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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of James
+Madison, by James Madison
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world 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.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: State of the Union Addresses of James Madison
+
+Author: James Madison
+
+Posting Date: November 21, 2014 [EBook #5013]
+Release Date: February, 2004
+First Posted: April 11, 2002
+Last Updated: December 16, 2004
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by James Linden.  HTML version by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+State of the Union Addresses of James Madison
+
+
+
+The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***
+
+Dates of addresses by James Madison in this eBook:
+
+  November 29, 1809
+  December 5, 1810
+  November 5, 1811
+  November 4, 1812
+  December 7, 1813
+  September 20, 1814
+  December 5, 1815
+  December 3, 1816
+
+
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+November 29, 1809
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+At the period of our last meeting I had the satisfaction of communicating
+an adjustment with one of the principal belligerent nations, highly
+important in itself, and still more so as presaging a more extended
+accommodation. It is with deep concern I am now to inform you that the
+favorable prospect has been over-clouded by a refusal of the British
+Government to abide by the act of its minister plenipotentiary, and by its
+ensuing policy toward the United States as seen through the communications
+of the minister sent to replace him.
+
+Whatever pleas may be urged for a disavowal of engagements formed by
+diplomatic functionaries in cases where by the terms of the engagements a
+mutual ratification is reserved, or where notice at the time may have been
+given of a departure from instructions, or in extraordinary cases
+essentially violating the principles of equity, a disavowal could not have
+been apprehended in a case where no such notice or violation existed, where
+no such ratification was reserved, and more especially where, as is now in
+proof, an engagement to be executed without any such ratification was
+contemplated by the instructions given, and where it had with good faith
+been carried into immediate execution on the part of the United States.
+
+These considerations not having restrained the British Government from
+disavowing the arrangement by virtue of which its orders in council were to
+be revoked, and the event authorizing the renewal of commercial intercourse
+having thus not taken place, it necessarily became a question of equal
+urgency and importance whether the act prohibiting that intercourse was not
+to be considered as remaining in legal force. This question being, after
+due deliberation, determined in the affirmative, a proclamation to that
+effect was issued. It could not but happen, however, that a return to this
+state of things from that which had followed an execution of the
+arrangement by the United States would involve difficulties. With a view to
+diminish these as much as possible, the instructions from the Secretary of
+the Treasury now laid before you were transmitted to the collectors of the
+several ports. If in permitting British vessels to depart without giving
+bonds not to proceed to their own ports it should appear that the tenor of
+legal authority has not been strictly pursued, it is to be ascribed to the
+anxious desire which was felt that no individuals should be injured by so
+unforeseen an occurrence; and I rely on the regard of Congress for the
+equitable interests of our own citizens to adopt whatever further
+provisions may be found requisite for a general remission of penalties
+involuntarily incurred.
+
+The recall of the disavowed minister having been followed by the
+appointment of a successor, hopes were indulged that the new mission would
+contribute to alleviate the disappointment which had been produced, and to
+remove the causes which had so long embarrassed the good understanding of
+the two nations. It could not be doubted that it would at least be charged
+with conciliatory explanations of the step which had been taken and with
+proposals to be substituted for the rejected arrangement.
+
+Reasonable and universal as this expectation was, it also has not been
+fulfilled. From the first official disclosures of the new minister it was
+found that he had received no authority to enter into explanations relative
+to either branch of the arrangement disavowed nor any authority to
+substitute proposals as to that branch which concerned the British orders
+in council, and, finally, that his proposals with regard to the other
+branch, the attack on the frigate Chesapeake, were founded on a
+presumption repeatedly declared to be inadmissible by the United States,
+that the first step toward adjustment was due from them, the proposals
+at the same time omitting even a reference to the officer answerable for
+the murderous aggression, and asserting a claim not less contrary to the
+British laws and British practice than to the principles and obligations
+of the United States.
