "in the counties + of Washington and Allegany, in Pennsylvania, laws of the + United States are opposed and the execution thereof + obstructed by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by + the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers + vested in the marshal of that district;" and + </p> + <p> + Whereas it is in my judgment necessary under the + circumstances of the case to take measures for calling forth + the militia in order to suppress the combinations aforesaid, + and to cause the laws to be duly executed; and I have + accordingly determined so to do, feeling the deepest regret + for the occasion, but withal the most solemn conviction that + the essential interests of the Union demand it, that the very + existence of Government and the fundamental principles of + social order are materially involved in the issue, and that + the patriotism and firmness of all good citizens are + seriously called upon, as occasions may require, to aid in + the effectual suppression of so fatal a spirit: + </p> + <p> + Wherefore, and in pursuance of the proviso above recited, I, + George Washington, President of the United States, do hereby + command all persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all + others whom it may concern, on or before the 1st day of + September next to disperse and retire peaceably to their + respective abodes. And I do moreover warn all persons + whomsoever against aiding, abetting, or comforting the + perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and do + require all officers and other citizens, according to their + respective duties and the laws of the land, to exert their + utmost endeavors to prevent and suppress such dangerous + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed + the same with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 7th day of August, + 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America + the nineteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + EDM. RANDOLPH. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From Annals of Congress, Third Congress, 1413.] + </center> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + Whereas from a hope that the combinations against the + Constitution and laws of the United States in certain of the + western counties of Pennsylvania would yield to time and + reflection I thought it sufficient in the first instance + rather to take measures for calling forth the militia than + immediately to embody them, but the moment is now come when + the overtures of forgiveness, with no other condition than a + submission to law, have been only partially accepted; when + every form of conciliation not inconsistent with the being of + Government has been adopted without effect; when the + well-disposed in those counties are unable by their influence + and example to reclaim the wicked from their fury, and are + compelled to associate in their own defense; when the + proffered lenity has been perversely misinterpreted into an + apprehension that the citizens will march with reluctance; + when the opportunity of examining the serious consequences of + a treasonable opposition has been employed in propagating + principles of anarchy, endeavoring through emissaries to + alienate the friends of order from its support, and inviting + its enemies to perpetrate similar acts of insurrection; when + it is manifest that violence would continue to be exercised + upon every attempt to enforce the laws; when, therefore, + Government is set at defiance, the contest being whether a + small portion of the United States shall dictate to the whole + Union, and, at the expense of those who desire peace, indulge + a desperate ambition: + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United + States, in obedience to that high and irresistible duty + consigned to me by the Constitution "to take care that the + laws be faithfully executed," deploring that the American + name should be sullied by the outrages of citizens on their + own Government, commiserating such as remain obstinate from + delusion, but resolved, in perfect reliance on that gracious + Providence which so signally displays its goodness towards + this country, to reduce the refractory to a due subordination + to the law, do hereby declare and make known that, with a + satisfaction which can be equaled only by the merits of the + militia summoned into service from the States of New Jersey, + Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I have received + intelligence of their patriotic alacrity in obeying the call + of the present, though painful, yet commanding necessity; + that a force which, according to every reasonable + expectation, is adequate to the exigency is already in motion + to the scene of disaffection; that those who have confided or + shall confide in the protection of Government shall meet full + succor under the standard and from the arms of the United + States; that those who, having offended against the laws, + have since entitled themselves to indemnity will be treated + with the most liberal good faith if they shall not have + forfeited their claim by any subsequent conduct, and that + instructions are given accordingly. + </p> + <p> + And I do moreover exhort all individuals, officers, and + bodies of men to contemplate with abhorrence the measures + leading directly or indirectly to those crimes which produce + this resort to military coercion; to check in their + respective spheres the efforts of misguided or designing men + to substitute their misrepresentation in the place of truth + and their discontents in the place of stable government, and + to call to mind that, as the people of the United States have + been permitted, under the Divine favor, in perfect freedom, + after solemn deliberation, and in an enlightened age, to + elect their own government, so will their gratitude for this + inestimable blessing be best distinguished by firm exertions + to maintain the Constitution and the laws. + </p> + <p> + And, lastly, I again warn all persons whomsoever and + wheresoever not to abet, aid, or comfort the insurgents + aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril; + and I do also require all officers and other citizens, + according to their several duties, as far as may be in their + power, to bring under the cognizance of the laws all + offenders in the premises. In testimony whereof I have caused + the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to + these presents, and signed the same with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 25th day of September, + 1794, and of the Independence of the United States of America + the nineteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + EDM. RANDOLPH. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SIXTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 19, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>; + </p> + <p> + When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by + which the American people became a nation; when we survey the + general prosperity of our country, and look forward to the + riches, power, and happiness to which it seems destined, with + the deepest regret do I announce to you that during your + recess some of the citizens of the United States have been + found capable of an insurrection. It is due, however, to the + character of our Government and to its stability, which can + not be shaken by the enemies of order, freely to unfold the + course of this event. + </p> + <p> + During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to + exercise the legislative power granted by the Constitution of + the United States "to lay and collect excises." In a majority + of the States scarcely an objection was heard to this mode of + taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first conceived, + until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the + four western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered + and imbittered by the artifice of men who labored for an + ascendency over the will of others by the guidance of their + passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. It is well + known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the + complaints which were presented, and to relieve them as far + as justice dictated or general convenience would permit. But + the impression which this moderation made on the discontented + did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts of + delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing + individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was + misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the + laws, and associations of men began to denounce threats + against the officers employed. From a belief that by a more + formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain + self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. + Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself were + conforming themselves to the acts of excise, a few counties + were resolved to frustrate them. It was now perceived that + every expectation from the tenderness which had been hitherto + pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only + create an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the + Government. Legal process was therefore delivered to the + marshal against the rioters and delinquent distillers. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than + the vengeance of armed men was aimed at <i>his</i> person and + the person and property of the inspector of the revenue. They + fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and detained him for + some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy of + his life, to renounce the service of other process on the + west side of the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was + afterwards sent to him to demand a surrender of that which he + <i>had</i> served. A numerous body repeatedly attacked the + house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and + finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they + contained. Both of these officers, from a just regard to + their safety, fled to the seat of Government, it being avowed + that the motives to such outrages were to compel the + resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms + the authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a + repeal of the laws of excise and an alteration in the conduct + of Government. + </p> + <p> + Upon the testimony of these facts an associate justice of the + Supreme Court of the United States notified to me that "in + the counties of Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, + laws of the United States were opposed, and the execution + thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be + suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or + by the powers vested in the marshal of that district." On + this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighed + what might best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the + judiciary was pronounced to be stripped of its capacity to + enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very existence of + social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of + Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence + or an apparent acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable + fury of so small a portion of the United States would be to + violate the fundamental principle of our Constitution, which + enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On the + other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the + dishonor of such excesses, to encounter the expense and other + embarrassments of so distant an expedition, were steps too + delicate, too closely interwoven with many affecting + considerations, to be lightly adopted. I postponed, + therefore, the summoning the militia immediately into the + field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if + my anxious endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince + the malignant of their danger should be fruitless, military + force might be prepared to act before the season should be + too far advanced. + </p> + <p> + My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly + issued, and accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, + who were charged to repair to the scene of insurrection. They + were authorized to confer with any bodies of men or + individuals. They were instructed to be candid and explicit + in stating the sensations which had been excited in the + Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to + coercion; to represent, however, that, without submission, + coercion <i>must</i> be the resort; but to invite them, at + the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful + citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of + Executive power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the + Government of the United States and that of Pennsylvania, + upon no other condition than a satisfactory assurance of + obedience to the laws. + </p> + <p> + Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness + and abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing + that the means of conciliation have been exhausted, all of + those who had committed or abetted the tumults did not + subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the atonement, + and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither + sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant + the further suspension of the march of the militia. + </p> + <p> + Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I + ordered the militia to march, after once more admonishing the + insurgents in my proclamation of the 25th of September last. + </p> + <p> + It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the + lowest degree of force competent to the quelling of the + insurrection. From a respect, indeed, to economy and the ease + of my fellow-citizens belonging to the militia, it would have + gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very + reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, + had its extent been accurately seen, would have been a + decided inducement to the smallest efficient numbers, In this + uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion 15,000 men, as + being an army which, according to all human calculation, + would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, + perhaps, by rendering resistance desperate, prevent the + effusion of blood. Quotas had been assigned to the States of + New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the + governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an + opinion which justified a requisition to the other States. + </p> + <p> + As commander in chief of the militia when called into the + actual service of the United States, I have visited the + places of general rendezvous to obtain more exact information + and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. Had there been + room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from + obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to + justice such of the most culpable as have not embraced the + proffered terms of amnesty, and may be deemed fit objects of + example; that the friends to peace and good government were + not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought + always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against + the vicious and turbulent, I should have caught with avidity + the opportunity of restoring the militia to their families + and homes. But succeeding intelligence has tended to manifest + the necessity of what has been done, it being now confessed + by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct + of the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed + merely to a particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all + order has actuated many of the offenders. If the state of + things had afforded reason for the continuance of my presence + with the army, it would not have been withholden. But every + appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to the + reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged + it most proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, + leaving the chief command with the governor of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like + the present, whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of + mischief and revenge may not be laid aside, the stationing of + a small force for a certain period in the four western + counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we + contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the + execution of the laws or of others who may have exposed + themselves by an honorable attachment to them. Thirty days + from the commencement of this session being the legal + limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not + be too early occupied with this subject. + </p> + <p> + Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our + affairs, and from the documents which will be submitted to + Congress, it will not escape their observation that not only + the inspector of the revenue, but other officers of the + United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in + the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries + to their property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying + them are strong and obvious. It may also merit attention + whether policy will not enlarge this provision to the + retribution of other citizens who, though not under the ties + of office, may have suffered damage by their generous + exertions for upholding the Constitution and the laws. The + amount, even if all the injured were included, would not be + great, and on future emergencies the Government would be + amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who + incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its + liberality. + </p> + <p> + While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this + nature should have disgraced the name or interrupted the + tranquillity of any part of our community, or should have + diverted to a new application any portion of the public + resources, there are not wanting real and substantial + consolations for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our + prosperity rests on solid foundations, by furnishing an + additional proof that my fellow-citizens understand the true + principles of government and liberty; that they feel their + inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which + have been used to sway them from their interest and duty, + they are now as ready to maintain the authority of the laws + against licentious invasions as they were to defend their + rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle displaying + to the highest advantage the value of republican government + to behold the most and the least wealthy of our citizens + standing in the same ranks as private soldiers, preeminently + distinguished by being the army of the + Constitution—undeterred by a march of 300 miles over + rugged mountains, by the approach of an inclement season, or + by any other discouragement. Nor ought I to omit to + acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I + have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to + which my requisitions have been addressed. + </p> + <p> + To every description of citizens, indeed, let praise be + given. But let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance + over that precious depository of American happiness, the + Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish it, too, + for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily + seeking a dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments + of reflection they shall have retraced the origin and + progress of the insurrection, let them determine whether it + has not been fomented by combinations of men who, careless of + consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those + who rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have + disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, + suspicions, jealousies, and accusations of the whole + Government. + </p> + <p> + Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I + entered into office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, + protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States," + on you, gentlemen, and the people by whom you are deputed, I + rely for support. + </p> + <p> + In the arrangements to which the possibility of a similar + contingency will naturally draw your attention it ought not + to be forgotten that the militia laws have exhibited such + striking defects as could not have been supplied but by the + zeal of our citizens, Besides the extraordinary expense and + waste, which are not the least of the defects, every appeal + to those laws is attended with a doubt on its success. + </p> + <p> + The devising and establishing of a well-regulated militia + would be a genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect + title to public gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that + the present session will not pass without carrying to its + full energy the power of organizing, arming, and disciplining + the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the + Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of + the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + </p> + <p> + As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress + can never too frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire + whether the fortifications which have been already licensed + by law be commensurate with our exigencies. + </p> + <p> + The intelligence from the army under the command of General + Wayne is a happy presage to our military operations against + the hostile Indians north of the Ohio. From the advices which + have been forwarded, the advance which he has made must have + damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their obstinacy + in waging war against the United States, And yet, even at + this late hour, when our power to punish them can not be + questioned, we shall not be unwilling to cement a lasting + peace upon terms of candor, equity, and good neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship + been spared. The Creeks in particular are covered from + encroachment by the interposition of the General Government + and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove the + discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement meditated at + Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent + is now endeavoring to rectify any misconception into which + they may have fallen. But I can not refrain from again + pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I recommended + at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all + the Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of + trading houses upon the principles then expressed. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our + fiscal measures has developed our pecuniary resources so as + to open the way for a definite plan for the redemption of the + public debt. It is believed that the result is such as to + encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. + Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation + and nothing would be more grateful to our constituents. + Indeed, whatsoever is unfinished of our system of public + credit can not be benefited by procrastination; and as far as + may be practicable we ought to place that credit on grounds + which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that progressive + accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all + governments. + </p> + <p> + An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the + expenditures into which we have been driven by the + insurrection, will be submitted to Congress. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of + the precious metals, and considerable sums of defective coins + and bullion have been lodged with the Director by + individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that the + institution will at no remote day realize the expectation + which was originally formed of its utility. + </p> + <p> + In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our + intercourse with foreign nations will be transmitted to + Congress. However, it may not be unseasonable to announce + that my policy in our foreign transactions has been to + cultivate peace with all the world; to observe treaties with + pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the + line of impartiality; to explain what may have been + misapprehended and correct what may have been injurious to + any nation, and having thus acquired the right, to lose no + time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being + done to ourselves. + </p> + <p> + Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of + Nations to spread his holy protection over these United + States; to turn the machinations of the wicked to the + confirming of our Constitution; to enable us at all times to + root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; to + perpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness + has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of + this Government being a safeguard to human rights. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses + of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that + vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor, and + happiness of our country which has uniformly distinguished + your past Administration. + </p> + <p> + Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance + to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania has been + increased by the proceedings of certain self-created + societies relative to the laws and administration of the + Government; proceedings, in our apprehension, founded in + political error, calculated, if not intended, to disorganize + our Government, and which, by inspiring delusive hopes of + support, have been influential in misleading our + fellow-citizens in the scene of insurrection. + </p> + <p> + In a situation so delicate and important the lenient and + persuasive measures which you adopted merit and receive our + affectionate approbation. These failing to procure their + proper effect, and coercion having become inevitable, we have + derived the highest satisfaction from the enlightened + patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of New + Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia have rallied + around the standard of Government in opposition to anarchy + and insurrection. + </p> + <p> + Our warm and cordial acknowledgments are due to you, sir, for + the wisdom and decision with which you arrayed the militia to + execute the public will, and to them for the + disinterestedness and alacrity with which they obeyed your + summons. + </p> + <p> + The example is precious to the theory of our Government, and + confers the brightest honor upon the patriots who have given + it. + </p> + <p> + We shall readily concur in such further provisions for the + security of internal peace and a due obedience to the laws as + the occasion manifestly requires. + </p> + <p> + The effectual organization of the militia and a prudent + attention to the fortifications of our ports and harbors are + subjects of great national importance, and, together with the + other measures you have been pleased to recommend, will + receive our deliberate consideration. + </p> + <p> + The success of the troops under the command of General Wayne + can not fail to produce essential advantages. The pleasure + with which we acknowledge the merits of that gallant general + and army is enhanced by the hope that their victories will + lay the foundation of a just and durable peace with the + Indian tribes. + </p> + <p> + At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations the + temperate, just, and firm policy that you have pursued in + respect to foreign powers has been eminently calculated to + promote the great and essential interest of our country, and + has created the fairest title to the public gratitude and + thanks. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN ADAMS,<br> + <i>Vice-President of the United States and President of the + Senate</i>. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 21, 1794. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: Among the occasions which have been afforded for + expressing my sense of the zealous and steadfast cooperation + of the Senate in the maintenance of Government, none has yet + occurred more forcibly demanding my unqualified + acknowledgments than the present. + </p> + <p> + Next to the consciousness of upright intentions, it is the + highest pleasure to be approved by the enlightened + representatives of a free nation. With the satisfaction, + therefore, which arises from an unalterable attachment to + public order do I learn that the Senate discountenance those + proceedings which would arrogate the direction of our affairs + without any degree of authority derived from the people. + </p> + <p> + It has been more than once the lot of our Government to be + thrown into new and delicate situations, and of these the + insurrection has not been the least important. Having been + compelled at length to lay aside my repugnance to resort to + arms, I derive much happiness from being confirmed by your + judgment in the necessity of decisive measures, and from the + support of my fellow-citizens of the militia, who were the + patriotic instruments of that necessity. + </p> + <p> + With such demonstrations of affection for our Constitution; + with an adequate organization of the militia; with the + establishment of necessary fortifications; with a continuance + of those judicious and spirited exertions which have brought + victory to our Western army; with a due attention to public + credit, and an unsullied honor toward all nations, we may + meet, under every assurance of success, our enemies from + within and from without. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 22, 1794. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The House of Representatives, calling to mind the + blessings enjoyed by the people of the United States, and + especially the happiness of living under constitutions and + laws which rest on their authority alone, could not learn + with other emotions than those you have expressed that any + part of our fellow-citizens should have shewn themselves + capable of an insurrection. And we learn with the greatest + concern that any misrepresentations whatever of the + Government and its proceedings, either by individuals or + combinations of men, should have been made and so far + credited as to foment the flagrant outrage which has been + committed on the laws. We feel with you the deepest regret at + so painful an occurrence in the annals of our country. As men + regardful of the tender interests of humanity, we look with + grief at scenes which might have stained our land with civil + blood; as lovers of public order, we lament that it has + suffered so flagrant a violation; as zealous friends of + republican government, we deplore every occasion which in the + hands of its enemies may be turned into a calumny against it. + </p> + <p> + This aspect of the crisis, however, is happily not the only + one which it presents. There is another, which yields all the + consolations which you have drawn from it. It has + demonstrated to the candid world, as well as to the American + people themselves, that the great body of them everywhere are + equally attached to the luminous and vital principle of our + Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority + shall prevail; that they understand the indissoluble union + between true liberty and regular government; that they feel + their duties no less than they are watchful over their + rights; that they will be as ready at all times to crush + licentiousness as they have been to defeat usurpation. In a + word, that they are capable of carrying into execution that + noble plan of self-government which they have chosen as the + guaranty of their own happiness and the asylum for that of + all, from every clime, who may wish to unite their destiny + with ours. + </p> + <p> + These are the just inferences flowing from the promptitude + with which the summons to the standard of the laws has been + obeyed, and from the sentiments which have been witnessed in + every description of citizens in every quarter of the Union. + The spectacle, therefore, when viewed in its true light, may + well be affirmed to display in equal luster the virtues of + the American character and the value of republican + government. All must particularly acknowledge and applaud the + patriotism of that portion of citizens who have freely + sacrificed everything less dear than the love of their + country to the meritorious task of defending its happiness. + </p> + <p> + In the part which you have yourself borne through this + delicate and distressing period we trace the additional + proofs it has afforded of your solicitude for the public + good. Your laudable and successful endeavors to render lenity + in executing the laws conducive to their real energy, and to + convert tumult into order without the effusion of blood, form + a particular title to the confidence and praise of your + constituents. In all that may be found necessary on our part + to complete this benevolent purpose, and to secure the + ministers and friends of the laws against the remains of + danger, our due cooperation will be afforded. + </p> + <p> + The other subjects which you have recommended or + communicated, and of which several are peculiarly + interesting, will all receive the attention which they + demand. We are deeply impressed with the importance of an + effectual organization of the militia. We rejoice at the + intelligence of the advance and success of the army under the + command of General Wayne, whether we regard it as a proof of + the perseverance, prowess, and superiority of our troops, or + as a happy presage to our military operations against the + hostile Indians, and as a probable prelude to the + establishment of a lasting peace upon terms of candor, + equity, and good neighborhood. We receive it with the greater + pleasure as it increases the probability of sooner restoring + a part of the public resources to the desirable object of + reducing the public debt. + </p> + <p> + We shall on this, as on all occasions, be disposed to adopt + any measures which may advance the safety and prosperity of + our country. In nothing can we more cordially unite with you + than in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to multiply + his blessings on these United States; to guard our free and + happy Constitution against every machination and danger, and + to make it the best source of public happiness, by verifying + its character of being the best safeguard of human rights, + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 28, 1794. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: I anticipated with confidence the concurrence of + the House of Representatives in the regret produced by the + insurrection. Every effort ought to be used to discountenance + what has contributed to foment it, and thus discourage a + repetition of like attempts; for notwithstanding the + consolations which may be drawn from the issue of this event, + it is far better that the artful approaches to such a + situation of things should be checked by the vigilant and + duly admonished patriotism of our fellow-citizens than that + the evil should increase until it becomes necessary to crush + it by the strength of their arm. + </p> + <p> + I am happy that the part which I have myself borne on this + occasion receives the approbation of your House. For the + discharge of a constitutional duty it is a sufficient reward + to me to be assured that you will unite in consummating what + remains to be done. + </p> + <p> + I feel also great satisfaction in learning that the other + subjects which I have communicated or recommended will meet + with due attention; that you are deeply impressed with the + importance of an effectual organization of the militia, and + that the advance and success of the army under the command of + General Wayne is regarded by you, no less than myself, as a + proof of the perseverance, prowess, and superiority of our + troops. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 29, 1794. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 21, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of + the State of New York and of the exemplification of an act of + the legislature thereof ratifying the amendment of the + Constitution of the United States proposed by the Senate and + House of Representatives at their last session, respecting + the judicial power. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 21, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + In the negotiation between the United States and His Catholic + Majesty I have received satisfactory proofs of attention and + ability exerted in behalf of the United States to bring it to + a happy and speedy issue. But it is probable that by + complying with an intimation made to the Secretary of State + by the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty much further + delay in concluding it may be prevented. Notwithstanding, + therefore, I retain full confidence in our minister resident + at Madrid, who is charged with powers as commissioner + plenipotentiary, I nominate Thomas Pinckney to be envoy + extraordinary of the United States to His Catholic Majesty, + for the purpose of negotiating of and concerning the + navigation of the river Mississippi, and such other matters + relative to the confines of their territories, and the + intercourse to be had thereon, as the mutual interests and + general harmony of neighboring and friendly nations require + should be precisely adjusted and regulated, and of and + concerning the general commerce between the United States and + the kingdoms and dominions of his said Catholic Majesty. + </p> + <p> + It is believed that by his temporary absence from London in + the discharge of these new functions no injury will arise to + the United States. + </p> + <p> + I also nominate: + </p> + <p> + John Miller Russell, of Massachusetts, to be consul of the + United States of America for the port of St. Petersburg, in + Russia, and for such other places as shall be nearer to the + said port than to the residence of any other consul or + vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance; + </p> + <p> + Joseph Pitcairn, of New York, to be vice-consul of the United + States of America at Paris, vice Alexander Duvernet, + superseded; and + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel Brush, of Vermont, to be supervisor for the United + States in the district of Vermont, vice Noah Smith, who has + resigned. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>November 25, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a statement of the troops in the service of + the United States, which has been submitted to me by the + Secretary of War. It will rest with Congress to consider and + determine whether further inducements shall be held out for + entering into the military service of the United States in + order to complete the establishment authorized by law. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 17, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before Congress copies of the journal of the + proceedings of the executive department of the government of + the United States south of the river Ohio to the 1st of + September, 1794. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 30, 1794</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you a report, made to me by the Secretary of + War, respecting the frontiers of the United States. The + disorders and the great expenses which incessantly arise upon + the frontiers are of a nature and magnitude to excite the + most serious considerations. + </p> + <p> + I feel a confidence that Congress will devise such + constitutional and efficient measures as shall be equal to + the great objects of preserving our treaties with the Indian + tribes and of affording an adequate protection to our + frontiers. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 2, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + A spirit of discontent, from several causes, arose in the + early part of the present year among the Six Nations of + Indians, and particularly on the ground of a projected + settlement by Pennsylvania, at Presque Isle, upon Lake Erie. + The papers upon this point have already been laid before + Congress. It was deemed proper on my part to endeavor to + tranquillize the Indians by pacific measures. Accordingly a + time and place was appointed at which a free conference + should be had upon all the causes of discontent, and an agent + was appointed with the instructions of which No. 1, herewith + transmitted, is a copy. + </p> + <p> + A numerous assembly of Indians was held in Canandaigua, in + the State of New York the proceedings whereof accompany this + message, marked No. 2. + </p> + <p> + The two treaties, the one with the Six Nations and the other + with the Oneida, Tuscorora, and Stockbridge Indians dwelling + in the country of the Oneidas, which have resulted from the + mission of the agent, are herewith laid before the Senate for + their consideration and advice. + </p> + <p> + The original engagement of the United States to the Oneidas + is also sent herewith. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 8, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before Congress copies of acts passed by the + legislatures of the States of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New + York, ratifying the amendment proposed by the Senate and + House of Representatives at their last session to the + Constitution of the United States respecting the judicial + power thereof. + </p> + <p> + The minister of the French Republic having communicated to + the Secretary of State certain proceedings of the committee + of public safety respecting weights and measures, I lay these + also before Congress. + </p> + <p> + The letter from the governor of the Western territory, copies + of which are now transmitted, refers to a defect in the + judicial system of that territory deserving the attention of + Congress. + </p> + <p> + The necessary absence of the judge of the district of + Pennsylvania upon business connected with the late + insurrection is stated by him in a letter of which I forward + copies to have produced certain interruptions in the judicial + proceedings of that district which can not be removed without + the interposition of Congress. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 4, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before Congress, for their consideration, a letter from + the Secretary of State upon the subject of a loan which is + extremely interesting and urgent. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 17, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the governor + of the State of New Hampshire and of an act of the + legislature thereof "ratifying the article proposed in + amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting + the judicial power." + </p> + <p> + I also lay before Congress copies of a letter from the + governor of the State of North Carolina and of an act of the + legislature thereof ceding to the United States certain lands + upon the conditions therein mentioned. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 17, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have received copies of two acts of the legislature of + Georgia, one passed on the 28th day of December and the other + on the 7th day of January last, for appropriating and selling + the Indian lands within the territorial limits claimed by + that State. These copies, though not officially certified, + have been transmitted to me in such a manner as to leave no + room to doubt their authenticity. These acts embrace an + object of such magnitude, and in their consequences may so + deeply affect the peace and welfare of the United States, + that I have thought it necessary now to lay them before + Congress. + </p> + <p> + In <i>confidence</i>, I also forward copies of several + documents and papers received from the governor of the + Southwestern territory. By these it seems that hostilities + with the Cherokees have ceased, and that there is a pleasing + prospect of a permanent peace with that nation; but from all + the communications of the governor it appears that the + Creeks, in small parties, continue their depredations, and it + is uncertain to what they may finally lead. + </p> + <p> + The several papers now communicated deserve the immediate + attention of Congress, who will consider how far the subjects + of them may require their cooperation. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 25, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I communicate to Congress copies of a letter from the + governor of the State of Georgia and of an act of the + legislature thereof "to ratify the resolution of Congress + explanatory of the judicial power of the United States." + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 28, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In my first communication to Congress during their present + session I gave them reason to expect that "certain + circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations" would + be transmitted to them. There was at that time every + assurance for believing that some of the most important of + our foreign affairs would have been concluded and others + considerably matured before they should rise. But + notwithstanding I have waited until this moment, it has so + happened that, either from causes unknown to me or from + events which could not be controlled, I am yet unable to + execute my original intention. That I may, however, fulfill + the expectation given as far as the actual situation of + things will in my judgment permit, I now, <i>in + confidence</i>', lay before Congress the following general + statement: + </p> + <p> + Our minister near the French Republic has urged compensation + for the injuries which our commerce has sustained from + captures by French cruisers, from the nonfulfillment of the + contracts of the agents of that Republic with our citizens, + and from the embargo at Bordeaux. He has also pressed an + allowance for the money voted by Congress for relieving the + inhabitants of St. Domingo. It affords me the highest + pleasure to inform Congress that perfect harmony reigns + between the two Republics, and that those claims are in a + train of being discussed with candor and of being amicably + adjusted. + </p> + <p> + So much of our relation to Great Britain may depend upon the + result of our late negotiations in London that until that + result shall arrive I can not undertake to make any + communication upon this subject. + </p> + <p> + After the negotiation with Spain had been long depending + unusual and unexpected embarrassments were raised to + interrupt its progress. But the commissioner of His Catholic + Majesty near the United States having declared to the + Secretary of State that if a particular accommodation should + be made in the <i>conducting</i> of the business no further + delay would ensue, I thought proper, under all circumstances, + to send to His Catholic Majesty an envoy extraordinary + specially charged to bring to a conclusion the discussions + which have been formerly announced to Congress. + </p> + <p> + The friendship of Her Most Faithful Majesty has been often + manifested in checking the passage of the Algerine corsairs + into the Atlantic Ocean. She has also furnished occasional + convoys to the vessels of the United States, even when bound + to other ports than her own. We may therefore promise + ourselves that, as in the ordinary course of things few + causes can exist for dissatisfaction between the United + States and Portugal, so the temper with which accidental + difficulties will be met on each side will speedily remove + them. + </p> + <p> + Between the Executive of the United States and the Government + of the United Netherlands but little intercourse has taken + place during the last year. It may be acceptable to Congress + to learn that our credit in Holland is represented as + standing upon the most respectable footing. + </p> + <p> + Upon the death of the late Emperor of Morocco an agent was + dispatched to renew with his successor the treaty which the + United States had made with <i>him</i>. The agent, + unfortunately, died after he had reached Europe in the + prosecution of his mission. But until lately it was + impossible to determine with any degree of probability who of + the competitors for that Empire would be ultimately fixed in + the supreme power. Although the measures which have been + since adopted for the renewal of the treaty have been + obstructed by the disturbed situation of Amsterdam, there are + good grounds for presuming as yet upon the pacific + disposition of the Emperor, in fact, toward the United + States, and that the past miscarriage will be shortly + remedied. + </p> + <p> + Congress are already acquainted with the failure of the loan + attempted in Holland for the relief of our unhappy + fellow-citizens in Algiers. This subject, than which none + deserves a more affectionate zeal, has constantly commanded + my best exertions. I am happy, therefore, in being able to + say that from the last authentic accounts the Dey was + disposed to treat for a peace and ransom, and that both would + in all probability have been accomplished had we not been + disappointed in the means. Nothing which depends upon the + Executive shall be left undone for carrying into immediate + effect the supplementary act of Congress. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 2, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + It appears from the information which I have lately received + that it may be probably necessary to the more successful + conduct of our affairs on the coast of Barbary that one + consul should reside in Morocco, another in Algiers, and a + third in Tunis or Tripoli. As no appointment for these + offices will be accepted without some emolument annexed, I + submit to the consideration of Congress whether it may not be + advisable to authorize a stipend to be allowed to two consuls + for that coast in addition to the one already existing. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 2, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit to you copies of a letter from the governor of the + State of Delaware and of an act inclosed "declaring the + assent of that State to an amendment therein mentioned to the + Constitution of the United States." + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 8, 1795</i>.[<a href="#note-2">2</a>] + </p> + <p> + <a name="note-2"><!-- Note Anchor 2 --></a>[Footnote 2: For + proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session see p. + 587.] + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of my nomination of John Jay as envoy + extraordinary to His Britannic Majesty on the 16th day of + April, 1794, and of the advice and consent of the Senate + thereto on the 19th, a negotiation was opened in London. On + the 7th of March, 1795, the treaty resulting therefrom was + delivered to the Secretary of State. I now transmit to the + Senate that treaty and other documents connected with it. + They will, therefore, in their wisdom decide whether they + will advise and consent that the said treaty be made between + the United States and His Britannic Majesty. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 25, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + It has been represented by our minister plenipotentiary near + the French Republic that such of our commercial relations + with France as may require the support of the United States + in <i>detail</i> can not be well executed without a + consul-general. Of this I am satisfied when I consider the + extent of the mercantile claims now depending before the + French Government, the necessity of bringing into the hands + of one agent the various applications to the several + committees of administration residing at Paris, the attention + which must be paid to the conduct of consuls, and + vice-consuls, and the nature of the services which are the + peculiar objects of a minister's care, and leave no leisure + for his intervention in business to which consular functions + are competent. I therefore nominate Fulwar Skipwith to be + consul-general of the United States in France. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>June 25, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Just at the close of the last session of Congress I received + from one of the Senators and one of the Representatives of + the State of Georgia an application for a treaty to be held + with the tribes or nations of Indians claiming the right of + soil to certain lands lying beyond the present temporary + boundary line of that State, and which were described in an + act of the legislature of Georgia passed on the 28th of + December last, which has already been laid before the Senate. + This application and the subsequent correspondence with the + governor of Georgia are herewith transmitted. The subject + being very important, I thought proper to postpone a decision + upon that application. The views I have since taken of the + matter, with the information received of a more pacific + disposition on the part of the Creeks, have induced me now to + accede to the request, but with this explicit declaration, + that neither my assent nor the treaty which may be made shall + be considered as affecting any question which may arise upon + the supplementary act passed by the legislature of the State + of Georgia on the 7th of January last, upon which inquiries + have been instituted in pursuance of a resolution of the + Senate and House of Representatives, and that any cession or + relinquishment of the Indian claims shall be made in the + general terms of the treaty of New York, which are + contemplated as the form proper to be generally used on such + occasions, and on the condition that one-half of the expense + of the supplies of provisions for the Indians assembled at + the treaty be borne by the State of Georgia. + </p> + <p> + Having concluded to hold the treaty requested by that State, + I was willing to embrace the opportunity it would present of + inquiring into the causes of the dissatisfaction of the + Creeks which has been manifested since the treaty of New York + by their numerous and distressing depredations on our + Southwestern frontiers. Their depredations on the Cumberland + have been so frequent and so peculiarly destructive as to + lead me to think they must originate in some claim to the + lands upon that river. But whatever may have been the cause, + it is important to trace it to its source; for, independent + of the destruction of lives and property, it occasions a very + serious annual expense to the United States. The + commissioners for holding the proposed treaty will, + therefore, be instructed to inquire into the causes of the + hostilities to which I have referred, and to enter into such + reasonable stipulations as will remove them and give + permanent peace to those parts of the United States. + </p> + <p> + I now nominate Benjamin Hawkins, of North Carolina: George + Clymer, of Pennsylvania, and Andrew Pickens, of South + Carolina, to be commissioners to hold a treaty with the Creek + Nation of Indians, for the purposes hereinbefore expressed. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. + </h2> + <h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + </h3> + <h4> + A PROCLAMATION. + </h4> + <p> + When we review the calamities which afflict so many other + nations, the present condition of the United States affords + much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption + hitherto from foreign war, an increasing prospect of the + continuance of that exemption, the great degree of internal + tranquillity we have enjoyed, the recent confirmation of that + tranquillity by the suppression of an insurrection which so + wantonly threatened it, the happy course of our public + affairs in general, the unexampled prosperity of all classes + of our citizens, are circumstances which peculiarly mark our + situation with indications of the Divine beneficence toward + us. In such a state of things it is in an especial manner our + duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate + gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to + Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the + blessings we experience. + </p> + <p> + Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, + President of the United States, do recommend to all religious + societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, + within the United States to set apart and observe Thursday, + the 19th day of February next, as a day of public + thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together and + render their sincere and hearty thanks to the Great Ruler of + Nations for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish + our lot as a nation, particularly for the possession of + constitutions of government which unite and by their union + establish liberty with order; for the preservation of our + peace, foreign and domestic; for the seasonable control which + has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression of + the late insurrection, and generally, for the prosperous + course of our affairs, public and private; and at the same + time humbly and fervently to beseech the kind Author of these + blessings graciously to prolong them to us; to imprint on our + hearts a deep and solemn sense of our obligations to Him for + them; to teach us rightly to estimate their immense value; to + preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity, and from + hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits; to + dispose us to merit the continuance of His favors by not + abusing them; by our gratitude for them, and by a + correspondent conduct as citizens and men; to render this + country more and more a safe and propitious asylum for the + unfortunate of other countries; to extend among us true and + useful knowledge; to diffuse and establish habits of + sobriety, order, morality, and piety, and finally, to impart + all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves, to the + whole family of mankind. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United + States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed + the same with my hand. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p> + Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 1st day of January, + 1795, and of the Independence of the United States of America + the nineteenth. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + <br> + By the President:<br> + EDM. RANDOLPH. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + [From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 134.] + </center> + <h3> + PROCLAMATION. + </h3> + <p> + Whereas the commissioners appointed by the President of the + United States to confer with the citizens in the western + counties of Pennsylvania during the late insurrection which + prevailed therein, by their act and agreement bearing date + the 2d day of September last, in pursuance of the powers in + them vested, did promise and engage that, if assurances of + submission to the laws of the United States should be bona + fide given by the citizens resident in the fourth survey of + Pennsylvania, in the manner and within the time in the said + act and agreement specified, a general pardon should be + granted on the 10th day of July then next ensuing of all + treasons and other indictable offenses against the United + States committed within the said survey before the 22d day of + August last, excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person + who should refuse or neglect to subscribe such assurance and + engagement in manner aforesaid, or who should after such + subscription violate the same, or willfully obstruct or + attempt to obstruct the execution of the acts for raising a + revenue on distilled spirits and stills, or be aiding or + abetting therein; and + </p> + <p> + Whereas I have since thought proper to extend the said pardon + to all persons guilty of the said treasons, misprisions of + treasons, or otherwise concerned in the late insurrection + within the survey aforesaid who have not since been indicted + or convicted thereof, or of any other offense against the + United States: + </p> + <p> + Therefore be it known that I, George Washington, President of + the said United States, have granted, and by these presents + do grant, a full, free, and entire pardon to all persons + (excepting as is hereinafter excepted) of all treasons, + misprisions of treason, and other indictable offenses against + the United States committed within the fourth survey of + Pennsylvania before the said 22d day of August last past, + excepting and excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person + who refused or neglected to give and subscribe the said + assurances in the manner aforesaid (or having subscribed hath + violated the same) and now standeth indicted or convicted of + any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense against + the said United States, hereby remitting and releasing unto + all persons, except as before excepted, all penalties + incurred, or supposed to be incurred, for or on account of + the premises. + </p> + <p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused + the seal of the United States to be affixed, this 10th day of + July, A.D. 1795, and the twentieth year of the Independence + of the said United States. + </p> + <p> + [SEAL.] + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SEVENTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 8, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion + that I have never met you at any period when more than at the + present the situation of our public affairs has afforded just + cause for mutual congratulation, and for inviting you to join + with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for + the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. + </p> + <p> + The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war + in which we have been engaged with certain Indians northwest + of the Ohio is placed in the option of the United States by a + treaty which the commander of our army has concluded + provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. + </p> + <p> + In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the + Indians was deemed an object worthy no less of the policy + than of the liberality of the United States as the necessary + basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, + has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will + immediately be laid before the Senate for their + consideration. + </p> + <p> + The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern + tribes had annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their + preexisting treaties with us, and were giving evidence of a + sincere disposition to carry them into effect by the + surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. But + we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has + been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens + of Georgia are represented to have recently perpetrated on + hunting parties of the Creeks, which have again subjected + that frontier to disquietude and danger, which will be + productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion + of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the + usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of + their succeeding at least to avert general hostility. + </p> + <p> + A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his + recognition of our treaty made with his father, the late + Emperor, and consequently the continuance of peace with that + power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that information has + been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers + importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and + Regency of that country had been adjusted in such a manner as + to authorize the expectation of a speedy peace and the + restoration of our unfortunate fellow-citizens from a + grievous captivity. + </p> + <p> + The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid + give, moreover, the pleasing information that he had received + assurances of a speedy and satisfactory conclusion of his + negotiation. While the event depending upon unadjusted + particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is + agreeable to cherish the expectation of an issue which, + securing amicably very essential interests of the United + States, will at the same time lay the foundation of lasting + harmony with a power whose friendship we have uniformly and + sincerely desired to cultivate. + </p> + <p> + Though not before officially disclosed to the House of + Representatives, you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a + treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation has been negotiated + with Great Britain, and that the Senate have advised and + consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts + part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best + judgment I was able to form of the public interest after full + and mature deliberation, I have added my sanction. The result + on the part of His Britannic Majesty is unknown. When + received, the subject will without delay be placed before + Congress. + </p> + <p> + This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the + foreign powers between whom and the United States + controversies have subsisted, and with regard also to those + of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a state of + enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling + and gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on + every side the extinguishment of all the causes of external + discord which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on + terms compatible with our national rights and honor, shall be + the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation will + have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing + the prosperity of our country. + </p> + <p> + Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external + relations of the United States, we discover equal cause for + contentment and satisfaction. While many of the nations of + Europe, with their American dependencies, have been involved + in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, and calamitous, in + which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by + domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the + arts most useful to society have been exposed to + discouragement and decay; in which scarcity of subsistence + has imbittered other sufferings; while even the anticipations + of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed + by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press + upon all the departments of industry and threaten to clog the + future springs of government, our favored country, happy in a + striking contrast, has enjoyed general tranquillity—a + tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at the + expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated + no obligation to others. Our agriculture, commerce, and + manufactures prosper beyond former example, the molestations + of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, + very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced + by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral + position. Our population advances with a celerity which, + exceeding the most sanguine calculations, proportionally + augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our + future security. Every part of the Union displays indications + of rapid and various improvement; and with burthens so light + as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to + our present exigencies, with governments founded on the + genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and + wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country + exhibits a spectacle of national happiness never surpassed, + if ever before equaled? + </p> + <p> + Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of + commanding force impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to + Heaven and pure love to our country, to unite our efforts to + preserve, prolong, and improve our immense advantages. To + cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and + favorite wish of my heart. + </p> + <p> + It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our + welfare that the part of our country which was lately the + scene of disorder and insurrection now enjoys the blessings + of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned their errors, + and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due + from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. + These circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the + offenders here referred to, and to extend forgiveness to + those who had been adjudged to capital punishment. For though + I shall always think it a sacred duty to exercise with + firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am + vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the + public good than it is with my personal feelings to mingle in + the operations of Government every degree of moderation and + tenderness which the national justice, dignity, and safety + may permit. + </p> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: Among the objects which will claim your attention + in the course of the session, a review of our military + establishment is not the least important. It is called for by + the events which have changed, and maybe expected still + further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. + In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the + considerations that the questions between us and certain + foreign powers are not yet finally adjusted, that the war in + Europe is not yet terminated, and that our Western posts, + when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning and + securing them. A statement of our present military force will + be laid before you by the Department of War. + </p> + <p> + With the review of our Army establishment is naturally + connected that of the militia. It will merit inquiry what + imperfections in the existing plan further experience may + have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in my + estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the + consideration of it may be renewed until the greatest + attainable perfection shall be accomplished. Time is wearing + away some advantages for forwarding the object, while none + better deserves the persevering attention of the public + councils. + </p> + <p> + While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition + of our Western borders so well authorizes, it is necessary + that we should not lose sight of an important truth which + continually receives new confirmations, namely, that the + provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of + the Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our + frontier inhabitants are insufficient. It is demonstrated + that these violences can now be perpetrated with impunity, + and it can need no argument to prove that unless the + murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the + murderers to condign punishment, all the exertions of the + Government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians + will prove fruitless and all our present agreeable prospects + illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent women and + children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must + continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain + the Treasury of the Union. + </p> + <p> + To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is + indispensable that there shall be competent means of + rendering justice to them. If these means can be devised by + the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can be added + an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the + Indians on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I + the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences with them + they urge it with solicitude), I should not hesitate to + entertain a strong hope of rendering our tranquillity + permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of + their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which + have been thus far made under the auspices of Government. The + accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will reflect + undecaying luster on our national character and administer + the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been + borrowed and reimbursed pursuant to different acts of + Congress, will be submitted from the proper Department, + together with an estimate of the appropriations necessary to + be made for the service of the ensuing year. + </p> + <p> + Whether measures may not be advisable to reenforce the + provision for the redemption of the public debt will + naturally engage your examination. Congress have demonstrated + their sense to be, and it were superfluous to repeat mine, + that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable + extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true + interest of our country as with the general sense of our + constituents. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The statements which will be laid before you relative to the + Mint will shew the situation of that institution and the + necessity of some further legislative provisions for carrying + the business of it more completely into effect, and for + checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular + quarters. + </p> + <p> + The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in + building them, the state of the fortifications of our + harbors, the measures which have been pursued for obtaining + proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing our magazines + with military stores, and the steps which have been taken + toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the + Indians will likewise be presented for the information of + Congress. + </p> + <p> + Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may + arise in the course of the session and mutual forbearance + where there is a difference of opinion are too obvious and + necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare of our + country to need any recommendation of mine. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by + your speech to the two Houses of Congress that the long and + expensive war in which we have been engaged with the Indians + northwest of the Ohio is in a situation to be finally + terminated; and though we view with concern the danger of an + interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with the + Creeks, we indulge the hope that the measures that you have + adopted to prevent the same, if followed by those legislative + provisions that justice and humanity equally demand, will + succeed in laying the foundation of a lasting peace with the + Indian tribes on the Southern as well as on the Western + frontiers. + </p> + <p> + The confirmation of our treaty with Morocco, and the + adjustment of a treaty of peace with Algiers, in consequence + of which our captive fellow-citizens shall be delivered from + slavery, are events that will prove no less interesting to + the public humanity than they will be important in extending + and securing the navigation and commerce of our country. + </p> + <p> + As a just and equitable conclusion of our depending + negotiations with Spain will essentially advance the interest + of both nations, and thereby cherish and confirm the good + understanding and friendship which we have at all times + desired to maintain, it will afford us real pleasure to + receive an early confirmation of our expectations on this + subject. + </p> + <p> + The interesting prospect of our affairs with regard to the + foreign powers between whom and the United States + controversies have subsisted is not more satisfactory than + the review of our internal situation. If from the former we + derive an expectation of the extinguishment of all the causes + of external discord that have heretofore endangered our + tranquillity, and on terms consistent with our national honor + and safety, in the latter we discover those numerous and + widespread tokens of prosperity which in so peculiar a manner + distinguish our happy country. + </p> + <p> + Circumstances thus every way auspicious demand our gratitude + and sincere acknowledgments to Almighty God, and require that + we should unite our efforts in imitation of your enlightened, + firm, and persevering example to establish and preserve the + peace, freedom, and prosperity of our country. + </p> + <p> + The objects which you have recommended to the notice of the + Legislature will in the course of the session receive our + careful attention, and with a true zeal for the public + welfare we shall cheerfully cooperate in every measure that + shall appear to us best calculated to promote the same. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN ADAMS,<br> + <i>Vice-President of the United States and President of the + Senate</i>. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 11, 1795. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: With real pleasure I receive your address, + recognizing the prosperous situation of our public affairs, + and giving assurances of your careful attention to the + objects demanding legislative consideration, and that with a + true zeal for the public welfare you will cheerfully + cooperate in every measure which shall appear to you best + calculated to promote the same. + </p> + <p> + But I derive peculiar satisfaction from your concurrence with + me in the expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, which a + review of the auspicious circumstances that distinguish our + happy country have excited, and I trust the sincerity of our + acknowledgments will be evinced by a union of efforts to + establish and preserve its peace, freedom, and prosperity. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 12, 1795. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </p> + <p> + SIR: As the Representatives of the people of the United + States, we can not but participate in the strongest + sensibility to every blessing which they enjoy, and + cheerfully join with you in profound gratitude to the Author + of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings + which He has conferred on our favored country. + </p> + <p> + A final and formal termination of the distressing war which + has ravaged our Northwestern frontier will be an event which + must afford a satisfaction proportionate to the anxiety with + which it has long been sought, and in the adjustment of the + terms we perceive the true policy of making them satisfactory + to the Indians as well as to the United States as the best + basis of a durable tranquillity. The disposition of such of + the Southern tribes as had also heretofore annoyed our + frontier is another prospect in our situation so important to + the interest and happiness of the United States that it is + much to be lamented that any clouds should be thrown over it, + more especially by excesses on the part of our own citizens. + </p> + <p> + While our population is advancing with a celerity which + exceeds the most sanguine calculations; while every part of + the United States displays indications of rapid and various + improvement; while we are in the enjoyment of protection and + security by mild and wholesome laws, administered by + governments founded on the genuine principles of rational + liberty, a secure foundation will be laid for accelerating, + maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country if, + by treaty and amicable negotiation, all those causes of + external discord which heretofore menaced our tranquillity + shall be extinguished on terms compatible with our national + rights and honor and with our Constitution and great + commercial interests. + </p> + <p> + Among the various circumstances in our internal situation + none can be viewed with more satisfaction and exultation than + that the late scene of disorder and insurrection has been + completely restored to the enjoyment of order and repose. + Such a triumph of reason and of law is worthy of the free + Government under which it happened, and was justly to be + hoped from the enlightened and patriotic spirit which + pervades and actuates the people of the United States. + </p> + <p> + In contemplating that spectacle of national happiness which + our country exhibits, and of which you, sir, have been + pleased to make an interesting summary, permit us to + acknowledge and declare the very great share which your + zealous and faithful services have contributed to it, and to + express the affectionate attachment which we feel for your + character. + </p> + <p> + The several interesting subjects which you recommend to our + consideration will receive every degree of attention which is + due to them; and whilst we feel the obligation of temperance + and mutual indulgence in all our discussions, we trust and + pray that the result to the happiness and welfare of our + country may correspond with the pure affection we bear to it. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 16, 1795. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: Coming as you do from all parts of the United + States, I receive great satisfaction from the concurrence of + your testimony in the justness of the interesting summary of + our national happiness which, as the result of my inquiries, + I presented to your view. The sentiments we have mutually + expressed of profound gratitude to the source of those + numerous blessings, the Author of all Good, are pledges of + our obligations to unite our sincere and zealous endeavors, + as the instruments of Divine Providence, to preserve and + perpetuate them. + </p> + <p> + Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for your declaration that to my + agency you ascribe the enjoyment of a great share of these + benefits. So far as my services contribute to the happiness + of my country, the acknowledgment thereof by my + fellow-citizens and their affectionate attachment will ever + prove an abundant reward. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 17, 1795. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 9, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty of peace + which has been negotiated by General Wayne, on behalf of the + United States, with all the late hostile tribes of Indians + northwest of the river Ohio, together with the instructions + which were given to General Wayne and the proceedings at the + place of treaty. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 21, 1795</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Herewith I transmit, for your information and consideration, + the original letter from the Emperor of Morocco, recognizing + the treaty of peace and friendship between the United States + and his father, the late Emperor, accompanied with a + translation thereof, and various documents relating to the + negotiation by which the recognition was effected. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 4, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + A letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French + Republic, received on the 22d of the last month, covered an + address, dated the 21st of October, 1794, from the committee + of public safety to the Representatives of the United States + in Congress, and also informed me that he was instructed by + the committee to present to the United States the colors of + France. I thereupon proposed to receive them last Friday, the + first day of the new year, a day of general joy and + congratulation. On that day the minister of the French + Republic delivered the colors, with an address, to which I + returned an answer. By the latter Congress will see that I + have informed the minister that the colors will be deposited + with the archives of the United States. But it seemed to me + proper previously to exhibit to the two Houses of Congress + these evidences of the continued friendship of the French + Republic, together with the sentiments expressed by me on the + occasion in behalf of the United States. They are herewith + communicated. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 8, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit to you a memorial of the commissioners appointed + by virtue of an act entitled "An act for establishing the + temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United + States," on the subject of the public buildings under their + direction. + </p> + <p> + Since locating a district for the permanent seat of the + Government of the United States, as heretofore announced to + both Houses of Congress, I have accepted the grants of money + and of land stated in the memorial of the commissioners. I + have directed the buildings therein mentioned to be commenced + on plans which I deemed consistent with the liberality of the + grants and proper for the purposes intended. + </p> + <p> + I have not been inattentive to this important business + intrusted by the Legislature to my care. I have viewed the + resources placed in my hands, and observed the manner in + which they have been applied. The progress is pretty fully + detailed in the memorial from the commissioners, and one of + them attends to give further information if required. In a + case new and arduous, like the present, difficulties might + naturally be expected. Some have occurred, but they are in a + great degree surmounted, and I have no doubt, if the + remaining resources are properly cherished, so as to prevent + the loss of property by hasty and numerous sales, that all + the buildings required for the accommodation of the + Government of the United States may be completed in season + without aid from the Federal Treasury. The subject is + therefore recommended to the consideration of Congress, and + the result will determine the measures which I shall cause to + be pursued with respect to the property remaining unsold. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 29, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send herewith for the information of Congress: + </p> + <p> + First. An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode + Island, ratifying an amendment to the Constitution of the + United States to prevent suits in certain cases against a + State. + </p> + <p> + Second. An act of the State of North Carolina making the like + ratification. + </p> + <p> + Third. An act of the State of North Carolina, assenting to + the purchase by the United States of a sufficient quantity of + land on Shell Castle Island for the purpose of erecting a + beacon thereon, and ceding the jurisdiction thereof to the + United States. + </p> + <p> + Fourth. A copy from the journal of proceedings of the + governor in his executive department of the territory of the + United States northwest of the river Ohio from July 1 to + December 31, 1794. + </p> + <p> + Fifth. A copy from the records of the executive proceedings + of the same governor from January 1 to June 30, 1795; and + </p> + <p> + Sixth and seventh. A copy of the journal of the proceedings + of the governor in his executive department of the territory + of the United States south of the river Ohio from September + 1, 1794, to September 1, 1795. + </p> + <p> + Eighth. The acts of the first and second sessions of the + general assembly of the same territory. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 29, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the + United States by an act of Congress passed the 3d of March + last, to reduce the weights of the copper coin of the United + States whenever he should think it for the benefit of the + United States, provided that the reduction should not exceed + 2 pennyweights in each cent, and in the like proportion in a + half cent, I have caused the same to be reduced since the + 27th of last December, to wit, 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in + each cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent; and I + have given notice thereof by proclamation. + </p> + <p> + By the letter of the judges of the circuit court of the + United States, held at Boston in June last, and the inclosed + application of the underkeeper of the jail at that place, of + which copies are herewith transmitted, Congress will perceive + the necessity of making a suitable provision for the + maintenance of prisoners committed to the jails of the + several States under the authority of the United States. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 2, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I transmit herewith the copy of a letter, dated the 19th of + December last, from Governor Blount to the Secretary of War, + stating the avowed and daring designs of certain persons to + take possession of the lands belonging to the Cherokees, and + which the United States have by treaty solemnly guaranteed to + that nation. The injustice of such intrusions and the + mischievous consequences which must necessarily result + therefrom demand that effectual provision be made to prevent + them. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 15, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Herewith I transmit, for your consideration and advice, a + treaty of peace and amity, concluded on the 5th day of last + September by Joseph Donaldson, Jr., on the part of the United + States, with the Dey of Algiers, for himself, his Divan, and + his subjects. + </p> + <p> + The instructions and other necessary papers relative to this + negotiation are also sent herewith, for the information of + the Senate. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 26, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send herewith the treaty concluded on the 27th of October + last between the United States and Spain by their respective + plenipotentiaries. + </p> + <p> + The communications to the Senate referred to in my message of + the 16th of December, 1793, contain the instructions to the + commissioners of the United States, Messrs. Carmichael and + Short, and various details relative to the negotiations with + Spain. Herewith I transmit copies of the documents + authorizing Mr. Pinckney, the envoy extraordinary from the + United States to the Court of Spain, to conclude the + negotiation agreeably to the original instructions above + mentioned, and to adjust the claims of the United States for + the spoliations committed by the armed vessels of His + Catholic Majesty on the commerce of our citizens. + </p> + <p> + The numerous papers exhibiting the progress of the + negotiation under the conduct of Mr. Pinckney, being in the + French and Spanish languages, will be communicated to the + Senate as soon as the translations which appear necessary + shall be completed. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 1, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation concluded + between the United States of America and His Britannic + Majesty having been duly ratified, and the ratifications + having been exchanged at London on the 28th day of October, + 1795, I have directed the same to be promulgated, and + herewith transmit a copy thereof for the information of + Congress. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 8, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send herewith, for the information of Congress, the treaty + concluded between the United States and the Dey and Regency + of Algiers. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 15, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + By the ninth section of the act entitled "An act to provide a + naval armament" it is enacted "that if a peace shall take + place between the United States and the Regency of Algiers, + that no further proceedings be had under this act." + </p> + <p> + The peace which is here contemplated having taken place, it + is incumbent upon the Executive to suspend all orders + respecting the building of the frigates, procuring materials + for them, or preparing materials already obtained, which may + be done without intrenching upon contracts or agreements made + and entered into before this event. + </p> + <p> + But inasmuch as the loss which the public would incur might + be considerable from dissipation of workmen, from certain + works or operations being suddenly dropped or left + unfinished, and from the derangement in the whole system + consequent upon an immediate suspension of all proceedings + under it, I have therefore thought advisable, before taking + such a step, to submit the subject to the Senate and House of + Representatives, that such measures may be adopted in the + premises as may best comport with the public interest. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 25, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send herewith, for your information, the translation of a + letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French + Republic to the Secretary of State, announcing the peace made + by the Republic with the Kings of Prussia and Spain, the + Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel, and + that the republican constitution decreed by the National + Convention had been accepted by the people of France and was + in operation. I also send you a copy of the answer given by + my direction to this communication from the French minister. + My sentiments therein expressed I am persuaded will harmonize + with yours and with those of all my fellow-citizens. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 29, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I send herewith a copy of the treaty of friendship, limits, + and navigation, concluded on the 27th of October last, + between the United States and His Catholic Majesty. This + treaty has been ratified by me agreeably to the Constitution, + and the ratification has been dispatched for Spain, where it + will doubtless be immediately ratified by His Catholic + Majesty. + </p> + <p> + This early communication of the treaty with Spain has become + necessary because it is stipulated in the third article that + commissioners for running the boundary line between the + territory of the United States and the Spanish colonies of + East and West Florida shall meet at the Natchez before the + expiration of six months from the ratification; and as that + period will undoubtedly arrive before the next meeting of + Congress, the House will see the necessity of making + provision in their present session for the object here + mentioned. It will also be necessary to provide for the + expense to be incurred in executing the twenty-first article + of the treaty, to enable our fellow-citizens to obtain with + as little delay as possible compensation for the losses they + have sustained by the capture of their vessels and cargoes by + the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war + between France and Spain. + </p> + <p> + Estimates of the moneys necessary to be provided for the + purposes of this and several other treaties with foreign + nations and the Indian tribes will be laid before you by the + proper Department. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 30, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>To the House of Representatives of the United States</i>: + </p> + <p> + With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution + of the 24th instant, requesting me to lay before your House a + copy of the instructions to the minister of the United States + who negotiated the treaty with the King of Great Britain, + together with the correspondence and other documents relative + to that treaty, excepting such of the said papers as any + existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed. + </p> + <p> + In deliberating upon this subject it was impossible for me to + lose sight of the principle which some have avowed in its + discussion, or to avoid extending my views to the + consequences which must flow from the admission of that + principle. + </p> + <p> + I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a + disposition to withhold any information which the + Constitution has enjoined upon the President as a duty to + give, or which could be required of him by either House of + Congress as a right; and with truth I affirm that it has + been, as it will continue to be while I have the honor to + preside in the Government, my constant endeavor to harmonize + with the other branches thereof so far as the trust delegated + to me by the people of the United States and my sense of the + obligation it imposes to "preserve, protect, and defend the + Constitution" will permit. + </p> + <p> + The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution, and + their success must often depend on secrecy; and even when + brought to a conclusion a full disclosure of all the + measures, demands, or eventual concessions which may have + been proposed or contemplated would be extremely impolitic; + for this might have a pernicious influence on future + negotiations, or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps + danger and mischief, in relation to other powers. The + necessity of such caution and secrecy was one cogent reason + for vesting the power of making treaties in the President, + with the advice and consent of the Senate, the principle on + which that body was formed confining it to a small number of + members. To admit, then, a right in the House of + Representatives to demand and to have as a matter of course + all the papers respecting a negotiation with a foreign power + would be to establish a dangerous precedent. + </p> + <p> + It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for + can be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the + House of Representatives, except that of an impeachment, + which the resolution has not expressed. I repeat that I have + no disposition to withhold any information which the duty of + my station will permit or the public good shall require to be + disclosed; and, in fact, all the papers affecting the + negotiation with Great Britain were, laid before the Senate + when the treaty itself was communicated for their + consideration and advice. + </p> + <p> + The course which the debate has taken on the resolution of + the House leads to some observations on the mode of making + treaties under the Constitution of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Having been a member of the General Convention, and knowing + the principles on which the Constitution was formed, I have + ever entertained but one opinion on this subject; and from + the first establishment of the Government to this moment my + conduct has exemplified that opinion—that the power of + making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, by + and with the advice and consent of the Senate, provided + two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and that every + treaty so made and promulgated thenceforward became the law + of the land. It is thus that the treaty-making power has been + understood by foreign nations, and in all the treaties made + with them <i>we</i> have declared and <i>they</i> have + believed that, when ratified by the President, with the + advice and consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In + this construction of the Constitution every House of + Representatives has heretofore acquiesced, and until the + present time not a doubt or suspicion has appeared, to my + knowledge, that this construction was not the true one. Nay, + they have more than acquiesced; for till now, without + controverting the obligation of such treaties, they have made + all the requisite provisions for carrying them into effect. + </p> + <p> + There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees + with the opinions entertained by the State conventions when + they were deliberating on the Constitution, especially by + those who objected to it because there was not required in + <i>commercial treaties</i> the consent of two-thirds of the + whole number of the members of the Senate instead of + two-thirds of the Senators present, and because in treaties + respecting territorial and certain other rights and claims + the concurrence of three-fourths of the whole number of the + members of both Houses, respectively, was not made necessary. + </p> + <p> + It is a fact declared by the General Convention and + universally understood that the Constitution of the United + States was the result of a spirit of amity and mutual + concession; and it is well known that under this influence + the smaller States were admitted to an equal representation + in the Senate with the larger States, and that this branch of + the Government was invested with great powers, for on the + equal participation of those powers the sovereignty and + political safety of the smaller States were deemed + essentially to depend. + </p> + <p> + If other proofs than these and the plain letter of the + Constitution itself be necessary to ascertain the point under + consideration, they may be found in the journals of the + General Convention, which I have deposited in the office of + the Department of State. In those journals it will appear + that a proposition was made "that no treaty should be binding + on the United States which was not ratified by a law," and + that the proposition was explicitly rejected. + </p> + <p> + As, therefore, it is perfectly clear to my understanding that + the assent of the House of Representatives is not necessary + to the validity of a treaty; as the treaty with Great Britain + exhibits in itself all the objects requiring legislative + provision, and on these the papers called for can throw no + light, and as it is essential to the due administration of + the Government that the boundaries fixed by the Constitution + between the different departments should be preserved, a just + regard to the Constitution and to the duty of my office, + under all the circumstances of this case, forbids a + compliance with your request. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 31, 1776</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the + United States and Great Britain requiring that commissioners + should be appointed to fix certain boundaries between the + territories of the contracting parties, and to ascertain the + losses and damages represented to have been sustained by + their respective citizens and subjects, as set forth in the + fifth, sixth, and seventh articles of the treaty, in order to + carry those articles into execution I nominate as + commissioners on the part of the United States: + </p> + <p> + For the purpose mentioned in the fifth article, Henry Knox, + of Massachusetts; + </p> + <p> + For the purpose mentioned in the sixth article, Thomas + Fitzsimons, of Pennsylvania, and James Innes, of Virginia; + and + </p> + <p> + For the purposes mentioned in the seventh article, + Christopher Gore, of Massachusetts, and William Pinckney, of + Maryland. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 8, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + By an act of Congress passed on the 26th of May, 1790, it was + declared that the inhabitants of the territory of the United + States south of the river Ohio should enjoy all the + privileges, benefits, and advantages set forth in the + ordinance of Congress for the government of the territory of + the United States northwest of the river Ohio, and that the + government of the said territory south of the Ohio should be + similar to that which was then exercised in the territory + northwest of the Ohio, except so far as was otherwise + provided in the conditions expressed in an act of Congress + passed the 2d of April, 1790, entitled "An act to accept a + cession of the claims of the State of North Carolina to a + certain district of western territory." + </p> + <p> + Among the privileges, benefits, and advantages thus secured + to the inhabitants of the territory south of the river Ohio + appear to be the right of forming a permanent constitution + and State government, and of admission as a State, by its + Delegates, into the Congress of the United States, on an + equal footing with the original States in all respects + whatever, when it should have therein 60,000 free + inhabitants; provided the constitution and government so to + be formed should be republican, and in conformity to the + principles contained in the articles of the said ordinance. + </p> + <p> + As proofs of the several requisites to entitle the territory + south of the river Ohio to be admitted as a State into the + Union, Governor Blount has transmitted a return of the + enumeration of its inhabitants and a printed copy of the + constitution and form of government on which they have + agreed, which, with his letters accompanying the same, are + herewith laid before Congress. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>April 28, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Herewith I lay before you a letter from the Attorney-General + of the United States, relative to compensation to the + attorneys of the United States in the several districts, + which is recommended to your consideration. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 2, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Some time last year Jeremiah Wadsworth was authorized to hold + a treaty with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the + Seven Nations of Canada, to enable the State of New York to + extinguish, by purchase, a claim which the said Indians had + set up to a parcel of land lying within that State. The + negotiation having issued without effecting its object, and + the State of New York having requested a renewal of the + negotiation, and the Indians having come forward with an + application on the same subject, I now nominate Jeremiah + Wadsworth to be a commissioner to hold a treaty with the + Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven Nations of + Canada, for the purpose of enabling the State of New York to + extinguish the aforesaid claim. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 5, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, an + explanatory article proposed to be added to the treaty of + amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and + Great Britain, together with a copy of the full power to the + Secretary of State to negotiate the same. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 25, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The measures now in operation for taking possession of the + posts of Detroit and Michilimackinac render it proper that + provision should be made for extending to these places and + any others alike circumstanced the civil authority of the + Northwestern Territory. To do this will require an expense to + defray which the ordinary salaries of the governor and + secretary of that Territory appear to be incompetent. + </p> + <p> + The forming of a new county, or new counties, and the + appointment of the various officers, which the just exercise + of government must require, will oblige the governor and + secretary to visit those places, and to spend considerable + time in making the arrangements necessary for introducing and + establishing the Government of the United States. Congress + will consider what provision will in this case be proper. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>May 28, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + The extraordinary expenses to be incurred in the present year + in supporting our foreign intercourse I find will require a + provision beyond the ordinary appropriation and the + additional $20,000 already granted. + </p> + <p> + I have directed an estimate to be made, which is sent + herewith, and will exhibit the deficiency for which an + appropriation appears to be necessary. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>December 7, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I + had last the pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for + a renewed expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the + Universe which a continued series of prosperity has so often + and so justly called forth. + </p> + <p> + The acts of the last session which required special + arrangements have been as far as circumstances would admit + carried into operation. + </p> + <p> + Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship + of the Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our + interior frontier have been digested and adopted. In the + framing of these care has been taken to guard on the one hand + our advanced settlements from the predatory incursions of + those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their + tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured + to the Indians by treaty—to draw them nearer to the + civilized state and inspire them with correct conceptions of + the power as well as justice of the Government. + </p> + <p> + The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at + Colerain, in the State of Georgia, which had for a principal + object the purchase of a parcel of their land by that State, + broke up without its being accomplished, the nation having + previous to their departure instructed them against making + any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm + by a new treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements + with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the + establishment of trading houses and military posts within + their boundary, by means of which their friendship and the + general peace may be more effectually secured. + </p> + <p> + The period during the late session at which the appropriation + was passed for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, + commerce, and navigation between the United States and His + Britannic Majesty necessarily procrastinated the reception of + the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond the date assigned + for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General of + Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, + arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their + evacuation, and the United States took possession of the + principal of them, comprehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, + Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and + additions have been ordered to be made as appeared + indispensable. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States + and of Great Britain to determine which is the river St. + Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the + choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, for the third + commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrews, in Passamaquoddy + Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be + made of the rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable + to have these surveys completed before the next year, they + adjourned to meet at Boston in August, 1797, for the final + decision of the question. + </p> + <p> + Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United + States, agreeably to the seventh article of the treaty with + Great Britain, relative to captures and condemnation of + vessels and other property, met the commissioners of His + Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John + Trumbull, esq., was chosen by lot for the fifth commissioner. + In October following the board were to proceed to business. + As yet there has been no communication of commissioners on + the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have been + appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into + effect the sixth article of the treaty. + </p> + <p> + The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for + running the boundary line between the territory of the United + States and His Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West + Florida should meet at the Natchez before the expiration of + six months after the exchange of the ratifications, which was + effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; and the troops + of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits + of the United States were within the same period to be + withdrawn. The commissioner of the United States therefore + commenced his journey for the Natchez in September, and + troops were ordered to occupy the posts from which the + Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been + recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the + part of His Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, + but none of any appointment for the adjustment of the claims + of our citizens whose vessels were captured by the armed + vessels of Spain. + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last + session for the protection and relief of American seamen, + agents were appointed, one to reside in Great Britain and the + other in the West Indies. The effects of the agency in the + West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those which + have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure + will be beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great + Britain declining to accept the appointment, the business has + consequently devolved on the minister of the United States in + London, and will command his attention until a new agent + shall be appointed. + </p> + <p> + After many delays and disappointments arising out of the + European war, the final arrangements for fulfilling the + engagements made to the Dey and Regency of Algiers will in + all present appearance be crowned with success, but under + great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary + transactions occasioned by that war, which will render + further provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our + citizens who were prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies + every feeling heart, is itself an earnest of a satisfactory + termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in + operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis + and Tripoli. + </p> + <p> + To an active external commerce the protection of a naval + force is indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars + in which a State is itself a party. But besides this, it is + in our own experience that the most sincere neutrality is not + a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at + war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval + force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or + aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to + war by discouraging belligerent powers from committing such + violations of the rights of the neutral party as may, first + or last, leave no other option. From the best information I + have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the + Mediterranean without a protecting force will always be + insecure and our citizens exposed to the calamities from + which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + </p> + <p> + These considerations invite the United States to look to the + means, and to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The + increasing progress of their navigation promises them at no + distant period the requisite supply of seamen, and their + means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an + encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will + give weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their + hands. Will it not, then, be advisable to begin without delay + to provide and lay up the materials for the building and + equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by + degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it + practicable without inconvenience, so that a future war of + Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected + state in which it was found by the present? + </p> + <p> + Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed + their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The + object is of too much consequence not to insure a continuance + of their efforts in every way which shall appear eligible. As + a general rule, manufactures on public account are + inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country + leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will + for a great length of time obtain, when these are of a nature + essential to the furnishing and equipping of the public force + in time of war, are not establishments for procuring them on + public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for the + public service recommended by strong considerations of + national policy as an exception to the general rule? Ought + our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign + supply, precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the + necessary article should in this mode cost more in time of + peace, will not the security and independence thence arising + form an ample compensation? Establishments of this sort, + commensurate only with the calls of the public service in + time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in + proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even + perhaps be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our + citizens at large, so as to mitigate the privations from the + interruption of their trade. If adopted, the plan ought to + exclude all those branches which are already, or likely soon + to be, established in the country, in order that there may be + no danger of interference with pursuits of individual + industry. + </p> + <p> + It will not be doubted that with reference either to + individual or national welfare agriculture is of primary + importance. In proportion as nations advance in population + and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more + apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and + more an object of public patronage. Institutions for + promoting it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to + what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety? Among + the means which have been employed to this end none have been + attended with greater success than the establishment of + boards (composed of proper characters) charged with + collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums + and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of + discovery and improvement. This species of establishment + contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by + stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a + common center the results everywhere of individual skill and + observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. + Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very cheap + instruments of immense national benefits. + </p> + <p> + I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress + the expediency of establishing a national university and also + a military academy. The desirableness of both these + institutions has so constantly increased with every new view + I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the + opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + </p> + <p> + The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not + to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts + and sciences contributes to national prosperity and + reputation. + </p> + <p> + True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many + seminaries of learning highly respectable and useful; but the + funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the + ablest professors in the different departments of liberal + knowledge for the institution contemplated, though they would + be excellent auxiliaries. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation + of the principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen by + the common education of a portion of our youth from every + quarter well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our + citizens can be made in these particulars the greater will be + our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such + a national institution should be the education of our youth + in the science of <i>government</i>. In a republic what + species of knowledge can be equally important and what duty + more pressing on its legislature than to patronize a plan for + communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians + of the liberties of the country? + </p> + <p> + The institution of a military academy is also recommended by + cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a + nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock + of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair + the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety + or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided; + besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. + In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might + exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing the rules of + the military art ought to be its care in preserving and + transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that + art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples + superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject + will evince that the art of war is at once comprehensive and + complicated, that it demands much previous study, and that + the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state + is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, + therefore, ought to be a serious care of every government, + and for this purpose an academy where a regular course of + instruction is given is an obvious expedient which different + nations have successfully employed. + </p> + <p> + The compensations to the officers of the United States in + various instances, and in none more than in respect to the + most important stations, appear to call for legislative + revision. The consequences of a defective provision are of + serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to + supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly + contract the sphere within which the selection of character + for office is to be made, and will proportionally diminish + the probability of a choice of men able as well as upright. + Besides that, it would be repugnant to the vital principles + of our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts + talents and virtue unless accompanied by wealth. + </p> + <p> + While in our external relations some serious inconveniences + and embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it + is with much pain and deep regret I mention that + circumstances of a very unwelcome nature have lately + occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive + injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of + the French Republic, and communications have been received + from its minister here which indicate the danger of a further + disturbance of our commerce by its authority, and which are + in other respects far from agreeable. + </p> + <p> + It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in + conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial + harmony and a perfectly friendly understanding with that + Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall persevere + in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what + shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to + the rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease + to cherish the expectation that a spirit of justice, candor, + and friendship on the part of the Republic will eventually + insure success. + </p> + <p> + In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is + due to the character of our Government and nation, or to a + full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, + self-respect, and fortitude of my countrymen. + </p> + <p> + I reserve for a special message a more particular + communication on this interesting subject. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary + for the service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the + proper Department, with a view of the public receipts and + expenditures to the latest period to which an account can be + prepared. + </p> + <p> + It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the + revenues of the United States continue in a state of + progressive improvement. + </p> + <p> + A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging + our public debt was mentioned in my address at the opening of + the last session. Some preliminary steps were taken toward + it, the maturing of which will no doubt engage your zealous + attention during the present. I will only add that it will + afford me a heartfelt satisfaction to concur in such further + measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a + speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause + to regret if from any motive intervals of tranquillity are + left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed + on an efficient establishment has been so often and so + ardently expressed that I shall but barely recall the subject + to your view on the present occasion, at the same time that I + shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors are yet + sufficiently secured. + </p> + <p> + The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the + midst of the representatives of the people of the United + States, naturally recalls the period when the administration + of the present form of government commenced, and I can not + omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the + success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent + supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and + Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may + still be extended to the United States, that the virtue and + happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the + Government which they have instituted for the protection of + their liberties may be perpetual, + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE + UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of + the existing situation of our country, and we sincerely join + in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence for + the distinguished share of public prosperity and private + happiness which the people of the United States so peculiarly + enjoy. + </p> + <p> + We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted + from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully + carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, + and promote civilization amongst the Indian tribes on the + Western frontiers. Feelings of humanity and the most solid + political interests equally encourage the continuance of this + system. + </p> + <p> + We observe with pleasure that the delivery of the military + posts lately occupied by the British forces within the + territory of the United States was made with cordiality and + promptitude as soon as circumstances would admit, and that + the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain and + Spain that were objects of eventual arrangement are about + being carried into effect with entire harmony and good faith. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a + timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine treaty are + much to be lamented, as they may occasion a temporary + suspension of the advantages to be derived from a solid peace + with that power and a perfect security from its predatory + warfare. At the same time, the lively impressions that + affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive + fellow-citizens afford the most laudable incentive to our + exertions to remove the remaining obstacles. + </p> + <p> + We perfectly coincide with you in opinion that the importance + of our commerce demands a naval force for its protection + against foreign insult and depredation, and our solicitude to + attain that object will be always proportionate to its + magnitude. + </p> + <p> + The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain + useful manufactures by the intervention of legislative aid + and protection and the encouragement due to agriculture by + the creation of boards (composed of intelligent individuals) + to patronize this primary pursuit of society are subjects + which will readily engage our most serious attention. + </p> + <p> + A national university may be converted to the most useful + purposes. The science of legislation being so essentially + dependent on the endowments of the mind, the public interests + must receive effectual aid from the general diffusion of + knowledge, and the United States will assume a more dignified + station among the nations of the earth by the successful + cultivation of the higher branches of literature. + </p> + <p> + A military academy may be likewise rendered equally + important. To aid and direct the physical force of the nation + by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper sense of + discipline, and inculcating a scientific system of tactics is + consonant to the soundest maxims of public policy. Connected + with and supported by such an establishment a well-regulated + militia, constituting the natural defense of the country, + would prove the most effectual as well as economical + preservative of peace. + </p> + <p> + We can not but consider with serious apprehensions the + inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially + of those in the more important stations. It is not only a + violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an evil + so extensive in its operation and so destructive in its + consequences that we trust it will receive the most pointed + legislative attention. + </p> + <p> + We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United + States has been uniformly impressed with the character of + equity, moderation, and love of peace in the maintenance of + all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so + harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic of France + throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists + that could authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or + disengage that Republic from the bonds of amity, cemented by + the faith of treaties, we can not but express our deepest + regrets that official communications have been made to you + indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. + Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice + and a consideration of our mutual interests will moderate + their councils, we are not unmindful of the situation in + which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that + system of conduct which, compatible with the dignity of a + respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue. + </p> + <p> + We cordially acquiesce in the reflection that the United + States, under the operation of the Federal Government, have + experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity as + well political as commercial. + </p> + <p> + Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious + result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the + constitutional system and the wisdom of the legislative + provisions; but we should be deficient in gratitude and + justice did we not attribute a great portion of these + advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your + Administration, which have been conspicuously displayed in + the most trying time and on the most critical occasions. It + is therefore with the sincerest regret that we now receive an + official notification of your intentions to retire from the + public employments of your country. + </p> + <p> + When we review the various scenes of your public life, so + long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous + services, civil and military, as well during the struggles of + the American Revolution as the convulsive periods of a recent + date, we can not look forward to your retirement without our + warmest affections and most anxious regards accompanying you, + and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large in the + sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility + and attachment can express. + </p> + <p> + The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we + are about to sustain arises from the animating reflection + that the influence of your example will extend to your + successors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an + able, upright, and energetic administration. + </p> + <p class="r"> + JOHN ADAMS,<br> + <i>Vice-President of the United States and President of the + Senate</i>. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 10, 1796. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your + address a concurrence in sentiment with me on the various + topics which I presented for your information and + deliberation, and that the latter will receive from you an + attention proportioned to their respective importance. + </p> + <p> + For the notice you take of my public services, civil and + military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I + beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and + greater had I possessed ability to render them, were due to + the unanimous calls of my country, and its approbation is my + abundant reward. + </p> + <p> + When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw + virtuous and enlightened men among whom I relied on the + discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens to make the + proper choice of, a successor—men who would require no + influential example to insure to the United States "an able, + upright, and energetic administration." To such men I shall + cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our + common country; but at the same time I hope I may be indulged + in expressing the consoling reflection (which consciousness + suggests), and to bear it with me to my grave, that none can + serve it with purer intentions than I have done or with a + more disinterested zeal. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 12, 1796. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, + PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + </h3> + <p> + SIR: The House of Representatives have attended to your + communication respecting the state of our country with all + the sensibility that the contemplation of the subject and a + sense of duty can inspire. + </p> + <p> + We are gratified by the information that measures calculated + to insure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and + to maintain the tranquillity of the Western frontier have + been adopted, and we indulge the hope that these, by + impressing the Indian tribes with more correct conceptions of + the justice as well as power of the United States, will be + attended with success. + </p> + <p> + While we notice with satisfaction the steps that you have + taken in pursuance of the late treaties with several foreign + nations, the liberation of our citizens who were prisoners at + Algiers is a subject of peculiar felicitation. We shall + cheerfully cooperate in any further measures that shall + appear on consideration to be requisite. + </p> + <p> + We have ever concurred with you in the most sincere and + uniform disposition to preserve our neutral relations + inviolate, and it is of course with anxiety and deep regret + we hear that any interruption of our harmony with the French + Republic has occurred, for we feel with you and with our + constituents the cordial and unabated wish to maintain a + perfectly friendly understanding with that nation. Your + endeavors to fulfill that wish, and by all honorable means to + preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection + which have heretofore so happily subsisted between the French + Republic and the United States, can not fail, therefore, to + interest our attention. And while we participate in the full + reliance you have expressed on the patriotism, self-respect, + and fortitude of our countrymen, we cherish the pleasing hope + that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will insure + the success of your perseverance. + </p> + <p> + The various subjects of your communication will respectively + meet with the attention that is due to their importance. + </p> + <p> + When we advert to the internal situation of the United + States, we deem it equally natural and becoming to compare + the present period with that immediately antecedent to the + operation of the Government, and to contrast it with the + calamities in which the state of war still involves several + of the European nations, as the reflections deduced from both + tend to justify as well as to excite a warmer admiration of + our free Constitution, and to exalt our minds to a more + fervent and grateful sense of piety toward Almighty God for + the beneficence of His providence, by which its + administration has been hitherto so remarkably distinguished. + And while we entertain a grateful conviction that your wise, + firm, and patriotic Administration has been signally + conducive to the success of the present form of government, + we can not forbear to express the deep sensations of regret + with which we contemplate your intended retirement from + office. + </p> + <p> + As no other suitable occasion may occur, we can not suffer + the present to pass without attempting to disclose some of + the emotions which it can not fail to awaken. + </p> + <p> + The gratitude and admiration of your countrymen are still + drawn to the recollection of those resplendent virtues and + talents which were so eminently instrumental to the + achievement of the Revolution, and of which that glorious + event will ever be the memorial. Your obedience to the voice + of duty and your country when you quitted reluctantly a + second time the retreat you had chosen and first accepted the + Presidency afforded a new proof of the devotedness of your + zeal in its service and an earnest of the patriotism and + success which have characterized your Administration. As the + grateful confidence of the citizens in the virtues of their + Chief Magistrate has essentially contributed to that success, + we persuade ourselves that the millions whom we represent + participate with us in the anxious solicitude of the present + occasion. + </p> + <p> + Yet we can not be unmindful that your moderation and + magnanimity, twice displayed by retiring from your exalted + stations, afford examples no less rare and instructive to + mankind than valuable to a republic. + </p> + <p> + Although we are sensible that this event of itself completes + the luster of a character already conspicuously unrivaled by + the coincidence of virtue, talents, success, and public + estimation, yet we conceive we owe it to you, sir, and still + more emphatically to ourselves and to our nation (of the + language of whose hearts we presume to think ourselves at + this moment the faithful interpreters), to express the + sentiments with which it is contemplated. + </p> + <p> + The spectacle of a free and enlightened nation offering, by + its Representatives, the tribute of unfeigned approbation to + its first citizen, however novel and interesting it may be, + derives all its luster (a luster which accident or enthusiasm + could not bestow, and which adulation would tarnish) from the + transcendent merit of which it is the voluntary testimony. + </p> + <p> + May you long enjoy that liberty which is so dear to you, and + to which your name will ever be so dear. May your own virtues + and a nation's prayers obtain the happiest sunshine for the + decline of your days and the choicest of future blessings. + For our country's sake, for the sake of republican liberty, + it is our earnest wish that your example may be the guide of + your successors, and thus, after being the ornament and + safeguard of the present age, become the patrimony of our + descendants. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 15, 1796. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + </h3> + <p> + GENTLEMEN: To a citizen whose views were unambitious, who + preferred the shade and tranquillity of private life to the + splendor and solicitude of elevated stations, and whom the + voice of duty and his country could alone have drawn from his + chosen retreat, no reward for his public services can be so + grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a + consciousness that to render those services useful to that + country has been his single aim; and when this approbation is + expressed by the Representatives of a free and enlightened + nation, the reward will admit of no addition. Receive, + gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks for this signal + testimony that my services have been acceptable and useful to + my country. The strong confidence of my fellow-citizens, + while it animated all my actions, insured their zealous + cooperation, which rendered those services successful. The + virtue and wisdom of my successors, joined with the + patriotism and intelligence of the citizens who compose the + other branches of Government, I firmly trust will lead them + to the adoption of measures which, by the beneficence of + Providence, will give stability to our system of government, + add to its success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity + that liberty which is to all of us so dear. + </p> + <p> + While I acknowledge with pleasure the sincere and uniform + disposition of the House of Representatives to preserve our + neutral relations inviolate, and with them deeply regret any + degree of interruption of our good understanding with the + French Republic, I beg you, gentlemen, to rest assured that + my endeavors will be earnest and unceasing by all honorable + means to preserve peace and to restore that harmony and + affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between + our two nations; and with you I cherish the pleasing hope + that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will crown + those endeavors with success. + </p> + <p> + I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which + your deliberations shall mature on the various subjects + demanding your attention; and while directing your labors to + advance the real interests of our country, you receive its + blessings. With perfect sincerity my individual wishes will + be offered for your present and future felicity. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 16, 1796. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 4, 1797</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + I lay before you for your consideration a treaty which has + been negotiated and concluded on the 29th day of June last by + Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and George Clymer, + commissioners on behalf of the United States, with the Creek + Indians, together with the instructions which were given to + the said commissioners and the proceedings at the place of + treaty. + </p> + <p> + I submit also the proceedings and result of a treaty, held at + the city of New York, on behalf of the State of New York, + with certain nations or tribes of Indians denominating + themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 9, 1797</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Herewith I lay before you in confidence reports from the + Departments of State and the Treasury, by which you will see + the present situation of our affairs with the Dey and Regency + of Algiers. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>January 19, 1797</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of + Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + At the opening of the present session of Congress I mentioned + that some circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately + occurred in relation to France; that our trade had suffered, + and was suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies from + the cruisers and agents of the French Republic, and that + communications had been received from its minister here which + indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by + its authority, and that were in other respects far from + agreeable, but that I reserved for a special message a more + particular communication on this interesting subject. This + communication I now make. + </p> + <p> + The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the + transactions of our Government in relation to France from an + early period of the present war, which, therefore, it was + necessary carefully to review. A collection has been formed + of letters and papers relating to those transactions, which I + now lay before you, with a letter to Mr. Pinckney, our + minister at Paris, containing an examination of the notes of + the French minister and such information as I thought might + be useful to Mr. Pinckney in any further representations he + might find necessary to be made to the French Government. The + immediate object of his mission was to make to that + Government such explanations of the principles and conduct of + our own as, by manifesting our good faith, might remove all + jealousy and discontent and maintain that harmony and good + understanding with the French Republic which it has been my + constant solicitude to preserve. A government which required + only a knowledge of the <i>truth</i> to justify its measures + could not but be anxious to have this fully and frankly + displayed. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>March 2, 1797</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the Senate</i>: + </p> + <p> + Application having been made to me to permit a treaty to be + held with the Seneca Nation of Indians to effect the purchase + of a parcel of their land under a preemption right derived + from the State of Massachusetts and situated within the State + of New York, and it appearing to me reasonable that such + opportunity should be afforded, provided the negotiation + shall be conducted at the expense of the applicant, and at + the desire and with the consent of the Indians, always + considering these as prerequisites, I now nominate Isaac + Smith to be a commissioner to hold a treaty with the Seneca + Nation for the aforesaid purpose. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + VETO MESSAGE. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>February 28, 1797</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gentlemen of the House of Representatives</i>: + </p> + <p> + Having maturely considered the bill to alter and amend an act + entitled "An act to ascertain and fix the military + establishment of the United States," which was presented to + me on the 22d day of this month, I now return it to the House + of Representatives, in which it originated, with my + objections: + </p> + <p> + First. If the bill passes into a law, the two companies of + light dragoons will be from that moment <i>legally</i> out of + service, though they will afterwards continue <i>actually</i> + in service; and for their services during this interval, + namely, from the time of <i>legal</i> to the time of + <i>actual</i> discharge, it will not be lawful to pay them, + unless some future provision be made by law. Though they may + be discharged at the pleasure of Congress, in justice they + ought to receive their pay, not only to the time of passing + the law, but at least to the time of their actual discharge. + </p> + <p> + Secondly. It will be inconvenient and injurious to the public + to dismiss the light dragoons as soon as notice of the law + can be conveyed to them, one of the companies having been + lately destined to a necessary and important service. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly. The companies of light dragoons consist of 126 + noncommissioned officers and privates, who are bound to serve + as dismounted dragoons when ordered so to do. They have + received in bounties about $2,000. One of them is completely + equipped, and above half of the noncommissioned officers and + privates have yet to serve more than one-third of the time of + their enlistment; and besides, there will in the course of + the year be a considerable deficiency in the complement of + infantry intended to be continued. Under these circumstances, + to discharge the dragoons does not seem to comport with + economy. + </p> + <p> + Fourthly. It is generally agreed that some cavalry, either + militia or regular, will be necessary; and according to the + best information I have been able to obtain, it is my opinion + that the latter will be less expensive and more useful than + the former in preserving peace between the frontier settlers + and the Indians, and therefore a part of the military + establishment should consist of cavalry. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + PROCLAMATION. + </h2> + <center> + [From Senate Journal, vol. 2, p. 397.] + </center> + <p class="r"> + MARCH 1, 1797. + </p> + <p> + <i>To the Vice-President and Senators of the United States, + respectively</i>. + </p> + <p> + SIR: It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United + States should be convened on Saturday, the 4th of March + instant, you are desired to attend in the Chamber of the + Senate on that day, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to receive + any communications which the President of the United States + may then lay before you touching their interests. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FAREWELL ADDRESS. + </h2> + <p class="r"> + UNITED STATES, <i>September 17, 1796</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Friends and Fellow-Citizens:</i> + </p> + <p> + The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the + Executive Government of the United States being not far + distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts + must be employed in designating the person who is to be + clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, + especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of + the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the + resolution I have formed to decline being considered among + the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. + </p> + <p> + I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured + that this resolution has not been taken without a strict + regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation + which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in + withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my + situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of + zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful + respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full + conviction that the step is compatible with both. + </p> + <p> + The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in the office to + which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform + sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a + deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly + hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, + consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to + disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been + reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this + previous to the last election had even led to the preparation + of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on + the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with + foreign nations and the unanimous advice of persons entitled + to my confidence impelled me to abandon the idea. I rejoice + that the state of your concerns, external as well as + internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination + incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am + persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my + services, that in the present circumstances of our country + you will not disapprove my determination to retire. + </p> + <p> + The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous + trust were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge + of this trust I will only say that I have, with good + intentions, contributed toward the organization and + administration of the Government the best exertions of which + a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the + outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in + my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has + strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every + day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and + more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it + will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have + given peculiar value to my services they were temporary, I + have the consolation to believe that, while choice and + prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism + does not forbid it. + </p> + <p> + In looking forward to the moment which is intended to + terminate the career of my political life my feelings do not + permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of + gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many + honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast + confidence with which it has supported me, and for the + opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my + inviolable attachment by services faithful and persevering, + though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have + resulted to our country from these services, let it always be + remembered to your praise and as an instructive example in + our annals that under circumstances in which the passions, + agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; amidst + appearances sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of fortune often + discouraging; in situations in which not unfrequently want of + success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the + constancy of your support was the essential prop of the + efforts and a guaranty of the plans by which they were + effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry + it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing + vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of + its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may + be perpetual; that the free Constitution which is the work of + your hands may be sacredly maintained; that its + administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom + and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of + these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made + complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of + this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of + recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption + of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. + </p> + <p> + Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your + welfare which can not end but with my life, and the + apprehension of danger natural to that solicitude, urge me on + an occasion like the present to offer to your solemn + contemplation and to recommend to your frequent review some + sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no + inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all + important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. + These will be offered to you with the more freedom as you can + only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting + friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his + counsel. Nor can I forget as an encouragement to it your + indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not + dissimilar occasion. + </p> + <p> + Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of + your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to + fortify or confirm the attachment. + </p> + <p> + The unity of government which constitutes you one people is + also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main + pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support + of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad, of your + safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so + highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that from + different causes and from different quarters much pains will + be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds + the conviction of this truth, as this is the point in your + political fortress against which the batteries of internal + and external enemies will be most constantly and actively + (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of + infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense + value of your national union to your collective and + individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, + habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming + yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of + your political safety and prosperity; watching for its + preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever + may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be + abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of + every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the + rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together + the various parts. + </p> + <p> + For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. + Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country + has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of + American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, + must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any + appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight + shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, + habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause + fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty + you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, + of common dangers, sufferings, and successes. + </p> + <p> + But these considerations, however powerfully they address + themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by + those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here + every portion of our country finds the most commanding + motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of + the whole. + </p> + <p> + The <i>North</i>, in an unrestrained intercourse with the + <i>South</i>, protected by the equal laws of a common + government, finds in the productions of the latter great + additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise + and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The + <i>South</i>, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same + agency of the <i>North</i>, sees its agriculture grow and its + commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the + seamen of the <i>North</i>, it finds its particular + navigation invigorated; and while it contributes in different + ways to nourish and increase the general mass of the national + navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime + strength to which itself is unequally adapted. The + <i>East</i>, in a like intercourse with the <i>West</i>, + already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior + communications by land and water will more and more find, a + valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad + or manufactures at home. The <i>West</i> derives from the + <i>East</i> supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, and + what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of + necessity owe the <i>secure</i> enjoyment of indispensable + <i>outlets</i> for its own productions to the weight, + influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic + side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of + interest as <i>one nation</i>. Any other tenure by which the + <i>West</i> can hold this essential advantage, whether + derived from its own separate strength or from an apostate + and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be + intrinsically precarious. + </p> + <p> + While, then, every part of our country thus feels an + immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts + combined can not fail to find in the united mass of means and + efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably + greater security from external danger, a less frequent + interruption of their peace by foreign nations, and what is + of inestimable value, they must derive from union an + exemption from those broils and wars between themselves which + so frequently afflict neighboring countries not tied together + by the same governments, which their own rivalships alone + would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign + alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and + imbitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of + those overgrown military establishments which, under any form + of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to + be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. In + this sense it is that your union ought to be considered as a + main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought + to endear to you the preservation of the other. + </p> + <p> + These considerations speak a persuasive language to every + reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of + the union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a + doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a + sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere + speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized + to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the + auxiliary agency of governments for the respective + subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It + is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful + and obvious motives to union affecting all parts of our + country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its + impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the + patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken + its bands. + </p> + <p> + In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it + occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should + have been furnished for characterizing parties by + <i>geographical</i> discriminations—<i>Northern</i> and + <i>Southern, Atlantic</i> and <i>Western</i>—whence + designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a + real difference of local interests and views, One of the + expedients of party to acquire influence within particular + districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other + districts. You can not shield yourselves too much against the + jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these + misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other + those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. + The inhabitants of our Western country have lately had a + useful lesson on this head. They have seen in the negotiation + by the Executive and in the unanimous ratification by the + Senate of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal + satisfaction at that event throughout the United States, a + decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated + among them of a policy in the General Government and in the + Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to + the Mississippi. They have been witnesses to the formation of + two treaties—that with Great Britain and that with + Spain—which secure to them everything they could desire + in respect to our foreign relations toward confirming their + prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the + preservation of these advantages on the union by which they + were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those + advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their + brethren and connect them with aliens? + </p> + <p> + To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for + the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, + between the parts can be an adequate substitute. They must + inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which + all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this + momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay by + the adoption of a Constitution of Government better + calculated than your former for an intimate union and for the + efficacious management of your common concerns. This + Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and + unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature + deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the + distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and + containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, + has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect + for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in + its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims + of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the + right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions + of government. But the constitution which at any time exists + till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole + people is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the + power and the right of the people to establish government + presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the + established government. + </p> + <p> + All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all + combinations and associations, under whatever plausible + character, with the real design to direct, control, + counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the + constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental + principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize + faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to + put in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will + of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising + minority of the community, and, according to the alternate + triumphs of different parties, to make the public + administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and + incongruous projects of faction rather than the organ of + consistent and wholesome plans, digested by common counsels + and modified by mutual interests. + </p> + <p> + However combinations or associations of the above description + may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the + course of time and things to become potent engines by which + cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to + subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves + the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very + engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. + </p> + <p> + Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency + of your present happy state, it is requisite not only that + you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its + acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care + the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however + specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect + in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will + impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what + can not be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which + you may be invited remember that time and habit are at least + as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of + other human institutions; that experience is the surest + standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing + constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the + credit of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual + change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; + and remember especially that for the efficient management of + your common interests in a country so extensive as ours a + government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect + security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will + find in such a government, with powers properly distributed + and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else + than a name where the government is too feeble to withstand + the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the + society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to + maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the + rights of person and property. I have already intimated to + you the danger of parties in the State, with particular + reference to the founding of them on geographical + discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, + and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful + effects of the spirit of party generally. + </p> + <p> + This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, + having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. + It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or + less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the + popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly + their worst enemy. + </p> + <p> + The alternate domination of one faction over another, + sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party + dissension, which in different ages and countries has + perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful + despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and + permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result + gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and + repose in the absolute power of an individual, and sooner or + later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more + fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the + purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. + </p> + <p> + Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which + nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the + common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are + sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people + to discourage and restrain it. + </p> + <p> + It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble + the public administration. It agitates the community with + ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the + animosity of one part against another; foments occasionally + riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence + and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the + government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus + the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the + policy and will of another. + </p> + <p> + There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful + checks upon the administration of the government, and serve + to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain + limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical + cast patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, + upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular + character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not + to be encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain + there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary + purpose; and there being constant danger of excess, the + effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and + assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform + vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead + of warming, it should consume. + </p> + <p> + It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a + free country should inspire caution in those intrusted with + its administration to confine themselves within their + respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise + of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The + spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all + the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form + of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love + of power and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the + human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this + position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise + of political power, by dividing and distributing it into + different depositories, and constituting each the guardian of + the public weal against invasions by the others, has been + evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in + our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be + as necessary as to institute them. If in the opinion of the + people the distribution or modification of the constitutional + powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an + amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But + let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in one + instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary + weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent + must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial + or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield. + </p> + <p> + Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political + prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. + In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who + should labor to subvert these great pillars of human + happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and + citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, + ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not + trace all their connections with private and public felicity. + Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, + for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious + obligation <i>desert</i> the oaths which are the instruments + of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with + caution indulge the supposition that morality can be + maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the + influence of refined education on minds of peculiar + structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect + that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious + principle. + </p> + <p> + It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a + necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed + extends with more or less force to every species of free + government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with + indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the + fabric? Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, + institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In + proportion as the structure of a government gives force to + public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be + enlightened. + </p> + <p> + As a very important source of strength and security, cherish + public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as + sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by + cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely + disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much + greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the + accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of + expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to + discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, + not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen which we + ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims + belongs to your representatives; but it is necessary that + public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to them the + performance of their duty it is essential that you should + practically bear in mind that toward the payment of debts + there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be + taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or + less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic + embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the proper + objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to + be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct + of the Government in making it, and for a spirit of + acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the + public exigencies may at any time dictate. + </p> + <p> + Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate + peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this + conduct. And can it be that good policy does not equally + enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at + no distant period a great nation to give to mankind the + magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided + by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that in + the course of time and things the fruits of such a plan would + richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by + a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not + connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? + The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment + which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible + by its vices? + </p> + <p> + In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential + than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against + particular nations and passionate attachments for others + should be excluded, and that in place of them just and + amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The nation + which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an + habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to + its animosity or to its affection, either of which is + sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. + Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more + readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight + causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when + accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. + </p> + <p> + Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody + contests. The nation prompted by ill will and resentment + sometimes impels to war the government contrary to the best + calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates + in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what + reason would reject. At other times it makes the animosity of + the nation subservient to projects of hostility, instigated + by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious + motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of + nations has been the victim. + </p> + <p> + So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for + another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the + favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary + common interest in cases where no real common interest + exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, + betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and + wars of the latter without adequate inducement or + justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite + nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to + injure the nation making the concessions by unnecessarily + parting with what ought to have been retained, and by + exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate + in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld; and + it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who + devote themselves to the favorite nation) facility to betray + or sacrifice the interests of their own country without + odium, sometimes even with popularity, gilding with the + appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable + deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public + good the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, + or infatuation. + </p> + <p> + As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such + attachments are particularly alarming to the truly + enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities + do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice + the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to + influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a + small or weak toward a great and powerful nation dooms the + former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the + insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to + believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people + ought to be <i>constantly</i> awake, since history and + experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most + baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to + be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument + of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense + against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and + excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to + see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even + second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who + may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become + suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the + applause and confidence of the people to surrender their + interests. + </p> + <p> + The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations + is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them + as little <i>political</i> connection as possible. So far as + we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with + perfect good faith. Here let us stop. + </p> + <p> + Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none + or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in + frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially + foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise + in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the + ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary + combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. + </p> + <p> + Our detached, and distant situation invites and enables us to + pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an + efficient government, the period is not far off when we may + defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may + take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at + any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when + belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making + acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us + provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our + interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. + </p> + <p> + Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why + quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by + interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, + entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European + ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? + </p> + <p> + It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances + with any portion of the foreign world, so far, I mean, as we + are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as + capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I + hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private + affairs that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat, + therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine + sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be + unwise to extend them. + </p> + <p> + Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable + establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may + safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary + emergencies. + </p> + <p> + Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations are recommended + by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial + policy should hold an equal and impartial hand, neither + seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; + consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and + diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but + forcing nothing; establishing with powers so disposed, in + order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of + our merchants, and to enable the Government to support them, + conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present + circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary + and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied as + experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly + keeping in view that it is folly in one nation to look for + disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a + portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under + that character; that by such acceptance it may place itself + in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal + favors, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not + giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or + calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an + illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought + to discard. + </p> + <p> + In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old + and affectionate friend I dare not hope they will make the + strong and lasting impression I could wish—that they + will control the usual current of the passions or prevent our + nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the + destiny of nations. But if I may even flatter myself that + they may be productive of some partial benefit, some + occasional good—that they may now and then recur to + moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the + mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the + impostures of pretended patriotism—this hope will be a + full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which + they have been dictated. + </p> + <p> + How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been + guided by the principles which have been delineated the + public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness + to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own + conscience is that I have at least believed myself to be + guided by them. + </p> + <p> + In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe my + proclamation of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index to my + plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of your + representatives in both Houses of Congress, the spirit of + that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any + attempts to deter or divert me from it. + </p> + <p> + After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights + I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under + all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and + was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. + Having taken it, I determined as far as should depend upon me + to maintain it with moderation, perseverance, and firmness. + </p> + <p> + The considerations which respect the right to hold this + conduct it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I + will only observe that, according to my understanding of the + matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the + belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. + </p> + <p> + The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, + without anything more, from the obligation which justice and + humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free + to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and + amity toward other nations. + </p> + <p> + The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will + best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With + me a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to + our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, + and to progress without interruption to that degree of + strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, + humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. + </p> + <p> + Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am + unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too + sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may + have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently + beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which + they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my + country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and + that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its + service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent + abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon + be to the mansions of rest. + </p> + <p> + Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and + actuated by that fervent love toward it which is so natural + to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his + progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with + pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself + to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in + the midst of my fellow-citizens the benign influence of good + laws under a free government—the ever-favorite object + of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual + cares, labors, and dangers. + </p> + <p class="r"> + GEORGE WASHINGTON. + </p> + <hr style="width: 100%"> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Footnotes + </h2> + <p> + <a name="note-1"><!