+
+The correspondence between the Department of State and this minister will
+show how unessentially the features presented in its commencement have been
+varied in its progress. It will show also that, forgetting the respect due
+to all governments, he did not refrain from imputations on this, which
+required that no further communications should be received from him. The
+necessity of this step will be made known to His Britannic Majesty through
+the minister plenipotentiary of the United States in London; and it would
+indicate a want of the confidence due to a Government which so well
+understands and exacts what becomes foreign ministers near it not to infer
+that the misconduct of its own representative will be viewed in the same
+light in which it has been regarded here. The British Government will learn
+at the same time that a ready attention will be given to communications
+through any channel which may be substituted. It will be happy if the
+change in this respect should be accompanied by a favorable revision of the
+unfriendly policy which has been so long pursued toward the United States.
+
+With France, the other belligerent, whose trespasses on our commercial
+rights have long been the subject of our just remonstrances, the posture of
+our relations does not correspond with the measures taken on the part of
+the United States to effect a favorable change. The result of the several
+communications made to her Government, in pursuance of the authorities
+vested by Congress in the Executive, is contained in the correspondence of
+our minister at Paris now laid before you.
+
+By some of the other belligerents, although professing just and amicable
+dispositions, injuries materially affecting our commerce have not been duly
+controlled or repressed. In these cases the interpositions deemed proper on
+our part have not been omitted. But it well deserves the consideration of
+the Legislature how far both the safety and the honor of the American flag
+may be consulted, by adequate provisions against that collusive
+prostitution of it by individuals unworthy of the American name which has
+so much flavored the real or pretended suspicions under which the honest
+commerce of their fellow citizens has suffered.
+
+In relation to the powers on the coast of Barbary, nothing has occurred
+which is not of a nature rather to inspire confidence than distrust as to
+the continuance of the existing amity. With our Indian neighbors, the just
+and benevolent system continued toward them has also preserved peace, and
+is more and more advancing habits favorable to their civilization and
+happiness.
+
+From a statement which will be made by the Secretary of War it will be seen
+that the fortifications on our maritime frontier are in many of the ports
+completed, affording the defense which was contemplated, and that a further
+time will be required to render complete the works in the harbor of New
+York and in some other places. By the enlargement of the works and the
+employment of a greater number of hands at the public armories the supply
+of small arms of an improving quality appears to be annually increasing at
+a rate that, with those made on private contract, may be expected to go far
+toward providing for the public exigency.
+
+The act of Congress providing for the equipment of our vessels of war
+having been fully carried into execution, I refer to the statement of the
+Secretary of the Navy for the information which may be proper on that
+subject. To that statement is added a view of the transfers of
+appropriations authorized by the act of the session preceding the last and
+of the grounds on which the transfers were made.
+
+Whatever may be the course of your deliberations on the subject of our
+military establishments, I should fail in my duty in not recommending to
+your serious attention the importance of giving to our militia, the great
+bulwark of our security and resource of our power, an organization best
+adapted to eventual situations for which the United States ought to be
+prepared.
+
+The sums which had been previously accumulated in the Treasury, together
+with the receipts during the year ending on the 30th of September last (and
+amounting to more than $9 millions), have enabled us to fulfill all our
+engagements and to defray the current expenses of Government without
+recurring to any loan. But the insecurity of our commerce and the
+consequent diminution of the public revenue will probably produce a
+deficiency in the receipts of the ensuing year, for which and for other
+details I refer to the statements which will be transmitted from the
+Treasury.
+
+In the state which has been presented of our affairs with the great parties
+to a disastrous and protracted war, carried on in a mode equally injurious
+and unjust to the United States as a neutral nation, the wisdom of the
+National Legislature will be again summoned to the important decision on
+the alternatives before them. That these will be met in a spirit worthy the
+councils of a nation conscious both of its rectitude and of its rights, and
+careful as well of its honor as of its peace, I have an entire confidence;
+and that the result will be stamped by a unanimity becoming the occasion,
+and be supported by every portion of our citizens with a patriotism
+enlightened and invigorated by experience, ought as little to be doubted.
+
+In the midst of the wrongs and vexations experienced from external causes
+there is much room for congratulation on the prosperity and happiness
+flowing from our situation at home. The blessing of health has never been
+more universal. The fruits of the seasons, though in particular articles
+and districts short of their usual redundancy, are more than sufficient for
+our wants and our comforts. The face of our country ever presents evidence
+of laudable enterprise, of extensive capital, and of durable improvement.
+In a cultivation of the materials and the extension of useful manufactures,
+more especially in the general application to household fabrics, we behold
+a rapid diminution of our dependence on foreign supplies. Nor is it
+unworthy of reflection that this revolution in our pursuits and habits is
+in no slight degree a consequence of those impolitic and arbitrary edicts
+by which the contending nations, in endeavoring each of them to obstruct
+our trade with the other, have so far abridged our means of procuring the
+productions and manufactures of which our own are now taking the place.
+
+Recollecting always that for every advantage which may contribute to
+distinguish our lot from that to which others are doomed by the unhappy
+spirit of the times we are indebted to that Divine Providence whose
+goodness has been so remarkably extended to this rising nation, it becomes
+us to cherish a devout gratitude, and to implore from the same omnipotent
+source a blessing on the consultations and measures about to be undertaken
+for the welfare of our beloved country.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+December 5, 1810
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+The embarrassments which have prevailed in our foreign relations, and so
+much employed the deliberations of Congress, make it a primary duty in
+meeting you to communicate whatever may have occurred in that branch of our
+national affairs.
+
+The act of the last session of Congress concerning the commercial
+intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and
+their dependencies having invited in a new form a termination of their
+edicts against our neutral commerce, copies of the act were immediately
+forwarded to our ministers at London and Paris, with a view that its object
+might be within the early attention of the French and British Governments.
+
+By the communication received through our minister at Paris it appeared
+that knowledge of the act by the French Government was followed by a
+declaration that the Berlin and Milan decrees were revoked, and would cease
+to have effect on the first day of November ensuing. These being the only
+known edicts of France within the description of the act, and the
+revocation of them being such that they ceased at that date to violate our
+neutral commerce, the fact, as prescribed by law, was announced by a
+proclamation bearing date the 2nd of November.
+
+It would have well accorded with the conciliatory views indicated by this
+proceeding on the part of France to have extended them to all the grounds
+of just complaint which now remain unadjusted with the United States. It
+was particularly anticipated that, as a further evidence of just
+dispositions toward them, restoration would have been immediately made of
+the property of our citizens under a misapplication of the principle of
+reprisals combined with a misconstruction of a law of the United States.
+This expectation has not been fulfilled.
+
+From the British Government no communication on the subject of the act has
+been received. To a communication from our minister at London of a
+revocation by the French Government of its Berlin and Milan decrees it was
+answered that the British system would be relinquished as soon as the
+repeal of the French decrees should have actually taken effect and the
+commerce of neutral nations have been restored to the condition in which it
+stood previously to the promulgation of those decrees. This pledge,
+although it does not necessarily import, does not exclude the intention of
+relinquishing, along with the others in council, the practice of those
+novel blockades which have a like effect of interrupting our neutral
+commerce, and this further justice to the United States is the rather to be
+looked for, in as much as the blockades in question, being not more
+contrary to the established law of nations than inconsistent with the rules
+of blockade formally recognized by Great Britain herself, could have no
+alleged basis other than the plea of retaliation alleged as the basis of
+the orders in council.
+
+Under the modification of the original orders of November, 1807, into the
+orders of April, 1809, there is, indeed, scarcely a nominal distinction
+between the orders and the blockades. One of those illegitimate blockades,
+bearing date in May, 1806, having been expressly avowed to be still
+unrescinded, and to be in effect comprehended in the orders in council, was
+too distinctly brought within the purview of the act of Congress not to be
+comprehended in the explanation of the requisites to a compliance with it.
+The British Government was accordingly apprised by our minister near it
+that such was the light in which the subject was to be regarded.
+
+On the other important subjects depending between the United States and the
+Government no progress has been made from which an early and satisfactory
+result can be relied on.
+
+In this new posture of our relations with those powers the consideration of
+Congress will be properly turned to a removal of doubts which may occur in
+the exposition and of difficulties in the execution of the act above
+cited.