-- Note Anchor 1 --></a>1: For + proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session see p. + 587. + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and +Papers of the Presidents, by James D. 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Richardson + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [EBook #11314] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + +A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + +BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON + +A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + + +VOLUME I + + + +1897 + + + + +Prefatory Note + + +In compliance with the authorization of the Joint Committee on Printing, +I have undertaken this compilation. + +The messages of the several Presidents of the United States--annual, +veto, and special--are among the most interesting, instructive, and +valuable contributions to the public literature of our Republic. They +discuss from the loftiest standpoint nearly all the great questions of +national policy and many subjects of minor interest which have engaged +the attention of the people from the beginning of our history, and +so constitute important and often vital links in their progressive +development. The proclamations, also, contain matter and sentiment no +less elevating, interesting, and important. They inspire to the highest +and most exalted degree the patriotic fervor and love of country in the +hearts of the people. + +It is believed that legislators and other public men, students of our +national history, and many others will hail with satisfaction the +compilation and publication of these messages and proclamations in +such compact form as will render them easily accessible and of ready +reference. The work can not fail to be exceedingly convenient and useful +to all who have occasion to consult these documents. The Government has +never heretofore authorized a like publication. + +In executing the commission with which I have been charged I have sought +to bring together in the several volumes of the series all Presidential +proclamations, addresses, messages, and communications to Congress +excepting those nominating persons to office and those which simply +transmit treaties, and reports of heads of Departments which contain +no recommendation from the Executive. The utmost effort has been made +to render the compilation accurate and exhaustive. + +Although not required by the terms of the resolution authorizing the +compilation, it has been deemed wise and wholly consistent with its +purpose to incorporate in the first volume authentic copies of the +Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the +Constitution of the United States, together with steel engravings of +the Capitol, the Executive Mansion, and of the historical painting the +"Signing of the Declaration of Independence." Steel portraits of the +Presidents will be inserted each in its appropriate place. + +The compilation has not been brought even to its present stage without +much labor and close application, and the end is far from view; but if +it shall prove satisfactory to Congress and the country, I will feel +compensated for my time and effort. + +JAMES D. RICHARDSON. + +WASHINGTON, D.C., + +_February 22, 1896_. + + + + + +Declaration of Independence + +July 4, 1776 + + + + +Declaration of Independence + +NOTE.--The words "Declaration of Independence" do not appear on +the original. + + +IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. + +The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, + +When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people +to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, +and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal +station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, +a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should +declare the causes which impel them to the separation.--We hold these +truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are +endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among +these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure +these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just +powers from the consent of the governed,--That whenever any Form of +Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the +People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, +laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in +such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety +and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long +established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and +accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed +to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by +abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train +of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a +design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is +their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for +their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these +Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter +their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of +Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all +having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over +these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid +world.--He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and +necessary for the public good.--He has forbidden his Governors to pass +Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their +operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he +has utterly neglected to attend to them.--He has refused to pass other +Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those +people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, +a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.--He has +called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, +and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole +purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.--He has +dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly +firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.--He has refused for +a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; +whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned +to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the +mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and +convulsions within.--He has endeavoured to prevent the population of +these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization +of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations +hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.--He +has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to +Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.--He has made Judges dependent +on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and +payment of their salaries.--He has erected a multitude of New Offices, +and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out +their substance.--He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing +Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.--He has affected to +render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.--He +has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our +constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their +Acts of pretended Legislation:--For quartering large bodies of armed +troops among us:--For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment +for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these +States:--For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:--For +imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:--For depriving us in many +cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:--For transporting us beyond +Seas to be tried for pretended offences:--For abolishing the free System +of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an +Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render +it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same +absolute rule into these Colonies:--For taking away our Charters, +abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms +of our Governments:--For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring +themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases +whatsoever.--He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of +his Protection and waging War against us.--He has plundered our seas, +ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our +people.--He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign +Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, +already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely +paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head +of a civilized nation.--He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken +Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become +the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by +their Hands.--He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has +endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless +Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished +destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these +Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our +repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, +whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, +is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting +in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time +to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable +jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our +emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice +and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common +kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt +our connections and correspondence They too have been deaf to the voice +of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the +necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold +the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.-- + +We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of +America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme +Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, +and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish +and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be +Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all +Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection +between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally +dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power +to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and +to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right +do.--And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on +the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other +our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. + +JOHN HANCOCK + + JOSIAH BARTLETT + W'M WHIPPLE + SAM'L. ADAMS + JOHN ADAMS + ROB'T. TREAT PAINE + ELBRIDGE GERRY + STEP. HOPKINS + WILLIAM ELLERY + ROGER SHERMAN + SAM'EL HUNTINGTON + W'M WILLIAMS + OLIVER WOLCOTT + MATTHEW THORNTON + W'M FLOYD + PHIL. LIVINGSTON + FRAN'S LEWIS + LEWIS MORRIS + RICH'D STOCKTON + JN'O. WITHERSPOON + FRA'S. HOPKINSON + JOHN HART + ABRA CLARK + ROB'T. MORRIS + BENJAMIN RUSH + BENJ'A. FRANKLIN + JOHN MORTON + GEO CLYMER + JA'S. SMITH. + GEO. TAYLOR + JAMES WILSON + GEO. ROSS + CAESAR RODNEY + GEO READ + THO M'KEAN + SAMUEL CHASE + W'M. PACA + THO'S. STONE + CHARLES CARROLL of Carrollton + GEORGE WYTHE + RICHARD HENRY LEE. + TH. JEFFERSON + BENJ'A. HARRISON + THO'S. NELSON jr. + FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE + CARTER BRAXTON + W'M. HOOPER + JOSEPH HEWES. + JOHN PENN + EDWARD RUTLEDGE. + THO'S. HEYWARD Jun'r. + THOMAS LYNCH Jun'r. + ARTHUR MIDDLETON + BUTTON GWINNETT + LYMAN HALL + GEO WALTON. + + * * * * * + + + + +Articles of Confederation + + + +Articles of Confederation + +NOTE.--The original is indorsed: Act of Confederation of The +United States of America. + +To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned +Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting. Whereas the +Delegates of the United States of America in Congress assembled did on +the fifteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven +Hundred and Seventy seven, and in the Second Year of the Independence of +America agree to certain articles of Confederation and perpetual Union +between the States of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland and +Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, +Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and Georgia +in the Words following, viz. "Articles of Confederation and perpetual +Union between the states of Newhampshire, Massachusetts-bay, Rhodeisland +and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, +Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, +South-Carolina and Georgia." + +Article I. The Stile of this confederacy shall be "The United States of +America." + +Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom an independence, +and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this +confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress +assembled. + +Article III. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league +of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security +of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding +themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or +attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, +sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatsoever. + +Article IV. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and +intercourse among the people of the different states in this union, +the free inhabitants of each of these states, paupers, vagabonds and +fugitives from Justice excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges +and immunities of free citizens in the several states; and the people +of each state shall have free ingress and regress to and from any other +state, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges of trade and commerce, +subject to the same duties, impositions and restrictions as the +inhabitants thereof respectively, provided that such restriction shall +not extend so far as to prevent the removal of property imported into +any state, to any other state of which the Owner is an inhabitant; +provided also that no imposition, duties or restriction shall be laid +by any state, on the property of the united states, or either of them. + +If any Person guilty of, or charged with treason, felony, or other high +misdemeanor in any state, shall flee from Justice, and be found in any +of the united states, he shall upon demand of the Governor or executive +power, of the state from which he fled, be delivered up and removed to +the state having jurisdiction of his offence. + +Full faith and credit shall be given in each of these states to the +records, acts and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates +of every other state. + +Article V. For the more convenient management of the general interests +of the united states, delegates shall be annually appointed in such +manner as the legislature of each state shall direct, to meet in +Congress on the first Monday in November, in every year, with a power +reserved to each state, to recal its delegates, or any of them, at +any time within the year, and to send others in their stead, for the +remainder of the Year. + +No state shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor by more +than seven Members; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate +for more than three years in any term of six years; nor shall any +person, being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under the +united states, for which he, or another for his benefit receives any +salary, fees or emolument of any kind. + +Each state shall maintain its own delegates in a meeting of the states, +and while they act as members of the committee of the states. + +In determining questions in the united states, in Congress assembled, +each state shall have one vote. + +Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be impeached or +questioned in any Court, or place out of Congress, and the members +of congress shall be protected in their persons from arrests and +imprisonments, during the time of their going to and from, and +attendance on congress, except for treason, felony, or breach of +the peace. + +Article VI. No state without the Consent of the united states in +congress assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any embassy +from, or enter into any conferrence, agreement, alliance or treaty with +any King prince or state; nor shall any person holding any office of +profit or trust under the united states, or any of them, accept of any +present, emolument, office or title of any kind whatever from any king, +prince or foreign state; nor shall the united states in congress +assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility. + +No two or more states shall enter into any treaty, confederation or +alliance whatever between them, without the consent of the united states +in congress assembled, specifying accurately the purposes for which the +same is to be entered into, and how long it shall continue. + +No state shall lay any imposts or duties, which may interfere with any +stipulations in treaties, entered into by the united states in congress +assembled, with any king, prince or state, in pursuance of any treaties +already proposed by congress, to the courts of France and Spain. + +No vessels of war shall be kept up in time of peace by any state, except +such number only, as shall be deemed necessary by the united states in +congress assembled, for the defence of such state, or its trade; nor +shall any body of forces be kept up by any state, in time of peace, +except such number only, as in the judgment of the united states, in +congress assembled, shall be deemed requisite to garrison the forts +necessary for the defence of such state; but every state shall always +keep up a well regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently armed +and accoutred, and shall provide and constantly have ready for use, +in public stores, a due number of field pieces and tents, and a proper +quantity of arms, ammunition and camp equipage. + +No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the united +states in congress assembled, unless such state be actually invaded +by enemies, or shall have received certain advice of a resolution +being formed by some nation of Indians to invade such state, and the +danger is so imminent as not to admit of a delay, till the united +states in congress assembled can be consulted: nor shall any state grant +commissions to any ships or vessels of war, nor letters of marque or +reprisal, except it be after a declaration of war by the united states +in congress assembled, and then only against the kingdom or state and +the subjects thereof, against which war has been so declared, and under +such regulations as shall be established by the united states in +congress assembled, unless such state be infested by pirates, in which +case vessels of war may be fitted out for that occasion, and kept so +long as the danger shall continue, or until the united states in +congress assembled shall determine otherwise. + +Article VII. When land-forces are raised by any state for the common +defence, all officers of or under the rank of colonel, shall be +appointed by the legislature of each state respectively by whom such +forces shall be raised, or in such manner as such state shall direct, +and all vacancies shall be filled up by the state which first made the +appointment. + +Article VIII. All charges of war, and all other expences that shall be +incurred for the common defence or general welfare, and allowed by the +united states in congress assembled, shall be defrayed out of a common +treasury, which shall be supplied by the several states, in proportion +to the value of all land within each state, granted to or surveyed for +any Person, as such land and the buildings and improvements thereon +shall be estimated according to such mode as the united states in +congress assembled, shall from time to time direct and appoint. +The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied by the +authority and direction of the legislatures of the several states within +the time agreed upon by the united states in congress assembled. + +Article IX. The united states in congress assembled, shall have the sole +and exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war, except +in the cases mentioned in the sixth article--of sending and receiving +ambassadors--entering into treaties and alliances, provided that no +treaty of commerce shall be made whereby the legislative power of the +respective states shall be restrained from imposing such imposts and +duties on foreigners, as their own people are subjected to, or from +prohibiting the exportation or importation of any species of goods or +commodities whatsoever--of establishing rules for deciding in all cases, +what captures on land or water shall be legal, and in what manner prizes +taken by land or naval forces in the service of the united states shall +be divided or appropriated.--of granting letters of marque and reprisal +in times of peace--appointing courts for the trial of piracies and +felonies committed on the high seas and establishing courts for +receiving and determining finally appeals in all cases of captures, +provided that no member of congress shall be appointed a judge of any +of the said courts. + +The united states in congress assembled shall also be the last resort on +appeal in all disputes and differences now subsisting or that hereafter +may arise between two or more states concerning boundary, jurisdiction +or any other cause whatever; which authority shall always be exercised +in the manner following. Whenever the legislative or executive authority +or lawful agent of any state in controversy with another shall present +a petition to congress, stating the matter in question and praying for +a hearing, notice thereof shall be given by order of congress to the +legislative or executive authority of the other state in controversy, +and a day assigned for the appearance of the parties by their lawful +agents, who shall then be directed to appoint by joint consent, +commissioners or judges to constitute a court for hearing and +determining the matter in question: but if they cannot agree, congress +shall name three persons out of each of the united states, and from the +list of such persons each party shall alternately strike out one, the +petitioners beginning, until the number shall be reduced to thirteen; +and from that number not less than seven, nor more than nine names as +congress shall direct, shall in the presence of congress be drawn out by +lot, and the persons whose names shall be so drawn or any five of them, +shall be commissioners or judges, to hear and finally determine the +controversy, so always as a major part of the judges who shall hear +the cause shall agree in the determination: and if either party shall +neglect to attend at the day appointed, without shewing reasons, which +congress shall judge sufficient, or being present shall refuse to +strike, the congress shall proceed to nominate three persons out of +each state, and the secretary of congress shall strike in behalf of +such party absent or refusing; and the judgment and sentence of the +court to be appointed, in the manner before prescribed, shall be final +and conclusive; and if any of the parties shall refuse to submit to the +authority of such court, or to appear or defend their claim or cause, +the court shall nevertheless proceed to pronounce sentence, or judgment, +which shall in like manner be final and decisive, the judgment or +sentence and other proceedings being in either case transmitted to +congress, and lodged among the acts of congress for the security of the +parties concerned: provided that every commissioner, before he sits in +judgment, shall take an oath to be administred by one of the judges of +the supreme or superior court of the state, where the cause shall be +tried, "well and truly to hear and determine the matter in question, +according to the best of his judgment, without favour, affection or hope +of reward:" provided also that no state shall be deprived of territory +for the benefit of the united states. + +All controversies concerning the private right of soil claimed under +different grants of two or more states, whose jurisdictions as they +may respect such lands, and the states which passed such grants are +adjusted, the said grants or either of them being at the same time +claimed to have originated antecedent to such settlement of +jurisdiction, shall on the petition of either party to the congress +of the united states, be finally determined as near as may be in the +same manner as is before prescribed for deciding disputes respecting +territorial jurisdiction between different states. + +The united states in congress assembled shall also have the sole +and exclusive right and power of regulating the alloy and value of +coin struck by their own authority, or by that of the respective +states--fixing the standard of weights and measures throughout the +united states.--regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the +Indians, not members of any of the states, provided that the legislative +right of any state within its own limits be not infringed or +violated--establishing and regulating post-offices from one state to +another, throughout all the united states, and exacting such postage +on the papers passing thro' the same as may be requisite to defray +the expences of the said office--appointing all officers of the land +forces, in the service of the united states, excepting regimental +officers.--appointing all the officers of the naval forces, and +commissioning all officers whatever in the service of the united +states--making rules for the government and regulation of the said +land and naval forces, and directing their operations. + +The united states in congress assembled shall have authority to appoint +a committee, to sit in the recess of congress, to be denominated +"A Committee of the States," and to consist of one delegate from each +state; and to appoint such other committees and civil officers as may be +necessary for managing the general affairs of the united states under +their direction--to appoint one of their number to preside, provided +that no person be allowed to serve in the office of president more than +one year in any term of three years; to ascertain the necessary sums +of Money to be raised for the service of the united states, and to +appropriate and apply the same for defraying the public expences--to +borrow money, or emit bills on the credit of the united states, +transmitting every half year to the respective states an account of the +sums of money so borrowed or emitted,--to build and equip a navy--to +agree upon the number of land forces, and to make requisitions from each +state for its quota, in proportion to the number of white inhabitants +in such state; which requisition shall be binding, and thereupon the +legislature of each state shall appoint the regimental officers, raise +the men and cloath, arm and equip them in a soldier like manner, at the +expence of the united states, and the officers and men so cloathed, +armed and equipped shall march to the place appointed, and within the +time agreed on by the united states in congress assembled: But if +the united states in congress assembled shall, on consideration of +circumstances judge proper that any state should not raise men, or +should raise a smaller number than its quota, and that any other state +should raise a greater number of men than the quota thereof, such extra +number shall be raised, officered, cloathed, armed and equipped in the +same manner as the quota of such state, unless the legislature of such +state shall judge that such extra number cannot be safely spared out of +the same, in which case they shall raise officer, cloath, arm and equip +as many of such extra number as they judge can be safely spared. And the +officers and men so cloathed, armed and equipped, shall march to the +place appointed, and within the time agreed on by the united states +in congress assembled. + +The united states in congress assembled shall never engage in a war, +nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor enter +into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value +thereof, nor ascertain the sums and expences necessary for the defence +and welfare of the united states, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor +borrow money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate money, +nor agree upon the number of vessels of war, to be built or purchased, +or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, nor appoint a +commander in chief of the army or navy, unless nine states assent to the +same: nor shall a question on any other point, except for adjourning +from day to day be determined, unless by the votes of a majority of +the united states in congress assembled. + +The congress of the united states shall have power to adjourn to any +time within the year, and to any place within the united states, so that +no period of adjournment be for a longer duration than the space of six +Months, and shall publish the Journal of their proceedings monthly, +except such parts thereof relating to treaties, alliances or military +operations, as in their judgment require secresy; and the yeas and nays +of the delegates of each state on any question shall be entered on the +Journal, when it is desired by any delegate; and the delegates of a +state, or any of them, at his or their request shall be furnished with a +transcript of the said Journal, except such parts as are above excepted, +to lay before the legislatures of the several states. + +Article X. The committee of the states, or any nine of them, shall be +authorised to execute, in the recess of congress, such of the powers of +congress as the united states in congress assembled, by the consent of +nine states, shall from time to time think expedient to vest them with; +provided that no power be delegated to the said committee, for the +exercise of which, by the articles of confederation, the voice of nine +states in the congress of the united states assembled is requisite. + +Article XI. Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the +measures of the united states, shall be admitted into, and entitled to +all the advantages of this union: but no other colony shall be admitted +into the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine states. + +Article XII. All bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed and debts +contracted by, or under the authority of congress, before the assembling +of the united states, in pursuance of the present confederation, shall +be deemed and considered as a charge against the united states, for +payment and satisfaction whereof the said united states, and the public +faith are hereby solemnly pledged. + +Article XIII. Every state shall abide by the determinations of the +united states in congress assembled, on all questions which by this +confederation are submitted to them. And the Articles of this +confederation shall be inviolably observed by every state, and the +union shall be perpetual; nor shall any alteration at any time hereafter +be made in any of them; unless such alteration be agreed to in a congress +of the united states, and be afterwards confirmed by the legislatures of +every state. + +And whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to +incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in +congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said articles +of confederation and perpetual union. Know Ye that we the +under-signed delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given +for that purpose, do by these presents, in the name and in behalf of our +respective constituents, fully and entirely ratify and confirm each and +every of the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, and all +and singular the matters and things therein contained: And we do further +solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective constituents, +that they shall abide by the determinations of the united states in +congress assembled, on all questions, which by the said confederation +are submitted to them. And that the articles thereof shall be inviolably +observed by the states we respectively represent, and that the union +shall be perpetual. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands in +Congress. Done at Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania the ninth +Day of July in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and +Seventy-eight, and in the third year of the independence of America. + + +On the part & behalf of the State of New Hampshire + + JOSIAH BARTLETT, JOHN WENTWORTH Jun'r. August 8th 1778 + +On the part and behalf of The State of Massachusetts Bay + + JOHN HANCOCK, SAMUEL ADAMS, ELBRIDGE GERRY, FRANCIS DANA, + JAMES LOVELL, SAMUEL HOLTEN + +On the part and behalf of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence +Plantations + + WILLIAM ELLARY, HENRY MARCHANT, JOHN COLLINS + +On the part and behalf of the State of Connecticut + + ROGER SHERMAN, SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, OLIVER WOLCOTT, TITUS HOSMER, + ANDREW ADAMS + +On the Part and Behalf of the State of New York + + JA'S. DUANE, FRA'S. LEWIS, W'M DUER., GOUV MORRIS + +On the Part and in Behalf of the State of New Jersey. Nov'r. 26, 1778-- + + JNO. WITHERSPOON, NATHL. SCUDDER + +On the part and behalf of the State of Pennsylvania + + ROB'T. MORRIS, DANIEL ROBERDEAU, JON'A. BAYARD SMITH., WILLIAM + CLINGAN, JOSEPH REED 22d July 1778 + +On the part & behalf of the State of Delaware + + THO McKEAN Feby 12 1779, JOHN DICKINSON May 5th 1779, NICHOLAS VAN DYKE + +On the part and behalf of the State of Maryland + + JOHN HANSON March 1 1781, DANIEL CARROLL d'o + +On the Part and Behalf of the State of Virginia + + RICHARD HENRY LEE, JOHN BANISTER, THOMAS ADAMS, JN'O. HARVIE, + FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE + +On the part and Behalf of the State of N'o Carolina + + JOHN PENN July 21st 1778, CORN'S HARNETT, JN'O. WILLIAMS + +On the part & behalf of the State of South-Carolina + + HENRY LAURENS., WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON, JN'O. MATHEWS, RICH'D. HUTSON., + THO'S. HEYWARD Jun'r + +On the part & behalf of the State of Georgia + +JN'O. WALTON 24th July 1778, ELW'D. TELFAIR., EDW'D. LANGWORTHY. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Constitution + + + +The Constitution + +NOTE.--The words "The Constitution" do not appear on the original. + + +We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more +perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide +for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the +Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and +establish this Constitution for the United States of America. + + +Article 1. + +Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a +Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House +of Representatives. + +Section. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members +chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the +Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for +Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. + +No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the +Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United +States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State +in which he shall be chosen. + +Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several +States which may be included within this Union, according to their +respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole +Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term +of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other +Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after +the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within +every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law +direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every +thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; +and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire +shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and +Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey +four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, +North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. + +When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the +Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such +Vacancies. + +The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other +Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. + +Section. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two +Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six +Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. + +Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first +Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. +The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the +Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration +of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the +sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if +Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of +the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary +Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall +then fill such Vacancies. + +No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of +thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and +who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which +he shall be chosen. + +The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the +Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. + +The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro +tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise +the Office of President of the United States. + +The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When +sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When +the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall +preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of +two thirds of the Members present. + +Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to +removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office +of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party +convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, +Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. + +Section. 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for +Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the +Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or +alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. + +The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such +Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall +by Law appoint a different Day. + +Section. 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns +and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall +constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn +from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of +absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each +House may provide. + +Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its +Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two +thirds, expel a Member. + +Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to +time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment +require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House +on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, +be entered on the Journal. + +Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the +Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any +other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. + +Section. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a +Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out +of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except +Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest +during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and +in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate +in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. + +No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was +elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the +United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof +shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any +Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during +his Continuance in Office. + +Section. 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House +of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments +as on other Bills. + +Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the +Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of +the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall +return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have +originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, +and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds +of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together +with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be +reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall +become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be +determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for +and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House +respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within +ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, +the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless +the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it +shall not be a Law. + +Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate +and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of +Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; +and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or +being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate +and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations +prescribed in the Case of a Bill. + +Section. 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, +Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common +Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, +Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; + +To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; + +To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, +and with the Indian Tribes; + +To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the +subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; + +To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix +the Standard of Weights and Measures; + +To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and +current Coin of the United States; + +To establish Post Offices and post Roads; + +To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for +limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their +respective Writings and Discoveries; + +To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; + +To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, +and Offences against the Law of Nations; + +To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules +concerning Captures on Land and Water; + +To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use +shall be for a longer Term than two Years; + +To provide and maintain a Navy; + +To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval +Forces; + +To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the +Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; + +To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and +for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the +United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of +the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the +discipline prescribed by Congress; + +To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such +District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of +particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of +the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over +all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in +which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, +dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And + +To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into +Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this +Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any +Department or Officer thereof. + +Section. 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the +States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited +by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, +but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten +dollars for each Person. + +The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, +unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may +require it. + +No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. + +No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion +to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. + +No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. + +No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to +the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound +to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in +another. + +No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of +Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the +Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from +time to time. + +No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no +Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without +the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, +or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. + +Section. 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or +Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit +Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in +Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law +impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. + +No State shall, without the Consent of [the] Congress, lay any Imposts +or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary +for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties +and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the +Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be +subject to the Revision and Controul of [the] Congress. + +No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of +Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any +Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or +engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as +will not admit of delay. + + +Article II. + +Section. 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the +United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of +four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same +Term, be elected, as follows + +Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may +direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and +Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but +no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or +Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. + +The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot +for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of +the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the +Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List +they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the +Government of the United States, directed to the President of the +Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate +and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes +shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes +shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number +of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such +Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of +Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for +President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest +on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. +But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the +Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this +Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the +States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. +In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the +greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. +But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate +shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. + +The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day +on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same +throughout the United States. + +No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United +States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be +eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be +eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty +five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. + +In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, +Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said +Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress +may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or +Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what +Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act +accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be +elected. + +The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a +Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the +Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive +within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of +them. + +Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the +following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that +I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, +and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the +Constitution of the United States." + +Section. 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and +Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, +when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require +the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the +executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their +respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and +Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of +Impeachment. + +He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, +to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; +and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the +Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, +Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United +States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and +which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the +Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the +President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. + +The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen +during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall +expire at the End of their next Session. + +Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information +of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration +such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, +on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, +and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of +Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; +he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take +Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the +Officers of the United States. + +Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the +United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and +Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. + + +Article III. + +Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in +one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from +time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and +inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and +shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, +which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. + +Section. 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and +Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, +and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to +all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to +all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to +which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two +or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State;--between +Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State +claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, +or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. + +In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, +and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have +original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the +supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and +Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress +shall make. + +The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by +Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes +shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the +Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have +directed. + +Section. 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in +levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them +Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the +Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in +open Court. + +The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but +no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture +except during the Life of the Person attainted. + + +Article. IV. + +Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the +public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And +the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such +Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. + +Section. 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all +Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. + +A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who +shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand +of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered +up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. + +No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws +thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or +Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall +be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may +be due. + +Section. 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; +but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of +any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more +States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of +the States concerned as well as of the Congress. + +The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules +and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging +to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so +construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any +particular State. + +Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this +Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them +against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the +Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic +Violence. + + +Article. V. + + +The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it +necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the +Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, +shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either +Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this +Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the +several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one +or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; +Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One +thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first +and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that +no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of it's equal Suffrage +in the Senate. + + +Article. VI. + +All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption +of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under +this Constitution, as under the Confederation. + +This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made +in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, +under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of +the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any +Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary +notwithstanding. + +The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of +the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, +both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by +Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test +shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust +under the United States. + +Article. VII. + +The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient +for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so +ratifying the Same. + +[Sidenote: The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and +eighth Lines of the first Page, The Word "Thirty" being partly written +on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is +tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines +of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty +third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.--Attest WILLIAM JACKSON +Secretary] + +done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present +the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand +seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independance of the United +States of America the Twelfth In Witness whereof We have hereunto +subscribed our Names, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON--Presidt. and deputy from Virginia. + +New Hampshire: JOHN LANGDON, NICHOLAS GILMAN. + +Massachusetts: NATHANIEL GORHAM, RUFUS KING. + +Connecticut: W'M SAM'L JOHNSON, ROGER SHERMAN. + +New York: ALEXANDER HAMILTON. + +New Jersey: WIL. LIVINGSTON, DAVID BREARLEY, W'M PATERSON, JONA. DAYTON. + +Pensylvania: B FRANKLIN, THOMAS MIFFLIN, ROBT. MORRIS, GEO. CLYMER, +THO'S FITZSIMONS, JARED INGERSOLL, JAMES WILSON, GOUV MORRIS. + +Delaware: GEO. READ, GUNNING BEDFORD jun, JOHN DICKINSON, RICHARD +BASSETT, JACO. BROOM. + +Maryland: JAMES McHENRY, DAN OF ST THO'S JENIFER, DAN'L CARROLL. + +Virginia: JOHN BLAIR--, JAMES MADISON Jr. + +North Carolina: W'M BLOUNT, RICH'D DOBBS SPAIGHT, HU WILLIAMSON. + +South Carolina: J. RUTLEDGE, CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY, CHARLES +PINCKNEY, PIERCE BUTLER. + +Georgia: WILLIAM FEW, ABR BALDWIN. + + + +In Convention Monday September 17th 1787. + +Present + +The States of + +New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mr Hamilton from New York, +New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, +South Carolina and Georgia. + +That the preceding Constitution be laid before the United States in +Congress assembled, and that it is the Opinion of this Convention, that +it should afterwards be submitted to a Convention of Delegates, chosen +in each State by the People thereof, under the Recommendation of its +Legislature, for their Assent and Ratification; and that each Convention +assenting to, and ratifying the Same, should give Notice thereof to the +United States in Congress assembled. + +Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Convention, that as soon as the +Conventions of nine States shall have ratified this Constitution, the +United States in Congress assembled should fix a Day on which Electors +should be appointed by the States which shall have ratified the same, +and a Day on which the Electors should assemble to vote for the +President, and the Time and Place for commencing Proceedings under +this Constitution. That after such Publication the Electors should be +appointed, and the Senators and Representatives elected: That the +Electors should meet on the Day fixed for the Election of the President, +and should transmit their Votes certified, signed, sealed and directed, +as the Constitution requires, to the Secretary of the United States in +Congress assembled, that the Senators and Representatives should convene +at the Time and Place assigned; that the Senators should appoint a +President of the Senate, for the sole Purpose of receiving, opening and +counting the Votes for President; and, that after he shall be chosen, +the Congress, together with the President, should, without Delay, +proceed to execute this Constitution. + +By the Unanimous Order of the Convention + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. Presid't + +W. Jackson Secretary. + + + +Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the +United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the +Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of +the original Constitution. + + +[Article I.] + +Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, +or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom +of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to +assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. + +[Article II.] + +A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free +State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be +infringed. + +[Article III.] + +No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without +the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be +prescribed by law. + +[Article IV.] + +The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, +and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not +be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, +supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the +place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. + +[Article V.] + +No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous +crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in +cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in +actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be +subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; +nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against +himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process +of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just +compensation. + +[Article VI.] + +In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a +speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district +wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have +been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature +and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against +him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, +and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. + +[Article VII.] + +In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed +twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no +fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of +the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. + +[Article VIII.] + +Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor +cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. + +[Article IX.] + +The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be +construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. + +[Article X.] + +The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor +prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, +or to the people. + +[Article XI.] + +The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to +extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against +one of the United States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens +or Subjects of any Foreign State. + +[Article XII.] + +The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot +for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an +inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their +ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the +person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists +of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for +as Vice-President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists +they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the +government of the United States, directed to the President of the +Senate;--The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the +Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the +votes shall then be counted;--The person having the greatest number +of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a +majority of the whole number of Electors appointed; and if no person +have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not +exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House +of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. +But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the +representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this +purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the +states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. +And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President +whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth +day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as +President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional +disability of the President.--The person having the greatest number of +votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be +a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person +have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the +Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall +consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority +of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person +constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be +eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States. + +Article XIII. + +Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a +punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, +shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their +jurisdiction. + +Section. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by +appropriate legislation. + +Article XIV. + +Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and +subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States +and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any +law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the +United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, +or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within +its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. + +Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States +according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of +persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right +to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and +Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the +Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the +Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such +State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, +or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other +crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the +proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the +whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. + +Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, +or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil +or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having +previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of +the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an +executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution +of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion +against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But +Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such +disability. + +Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, +authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and +bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall +not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall +assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection +or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or +emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims +shall be held illegal and void. + +Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate +legislation, the provisions of this article. + +Article XV. + +Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not +be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account +of race, color, or previous condition of servitude-- + +Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by +appropriate legislation-- + + * * * * * + + + + +George Washington + +April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797 + + + + +George Washington + + +George Washington was born at Bridges Creek, on the Potomac River, in +Westmoreland County, Va., on the 22d day of February (or 11th, old +style), 1732. Augustine Washington, his father, was a son of Lawrence +Washington, whose father, John Washington, came to Virginia from England +in 1657, and settled at Bridges Creek. Augustine Washington died in +1743, leaving several children, George being the eldest by his second +wife, Mary Ball. At the early age of 19 years he was appointed +adjutant-general of one of the districts of Virginia, with the rank of +major. In November, 1753, he was sent by Lieutenant-Governor Dinwiddie, +of Virginia, to visit the French army in the Ohio Valley on important +business. War followed, and in 1754 he was promoted to the rank of +lieutenant-colonel, and engaged in the war. In 1755 he acted as +aid-de-camp to General Braddock. Soon after this he was appointed by the +legislature commander in chief of all the forces of the Colony, and for +three years devoted himself to recruiting and organizing troops for her +defense. In 1758 he commanded a successful expedition to Fort Du Quesne. +He then left the Army, and was married to Mrs. Martha Custis, a widow +lady of Virginia. For sixteen years he resided at Mount Vernon, +occasionally acting as a magistrate or as a member of the legislature. +He was a delegate to the Williamsburg convention, August, 1773, which +resolved that taxation and representation were inseparable. In 1774 +he was sent to the Continental Congress as a delegate from Virginia. +The following year he was unanimously chosen commander in chief, and +assumed the command of the Continental Army July 2, 1775. He commanded +the armies throughout the War for Independence. At the close he resigned +his commission, December 23, 1783, and retired to private life. He was +a delegate to, and president of, the National Convention which met +in Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1787, and adopted a new Constitution, +that greatly increased the power of the Federal Government. He was +unanimously elected the first President of the United States, and was +inaugurated on the 30th of April, 1789, in New York City, and at the +end of his first term was unanimously reelected. He retired March 4, +1797, having declined a third term. In September, 1796, he issued his +Farewell Address to the people. July 3, 1798, he was again appointed +to the command of the armies of the United States, with the rank of +lieutenant-general. He was a Freemason, and served as master of his +lodge. He died at Mount Vernon, Va., after a short illness, December +14, 1799, and was buried there. + + + + +PROCEEDINGS INITIATORY TO THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION. + + +[From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings, vol. 17), Department +of State.] + +Charles Thomson, esq., Secretary of the late Congress, being appointed +by the Senate of the United States to carry to General Washington the +official information of his unanimous election to the office of +President of the United States of America, arrived at Mount Vernon on +the 14th day of April, A.D. 1789, when he communicated to General +Washington the purport of his mission in the following words: + +Sir: The President of the Senate chosen for the special purpose, having +opened and counted the votes of the electors in presence of the Senate +and House of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the +Senate to wait upon Your Excellency with the information of your being +elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This +commission was intrusted to me on account of my having been long in the +confidence of the late Congress, and charged with the duties of one of +the principal civil departments of Government. + +I have now, sir, to inform you that the proofs you have given of your +patriotism, and of your readiness to sacrifice domestic ease and private +enjoyments to preserve the happiness of your country, did not permit the +two Houses to harbor a doubt of your undertaking this great and +important office, to which you are called, not only by the unanimous +vote of the electors, but by the voice of America. + +I have it, therefore, in command to accompany you to New York, where the +Senate and House of Representatives are convened for the dispatch of +public business. + +To which General Washington replied: + +SIR: I have been accustomed to pay so much respect to the opinion of my +fellow-citizens that the knowledge of their having given their unanimous +suffrages in my favor scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. +I can not, I believe, give a greater evidence of my sensibility of the +honor which they have done me than by accepting the appointment. + +I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country's esteem and +confidence that silence can best explain my gratitude. While I realize +the arduous nature of the task which is imposed upon me, and feel my own +inability to perform it, I wish, however, that there may not be reason +for regretting the choice, for, indeed, all I can promise is only to +accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal. + +Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both Houses +of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be +to proceed to business, and how deeply the public mind appears to be +impressed with the necessity of doing it speedily, I can not find myself +at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set +out the day after to-morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your +company, for you will permit me to say that it is a peculiar +gratification to have received the communication from you. + + + +OFFICIAL INFORMATION OF THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES, APRIL 6, 1789. + +Be it known that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America, being convened in the city and State of New York, +this 6th day of April, A.D. 1789, the underwritten, appointed President +of the Senate for the sole purpose of receiving, opening, and counting +the votes of the electors, did, in the presence of the said Senate and +House of Representatives, open all the certificates and count all the +votes of the electors for a President and Vice-President, by which it +appears that His Excellency George Washington, esq., was unanimously +elected, agreeably to the Constitution, to the office of President of +the said United States of America. + +In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. + +JOHN LANGDON. + + + +MOUNT VERNON, _April 14, 1789_. + +To the Honorable JOHN LANGDON, + +_President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States_. + +SIR: I had the honor to receive your official communication, by the hand +of Mr. Secretary Thomson, about 1 o'clock this day. Having concluded to +obey the important and flattering call of my country, and having been +impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as +early a period as possible, I propose to commence my journey on Thursday +morning, which will be the day after to-morrow. + +I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem, sir, your most +obedient servant, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING MR. OSGOOD'S +PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + +_In Senate, April 15, 1789_. + +The committee to whom it was referred to consider of and report to the +House respecting the ceremonial of receiving the President, and to whom +also was referred a letter from the chairman of a committee of the +Senate to the Speaker, communicating an instruction from that House to a +committee thereof to report if any and what arrangements are necessary +for the reception of the Vice-President, have agreed to the following +report: + +That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the +President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture +thereof in proper condition for the residence and use of the President +of the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United +States, to provide for his temporary accommodation. + +That it will be more eligible, in the first instance, that a committee +of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of +Representatives, to be appointed by the two Houses respectively, attend +to receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New +Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately +occupied by the President of Congress, and at such time thereafter as +the President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be +formally received by both Houses. + +Read and accepted. + + + +IN SENATE, _April 16, 1789_. + +The Senate proceeded by ballot to the choice of a committee, agreeably +to the report of the committee of both Houses agreed to the 15th +instant, when the Honorable Mr. Langdon, the Honorable Mr. Carroll, +and the Honorable Mr. Johnson were chosen. + +A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + +Attest: + +SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES RESPECTING +MR. OSGOOD'S PREPARING HIS HOUSE FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF +THE UNITED STATES. + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Wednesday, April 15, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson reported from the committee to whom it was referred to +consider of and report to the House respecting the ceremonial of +receiving the President, and to whom was also referred a letter from the +chairman of a committee of the Senate to the Speaker, communicating an +instruction from that House to a committee thereof to report if any and +what arrangements are necessary for the reception of the Vice-President, +that the committee had, according to order, considered of the same, and +had agreed to a report thereupon, which he delivered in at the Clerk's +table, and where the same was thrice read, and the question put +thereupon agreed to by the House as followeth: + +That Mr. Osgood, the proprietor of the house lately occupied by the +President of Congress, be requested to put the same and the furniture +therein in proper order for the residence and use of the President of +the United States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United States, +to provide for his temporary accommodation. + +That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, that a committee +of three members from the Senate and five members from the House of +Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses respectively, attend to +receive the President at such place as he shall embark from New Jersey +for this city, and conduct him without form to the house lately occupied +by the President of Congress, and that at such time thereafter as the +President shall signify it will be most convenient for him, he be +formally received by both Houses. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTING A COMMITTEE TO MEET +THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, + +_Wednesday, April_ 15, _1789_. + +_Resolved_, That it will be most eligible, in the first instance, +that a committee of three members from the Senate and five members +from the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Houses +respectively, attend to receive the President at such place as he shall +embark from New Jersey for this city, and conduct him without form to +the house lately occupied by the President of Congress, and that at such +time thereafter as the President shall signify, he be formally received +by both Houses. + + + +THURSDAY, _April 16, 1789_. + +The committee elected on the part of this House, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. +Bland, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Lawrance. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY CONGRESS TO KNOW WHEN THEY SHOULD +MEET THE PRESIDENT. + +The committee appointed in consequence of the resolutions of both +Houses of Congress, and which accompany this note, most respectfully +communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, +with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when +they shall attend, with a barge which has been prepared for that +purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town, or at such other place as +he shall choose to embark from New Jersey for this city. + +NEW YORK, _April 17, 1789_. + + JOHN LANGDON. + CHARGES CARROLL, of Carrollton. + WM. SAMUEL JOHNSON. + ELIAS BOUDINOT. + THEODORICK BLAND. + THOS. TUDR. TUCKER. + EGBT. BENSON. + JOHN LAWRANCE. + + + +TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE PRESIDENT +MEETING THEM AT ELIZABETH TOWN. + +PHILADELPHIA, _April 20, 1789_. + +GENTLEMEN: Upon my arrival in this city I received your note, with +the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it, and in answer +thereto beg leave to inform you that, knowing how anxious both Houses +must be to proceed to business, I shall continue my journey dispatch +as possible. To-morrow evening I purpose to be at Trenton, the night +following at Brunswick, and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you +at Elizabeth Town point on Thursday at 12 o'clock. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT. + +NEW YORK, _April 21, 1789_. + +His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + +SIR: The committee have just received Your Excellency's letter of the +20th, and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday morning. + +I must beg Your Excellency will alight at my house, where the committee +will attend, and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the +utmost pleasure to receive you. + +I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, sir, your most +obedient and very humble servant, + +ELIAS BOUDINOT. + + + +LETTER FROM THE HONORABLE ELIAS BOUDINOT, APRIL 23, 1789. + + +ELIZABETH TOWN, _Wednesday Evening_. + +His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. + +SIR: I have the honor of informing Your Excellency that the committees +of both Houses arrived here this afternoon, and will be ready to receive +Your Excellency at my house as soon as you can arrive here to-morrow +morning. + +If you, sir, will honor us with your company at breakfast, it will give +us great pleasure. We shall wait Your Excellency's arrival in hopes of +that gratification. You can have a room to dress in, if you should think +it necessary, as convenient as you can have it in town. + +I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant, + +ELIAS BOUDINOT. + + + +REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING THE TIME OF THE +INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Saturday, April 25, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson, from the committee appointed to consider of the time, place, +and manner in which, and of the person by whom, the oath prescribed by +the Constitution shall be administered to the President of the United +States, and to confer with a committee of the Senate, appointed for the +purpose, reported as followeth: + +That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or +place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which +shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable to +him. + +That requisite preparations can not probably be made before Thursday +next; that the President be on that day formally received in the Senate +Chamber; that the Representatives' Chamber being capable of receiving +the greater number of persons, that therefore the President do take the +oath in that place and in the presence of both Houses; that after the +formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber he be attended +by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that the oath be +administered by the chancellor of this State. + +The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper +that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for further +conducting the ceremonial. + +The said report was twice read, and on the question put thereupon was +agreed to by the House. + +_Ordered_, That Mr. Benson, Mr. Ames, and Mr. Carroll be a +committee on the part of this House pursuant to the said report. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + +REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO THE SENATE RESPECTING THE TIME OF +THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, + +_In Senate_, _April 25, 1789_. + +The committee appointed to consider of the time, place, and manner in +which and of the person by whom the oath prescribed by the Constitution +shall be administered to the President of the United States, and to +confer with a committee of the House appointed for that purpose, report: + +That the President hath been pleased to signify to them that any time or +place which both Houses may think proper to appoint and any manner which +shall appear most eligible to them will be convenient and acceptable +to him; that requisite preparations can not probably be made before +Thursday next; that the President be on that day formally received in +the Senate Chamber by both Houses; that the Representatives' Chamber +being capable of receiving the greater number of persons, that therefore +the President do take the oath in that place in presence of both Houses; +that after the formal reception of the President in the Senate Chamber +he be attended by both Houses to the Representatives' Chamber, and that +the oath be administered by the chancellor of this State. + +The committee further report it as their opinion that it will be proper +that a committee of both Houses be appointed to take order for conducting +the ceremonial. + +Read and accepted. + +And Mr. Lee, Mr. Izard, and Mr. Dalton, on the part of the Senate, +together with the committee that may be appointed on the part of the +House, are empowered to take order for conducting the business. + +A true copy from the Journals of Senate. + + + +IN SENATE, _April 27_, _1789_ + +The committees appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of +the formal reception, etc., of the President report that it appears to +them more eligible that the oath should be administered to the President +in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber than in the +Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submit to the respective Houses +the propriety of authorizing their committees to take order as to the +place where the oath shall be administered to the President, the +resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' Chamber as the +place notwithstanding. + +Read and accepted. + +A true copy from the Journals of the Senate. + +SAM. A. OTIS, _Secretary_. + + + +ORDER FOR CONDUCTING THE CEREMONIAL FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE +PRESIDENT. + +The committees of both Houses of Congress appointed to take order +for conducting the ceremonial for the formal reception, etc., of the +President of the United States on Thursday next have agreed to the +following order thereon, viz: + +That General Webb, Colonel Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel Fish, Major Franks, +Major L'Enfant, Major Bleeker, and Mr. John R. Livingston be requested +to serve as assistants on the occasion. + +That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the President. + +That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the Vice-President, to +the right of the President's chair, and that the Senators take their +seats on that side of the Chamber on which the Vice-President's chair +shall be placed. That a chair be placed in the Senate Chamber for the +Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the left of the President's +chair, and that the Representatives take their seats on that side of the +Chamber on which the Speaker's chair shall be placed. + +That seats be provided in the Senate Chamber sufficient to accommodate +the late President of Congress, the governor of the Western Territory, +the five persons being the heads of the great Departments, the minister +plenipotentiary of France, the encargado de negocios of Spain, the +chaplains of Congress, the persons in the suite of the President, and +also to accommodate the following public officers of the State, viz: +The governor, lieutenant-governor, the chancellor, the chief justice of +the supreme court and other judges thereof, and the mayor of the city. + +That one of the assistants wait on these gentlemen and inform them that +seats are provided for their accommodation, and also to signify to them +that no precedence of seats is intended, and that no salutation is +expected from them on their entrance into or their departure from the +Senate Chamber. + +That the members of both Houses assemble in their respective chambers +precisely at 12 o'clock, and that the Representatives, preceded by their +Speaker and attended by their Clerk and other officers, proceed to the +Senate Chamber, there to be received by the Vice-President and Senators +rising. + +That the committees attend the President from his residence to the +Senate Chamber, and that he be there received by the Vice-President, the +Senators and Representatives rising, and by the Vice-President conducted +to his chair. + +That after the President shall be seated in his chair and the +Vice-President, Senators, and Representatives shall be again seated, the +Vice-President shall announce to the President that the members of both +Houses will attend him to be present at his taking the oath of office +required by the Constitution. + +To the end that the oath of office may be administered to the President +in the most public manner and that the greatest number of the people +of the United States, and without distinction, may be witnesses to the +solemnity, that therefore the oath be administered in the outer gallery +adjoining to the Senate Chamber. + +That when the President shall proceed to the gallery to take the oath +he be attended by the Vice-President, and be followed by the chancellor +of the State, and pass through the middle door; that the Senators pass +through the door on the right, and the Representatives pass through the +door on the left, and such of the persons who may have been admitted +into the Senate Chamber and may be desirous to go into the gallery are +then also to pass through the door on the right. + +That when the President shall have taken the oath and returned into the +Senate Chamber, attended by the Vice-President, and shall be seated in +his chair, that Senators and Representatives also return into the Senate +Chamber, and that the Vice-President and they resume their respective +seats. + +That when the President retire from the Senate Chamber he be conducted +by the Vice-President to the door, the members of both Houses rising, +and that he be there received by the committees and attended to his +residence. + +That immediately as the President shall retire the Representatives do +also return from the Senate Chamber to their own. + +That it be intrusted to the assistants to take proper precautions for +keeping the avenues to the hall open, and for that purpose they wait +on his excellency the governor of this State, and in the name of the +committees request his aid by an order or recommendation to the civil +officers or militia of the city to attend and serve on the occasion as +he shall judge most proper, + + + +RESOLVE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE +RESPECTING THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT. + + +IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES + +_Monday, April 27, 1789_. + +Mr. Benson, from the committee of both Houses appointed to take order +for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception of the President +of the United States, reported as followeth: + +That it appears to the committee more eligible that the oath should be +administered to the President in the outer gallery adjoining the Senate +Chamber than in the Representatives' Chamber, and therefore submits to +the respective Houses the propriety of authorizing their committees to +take order as to the place where the oath shall be administered to the +President, the resolutions of Saturday assigning the Representatives' +Chamber as the place notwithstanding. + +The said report being twice read, + +_Resolved_, That this House doth concur in the said report and +authorize the committee to take order for the change of place thereby +proposed. + +Extract from the Journal. + +JOHN BECKLEY, _Clerk_. + + + + +FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + + +IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. + +APRIL 30, 1789. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Among the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled +me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was +transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present +month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can +never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had +chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with +an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years--a retreat +which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me +by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions +in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other +hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of +my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and +most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his +qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who +(inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the +duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of +his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver +is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just +appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All +I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much +swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an +affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of +my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity +as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, +my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its +consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality +in which they originated. + +Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the +public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly +improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to +that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the +councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human +defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and +happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by +themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument +employed in its administration to execute with success the functions +allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of +every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your +sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at +large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore +the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those +of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the +character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by +some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just +accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil +deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from +which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which +most governments have been established without some return of pious +gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings +which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the +present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be +suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are +none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free +government can more auspiciously commence. + +By the article establishing the executive department it is made the duty +of the President "to recommend to your consideration such measures as +he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which +I now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject further +than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are +assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects +to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with +those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which +actuate me, to substitute, in place of a recommendation of particular +measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the +patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. +In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on +one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party +animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought +to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on +another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the +pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence +of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win +the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. +I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love +for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly +established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature +an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and +advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous +policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we +ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can +never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order +and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation +of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model +of government are justly considered, perhaps, as _deeply_, as +_finally_, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of the +American people. + +Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will remain with +your judgment to decide how far an exercise of the occasional power +delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution is rendered expedient +at the present juncture by the nature of objections which have been +urged against the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given +birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this +subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official +opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your +discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that +whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the +benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await +the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic +rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently +influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be +impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously +promoted. + +To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will be most +properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, +and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored +with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an +arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my +duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From +this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under +the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to +myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably +included in a permanent provision for the executive department, and must +accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which +I am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such actual +expenditures as the public good may be thought to require. + +Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by +the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; +but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human +Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor +the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect +tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity +on a form of government for the security of their union and the +advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally +_conspicuous_ in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and +the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere +thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both Houses of Congress, +congratulate you on the complete organization of the Federal Government, +and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation +to the office of President, an office highly important by the powers +constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable from the manner +in which the appointment is made. The unanimous suffrage of the +elective body in your favor is peculiarly expressive of the gratitude, +confidence, and affection of the citizens of America, and is the highest +testimonial at once of your merit and their esteem. We are sensible, +sir, that nothing but the voice of your fellow-citizens could have +called you from a retreat chosen with the fondest predilection, endeared +by habit, and consecrated to the repose of declining years. We rejoice, +and with us all America, that in obedience to the call of our common +country you have returned once more to public life. In you all parties +confide; in you all interests unite; and we have no doubt that your +past services, great as they have been, will be equaled by your future +exertions, and that your prudence and sagacity as a statesman will tend +to avert the dangers to which we were exposed, to give stability to the +present Government and dignity and splendor to that country which your +skill and valor as a soldier so eminently contributed to raise to +independence and empire. + +When we contemplate the coincidence of circumstances and wonderful +combination of causes which gradually prepared the people of this +country for independence; when we contemplate the rise, progress, and +termination of the late war, which gave them a name among the nations of +the earth, we are with you unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the +Great Arbiter of the Universe, by whom empires rise and fall. A review +of the many signal instances of divine interposition in favor of this +country claims our most pious gratitude; and permit us, sir, to observe +that among the great events which have led to the formation and +establishment of a Federal Government we esteem your acceptance of +the office of President as one of the most propitious and important. + +In the execution of the trust reposed in us we shall endeavor to pursue +that enlarged and liberal policy to which your speech so happily +directs. We are conscious that the prosperity of each State is +inseparably connected with the welfare of all, and that in promoting +the latter we shall effectually advance the former. In full persuasion +of this truth, it shall be our invariable aim to divest ourselves of +local prejudices and attachments, and to view the great assemblage of +communities and interests committed to our charge with an equal eye. +We feel, sir, the force and acknowledge the justness of the observation +that the foundation of our national policy should be laid in private +morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in +vain to look for public virtue. It is therefore the duty of legislators +to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility as well as the +necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice. +We beg you to be assured that the Senate will at all times cheerfully +cooperate in every measure which may strengthen the Union, conduce +to the happiness or secure and perpetuate the liberties of this great +confederated Republic. + +We commend you, sir, to the protection of Almighty God, earnestly +beseeching Him long to preserve a life so valuable and dear to the +people of the United States, and that your Administration may be +prosperous to the nation and glorious to yourself. + +MAY 7, 1789. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, in which the most affectionate +sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence +of circumstances which led to this auspicious crisis, the confidence +reposed in me by my fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect +from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy +seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my Administration than a +diffidence of my abilities had taught me to anticipate. I now feel +myself inexpressibly happy in a belief that Heaven, which has done so +much for our infant nation, will not withdraw its providential influence +before our political felicity shall have been completed, and in a +conviction that the Senate will at all times cooperate in every measure +which may tend to promote the welfare of this confederated Republic. +Thus supported by a firm trust in the Great Arbiter of the Universe, +aided by the collected wisdom of the Union, and imploring the divine +benediction on our joint exertions in the service of our country, I +readily engage with you in the arduous but pleasing task of attempting +to make a nation happy. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +MAY 18, 1789. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States present +their congratulations on the event by which your fellow-citizens have +attested the preeminence of your merit. You have long held the first +place in their esteem. You have often received tokens of their +affection. You now possess the only proof that remained of their +gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom, and +of their confidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because +the truest, honor of being the first Magistrate by the unanimous choice +of the freest people on the face of the earth. + +We well know the anxieties with which you must have obeyed a summons +from the repose reserved for your declining years into public scenes, of +which you had taken your leave forever. But the obedience was due to the +occasion. It is already applauded by the universal joy which welcomes +you to your station. And we can not doubt that it will be rewarded with +all the satisfaction with which an ardent love for your fellow-citizens +must review successful efforts to promote their happiness. + +This anticipation is not justified merely by the past experience +of your signal services. It is particularly suggested by the pious +impressions under which you commence your Administration and the +enlightened maxims by which you mean to conduct it. We feel with you +the strongest obligations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the +American people through so many difficulties, to cherish a conscious +responsibility for the destiny of republican liberty, and to seek the +only sure means of preserving and recommending the precious deposit in a +system of legislation founded on the principles of an honest policy and +directed by the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. + +The question arising out of the fifth article of the Constitution will +receive all the attention demanded by its importance, and will, we +trust, be decided under the influence of all the considerations to which +you allude. + +In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive department we +shall not lose sight of a wish resulting from motives which give it a +peculiar claim to our regard. Your resolution, in a moment critical to +the liberties of your country, to renounce all personal emolument, was +among the many presages of your patriotic services which have been amply +fulfilled; and your scrupulous adherence now to the law then imposed on +yourself can not fail to demonstrate the purity, whilst it increases the +luster, of a character which has so many titles to admiration. + +Such are the sentiments which we have thought fit to address to you. +They flow from our own hearts, and we verily believe that among the +millions we represent there is not a virtuous citizen whose heart will +disown them. + +All that remains is that we join in our fervent supplications for the +blessings of Heaven on our country, and that we add our own for the +choicest of these blessings on the most beloved of her citizens. + +MAY 5, 1789. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Your very affectionate address produces emotions which I know +not how to express. I feel that my past endeavors in the service of my +country are far overpaid by its goodness, and I fear much that my future +ones may not fulfill your kind anticipation. All that I can promise is +that they will be invariably directed by an honest and an ardent zeal. +Of this resource my heart assures me. For all beyond I rely on the +wisdom and patriotism of those with whom I am to cooperate and a +continuance of the blessings of Heaven on our beloved country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +MAY 8, 1789. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +NEW YORK, _May 25, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In pursuance of the order of the late Congress, treaties between the +United States and several nations of Indians have been negotiated and +signed. These treaties, with sundry papers respecting them, I now lay +before you, for your consideration and advice, by the hands of General +Knox, under whose official superintendence the business was transacted, +and who will be ready to communicate to you any information on such +points as may appear to require it, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _June 11, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +A convention between His Most Christian Majesty and the United +States, for the purposes of determining and fixing the functions and +prerogatives of their respective consuls, vice-consuls, agents, and +commissaries, was signed by their respective plenipotentiaries on the +29th of July, 1784. + +It appearing to the late Congress that certain alterations in that +convention ought to be made, they instructed their minister at the Court +of France to endeavor to obtain them. + +It has accordingly been altered in several respects, and as amended was +signed by the plenipotentiaries of the contracting powers on the 14th of +November, 1788. + +The sixteenth article provides that it shall be in force during the term +of twelve years, to be counted from the day of the exchange _of +ratifications, which shall be given in proper form_, and exchanged on +both sides within the space of one year, or sooner if possible. + +I now lay before you the original by the hands of Mr. Jay for your +consideration and advice. The papers relative to this negotiation are +in his custody, and he has my orders to communicate to you whatever +official papers and information on the subject he may possess and you +may require. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _June 15, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Mr. Jefferson, the present minister of the United States at the Court of +France, having applied for permission to return home for a few months, +and it appearing to me proper to comply with his request, it becomes +necessary that some person be appointed _to take charge_ of our affairs +at that Court during his absence. + +For this purpose I nominate William Short, esq., and request your advice +on the propriety of appointing him. + +There are in the Office for Foreign Affairs papers which will acquaint +you with his character, and which Mr. Jay has my directions to lay +before you at such time as you may think proper to assign. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 6, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +My nomination of Benjamin Fishbourn for the place of naval officer +of the port of Savannah not having met with your concurrence, I now +nominate Lachlan McIntosh for that office. + +Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your dissent, I am +persuaded they were such as you deemed sufficient. Permit me to submit +to your consideration whether on occasions where the propriety of +nominations appear questionable to you it would not be expedient to +communicate that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the +information which led me to make them, and which I would with pleasure +lay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn may +tend to show that such a mode of proceeding in such cases might be +useful. I will therefore detail them. + +First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an officer in actual service and +chiefly under my own eye, his conduct appeared to me irreproachable; nor +did I ever hear anything injurious to his reputation as an officer or a +gentleman. At the storm of Stony Point his behavior was represented to +have been active and brave, and he was charged by his general to bring +the account of that success to the headquarters of the Army. + +Secondly. Since his residence in Georgia he has been repeatedly elected +to the assembly as a representative of the county of Chatham, in which +the port of Savannah is situated, and sometimes of the counties of Glynn +and Camden; he has been chosen a member of the executive council of the +State and has lately been president of the same; he has been elected by +the officers of the militia in the county of Chatham lieutenant-colonel +of the militia in that district, and on a very recent occasion, to wit, +in the month of May last, he has been appointed by the council (on the +suspension of the late collector) to an office in the port of Savannah +nearly similar to that for which I nominated him, which office he +actually holds at this time. To these reasons for nominating Mr. +Fishbourn I might add that I received private letters of recommendation +and oral testimonials in his favor from some of the most respectable +characters in that State; but as they were secondary considerations +with me, I do not think it necessary to communicate them to you. + +It appeared, therefore, to me that Mr. Fishbourn must have enjoyed the +_confidence_ of the militia officers in order to have been elected to a +military rank; the _confidence_ of the freemen to have been elected to +the assembly; the _confidence_ of the assembly to have been selected for +the council, and the _confidence_ of the council to have been appointed +collector of the port of Savannah. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 7, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The business which has hitherto been under the consideration of Congress +has been of so much importance that I was unwilling to draw their +attention from it to any other subject; but the disputes which exist +between some of the United States and several powerful tribes of Indians +within the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in +several instances been committed on the frontiers, seem to require the +immediate interposition of the General Government. + +I have therefore directed the several statements and papers which have +been submitted to me on this subject by General Knox to be laid before +you for your information. + +While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to protect its +citizens from all injury and violence, a due regard should be extended +to those Indian tribes whose happiness in the course of events so +materially depends on the national justice and humanity of the United +States. + +If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be most +expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern district, and +to lay the foundation for future confidence by an amicable treaty +with the Indian tribes in that quarter, I think proper to suggest the +consideration of the expediency of instituting a temporary commission +for that purpose, to consist of three persons, whose authority should +expire with the occasion. How far such a measure, unassisted by posts, +would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and +tranquillity on the frontiers is also a matter which merits your serious +consideration. + +Along with this object I am induced to suggest another, with the +national importance and necessity of which I am deeply impressed; +I mean some uniform and effective system for the militia of the United +States. It is unnecessary to offer arguments in recommendation of a +measure on which the honor, safety, and well-being of our country so +evidently and so essentially depend; but it may not be amiss to observe +that I am particularly anxious it should receive as early attention +as circumstances will admit, because it is now in our power to avail +ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several +States by means of the many well-instructed officers and soldiers of +the late Army, a resource which is daily diminishing by death and other +causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away unimproved would +be to neglect an opportunity which will never again occur, unless, +unfortunately, we should again be involved in a long and arduous war. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 10, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have directed a statement of the troops in the service of the United +States to be laid before you for your information. + +These troops were raised by virtue of the resolves of Congress of the +20th October, 1786, and the 3d of October, 1787, in order to protect the +frontiers from the depredations of the hostile Indians, to prevent all +intrusions on the public lands, and to facilitate the surveying and +selling of the same for the purpose of reducing the public debt. + +As these important objects continue to require the aid of the troops, it +is necessary that the establishment thereof should in all respects be +conformed by law to the Constitution of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 20, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_ + +In consequence of an act providing for the expenses which may attend +negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes and the appointment of +commissioners for managing the same, I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one +of three commissioners whom I shall propose to be employed to negotiate +a treaty with the Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this +early moment is that it will not be possible for the public to avail +itself of his services on this occasion unless his appointment can be +forwarded to him by the mail which will leave this place to-morrow +morning. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +NEW YORK, _August 21, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The President of the United States will meet the Senate in the Senate +Chamber at half past 11 o'clock to-morrow, to advise with them on the +terms of the treaty to be negotiated with the Southern Indians. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +SEPTEMBER 16, 1789. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The governor of the Western territory has made a statement to me of the +reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians and the people inhabiting +the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio, which I herewith lay before +Congress. + +The United States in Congress assembled, by their acts of the 21st +day of July, 1787, and of the 12th August, 1788, made a provisional +arrangement for calling forth the militia of Virginia and Pennsylvania +in the proportions therein specified. + +As the circumstances which occasioned the said arrangement continue +nearly the same, I think proper to suggest to your consideration the +expediency of making some temporary provision for calling forth +the militia of the United States for the purposes stated in the +Constitution, which would embrace the cases apprehended by the +governor of the Western territory. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +SEPTEMBER 17, 1789. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +It doubtless is important that all treaties and compacts formed by the +United States with other nations, whether civilized or not, should be +made with caution and executed with fidelity. + +It is said to be the general understanding and practice of nations, as a +check on the mistakes and indiscretions of ministers or commissioners, +not to consider any treaty negotiated and signed by such officers as +final and conclusive until ratified by the sovereign or government from +whom they derive their powers. This practice has been adopted by the +United States respecting their treaties with European nations, and I am +inclined to think it would be advisable to observe it in the conduct of +our treaties with the Indians; for though such treaties, being on their +part made by their chiefs or rulers, need not be ratified by them, yet, +being formed on our part by the agency of subordinate officers, it seems +to be both prudent and reasonable that their acts should not be binding +on the nation until approved and ratified by the Government. It strikes +me that this point should be well considered and settled, so that our +national proceedings in this respect may become uniform and be directed +by fixed and stable principles. + +The treaties with certain Indian nations, which were laid before you +with my message of the 25th May last, suggested two questions to my +mind, viz: First, whether those treaties were to be considered as +perfected and consequently as obligatory without being ratified. If not, +then secondly, whether both or either, and which, of them ought to be +ratified. On these questions I request your opinion and advice. + +You have, indeed, advised me "_to execute and enjoin an observance of_" +the treaty with the Wyandottes, etc. You, gentlemen, doubtless intended +to be clear and explicit, and yet, without further explanation, I fear +I may misunderstand your meaning, for if by my _executing_ that treaty +you mean that I should make it (in a more particular and immediate manner +than it now is) the act of Government, then it follows that I am to +ratify it. If you mean by my _executing it_ that I am to see that it be +carried into effect and operation, then I am led to conclude either that +you consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its present state, +and therefore to be executed and observed, or that you consider it as +to derive its completion and obligation from the silent approbation and +ratification which my proclamation may be construed to imply. Although I +am inclined to think that the latter is your intention, yet it certainly +is best that all doubts respecting it be removed. + +Permit me to observe that it will be proper for me to be informed of +your sentiments relative to the treaty with the Six Nations previous to +the departure of the governor of the Western territory, and therefore +I recommend it to your early consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +His Most Christian Majesty, by a letter dated the 7th of June last, +addressed to the President and members of the General Congress of the +United States of North America, announces the much lamented death of his +son, the Dauphin. The generous conduct of the French monarch and nation +toward this country renders every event that may affect his or their +prosperity interesting to us, and I shall take care to assure him of the +sensibility with which the United States participate in the affliction +which a loss so much to be regretted must have occasioned both to him +and to them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +Agreeably to the act of Congress for adapting the establishment of the +troops in public service to the Constitution of the United States, +I nominate the persons specified in the inclosed list to be the +commissioned officers thereof. + +This nomination differs from the existing arrangement only in the +following cases, to wit: Lieutenant Erkuries Beatty, promoted to a +vacant captaincy in the infantry; Ensign Edward Spear, promoted to a +vacant lieutenancy of artillery; Jacob Melcher, who has been serving as +a volunteer, to be an ensign, vice Benjamin Lawrence, who was appointed +nearly three years past and has never been mustered or joined the +troops. + +It is to be observed that the order in which the captains and subalterns +are named is not to affect their relative rank, which has been hitherto +but imperfectly settled owing to the perplexity of promotions in the +State quotas conformably to the late Confederation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of +Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to +continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest +opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious +this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this +resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures +to their consideration at present, or now to call your attention, +gentlemen, to any of those matters in my department which require your +advice and consent and yet remain to be dispatched. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _September 29, 1789_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:_ + +Having been yesterday informed by a joint committee of both Houses of +Congress that they had agreed to a recess to commence this day and to +continue until the first Monday of January next, I take the earliest +opportunity of acquainting you that, considering how long and laborious +this session has been and the reasons which I presume have produced this +resolution, it does not appear to me expedient to recommend any measures +to their consideration at present. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + + +A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING. + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 119.] + +Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of +Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and +humbly to implore His protection and favor; and + +Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, +requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of +public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with +grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially +by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of +government for their safety and happiness:" + +Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of +November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the +service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of +all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all +unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind +care and protection of the people of this country previous to their +becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable +interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the +late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which +we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which +we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our +safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately +instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are +blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful +knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors +which He has been pleased to confer upon us. + +And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and +supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to +pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether +in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative +duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a +blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, +just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and +obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such +as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, +peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true +religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; +and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal +prosperity as He alone knows to be best. + +Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, +A.D. 1789. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1790_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents +itself of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our +public affairs. The recent accession of the important State of North +Carolina to the Constitution of the United States (of which official +information has been received), the rising credit and respectability of +our country, the general and increasing good will toward the Government +of the Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are +blessed are circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our +national prosperity. + +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but +derive encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last +session have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty +and difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize +their expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious +Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of the present +important session call for the cool and, deliberate exertion of your +patriotism, firmness, and wisdom. + +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that +of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. + +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end +a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and +interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to +render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, +supplies. + +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may +be made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the +comfortable support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to +economy. + +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard +to certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants +of our Southern and Western frontiers from their depredations, but you +will perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall +direct to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the +Commonwealth of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford +protection to those parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish +aggressors. + +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with +other nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable +me to fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances +may render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensations to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and +a competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of our foreign affairs. + +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. + +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States +is an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly +attended to. + +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as +well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as +to the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country +by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that +there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the +promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country +the surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of +government receive their impressions so immediately from the sense of +the community as in ours it is proportionably essential. To the security +of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by convincing +those who are intrusted with the public administration that every +valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves +to know and to value their own rights; to discern and provide against +invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary +exercise of lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a +disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the inevitable +exigencies of society; to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that +of licentiousness--cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting +a speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an +inviolable respect to the laws. + +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids +to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of +a place in the deliberations of the Legislature. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an +adequate provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of +high importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment +I entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly consistent with the end I add +an equal reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +Legislature. It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure +in which the character and permanent interests of the United States are +so obviously and so deeply concerned, and which has received so explicit +a sanction from your declaration. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, +such papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended +to your consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information +of the state of the Union which it is my duty to afford. + +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from +a cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring +to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect +from a free, efficient, and equal government. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: We, the Senate of the United States, return you our thanks for your +speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. The accession of the State +of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States gives us much +pleasure, and we offer you our congratulations on that event, which at +the same time adds strength to our Union and affords a proof that the +more the Constitution has been considered the more the goodness of it +has appeared. The information which we have received, that the measures +of the last session have been as satisfactory to our constituents as we +had reason to expect from the difficulty of the work in which we were +engaged, will afford us much consolation and encouragement in resuming +our deliberations in the present session for the public good, and every +exertion on our part shall be made to realize and secure to our country +those blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within her reach. +We are persuaded that one of the most effectual means of preserving +peace is to be prepared for war, and our attention shall be directed to +the objects of common defense and to the adoption of such plans as shall +appear the most likely to prevent our dependence on other countries +for essential supplies. In the arrangements to be made respecting the +establishment of such troops as may be deemed indispensable we shall +with pleasure provide for the comfortable support of the officers and +soldiers, with a due regard to economy. We regret that the pacific +measures adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile tribes of +Indians have not been attended with the beneficial effects toward the +inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers which we had reason to +hope; and we shall cheerfully cooperate in providing the most effectual +means for their protection, and, if necessary, for the punishment +of aggressors. The uniformity of the currency and of weights and +measures, the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad +and the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, +the facilitating the communication between the distant parts of our +country by means of the post-office and post-roads, a provision for +the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and a uniform rule +of naturalization, by which foreigners may be admitted to the rights of +citizens, are objects which shall receive such early attention as their +respective importance requires. Literature and science are essential +to the preservation of a free constitution; the measures of Government +should therefore be calculated to strengthen the confidence that is +due to that important truth. Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, +forming the basis of the wealth and strength of our confederated +Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation, and shall be +advanced by all proper means in our power. Public credit being an object +of great importance, we shall cheerfully cooperate in all proper +measures for its support. Proper attention shall be given to such papers +and estimates as you may be pleased to lay before us. Our cares and +efforts shall be directed to the welfare of our country, and we have the +most perfect dependence upon your cooperating with us on all occasions +in such measures as will insure to our fellow-citizens the blessings +which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient, and equal +government. + +JANUARY 11, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, and for the assurances which it +contains of attention to the several matters suggested by me to your +consideration. + +Relying on the continuance of your exertions for the public good, I +anticipate for our country the salutary effects of upright and prudent +counsels. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +JANUARY 14, 1790. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken +into consideration your speech to both Houses of Congress at the opening +of the present session. + +We reciprocate your congratulations on the accession of the State +of North Carolina, an event which, while it is a testimony of the +increasing good will toward the Government of the Union, can not fail to +give additional dignity and strength to the American Republic, already +rising in the estimation of the world in national character and +respectability. + +The information that our measures of the last session have not proved +dissatisfactory to our constituents affords us much encouragement at +this juncture, when we are resuming the arduous task of legislating for +so extensive an empire. + +Nothing can be more gratifying to the Representatives of a free people +than the reflection that their labors are rewarded by the approbation +of their fellow-citizens. Under this impression we shall make every +exertion to realize their expectations, and to secure to them those +blessings which Providence has placed within their reach. Still prompted +by the same desire to promote their interests which then actuated us, +we shall in the present session diligently and anxiously pursue those +measures which shall appear to us conducive to that end. + +We concur with you in the sentiment that agriculture, commerce, and +manufactures are entitled to legislative protection, and that the +promotion of science and literature will contribute to the security of a +free Government; in the progress of our deliberations we shall not lose +sight of objects so worthy of our regard. + +The various and weighty matters which you have judged necessary to +recommend to our attention appear to us essential to the tranquillity +and welfare of the Union, and claim our early and most serious +consideration. We shall proceed without delay to bestow on them that +calm discussion which their importance requires. + +We regret that the pacific arrangements pursued with regard to certain +hostile tribes of Indians have not been attended with that success which +we had reason to expect from them. We shall not hesitate to concur in +such further measures as may best obviate any ill effects which might +be apprehended from the failure of those negotiations. + +Your approbation of the vote of this House at the last session +respecting the provision for the public creditors is very acceptable to +us. The proper mode of carrying that resolution into effect, being a +subject in which the future character and happiness of these States are +deeply involved, will be among the first to deserve our attention. + +The prosperity of the United States is the primary object of all our +deliberations, and we cherish the reflection that every measure which +we may adopt for its advancement will not only receive your cheerful +concurrence, but will at the same time derive from your cooperation +additional efficacy, in insuring to our fellow-citizens the blessings +of a free, efficient, and equal government. + +JANUARY 12, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I receive with pleasure the assurances you give me that you +will diligently and anxiously pursue such measures as shall appear to +you conducive to the interest of your constituents, and that an early +and serious consideration will be given to the various and weighty +matters recommended by me to your attention. + +I have full confidence that your deliberations will continue to be +directed by an enlightened and virtuous zeal for the happiness of our +country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +JANUARY 14, 1790. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Having advised with you upon the terms of a treaty to be offered to the +Creek Nation of Indians, I think it proper you should be informed of +the result of that business previous to its coming before you in your +legislative capacity. I have therefore directed the Secretary for the +Department of War to lay before you my instructions to the commissioners +and their report in consequence thereof. + +The apparently critical state of the Southern frontier will render it +expedient for me to communicate to both Houses of Congress, with other +papers, the whole of the transactions relative to the Creeks, in order +that they may be enabled to form a judgment of the measures which the +case may require, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed Mr. Lear, my private secretary, to lay before you a +copy of the adoption and ratification of the Constitution of the United +States by the State of North Carolina, together with a copy of a letter +from His Excellency Samuel Johnston, president of the convention of said +State, to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the papers which are herewith transmitted to you will +be lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 12, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement of the Southwestern frontiers and of the +Indian Department, which have been submitted to me by the Secretary for +the Department of War. + +I conceive that an unreserved but confidential communication of all the +papers relative to the recent negotiations with some of the Southern +tribes of Indians is indispensably requisite for the information of +Congress. I am persuaded that they will effectually prevent either +transcripts or publications of all such circumstances as might be +injurious to the public interests, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +The Secretary for the Department of War has submitted to me certain +principles to serve as a plan for the general arrangement of the militia +of the United States. + +Conceiving the subject to be of the highest importance to the welfare of +our country and liable to be placed in various points of view, I have +directed him to lay the plan before Congress for their information, in +order that they may make such use thereof as they may judge proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency John E. Howard, governor of the +State of Maryland, an act of the legislature of Maryland to ratify +certain articles in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the +United States of America, proposed by Congress to the legislatures of +the several States, and have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the +same before you, together with the copy of a letter, accompanying the +above act, from his excellency the governor of Maryland to the President +of the United States. + +The originals will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 28, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act of the +legislature of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations entitled "An act +for calling a convention to take into consideration the Constitution +proposed for the United States, passed on the 17th day of September, +A.D. 1787, by the General Convention held at Philadelphia," together +with the copy of a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency +John Collins, governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence +Plantations, to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency Alexander Martin, governor of the +State of North Carolina, an act of the general assembly of that State +entitled "An act for the purpose of ceding to the United States of +America certain western lands therein described," and have directed my +secretary to lay a copy of the same before you, together with a copy of +a letter, accompanying said act, from His Excellency Governor Martin to +the President of the United States. + +The originals of the foregoing act and letter will be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_ + +You will perceive from the papers herewith delivered, and which are +enumerated in the annexed list, that a difference subsists between Great +Britain and the United States relative to the boundary line between our +eastern and their territories. A plan for deciding this difference was +laid before the late Congress, and whether that or some other plan of a +like kind would not now be eligible is submitted to your consideration. + +In my opinion, it is desirable that all questions between this and other +nations be speedily and amicably settled, and in this instance I think +it advisable to postpone any negotiations on the subject until I shall +be informed of the result of your deliberations and receive your advice +as to the propositions most proper to be offered on the part of the +United States. + +As I am taking measures for learning the intentions of Great Britain +respecting the further detention of our posts, etc., I am the more +solicitous that the business now submitted to you may be prepared for +negotiation as soon as the other important affairs which engage your +attention will permit. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of a vote of +the legislature of the State of New Hampshire, to accept the articles +proposed in addition to and amendment of the Constitution of the United +States of America, except the second article. At the same time will be +delivered to you the copy of a letter from his excellency the president +of the State of New Hampshire to the President of the United States. + +The originals of the above-mentioned vote and letter will be lodged in +the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +By the mail of last evening I received a letter from His Excellency John +Hancock, governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, inclosing a +resolve of the senate and house of representatives of that Commonwealth +and sundry documents relative to the eastern boundary of the United +States. + +I have directed a copy of the letter and resolve to be laid before you. +The documents which accompanied them being but copies of some of the +papers which were delivered to you with my communication of the 9th of +this month, I have thought it unnecessary to lay them before you at this +time. They will be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, +together with the originals of the above-mentioned letters and resolve. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from His Excellency Joshua Clayton, president of the +State of Delaware, the articles proposed by Congress to the legislatures +of the several States as amendments to the Constitution of the United +States, which articles were transmitted to him for the consideration of +the legislature of Delaware, and are now returned with the following +resolutions annexed to them, viz: + + + The general assembly of Delaware having taken into their + consideration the above amendments, proposed by Congress to the + respective legislatures of the several States, + + _Resolved_, That the first article be postponed; + + _Resolved_, That the general assembly do agree to the second, third, + fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and + twelfth articles, and we do hereby assent to, ratify, and confirm + the same as part of the Constitution of the United States. + + In testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of the State to + be hereunto affixed this 28th day of January, A.D. 1790, and in the + fourteenth year of the independence of the Delaware State. + + +Signed by order of council. + +GEORGE MITCHELL, _Speaker_. + +Signed by order of the house of assembly. + +JEHU DAVIS, _Speaker_. + + +I have directed a copy of the letter which accompanied the said +articles, from His Excellency Joshua Clayton to the President of the +United States, to be laid before you. + +The before-mentioned articles and the original of the letter will be +lodged in the office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 16, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you the copy of an act +and the form of ratification of certain articles of amendment to the +Constitution of the United States by the legislature of the State of +Pennsylvania, together with the copy of a letter which accompanied the +said act, from the speaker of the house of assembly of Pennsylvania to +the President of the United States. + +The originals of the above will be lodged in the office of the Secretary +of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my private secretary to lay before you a copy of the +adoption by the legislature of South Carolina of the articles proposed +by Congress to the legislatures of the several States as amendments +to the Constitution of the United States, together with the copy of +a letter from the governor of the State of South Carolina to the +President of the United States, which have lately come to my hands. + +The originals of the foregoing will be lodged in the office of the +Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my private secretary to lay before you copies of three +acts of the legislature of the State of New York, which have been +transmitted to me by the governor thereof, viz: + +"An act declaring it to be the duty of the sheriffs of the several +counties within this State to receive and safe keep such prisoners +as shall be committed under the authority of the United States." + +"An act for vesting in the United States of America the light-house +and the lands thereunto belonging at Sandy Hook." + +"An act ratifying certain articles in addition to and amendment of the +Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress." + +A copy of a letter accompanying said acts, from the governor of the +State of New York to the President of the United States, will at the +same time be laid before you, and the originals be deposited in the +office of the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 31, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Mr. de Poiery served in the American Army for several of the last years +of the late war as secretary to Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette, +and might probably at that time have obtained the commission of captain +from Congress upon application to that body. At present he is an officer +in the French national guards, and solicits a brevet commission from +the United States of America. I am authorized to add, that while the +compliance will involve no expense on our part, it will be particularly +grateful to that friend of America, the Marquis de Lafayette. +I therefore nominate M. de Poiery to be a captain by brevet. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 1, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +Having received official information of the accession of the State of +Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the Constitution of the +United States, I take the earliest opportunity of communicating the +same to you, with my congratulations on this happy event, which unites +under the General Government all the States which were originally +confederated, and have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy +of the letter from the president of the convention of the State of +Rhode Island to the President of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of the +ratification of the amendments to the Constitution of the United States +by the State of North Carolina, together with an extract from a letter, +accompanying said ratification, from the governor of the State of North +Carolina to the President of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 16, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +The ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by +the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was received by me +last night, together with a letter to the President of the United States +from the president of the convention. I have directed my secretary to +lay before you a copy of each. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 30, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island and Providence +Plantations, for ratifying certain articles as amendments to the +Constitution of the United States, was yesterday put into my hands, +and I have directed my secretary to lay a copy of the same before you. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 4, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_; + +In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the Senate in +August, 1789, the adjustment of the terms of a treaty is far advanced +between the United States and the chiefs of the Creek Indians, now in +this city, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation. + +In preparing the articles of this treaty the present arrangements of +the trade with the Creeks have caused much embarrassment. It seems to +be well ascertained that the said trade is almost exclusively in the +hands of a company of British merchants, who by agreement make their +importations of goods from England into the Spanish ports. + +As the trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political +management, it is therefore obvious that the United States can not +possess any security for the performance of treaties with the Creeks +while their trade is liable to be interrupted or withheld at the caprice +of two foreign powers. + +Hence it becomes an object of real importance to form new channels for +the commerce of the Creeks through the United States. But this operation +will require time, as the present arrangements can not be suddenly +broken without the greatest violation of faith and morals. + +It therefore appears to be important to form a secret article of a +treaty similar to the one which accompanies this message. + +If the Senate should require any further explanation, the Secretary of +War will attend them for that purpose. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +The President of the United States states the following question for the +consideration and advice of the Senate: If it should be found essential +to a treaty for the firm establishment of peace with the Creek Nation of +Indians that an article to the following effect should be inserted +therein, will such an article be proper? viz: + +SECRET ARTICLE. + +The commerce necessary for the Creek Nation shall be carried on through +the ports and by the citizens of the United States if substantial and +effectual arrangements shall be made for that purpose by the United +States on or before the 1st day of August, 1792. In the meantime the +said commerce may be carried on through its present channels and +according to its present regulations. + +And whereas the trade of the said Creek Nation is now carried +on wholly or principally through the territories of Spain, and +obstructions thereto may happen by war or prohibitions of the Spanish +Government, it is therefore agreed between the said parties that in +the event of any such obstructions happening it shall be lawful for +such persons as ---- ---- ---- ---- shall designate to introduce into +and transport through the territories of the United States to the +country of the said Creek Nation any quantity of goods, wares, and +merchandise not exceeding in value in any one year $60,000, and that +free from any duties or impositions whatsoever, but subject to such +regulations for guarding against abuse as the United States shall judge +necessary, which privilege shall continue as long as such obstruction +shall continue. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Considering the circumstances which prevented the late commissioners +from concluding a peace with the Creek Nation of Indians, it appeared +to me most prudent that all subsequent measures for disposing them to +a treaty should in the first instance be informal. + +I informed you on the 4th instant that the adjustment of the terms of +a treaty with their chiefs, now here, was far advanced. Such further +progress has since been made that I think measures may at present be +taken for conducting and concluding that business in form. It therefore +becomes necessary that a proper person be appointed and authorized to +treat with these chiefs and to conclude a treaty with them. For this +purpose I nominate to you Henry Knox. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 6, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have directed my secretary to lay before you a copy of an exemplified +copy of a law to ratify on the part of the State of New Jersey certain +amendments to the Constitution of the United States, together with a +copy of a letter, which accompanied said ratification, from Hon. Elisha +Lawrence, esq., vice-president of the State of New Jersey, to the +President of the United States. + +GO. WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 7, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate:_ + +I lay before you a treaty between the United States and the chiefs of +the Creek Nation, now in this city, in behalf of themselves and the +whole Creek Nation, subject to the ratification of the President of the +United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. + +While I flatter myself that this treaty will be productive of present +peace and prosperity to our Southern frontier, it is to be expected that +it will also in its consequences be the means of firmly attaching the +Creeks and the neighboring tribes to the interests of the United States. + +At the same time it is to be hoped that it will afford solid grounds of +satisfaction to the State of Georgia, as it contains a regular, full, +and definitive relinquishment on the part of the Creek Nation of the +Oconee land in the utmost extent in which it has been claimed by that +State, and thus extinguishes the principal cause of those hostilities +from which it has more than once experienced such severe calamities. + +But although the most valuable of the disputed land is included, yet +there is a certain claim of Georgia, arising out of the treaty made by +that State at Galphinston in November, 1785, of land to the eastward of +a new temporary line from the forks of the Oconee and Oakmulgee in a +southwest direction to the St. Marys River, which tract of land the +Creeks in this city absolutely refuse to yield. + +This land is reported to be generally barren, sunken, and unfit for +cultivation, except in some instances on the margin of the rivers, on +which by improvement rice might be cultivated, its chief value depending +on the timber fit for the building of ships, with which it is +represented as abounding. + +While it is thus circumstanced on the one hand, it is stated by the +Creeks on the other to be of the highest importance to them as +constituting some of their most valuable winter hunting ground. + +I have directed the commissioner to whom the charge of adjusting this +treaty has been committed to lay before you such papers and documents +and to communicate to you such information relatively to it as you may +require. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _August 11, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Although the treaty with the Creeks may be regarded as the main +foundation of the future peace and prosperity of the Southwestern +frontier of the United States, yet in order fully to effect so desirable +an object the treaties which have been entered into with the other +tribes in that quarter must be faithfully performed on our parts. + +During the last year I laid before the Senate a particular statement of +the case of the Cherokees. By a reference to that paper it will appear +that the United States formed a treaty with the Cherokees in November, +1785; that the said Cherokees thereby placed themselves under the +protection of the United States and had a boundary assigned them; that +the white people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the said +boundary by intruding on the Indian lands; that the United States in +Congress assembled did, on the 1st day of September, 1788, issue their +proclamation forbidding all such unwarrantable intrusions, and enjoined +all those who had settled upon the hunting grounds of the Cherokees to +depart with their families and effects without loss of time, as they +would answer their disobedience to the injunctions and prohibitions +expressed at their peril. + +But information has been received that notwithstanding the said treaty +and proclamation upward of 500 families have settled on the Cherokee +lands exclusively of those settled between the fork of French Broad and +Holstein rivers, mentioned in the said treaty. + +As the obstructions to a proper conduct on this matter have been removed +since it was mentioned to the Senate on the 22d of August, 1789, by the +accession of North Carolina to the present Union and the cessions of +the land in question, I shall conceive myself bound to exert the powers +intrusted to me by the Constitution in order to carry into faithful +execution the treaty of Hopewell, unless it shall be thought proper to +attempt to arrange a new boundary with the Cherokees, embracing the +settlements, and compensating the Cherokees for the cessions they shall +make on the occasion. On this point, therefore, I state the following +questions and request the advice of the Senate thereon: + +First. Is it the judgment of the Senate that overtures shall be made to +the Cherokees to arrange a new boundary so as to embrace the settlements +made by the white people since the treaty of Hopewell, in November, 1785? + +Second. If so, shall compensation to the amount of ---- dollars +annually, or of ---- dollars in gross, be made to the Cherokees for +the land they shall relinquish, holding the occupiers of the land +accountable to the United States for its value? + +Third. Shall the United States stipulate solemnly to guarantee the new +boundary which may be arranged? + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From the Gazette of the United States (New York), September 15, 1790, +in the Library of Congress.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas a treaty of peace and friendship between the United States and +the Creek Nation was made and concluded on the 7th day of the present +month of August; and + +Whereas I have, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in due +form ratified the said treaty: + +Now, therefore, to the end that the same may be observed and performed +with good faith on the part of the United States, I have ordered the +said treaty to be herewith published; and I do hereby enjoin and require +all officers of the United States, civil and military, and all other +citizens and inhabitants thereof, faithfully to observe and fulfill the +same. + +Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of +New York, the 14th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year +of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +[From Miscellaneous letters, Department of State, vol. 3.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it hath at this time become peculiarly necessary to warn the +citizens of the United States against a violation of the treaties made +at Hopewell, on the Keowee, on the 28th day of November, 1785, and on +the 3d and 10th days of January, 1786, between the United States and the +Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations of Indians, and to enforce an +act entitled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian +tribes," copies of which treaties and act are hereunto annexed, I have +therefore thought fit to require, and I do by these presents require, +all officers of the United States, as well civil as military, and all +other citizens and inhabitants thereof, to govern themselves according +to the treaties and act aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at +their peril. + +Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, in the city of +New York, the 26th day of August, A.D. 1790, and in the fifteenth year +of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + + +SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1790_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed +our country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted +for this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is +the more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our +resources, but as it assures us of a further increase of the national +respectability and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable +testimony to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine +part of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging their +engagements has been exemplary. + +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, +a loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures +had previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well +the celerity with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms +(considering the more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the +situation of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further execution +of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of +the Treasury has my directions to communicate such further particulars +as may be requisite for more precise information. + +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it +appears that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, +has concurred in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, +in consequence of which the district is to become a distinct member of +the Union, in case the requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this +sanction application is now made. I shall cause the papers on this very +important transaction to be laid before you. The liberality and harmony +with which it has been conducted will be found to do great honor to both +the parties, and the sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its +present Government expressed by our fellow-citizens of Kentucky can not +fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular welfare to the +great national impressions under which you will decide on the case +submitted to you. + +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have +been made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians +from the northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes +dwelling on and near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active +in their depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their +crimes and aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be +seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their +prisoners and plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane +invitations and overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed +their violences with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a +number of valuable citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them +under circumstances peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried +into a deplorable captivity. + +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that +the Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their +crimes than it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their +attachments. As this object could not be effected by defensive measures, +it became necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President +to call out the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have +accordingly authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in +that quarter are combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed +sufficient. The event of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary +of War is directed to lay before you a statement of the information on +which it is founded, as well as an estimate of the expense with which +it will be attended. + +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical +posture of the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the +more thankful for the general peace and security enjoyed by the United +States, reminds us at the same time of the circumspection with which it +becomes us to preserve these blessings. It requires also that we should +not overlook the tendency of a war, and even of preparations for a war, +among the nations most concerned in active commerce with this country +to abridge the means, and thereby at least enhance the price, of +transporting its valuable productions to their proper markets. I +recommend it to your serious reflections how far and in what mode it may +be expedient to guard against embarrassments from these contingencies by +such encouragements to our own navigation as will render our commerce +and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, which may fail us in +the very moments most interesting to both of these great objects. Our +fisheries and the transportation of our own produce offer us abundant +means for guarding ourselves against this evil. + +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not +think any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and +protection. + +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. +You will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may +yet be made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on +sentences issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all +the States. + +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and seamen, has called +for the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient +to regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions +which are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, +too, with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the +aid of the national authority to his consuls established here. Some +legislative provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full +effect. + +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post-office and post-roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects +to which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary +provisions will be commensurate to the other objects for which the +public faith stands now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it +will be a favorite policy with you, not merely to secure a payment of +the interest of the debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing +resources of the country will permit to exonerate it of the principal +itself. The appropriation you have made of the Western land explains +your dispositions on this subject, and I am persuaded that the sooner +that valuable fund can be made to contribute, along with other means, +to the actual reduction of the public debt the more salutary will the +measure be to every public interest, as well as the more satisfactory +to our constituents. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session +I indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultations will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an +undiminished zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us +both, and our best reward, if, by a successful administration of our +respective trusts, we can make the established Government more and more +instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow-citizens, and more and +more the object of their attachment and confidence. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: + +We receive, sir, with particular satisfaction the communications +contained in your speech, which confirm to us the progressive state +of the public credit and afford at the same time a new proof of the +solidity of the foundation on which it rests; and we cheerfully join in +the acknowledgment which is due to the probity and patriotism of the +mercantile and marine part of our fellow-citizens, whose enlightened +attachment to the principles of good government is not less conspicuous +in this than it has been in other important respects. + +In confidence that every constitutional preliminary has been observed, +we assure you of our disposition to concur in giving the requisite +sanction to the admission of Kentucky as a distinct member of the Union; +in doing which we shall anticipate the happy effects to be expected from +the sentiments of attachment toward the Union and its present Government +which have been expressed by the patriotic inhabitants of that district. + +While we regret that the continuance and increase of the hostilities and +depredations which have distressed our Northwestern frontiers should +have rendered offensive measures necessary, we feel an entire confidence +in the sufficiency of the motives which have produced them and in the +wisdom of the dispositions which have been concerted in pursuance of +the powers vested in you, and whatever may have been the event, we +shall cheerfully concur in the provisions which the expedition that has +been undertaken may require on the part of the Legislature, and in any +other which the future peace and safety of our frontier settlements may +call for. + +The critical posture of the European powers will engage a due portion +of our attention, and we shall be ready to adopt any measures which a +prudent circumspection may suggest for the preservation of the blessings +of peace. The navigation and the fisheries of the United States are +objects too interesting not to inspire a disposition to promote them +by all the means which shall appear to us consistent with their natural +progress and permanent prosperity. + +Impressed with the importance of a free intercourse with the +Mediterranean, we shall not think any deliberations misemployed which +may conduce to the adoption of proper measures for removing the +impediments that obstruct it. + +The improvement of the judiciary system and the other important objects +to which you have pointed our attention will not fail to engage the +consideration they respectively merit. + +In the course of our deliberations upon every subject we shall rely +upon that cooperation which an undiminished zeal and incessant anxiety +for the public welfare on your part so thoroughly insure; and as it is +our anxious desire so it shall be our constant endeavor to render the +established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good +of our fellow-citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment +and confidence. + +DECEMBER 10, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: These assurances of favorable attention to the subjects +I have recommended and of entire confidence in my views make the +impression on me which I ought to feel. I thank you for them both, and +shall continue to rely much for the success of all our measures for the +public good on the aid they will receive from the wisdom and integrity +of your councils. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 13, 1790. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States have taken +into consideration your address to the two Houses at the opening of the +present session of Congress. + +We share in the satisfaction inspired by the prospects which continue to +be so auspicious to our public affairs. The blessings resulting from the +smiles of Heaven on our agriculture, the rise of public credit, with the +further advantages promised by it, and the fertility of resources which +are found so little burdensome to the community, fully authorize our +mutual congratulations on the present occasion. Nor can we learn without +an additional gratification that the energy of the laws for providing +adequate revenues have been so honorably seconded by those classes of +citizens whose patriotism and probity were more immediately concerned. + +The success of the loan opened in Holland, under the disadvantages of +the present moment, is the more important, as it not only denotes the +confidence already placed in the United States, but as the effect of a +judicious application of that aid will still further illustrate the +solidity of the foundation on which the public credit rests. + +The preparatory steps taken by the State of Virginia, in concert with +the district of Kentucky, toward the erection of the latter into a +distinct member of the Union exhibit a liberality mutually honorable to +the parties. We shall bestow on this important subject the favorable +consideration which it merits, and, with the national policy which ought +to govern our decision, shall not fail to mingle the affectionate +sentiments which are awakened by those expressed on behalf of our +fellow-citizens of Kentucky. + +Whilst we regret the necessity which has produced offensive hostilities +against some of the Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio, we sympathize +too much with our Western brethren not to behold with approbation the +watchfulness and vigor which have been exerted by the executive +authority for their protection, and which we trust will make the +aggressors sensible that it is their interest to merit by a peaceable +behavior the friendship and humanity which the United States are always +ready to extend to them. + +The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times appeared to us +highly important. The point of view under which you have recommended +it to us is strongly enforced by the actual state of things in Europe. +It will be incumbent on us to consider in what mode our commerce and +agriculture can be best relieved from an injurious dependence on the +navigation of other nations, which the frequency of their wars renders +a too precarious resource for conveying the productions of our country +to market. + +The present state of our trade to the Mediterranean seems not less to +demand, and will accordingly receive, the attention which you have +recommended. + +Having already concurred in establishing a judiciary system which opens +the doors of justice to all, without distinction of persons, it will be +our disposition to incorporate every improvement which experience may +suggest. And we shall consider in particular how far the uniformity +which in other cases is found convenient in the administration of the +General Government through all the States may be introduced into the +forms and rules of executing sentences issuing from the Federal courts. + +The proper regulation of the jurisdiction and functions which may be +exercised by consuls of the United States in foreign countries, with the +provisions stipulated to those of His Most Christian Majesty established +here, are subjects of too much consequence to the public interest and +honor not to partake of our deliberations. + +We shall renew our attention to the establishment of the militia and the +other subjects unfinished at the last session, and shall proceed in them +with all the dispatch which the magnitude of all and the difficulty of +some of them will allow. + +Nothing has given us more satisfaction than to find that the revenues +heretofore established have proved adequate to the purposes to which +they were allotted. In extending the provision to the residuary objects +it will be equally our care to secure sufficiency and punctuality in the +payments due from the Treasury of the United States. We shall also never +lose sight of the policy of diminishing the public debt as fast as the +increase of the public resources will permit, and are particularly +sensible of the many considerations which press a resort to the +auxiliary resource furnished by the public lands. + +In pursuing every branch of the weighty business of the present session +it will be our constant study to direct our deliberations to the public +welfare. Whatever our success may be, we can at least answer for the +fervent love of our country, which ought to animate our endeavors. +In your cooperation we are sure of a resource which fortifies our +hopes that the fruits of the established Government will justify the +confidence which has been placed in it, and recommend it more and more +to the affection and attachment of our fellow-citizens. + +DECEMBER 11, 1790. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The sentiments expressed in your address are entitled to my +particular acknowledgment. + +Having no object but the good of our country, this testimony of +approbation and confidence from its immediate Representatives must be +among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has +been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will +continue to be actuated by the same auspicious principle, I look forward +to the happiest consequences from your deliberations during the present +session. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 13, 1790. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +It appearing by the report of the secretary of the government northwest +of the Ohio that there are certain cases respecting grants of land +within that territory which require the interference of the Legislature +of the United States, I have directed a copy of said report and the +papers therein referred to to be laid before you, together with a copy +of the report of the Secretary of State upon the same subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1790_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the subject of +the citizens of the United States in captivity at Algiers, that you may +provide on their behalf what to you shall seem most expedient. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 3, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act passed by the +legislature of the State of New Jersey for vesting in the United States +of America the jurisdiction of a lot of land at Sandy Hook, in the +county of Monmouth, and a copy of a letter which accompanied said act, +from the governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the +United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you an official statement of the appropriation of $10,000, +granted to defray the contingent expenses of Government by an act of the +26th March, 1790. + +A copy of two resolutions of the legislature of Virginia, and a petition +of sundry officers and assignees of officers and soldiers of the +Virginia line on continental establishment, on the subject of bounty +lands allotted to them on the northwest side of the Ohio; and + +A copy of an act of the legislature of Maryland to empower the wardens +of the port of Baltimore to levy and collect the duty therein mentioned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you a letter from His Most Christian Majesty, addressed to +the President and Members of Congress of the United States of America. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +_To our very dear friends and allies, the President and Members of +the General Congress of the United States of North America_. + +VERY DEAR GREAT FRIENDS AND ALLIES: We have received the letter by which +you inform us of the new mark of confidence that you have shown to +Mr. Jefferson, and which puts a period to his appointment of minister +plenipotentiary at our Court. + +The manner in which he conducted during his residence with us has +merited our esteem and entire approbation, and it is with pleasure that +we now give him this testimony of it. + +It is with the most sincere pleasure that we embrace this opportunity of +renewing these assurances of regard and friendship which we feel for the +United States in general and for each of them in particular. Under their +influence we pray God that He will keep you, very dear friends and +allies, under His holy and beneficent protection. + +Done at Paris this 11th September, 1790. + +Your good friend and ally, + +LOUIS. + +MONTMORIN. [SEAL.] + +The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 10, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you a representation of the charge d'affaires of France, +made by order of his Court, on the acts of Congress of the 20th of +July, 1789 and 1790, imposing an extra tonnage on foreign vessels, +not excepting those of that country, together with the report of +the Secretary of State thereon, and I recommend the same to your +consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may +best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +DOCUMENTS. + +JANUARY 18, 1791. + +The Secretary of State having received from the charge d'affaires of +France a note on the tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of +the United States, has had the same under his consideration, and +thereupon makes the following report to the President of the United +States: + +The charge d'affaires of France, by a note of the 13th of December, +represents, by order of his Court, that they consider so much of the +acts of Congress of July 20, 1789 and 1790, as imposes an extraordinary +tonnage on foreign vessels without excepting those of France, to be in +contravention of the fifth article of the treaty of amity and commerce +between the two nations; that this would have authorized on their +part a proportional modification in the favors granted to the American +navigation, but that his Sovereign had thought it more conformable to +his principles of friendship and attachment to the United States to +order him to make representations thereon, and to ask in favor of French +vessels a modification of the acts which impose an extraordinary tonnage +on foreign vessels. + +The Secretary of State, in giving in this paper to the President of the +United States, thinks it his duty to accompany it with the following +observations: + +The third and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and commerce +between France and the United States subject the vessels of each nation +to pay in the ports of the other only such duties as are paid by the +most favored nation, and give them reciprocally all the privileges and +exemptions in navigation and commerce which are given by either to the +most favored nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they +would have been free to raise or lower their tonnage as they should find +it expedient, only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the +most favored nation. The question, then, is whether the fifth article +cited in the note is anything more than an application of the principle +comprised in the third and fourth to a particular object, or whether it +is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised. + +I. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the +preceding articles is declared by the express words of the article, to +wit: "_Dans l'exemption ci-dessus est nommement compris_," etc., "_in +the above exemption is particularly comprised_, the imposition of 100 +sols per ton established in France on foreign vessels." Here, then, is +at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 +sols is _comprised_ in the third and fourth articles; that is to say, +it was one of the exemptions enjoyed by the most favored nations, and +as such extended to us by those articles. If the exemption spoken of in +this first member of the fifth article was _comprised_ in the third and +fourth articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by +France out of that exemption (which makes the second member of the same +article) _was also comprised_; that is to say, if _the whole_ was +comprised, _the part_ was comprised. And if this reservation of France +in the second member was comprised in the third and fourth articles, +then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the +third and last member of the same article) was also comprised, because +it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which +had been comprised by the same terms with theirs. + +In short, the whole article relates to a particular duty of 100 sols, +laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, +relinquished as to the most favored, and consequently to us. It is not a +new and additional stipulation, then, but a declared application of the +stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a particular case by +way of greater caution. + +The doctrine laid down generally in the third and fourth articles, +and exemplified specially in the fifth, amounts to this: "The vessels +of the most favored nations coming from foreign ports are exempted from +the duty of 100 sols; therefore you are exempted from it by the third +and fourth articles. The vessels of the most favored nations coming +coastwise pay that duty; therefore you are to pay it by the third and +fourth articles. We shall not think it unfriendly in you to lay a +like duty on coasters, because it will be no more than we have done +ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels +coming from foreign ports, provided they apply to all other nations, +even the most favored. We are free to do the same under the same +restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most favored +nations do not pay does not exempt you from one which they do pay." + +In this view, it is evident that the fifth article neither enlarges +nor abridges the stipulations of the third and fourth. The effect of +the treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted +altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by +the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be +added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is +completely useless, as well as her previous abandonment of the same +duty, and, in short, the whole article. Each party, then, remains free +to raise or lower its tonnage, provided the change operates on all +nations, even the most favored. + +Without undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture that this +article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an +overcaution to guard, _nommement, by name_, against a particular +aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured +against; and that has happened which generally happens--doubts have been +produced by the too great number of words used to prevent doubt. + +II. The Court of France, however, understands this article as intended +to introduce something to which the preceding articles had not reached, +and not merely as an application of them to a particular case. Their +opinion seems to be founded on the general rule in the construction of +instruments, to leave no words merely useless for which any rational +meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States +of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 sols, reserved +by France, would have been completely useless if they were left free +by the preceding articles to lay a tonnage to any extent whatever; +consequently, that the reservation of a part proves a relinquishment +of the residue. + +If some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member +of the article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the +corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right +to lay an equivalent duty implies a relinquishment of their right to +lay any other, the reservation by France of a right to continue the +specified duty to which it is an equivalent must imply a relinquishment +of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent +reservations by both must imply equivalent restrictions on both. +The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which +pervades every part of the treaty, insures a counter right to each +party for every right ceded to the other. + +Let it be further considered that the duty called _tonnage_ in the +United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of +buoys, beacons, and light-houses, to guide the mariner into harbor and +along the coast, which are provided and supported at the expense of the +United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gangers, etc., who +are paid by the United States, for which articles, among many others +(light-house money excepted), duties are paid by us in the ports of +France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought +these duties consistent with the treaty, and consequently the same +duties under a general instead of specific names, with us, must be +equally consistent with it. It is not the name, but the thing, which is +essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they +must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new +or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received +from their vessels since the date of the act of Congress, they should +refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the +date of the treaty, for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of +the treaty. + +If this construction be adopted, then each party has forever renounced +the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from +any foreign port, or more than 100 sols on those coming coastwise. Could +this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone, +the United States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much +greater number of American than of French vessels are employed in the +commerce between the two countries; but the exemption once conceded by +the one nation to the other becomes immediately the property of all +others who are on the footing of the most favored nations. It is true +that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that +is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether we should gain or +lose in the exchange of the measure with them is not easy to say. + +Another consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the +most favored nations paying no duties will be on a better footing than +those of natives which pay a moderate duty; consequently either the duty +on these also must be given up or they will be supplanted by foreign +vessels in our own ports. + +The resource, then, of duty on vessels for the purposes either of +revenue or regulation will be forever lost to both. It is hardly +conceivable that either party looking forward to all these consequences +would see their interest in them. + +III. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what is to +be done? The claim, indeed, is couched in mild and friendly terms; +but the idea leaks out that a refusal would authorize them to modify +proportionally the favors granted by the same article to our navigation. +Perhaps they may do what we should feel much more severely, they may +turn their eyes to the favors granted us by their arrets of December 29, +1787, and December 7, 1788, which hang on their will alone, unconnected +with the treaty. Those arrets, among other advantages, admit our whale +oils to the exclusion of that of all other foreigners. And this monopoly +procures a vent for seven-twelfths of the produce of that fishery, which +experience has taught us could find no other market. Near two-thirds of +the produce of our cod fisheries, too, have lately found a free vent in +the colonies of France. This, indeed, has been an irregularity growing +out of the anarchy reigning in those colonies. Yet the demands of the +colonists, even of the Government party among them (if an auxiliary +disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and distinction +on our part), may perhaps produce a constitutional concession to them +to procure their provisions at the cheapest market; that is to say, +at ours. + +Considering the value of the interests we have at stake and +considering the smallness of difference between foreign and native +tonnage on French vessels alone, it might perhaps be thought advisable +to make the sacrifice asked, and especially if it can be so done as +to give no title to other the most favored nations to claim it. If the +act should put French vessels on the footing of those of natives, and +declare it to be in consideration of the favors granted us by the arrets +of December 29, 1787, and December 7, 1788 (and perhaps this would +satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same favor without +offering an equivalent compensation. It might strengthen, too, the +tenure by which those arrets are held, which must be precarious so +long as they are gratuitous. + +It is desirable in many instances to exchange mutual advantages by +legislative acts rather than by treaty, because the former, though +understood to be in consideration of each other, and therefore greatly +respected, yet when they become too inconvenient can be dropped at +the will of either party; whereas stipulations by treaty are forever +irrevocable but by joint consent, let a change of circumstances render +them ever so burdensome. + +On the whole, if it be the opinion that the first construction is to be +insisted on as ours, in opposition to the second urged by the Court of +France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be +given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as +friendly terms as possible the difficulties opposed to the exemption +they claim. + +2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to close with +France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption +from tonnage, a repeal of so much of the tonnage law will be the answer. + +3. If it be thought better to waive rigorous and nice discussions of +right and to make the modification an act of friendship and of +compensation for favors received, the passage of such a bill will then +be the answer. + +TH. JEFFERSON. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. + +SIR: During the long stay you made in France you had opportunities of +being satisfied of the favorable dispositions of His Majesty to render +permanent the ties that united the two nations and to give stability to +the treaties of alliance and of commerce which form the basis of this +union. These treaties were so well maintained by the Congress formed +under the ancient Confederation that they thought it their duty to +interpose their authority whenever any laws made by individual States +appeared to infringe their stipulations, and particularly in 1785, +when the States of New Hampshire and of Massachusetts had imposed an +extraordinary tonnage on foreign vessels without exempting those of the +French nation. The reflections that I have the honor to address to you +in the subjoined note being founded on the same principles, I flatter +myself that they will merit on the part of the Government of the United +States the most serious attention. + +I am, with respect, etc., + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 13, 1790_. + +NOTE.--The underwritten, charge d'affaires of France, has received the +express order of his Court to represent to the United States that the +act passed by Congress the 20th July, 1789, and renewed the 20th July +of the present year, which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on foreign +vessels without excepting French vessels, is directly contrary to the +spirit and to the object of the treaty of commerce which unites the two +nations, and of which His Majesty has not only scrupulously observed the +tenor, but of which he has extended the advantages by many regulations +very favorable to the commerce and navigation of the United States. + +By the fifth article of this treaty the citizens of these States are +declared exempt from the tonnage duty imposed in France on foreign +vessels, and they are not subject to that duty but in the coasting +business. Congress has reserved the privilege of establishing _a duty +equivalent to this last_, a stipulation founded on the state in which +matters were in America at the time of the signature of the treaty. +There did not exist at that epoch any duty on tonnage in the United +States. + +It is evident that it was the nonexistence of this duty and the motive +of a perfect reciprocity stipulated in the preamble of the treaty that +had determined the King to grant the exemption contained in the article +fifth; and a proof that Congress had no intention to contravene this +reciprocity is that _it only reserves a privilege of establishing on the +coasting business a duty equivalent to that which is levied in France_. +This reservation would have been completely useless if by the words of +the treaty Congress thought themselves at liberty to lay _any_ tonnage +they should think proper on French vessels. + +The undersigned has the honor to observe that this contravention of +the fifth article of the treaty of commerce might have authorized +His Majesty to modify proportionately the favors granted by the same +article to the American navigation; but the King, always faithful to +the principles of friendship and attachment to the United States, and +desirous of strengthening more and more the ties which subsist so +happily between the French nation and these States, thinks it +more conformable to these views to order the undersigned to make +representations on this subject, and to ask in favor of French vessels +a modification of the act which imposes an extraordinary tonnage on +foreign vessels. His Majesty does not doubt but that the United States +will acknowledge the justice of this claim, and will be disposed to +restore things to the footing on which they were at the signature of +the treaty of the 6th February, 1778. + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +[Translation.] + +_L.G. Otto to the Secretary of State_. + +NEW YORK, _January 8, 1791_. + +His Excellency M. JEFFERSON, + +_Secretary of State_. + +SIR: I have the honor herewith to send you a letter from the King to +Congress, and one which M. de Montmorin has written to yourself. You +will find therein the sincere sentiments with which you have inspired +our Government, and the regret of the minister in not having a more near +relation of correspondence with you. In these every person who has had +the advantage of knowing you in France participates. + +At the same time, it gives me pain, sir, to be obliged to announce to +you that the complaints of our merchants on the subject of the tonnage +duty increase, and that they have excited not only the attention of the +King but that of several departments of the Kingdom. I have received new +orders to request of the United States a decision on this matter and +to solicit in favor of the aggrieved merchants the restitution of the +duties which have already been paid. I earnestly beg of you, sir, not to +lose sight of an object which, as I have already had the honor to tell +you verbally, is of the greatest importance for cementing the future +commercial connections between the two nations. + +In more particularly examining this question you will perhaps find that +motives of convenience are as powerful as those of justice to engage the +United States to give to His Majesty the satisfaction which he requires. +At least twice as many American vessels enter the ports of France as do +those of France the ports of America. The exemption of the tonnage of +duty, then, is evidently less advantageous for the French than for the +navigators of the United States. Be this as it may, I can assure you, +sir, that the delay of a decision in this respect by augmenting the just +complaints of the French merchants will only augment the difficulties. + +I therefore beg of you to enable me before the sailing of the packet, +which will take place toward the last of this month, to give to my Court +a satisfactory answer. + +I have the honor to be, etc., + +L.G. OTTO. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement relative to the frontiers of the United +States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary for the +Department of War. + +I rely upon your wisdom to make such arrangements as may be essential +for the preservation of good order and the effectual protection of the +frontiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 24, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest +me by their act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and +permanent seat of Government of the United States," and on mature +consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several +positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have by +a proclamation bearing date this day (a copy of which is herewith +transmitted) directed commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, +to survey and limit a part of the territory of 10 miles square on both +sides of the river Potomac, so as to comprehend Georgetown, in Maryland, +and extend to the Eastern Branch. + +I have not by this first act given to the said territory the whole +extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of the river, because +I thought it important that Congress should have an opportunity of +considering whether by an amendatory law they would authorize the +location of the residue at the lower end of the present, so as to +comprehend the Eastern Branch itself and some of the country on its +lower side, in the State of Maryland, and the town of Alexandria, in +Virginia. If, however, they are of opinion that the Federal territory +should be bounded by the water edge of the Eastern Branch, the location +of the residue will be to be made at the upper end of what is now +directed. + +I have thought best to await a survey of the territory before it is +decided on what particular spot on the northeastern side of the river +the public buildings shall be erected. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter from the President of the +National Assembly of France to the President of the United States, +and of a decree of that Assembly, which was transmitted with the +above-mentioned letter. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +In order that you may be fully informed of the situation of the +frontiers and the prospect of hostility in that quarter, I lay before +you the intelligence of some recent depredations, received since my +message to you upon this subject of the 24th instant. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 9, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +I have received from the governor of Vermont authentic documents, +expressing the consent of the legislatures of New York and of the +Territory of Vermont that the said Territory shall be admitted to be a +distinct member of our Union; and a memorial of Nathaniel Chipman and +Lewis R. Morris, commissioners from the said Territory, praying the +consent of Congress to that admission, by the name and style of the +State of Vermont, copies of which I now lay before Congress, with +whom the Constitution has vested the object of these proceedings. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +Soon after I was called to the administration of the Government I found +it important to come to an understanding with the Court of London on +several points interesting to the United States, and particularly to +know whether they were disposed to enter into arrangements by mutual +consent which might fix the commerce between the two nations on +principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorized +informal conferences with their ministers, and from these I do not infer +any disposition on their part to enter into any arrangements merely +commercial. I have thought it proper to give you this information, as it +might at some time have influence on matters under your consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Conceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of justice on the +part of Great Britain we should stand less committed should it be made +to a private rather than to a public person, I employed Mr. Gouverneur +Morris, who was on the spot, and without giving him any definite +character, to enter informally into the conferences before mentioned. +For your more particular information I lay before you the instructions +I gave him and those parts of his communications wherein the British +ministers appear either in conversation or by letter. These are two +letters from the Duke of Leeds to Mr. Morris, and three letters of Mr. +Morris giving an account of two conferences with the Duke of Leeds and +one with him and Mr. Pitt. The sum of these is that they declare without +scruple they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the treaty of peace +to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to understand the +delivery of the posts and payment for property carried off) till +performance on our part, and compensation where the delay has rendered +the performance now impracticable; that on the subject of a treaty of +commerce they avoided direct answers, so as to satisfy Mr. Morris they +did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to a treaty +of alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in the event of a rupture +with Spain. + +As to the sending a minister here, they made excuses at the first +conference, seemed disposed to it in the second, and in the last express +an intention of so doing. + +Their views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have directed +Mr. Morris to discontinue his communications with them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The aspect of affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially +between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favorable occasion +for pressing to accommodation the unsettled matters between them and us. +Mr. Carmichael, our charge d'affaires at Madrid, having been long absent +from his country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances +and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send +some person, in a private character, fully acquainted with the present +state of things here, to be the bearer of written and confidential +instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and +frequent conversations of all those details of facts and topics of +argument which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be +necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that Court with +advantage. Colonel David Humphreys was therefore sent for these +purposes. + +An additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same +quarter. The Court of Lisbon had on several occasions made the most +amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with +the United States. The exchange of a diplomatic character had been +informally, but repeatedly, suggested on their part. It was our interest +to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions and to concur in the +exchange proposed. But my wish was at the same time that the character +to be exchanged should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To +this it was known that certain rules of long standing at that Court +would produce obstacles. Colonel Humphreys was charged with dispatches +to the prime minister of Portugal and with instructions to endeavor to +arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that previous to his +arrival at Lisbon the Queen had appointed a minister _resident_ to the +United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty +completely insurmountable. The minister of that Court in his conferences +with Colonel Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet +expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur +in the grade of charge d'affaires, a grade of little privilege or +respectability by the rules of their Court and held in so low estimation +with them that no proper character would accept it to go abroad. In a +letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same sentiments, and +announces the appointment on their part of a minister _resident_ to +the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive +one from us at her Court. A copy of his letter, and also of Colonel +Humphreys's giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered +to you. + +On consideration of all circumstances I have determined to accede to +the desire of the Court of Lisbon in the article of grade. I am aware +that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the +only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be +necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil than +to disgust a government so friendly and so interesting to us as that +of Portugal. + +I do not mean that the change of grade shall render the mission more +expensive. + +I have therefore nominated David Humphreys minister resident from the +United States to Her Most Faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 22, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in +captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice of +the 1st instant, so soon as the moneys necessary shall be appropriated +by the Legislature and shall be in readiness. + +The recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco requires +also previous appropriation and provision. The importance of this last +to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on +your earliest attention. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 23, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed +vice-consul of the United States at Cowes, in Great Britain, that his +commission has not been recognized by that Government because it is a +port at which no foreign consul has yet been received, and that it has +been intimated to him that his appointment to the port of Poole and +parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other consul of the +United States would be recognized and his residence at Cowes not +noticed, I have therefore thought it expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo +to be vice-consul for the United States at the port of Poole, in Great +Britain, and such parts within the allegiance of His Britannic Majesty +as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other consul or +vice-consul of the United States within the same allegiance. + +I also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be consul for the United +States in the island of Santa Cruz and such other parts within the +allegiance of His Danish Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the +residence of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within +the same allegiance. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having +fixed on this as the day of its admission, it was thought that this +would also be the first day on which any officer of the Union might +legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore +required your attendance to receive nominations of the several officers +necessary to put the Federal Government into motion in that State.[1] + +For this purpose I nominate Nathaniel Chipman to be judge of the +district of Vermont; Stephen Jacobs to be attorney for the United +States in the district of Vermont; Lewis R. Morris to be marshal of +the district of Vermont, and Stephen Keyes to be collector of the port +of Allburgh, in the State of Vermont. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 4, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the act entitled "An act +repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid +upon distilled spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their +stead, and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for +appropriating the same," I have thought fit to divide the United States +into the following districts, namely: + +The district of New Hampshire, to consist of the State of New Hampshire; +the district of Massachusetts, to consist of the State of Massachusetts; +the district of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to consist of +the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; the district of +Connecticut, to consist of the State of Connecticut; the district of +Vermont, to consist of the State of Vermont; the district of New York, +to consist of the State of New York; the district of New Jersey, to +consist of the State of New Jersey; the district of Pennsylvania, to +consist of the State of Pennsylvania; the district of Delaware, to +consist of the State of Delaware; the district of Maryland, to consist +of the State of Maryland; the district of Virginia, to consist of the +State of Virginia; the district of North Carolina, to consist of the +State of North Carolina; the district of South Carolina, to consist of +the State of South Carolina; and the district of Georgia, to consist +of the State of Georgia. + +And I hereby nominate as supervisors of the said districts, +respectively, the following persons, viz: + +For the district of New Hampshire, Joshua Wentworth; for the district of +Massachusetts, Nathaniel Gorham; for the district of Rhode Island and +Providence Plantations, John S. Dexter; for the district of Connecticut, +John Chester; for the district of Vermont, Noah Smith; for the district +of New York, William S. Smith; for the district of New Jersey, Aaron +Dunham; for the district of Pennsylvania, George Clymer; for the +district of Delaware, Henry Latimer; for the district of Maryland, +George Gale; for the district of Virginia, Edward Carrington; for the +district of North Carolina, William Polk; for the district of South +Carolina, Daniel Stevens; for the district of Georgia, John Mathews. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +[Footnote 1: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session +see p. 587.] + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas the general assembly of the State of Maryland, by an act passed +on the 23d day of December, A.D. 1788, intituled "An act to cede to +Congress a district of 10 miles square in this State for the seat of the +Government of the United States," did enact that the Representatives of +the said State in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the +United States, appointed to assemble at New York on the first Wednesday +of March then next ensuing, should be, and they were thereby, authorized +and required on the behalf of the said State to cede to the Congress of +the United States any district in the said State not exceeding 10 miles +square which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of +Government of the United States; + +And the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an act +passed on the 3d day of December, 1789, and intituled "An act for the +cession of 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, of territory within +this State to the United States in Congress assembled, for the permanent +seat of the General Government," did enact that a tract of country not +exceeding 10 miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within +the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as Congress might +by law direct, should be, and the same was thereby, forever ceded and +relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in +full and absolute right and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as +of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and +effect of the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution +of Government of the United States; + +And the Congress of the United States, by their act passed the 16th day +of July, 1790, and intituled "An act for establishing the temporary and +permanent seat of the Government of the United States," authorized the +President of the United States to appoint three commissioners to survey +under his direction and by proper metes and bounds to limit a district +of territory, not exceeding 10 miles square, on the river Potomac, at +some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Connogocheque, +which district, so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said +act of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the Government +of the United States: + +Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, and after +duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the +several situations within the limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and +make known that the location of one part of the said district of 10 +miles square shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the +following manner, that is to say: Running from the court-house of +Alexandria, in Virginia, due southwest half a mile, and thence a due +southeast course till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix the +beginning of the said four lines of experiment. + +Then beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment at the +point on Hunting Creek where the said southeast course shall have struck +the same, and running the said first line due northwest 10 miles; thence +the second line into Maryland due northeast 10 miles; thence the third +line due southeast 10 miles, and thence the fourth line due southwest +10 miles to the beginning on Hunting Creek. + +And the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do hereby +declare and make known that all that part within the said four lines +of experiment which shall be within the State of Maryland and above +the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the same four lines of +experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia and above +a line to be run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the +mouth of the Eastern Branch due southwest, and no more, is now fixed +upon and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited, and located for a +part of the said district accepted by the said act of Congress for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States (hereby expressly +reserving the direction of the survey and location of the remaining part +of the said district to be made hereafter contiguous to such part or +parts of the present location as is or shall be agreeable to law). + +And I do accordingly direct the said commissioners, appointed agreeably +to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith to run the said lines +of experiment, and the same being run, to survey and by proper metes +and bounds to define and limit the part within the same which is +hereinbefore directed for immediate location and acceptance, and +thereof to make due report to me under their hands and seals. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to +be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of January, A.D. 1791, +and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + TH: JEFFERSON. + + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it hath been represented to me that James O'Fallon is levying +an armed force in that part of the State of Virginia which is called +Kentucky, disturbs the public peace, and sets at defiance the treaties +of the United States with the Indian tribes, the act of Congress +intituled "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian +tribes," and my proclamations of the 14th and 26th days of August +last founded thereon; and it is my earnest desire that those who have +incautiously associated themselves with the said James O'Fallon may be +warned of their danger, I have therefore thought fit to publish this +proclamation, hereby declaring that all persons violating the treaties +and act aforesaid shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. + +And I do, moreover, require all officers of the United States whom it +may concern to use their best exertions to bring to justice any persons +offending in the premises. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 19th day of March, A.D. 1791, +and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + TH: JEFFERSON. + + + +[From the Washington Papers (Executive Proceedings), vol. 20, p. 191.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a proclamation bearing date the 24th day of January of this +present year, and in pursuance of certain acts of the States of Maryland +and Virginia and of the Congress of the United States, therein +mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run in the +neighborhood of Georgetown, in Maryland, for the purpose of determining +the location of a part of the territory of 10 miles square for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States, and a certain +part was directed to be located within the said lines of experiment on +both sides of the Potomac and above the limit of the Eastern Branch +prescribed by the said act of Congress; + +And Congress by an amendatory act passed on the 3d day of the present +month of March have given further authority to the President of the +United States "to make any part of the territory below the said limit +and above the mouth of Hunting Creek a part of the said district, so as +to include a convenient part of the Eastern Branch and of the lands +lying on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alexandria": + +Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing the location +of the whole of the said territory of 10 miles square in conformity with +the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby declare and make known +that the whole of the said territory shall be located and included +within the four lines following, that is to say: + +Beginning at Jones's Point, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, in +Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of 45 degrees west of the north, +and running in a direct line 10 miles for the first line; then beginning +again at the same Jones's Point and running another direct line at a +right angle with the first across the Potomac 10 miles for the second +line; then from the termination of the said first and second lines +running two other direct lines of 10 miles each, the one crossing the +Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting each +other in a point. + +And I do accordingly direct the commissioners named under the authority +of the said first-mentioned act of Congress to proceed forthwith to have +the said four lines run, and by proper metes and bounds defined and +limited, and thereof to make due report under their hands and seals; and +the territory so to be located, defined, and limited shall be the whole +territory accepted by the said acts of Congress as the district for the +permanent seat of the Government of the United States. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at Georgetown aforesaid, the 30th day of March, A.D. 1791, and of +the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _October 25, 1791_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are +naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of +our common country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors +of the session which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a +spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to +the stability and increase of national prosperity. + +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again +rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape +recollection. + +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied +you of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, +and navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with +particular pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, +public as well as private, to which the Constitution and laws of the +United States have so eminently contributed; and you will have observed +with no less interest new and decisive proofs of the increasing +reputation and credit of the nation. But you nevertheless can not fail +to derive satisfaction from the confirmation of these circumstances +which will be disclosed in the several official communications that +will be made to you in the course of your deliberations. + +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which +completed the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among +the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only +of confidence in the Government, but of resource in the community. + +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the +execution of the different objects which were specially provided for +by the laws and resolutions of the last session. + +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +Western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was +a primary wish. + +Accordingly, at the same time that treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to +confirm in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, +effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile +description sensible that a pacification was desired upon terms of +moderation and justice. + +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to +convince the refractory of the power of the United States to punish +their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, +to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates +of humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success and +others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been completed were +carried on under the authority and at the expense of the United States +by the militia of Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good +conduct are entitled to peculiar commendation. + +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately +renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, +and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United +States. + +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may +cease and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to +advance the happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to +the United States. + +In order to this it seems necessary-- + +That they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation +of justice. + +That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent +and war, should be so defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and +as far as may be practicable controversy concerning the reality and +extent of the alienations which are made. + +That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending +to secure an equitable deportment toward them, and that such rational +experiments should be made for imparting to them the blessings of +civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. + +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. + +And that efficacious provision should be made for inflicting adequate +penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights, shall infringe +the treaties and endanger the peace of the Union. + +A system corresponding with the mild principles of religion and +philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose happiness +materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as +honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. + +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits; which respect the subdivisions of the districts +into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of +compensations, have likewise been carried into effect. In a matter +in which both materials and experience were wanting to guide the +calculation it will be readily conceived that there must have been +difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would +conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to the limits +prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the circumspection which has +been used will be found in the result to have secured the last of the +two objects; but it is probable that with a view to the first in some +instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable. + +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community +have been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened +and well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the +measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the +United States and a misconception of some of its provisions have given +occasion in particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is +satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations +and more just apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I +entertain a full confidence that it will in all give way to motives +which arise out of a just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the +public welfare. + +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with +its main design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned +objections that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise +moderation to make the proper variations. It is desirable on all +occasions to unite with a steady and firm adherence to constitutional +and necessary acts of Government the fullest evidence of a disposition +as far as may be practicable to consult the wishes of every part of the +community and to lay the foundations of the public administration in +the affections of the people. + +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, +a district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government +of the United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which +district will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and +the towns of Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out +agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there +is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which have already taken +place, of ample funds for carrying on the necessary public buildings, +there is every expectation of their due progress. + +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with +this duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing +assurance that the present population of the United States borders on +4,000,000 persons. + +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those +of the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. +Another, on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot +under circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees +and Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your +consideration and ratification. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily +incident to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive +country have been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious +exertions of your predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of +the Legislature. The important objects which remain to be accomplished +will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive +and equally well calculated for the advancement of the general weal. + +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by +the act making provision for the debt of the United States having +expired, statements from the proper department will as soon as possible +apprise you of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to +afford an assurance that the views of that act have been substantially +fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States +has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at +the same time proof of the general satisfaction of the public creditors +with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance and of the +spirit of accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which +they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the respective +States as far as the provisions of the law have permitted may be said to +be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States which +remains unsubscribed will naturally engage your further deliberations. + +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. + +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained +demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, +and such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public +business, for which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; +of all which a proper estimate will be laid before you. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them +to your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the +most arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to +resume them with advantage. + +There are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post-office and +post-roads, the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale +of the vacant lands of the United States. + +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community +or to the preservation of order. In connection with this the +establishment of competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification +of such places as are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally +present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States +under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of systematic and +solid arrangements, exposed as little as possible to the hazards of +fortuitous circumstances. + +The importance of the post-office and post-roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, +which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves +also to guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and +misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts, especially +to some of the important points in the Western and Northern parts of +the Union, can not fail to be of material utility. + +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity +of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer +classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the +resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. +Measures have been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some +of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. + +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no +less honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public +convenience. + +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; +that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of +burthening our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the +principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a +limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the +public of its right. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Senate of the United States have received with the highest +satisfaction the assurances of public prosperity contained in your +speech to both Houses. The multiplied blessings of Providence have not +escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. + +The benefits which flow from the restoration of public and private +confidence are conspicuous and important, and the pleasure with which +we contemplate them is heightened by your assurance of those further +communications which shall confirm their existence and indicate their +source. + +While we rejoice in the success of those military operations which have +been directed against the hostile Indians, we lament with you the +necessity that has produced them, and we participate the hope that the +present prospect of a general peace on terms of moderation and justice +may be wrought into complete and permanent effect, and that the measures +of Government may equally embrace the security of our frontiers and +the general interests of humanity, our solicitude to obtain which will +insure our zealous attention to an object so warmly espoused by the +principles of benevolence and so highly interesting to the honor and +welfare of the nation. + +The several subjects which you have particularly recommended and those +which remain of former sessions will engage our early consideration. +We are encouraged to prosecute them with alacrity and steadiness by +the belief that they will interest no passion but that for the general +welfare, by the assurance of concert, and by a view of those arduous +and important arrangements which have been already accomplished. + +We observe, sir, the constancy and activity of your zeal for the public +good. The example will animate our efforts to promote the happiness of +our country. + +OCTOBER 28, 1791. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the +happiness of our country derives its full value from the share which +your deliberations have already had in promoting both. + +I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I +have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the +United States, and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will +continue to second those further efforts for the public good which are +insured by the spirit in which you are entering on the present session. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +OCTOBER 31, 1791. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: In receiving your address at the opening of the present session +the House of Representatives have taken an ample share in the feelings +inspired by the actual prosperity and flattering prospects of our +country, and whilst with becoming gratitude to Heaven we ascribe this +happiness to the true source from which it flows, we behold with an +animating pleasure the degree in which the Constitution and laws of +the United States have been instrumental in dispensing it. + +It yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success with which the +different important measures of the Government have proceeded, as well +those specially provided for at the last session as those of preceding +date. The safety of our Western frontier, in which the lives and repose +of so many of our fellow-citizens are involved, being peculiarly +interesting, your communications on that subject are proportionally +grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct of the militia, whose +services were called for, is an honorable confirmation of the efficacy +of that precious resource of a free state, and we anxiously wish that +the consequences of their successful enterprises and of the other +proceedings to which you have referred may leave the United States free +to pursue the most benevolent policy toward the unhappy and deluded race +of people in our neighborhood. + +The amount of the population of the United States, determined +by the returns of the census, is a source of the most pleasing +reflections whether it be viewed in relation to our national safety +and respectability or as a proof of that felicity in the situation of +our country which favors so unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor +ought any to be insensible to the additional motive suggested by this +important fact to perpetuate the free Government established, with a +wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth which promises such +an increase of the number which is to enjoy those blessings within the +limits of the United States. + +We shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic +recommendations and with a deep sense of the trust committed to us by +our fellow-citizens to take into consideration the various and important +matters falling within the present session; and in discussing and +deciding each we shall feel every disposition whilst we are pursuing +the public welfare, which must be the supreme object with all our +constituents, to accommodate as far as possible the means of attaining +it to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them. + +OCTOBER 27, 1791. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to +the objects I have recommended to you is doubled by your concurrence in +the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public +affairs. + +Relying on the sanctions of your enlightened judgment and on your +patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavors for +the public weal, and particularly in those which may be required on my +part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present +deliberations. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +OCTOBER 28, 1791. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you copies of the following acts, which have been +transmitted to me during the recess of Congress, viz: + +An act passed by the legislature of New Hampshire for ceding to the +United States the fort and light-house belonging to the said State. + +An act of the legislature of Pennsylvania ratifying on behalf of said +State the first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United +States as proposed by Congress; and + +An act of the legislature of North Carolina granting the use of the +jails within that State to the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 26, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you for your +consideration all the papers relative to the late negotiations with +the Cherokee Indians, and the treaty concluded with that tribe on the +2d day of July last by the superintendent of the southern district, +and I request your advice whether I shall ratify the same. + +I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering and his +conferences with the Six Nations of Indians. These conferences were for +the purpose of conciliation, and at a critical period, to withdraw those +Indians to a greater distance from the theater of war, in order to +prevent their being involved therein. + +It might not have been necessary to have requested your opinion on +this business had not the commissioner, with good intentions, but +incautiously, made certain ratifications of lands unauthorized by +his instructions and unsupported by the Constitution. + +It therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction explicitly in a +letter written by my orders to the governor of New York on the 17th of +August last. + +The speeches to the Complanter and other Seneca chiefs, the instructions +to Colonel Proctor, and his report, and other messages and directions +are laid before you for your information and as evidences that all +proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coercion. + +The letters to the chief of the Creeks are also laid before you, to +evince that the requisite steps have been taken to produce a full +compliance with the treaty made with that nation on the 7th of +August, 1790. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents which I have +received from the governor of Pennsylvania, respecting certain persons +who are said to have fled from justice out of the State of Pennsylvania +into that of Virginia, together with a report of the Attorney-General of +the United States upon the same subject. + +I have received from the governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of +the general assembly of that State, authorizing him to convey to the +United States the right and jurisdiction of the said State over 1 acre +of land in Occacock Island and 10 acres on the Cape Island, within the +said State, for the purpose of erecting light-houses thereon, together +with the deed of the governor in pursuance thereof and the original +conveyances made to the State by the individual proprietors, which +original conveyances contain conditions that the light-house on Occacock +shall be built before the 1st day of January, 1801, and that on the Cape +Island before the 8th day of October, 1800. And I have caused these +several papers to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. + +A statement of the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of +the United States which have been received will at this time be laid +before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 27, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you, for your +information, the reports of Brigadier-General Scott and +Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the +two expeditions against the Wabash Indians in the months of June and +August last, together with the instructions by virtue of which the said +expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be +terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _October 31, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant +to the act entitled "An act repealing after the last day of June next +the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad +and laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits distilled within +the United States, and for appropriating the same," in respect to the +subdivision of the several districts created by the said act into +surveys of inspection, the appointment of officers for the same, and +the assignment of compensations. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 1, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I received yesterday from the judge of the district of South Carolina a +letter, inclosing the presentments of the grand jury to him, and stating +the causes which have prevented the return of the census from that +district, copies of which are now laid before you. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 10, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The resolution passed at the last session of Congress, requesting the +President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before +Congress at their next session of the quantity and situation of the +lands not claimed by the Indians nor granted to nor claimed by any of +the citizens of the United States within the territory ceded to the +United States by the State of North Carolina and within the territory of +the United States northwest of the river Ohio, has been referred to the +Secretary of State, a copy of whose report on that subject I now lay +before you, together with the copy of a letter accompanying it. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 11, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have received from the governor of Virginia a resolution of the +general assembly of that Commonwealth, ratifying the first article of +the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United +States, a copy of which and of the letter accompanying it I now lay +before you. + +Sundry papers relating to the purchase by Judge Symmes of the lands on +the Great Miami having been communicated to me, I have thought it proper +to lay the same before you for your information on that subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 12, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is with great concern that I communicate to you the information +received from Major-General St. Clair of the misfortune which has +befallen the troops under his command. + +Although the national loss is considerable according to the scale of the +event, yet it may be repaired without great difficulty, excepting as to +the brave men who have fallen on the occasion, and who are a subject of +public as well as private regret. + +A further communication will shortly be made of all such matters as +shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to judge of the future +measures which it may be proper to pursue. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 13, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I place before you the plan of a city that has been laid out within the +district of 10 miles square, which was fixed upon for the permanent seat +of the Government of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 20, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the +governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry documents +which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a +certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie, together with a copy of +a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1791_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of the ratification by the Commonwealth of +Virginia of the articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the +Constitution of the United States, and a copy of a letter which +accompanied said ratification from the governor of Virginia. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the following report, which has been made to me by the +Secretary of State: + + +DECEMBER 22, 1791. + + The Secretary of State reports to the President of the United States + that one of the commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately + communicated to him verbally, by order of his Court, that His Catholic + Majesty, apprised of our solicitude to have some arrangements made + respecting our free navigation of the river Mississippi and the use + of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid. + + The Secretary of State is of opinion that this overture should be + attended to without delay, and that the proposal of treating at Madrid, + though not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted, and a + commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose. + + That Mr. Carmichael, the present charge d'affaires of the United States + at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with + persons and circumstances, would be an useful and proper member of the + commission, but that it would be useful also to join with him some + person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the + navigation to be treated of. + + That the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of + intercourse between the United States and foreign nations will + insufficiently furnish the ordinary and regular demands on it, and is + consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional commissioner + express from hence. + + That therefore it will be advisable on this account, as well as for + the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the ministers of the + United States in Europe, jointly with Mr. Carmichael, commissioners + plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating and concluding + with any person or persons duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a + convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Mississippi + by the citizens of the United States under such accommodations with + respect to a port and other circumstances as may render the said + navigation practicable, useful, and free from dispute, saving to the + President and Senate their respective rights as to the ratification + of the same, and that the said negotiation be at Madrid, or such + other place in Spain as shall be desired by His Catholic Majesty. + +TH. JEFFERSON. + +In consequence of the communication from the Court of Spain, as stated +in the preceding report, I nominate William Carmichael, present charge +d'affaires of the United States at Madrid, and William Short, present +charge d'affaires of the United States at Paris, to be commissioners +plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding with any person or +persons who shall be duly authorized by His Catholic Majesty a +convention or treaty concerning the navigation of the river Mississippi +by the citizens of the United States, saving to the President and +Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 11, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you, in confidence, two reports, made to me by the +Secretary for the Department of War, relatively to the present state +of affairs on the Western frontiers of the United States. + +In these reports the causes of the present war with the Indians, the +measures taken by the Executive to terminate it amicably, and the +military preparations for the late campaign are stated and explained, +and also a plan suggested of such further measures on the occasion as +appear just and expedient. + +I am persuaded, gentlemen, that you will take this important subject +into your immediate and serious consideration, and that the result of +your deliberations will be the adoption of such wise and efficient +measures as will reflect honor on our national councils and promote +the welfare of our country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplified copy of an act of the +legislature of Vermont, ratifying on behalf of that State the articles +of amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United +States together with a copy of a letter which accompanied said +ratification. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the Cherokee +Nation of Indians now in this city, and I request your advice whether an +additional article shall be made to the Cherokee treaty to the following +effect, to wit: + +That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the Cherokee +Nation of Indians in consideration of the relinquishment of lands as +stated in the treaty made with them on the 2d day of July, 1791, shall +be $1,500 instead of $1,000 mentioned in the said treaty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Having received from the governor of Virginia a letter, inclosing a +resolution of the general assembly of that State and a report of a +committee of the House of Delegates respecting certain lands located by +the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line under the laws of that +State, and since ceded to the Chickasaw Indians, I lay copies of the +same before you, together with a report of the Secretary of State on +this subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 8, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +An article of expense having occurred in the Department of Foreign +Affairs for which no provision has been made by law, I lay before you a +letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same, in order that +you may do thereon what you shall find to be right. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a return of the number of inhabitants in the +district of South Carolina as made to me by the marshal thereof, and a +copy of a letter which accompanied said return. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Knowing the friendly interest you take in whatever may promote the +happiness and prosperity of the French nation, it is with pleasure that +I lay before you the translation of a letter which I have received from +His Most Christian Majesty, announcing to the United States of America +his acceptance of the constitution presented to him by his nation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +_Very Dear Great Friends and Allies_: + +We make it our duty to inform you that we have accepted the constitution +which has been presented to us in the name of the nation, and according +to which France will be henceforth governed. + +We do not doubt that you take an interest in an event so important +to our Kingdom and to us, and it is with real pleasure we take this +occasion to renew to you assurances of the sincere friendship we bear +you. Whereupon we pray God to have you, very dear great friends and +allies, in His just and holy keeping. + +Written at Paris the 19th of September, 1791. + +Your good friend and ally, + +LOUIS. + +MONTMORIN. + +The UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 6, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you the following report, which has been submitted to me by +the Secretary of State: + + +JANUARY 10, 1792. + +The Secretary of State having received information that the merchants +and merchandise of the United States are subject in Copenhagen and other +ports of Denmark to considerable extra duties, from which they might +probably be relieved by the presence of a consul there-- + +Reports to the President of the United States that it would be expedient +to name a consul to be resident in the port of Copenhagen; that he has +not been able to find that there is any citizen of the United States +residing there; that there is a certain Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish +subject and merchant of that place, of good character, of wealth and +distinction, and well qualified and disposed to act there for the United +States, who would probably accept the commission of consul; but that +that of vice-consul, hitherto given by the President to foreigners in +ports where there was no proper American citizen, would probably not be +accepted because in this, as in some other ports of Europe, usage has +established it as a subordinate grade. + +And that he is therefore of the opinion that the said Hans Rudolph Saaby +should be nominated consul of the United States of America for the port +of Copenhagen and such other places within the allegiance of His Danish +Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of +any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance. + +THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + +With a view to relieve the merchants and merchandise of the United +States from the extra duties to which they are or may be subjected in +the ports of Denmark, I have thought it for the interest of the United +States that a consul be appointed to reside at Copenhagen. I therefore +nominate Hans Rudolph Saaby, a Danish subject and merchant of +Copenhagen, to be consul for the United States of America at the port +of Copenhagen and for such other places within the allegiance of His +Danish Majesty as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence +of any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I submit to your consideration the report of the Secretary of State, +which accompanies this, stating the reasons for extending the +negotiation proposed at Madrid to the subject of commerce, and +explaining, under the form of instructions to the commissioners lately +appointed to that Court, the principles on which commercial arrangements +with Spain might, if desired on her part, be acceded to on ours; and +I have to request your decision whether you will advise and consent to +the extension of the powers of the commissioners as proposed, and to +the ratification of a treaty which shall conform to those instructions +should they enter into such a one with that Court. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + +MARCH 7, 1792. + + The Secretary of State having understood from communications with the + commissioners of His Catholic Majesty, subsequent to that which he + reported to the President on the 22d of December last, that though they + considered the navigation of the Mississippi as the principal object + of negotiation between the two countries, yet it was expected by their + Court that the conferences would extend to all the matters which were + under negotiation on the former occasion with Mr. Gardoqui, and + particularly to some arrangements of commerce, is of opinion that to + renew the conferences on this subject also, since they desire it, will + be but friendly and respectful, and can lead to nothing without our + own consent, and that to refuse it might obstruct the settlement of + the questions of navigation and boundary; and therefore reports to + the President of the United States the following observations and + instructions to the commissioners of the United States appointed to + negotiate with the Court of Spain a treaty or convention relative to + the navigation of the Mississippi, which observations and instructions + he is of opinion should be laid before the Senate of the United States, + and their decision be desired whether they will advise and consent that + a treaty be entered into by the commissioners of the United States with + Spain conformably thereto. + + After stating to our commissioners the foundation of our rights to + navigate the Mississippi and to hold our southern boundary at the + thirty-first degree of latitude, and that each of these is to be a + sine qua non, it is proposed to add as follows: + + On the former conferences on the navigation of the Mississippi, Spain + chose to blend with it the subject of commerce, and accordingly + specific propositions thereon passed between the negotiators. Her + object then was to obtain our renunciation of the navigation and to + hold out commercial arrangements perhaps as a lure to us. Perhaps, + however, she might then, and may now, really set a value on commercial + arrangements with us, and may receive them as a consideration for + accommodating us in the navigation, or may wish for them to have the + appearance of receiving a consideration. Commercial arrangements, if + acceptable in themselves, will not be the less so if coupled with + those relating to navigation and boundary. We have only to take care + that they be acceptable in themselves. + + There are two principles which may be proposed as the basis of a + commercial treaty: First, that of exchanging the privileges of native + citizens, or, second, those of the most favored nation. + + First. With the nations holding important possessions in America we + are ready to exchange the rights of native citizens, provided they + be extended through the whole possessions of both parties; but the + propositions of Spain made on the former occasion (a copy of which + accompanies this) were that we should give their merchants, vessels, + and productions the privileges of native merchants, vessels, and + productions through the whole of our possessions, and they give the + same to ours only in Spain and the Canaries. This is inadmissible, + because unequal; and as we believe that Spain is not ripe for an + equal exchange on this basis, we avoid proposing it. + + Second. Though treaties which merely exchange the rights of the most + favored nations are not without all inconvenience, yet they have their + conveniences also. It is an important one that they leave each party + free to make what internal regulations they please, and to give what + preferences they find expedient to native merchants, vessels, and + productions; and as we already have treaties on this basis with + France, Holland, Sweden, and Prussia, the two former of which are + perpetual, it will be but small additional embarrassment to extend it + to Spain. On the contrary, we are sensible it is right to place that + nation on the most favored footing, whether we have a treaty with them + or not, and it can do us no harm to secure by treaty a reciprocation + of the right. + + Of the four treaties before mentioned, either the French or the + Prussian might be taken as a model; but it would be useless to + propose the Prussian, because we have already supposed that Spain + would never consent to those articles which give to each party + access to all the dominions of the other; and without this equivalent + we would not agree to tie our own hands so materially in war as would + be done by the twenty-third article, which renounces the right of + fitting out privateers or of capturing merchant vessels. The French + treaty, therefore, is proposed as the model. In this, however, the + following changes are to be made: + + We should be admitted to all the dominions of Spain to which any + other foreign nation is or may be admitted. + + Article 5, being an exemption from a particular duty in France, + will of course be omitted as inapplicable to Spain. + + Article 8 to be omitted as unnecessary with Morocco, and + inefficacious and little honorable with any of the Barbary powers; + but it may furnish occasion to sound Spain on the project of a + convention of the powers at war with the Barbary States to keep + up by rotation a constant cruise of a given force on their coasts + till they shall be compelled to renounce forever and against all + nations their predatory practices. Perhaps the infidelities of the + Algerines to their treaty of peace with Spain, though the latter + does not choose to break openly, may induce her to subsidize _us_ + to cruise against them with a given force. + + Articles 9 and 10, concerning fisheries, to be omitted as + inapplicable. + + Article 11. The first paragraph of this article respecting the + droit d'aubaine to be omitted, that law being supposed peculiar + to France. + + Article 17, giving asylum in the ports of either to the armed vessels + of the other with the prizes taken from the enemies of that other, + must be qualified as it is in the nineteenth article of the Prussian + treaty, as the stipulation in the latter part of the article that + "no shelter or refuge shall be given in the ports of the one to such + as shall have made prize on the subjects of the other of the parties" + would forbid us, in case of a war between France and Spain, to give + shelter in our ports to prizes made by the latter on the former, + while the first part of the article would oblige us to shelter those + made by the former on the latter--a very dangerous covenant, and which + ought never to be repeated in any other instance. + + Article 29. Consuls should be received at all the ports at which the + vessels of either party may be received. + + Article 30, concerning free ports in Europe and America, free ports in + the Spanish possessions in America, and particularly at The Havannah, + are more to be desired than expected. It can therefore only be + recommended to the best endeavors of the commissioners to obtain them. + It will be something to obtain for our vessels, flour, etc., admission + to those ports during their pleasure. In like manner, if they could be + prevailed on to reestablish our right of cutting logwood in the Bay of + Campeachy on the footing on which it stood before the treaty of 1763, + it would be desirable and not endanger to us any contest with the + English, who by the revolution treaty are restrained to the + southeastern parts of Yucatan. + + Article 31. The _act_ of ratification on our part may require a + twelvemonth from the date of the treaty, as the Senate meets regularly + but once a year; and to return it to Madrid for _exchange_ may require + four months more. + + The treaty must not exceed ---- years' duration, except the clauses + relating to boundary and the navigation of the Mississippi, which must + be perpetual and final. Indeed, these two subjects had better be in a + separate instrument. + + There might have been mentioned a third species of arrangement--that + of making special agreements on every special subject of commerce, + and of settling a tariff of duty to be paid on each side on every + particular article; but this would require in our commissioners a + very minute knowledge of our commerce, as it is impossible to foresee + every proposition of this kind which might be brought into discussion + and to prepare them for it by information and instruction from hence. + Our commerce, too, is as yet rather in a course of experiment, and + the channels in which it will ultimately flow are not sufficiently + known to enable us to provide for it by special agreement; nor + have the exigencies of our new Government as yet so far developed + themselves as that we can know to what degree we may or must have + recourse to commerce for the purposes of revenue. No common + consideration, therefore, ought to induce us as yet to arrangements + of this kind. Perhaps nothing should do it with any nation short + of the privileges of natives in all their possessions, foreign and + domestic. + + It were to be wished, indeed, that some positively favorable + stipulations respecting our grain, flour, and fish could be obtained, + even on our giving reciprocal advantages to some of the commodities + of Spain, say her wines and brandies; but, + + First. If we quit the ground of the _most favored nation_ as to + certain articles for our convenience, Spain may insist on doing + the same for other articles for her convenience, and thus our + commissioners will get themselves on the ground of _a treaty of + detail_, for which they will not be prepared. + + Second. If we grant favor to the wines and brandies of Spain, then + Portugal and France will demand the same; and in order to create an + equivalent Portugal may lay a duty on our fish and grain, and France + a prohibition on our whale oils, the removal of which will be proposed + as an equivalent. + + Thus much, however, as to grain and flour may be attempted. There has + not long since been a considerable duty laid on them in Spain. This + was while a treaty on the subject of commerce was pending between us + and Spain, as that Court considers the matter. It is not generally + thought right to change the state of things pending a treaty + concerning them. On this consideration and on the motive of + cultivating our friendship, perhaps the commissioners may induce them + to restore this commodity to the footing on which it was on opening + the conferences with Mr. Gardoqui, on the 26th day of July, 1785. If + Spain says, "Do the same by your tonnage on our vessels," the answer + may be that "Our foreign tonnage affects Spain very little and other + nations very much; whereas the duty on flour in Spain affects us very + much and other nations very little; consequently there would be no + equality in reciprocal relinquishment, as there had been none in the + reciprocal innovation; and Spain, by insisting on this, would in fact + only be aiding the interests of her rival nations, to whom we should + be forced to extend the same indulgence." At the time of opening the + conferences, too, we had as yet not erected any system, our Government + itself being not yet erected. Innovation then was unavoidable on our + part, if it be innovation to establish a system. We did it on fair and + general ground, on ground favorable to Spain; but they had a system, + and therefore innovation was avoidable on their part. + + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +ARTICLES PROPOSED BY DON DIEGO GARDOQUI TO BE INSERTED IN THE TREATY +WITH THE UNITED STATES. + +First. That all commercial regulations affecting each other shall be +founded in perfect reciprocity. Spanish merchants shall enjoy all the +commercial privileges of native merchants in the United States, and +American merchants shall enjoy all the commercial privileges of native +merchants in the Kingdom of Spain and in the Canaries and other islands +belonging to and adjacent thereto. The same privileges shall extend to +their respective vessels and merchandise consisting of the manufactures +and products of their respective countries. + +Second. Each party may establish consuls in the countries of the other +(excepting such provinces in Spain into which none have heretofore been +admitted, viz, Bilboa and Guipusca), with such powers and privileges as +shall be ascertained by a particular convention. + +Third. That the bona fide manufactures and productions of the United +States (tobacco only excepted, which shall continue under its present +regulation) may be imported in American or Spanish vessels into any +parts of His Majesty's European dominions and islands aforesaid in like +manner as if they were the productions of Spain, and, on the other hand, +that the bona fide manufactures and productions of His Majesty's +dominions may be imported into the United States in Spanish or American +vessels in like manner as if they were the manufactures and productions +of the said States. And further, that all such duties and imposts as may +mutually be thought necessary to lay on them by either party shall be +ascertained and regulated on principles of exact reciprocity by a +tariff, to be formed by a convention for that purpose, to be negotiated +and made within _one_ year after the exchange of the ratification of +this treaty; and in the meantime that no other duties or imposts shall +be exacted from each other's merchants and ships than such as may be +payable by natives in like cases. + +Fourth. That inasmuch as the United States, from not having mines of +gold and silver, may often want supplies of specie for a circulating +medium, His Catholic Majesty, as a proof of his good will, agrees to +order the masts and timber which may from time to time be wanted for his +royal navy to be purchased and paid for in specie in the United States, +provided the said masts and timber shall be of equal quality and when +brought to Spain shall not cost more than the like may there be had for +from other countries. + +Fifth. It is agreed that the articles commonly inserted in other +treaties of commerce for mutual and reciprocal convenience shall be +inserted in this, and that this treaty and every article and stipulation +therein shall continue in full force for ----- years, to be computed +from the day of the date hereof. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 9, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a general account rendered by the bankers of the +United States at Amsterdam of the payments they had made between the +1st of July, 1790 and 1791, from the fund deposited in their hands for +the purposes of the act providing the means of intercourse between the +United States and foreign nations, and of the balance remaining in their +hands, together with a letter from the Secretary of State on the +subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 20, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several acts which have been passed relatively to the military +establishment of the United States and the protection of the +frontiers do not appear to have made provision for more than one +brigadier-general. It is incumbent upon me to observe that, with a view +merely to the organization of the troops designated by those acts, +a greater number of officers of that grade would, in my opinion, be +conducive to the good of the public service. But an increase of the +number becomes still more desirable in reference to a different +organization which is contemplated, pursuant to the authority vested +in me for that purpose, and which, besides other advantages expected +from it, is recommended by considerations of economy. I therefore +request that you will be pleased to take this subject into your early +consideration and to adopt such measures thereon as you shall judge +proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 23, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +At the conferences which Colonel Pickering had with the Five Nations at +the Painted Post the last year ideas were then held out of introducing +among them some of the primary principles of civilization, in +consequence of which, as well as more firmly to attach them to the +interests of the United States, they have been invited to the seat of +the General Government. + +As the representation now here is respectable for its character and +influence, it is of some importance that the chiefs should be well +satisfied of the entire good faith and liberality of the United States. + +In managing the affairs of the Indian tribes generally it appears proper +to teach them to expect annual presents, conditioned on the evidence of +their attachment to the interests of the United States. The situation of +the Five Nations and the present crisis of affairs would seem to render +the extension of this measure to them highly judicious. I therefore +request the advice of the Senate whether an article shall be stipulated +with the Five Nations to the following purport, to wit: + +The United States, in order to promote the happiness of the Five Nations +of Indians, will cause to be expended annually the amount of $1,500 in +purchasing for them clothing, domestic animals, and implements of +husbandry, and for encouraging useful artificers to reside in their +villages, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +APRIL 13, 1792. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have thought it proper to lay before you a communication of the 11th +instant from the minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the +Secretary of State, relative to the commerce of the two countries, +together with their explanatory correspondence and the Secretary of +State's letter to me on the subject, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of a letter from the judges of the circuit court +of the United States held for the New York district, and of their +opinion and agreement respecting the "Act to provide for the settlement +of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore +established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 21, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from +the judges of the circuit court of the United States held for the +Pennsylvania district relatively to the "Act to provide for the +settlement of the claims of widows and orphans barred by the limitations +heretofore established, and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 8, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +If the President of the United States should conclude a convention or +treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen +Americans in captivity there for a sum not exceeding $40,000, all +expenses included, will the Senate approve the same? Or is there any, +and what, greater or lesser sum which they would fix on as the limit +beyond which they would not approve the ransom? + +If the President of the United States should conclude a treaty with the +Government of Algiers for the establishment of peace with them, at an +expense not exceeding $25,000, paid at the signature, and a like sum to +be paid annually afterwards during the continuance of the treaty, would +the Senate approve the same? Or are there any greater or lesser sums +which they would fix on as the limits beyond which they would not +approve of such treaty? + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +VETO MESSAGE. + + +UNITED STATES, _April 5, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have maturely considered the act passed by the two Houses entitled +"An act for an apportionment of Representatives among the several States +according to the first enumeration," and I return it to your House, +wherein it originated, with the following objections: + +First. The Constitution has prescribed that Representatives shall be +apportioned among the several States according to their respective +numbers, and there is no one proportion or divisor which, applied to the +respective numbers of the States, will yield the number and allotment of +Representatives proposed by the bill. + +Second. The Constitution has also provided that the number of +Representatives shall not exceed 1 for every 30,000, which restriction +is by the context and by fair and obvious construction to be applied to +the separate and respective numbers of the States; and the bill has +allotted to eight of the States more than 1 for every 30,000. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. X, p. 532.] + +Whereas certain violent and unwarrantable proceedings have lately taken +place tending to obstruct the operation of the laws of the United States +for raising a revenue upon spirits distilled within the same, enacted +pursuant to express authority delegated in the Constitution of the +United States, which proceedings are subversive of good order, contrary +to the duty that every citizen owes to his country and to the laws, and +of a nature dangerous to the very being of a government; and + +Whereas such proceedings are the more unwarrantable by reason of the +moderation which has been heretofore shown on the part of the Government +and of the disposition which has been manifested by the Legislature (who +alone have authority to suspend the operation of laws) to obviate causes +of objection and to render the laws as acceptable as possible; and + +Whereas it is the particular duty of the Executive "to take care that +the laws be faithfully executed," and not only that duty but the +permanent interests and happiness of the people require that every legal +and necessary step should be pursued as well to prevent such violent and +unwarrantable proceedings as to bring to justice the infractors of the +laws and secure obedience thereto: + +Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do +by these presents most earnestly admonish and exhort all persons whom it +may concern to refrain and desist from all unlawful combinations and +proceedings whatsoever having for object or tending to obstruct the +operation of the laws aforesaid, inasmuch as all lawful ways and means +will be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors +thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and +officers whom it may concern, according to the duties of their several +offices, to exert the powers in them respectively vested by law for the +purposes aforesaid, hereby also enjoining and requiring all persons +whomsoever, as they tender the welfare of their country, the just and +due authority of Government, and the preservation of the public peace, +to be aiding and assisting therein according to law. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done this 15th of September, A.D. 1792, and of the Independence of the +United States the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 6, 1792_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the +national prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information +that the Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. + +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I +communicate it that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification +have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering +hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. +An earnest desire to procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the +further effusion of blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward +the prevalent wish of the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts +through various channels to accomplish these desirable purposes; in +making which efforts I consulted less my own anticipations of the event, +or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, +than the wish to find the object attainable, or if not attainable, +to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case. + +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their +consequences, which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to +you the want of success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as +proper and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. +The issue of some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable +one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has +yet happened. + +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable +citizens have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A +sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found in this +instance insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. +It will, I presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not +call for an exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. + +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the +continuation of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, +some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those +south of it. + +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting +five villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. + +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation +in July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; +but the event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided +by some banditti of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently +perpetrated wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the +United States in that quarter. The information which has been received +on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions +only have been strictly enjoined and observed. + +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever +on the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. + +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for +the alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be +raised have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and +pains have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the +particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations +(besides being dictated by the measures which were pursuing toward a +pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to +immature efforts. A statement from the proper department with regard +to the number of troops raised, and some other points which have been +suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to the +legislative consultations, and among other things will enable Congress +to judge whether some additional stimulus to the recruiting service may +not be advisable. + +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive +that the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to +supersede the necessity of additional burthens on the community for the +service of the ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained +in the course of the session, and it is proper to add that the +information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material +extension of the spirit of hostility. + +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again +recommending to your consideration the expediency of more adequate +provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier +and for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians, without +which all pacific plans must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent +rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside among +them as agents would also contribute to the preservation of peace and +good neighborhood. If in addition to these expedients an eligible plan +could be devised for promoting civilization among the friendly tribes +and for carrying on trade with them upon a scale equal to their wants +and under regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and +extortion, its influence in cementing their interest with ours could +not but be considerable. + +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be +still more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places +continue to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled +within the United States. These impediments have lessened and are +lessening in local extent, and, as applied to the community at large, +the contentment with the law appears to be progressive. + +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves +in certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper +and advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation +warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for +their object or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in +question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means would be +strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors +thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal +limits which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain +the just authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count +entirely upon the full cooperation of the other departments of the +Government and upon the zealous support of all good citizens. + +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out +some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the +execution of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of that +system which in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected +with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon +processes out of the courts of the United States and a supplementary +definition of offenses against the Constitution and laws of the Union +and of the punishment for such offenses will, it is presumed, be found +worthy of particular attention. + +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. +It would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those +acts of our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put +ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations +which we may sometimes have occasion to require from them. I +particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing +those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of other nations, and +other infractions of the law of nations, which, furnishing just subject +of complaint, might endanger our peace with them; and, in general, the +maintenance of a friendly intercourse with foreign powers will be +presented to your attention by the expiration of the law for that +purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of the present +session. + +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have +been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the +establishment of our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision +has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into +proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also +been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes, the want of small +coins in circulation calling the first attention to them. + +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles +of our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation +and to order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and +completed. + +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes +the post-office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of +newspapers to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due +inquiry, be found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of +facilitating the circulation of political intelligence and information +will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been +notified to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction +which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of +the nation to which it relates and conducive to the general order. + +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication +on the subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making +provision for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new +loans have been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at +the annual interest of 4-1/2 per cent, with an allowance of 4 per cent +in lieu of all charges, and the other two at Amsterdam, at the annual +interest of 4 per cent, with an allowance of 5-1/2 per cent in one case +and of 5 per cent in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates of +these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to +the provision made during the last session, has been embraced. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is +now sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and +effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the +public debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the +Government. No measure can be more desirable, whet her viewed with an +eye to its intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish +of the nation. + +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which +has been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will +be made. + +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not +will engage, your early attention. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such +objects, not particularized in my present, as have been suggested +in my former communications to you. + +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among +these, that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes +will merit particular notice. + +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such +as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend +to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of +Government upon which, under Divine Providence, materially depend their +union, their safety, and their happiness. + +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is +nothing which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful +cultivation of harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, +in the public councils. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + +Accept, sir, our grateful acknowledgments for your address at the +opening of the present session. We participate with you in the +satisfaction arising from the continuance of the general prosperity of +the nation, but it is not without the most sincere concern that we are +informed that the reiterated efforts which have been made to establish +peace with the hostile Indians have hitherto failed to accomplish that +desired object. Hoping that the measures still depending may prove more +successful than those which have preceded them, we shall nevertheless +concur in every necessary preparation for the alternative, and should +the Indians on either side of the Ohio persist in their hostilities, +fidelity to the Union, as well as affection for our fellow-citizens on +the frontiers, will insure our decided cooperation in every measure +which shall be deemed requisite for their protection and safety. + +At the same time that we avow the obligation of the Government to afford +its protection to every part of the Union, we can not refrain from +expressing our regret that even a small portion of our fellow-citizens +in any quarter of it should have combined to oppose the operation of the +law for the collection of duties on spirits distilled within the United +States, a law repeatedly sanctioned by the authority of the nation, and +at this juncture materially connected with the safety and protection of +those who oppose it. Should the means already adopted fail in securing +obedience to this law, such further measures as may be thought necessary +to carry the same into complete operation can not fail to receive the +approbation of the Legislature and the support of every patriotic +citizen. + +It yields us particular pleasure to learn that the productiveness of the +revenue of the present year will probably supersede the necessity of any +additional tax for the service of the next. + +The organization of the government of the State of Kentucky being an +event peculiarly interesting to a part of our fellow-citizens and +conducive to the general order, affords us particular satisfaction. + +We are happy to learn that the high state of our credit abroad has been +evinced by the terms on which the new loans have been negotiated. + +In the course of the session we shall proceed to take into consideration +the several objects which you have been pleased to recommend to our +attention, and keeping in view the importance of union and stability in +the public councils, we shall labor to render our decisions conducive to +the safety and happiness of our country. + +We repeat with pleasure our assurances of confidence in your +Administration and our ardent wish that your unabated zeal for the +public good may be rewarded by the durable prosperity of the nation, +and every ingredient of personal happiness. + +JOHN LANGDON, + +_President pro tempore_. + +NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +I derive much pleasure, gentlemen, from your very satisfactory address. +The renewed assurances of your confidence in my Administration and the +expression of your wish for my personal happiness claim and receive +my particular acknowledgments. In my future endeavor for the public +welfare, to which my duty may call me, I shall not cease to count +upon the firm, enlightened, and patriotic support of the Senate. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 9, 1792. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives, who always feel a satisfaction +in meeting you, are much concerned that the occasion for mutual +felicitation afforded by the circumstances favorable to the national +prosperity should be abated by a continuance of the hostile spirit of +many of the Indian tribes, and particularly that the reiterated efforts +for effecting a general pacification with them should have issued in +new proofs of their persevering enmity and the barbarous sacrifice of +citizens who, as the messengers of peace, were distinguishing themselves +by their zeal for the public service. In our deliberations on this +important department of our affairs we shall be disposed to pursue every +measure that may be dictated by the sincerest desire, on one hand, of +cultivating peace and manifesting by every practicable regulation our +benevolent regard for the welfare of those misguided people, and by the +duty we feel, on the other, to provide effectually for the safety and +protection of our fellow-citizens. + +While with regret we learn that symptoms of opposition to the law +imposing duties on spirits distilled within the United States have +manifested themselves, we reflect with consolation that they are +confined to a small portion of our fellow-citizens. It is not more +essential to the preservation of true liberty that a government should +be always ready to listen to the representations of its constituents and +to accommodate its measures to the sentiments and wishes of every part +of them, as far as will consist with the good of the whole, than it is +that the just authority of the laws should be steadfastly maintained. +Under this impression every department of the Government and all good +citizens must approve the measures you have taken and the purpose you +have formed to execute this part of your trust with firmness and energy; +and be assured, sir, of every constitutional aid and cooperation which +may become requisite on our part. And we hope that, while the progress +of contentment under the law in question is as obvious as it is +rational, no particular part of the community may be permitted to +withdraw from the general burthens of the country by a conduct as +irreconcilable to national justice as it is inconsistent with public +decency. + +The productive state of the public revenue and the confirmation of the +credit of the United States abroad, evinced by the loans at Antwerp +and Amsterdam, are communications the more gratifying as they enforce +the obligation to enter on systematic and effectual arrangements for +discharging the public debt as fast as the conditions of it will permit, +and we take pleasure in the opportunity to assure you of our entire +concurrence in the opinion that no measure can be more desirable, +whether viewed with an eye to the urgent wish of the community or the +intrinsic importance of promoting so happy a change in our situation. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky is an event +on which we join in all the satisfaction you have expressed. It may be +considered as particularly interesting since, besides the immediate +benefits resulting from it, it is another auspicious demonstration of +the facility and success with which an enlightened people is capable of +providing, by free and deliberate plans of government, for their own +safety and happiness. + +The operation of the law establishing the post-office, as it relates +to the transmission of newspapers, will merit our particular inquiry +and attention, the circulation of political intelligence through these +vehicles being justly reckoned among the surest means of preventing +the degeneracy of a free government, as well as of recommending every +salutary public measure to the confidence and cooperation of all +virtuous citizens. + +The several other matters which you have communicated and +recommended will in their order receive the attention due to them, +and our discussions will in all cases, we trust, be guided by a proper +respect for harmony and stability in the public councils and a desire +to conciliate more and more the attachment of our constituents to the +Constitution, by measures accommodated to the true ends for which it +was established. + +NOVEMBER 10, 1792. + + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: It gives me pleasure to express to you the satisfaction +which your address affords me. I feel, as I ought, the approbation you +manifest of the measures I have taken and the purpose I have formed to +maintain, pursuant to the trust reposed in me by the Constitution, the +respect which is due to the laws, and the assurance which you at the +same time give me of every constitutional aid and cooperation that may +become requisite on your part. + +This is a new proof of that enlightened solicitude for the establishment +and confirmation of public order which, embracing a zealous regard for +the principles of true liberty, has guided the deliberations of the +House of Representatives, a perseverance in which can alone secure, +under the divine blessing, the real and permanent felicity of our +common country. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 12, 1792. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In pursuance of the law, I now lay before you a statement of the +administration of the funds appropriated to certain foreign purposes, +together with a letter from the Secretary of State explaining the same. + +I also lay before you a copy of a letter and representation from the +Chief Justice and associate judges of the Supreme Court of the United +States, stating the difficulties and inconveniences which attend the +discharge of their duties according to the present judiciary system. + +A copy of a letter from the judges attending the circuit court of the +United States for the North Carolina district in June last, containing +their observations on an act, passed during the last session of +Congress, entitled "An act to provide for the settlement of the claims +of widows and orphans barred by the limitations heretofore established, +and to regulate the claims to invalid pensions;" and + +A copy of the constitution formed for the State of Kentucky. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 9, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, covering +the copy of one from the governor of Virginia, with the several papers +therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State +and the territory of the United States south of the Ohio. It will remain +with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best for +settling the said boundary with that State, and at the same time, if it +thinks proper, for extending the settlement to the State of Kentucky, +between which and the same territory the boundary is as yet +undetermined. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 22, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you herewith the abstract of a supplementary arrangement which +has been made by me, pursuant to the acts of the 3d day of March, 1791, +and the 8th day of May, 1792, for raising a revenue upon foreign and +domestic distilled spirits, in respect to the subdivisions and officers +which have appeared to me necessary and to the allowances for their +respective services to the supervisors, inspectors, and other officers +of inspection, together with the estimates of the amount of +compensations and charges. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 6, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several measures which have been pursued to induce the hostile +Indian tribes north of the Ohio to enter into a conference or treaty +with the United States at which all causes of difference might be fully +understood and justly and amicably arranged have already been submitted +to both Houses of Congress. + +The papers herewith sent will inform you of the result. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1792_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you two letters, with their inclosures, from the governor +of the Southwestern territory, and an extract of a letter to him from +the Department of War. + +These and a letter of the 9th of October last, which has been already +communicated to you, from the same Department to the governor, will shew +in what manner the first section of the act of the last session which +provides for calling out the militia for the repelling of Indian +invasions has been executed. It remains to be considered by Congress +whether in the present situation of the United States it be advisable or +not to pursue any further or other measures than those which have been +already adopted. The nature of the subject does of itself call for your +immediate attention to it, and I must add that upon the result of your +deliberations the future conduct of the Executive will on this occasion +materially depend. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since my last communication to you on the subject of the revenue on +distilled spirits it has been found necessary, on experience, to revise +and amend the arrangements relative thereto in regard to certain surveys +and the officers thereof in the district of North Carolina, which I have +done accordingly in the manner following: + +First. The several counties of the said district originally and +heretofore contained within the first, second, and third surveys have +been allotted into and are now contained in two surveys, one of which +(to be hereafter denominated the first) comprehends the town of +Wilmington and the counties of Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, +Robertson, Sampson, Craven, Jones, Lenox, Glascow, Johnston, and Wayne, +and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the second) +comprehends the counties of Kurrituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, +Chowan, Gates, Hartford, Tyrrel, Bertie, Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, +and Pitt. + +Secondly. The several counties of the said district originally and +heretofore contained within the fifth survey of the district aforesaid +has been allotted into and is contained in two surveys, one of which +(to be hereafter denominated the third) comprehends the counties of +Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Montgomery, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, +and Surrey, and the other of which (to be hereafter denominated the +fifth) comprehends the counties of Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke, Buncombe, +and Wilkes. + +Thirdly. The duties of the inspector of the revenue in and for the +third survey as constituted above is to be performed for the present +by the supervisor. + +Fourthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the +first survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $250 per annum +and commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed +to the inspector of the late first survey as it was originally +constituted. + +Fifthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the +second survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $100 per annum +and the commissions and other emoluments heretofore allowed to the +inspector of the late third survey as it was originally constituted. + +Sixthly. The compensations of the inspector of the revenue for the fifth +survey as above constituted are to be a salary of $120 per annum and the +commissions and other emoluments similar to those heretofore allowed to +the inspector of the late fifth survey as it was originally constituted. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 25, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you an official statement of the expenditure to the year +1792 from the sum of $10,000, granted to defray the contingent expenses +of Government by an act passed on the 26th of March, 1790. + +Also an abstract of a supplementary arrangement made in the district of +North Carolina in regard to certain surveys to facilitate the execution +of the law laying a duty on distilled spirits. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 13, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you for your consideration and advice a treaty of peace +and friendship made and concluded on the 27th day of September, 1792, +by Brigadier-General Rufus Putnam, in behalf of the United States, with +the Wabash and Illinois tribes of Indians, and also the proceedings +attending the said treaty, the explanation of the fourth article +thereof, and a map explanatory of the reservation to the French +inhabitants and the general claim of the said Indians. + +In connection with this subject I also lay before the Senate the copy of +a paper which has been delivered by a man by the name of John Baptiste +Mayee, who has accompanied the Wabash Indians at present in this city. + +It will appear by the certificate of Brigadier-General Putnam that the +Wabash Indians disclaimed the validity of the said paper, excepting a +certain tract upon the Wabash, as mentioned in the proceedings. + +The instructions to Brigadier-General Putnam of the 22d of May, together +with a letter to him of the 7th of August, 1792, were laid before the +Senate on the 7th of November, 1792. + +After the Senate shall have considered this treaty, I request that they +would give me their advice whether the same shall be ratified and +confirmed; and if to be ratified and confirmed, whether it would not be +proper, in order to prevent any misconception hereafter of the fourth +article, to guard in the ratification the exclusive preemption of the +United States to the lands of the said Indians. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I now lay before you a report and plat of the territory of the United +States on the Potomac as given in by the commissioners of that +territory, together with a letter from the Secretary of State which +accompanied them. These papers, being original, are to be again +deposited with the records of the Department of State after having +answered the purpose of your information. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +It has been agreed on the part of the United States that a treaty or +conference shall be held at the ensuing season with the hostile Indians +northwest of the Ohio, in order to remove, if possible, all causes of +difference and to establish a solid peace with them. + +As the estimates heretofore presented to the House for the current year +did not contemplate this object, it will be proper that an express +provision be made by law as well for the general expenses of the treaty +as to establish the compensation to be allowed the commissioners who +shall be appointed for the purpose. + +I shall therefore direct the Secretary of War to lay before you an +estimate of the expenses which may probably attend this measure. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 27, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a copy of an exemplification of an act of the +legislature of New York ceding to the United States the jurisdiction of +certain lands on Montauk Point for the purpose mentioned in said act, +and the copy of a letter from the governor of New York to the Secretary +of State, which accompanied said exemplification. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I was led by a consideration of the qualifications of William Patterson, +of New Jersey, to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme Court +of the United States. It has since occurred that he was a member of the +Senate when the law creating that office was passed, and that the time +for which he was elected is not yet expired. I think it my duty, +therefore, to declare that I deem the nomination to have been null +by the Constitution. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From Freneau's National Gazette of December 15, 1792.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +Whereas I have received authentic information that certain lawless and +wicked persons of the western frontier in the State of Georgia did +lately invade, burn, and destroy a town belonging to the Cherokee +Nation, although in amity with the United States, and put to death +several Indians of that nation; and + +Whereas such outrageous conduct not only violates the rights of +humanity, but also endangers the public peace, and it highly becomes the +honor and good faith of the United States to pursue all legal means for +the punishment of those atrocious offenders: + +I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, hereby +exhorting all the citizens of the United States and requiring all the +officers thereof, according to their respective stations, to use their +utmost endeavors to apprehend and bring those offenders to justice. +And I do moreover offer a reward of $500 for each and every of the +above-named persons who shall be so apprehended and brought to justice +and shall be proved to have assumed or exercised any command or +authority among the perpetrators of the crimes aforesaid at the time +of committing the same. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be +affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 12th day of December, A.D. 1792, +and of the Independence of the United States the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +[From Annuals of Congress, Second Congress, 666.] + +MARCH 1, 1793. + +_The President of the United States to the President of the Senate_: + +Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate +shall be convened on Monday, the 4th instant, I have desired their +attendance, as I do yours, by these presents, at the Senate Chamber, in +Philadelphia, on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate +on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. + +IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA. + +Fellow-citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to +execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper +for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I +entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has +been reposed in me by the people of united America. + +Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the +Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about +to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my +administration of the Government I have in any instance violated +willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring +constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are +now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. + +MARCH 4, 1793. + + + + +FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +PHILADELPHIA, _December 3, 1793_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again +called into office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my +fellow-citizens at large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of +the renewed testimony of public approbation. While on the one hand it +awakened my gratitude for all those instances of affectionate partiality +with which I have been honored by my country, on the other it could +not prevent an earnest wish for that retirement from which no private +consideration should ever have torn me. But influenced by the belief +that my conduct would be estimated according to its real motives, and +that the people, and the authorities derived from them, would support +exertions having nothing personal for their object, I have obeyed the +suffrage which commanded me to resume the Executive power; and I humbly +implore that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown +with success our mutual endeavors for the general happiness. + +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the +United States have the most extensive relations there was reason to +apprehend that our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our +disposition for peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often +entertained by belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty +to admonish our citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and +of hostile acts to any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of +the existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to +the immunities belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the +proclamation which will be laid before you was issued. + +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of +our territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form +within the limits of the United States. + +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce +this plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to +extend the legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United +States to many cases which, though dependent on principles already +recognized, demand some further provisions. + +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves +in hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, +or usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or +where the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive +too early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive +remedies. + +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by +the judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. + +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a +false color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to +liberate certain captures within the protection of our territory, it +would seem proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if +the Executive is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned +cases, it is hoped that he will be authorized by law to have facts +ascertained by the courts when for his own information he shall +request it. + +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals +to arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is +a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, +if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to +avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, +one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must +be known that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which +will be presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and +military stores now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition +even to these supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would +leave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring of warlike apparatus in +the moment of public danger. + +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure +or jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess +a pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may +be trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of +the United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly +pursued, whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national +defense by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" +has organized them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own +experience in the several States has not detected some imperfections in +the scheme, and whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought +not to be to afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of +the military art which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under +the knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a +subsequent communication. + +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed +that every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of +dissension with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given +to the commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a +sincere love of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the +essential interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, +however, of an amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops +have marched to act offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not +arrest the progress of military preparation, it is doubtful how far the +advance of the season, before good faith justified active movements, +may retard them during the remainder of the year. From the papers and +intelligence which relate to this important subject you will determine +whether the deficiency in the number of troops granted by law shall be +compensated by succors of militia, or additional encouragements shall +be proposed to recruits. + +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with +the Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn +and with clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited +during the recess of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, +prosecutions have been instituted for the violences committed upon them. +But the papers which will be delivered to you disclose the critical +footing on which we stand in regard to both those tribes, and it is +with Congress to pronounce what shall be done. + +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages +permanent by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of +justice on the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with +the Indian nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to +conciliate their attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, +without extortion, with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready +market for the commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what +they give in payment and receive in exchange. Individuals will not +pursue such a traffic unless they be allured by the hope of profit; but +it will be enough for the United States to be reimbursed only. Should +this recommendation accord with the opinion of Congress, they will +recollect that it can not be accomplished by any means yet in the hands +of the Executive. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important functions +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of +the Treasury. + +On the 1st day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted +by a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan +at an interest of 5 per cent for the term of ten years, and the expenses +of this operation were a commission of 3 per cent. + +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the +United States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it +is necessary that provision should be made. + +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption +and discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious +or an economy of time more valuable. + +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to +equal the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected +to prove commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. +Some auxiliary provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, +and it is hoped that these may be made consistently with a due regard to +the convenience of our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true +wisdom of encountering a small present addition to their contributions +to obviate a future accumulation of burthens. + +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided +by an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce +more than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused +without restraint throughout the United States. + +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of +the ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military +stores made during the recess will be presented to Congress. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to +your deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our +common country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude +of your task. Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the +Government may be hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with +freedom of sentiment its dignity may be lost. But as the legislative +proceedings of the United States will never, I trust, be reproached +for the want of temper or of candor, so shall not the public happiness +languish from the want of my strenuous and warmest cooperation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: + +Accept, sir, the thanks of the Senate for your speech delivered to both +Houses of Congress at the opening of the session. Your reelection to +the Chief Magistracy of the United States gives us sincere pleasure. +We consider it as an event every way propitious to the happiness of +our country, and your compliance with the call as a fresh instance of +the patriotism which has so repeatedly led you to sacrifice private +inclination to the public good. In the unanimity which a second time +marks this important national act we trace with particular satisfaction, +besides the distinguished tribute paid to the virtues and abilities +which it recognizes, another proof of that just discernment and +constancy of sentiments and views which have hitherto characterized +the citizens of the United States. + +As the European powers with whom the United States have the most +extensive relations were involved in war, in which we had taken no part, +it seemed necessary that the disposition of the nation for peace should +be promulgated to the world, as well for the purpose of admonishing our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of acts hostile +to any of the belligerent parties as to obtain by a declaration of the +existing legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the +immunities of our situation. We therefore contemplate with pleasure the +proclamation by you issued, and give it our hearty approbation. We deem +it a measure well timed and wise, manifesting a watchful solicitude for +the welfare of the nation and calculated to promote it. + +The several important matters presented to our consideration will, in +the course of the session, engage all the attention to which they are +respectively entitled, and as the public happiness will be the sole +guide of our deliberations, we are perfectly assured of receiving your +strenuous and most zealous cooperation. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 9, 1793. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: The pleasure expressed by the Senate on my reelection to the +station which I fill commands my sincere and warmest acknowledgments. If +this be an event which promises the smallest addition to the happiness +of our country, as it is my duty so shall it be my study to realize the +expectation. + +The decided approbation which the proclamation now receives from your +House, by completing the proofs that this measure is considered as +manifesting a vigilant attention to the welfare of the United States, +brings with it a peculiar gratification to my mind. + +The other important subjects which have been communicated to you will, +I am confident, receive a due discussion, and the result will, I trust, +prove fortunate to the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 10, 1793. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The Representatives of the people of the United States, in meeting +you for the first time since you have been again called by an unanimous +suffrage to your present station, find an occasion which they embrace +with no less sincerity than promptitude for expressing to you their +congratulations on so distinguished a testimony of public approbation, +and their entire confidence in the purity and patriotism of the motives +which have produced this obedience to the voice of your country. It +is to virtues which have commanded long and universal reverence and +services from which have flowed great and lasting benefits that the +tribute of praise may be paid without the reproach of flattery, and it +is from the same sources that the fairest anticipations may be derived +in favor of the public happiness. + +The United States having taken no part in the war which had embraced +in Europe the powers with whom they have the most extensive relations, +the maintenance of peace was justly to be regarded as one of the most +important duties of the Magistrate charged with the faithful execution +of the laws. We accordingly witness with approbation and pleasure +the vigilance with which you have guarded against an interruption of +that blessing by your proclamation admonishing our citizens of the +consequences of illicit or hostile acts toward the belligerent parties, +and promoting by a declaration of the existing legal state of things +an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our +situation. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has evidently become +extremely interesting. The communications which remain to be exhibited +to us will no doubt assist in giving us a fuller view of the subject and +in guiding our deliberations to such results as may comport with the +rights and true interests of our country. + +We learn with deep regret that the measures, dictated by love of peace, +for obtaining an amicable termination of the afflicting war on our +frontiers have been frustrated, and that a resort to offensive measures +should have again become necessary. As the latter, however, must be +rendered more satisfactory in proportion to the solicitude for peace +manifested by the former, it is to be hoped they will be pursued under +the better auspices on that account, and be finally crowned with more +happy success. + +In relation to the particular tribes of Indians against whom offensive +measures have been prohibited, as well as on all the other important +subjects which you have presented to our view, we shall bestow the +attention which they claim. We can not, however, refrain at this time +from particularly expressing our concurrence in your anxiety for the +regular discharge of the public debts as fast as circumstances and +events will permit and in the policy of removing any impediments +that may be found in the way of a faithful representation of public +proceedings throughout the United States, being persuaded with you +that on no subject more than the former can delay be more injurious or +an economy of time more valuable, and that with respect to the latter +no resource is so firm for the Government of the United States as the +affections of the people, guided by an enlightened policy. + +Throughout our deliberations we shall endeavor to cherish every +sentiment which may contribute to render them conducive to the dignity +as well as to the welfare of the United States; and we join with you in +imploring that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown +with success our mutual endeavors. + +DECEMBER 6, 1793. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I shall not affect to conceal the cordial satisfaction which +I derive from the address of the House of Representatives. Whatsoever +those services may be which you have sanctioned by your favor, it is +a sufficient reward that they have been accepted as they were meant. +For the fulfillment of your anticipations of the future I can give +no other assurance than that the motives which you approve shall +continue unchanged. + +It is truly gratifying to me to learn that the proclamation has been +considered as a seasonable guard against the interruption of the public +peace. Nor can I doubt that the subjects which I have recommended to +your attention as depending on legislative provisions will receive a +discussion suited to their importance. With every reason, then, it may +be expected that your deliberations, under the divine blessing, will +be matured to the honor and happiness of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 7, 1793. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 5, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and +especially of those with which the United States have important +relations, can not but render the state of things between them and us +matter of interesting inquiry to the Legislature, and may indeed give +rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought +it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have +taken place. + +The representative and executive bodies of France have manifested +generally a friendly attachment to this country; have given advantages +to our commerce and navigation, and have made overtures for placing +these advantages on permanent ground. A decree, however, of the National +Assembly subjecting vessels laden with provisions to be carried into +their ports and making enemy goods lawful prize in the vessel of a +friend, contrary to our treaty, though revoked at one time as to the +United States, has been since extended to their vessels also, as has +been recently stated to us. Representations on this subject will be +immediately given in charge to our minister there, and the result +shall be communicated to the Legislature. + +It is with extreme concern I have to inform you that the proceedings +of the person whom they have unfortunately appointed their minister +plenipotentiary here have breathed nothing of the friendly spirit of +the nation which sent him. Their tendency, on the contrary, has been to +involve us in war abroad and discord and anarchy at home. So far as his +acts or those of his agents have threatened our immediate commitment in +the war, or flagrant insult to the authority of the laws, their effect +has been counteracted by the ordinary cognizance of the laws and by an +exertion of the powers confided to me. Where their danger was not +imminent they have been borne with from sentiments of regard to his +nation, from a sense of their friendship toward us, from a conviction +that they would not suffer us to remain long exposed to the action of a +person who has so little respected our mutual dispositions, and, I will +add, from a reliance on the firmness of my fellow-citizens in their +principles of peace and order. In the meantime I have respected and +pursued the stipulations of our treaties according to what I judged +their true sense, and have withheld no act of friendship which their +affairs have called for from us, and which justice to others left us +free to perform. I have gone farther. Rather than employ force for the +restitution of certain vessels which I deemed the United States bound to +restore, I thought it more advisable to satisfy the parties by avowing +it to be my opinion that if restitution were not made it would be +incumbent on the United States to make compensation. The papers now +communicated will more particularly apprise you of these transactions. + +The vexations and spoliation understood to have been committed on +our vessels and commerce by the cruisers and officers of some of the +belligerent powers appear to require attention. The proofs of these, +however, not having been brought forward, the descriptions of citizens +supposed to have suffered were notified that, on furnishing them to the +Executive, due measures would be taken to obtain redress of the past and +more effectual provisions against the future. Should such documents be +furnished, proper representations will be made thereon, with a just +reliance on a redress proportioned to the exigency of the case. + +The British Government having undertaken, by orders to the commanders +of their armed vessels, to restrain generally our commerce in corn and +other provisions to their own ports and those of their friends, the +instructions now communicated were immediately forwarded to our minister +at that Court. In the meantime some discussions on the subject took +place between him and them. These are also laid before you, and I may +expect to learn the result of his special instructions in time to make +it known to the Legislature during their present session. + +Very early after the arrival of a British minister here mutual +explanations on the inexecution of the treaty of peace were entered into +with that minister. These are now laid before you for your information. + +On the subjects of mutual interest between this country and Spain +negotiations and conferences are now depending. The public good +requiring that the present state of these should be made known to the +Legislature _in confidence only_, they shall be the subject of a +separate and subsequent communication. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The situation of affairs in Europe in the course of the year 1790 +having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for +the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought +proper to prepare our representative at that Court to avail us of it. +A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of +instructions to him, and to supply, by verbal communications, any +additional information of which he might find himself in need. The +Government of France was at the same time applied to for its aid and +influence in this negotiation. Events, however, took a turn which did +not present the occasion hoped for. + +About the close of the ensuing year I was informed through the +representatives of Spain here that their Government would be willing +to renew at Madrid the former conferences on these subjects. Though the +transfer of scene was not what would have been desired, yet I did not +think it important enough to reject the proposition, and therefore, +with the advice and consent of the Senate, I appointed commissioners +plenipotentiary for negotiating and concluding a treaty with that +country on the several subjects of boundary, navigation, and commerce, +and gave them the instructions now communicated. Before these +negotiations, however, could be got into train the new troubles which +had arisen in Europe had produced new combinations among the powers +there, the effects of which are but too visible in the proceedings +now laid before you. + +In the meantime some other points of discussion had arisen with that +country, to wit, the restitution of property escaping into the +territories of each other, the mutual exchange of fugitives from +justice, and, above all the mutual interferences with the Indians lying +between us. I had the best reason to believe that the hostilities +threatened and exercised by the Southern Indians on our border were +excited by the agents of that Government. Representations were thereon +directed to be made by our commissioners to the Spanish Government, and +a proposal to cultivate with good faith the peace of each other with +those people. In the meantime corresponding suspicions were entertained, +or pretended to be entertained, on their part of like hostile +excitements by our agents to disturb their peace with the same nations. +These were brought forward by the representatives of Spain here in a +style which could not fail to produce attention. A claim of patronage +and protection of those Indians was asserted; a mediation between them +and us by that sovereign assumed; their boundaries with us made a +subject of his interference, and at length, at the very moment when +these savages were committing daily inroads upon our frontier, we were +informed by them that "the continuation of the peace, good harmony, and +perfect friendship of the two nations was very problematical for the +future, unless the United States should take more convenient measures +and of greater energy than those adopted for a long time past." + +If their previous correspondence had worn the appearance of a desire to +urge on a disagreement, this last declaration left no room to evade it, +since it could not be conceived we would submit to the scalping knife +and tomahawk of the savage without any resistance. I thought it time, +therefore, to know if these were the views of their sovereign, and +dispatched a special messenger with instructions to our commissioners, +which are among the papers now communicated. Their last letter gives us +reason to expect very shortly to know the result. I must add that the +Spanish representatives here, perceiving that their last communication +had made considerable impression, endeavored to abate this by some +subsequent professions, which, being also among the communications +to the Legislature, they will be able to form their own conclusions. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 16, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report of the Secretary of State on the measures +which have been taken on behalf of the United States for the purpose of +obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Morocco and for the ransom of +our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. + +While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so +much concern their interest and their feelings have duly engaged the +attention of their Legislature and Executive, it would still be improper +that some particulars of this communication should be made known. +The confidential conversation stated in one of the last letters sent +herewith is one of these. Both justice and policy require that the +source of that information should remain secret. So a knowledge of +the sums meant to have been given for peace and ransom might have a +disadvantageous influence on future proceedings for the same objects. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the +United States with Spain and on the truce between Portugal and Algiers +some other papers have been received, which, making a part of the same +subjects, are now communicated for your information. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1793_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration, a letter from the Secretary +of State, informing me of certain impediments which have arisen to the +coinage of the precious metals at the Mint, as also a letter from the +same officer relative to certain advances of money which have been made +on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been +done, or be of opinion that anything more shall be done in the same way, +you will judge whether there are not circumstances which would render +secrecy expedient. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 7, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Experience has shewn that it would be useful to have an officer +particularly charged, under the direction of the Department of War, +with the duties of receiving, safe-keeping, and distributing the public +supplies in all cases in which the laws and the course of service do not +devolve them upon other officers, and also with that of superintending +in all cases the issues in detail of supplies, with power for that +purpose to bring to account all persons intrusted to make such issues +in relation thereto. + +An establishment of this nature, by securing a regular and punctual +accountability for the issues of public supplies, would be a great guard +against abuse, would tend to insure their due application and to give +public satisfaction on that point. + +I therefore recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of +an establishment of this nature, under such regulations as shall appear +to them advisable, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 20, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th of August, 1793, +from the Secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the +conduct and urging the recall of the minister plenipotentiary of the +Republic of France, I now communicate to you that his conduct has been +unequivocally disapproved, and that the strongest assurances have been +given that his recall should be expedited without delay. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It is with satisfaction I announce to you that the alterations which +have been made by law in the original plan for raising a duty on spirits +distilled within the United States, and on stills, cooperating with +better information, have had a considerable influence in obviating the +difficulties which have embarrassed that branch of the public revenue. +But the obstacles which have been experienced, though lessened, are not +yet entirely surmounted, and it would seem that some further legislative +provisions may usefully be superadded, which leads me to recall the +attention of Congress to the subject. Among the matters which may demand +regulation is the effect, in point of organization, produced by the +separation of Kentucky from the State of Virginia, and the situation +with regard to the law of the territories northwest and southwest of +the Ohio. + +The laws respecting light-house establishments require, as a condition +of their permanent maintenance at the expense of the United States, a +complete cession of soil and jurisdiction. The cessions of different +States having been qualified with a reservation of the right of serving +legal process within the ceded jurisdiction are understood to be +inconclusive as annexing a qualification not consonant with the terms of +the law. I present this circumstance to the view of Congress, that they +may judge whether any alteration ought to be made. + +As it appears to be conformable with the intention of the "ordinance for +the government of the territory of the United States northwest of the +river Ohio," although it is not expressly directed that the laws of that +territory should be laid before Congress, I now transmit to you a copy +of such as have been passed from July to December, 1792, inclusive. +being the last which have been received by the Secretary of State. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 30, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Communications have been made to Congress during the present session +with the intention of affording a full view of the posture of affairs +on the Southwestern frontiers. By the information which has lately been +laid before Congress it appeared that the difficulties with the Creeks +had been amicably and happily terminated; but it will be perceived with +regret by the papers herewith transmitted that the tranquillity has, +unfortunately, been of short duration, owing to the murder of several +friendly Indians by some lawless white men. + +The condition of things in that quarter requires the serious and +immediate consideration of Congress, and the adoption of such wise and +vigorous laws as will be competent to the preservation of the national +character and of the peace made under the authority of the United States +with the several Indian tribes. Experience demonstrates that the +existing legal provisions are entirely inadequate to those great +objects. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 7, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you an act and three ordinances passed by the government +of the territory of the United States south of the river Ohio on the +13th and 21st of March and the 7th of May, 1793, and also certain +letters from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to +the Secretary of State, inclosing dispatches from the general and +extraordinary commission of Guadaloupe. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 19, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the +Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United +States, and, at their desire, the representation mentioned in the said +letter, pointing out certain defects in the judiciary system. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 24, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The extracts which I now lay before you, from a letter of our minister +at London, are supplementary to some of my past communications, and will +appear to be of a confidential nature. + +I also transmit to you copies of a letter from the Secretary of State +to the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty, and of the +answer thereto, upon the subject of the treaty between the United States +and Great Britain, together with the copy of a letter from Messrs. +Carmichael and Short, relative to our affairs with Spain, which letter +is connected with a former confidential message, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I have caused the correspondence which is the subject of your +resolution of the 24th day of January last to be laid before me. After +an examination of it I directed copies and translations to be made, +except in those particulars which, in my judgment, for public +considerations, ought not to be communicated. + +These copies and translations are now transmitted to the Senate; but +the nature of them manifests the propriety of their being received as +confidential. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 3, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you an extract from a letter of Mr. Short, relative to +our affairs with Spain, and copies of two letters from our minister at +Lisbon, with their inclosures, containing intelligence from Algiers. The +whole of these communications are made in confidence, except the passage +in Mr. Short's letter which respects the Spanish convoy. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The Secretary of State having reported to me upon the several complaints +which have been lodged in his office against the vexations and +spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war, +I transmit to you a copy of his statement, together with the documents +upon which it is founded. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 18, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic having requested an +advance of money, I transmit to Congress certain documents relative to +that subject. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 28, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; + +In the execution of the resolution of Congress bearing date the 26th of +March, 1794, and imposing an embargo, I have requested the governors of +the several States to call forth the force of their militia, if it +should be necessary, for the detention of vessels. This power is +conceived to be incidental to an embargo. + +It also deserves the attention of Congress how far the clearances from +one district to another, under the law as it now stands, may give rise +to evasions of the embargo. As one security the collectors have been +instructed to refuse to receive the surrender of coasting licenses for +the purpose of taking out registers, and to require bond from registered +vessels bound from one district to another, for the delivery of the +cargo within the United States. + +It is not understood that the resolution applies to fishing vessels, +although their occupations lie generally in parts beyond the United +States. But without further restrictions there is an opportunity of +their privileges being used as means of eluding the embargo. + +All armed vessels possessing public commissions from any foreign power +(letters of marque excepted) are considered as not liable to the embargo. + +These circumstances are transmitted to Congress for their consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 4, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you three letters from our minister in London, advices +concerning the Algerine mission from our minister at Lisbon and others, +and a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic +to the Secretary of State, with his answer. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 15, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a letter from the minister plenipotentiary of His +Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State; a letter from the secretary +of the territory south of the river Ohio, inclosing an ordinance and +proclamation of the governor thereof; the translation of so much of +a petition of the inhabitants of Post Vincennes, addressed to the +President, as relates to Congress, and certain dispatches lately +received from our commissioners at Madrid. These dispatches from +Madrid being a part of the business which has been hitherto deemed +confidential, they are forwarded under that view. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 16, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The communications which I have made to you during your present session +from the dispatches of our minister in London contain a serious aspect +of our affairs with Great Britain. But as peace ought to be pursued with +unremitted zeal before the last resource, which has so often been the +scourge of nations, and can not fail to check the advanced prosperity of +the United States, is contemplated, I have thought proper to nominate, +and do hereby nominate, John Jay as envoy extraordinary of the United +States to His Britannic Majesty. + +My confidence in our minister plenipotentiary in London continues +undiminished. But a mission like this, while it corresponds with the +solemnity of the occasion, will announce to the world a solicitude for +a friendly adjustment of our complaints and a reluctance to hostility. +Going immediately from the United States, such an envoy will carry with +him a full knowledge of the existing temper and sensibility of our +country, and will thus be taught to vindicate our rights with firmness +and to cultivate peace with sincerity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 12, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +As the letter which I forwarded to Congress on the 15th day of April +last, from the minister plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty to the +Secretary of State, in answer to a memorial of our minister in London, +related to a very interesting subject, I thought it proper not to delay +its communication. But since that time the memorial itself has been +received in a letter from our minister, and a reply has been made to +that answer by the Secretary of State. Copies of them are therefore now +transmitted. + +I also send the copy of a letter from the governor of Rhode Island, +inclosing an act of the legislature of that State empowering the United +States to hold lands within the same for the purpose of erecting +fortifications, and certain papers concerning patents for the donation +lands to the ancient settlers of Vincennes upon the Wabash. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 20, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In the communications which I have made to Congress during the present +session relative to foreign nations I have omitted no opportunity of +testifying my anxiety to preserve the United States in peace. It is +peculiarly, therefore, my duty at this time to lay before you the +present state of certain hostile threats against the territories of +Spain in our neighborhood. + +The documents which accompany this message develop the measures which I +have taken to suppress them, and the intelligence which has been lately +received. + +It will be seen from thence that the subject has not been neglected; +that every power vested in the Executive on such occasions has been +exerted, and that there was reason to believe that the enterprise +projected against the Spanish dominions was relinquished. + +But it appears to have been revived upon principles which set public +order at defiance and place the peace of the United States in the +discretion of unauthorized individuals. The means already deposited in +the different departments of Government are shewn by experience not to +be adequate to these high exigencies, although such of them as are +lodged in the hands of the Executive shall continue to be used with +promptness, energy, and decision proportioned to the case. But I am +impelled by the position of our public affairs to recommend that +provision be made for a stronger and more vigorous opposition than can +be given to such hostile movements under the laws as they now stand. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you in confidence sundry papers, by which you will +perceive the state of affairs between us and the Six Nations, and +the probable cause to which it is owing, and also certain information +whereby it would appear that some encroachment was about to be made on +our territory by an officer and party of British troops. Proceeding +upon a supposition of the authenticity of this information, although +of a private nature, I have caused the representation to be made to +the British minister a copy of which accompanies this message. + +It can not be necessary to comment upon the very serious nature of such +an encroachment, nor to urge that this new state of things suggests +the propriety of placing the United States in a posture of effectual +preparation for an event which, notwithstanding the endeavors making to +avert it, may by circumstances beyond our control be forced upon us. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 26, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The commissioners of His Catholic Majesty having communicated to the +Secretary of State the form of a certificate without which the vessels +of the United States can not be admitted into the ports of Spain, +I think it proper to lay it before Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 27, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The Executive Provisory Council of the French Republic having requested +me to recall Gouverneur Morris, our minister plenipotentiary in France, +I have thought proper, in pursuance of that request, to recall him. +I therefore nominate James Monroe, of Virginia, as minister +plenipotentiary of the United States to the said Republic. + +I also nominate William Short, now minister resident for the United +States with Their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United +Netherlands, to be minister resident for the United States to His +Catholic Majesty, in the room of William Carmichael, who is recalled. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 2, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send you certain communications, recently received from Georgia, which +materially change the prospect of affairs in that quarter, and seem to +render a war with the Creek Nations more probable than it has been at +any antecedent period. While the attention of Congress will be directed +to the consideration of measures suited to the exigency, it can not +escape their observation that this intelligence brings a fresh proof +of the insufficiency of the existing provisions of the laws toward +the effectual cultivation and preservation of peace with our Indian +neighbors. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +[From a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, +Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands of the one part and +France on the other, and the duty and interest of the United States +require that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue +a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers: + +I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the +disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid toward +those powers respectively, and to exhort and warn the citizens of the +United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever +which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition. + +And I do hereby also make known that whosoever of the citizens of the +United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture +under the law of nations by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities +against any of the said powers, or by carrying to any of them those +articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, +will not receive the protection of the United States against such +punishment or forfeiture; and further, that I have given instructions to +those officers to whom it belongs to cause prosecutions to be instituted +against all persons who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of +the United States, violate the law of nations with respect to the powers +at war, or any of them. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 22d day of April, 1793, and of the +Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + THOMAS JEFFERSON. + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas I have received information that certain persons, in violation +of the laws, have presumed, under color of a foreign authority, to +enlist citizens of the United States and others within the State of +Kentucky, and have there assembled an armed force for the purpose of +invading and plundering the territories of a nation at peace with the +said United States; and + +Whereas such unwarrantable measures, being contrary to the laws of +nations and to the duties incumbent on every citizen of the United +States, tend to disturb the tranquillity of the same, and to involve +them in the calamities of war; and + +Whereas it is the duty of the Executive to take care that such criminal +proceedings should be suppressed, the offenders brought to justice, +and all good citizens cautioned against measures likely to prove so +pernicious to their country and themselves, should they be seduced into +similar infractions of the laws: + +I have therefore thought proper to issue this proclamation, hereby +solemnly warning every person, not authorized by the laws, against +enlisting any citizen or citizens of the United States, or levying +troops, or assembling any persons within the United States for the +purposes aforesaid, or proceeding in any manner to the execution +thereof, as they will answer for the same at their peril; and I do also +admonish and require all citizens to refrain from enlisting, enrolling, +or assembling themselves for such unlawful purposes and from being in +anywise concerned, aiding, or abetting therein, as they tender their own +welfare, inasmuch as all lawful means will be strictly put in execution +for securing obedience to the laws and for punishing such dangerous and +daring violations thereof. + +And I do moreover charge and require all courts, magistrates, and other +officers whom it may concern, according to their respective duties, to +exert the powers in them severally vested to prevent and suppress all +such unlawful assemblages and proceedings, and to bring to condign +punishment those who may have been guilty thereof, as they regard the +due authority of Government and the peace and welfare of the United +States. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 24th day of March, 1794, and of +the Independence of the United States of America the eighteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Annals of Congress, Fourth Congress, second session, 2796.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws laying duties +upon spirits distilled within the United States and upon stills have +from the time of the commencement of those laws existed in some of the +western parts of Pennsylvania; and + +Whereas the said combinations, proceeding in a manner subversive +equally of the just authority of government and of the rights of +individuals, have hitherto effected their dangerous and criminal +purpose by the influence of certain irregular meetings whose proceedings +have tended to encourage and uphold the spirit of opposition by +misrepresentations of the laws calculated to render them odious; by +endeavors to deter those who might be so disposed from accepting offices +under them through fear of public resentment and of injury to person and +property, and to compel those who had accepted such offices by actual +violence to surrender or forbear the execution of them; by circulating +vindictive menaces against all those who should otherwise, directly or +indirectly, aid in the execution of the said laws, or who, yielding +to the dictates of conscience and to a sense of obligation, should +themselves comply therewith; by actually injuring and destroying +the property of persons who were understood to have so complied; by +inflicting cruel and humiliating punishments upon private citizens for +no other cause than that of appearing to be the friends of the laws; by +intercepting the public officers on the highways, abusing, assaulting, +and otherwise ill treating them; by going to their houses in the night, +gaining admittance by force, taking away their papers, and committing +other outrages, employing for these unwarrantable purposes the agency of +armed banditti disguised in such manner as for the most part to escape +discovery; and + +Whereas the endeavors of the Legislature to obviate objections to the +said laws by lowering the duties and by other alterations conducive +to the convenience of those whom they immediately affect (though they +have given satisfaction in other quarters), and the endeavors of +the executive officers to conciliate a compliance with the laws by +explanations, by forbearance, and even by particular accommodations +founded on the suggestion of local considerations, have been +disappointed of their effect by the machinations of persons whose +industry to excite resistance has increased with every appearance of +a disposition among the people to relax in their opposition and to +acquiesce in the laws, insomuch that many persons in the said western +parts of Pennsylvania have at length been hardy enough to perpetrate +acts which I am advised amount to treason, being overt acts of levying +war against the United States, the said persons having on the 16th and +17th July last past proceeded in arms (on the second day amounting to +several hundreds) to the house of John Neville, inspector of the revenue +for the fourth survey of the district of Pennsylvania; having repeatedly +attacked the said house with the persons therein, wounding some of them; +having seized David Lenox, marshal of the district of Pennsylvania, who +previous thereto had been fired upon while in the execution of his duty +by a party of armed men, detaining him for some time prisoner, till for +the preservation of his life and the obtaining of his liberty he found +it necessary to enter into stipulations to forbear the execution of +certain official duties touching processes issuing out of a court of the +United States; and having finally obliged the said inspector of the said +revenue and the said marshal from considerations of personal safety to +fly from that part of the country, in order, by a circuitous route, to +proceed to the seat of Government, avowing as the motives of these +outrageous proceedings an intention to prevent by force of arms the +execution of the said laws, to oblige the said inspector of the revenue +to renounce his said office, to withstand by open violence the lawful +authority of the Government of the United States, and to compel thereby +an alteration in the measures of the Legislature and a repeal of the +laws aforesaid; and + +Whereas by a law of the United States entitled "An act to provide for +calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress +insurrections, and repel invasions," it is enacted "that whenever the +laws of the United States shall be opposed or the execution thereof +obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested +in the marshals by that act, the same being notified by an associate +justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the President of +the United States to call forth the militia of such State to suppress +such combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. And if the +militia of a State where such combinations may happen shall refuse or be +insufficient to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, +if the Legislature of the United States shall not be in session, to +call forth and employ such numbers of the militia of any other State or +States most convenient thereto as may be necessary; and the use of the +militia so to be called forth may be continued, if necessary, until the +expiration of thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session: +_Provided always_, That whenever it may be necessary in the judgment +of the President to use the military force hereby directed to be +called forth, the President shall forthwith, and previous thereto, by +proclamation, command such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably +to their respective abodes within a limited time;" and + +Whereas James Wilson, an associate justice, on the 4th instant, by +writing under his hand, did from evidence which had been laid before +him notify to me that "in the counties of Washington and Allegany, in +Pennsylvania, laws of the United States are opposed and the execution +thereof obstructed by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the +ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the +marshal of that district;" and + +Whereas it is in my judgment necessary under the circumstances of the +case to take measures for calling forth the militia in order to suppress +the combinations aforesaid, and to cause the laws to be duly executed; +and I have accordingly determined so to do, feeling the deepest regret +for the occasion, but withal the most solemn conviction that the +essential interests of the Union demand it, that the very existence of +Government and the fundamental principles of social order are materially +involved in the issue, and that the patriotism and firmness of all good +citizens are seriously called upon, as occasions may require, to aid in +the effectual suppression of so fatal a spirit: + +Wherefore, and in pursuance of the proviso above recited, I, George +Washington, President of the United States, do hereby command all +persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom it may +concern, on or before the 1st day of September next to disperse and +retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do moreover warn +all persons whomsoever against aiding, abetting, or comforting the +perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and do require all +officers and other citizens, according to their respective duties and +the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and +suppress such dangerous proceedings. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my +hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 7th day of August, 1794, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Annals of Congress, Third Congress, 1413.] + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas from a hope that the combinations against the Constitution +and laws of the United States in certain of the western counties of +Pennsylvania would yield to time and reflection I thought it sufficient +in the first instance rather to take measures for calling forth the +militia than immediately to embody them, but the moment is now come when +the overtures of forgiveness, with no other condition than a submission +to law, have been only partially accepted; when every form of +conciliation not inconsistent with the being of Government has been +adopted without effect; when the well-disposed in those counties are +unable by their influence and example to reclaim the wicked from their +fury, and are compelled to associate in their own defense; when the +proffered lenity has been perversely misinterpreted into an apprehension +that the citizens will march with reluctance; when the opportunity of +examining the serious consequences of a treasonable opposition has been +employed in propagating principles of anarchy, endeavoring through +emissaries to alienate the friends of order from its support, and +inviting its enemies to perpetrate similar acts of insurrection; when +it is manifest that violence would continue to be exercised upon every +attempt to enforce the laws; when, therefore, Government is set at +defiance, the contest being whether a small portion of the United States +shall dictate to the whole Union, and, at the expense of those who +desire peace, indulge a desperate ambition: + +Now, therefore, I, George Washington, President of the United States, +in obedience to that high and irresistible duty consigned to me by +the Constitution "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed," +deploring that the American name should be sullied by the outrages of +citizens on their own Government, commiserating such as remain obstinate +from delusion, but resolved, in perfect reliance on that gracious +Providence which so signally displays its goodness towards this country, +to reduce the refractory to a due subordination to the law, do hereby +declare and make known that, with a satisfaction which can be equaled +only by the merits of the militia summoned into service from the States +of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, I have received +intelligence of their patriotic alacrity in obeying the call of the +present, though painful, yet commanding necessity; that a force which, +according to every reasonable expectation, is adequate to the exigency +is already in motion to the scene of disaffection; that those who have +confided or shall confide in the protection of Government shall meet +full succor under the standard and from the arms of the United States; +that those who, having offended against the laws, have since entitled +themselves to indemnity will be treated with the most liberal good faith +if they shall not have forfeited their claim by any subsequent conduct, +and that instructions are given accordingly. + +And I do moreover exhort all individuals, officers, and bodies of men to +contemplate with abhorrence the measures leading directly or indirectly +to those crimes which produce this resort to military coercion; to check +in their respective spheres the efforts of misguided or designing men +to substitute their misrepresentation in the place of truth and their +discontents in the place of stable government, and to call to mind +that, as the people of the United States have been permitted, under the +Divine favor, in perfect freedom, after solemn deliberation, and in an +enlightened age, to elect their own government, so will their gratitude +for this inestimable blessing be best distinguished by firm exertions +to maintain the Constitution and the laws. + +And, lastly, I again warn all persons whomsoever and wheresoever not to +abet, aid, or comfort the insurgents aforesaid, as they will answer the +contrary at their peril; and I do also require all officers and other +citizens, according to their several duties, as far as may be in their +power, to bring under the cognizance of the laws all offenders in the +premises. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United +States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same +with my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 25th day of September, 1794, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + + +SIXTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 19, 1794_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_; + +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity +of our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to +which it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you +that during your recess some of the citizens of the United States have +been found capable of an insurrection. It is due, however, to the +character of our Government and to its stability, which can not be +shaken by the enemies of order, freely to unfold the course of this +event. + +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States +"to lay and collect excises." In a majority of the States scarcely an +objection was heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms +were at first conceived, until they were banished by reason and +patriotism. In the four western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, +fostered and imbittered by the artifice of men who labored for an +ascendency over the will of others by the guidance of their passions, +produced symptoms of riot and violence. It is well known that Congress +did not hesitate to examine the complaints which were presented, and +to relieve them as far as justice dictated or general convenience +would permit. But the impression which this moderation made on the +discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was +misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and +associations of men began to denounce threats against the officers +employed. From a belief that by a more formal concert their operation +might be defeated, certain self-created societies assumed the tone of +condemnation. Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself +were conforming themselves to the acts of excise, a few counties were +resolved to frustrate them. It was now perceived that every expectation +from the tenderness which had been hitherto pursued was unavailing, +and that further delay could only create an opinion of impotency or +irresolution in the Government. Legal process was therefore delivered +to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent distillers. + +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the +vengeance of armed men was aimed at _his_ person and the person and +property of the inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, +arrested him, and detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was +obliged, by the jeopardy of his life, to renounce the service of other +process on the west side of the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was +afterwards sent to him to demand a surrender of that which he _had_ +served. A numerous body repeatedly attacked the house of the inspector, +seized his papers of office, and finally destroyed by fire his buildings +and whatsoever they contained. Both of these officers, from a just +regard to their safety, fled to the seat of Government, it being avowed +that the motives to such outrages were to compel the resignation of the +inspector, to withstand by force of arms the authority of the United +States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws of excise and an +alteration in the conduct of Government. + +Upon the testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme +Court of the United States notified to me that "in the counties of +Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States +were opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too +powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings +or by the powers vested in the marshal of that district." On this call, +momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighed what might best subdue +the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be stripped +of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends +of Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an +apparent acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small +a portion of the United States would be to violate the fundamental +principle of our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the +majority shall prevail. On the other, to array citizen against citizen, +to publish the dishonor of such excesses, to encounter the expense and +other embarrassments of so distant an expedition, were steps too +delicate, too closely interwoven with many affecting considerations, to +be lightly adopted. I postponed, therefore, the summoning the militia +immediately into the field, but I required them to be held in readiness, +that if my anxious endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the +malignant of their danger should be fruitless, military force might be +prepared to act before the season should be too far advanced. + +My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and +accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to +repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer with +any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be candid +and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion _must_ be the +resort; but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor +of faithful citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of +Executive power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of +the United States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition +than a satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. + +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means +of conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or +abetted the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed +as the atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. + +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the +militia to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my +proclamation of the 25th of September last. + +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest +degree of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From +a respect, indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow-citizens +belonging to the militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish +such an estimate. My very reluctance to ascribe too much importance +to the opposition, had its extent been accurately seen, would have +been a decided inducement to the smallest efficient numbers, In this +uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion 15,000 men, as being an army +which, according to all human calculation, would be prompt and adequate +in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering resistance desperate, +prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been assigned to the States +of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the governor of +Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion which justified +a requisition to the other States. + +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service +of the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous +to obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior +movements. Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were +secure from obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to +justice such of the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered +terms of amnesty, and may be deemed fit objects of example; that the +friends to peace and good government were not in need of that aid and +countenance which they ought always to receive, and, I trust, ever will +receive, against the vicious and turbulent, I should have caught with +avidity the opportunity of restoring the militia to their families and +homes. But succeeding intelligence has tended to manifest the necessity +of what has been done, it being now confessed by those who were not +inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of the insurgents that their +malevolence was not pointed merely to a particular law, but that a +spirit inimical to all order has actuated many of the offenders. If the +state of things had afforded reason for the continuance of my presence +with the army, it would not have been withholden. But every appearance +assuring such an issue as will redound to the reputation and strength +of the United States, I have judged it most proper to resume my duties +at the seat of Government, leaving the chief command with the governor +of Virginia. + +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period +in the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, +whether we contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the +execution of the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an +honorable attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this +session being the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, +Congress can not be too early occupied with this subject. + +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, +and from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not +escape their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, +but other officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from +their fidelity in the discharge of their functions, sustained material +injuries to their property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying +them are strong and obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy +will not enlarge this provision to the retribution of other citizens +who, though not under the ties of office, may have suffered damage by +their generous exertions for upholding the Constitution and the laws. +The amount, even if all the injured were included, would not be great, +and on future emergencies the Government would be amply repaid by the +influence of an example that he who incurs a loss in its defense shall +find a recompense in its liberality. + +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should +have disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of +our community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion +of the public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial +consolations for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity +rests on solid foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my +fellow-citizens understand the true principles of government and +liberty; that they feel their inseparable union; that notwithstanding +all the devices which have been used to sway them from their interest +and duty, they are now as ready to maintain the authority of the laws +against licentious invasions as they were to defend their rights +against usurpation. It has been a spectacle displaying to the highest +advantage the value of republican government to behold the most and +the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, +by the approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. +Nor ought I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic +cooperation which I have experienced from the chief magistrates +of the States to which my requisitions have been addressed. + +To every description of citizens, indeed, let praise be given. But +let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious +depository of American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. +Let them cherish it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, +are daily seeking a dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments +of reflection they shall have retraced the origin and progress of the +insurrection, let them determine whether it has not been fomented by +combinations of men who, careless of consequences and disregarding the +unerring truth that those who rouse can not always appease a civil +convulsion, have disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, +suspicions, jealousies, and accusations of the whole Government. + +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States," on you, gentlemen, and the people +by whom you are deputed, I rely for support. + +In the arrangements to which the possibility of a similar contingency +will naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the +militia laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been +supplied but by the zeal of our citizens, Besides the extraordinary +expense and waste, which are not the least of the defects, every appeal +to those laws is attended with a doubt on its success. + +The devising and establishing of a well-regulated militia would be +a genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will +not pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, +arming, and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the +language of the Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the +laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never +too frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the +fortifications which have been already licensed by law be commensurate +with our exigencies. + +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians +north of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the +advance which he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and +weakened their obstinacy in waging war against the United States, And +yet, even at this late hour, when our power to punish them can not be +questioned, we shall not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon +terms of candor, equity, and good neighborhood. + +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been +spared. The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the +interposition of the General Government and that of Georgia. From a +desire also to remove the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement +meditated at Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an +agent is now endeavoring to rectify any misconception into which they +may have fallen. But I can not refrain from again pressing upon your +deliberations the plan which I recommended at the last session for the +improvement of harmony with all the Indians within our limits by the +fixing and conducting of trading houses upon the principles then +expressed. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a +definite plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that +the result is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work +without delay. Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the +nation and nothing would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, +whatsoever is unfinished of our system of public credit can not be +benefited by procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought +to place that credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to +prevent that progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately +endanger all governments. + +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_. + +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the +precious metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion +have been lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing +prospect that the institution will at no remote day realize the +expectation which was originally formed of its utility. + +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our +intercourse with foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. +However, it may not be unseasonable to announce that my policy in our +foreign transactions has been to cultivate peace with all the world; +to observe treaties with pure and absolute faith; to check every +deviation from the line of impartiality; to explain what may have been +misapprehended and correct what may have been injurious to any nation, +and having thus acquired the right, to lose no time in acquiring the +ability to insist upon justice being done to ourselves. + +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations +to spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to +enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to +flight; to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness +has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this +Government being a safeguard to human rights. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. +In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern +for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country which has +uniformly distinguished your past Administration. + +Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the +laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania has been increased by the +proceedings of certain self-created societies relative to the laws and +administration of the Government; proceedings, in our apprehension, +founded in political error, calculated, if not intended, to disorganize +our Government, and which, by inspiring delusive hopes of support, have +been influential in misleading our fellow-citizens in the scene of +insurrection. + +In a situation so delicate and important the lenient and persuasive +measures which you adopted merit and receive our affectionate +approbation. These failing to procure their proper effect, and coercion +having become inevitable, we have derived the highest satisfaction from +the enlightened patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of +New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia have rallied around the +standard of Government in opposition to anarchy and insurrection. + +Our warm and cordial acknowledgments are due to you, sir, for the wisdom +and decision with which you arrayed the militia to execute the public +will, and to them for the disinterestedness and alacrity with which they +obeyed your summons. + +The example is precious to the theory of our Government, and confers the +brightest honor upon the patriots who have given it. + +We shall readily concur in such further provisions for the security +of internal peace and a due obedience to the laws as the occasion +manifestly requires. + +The effectual organization of the militia and a prudent attention to the +fortifications of our ports and harbors are subjects of great national +importance, and, together with the other measures you have been pleased +to recommend, will receive our deliberate consideration. + +The success of the troops under the command of General Wayne can not +fail to produce essential advantages. The pleasure with which we +acknowledge the merits of that gallant general and army is enhanced by +the hope that their victories will lay the foundation of a just and +durable peace with the Indian tribes. + +At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations the temperate, just, +and firm policy that you have pursued in respect to foreign powers has +been eminently calculated to promote the great and essential interest of +our country, and has created the fairest title to the public gratitude +and thanks. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +NOVEMBER 21, 1794. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Among the occasions which have been afforded for expressing +my sense of the zealous and steadfast cooperation of the Senate in the +maintenance of Government, none has yet occurred more forcibly demanding +my unqualified acknowledgments than the present. + +Next to the consciousness of upright intentions, it is the highest +pleasure to be approved by the enlightened representatives of a free +nation. With the satisfaction, therefore, which arises from an +unalterable attachment to public order do I learn that the Senate +discountenance those proceedings which would arrogate the direction of +our affairs without any degree of authority derived from the people. + +It has been more than once the lot of our Government to be thrown into +new and delicate situations, and of these the insurrection has not been +the least important. Having been compelled at length to lay aside my +repugnance to resort to arms, I derive much happiness from being +confirmed by your judgment in the necessity of decisive measures, and +from the support of my fellow-citizens of the militia, who were the +patriotic instruments of that necessity. + +With such demonstrations of affection for our Constitution; with an +adequate organization of the militia; with the establishment of +necessary fortifications; with a continuance of those judicious and +spirited exertions which have brought victory to our Western army; with +a due attention to public credit, and an unsullied honor toward all +nations, we may meet, under every assurance of success, our enemies +from within and from without. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 22, 1794. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives, calling to mind the blessings enjoyed +by the people of the United States, and especially the happiness of +living under constitutions and laws which rest on their authority alone, +could not learn with other emotions than those you have expressed that +any part of our fellow-citizens should have shewn themselves capable +of an insurrection. And we learn with the greatest concern that any +misrepresentations whatever of the Government and its proceedings, +either by individuals or combinations of men, should have been made +and so far credited as to foment the flagrant outrage which has been +committed on the laws. We feel with you the deepest regret at so painful +an occurrence in the annals of our country. As men regardful of the +tender interests of humanity, we look with grief at scenes which might +have stained our land with civil blood; as lovers of public order, we +lament that it has suffered so flagrant a violation; as zealous friends +of republican government, we deplore every occasion which in the hands +of its enemies may be turned into a calumny against it. + +This aspect of the crisis, however, is happily not the only one which +it presents. There is another, which yields all the consolations which +you have drawn from it. It has demonstrated to the candid world, as +well as to the American people themselves, that the great body of them +everywhere are equally attached to the luminous and vital principle of +our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall +prevail; that they understand the indissoluble union between true +liberty and regular government; that they feel their duties no less than +they are watchful over their rights; that they will be as ready at all +times to crush licentiousness as they have been to defeat usurpation. +In a word, that they are capable of carrying into execution that noble +plan of self-government which they have chosen as the guaranty of their +own happiness and the asylum for that of all, from every clime, who may +wish to unite their destiny with ours. + +These are the just inferences flowing from the promptitude with which +the summons to the standard of the laws has been obeyed, and from the +sentiments which have been witnessed in every description of citizens in +every quarter of the Union. The spectacle, therefore, when viewed in its +true light, may well be affirmed to display in equal luster the virtues +of the American character and the value of republican government. +All must particularly acknowledge and applaud the patriotism of that +portion of citizens who have freely sacrificed everything less dear +than the love of their country to the meritorious task of defending +its happiness. + +In the part which you have yourself borne through this delicate and +distressing period we trace the additional proofs it has afforded of +your solicitude for the public good. Your laudable and successful +endeavors to render lenity in executing the laws conducive to their +real energy, and to convert tumult into order without the effusion of +blood, form a particular title to the confidence and praise of your +constituents. In all that may be found necessary on our part to complete +this benevolent purpose, and to secure the ministers and friends of +the laws against the remains of danger, our due cooperation will +be afforded. + +The other subjects which you have recommended or communicated, and of +which several are peculiarly interesting, will all receive the attention +which they demand. We are deeply impressed with the importance of an +effectual organization of the militia. We rejoice at the intelligence +of the advance and success of the army under the command of General +Wayne, whether we regard it as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, +and superiority of our troops, or as a happy presage to our military +operations against the hostile Indians, and as a probable prelude to the +establishment of a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, and good +neighborhood. We receive it with the greater pleasure as it increases +the probability of sooner restoring a part of the public resources to +the desirable object of reducing the public debt. + +We shall on this, as on all occasions, be disposed to adopt any measures +which may advance the safety and prosperity of our country. In nothing +can we more cordially unite with you than in imploring the Supreme Ruler +of Nations to multiply his blessings on these United States; to guard +our free and happy Constitution against every machination and danger, +and to make it the best source of public happiness, by verifying its +character of being the best safeguard of human rights, + +NOVEMBER 28, 1794. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: I anticipated with confidence the concurrence of the House of +Representatives in the regret produced by the insurrection. Every effort +ought to be used to discountenance what has contributed to foment it, +and thus discourage a repetition of like attempts; for notwithstanding +the consolations which may be drawn from the issue of this event, it +is far better that the artful approaches to such a situation of things +should be checked by the vigilant and duly admonished patriotism of our +fellow-citizens than that the evil should increase until it becomes +necessary to crush it by the strength of their arm. + +I am happy that the part which I have myself borne on this occasion +receives the approbation of your House. For the discharge of a +constitutional duty it is a sufficient reward to me to be assured +that you will unite in consummating what remains to be done. + +I feel also great satisfaction in learning that the other subjects +which I have communicated or recommended will meet with due attention; +that you are deeply impressed with the importance of an effectual +organization of the militia, and that the advance and success of the +army under the command of General Wayne is regarded by you, no less +than myself, as a proof of the perseverance, prowess, and superiority +of our troops. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +NOVEMBER 29, 1794. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of New York and of the exemplification of an act of the legislature +thereof ratifying the amendment of the Constitution of the United States +proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last +session, respecting the judicial power. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 21, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In the negotiation between the United States and His Catholic Majesty +I have received satisfactory proofs of attention and ability exerted +in behalf of the United States to bring it to a happy and speedy issue. +But it is probable that by complying with an intimation made to the +Secretary of State by the commissioners of His Catholic Majesty much +further delay in concluding it may be prevented. Notwithstanding, +therefore, I retain full confidence in our minister resident at Madrid, +who is charged with powers as commissioner plenipotentiary, I nominate +Thomas Pinckney to be envoy extraordinary of the United States to His +Catholic Majesty, for the purpose of negotiating of and concerning the +navigation of the river Mississippi, and such other matters relative +to the confines of their territories, and the intercourse to be had +thereon, as the mutual interests and general harmony of neighboring and +friendly nations require should be precisely adjusted and regulated, +and of and concerning the general commerce between the United States +and the kingdoms and dominions of his said Catholic Majesty. + +It is believed that by his temporary absence from London in the +discharge of these new functions no injury will arise to the United +States. + +I also nominate: + +John Miller Russell, of Massachusetts, to be consul of the United States +of America for the port of St. Petersburg, in Russia, and for such other +places as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of +any other consul or vice-consul of the United States within the same +allegiance; + +Joseph Pitcairn, of New York, to be vice-consul of the United States +of America at Paris, vice Alexander Duvernet, superseded; and + +Nathaniel Brush, of Vermont, to be supervisor for the United States +in the district of Vermont, vice Noah Smith, who has resigned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _November 25, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a statement of the troops in the service of the United +States, which has been submitted to me by the Secretary of War. It will +rest with Congress to consider and determine whether further inducements +shall be held out for entering into the military service of the United +States in order to complete the establishment authorized by law. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 17, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of the journal of the proceedings of the +executive department of the government of the United States south of +the river Ohio to the 1st of September, 1794. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1794_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before you a report, made to me by the Secretary of War, +respecting the frontiers of the United States. The disorders and +the great expenses which incessantly arise upon the frontiers are +of a nature and magnitude to excite the most serious considerations. + +I feel a confidence that Congress will devise such constitutional and +efficient measures as shall be equal to the great objects of preserving +our treaties with the Indian tribes and of affording an adequate +protection to our frontiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +A spirit of discontent, from several causes, arose in the early part of +the present year among the Six Nations of Indians, and particularly on +the ground of a projected settlement by Pennsylvania, at Presque Isle, +upon Lake Erie. The papers upon this point have already been laid before +Congress. It was deemed proper on my part to endeavor to tranquillize +the Indians by pacific measures. Accordingly a time and place was +appointed at which a free conference should be had upon all the causes +of discontent, and an agent was appointed with the instructions of +which No. 1, herewith transmitted, is a copy. + +A numerous assembly of Indians was held in Canandaigua, in the State of +New York the proceedings whereof accompany this message, marked No. 2. + +The two treaties, the one with the Six Nations and the other with the +Oneida, Tuscorora, and Stockbridge Indians dwelling in the country of +the Oneidas, which have resulted from the mission of the agent, are +herewith laid before the Senate for their consideration and advice. + +The original engagement of the United States to the Oneidas is also sent +herewith. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress copies of acts passed by the legislatures of the +States of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York, ratifying the amendment +proposed by the Senate and House of Representatives at their last +session to the Constitution of the United States respecting the +judicial power thereof. + +The minister of the French Republic having communicated to the Secretary +of State certain proceedings of the committee of public safety +respecting weights and measures, I lay these also before Congress. + +The letter from the governor of the Western territory, copies of which +are now transmitted, refers to a defect in the judicial system of that +territory deserving the attention of Congress. + +The necessary absence of the judge of the district of Pennsylvania upon +business connected with the late insurrection is stated by him in a +letter of which I forward copies to have produced certain interruptions +in the judicial proceedings of that district which can not be removed +without the interposition of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 4, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I lay before Congress, for their consideration, a letter from the +Secretary of State upon the subject of a loan which is extremely +interesting and urgent. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of New Hampshire and of an act of the legislature thereof "ratifying the +article proposed in amendment to the Constitution of the United States +respecting the judicial power." + +I also lay before Congress copies of a letter from the governor of +the State of North Carolina and of an act of the legislature thereof +ceding to the United States certain lands upon the conditions therein +mentioned. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 17, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I have received copies of two acts of the legislature of Georgia, +one passed on the 28th day of December and the other on the 7th day +of January last, for appropriating and selling the Indian lands within +the territorial limits claimed by that State. These copies, though not +officially certified, have been transmitted to me in such a manner as to +leave no room to doubt their authenticity. These acts embrace an object +of such magnitude, and in their consequences may so deeply affect the +peace and welfare of the United States, that I have thought it necessary +now to lay them before Congress. + +In _confidence_, I also forward copies of several documents and papers +received from the governor of the Southwestern territory. By these it +seems that hostilities with the Cherokees have ceased, and that there is +a pleasing prospect of a permanent peace with that nation; but from all +the communications of the governor it appears that the Creeks, in small +parties, continue their depredations, and it is uncertain to what they +may finally lead. + +The several papers now communicated deserve the immediate attention of +Congress, who will consider how far the subjects of them may require +their cooperation. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I communicate to Congress copies of a letter from the governor of the +State of Georgia and of an act of the legislature thereof "to ratify the +resolution of Congress explanatory of the judicial power of the United +States." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In my first communication to Congress during their present session +I gave them reason to expect that "certain circumstances of our +intercourse with foreign nations" would be transmitted to them. There +was at that time every assurance for believing that some of the most +important of our foreign affairs would have been concluded and others +considerably matured before they should rise. But notwithstanding I have +waited until this moment, it has so happened that, either from causes +unknown to me or from events which could not be controlled, I am yet +unable to execute my original intention. That I may, however, fulfill +the expectation given as far as the actual situation of things will in +my judgment permit, I now, _in confidence_', lay before Congress the +following general statement: + +Our minister near the French Republic has urged compensation for +the injuries which our commerce has sustained from captures by French +cruisers, from the nonfulfillment of the contracts of the agents of that +Republic with our citizens, and from the embargo at Bordeaux. He has +also pressed an allowance for the money voted by Congress for relieving +the inhabitants of St. Domingo. It affords me the highest pleasure to +inform Congress that perfect harmony reigns between the two Republics, +and that those claims are in a train of being discussed with candor +and of being amicably adjusted. + +So much of our relation to Great Britain may depend upon the result +of our late negotiations in London that until that result shall arrive +I can not undertake to make any communication upon this subject. + +After the negotiation with Spain had been long depending unusual and +unexpected embarrassments were raised to interrupt its progress. But +the commissioner of His Catholic Majesty near the United States having +declared to the Secretary of State that if a particular accommodation +should be made in the _conducting_ of the business no further delay +would ensue, I thought proper, under all circumstances, to send to +His Catholic Majesty an envoy extraordinary specially charged to bring +to a conclusion the discussions which have been formerly announced +to Congress. + +The friendship of Her Most Faithful Majesty has been often manifested in +checking the passage of the Algerine corsairs into the Atlantic Ocean. +She has also furnished occasional convoys to the vessels of the United +States, even when bound to other ports than her own. We may therefore +promise ourselves that, as in the ordinary course of things few causes +can exist for dissatisfaction between the United States and Portugal, +so the temper with which accidental difficulties will be met on each +side will speedily remove them. + +Between the Executive of the United States and the Government of the +United Netherlands but little intercourse has taken place during the +last year. It may be acceptable to Congress to learn that our credit in +Holland is represented as standing upon the most respectable footing. + +Upon the death of the late Emperor of Morocco an agent was dispatched +to renew with his successor the treaty which the United States had made +with _him_. The agent, unfortunately, died after he had reached Europe +in the prosecution of his mission. But until lately it was impossible +to determine with any degree of probability who of the competitors for +that Empire would be ultimately fixed in the supreme power. Although +the measures which have been since adopted for the renewal of the treaty +have been obstructed by the disturbed situation of Amsterdam, there are +good grounds for presuming as yet upon the pacific disposition of the +Emperor, in fact, toward the United States, and that the past +miscarriage will be shortly remedied. + +Congress are already acquainted with the failure of the loan attempted +in Holland for the relief of our unhappy fellow-citizens in Algiers. +This subject, than which none deserves a more affectionate zeal, has +constantly commanded my best exertions. I am happy, therefore, in being +able to say that from the last authentic accounts the Dey was disposed +to treat for a peace and ransom, and that both would in all probability +have been accomplished had we not been disappointed in the means. +Nothing which depends upon the Executive shall be left undone for +carrying into immediate effect the supplementary act of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +It appears from the information which I have lately received that it may +be probably necessary to the more successful conduct of our affairs on +the coast of Barbary that one consul should reside in Morocco, another +in Algiers, and a third in Tunis or Tripoli. As no appointment for these +offices will be accepted without some emolument annexed, I submit to the +consideration of Congress whether it may not be advisable to authorize +a stipend to be allowed to two consuls for that coast in addition to the +one already existing. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you copies of a letter from the governor of the State +of Delaware and of an act inclosed "declaring the assent of that State +to an amendment therein mentioned to the Constitution of the United +States." + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 8, 1795_.[2] + +[Footnote 2: For proclamation convening Senate in extraordinary session +see p. 587.] + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +In pursuance of my nomination of John Jay as envoy extraordinary to His +Britannic Majesty on the 16th day of April, 1794, and of the advice and +consent of the Senate thereto on the 19th, a negotiation was opened in +London. On the 7th of March, 1795, the treaty resulting therefrom was +delivered to the Secretary of State. I now transmit to the Senate that +treaty and other documents connected with it. They will, therefore, in +their wisdom decide whether they will advise and consent that the said +treaty be made between the United States and His Britannic Majesty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +It has been represented by our minister plenipotentiary near the French +Republic that such of our commercial relations with France as may +require the support of the United States in _detail_ can not be well +executed without a consul-general. Of this I am satisfied when I +consider the extent of the mercantile claims now depending before the +French Government, the necessity of bringing into the hands of one agent +the various applications to the several committees of administration +residing at Paris, the attention which must be paid to the conduct of +consuls, and vice-consuls, and the nature of the services which are the +peculiar objects of a minister's care, and leave no leisure for his +intervention in business to which consular functions are competent. +I therefore nominate Fulwar Skipwith to be consul-general of the +United States in France. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _June 25, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Just at the close of the last session of Congress I received from one +of the Senators and one of the Representatives of the State of Georgia +an application for a treaty to be held with the tribes or nations of +Indians claiming the right of soil to certain lands lying beyond the +present temporary boundary line of that State, and which were described +in an act of the legislature of Georgia passed on the 28th of December +last, which has already been laid before the Senate. This application +and the subsequent correspondence with the governor of Georgia are +herewith transmitted. The subject being very important, I thought proper +to postpone a decision upon that application. The views I have since +taken of the matter, with the information received of a more pacific +disposition on the part of the Creeks, have induced me now to accede to +the request, but with this explicit declaration, that neither my assent +nor the treaty which may be made shall be considered as affecting any +question which may arise upon the supplementary act passed by the +legislature of the State of Georgia on the 7th of January last, upon +which inquiries have been instituted in pursuance of a resolution +of the Senate and House of Representatives, and that any cession or +relinquishment of the Indian claims shall be made in the general terms +of the treaty of New York, which are contemplated as the form proper to +be generally used on such occasions, and on the condition that one-half +of the expense of the supplies of provisions for the Indians assembled +at the treaty be borne by the State of Georgia. + +Having concluded to hold the treaty requested by that State, I was +willing to embrace the opportunity it would present of inquiring +into the causes of the dissatisfaction of the Creeks which has +been manifested since the treaty of New York by their numerous +and distressing depredations on our Southwestern frontiers. Their +depredations on the Cumberland have been so frequent and so peculiarly +destructive as to lead me to think they must originate in some claim to +the lands upon that river. But whatever may have been the cause, it is +important to trace it to its source; for, independent of the destruction +of lives and property, it occasions a very serious annual expense to the +United States. The commissioners for holding the proposed treaty will, +therefore, be instructed to inquire into the causes of the hostilities +to which I have referred, and to enter into such reasonable stipulations +as will remove them and give permanent peace to those parts of the +United States. + +I now nominate Benjamin Hawkins, of North Carolina: George Clymer, of +Pennsylvania, and Andrew Pickens, of South Carolina, to be commissioners +to hold a treaty with the Creek Nation of Indians, for the purposes +hereinbefore expressed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +When we review the calamities which afflict so many other nations, +the present condition of the United States affords much matter of +consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from foreign war, +an increasing prospect of the continuance of that exemption, the great +degree of internal tranquillity we have enjoyed, the recent confirmation +of that tranquillity by the suppression of an insurrection which so +wantonly threatened it, the happy course of our public affairs in +general, the unexampled prosperity of all classes of our citizens, +are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications +of the Divine beneficence toward us. In such a state of things it is +in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and +affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations +to Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings +we experience. + +Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President +of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and +denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, within the United States +to set apart and observe Thursday, the 19th day of February next, as a +day of public thanksgiving and prayer, and on that day to meet together +and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations +for the manifold and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a +nation, particularly for the possession of constitutions of government +which unite and by their union establish liberty with order; for the +preservation of our peace, foreign and domestic; for the seasonable +control which has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression +of the late insurrection, and generally, for the prosperous course +of our affairs, public and private; and at the same time humbly and +fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings graciously to +prolong them to us; to imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of +our obligations to Him for them; to teach us rightly to estimate their +immense value; to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity, and +from hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits; to dispose +us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them; by our +gratitude for them, and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and men; +to render this country more and more a safe and propitious asylum for +the unfortunate of other countries; to extend among us true and useful +knowledge; to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, +and piety, and finally, to impart all the blessings we possess, or ask +for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind. + +In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of +America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with +my hand. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 1st day of January, 1795, and +of the Independence of the United States of America the nineteenth. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +By the President: + EDM. RANDOLPH. + + + +[From Sparks's Washington, Vol. XII, p. 134.] + +PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas the commissioners appointed by the President of the United +States to confer with the citizens in the western counties of +Pennsylvania during the late insurrection which prevailed therein, by +their act and agreement bearing date the 2d day of September last, in +pursuance of the powers in them vested, did promise and engage that, +if assurances of submission to the laws of the United States should +be bona fide given by the citizens resident in the fourth survey of +Pennsylvania, in the manner and within the time in the said act and +agreement specified, a general pardon should be granted on the 10th day +of July then next ensuing of all treasons and other indictable offenses +against the United States committed within the said survey before the +22d day of August last, excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person +who should refuse or neglect to subscribe such assurance and engagement +in manner aforesaid, or who should after such subscription violate the +same, or willfully obstruct or attempt to obstruct the execution of the +acts for raising a revenue on distilled spirits and stills, or be aiding +or abetting therein; and + +Whereas I have since thought proper to extend the said pardon to +all persons guilty of the said treasons, misprisions of treasons, or +otherwise concerned in the late insurrection within the survey aforesaid +who have not since been indicted or convicted thereof, or of any other +offense against the United States: + +Therefore be it known that I, George Washington, President of the said +United States, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full, +free, and entire pardon to all persons (excepting as is hereinafter +excepted) of all treasons, misprisions of treason, and other indictable +offenses against the United States committed within the fourth survey of +Pennsylvania before the said 22d day of August last past, excepting and +excluding therefrom, nevertheless, every person who refused or neglected +to give and subscribe the said assurances in the manner aforesaid +(or having subscribed hath violated the same) and now standeth indicted +or convicted of any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense +against the said United States, hereby remitting and releasing unto all +persons, except as before excepted, all penalties incurred, or supposed +to be incurred, for or on account of the premises. + +In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed, this 10th day of July, A.D. 1795, and +the twentieth year of the Independence of the said United States. + +[SEAL.] + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +SEVENTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1795_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that +I have never met you at any period when more than at the present the +situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual +congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound +gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary +blessings we enjoy. + +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed +in the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of +our army has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that +region. + +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was +deemed an object worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of +the United States as the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The +object, it is believed, has been fully attained. The articles agreed +upon will immediately be laid before the Senate for their consideration. + +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had +taken. But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has +been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia +are represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the +Creeks, which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and +danger, which will be productive of further expense, and may occasion +more effusion of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate +the usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of their +succeeding at least to avert general hostility. + +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of +our treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add +that information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to +Algiers importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency +of that country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the +expectation of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate +fellow-citizens from a grievous captivity. + +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had received assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending +upon unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it +is agreeable to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing +amicably very essential interests of the United States, will at the same +time lay the foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship +we have uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. + +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate +have advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which +excepts part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment +I was able to form of the public interest after full and mature +deliberation, I have added my sanction. The result on the part of His +Britannic Majesty is unknown. When received, the subject will without +delay be placed before Congress. + +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign +powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, +and with regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have +been in a state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for +consoling and gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation +on every side the extinguishment of all the causes of external discord +which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible +with our national rights and honor, shall be the happy result, how firm +and how precious a foundation will have been laid for accelerating, +maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country. + +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external +relations of the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment +and satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their +American dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, +exhausting, and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been +aggravated by domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of +the arts most useful to society have been exposed to discouragement and +decay; in which scarcity of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; +while even the anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and +repose are alloyed by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, +which press upon all the departments of industry and threaten to clog +the future springs of government, our favored country, happy in a +striking contrast, has enjoyed general tranquillity--a tranquillity +the more satisfactory because maintained at the expense of no duty. +Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no obligation to others. Our +agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, +however, very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced +by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our +population advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine +calculations, proportionally augments our strength and resources, +and guarantees our future security. Every part of the Union displays +indications of rapid and various improvement; and with burthens so +light as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to our +present exigencies, with governments founded on the genuine principles +of rational liberty, and with mild and wholesome laws, is it too much +to say that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness +never surpassed, if ever before equaled? + +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding +force impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to +our country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our +immense advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a +fervent and favorite wish of my heart. + +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that +the part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and +insurrection now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled +have abandoned their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and +laws which is due from good citizens to the public authorities of the +society. These circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the +offenders here referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had +been adjudged to capital punishment. For though I shall always think it +a sacred duty to exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional +powers with which I am vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent +with the public good than it is with my personal feelings to mingle in +the operations of Government every degree of moderation and tenderness +which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit. + +GENTLEMEN: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the +course of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the +least important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and +maybe expected still further to change, the relative situation of our +frontiers. In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the +considerations that the questions between us and certain foreign powers +are not yet finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet +terminated, and that our Western posts, when recovered, will demand +provision for garrisoning and securing them. A statement of our present +military force will be laid before you by the Department of War. + +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing +plan further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much +moment in my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the +consideration of it may be renewed until the greatest attainable +perfection shall be accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages +for forwarding the object, while none better deserves the persevering +attention of the public councils. + +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our +Western borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should +not lose sight of an important truth which continually receives new +confirmations, namely, that the provisions heretofore made with a view +to the protection of the Indians from the violences of the lawless part +of our frontier inhabitants are insufficient. It is demonstrated that +these violences can now be perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no +argument to prove that unless the murdering of Indians can be restrained +by bringing the murderers to condign punishment, all the exertions of +the Government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians will +prove fruitless and all our present agreeable prospects illusory. The +frequent destruction of innocent women and children, who are chiefly the +victims of retaliation, must continue to shock humanity, and an enormous +expense to drain the Treasury of the Union. + +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is +indispensable that there shall be competent means of rendering justice +to them. If these means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and +especially if there can be added an adequate provision for supplying the +necessities of the Indians on reasonable terms (a measure the mention +of which I the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences with them +they urge it with solicitude), I should not hesitate to entertain a +strong hope of rendering our tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure +that the probability even of their civilization is not diminished by +the experiments which have been thus far made under the auspices of +Government. The accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will +reflect undecaying luster on our national character and administer +the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted +from the proper Department, together with an estimate of the +appropriations necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. + +Whether measures may not be advisable to reenforce the provision for the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous +to repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest +of our country as with the general sense of our constituents. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will +shew the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely +into effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in +particular quarters. + +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building +them, the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which +have been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for +replenishing our magazines with military stores, and the steps which +have been taken toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with +the Indians will likewise be presented for the information of Congress. + +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference +of opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and +welfare of our country to need any recommendation of mine. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +SIR: It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by your +speech to the two Houses of Congress that the long and expensive war in +which we have been engaged with the Indians northwest of the Ohio is in +a situation to be finally terminated; and though we view with concern +the danger of an interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with +the Creeks, we indulge the hope that the measures that you have adopted +to prevent the same, if followed by those legislative provisions +that justice and humanity equally demand, will succeed in laying the +foundation of a lasting peace with the Indian tribes on the Southern +as well as on the Western frontiers. + +The confirmation of our treaty with Morocco, and the adjustment of +a treaty of peace with Algiers, in consequence of which our captive +fellow-citizens shall be delivered from slavery, are events that will +prove no less interesting to the public humanity than they will be +important in extending and securing the navigation and commerce of +our country. + +As a just and equitable conclusion of our depending negotiations with +Spain will essentially advance the interest of both nations, and thereby +cherish and confirm the good understanding and friendship which we have +at all times desired to maintain, it will afford us real pleasure to +receive an early confirmation of our expectations on this subject. + +The interesting prospect of our affairs with regard to the foreign +powers between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted +is not more satisfactory than the review of our internal situation. +If from the former we derive an expectation of the extinguishment of +all the causes of external discord that have heretofore endangered +our tranquillity, and on terms consistent with our national honor +and safety, in the latter we discover those numerous and widespread +tokens of prosperity which in so peculiar a manner distinguish our +happy country. + +Circumstances thus every way auspicious demand our gratitude and sincere +acknowledgments to Almighty God, and require that we should unite our +efforts in imitation of your enlightened, firm, and persevering example +to establish and preserve the peace, freedom, and prosperity of our +country. + +The objects which you have recommended to the notice of the Legislature +will in the course of the session receive our careful attention, and +with a true zeal for the public welfare we shall cheerfully cooperate +in every measure that shall appear to us best calculated to promote +the same. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 11, 1795. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: With real pleasure I receive your address, recognizing +the prosperous situation of our public affairs, and giving assurances +of your careful attention to the objects demanding legislative +consideration, and that with a true zeal for the public welfare you +will cheerfully cooperate in every measure which shall appear to you +best calculated to promote the same. + +But I derive peculiar satisfaction from your concurrence with me in +the expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, which a review of the +auspicious circumstances that distinguish our happy country have +excited, and I trust the sincerity of our acknowledgments will be +evinced by a union of efforts to establish and preserve its peace, +freedom, and prosperity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 12, 1795. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: As the Representatives of the people of the United States, we can +not but participate in the strongest sensibility to every blessing which +they enjoy, and cheerfully join with you in profound gratitude to the +Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings which +He has conferred on our favored country. + +A final and formal termination of the distressing war which has +ravaged our Northwestern frontier will be an event which must afford a +satisfaction proportionate to the anxiety with which it has long been +sought, and in the adjustment of the terms we perceive the true policy +of making them satisfactory to the Indians as well as to the United +States as the best basis of a durable tranquillity. The disposition of +such of the Southern tribes as had also heretofore annoyed our frontier +is another prospect in our situation so important to the interest and +happiness of the United States that it is much to be lamented that any +clouds should be thrown over it, more especially by excesses on the +part of our own citizens. + +While our population is advancing with a celerity which exceeds the most +sanguine calculations; while every part of the United States displays +indications of rapid and various improvement; while we are in the +enjoyment of protection and security by mild and wholesome laws, +administered by governments founded on the genuine principles of +rational liberty, a secure foundation will be laid for accelerating, +maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country if, by treaty +and amicable negotiation, all those causes of external discord which +heretofore menaced our tranquillity shall be extinguished on terms +compatible with our national rights and honor and with our Constitution +and great commercial interests. + +Among the various circumstances in our internal situation none can be +viewed with more satisfaction and exultation than that the late scene of +disorder and insurrection has been completely restored to the enjoyment +of order and repose. Such a triumph of reason and of law is worthy of +the free Government under which it happened, and was justly to be hoped +from the enlightened and patriotic spirit which pervades and actuates +the people of the United States. + +In contemplating that spectacle of national happiness which our +country exhibits, and of which you, sir, have been pleased to make an +interesting summary, permit us to acknowledge and declare the very great +share which your zealous and faithful services have contributed to it, +and to express the affectionate attachment which we feel for your +character. + +The several interesting subjects which you recommend to our +consideration will receive every degree of attention which is due +to them; and whilst we feel the obligation of temperance and mutual +indulgence in all our discussions, we trust and pray that the result +to the happiness and welfare of our country may correspond with the +pure affection we bear to it. + +DECEMBER 16, 1795. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: Coming as you do from all parts of the United States, +I receive great satisfaction from the concurrence of your testimony +in the justness of the interesting summary of our national happiness +which, as the result of my inquiries, I presented to your view. The +sentiments we have mutually expressed of profound gratitude to the +source of those numerous blessings, the Author of all Good, are pledges +of our obligations to unite our sincere and zealous endeavors, as the +instruments of Divine Providence, to preserve and perpetuate them. + +Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for your declaration that to my agency you +ascribe the enjoyment of a great share of these benefits. So far as my +services contribute to the happiness of my country, the acknowledgment +thereof by my fellow-citizens and their affectionate attachment will +ever prove an abundant reward. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 17, 1795. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 9, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty of peace which has +been negotiated by General Wayne, on behalf of the United States, with +all the late hostile tribes of Indians northwest of the river Ohio, +together with the instructions which were given to General Wayne and +the proceedings at the place of treaty. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _December 21, 1795_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Herewith I transmit, for your information and consideration, the +original letter from the Emperor of Morocco, recognizing the treaty of +peace and friendship between the United States and his father, the late +Emperor, accompanied with a translation thereof, and various documents +relating to the negotiation by which the recognition was effected. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +A letter from the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic, +received on the 22d of the last month, covered an address, dated the +21st of October, 1794, from the committee of public safety to the +Representatives of the United States in Congress, and also informed me +that he was instructed by the committee to present to the United States +the colors of France. I thereupon proposed to receive them last Friday, +the first day of the new year, a day of general joy and congratulation. +On that day the minister of the French Republic delivered the colors, +with an address, to which I returned an answer. By the latter Congress +will see that I have informed the minister that the colors will be +deposited with the archives of the United States. But it seemed to +me proper previously to exhibit to the two Houses of Congress these +evidences of the continued friendship of the French Republic, together +with the sentiments expressed by me on the occasion in behalf of the +United States. They are herewith communicated. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit to you a memorial of the commissioners appointed by virtue +of an act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent +seat of the Government of the United States," on the subject of the +public buildings under their direction. + +Since locating a district for the permanent seat of the Government of +the United States, as heretofore announced to both Houses of Congress, +I have accepted the grants of money and of land stated in the memorial +of the commissioners. I have directed the buildings therein mentioned +to be commenced on plans which I deemed consistent with the liberality +of the grants and proper for the purposes intended. + +I have not been inattentive to this important business intrusted by the +Legislature to my care. I have viewed the resources placed in my hands, +and observed the manner in which they have been applied. The progress is +pretty fully detailed in the memorial from the commissioners, and one +of them attends to give further information if required. In a case new +and arduous, like the present, difficulties might naturally be expected. +Some have occurred, but they are in a great degree surmounted, and I +have no doubt, if the remaining resources are properly cherished, so +as to prevent the loss of property by hasty and numerous sales, that all +the buildings required for the accommodation of the Government of the +United States may be completed in season without aid from the Federal +Treasury. The subject is therefore recommended to the consideration of +Congress, and the result will determine the measures which I shall cause +to be pursued with respect to the property remaining unsold. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith for the information of Congress: + +First. An act of the legislature of the State of Rhode Island, ratifying +an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prevent suits +in certain cases against a State. + +Second. An act of the State of North Carolina making the like +ratification. + +Third. An act of the State of North Carolina, assenting to the purchase +by the United States of a sufficient quantity of land on Shell Castle +Island for the purpose of erecting a beacon thereon, and ceding the +jurisdiction thereof to the United States. + +Fourth. A copy from the journal of proceedings of the governor in his +executive department of the territory of the United States northwest +of the river Ohio from July 1 to December 31, 1794. + +Fifth. A copy from the records of the executive proceedings of the same +governor from January 1 to June 30, 1795; and + +Sixth and seventh. A copy of the journal of the proceedings of the +governor in his executive department of the territory of the United +States south of the river Ohio from September 1, 1794, to September +1, 1795. + +Eighth. The acts of the first and second sessions of the general +assembly of the same territory. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United +States by an act of Congress passed the 3d of March last, to reduce the +weights of the copper coin of the United States whenever he should think +it for the benefit of the United States, provided that the reduction +should not exceed 2 pennyweights in each cent, and in the like +proportion in a half cent, I have caused the same to be reduced since +the 27th of last December, to wit, 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in each +cent, and in the like proportion in a half cent; and I have given notice +thereof by proclamation. + +By the letter of the judges of the circuit court of the United States, +held at Boston in June last, and the inclosed application of the +underkeeper of the jail at that place, of which copies are herewith +transmitted, Congress will perceive the necessity of making a suitable +provision for the maintenance of prisoners committed to the jails of +the several States under the authority of the United States. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 2, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I transmit herewith the copy of a letter, dated the 19th of December +last, from Governor Blount to the Secretary of War, stating the avowed +and daring designs of certain persons to take possession of the lands +belonging to the Cherokees, and which the United States have by treaty +solemnly guaranteed to that nation. The injustice of such intrusions and +the mischievous consequences which must necessarily result therefrom +demand that effectual provision be made to prevent them. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Herewith I transmit, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of +peace and amity, concluded on the 5th day of last September by Joseph +Donaldson, Jr., on the part of the United States, with the Dey of +Algiers, for himself, his Divan, and his subjects. + +The instructions and other necessary papers relative to this negotiation +are also sent herewith, for the information of the Senate. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _February 26, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I send herewith the treaty concluded on the 27th of October last between +the United States and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries. + +The communications to the Senate referred to in my message of the 16th +of December, 1793, contain the instructions to the commissioners of +the United States, Messrs. Carmichael and Short, and various details +relative to the negotiations with Spain. Herewith I transmit copies of +the documents authorizing Mr. Pinckney, the envoy extraordinary from +the United States to the Court of Spain, to conclude the negotiation +agreeably to the original instructions above mentioned, and to adjust +the claims of the United States for the spoliations committed by the +armed vessels of His Catholic Majesty on the commerce of our citizens. + +The numerous papers exhibiting the progress of the negotiation under the +conduct of Mr. Pinckney, being in the French and Spanish languages, will +be communicated to the Senate as soon as the translations which appear +necessary shall be completed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 1, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation concluded between the +United States of America and His Britannic Majesty having been duly +ratified, and the ratifications having been exchanged at London on the +28th day of October, 1795, I have directed the same to be promulgated, +and herewith transmit a copy thereof for the information of Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith, for the information of Congress, the treaty concluded +between the United States and the Dey and Regency of Algiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 15, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +By the ninth section of the act entitled "An act to provide a naval +armament" it is enacted "that if a peace shall take place between the +United States and the Regency of Algiers, that no further proceedings +be had under this act." + +The peace which is here contemplated having taken place, it is incumbent +upon the Executive to suspend all orders respecting the building of the +frigates, procuring materials for them, or preparing materials already +obtained, which may be done without intrenching upon contracts or +agreements made and entered into before this event. + +But inasmuch as the loss which the public would incur might be +considerable from dissipation of workmen, from certain works or +operations being suddenly dropped or left unfinished, and from the +derangement in the whole system consequent upon an immediate suspension +of all proceedings under it, I have therefore thought advisable, before +taking such a step, to submit the subject to the Senate and House of +Representatives, that such measures may be adopted in the premises +as may best comport with the public interest. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 25, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith, for your information, the translation of a letter from +the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Secretary of +State, announcing the peace made by the Republic with the Kings of +Prussia and Spain, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Landgrave of Hesse +Cassel, and that the republican constitution decreed by the National +Convention had been accepted by the people of France and was in +operation. I also send you a copy of the answer given by my direction to +this communication from the French minister. My sentiments therein +expressed I am persuaded will harmonize with yours and with those of all +my fellow-citizens. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 29, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I send herewith a copy of the treaty of friendship, limits, and +navigation, concluded on the 27th of October last, between the United +States and His Catholic Majesty. This treaty has been ratified by me +agreeably to the Constitution, and the ratification has been dispatched +for Spain, where it will doubtless be immediately ratified by His +Catholic Majesty. + +This early communication of the treaty with Spain has become necessary +because it is stipulated in the third article that commissioners for +running the boundary line between the territory of the United States and +the Spanish colonies of East and West Florida shall meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of six months from the ratification; and as that +period will undoubtedly arrive before the next meeting of Congress, +the House will see the necessity of making provision in their present +session for the object here mentioned. It will also be necessary to +provide for the expense to be incurred in executing the twenty-first +article of the treaty, to enable our fellow-citizens to obtain with as +little delay as possible compensation for the losses they have sustained +by the capture of their vessels and cargoes by the subjects of His +Catholic Majesty during the late war between France and Spain. + +Estimates of the moneys necessary to be provided for the purposes of +this and several other treaties with foreign nations and the Indian +tribes will be laid before you by the proper Department. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 30, 1796_. + +_To the House of Representatives of the United States_: + +With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the +24th instant, requesting me to lay before your House a copy of the +instructions to the minister of the United States who negotiated the +treaty with the King of Great Britain, together with the correspondence +and other documents relative to that treaty, excepting such of the said +papers as any existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed. + +In deliberating upon this subject it was impossible for me to lose sight +of the principle which some have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid +extending my views to the consequences which must flow from the +admission of that principle. + +I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to +withhold any information which the Constitution has enjoined upon the +President as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either +House of Congress as a right; and with truth I affirm that it has been, +as it will continue to be while I have the honor to preside in the +Government, my constant endeavor to harmonize with the other branches +thereof so far as the trust delegated to me by the people of the United +States and my sense of the obligation it imposes to "preserve, protect, +and defend the Constitution" will permit. + +The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution, and their success +must often depend on secrecy; and even when brought to a conclusion a +full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions +which may have been proposed or contemplated would be extremely +impolitic; for this might have a pernicious influence on future +negotiations, or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps danger and +mischief, in relation to other powers. The necessity of such caution and +secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the power of making treaties +in the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the +principle on which that body was formed confining it to a small number +of members. To admit, then, a right in the House of Representatives +to demand and to have as a matter of course all the papers respecting +a negotiation with a foreign power would be to establish a dangerous +precedent. + +It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for can +be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the House of +Representatives, except that of an impeachment, which the resolution +has not expressed. I repeat that I have no disposition to withhold any +information which the duty of my station will permit or the public good +shall require to be disclosed; and, in fact, all the papers affecting +the negotiation with Great Britain were, laid before the Senate when +the treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice. + +The course which the debate has taken on the resolution of the House +leads to some observations on the mode of making treaties under the +Constitution of the United States. + +Having been a member of the General Convention, and knowing the +principles on which the Constitution was formed, I have ever entertained +but one opinion on this subject; and from the first establishment of the +Government to this moment my conduct has exemplified that opinion--that +the power of making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, +by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, provided two-thirds +of the Senators present concur; and that every treaty so made and +promulgated thenceforward became the law of the land. It is thus that +the treaty-making power has been understood by foreign nations, and +in all the treaties made with them _we_ have declared and _they_ have +believed that, when ratified by the President, with the advice and +consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In this construction +of the Constitution every House of Representatives has heretofore +acquiesced, and until the present time not a doubt or suspicion has +appeared, to my knowledge, that this construction was not the true one. +Nay, they have more than acquiesced; for till now, without controverting +the obligation of such treaties, they have made all the requisite +provisions for carrying them into effect. + +There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees with +the opinions entertained by the State conventions when they were +deliberating on the Constitution, especially by those who objected to it +because there was not required in _commercial treaties_ the consent of +two-thirds of the whole number of the members of the Senate instead of +two-thirds of the Senators present, and because in treaties respecting +territorial and certain other rights and claims the concurrence of +three-fourths of the whole number of the members of both Houses, +respectively, was not made necessary. + +It is a fact declared by the General Convention and universally +understood that the Constitution of the United States was the result +of a spirit of amity and mutual concession; and it is well known +that under this influence the smaller States were admitted to an equal +representation in the Senate with the larger States, and that this +branch of the Government was invested with great powers, for on the +equal participation of those powers the sovereignty and political +safety of the smaller States were deemed essentially to depend. + +If other proofs than these and the plain letter of the Constitution +itself be necessary to ascertain the point under consideration, they +may be found in the journals of the General Convention, which I have +deposited in the office of the Department of State. In those journals +it will appear that a proposition was made "that no treaty should be +binding on the United States which was not ratified by a law," and +that the proposition was explicitly rejected. + +As, therefore, it is perfectly clear to my understanding that the assent +of the House of Representatives is not necessary to the validity of a +treaty; as the treaty with Great Britain exhibits in itself all the +objects requiring legislative provision, and on these the papers called +for can throw no light, and as it is essential to the due administration +of the Government that the boundaries fixed by the Constitution between +the different departments should be preserved, a just regard to the +Constitution and to the duty of my office, under all the circumstances +of this case, forbids a compliance with your request. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 31, 1776_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +The treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States +and Great Britain requiring that commissioners should be appointed +to fix certain boundaries between the territories of the contracting +parties, and to ascertain the losses and damages represented to have +been sustained by their respective citizens and subjects, as set forth +in the fifth, sixth, and seventh articles of the treaty, in order to +carry those articles into execution I nominate as commissioners on +the part of the United States: + +For the purpose mentioned in the fifth article, Henry Knox, of +Massachusetts; + +For the purpose mentioned in the sixth article, Thomas Fitzsimons, +of Pennsylvania, and James Innes, of Virginia; and + +For the purposes mentioned in the seventh article, Christopher Gore, +of Massachusetts, and William Pinckney, of Maryland. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 8, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +By an act of Congress passed on the 26th of May, 1790, it was declared +that the inhabitants of the territory of the United States south of the +river Ohio should enjoy all the privileges, benefits, and advantages set +forth in the ordinance of Congress for the government of the territory +of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, and that the +government of the said territory south of the Ohio should be similar to +that which was then exercised in the territory northwest of the Ohio, +except so far as was otherwise provided in the conditions expressed in +an act of Congress passed the 2d of April, 1790, entitled "An act to +accept a cession of the claims of the State of North Carolina to a +certain district of western territory." + +Among the privileges, benefits, and advantages thus secured to the +inhabitants of the territory south of the river Ohio appear to be the +right of forming a permanent constitution and State government, and of +admission as a State, by its Delegates, into the Congress of the United +States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects +whatever, when it should have therein 60,000 free inhabitants; provided +the constitution and government so to be formed should be republican, +and in conformity to the principles contained in the articles of the +said ordinance. + +As proofs of the several requisites to entitle the territory south of +the river Ohio to be admitted as a State into the Union, Governor Blount +has transmitted a return of the enumeration of its inhabitants and a +printed copy of the constitution and form of government on which they +have agreed, which, with his letters accompanying the same, are herewith +laid before Congress. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _April 28, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Herewith I lay before you a letter from the Attorney-General of the +United States, relative to compensation to the attorneys of the United +States in the several districts, which is recommended to your +consideration. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 2, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Some time last year Jeremiah Wadsworth was authorized to hold a treaty +with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven Nations of +Canada, to enable the State of New York to extinguish, by purchase, a +claim which the said Indians had set up to a parcel of land lying within +that State. The negotiation having issued without effecting its object, +and the State of New York having requested a renewal of the negotiation, +and the Indians having come forward with an application on the same +subject, I now nominate Jeremiah Wadsworth to be a commissioner to +hold a treaty with the Cohnawaga Indians, styling themselves the Seven +Nations of Canada, for the purpose of enabling the State of New York +to extinguish the aforesaid claim. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 5, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, an explanatory +article proposed to be added to the treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation between the United States and Great Britain, together with a +copy of the full power to the Secretary of State to negotiate the same. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 25, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The measures now in operation for taking possession of the posts of +Detroit and Michilimackinac render it proper that provision should be +made for extending to these places and any others alike circumstanced +the civil authority of the Northwestern Territory. To do this will +require an expense to defray which the ordinary salaries of the governor +and secretary of that Territory appear to be incompetent. + +The forming of a new county, or new counties, and the appointment of the +various officers, which the just exercise of government must require, +will oblige the governor and secretary to visit those places, and to +spend considerable time in making the arrangements necessary for +introducing and establishing the Government of the United States. +Congress will consider what provision will in this case be proper. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _May 28, 1796_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +The extraordinary expenses to be incurred in the present year in +supporting our foreign intercourse I find will require a provision +beyond the ordinary appropriation and the additional $20,000 already +granted. + +I have directed an estimate to be made, which is sent herewith, and +will exhibit the deficiency for which an appropriation appears to be +necessary. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +EIGHTH ANNUAL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _December 7, 1796_. + +_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had +last the pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed +expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a +continued series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. + +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have +been as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. + +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been +taken to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the +predatory incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be +restrained by their tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights +secured to the Indians by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized +state and inspire them with correct conceptions of the power as well +as justice of the Government. + +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the +State of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of +a parcel of their land by that State, broke up without its being +accomplished, the nation having previous to their departure instructed +them against making any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved +to confirm by a new treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements +with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment +of trading houses and military posts within their boundary, by means of +which their friendship and the general peace may be more effectually +secured. + +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Britannic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered +beyond the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the +Governor-General of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the +subject, arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their +evacuation, and the United States took possession of the principal of +them, comprehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort +Miami, where such repairs and additions have been ordered to be made as +appeared indispensable. + +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of +Great Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the +treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of +New York, for the third commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrews, in +Passamaquoddy Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to +be made of the rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have +these surveys completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet +at Boston in August, 1797, for the final decision of the question. + +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, +agreeably to the seventh article of the treaty with Great Britain, +relative to captures and condemnation of vessels and other property, +met the commissioners of His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, +when John Trumbull, esq., was chosen by lot for the fifth commissioner. +In October following the board were to proceed to business. As yet there +has been no communication of commissioners on the part of Great Britain +to unite with those who have been appointed on the part of the United +States for carrying into effect the sixth article of the treaty. + +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running +the boundary line between the territory of the United States and His +Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the +Natchez before the expiration of six months after the exchange of the +ratifications, which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; +and the troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the +limits of the United States were within the same period to be withdrawn. +The commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey +for the Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the +posts from which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information +has been recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the +part of His Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of +any appointment for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose +vessels were captured by the armed vessels of Spain. + +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American seamen, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will +be beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining +to accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. + +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, +the final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey +and Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with +success, but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the +pecuniary transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further +provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were +prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling heart, is itself +an earnest of a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. +Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies +of Tunis and Tripoli. + +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State +is itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that +the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the +depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag +requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult +or aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to war by +discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of +the rights of the neutral party as may, first or last, leave no other +option. From the best information I have been able to obtain it would +seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean without a protecting force +will always be insecure and our citizens exposed to the calamities +from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and +to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of +their navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply +of seamen, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It +is an encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give +weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it +not, then, be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the +materials for the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed +in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it +practicable without inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may +not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was +found by the present? + +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their +attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too +much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every +way which shall appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on +public account are inexpedient; but where the state of things in a +country leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will for +a great length of time obtain, when these are of a nature essential to +the furnishing and equipping of the public force in time of war, are +not establishments for procuring them on public account to the extent +of the ordinary demand for the public service recommended by strong +considerations of national policy as an exception to the general +rule? Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign +supply, precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary +article should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the +security and independence thence arising form an ample compensation? +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the +public service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended +in proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps +be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so +as to mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If +adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, +or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that there +may be no danger of interference with pursuits of individual industry. + +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or +national welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as +nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this +truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil +more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting +it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it +be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been +employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than +the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged +with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and +small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and +improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the +increase of improvement by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, +and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual +skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. +Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very cheap instruments +of immense national benefits. + +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the +expediency of establishing a national university and also a military +academy. The desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly +increased with every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not +omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be +fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences +contributes to national prosperity and reputation. + +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries +of learning highly respectable and useful; but the funds upon which they +rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, +though they would be excellent auxiliaries. + +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of _government_. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who +are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? + +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it +ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and +both would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war +could not be avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon +its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might +exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing the rules of the +military art ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by +proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument +may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough +examination of the subject will evince that the art of war is at once +comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous study, and +that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state is +always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose +an academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. + +The compensations to the officers of the United States in various +instances, and in none more than in respect to the most important +stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a +defective provision are of serious import to the Government. If private +wealth is to supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly +contract the sphere within which the selection of character for office +is to be made, and will proportionally diminish the probability of +a choice of men able as well as upright. Besides that, it would be +repugnant to the vital principles of our Government virtually to exclude +from public trusts talents and virtue unless accompanied by wealth. + +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much +pain and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome +nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering +extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of +the French Republic, and communications have been received from its +minister here which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our +commerce by its authority, and which are in other respects far from +agreeable. + +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with +that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I +shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of +what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the +rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the +expectation that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part +of the Republic will eventually insure success. + +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to +the character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire +confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude +of my countrymen. + +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the +service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, +with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period +to which an account can be prepared. + +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. + +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public +debt was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. +Some preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will +no doubt engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only +add that it will afford me a heartfelt satisfaction to concur in such +further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a +speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret +if from any motive intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for +accelerating this valuable end. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed +that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present +occasion, at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether +our harbors are yet sufficiently secured. + +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst +of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally +recalls the period when the administration of the present form of +government commenced, and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate +you and my country on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my +fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign +Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may still be extended to +the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be +preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted for the +protection of their liberties may be perpetual, + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED +STATES. + +We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the +existing situation of our country, and we sincerely join in sentiments +of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of +public prosperity and private happiness which the people of the United +States so peculiarly enjoy. + +We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the +adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) +to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization +amongst the Indian tribes on the Western frontiers. Feelings of humanity +and the most solid political interests equally encourage the continuance +of this system. + +We observe with pleasure that the delivery of the military posts lately +occupied by the British forces within the territory of the United States +was made with cordiality and promptitude as soon as circumstances would +admit, and that the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain +and Spain that were objects of eventual arrangement are about being +carried into effect with entire harmony and good faith. + +The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a timely +compliance with the terms of the Algerine treaty are much to be +lamented, as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages +to be derived from a solid peace with that power and a perfect security +from its predatory warfare. At the same time, the lively impressions +that affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive +fellow-citizens afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions +to remove the remaining obstacles. + +We perfectly coincide with you in opinion that the importance of our +commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult +and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always +proportionate to its magnitude. + +The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful +manufactures by the intervention of legislative aid and protection and +the encouragement due to agriculture by the creation of boards (composed +of intelligent individuals) to patronize this primary pursuit of society +are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention. + +A national university may be converted to the most useful purposes. The +science of legislation being so essentially dependent on the endowments +of the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid from the +general diffusion of knowledge, and the United States will assume a +more dignified station among the nations of the earth by the successful +cultivation of the higher branches of literature. + +A military academy may be likewise rendered equally important. To aid +and direct the physical force of the nation by cherishing a military +spirit, enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating a +scientific system of tactics is consonant to the soundest maxims of +public policy. Connected with and supported by such an establishment +a well-regulated militia, constituting the natural defense of the +country, would prove the most effectual as well as economical +preservative of peace. + +We can not but consider with serious apprehensions the inadequate +compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more +important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a +public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operation and so +destructive in its consequences that we trust it will receive the most +pointed legislative attention. + +We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United States has +been uniformly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and +love of peace in the maintenance of all their foreign relationships, our +trade should be so harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic +of France throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies. + +Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists that could +authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or disengage that Republic +from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of treaties, we can not +but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been +made to you indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. +Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice and a +consideration of our mutual interests will moderate their councils, we +are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor +unprepared to adopt that system of conduct which, compatible with the +dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue. + +We cordially acquiesce in the reflection that the United States, under +the operation of the Federal Government, have experienced a most rapid +aggrandizement and prosperity as well political as commercial. + +Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we +must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system and the +wisdom of the legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in +gratitude and justice did we not attribute a great portion of these +advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your Administration, +which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying time and on +the most critical occasions. It is therefore with the sincerest regret +that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to +retire from the public employments of your country. + +When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so +successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military, +as well during the struggles of the American Revolution as the +convulsive periods of a recent date, we can not look forward to your +retirement without our warmest affections and most anxious regards +accompanying you, and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large +in the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility and +attachment can express. + +The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about +to sustain arises from the animating reflection that the influence of +your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus +continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic administration. + +JOHN ADAMS, + +_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_. + +DECEMBER 10, 1796. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your address a +concurrence in sentiment with me on the various topics which I presented +for your information and deliberation, and that the latter will receive +from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance. + +For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and +your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my +cordial thanks. Those services, and greater had I possessed ability to +render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country, and its +approbation is my abundant reward. + +When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw virtuous and +enlightened men among whom I relied on the discernment and patriotism +of my fellow-citizens to make the proper choice of, a successor--men +who would require no influential example to insure to the United States +"an able, upright, and energetic administration." To such men I shall +cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our common +country; but at the same time I hope I may be indulged in expressing the +consoling reflection (which consciousness suggests), and to bear it with +me to my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than I have +done or with a more disinterested zeal. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 12, 1796. + + + +ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT +OF THE UNITED STATES. + +SIR: The House of Representatives have attended to your communication +respecting the state of our country with all the sensibility that the +contemplation of the subject and a sense of duty can inspire. + +We are gratified by the information that measures calculated to insure +a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to maintain the +tranquillity of the Western frontier have been adopted, and we indulge +the hope that these, by impressing the Indian tribes with more correct +conceptions of the justice as well as power of the United States, will +be attended with success. + +While we notice with satisfaction the steps that you have taken in +pursuance of the late treaties with several foreign nations, the +liberation of our citizens who were prisoners at Algiers is a subject +of peculiar felicitation. We shall cheerfully cooperate in any further +measures that shall appear on consideration to be requisite. + +We have ever concurred with you in the most sincere and uniform +disposition to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and it is of +course with anxiety and deep regret we hear that any interruption of +our harmony with the French Republic has occurred, for we feel with you +and with our constituents the cordial and unabated wish to maintain a +perfectly friendly understanding with that nation. Your endeavors to +fulfill that wish, and by all honorable means to preserve peace, and +to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily +subsisted between the French Republic and the United States, can not +fail, therefore, to interest our attention. And while we participate in +the full reliance you have expressed on the patriotism, self-respect, +and fortitude of our countrymen, we cherish the pleasing hope that a +mutual spirit of justice and moderation will insure the success of your +perseverance. + +The various subjects of your communication will respectively meet with +the attention that is due to their importance. + +When we advert to the internal situation of the United States, we deem +it equally natural and becoming to compare the present period with +that immediately antecedent to the operation of the Government, and to +contrast it with the calamities in which the state of war still involves +several of the European nations, as the reflections deduced from both +tend to justify as well as to excite a warmer admiration of our free +Constitution, and to exalt our minds to a more fervent and grateful +sense of piety toward Almighty God for the beneficence of His +providence, by which its administration has been hitherto so remarkably +distinguished. And while we entertain a grateful conviction that your +wise, firm, and patriotic Administration has been signally conducive to +the success of the present form of government, we can not forbear to +express the deep sensations of regret with which we contemplate your +intended retirement from office. + +As no other suitable occasion may occur, we can not suffer the present +to pass without attempting to disclose some of the emotions which it can +not fail to awaken. + +The gratitude and admiration of your countrymen are still drawn to the +recollection of those resplendent virtues and talents which were so +eminently instrumental to the achievement of the Revolution, and of +which that glorious event will ever be the memorial. Your obedience to +the voice of duty and your country when you quitted reluctantly a second +time the retreat you had chosen and first accepted the Presidency +afforded a new proof of the devotedness of your zeal in its service and +an earnest of the patriotism and success which have characterized your +Administration. As the grateful confidence of the citizens in the +virtues of their Chief Magistrate has essentially contributed to that +success, we persuade ourselves that the millions whom we represent +participate with us in the anxious solicitude of the present occasion. + +Yet we can not be unmindful that your moderation and magnanimity, twice +displayed by retiring from your exalted stations, afford examples no +less rare and instructive to mankind than valuable to a republic. + +Although we are sensible that this event of itself completes the luster +of a character already conspicuously unrivaled by the coincidence of +virtue, talents, success, and public estimation, yet we conceive we owe +it to you, sir, and still more emphatically to ourselves and to our +nation (of the language of whose hearts we presume to think ourselves +at this moment the faithful interpreters), to express the sentiments +with which it is contemplated. + +The spectacle of a free and enlightened nation offering, by its +Representatives, the tribute of unfeigned approbation to its first +citizen, however novel and interesting it may be, derives all its luster +(a luster which accident or enthusiasm could not bestow, and which +adulation would tarnish) from the transcendent merit of which it is +the voluntary testimony. + +May you long enjoy that liberty which is so dear to you, and to which +your name will ever be so dear. May your own virtues and a nation's +prayers obtain the happiest sunshine for the decline of your days and +the choicest of future blessings. For our country's sake, for the sake +of republican liberty, it is our earnest wish that your example may be +the guide of your successors, and thus, after being the ornament and +safeguard of the present age, become the patrimony of our descendants. + +DECEMBER 15, 1796. + + + +REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. + +GENTLEMEN: To a citizen whose views were unambitious, who preferred the +shade and tranquillity of private life to the splendor and solicitude +of elevated stations, and whom the voice of duty and his country could +alone have drawn from his chosen retreat, no reward for his public +services can be so grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a +consciousness that to render those services useful to that country has +been his single aim; and when this approbation is expressed by the +Representatives of a free and enlightened nation, the reward will admit +of no addition. Receive, gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks +for this signal testimony that my services have been acceptable and +useful to my country. The strong confidence of my fellow-citizens, while +it animated all my actions, insured their zealous cooperation, which +rendered those services successful. The virtue and wisdom of my +successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the citizens +who compose the other branches of Government, I firmly trust will +lead them to the adoption of measures which, by the beneficence of +Providence, will give stability to our system of government, add to its +success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that liberty which is +to all of us so dear. + +While I acknowledge with pleasure the sincere and uniform disposition +of the House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations +inviolate, and with them deeply regret any degree of interruption of +our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg you, gentlemen, +to rest assured that my endeavors will be earnest and unceasing by all +honorable means to preserve peace and to restore that harmony and +affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between our two +nations; and with you I cherish the pleasing hope that a mutual spirit +of justice and moderation will crown those endeavors with success. + +I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which your +deliberations shall mature on the various subjects demanding your +attention; and while directing your labors to advance the real interests +of our country, you receive its blessings. With perfect sincerity my +individual wishes will be offered for your present and future felicity. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + +DECEMBER 16, 1796. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + + +UNITED STATES, _January 4, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +I lay before you for your consideration a treaty which has been +negotiated and concluded on the 29th day of June last by Benjamin +Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and George Clymer, commissioners on behalf +of the United States, with the Creek Indians, together with the +instructions which were given to the said commissioners and the +proceedings at the place of treaty. + +I submit also the proceedings and result of a treaty, held at the city +of New York, on behalf of the State of New York, with certain nations or +tribes of Indians denominating themselves the Seven Nations of Canada. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 9, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +Herewith I lay before you in confidence reports from the Departments of +State and the Treasury, by which you will see the present situation of +our affairs with the Dey and Regency of Algiers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _January 19, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_: + +At the opening of the present session of Congress I mentioned that some +circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation +to France; that our trade had suffered, and was suffering, extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and that communications had been received from its minister +here which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by +its authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable, but +that I reserved for a special message a more particular communication +on this interesting subject. This communication I now make. + +The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions +of our Government in relation to France from an early period of the +present war, which, therefore, it was necessary carefully to review. +A collection has been formed of letters and papers relating to those +transactions, which I now lay before you, with a letter to Mr. Pinckney, +our minister at Paris, containing an examination of the notes of the +French minister and such information as I thought might be useful to +Mr. Pinckney in any further representations he might find necessary to +be made to the French Government. The immediate object of his mission +was to make to that Government such explanations of the principles and +conduct of our own as, by manifesting our good faith, might remove all +jealousy and discontent and maintain that harmony and good understanding +with the French Republic which it has been my constant solicitude to +preserve. A government which required only a knowledge of the _truth_ +to justify its measures could not but be anxious to have this fully +and frankly displayed. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + +UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the Senate_: + +Application having been made to me to permit a treaty to be held with +the Seneca Nation of Indians to effect the purchase of a parcel of their +land under a preemption right derived from the State of Massachusetts +and situated within the State of New York, and it appearing to me +reasonable that such opportunity should be afforded, provided the +negotiation shall be conducted at the expense of the applicant, and at +the desire and with the consent of the Indians, always considering these +as prerequisites, I now nominate Isaac Smith to be a commissioner to +hold a treaty with the Seneca Nation for the aforesaid purpose. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +VETO MESSAGE. + + +UNITED STATES, _February 28, 1797_. + +_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_: + +Having maturely considered the bill to alter and amend an act entitled +"An act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United +States," which was presented to me on the 22d day of this month, I now +return it to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, with +my objections: + +First. If the bill passes into a law, the two companies of light +dragoons will be from that moment _legally_ out of service, though they +will afterwards continue _actually_ in service; and for their services +during this interval, namely, from the time of _legal_ to the time of +_actual_ discharge, it will not be lawful to pay them, unless some +future provision be made by law. Though they may be discharged at the +pleasure of Congress, in justice they ought to receive their pay, not +only to the time of passing the law, but at least to the time of their +actual discharge. + +Secondly. It will be inconvenient and injurious to the public to dismiss +the light dragoons as soon as notice of the law can be conveyed to them, +one of the companies having been lately destined to a necessary and +important service. + +Thirdly. The companies of light dragoons consist of 126 noncommissioned +officers and privates, who are bound to serve as dismounted dragoons +when ordered so to do. They have received in bounties about $2,000. One +of them is completely equipped, and above half of the noncommissioned +officers and privates have yet to serve more than one-third of the time +of their enlistment; and besides, there will in the course of the year +be a considerable deficiency in the complement of infantry intended to +be continued. Under these circumstances, to discharge the dragoons does +not seem to comport with economy. + +Fourthly. It is generally agreed that some cavalry, either militia or +regular, will be necessary; and according to the best information I have +been able to obtain, it is my opinion that the latter will be less +expensive and more useful than the former in preserving peace between +the frontier settlers and the Indians, and therefore a part of the +military establishment should consist of cavalry. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +PROCLAMATION. + + +[From Senate Journal, vol. 2, p. 397.] + +MARCH 1, 1797. + +_To the Vice-President and Senators of the United States, respectively_. + +SIR: It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United States +should be convened on Saturday, the 4th of March instant, you are +desired to attend in the Chamber of the Senate on that day, at 10 +o'clock in the forenoon, to receive any communications which the +President of the United States may then lay before you touching +their interests. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + +FAREWELL ADDRESS. + + +UNITED STATES, _September 17, 1796_. + +_Friends and Fellow-Citizens:_ + +The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the Executive +Government of the United States being not far distant, and the time +actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the +person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me +proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of +the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have +formed to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom +a choice is to be made. + +I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured that +this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all +the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful +citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, +which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no +diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful +respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction +that the step is compatible with both. + +The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in the office to which +your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of +inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared +to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much +earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at +liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been +reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this previous +to the last election had even led to the preparation of an address to +declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and +critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations and the unanimous +advice of persons entitled to my confidence impelled me to abandon the +idea. I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as +internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible +with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am persuaded, whatever +partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present +circumstances of our country you will not disapprove my determination +to retire. + +The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were +explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust I +will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the +organization and administration of the Government the best exertions +of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the +outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own +eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the +motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight +of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement +is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any +circumstances have given peculiar value to my services they were +temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and +prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not +forbid it. + +In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the +career of my political life my feelings do not permit me to suspend the +deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved +country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for +the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me, and for the +opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable +attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness +unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from +these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an +instructive example in our annals that under circumstances in which +the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; +amidst appearances sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of fortune often +discouraging; in situations in which not unfrequently want of success +has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support +was the essential prop of the efforts and a guaranty of the plans by +which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall +carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows +that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; +that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free +Constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained; +that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom +and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, +under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a +preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to +them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and +adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. + +Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which +can not end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to +that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present to offer to +your solemn contemplation and to recommend to your frequent review some +sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable +observation, and which appear to me all important to the permanency of +your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more +freedom as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a +parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his +counsel. Nor can I forget as an encouragement to it your indulgent +reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. + +Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your +hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm +the attachment. + +The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now +dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of +your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your +peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty +which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that from +different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken, +many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this +truth, as this is the point in your political fortress against which the +batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and +actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of +infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of +your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that +you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; +accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of +your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with +jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion +that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the +first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country +from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together +the various parts. + +For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens +by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to +concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to +you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of +patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. +With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, +habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and +triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess are the +work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, +and successes. + +But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves +to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more +immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds +the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the +union of the whole. + +The _North_, in an unrestrained intercourse with the _South_, protected +by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions +of the latter great additional resources of maritime and commercial +enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The +_South_, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the same agency of the +_North_, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning +partly into its own channels the seamen of the _North_, it finds its +particular navigation invigorated; and while it contributes in different +ways to nourish and increase the general mass of the national +navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength +to which itself is unequally adapted. The _East_, in a like intercourse +with the _West_, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of +interior communications by land and water will more and more find, +a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or +manufactures at home. The _West_ derives from the _East_ supplies +requisite to its growth and comfort, and what is perhaps of still +greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the _secure_ enjoyment +of indispensable _outlets_ for its own productions to the weight, +influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of +the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as _one +nation_. Any other tenure by which the _West_ can hold this essential +advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength or from an +apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be +intrinsically precarious. + +While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and +particular interest in union, all the parts combined can not fail to +find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater +resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less +frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations, and what is +of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from +those broils and wars between themselves which so frequently afflict +neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which +their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which +opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate +and imbitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those +overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, +are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as +particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is that +your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and +that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of +the other. + +These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting +and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the union as a +primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common +government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. +To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are +authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the +auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will +afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full +experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union affecting +all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated +its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the +patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken +its bands. + +In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it occurs as +matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for +characterizing parties by _geographical_ discriminations--_Northern_ and +_Southern, Atlantic_ and _Western_--whence designing men may endeavor +to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests +and views, One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within +particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other +districts. You can not shield yourselves too much against the jealousies +and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend +to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by +fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our Western country have lately +had a useful lesson on this head. They have seen in the negotiation by +the Executive and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate of the +treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event +throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the +suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government +and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to +the Mississippi. They have been witnesses to the formation of two +treaties--that with Great Britain and that with Spain--which secure to +them everything they could desire in respect to our foreign relations +toward confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely +for the preservation of these advantages on the union by which they were +procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such +there are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them +with aliens? + +To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole +is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be +an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions +and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. +Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first +essay by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated +than your former for an intimate union and for the efficacious +management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of +our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation +and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the +distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing +within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to +your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance +with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the +fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems +is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of +government. But the constitution which at any time exists till changed +by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly +obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the +people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual +to obey the established government. + +All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations +and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real +design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation +and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this +fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize +faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in the +place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often +a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community, and, +according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the +public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous +projects of faction rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome +plans, digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests. + +However combinations or associations of the above description may now +and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time +and things to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and +unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and +to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards +the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. + +Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency of +your present happy state, it is requisite not only that you steadily +discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, +but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its +principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be +to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair +the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what can not be directly +overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited remember that +time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of +governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the +surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing +constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the credit +of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the +endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember especially that +for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so +extensive as ours a government of as much vigor as is consistent with +the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will +find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and +adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a +name where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises +of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits +prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil +enjoyment of the rights of person and property. I have already intimated +to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to +the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a +more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against +the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. + +This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having +its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under +different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, +or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its +greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy. + +The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the +spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages +and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself +a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and +permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually +incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute +power of an individual, and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing +faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this +disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of +public liberty. + +Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless +ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual +mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the +interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. + +It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public +administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies +and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; +foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign +influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the +government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the +policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and +will of another. + +There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks +upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the +spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in +governments of a monarchical cast patriotism may look with indulgence, +if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular +character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be +encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always +be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being +constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public +opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it +demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, +lest, instead of warming, it should consume. + +It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country +should inspire caution in those intrusted with its administration to +confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, +avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach +upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers +of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of +government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power +and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is +sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity +of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing +and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each +the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has +been evinced by experiments ancient and modern, some of them in our +country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary +as to institute them. If in the opinion of the people the distribution +or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, +let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution +designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this in +one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon +by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always +greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit +which the use can at any time yield. + +Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, +religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man +claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great +pillars of human happiness--these firmest props of the duties of men +and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought +to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their +connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, +Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if +the sense of religious obligation _desert_ the oaths which are the +instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with +caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without +religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education +on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us +to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious +principle. + +It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring +of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force +to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it +can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the +fabric? Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions +for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure +of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that +public opinion should be enlightened. + +As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public +credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as +possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but +remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger +frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding +likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions +of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge +the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously +throwing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear. +The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives; but it +is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to +them the performance of their duty it is essential that you should +practically bear in mind that toward the payment of debts there must +be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes +can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; +that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of the +proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to +be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of +the Government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the +measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies may at +any time dictate. + +Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and +harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct. And can it +be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a +free, enlightened, and at no distant period a great nation to give to +mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided +by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that in the course +of time and things the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any +temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? +Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of +a nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by +every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered +impossible by its vices? + +In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that +permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and +passionate attachments for others should be excluded, and that in place +of them just and amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The +nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual +fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to +its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its +duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes +each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight +causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable when accidental +or trifling occasions of dispute occur. + +Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. +The nation prompted by ill will and resentment sometimes impels to +war the government contrary to the best calculations of policy. The +government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts +through passion what reason would reject. At other times it makes the +animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility, instigated +by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace +often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations has been the victim. + +So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces +a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the +illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common +interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, +betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of +the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also +to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others, +which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions by +unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by +exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate in the +parties from whom equal privileges are withheld; and it gives to +ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the +favorite nation) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their +own country without odium, sometimes even with popularity, gilding +with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable +deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good the +base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. + +As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments +are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent +patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic +factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, +to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small +or weak toward a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be +the satellite of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign +influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy +of a free people ought to be _constantly_ awake, since history and +experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes +of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be +impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be +avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one +foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they +actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even +second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist +the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, +while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the +people to surrender their interests. + +The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, +in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little +_political_ connection as possible. So far as we have already formed +engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let +us stop. + +Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or a very +remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, +the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, +therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial +ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary +combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. + +Our detached, and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue +a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient +government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury +from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will +cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously +respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making +acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; +when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, +shall counsel. + +Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own +to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that +of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of +European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? + +It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any +portion of the foreign world, so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty +to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing +infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable +to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best +policy. I repeat, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their +genuine sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary and would be unwise +to extend them. + +Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on +a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary +alliances for extraordinary emergencies. + +Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations are recommended by policy, +humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an +equal and impartial hand, neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors +or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing +and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing +nothing; establishing with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a +stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the +Government to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best +that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary +and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied as experience and +circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view that it is folly +in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it +must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept +under that character; that by such acceptance it may place itself in the +condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of +being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no +greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation +to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just +pride ought to discard. + +In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and +affectionate friend I dare not hope they will make the strong and +lasting impression I could wish--that they will control the usual +current of the passions or prevent our nation from running the course +which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even +flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some +occasional good--that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury +of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to +guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism--this hope will be +a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they +have been dictated. + +How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by +the principles which have been delineated the public records and other +evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, +the assurance of my own conscience is that I have at least believed +myself to be guided by them. + +In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe my proclamation +of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your +approving voice and by that of your representatives in both Houses of +Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, +uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. + +After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I +could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the +circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty +and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined +as far as should depend upon me to maintain it with moderation, +perseverance, and firmness. + +The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct it is +not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, +according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from +being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually +admitted by all. + +The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything +more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every +nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the +relations of peace and amity toward other nations. + +The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be +referred to your own reflections and experience. With me a predominant +motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and +mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption +to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give +it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. + +Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious +of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not +to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever +they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the +evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that +my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, +after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an +upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned +to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. + +Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that +fervent love toward it which is so natural to a man who views in it the +native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, +I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise +myself to realize without alloy the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the +midst of my fellow-citizens the benign influence of good laws under a +free government--the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy +reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. + +GEORGE WASHINGTON. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and +Papers of the Presidents, by James D. 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