+
+The commerce of the United States with the north of Europe, heretofore much
+vexed by licentious cruisers, particularly under the Danish flag, has
+latterly been visited with fresh and extensive depredations. The measures
+pursued in behalf of our injured citizens not having obtained justice for
+them, a further and more formal interposition with the Danish Government is
+contemplated. The principles which have been maintained by that Government
+in relation to neutral commerce, and the friendly professions of His Danish
+Majesty toward the United States, are valuable pledges in favor of a
+successful issue.
+
+Among the events growing out of the state of the Spanish Monarchy, our
+attention was imperiously attracted to the change developing itself in that
+portion of West Florida which, though of right appertaining to the United
+States, had remained in the possession of Spain awaiting the result of
+negotiations for its actual delivery to them. The Spanish authority was
+subverted and a situation produced exposing the country to ulterior events
+which might essentially affect the rights and welfare of the Union. In such
+a conjuncture I did not delay the interposition required for the occupancy
+of the territory west of the river Perdido, to which the title of the
+United States extends, and to which the laws provided for the Territory of
+Orleans are applicable. With this view, the proclamation of which a copy is
+laid before you was confided to the governor of that Territory to be
+carried into effect. The legality and necessity of the course pursued
+assure me of the favorable light in which it will present itself to the
+Legislature, and of the promptitude with which they will supply whatever
+provisions may be due to the essential rights and equitable interests of
+the people thus brought into the bosom of the American family.
+
+Our amity with the powers of Barbary, with the exception of a recent
+occurrence at Tunis, of which an explanation is just received, appears to
+have been uninterrupted and to have become more firmly established.
+
+With the Indian tribes also the peace and friendship of the United States
+are found to be so eligible that the general disposition to preserve both
+continues to gain strength.
+
+I feel particular satisfaction in remarking that an interior view of our
+country presents us with grateful proofs of its substantial and increasing
+prosperity. To a thriving agriculture and the improvements related to it is
+added a highly interesting extension of useful manufactures, the combined
+product of professional occupations and of household industry. Such indeed
+is the experience of economy as well as of policy in these substitutes for
+supplies heretofore obtained by foreign commerce that in a national view
+the change is justly regarded as of itself more than a recompense for those
+privations and losses resulting from foreign injustice which furnished the
+general impulse required for its accomplishment. How far it may be
+expedient to guard the infancy of this improvement in the distribution of
+labor by regulations of the commercial tariff is a subject which can not
+fail to suggest itself to your patriotic reflections.
+
+It will rest with the consideration of Congress also whether a provident as
+well as fair encouragement would not be given to our navigation by such
+regulations as would place it on a level of competition with foreign
+vessels, particularly in transporting the important and bulky productions
+of our own soil. The failure of equality and reciprocity in the existing
+regulations on this subject operates in our ports as a premium to foreign
+competitors, and the inconvenience must increase as these may be multiplied
+under more favorable circumstances by the more than countervailing
+encouragements now given them by the laws of their respective countries.
+
+Whilst it is universally admitted that a well-instructed people alone can
+be permanently a free people, and whilst it is evident that the means of
+diffusing and improving useful knowledge form so small a proportion of the
+expenditures for national purposes, I can not presume it to be unseasonable
+to invite your attention to the advantages of superadding to the means of
+education provided by the several States a seminary of learning instituted
+by the National Legislature within the limits of their exclusive
+jurisdiction, the expense of which might be defrayed or reimbursed out of
+the vacant grounds which have accrued to the nation within those limits.
+
+Such an institution, though local in its legal character, would be
+universal in its beneficial effects. By enlightening the opinions, by
+expanding the patriotism, and by assimilating the principles, the
+sentiments, and the manners of those who might resort to this temple of
+science, to be redistributed in due time through every part of the
+community, sources of jealousy and prejudice would be diminished, the
+features of national character would be multiplied, and greater extent
+given to social harmony. But, above all, a well-constituted seminary in
+the center of the nation is recommended by the consideration that the
+additional instruction emanating from it would contribute not less to
+strengthen the foundations than to adorn the structure of our free and
+happy system of government.
+
+Among the commercial abuses still committed under the American flag, and
+leaving in force my former reference to that subject, it appears that
+American citizens are instrumental in carrying on a traffic in enslaved
+Africans, equally in violation of the laws of humanity and in defiance of
+those of their own country. The same just and benevolent motives which
+produced interdiction in force against this criminal conduct will doubtless
+be felt by Congress in devising further means of suppressing the evil.
+
+In the midst of uncertainties necessarily connected with the great
+interests of the United States, prudence requires a continuance of our
+defensive and precautionary arrangement. The Secretary of War and Secretary
+of the Navy will submit the statements and estimates which may aid Congress
+in their ensuing provisions for the land and naval forces. The statements
+of the latter will include a view of the transfers of appropriations in the
+naval expenditures and in the grounds on which they were made.
+
+The fortifications for the defense of our maritime frontier have been
+prosecuted according to the plan laid down in 1808. The works, with some
+exceptions, are completed and furnished with ordnance. Those for the
+security of the city of New York, though far advanced toward completion,
+will require a further time and appropriation. This is the case with a few
+others, either not completed or in need of repairs.
+
+The improvements in quality and quantity made in the manufacture of cannon
+and small arms, both at the public armories and private factories, warrant
+additional confidence in the competency of these resources for supplying
+the public exigencies.
+
+These preparations for arming the militia having thus far provided for one
+of the objects contemplated by the power vested in Congress with respect
+to that great bulwark of the public safety, it is for their consideration
+whether further provisions are not requisite for the other contemplated
+objects of organization and discipline. To give to this great mass of
+physical and moral force the efficiency which it merits, and is capable of
+receiving, it is indispensable that they should be instructed and practiced
+in the rules by which they are to be governed. Toward an accomplishment of
+this important work I recommend for the consideration of Congress the
+expediency of instituting a system which shall in the first instance call
+into the field at the public expense and for a given time certain portions
+of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers. The instruction and
+discipline thus acquired would gradually diffuse through the entire body of
+the militia that practical knowledge and promptitude for active service
+which are the great ends to be pursued. Experience has left no doubt either
+of the necessity or of the efficacy of competent military skill in those
+portions of an army in fitting it for the final duties which it may have to
+perform.
+
+The Corps of Engineers, with the Military Academy, are entitled to the
+early attention of Congress. The buildings at the seat fixed by law for the
+present Academy are so far in decay as not to afford the necessary
+accommodation. But a revision of the law is recommended, principally with a
+view to a more enlarged cultivation and diffusion of the advantages of such
+institutions, by providing professorships for all the necessary branches of
+military instruction, and by the establishment of an additional academy at
+the seat of Government or elsewhere. The means by which war, as well for
+defense as for offense, are now carried on render these schools of the more
+scientific operations an indispensable part of every adequate system.
+
+Even among nations whose large standing armies and frequent wars afford
+every other opportunity of instruction these establishments are found to be
+indispensable for the due attainment of the branches of military science
+which require a regular course of study and experiment. In a government
+happily without the other opportunities seminaries where the elementary
+principles of the art of war can be taught without actual war, and without
+the expense of extensive and standing armies, have the precious advantage
+of uniting an essential preparation against external danger with a
+scrupulous regard to internal safety. In no other way, probably, can a
+provision of equal efficacy for the public defense be made at so little
+expense or more consistently with the public liberty.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th of
+September last (and amounting to more than $8.5 millions) have exceeded
+the current expenses of the Government, including the interest on the
+public debt. For the purpose of reimbursing at the end of the year $3.75
+millions of the principal, a loan, as authorized by law, had been
+negotiated to that amount, but has since been reduced to $2.75 millions,
+the reduction being permitted by the state of the Treasury, in which there
+will be a balance remaining at the end of the year estimated at $2
+millions. For the probable receipts of the next year and other details I
+refer to statements which will be transmitted from the Treasury, and which
+will enable you to judge what further provisions may be necessary for the
+ensuing years.
+
+Reserving for future occasions in the course of the session whatever other
+communications may claim your attention, I close the present by expressing
+my reliance, under the blessing of Divine Providence, on the judgement and
+patriotism which will guide your measures at a period particularly calling
+for united councils and flexible exertions for the welfare of our country,
+and by assuring you of the fidelity and alacrity with which my cooperation
+will be afforded.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+November 5, 1811
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+In calling you together sooner than a separation from your homes would
+otherwise have been required I yielded to considerations drawn from the
+posture of our foreign affairs, and in fixing the present for the time of
+your meeting regard was had to the probability of further developments of
+the policy of the belligerent powers toward this country which might the
+more unite the national councils in the measures to be pursued.
+
+At the close of the last session of Congress it was hoped that the
+successive confirmations of the extinction of the French decrees, so far as
+they violated our neutral commerce, would have induced the Government of
+Great Britain to repeal its orders in council, and thereby authorize a
+removal of the existing obstructions to her commerce with the United
+States.
+
+Instead of this reasonable step toward satisfaction and friendship between
+the two nations, the orders were, at a moment when least to have been
+expected, put into more rigorous execution; and it was communicated through
+the British envoy just arrived that whilst the revocation of the edicts of
+France, as officially made known to the British Government, was denied to
+have taken place, it was an indispensable condition of the repeal of the
+British orders that commerce should be restored to a footing that would
+admit the productions and manufactures of Great Britain, when owned by
+neutrals, into markets shut against them by her enemy, the United States
+being given to understand that in the mean time a continuance of their
+nonimportation act would lead to measures of retaliation.
+
+At a later date it has indeed appeared that a communication to the British
+Government of fresh evidence of the repeal of the French decrees against
+our neutral trade was followed by an intimation that it had been
+transmitted to the British plenipotentiary here in order that it might
+receive full consideration in the depending discussions. This communication
+appears not to have been received; but the transmission of it hither,
+instead of founding on it an actual repeal of the orders or assurances that
+the repeal would ensue, will not permit us to rely on any effective change
+in the British cabinet. To be ready to meet with cordiality satisfactory
+proofs of such a change, and to proceed in the mean time in adapting our
+measures to the views which have been disclosed through that minister will
+best consult our whole duty.
+
+In the unfriendly spirit of those disclosures indemnity and redress for
+other wrongs have continued to be withheld, and our coasts and the mouths
+of our harbors have again witnessed scenes not less derogatory to the
+dearest of our national rights than vexation to the regular course of our
+trade.
+
+Among the occurrences produced by the conduct of British ships of war
+hovering on our coasts was an encounter between one of them and the
+American frigate commanded by Captain Rodgers, rendered unavoidable on the
+part of the latter by a fire commenced without cause by the former, whose
+commander is therefore alone chargeable with the blood unfortunately shed
+in maintaining the honor of the American flag. The proceedings of a court
+of inquiry requested by Captain Rodgers are communicated, together with
+the correspondence relating to the occurrence, between the Secretary of
+State and His Britannic Majesty's envoy. To these are added the several
+correspondences which have passed on the subject of the British orders in
+council, and to both the correspondence relating to the Floridas, in which
+Congress will be made acquainted with the interposition which the
+Government of Great Britain has thought proper to make against the
+proceeding of the United States.
+
+The justice and fairness which have been evinced on the part of the United
+States toward France, both before and since the revocation of her decrees,
+authorized an expectation that her Government would have followed up that
+measure by all such others as were due to our reasonable claims, as well as
+dictated by its amicable professions. No proof, however, is yet given of an
+intention to repair the other wrongs done to the United States, and
+particularly to restore the great amount of American property seized and
+condemned under edicts which, though not affecting our neutral relations,
+and therefore not entering into questions between the United States and
+other belligerents, were nevertheless founded in such unjust principles
+that the reparation ought to have been prompt and ample.
+
+In addition to this and other demands of strict right on that nation, the
+United States have much reason to be dissatisfied with the rigorous and
+unexpected restrictions to which their trade with the French dominions has
+been subjected, and which, if not discontinued, will require at least
+corresponding restrictions on importations from France into the United
+States.
+
+On all those subjects our minister plenipotentiary lately sent to Paris has
+carried with him the necessary instructions, the result of which will be
+communicated to you, by ascertaining the ulterior policy of the French
+Government toward the United States, will enable you to adapt to it that of
+the United States toward France.
+
+Our other foreign relations remain without unfavorable changes. With Russia
+they are on the best footing of friendship. The ports of Sweden have
+afforded proofs of friendly dispositions toward our commerce in the
+councils of that nation also, and the information from our special minister
+to Denmark shews that the mission had been attended with valuable effects
+to our citizens, whose property had been so extensively violated and
+endangered by cruisers under the Danish flag.
+
+Under the ominous indications which commanded attention it became a duty to
+exert the means committed to the executive department in providing for the
+general security. The works of defense on our maritime frontier have
+accordingly been prosecuted with an activity leaving little to be added for
+the completion of the most important ones, and, as particularly suited for
+cooperation in emergencies, a portion of the gun boats have in particular
+harbors been ordered into use. The ships of war before in commission, with
+the addition of a frigate, have been chiefly employed as a cruising guard
+to the rights of our coast, and such a disposition has been made of our
+land forces as was thought to promise the services most appropriate and
+important.
+
+In this disposition is included a force consisting of regulars and militia,
+embodied in the Indiana Territory and marched toward our northwestern
+frontier. This measure was made requisite by several murders and
+depredations committed by Indians, but more especially by the menacing
+preparations and aspect of a combination of them on the Wabash, under the
+influence and direction of a fanatic of the Shawanese tribe. With these
+exceptions the Indian tribes retain their peaceable dispositions toward us,
+and their usual pursuits.
+
+I must now add that the period is arrived which claims from the legislative
+guardians of the national rights a system of more ample provisions for
+maintaining them. Notwithstanding the scrupulous justice, the protracted
+moderation, and the multiplied efforts on the part of the United States to
+substitute for the accumulating dangers to the peace of the two countries
+all the mutual advantages of reestablished friendship and confidence, we
+have seen that the British cabinet perseveres not only in withholding a
+remedy for other wrongs, so long and so loudly calling for it, but in the
+execution, brought home to the threshold of our territory, of measures
+which under existing circumstances have the character as well as the effect
+of war on our lawful commerce.
+
+With this evidence of hostile inflexibility in trampling on rights which no
+independent nation can relinquish, Congress will feel the duty of putting
+the United States into an armor and an attitude demanded by the crisis, and
+corresponding with the national spirit and expectations.
+
+I recommend, accordingly, that adequate provisions be made for filling the
+ranks and prolonging the enlistments of the regular troops; for an
+auxiliary force to be engaged for a more limited term; for the acceptance
+of volunteer corps, whose patriotic ardor may court a participation in
+urgent services; for detachments as they may be wanted of other portions of
+the militia, and for such a preparation of the great body as will
+proportion its usefulness to its intrinsic capacities. Nor can the occasion
+fail to remind you of the importance of those military seminaries which in
+every event will form a valuable and frugal part of our military
+establishment.
+
+The manufacture of cannon and small arms has proceeded with due success,
+and the stock and resources of all the necessary munitions are adequate to
+emergencies. It will not be inexpedient, however, for Congress to authorize
+an enlargement of them.
+
+Your attention will of course be drawn to such provisions on the subject of
+our naval force as may be required for the services to which it may be best
+adapted. I submit to Congress the seasonableness also of an authority to
+augment the stock of such materials as are imperishable in their nature, or
+may not at once be attainable.
+
+In contemplating the scenes which distinguish this momentous epoch, and
+estimating their claims to our attention, it is impossible to overlook
+those developing themselves among the great communities which occupy the
+southern portion of our own hemisphere and extend into our neighborhood. An
+enlarged philanthropy and an enlightened forecast concur in imposing on the
+national councils an obligation to take a deep interest in their destinies,
+to cherish reciprocal sentiments of good will, to regard the progress of
+events, and not to be unprepared for whatever order of things may be
+ultimately established.
+
+Under another aspect of our situation the early attention of Congress will
+be due to the expediency of further guards against evasions and infractions
+of our commercial laws. The practice of smuggling, which is odious
+everywhere, and particularly criminal in free governments, where, the laws
+being made by all for the good of all, a fraud is committed on every
+individual as well as on the state, attains its utmost guilt when it blends
+with a pursuit of ignominious gain a treacherous subserviency, in the
+transgressors, to a foreign policy adverse to that of their own country. It
+is then that the virtuous indignation of the public should be enabled to
+manifest itself through the regular animadversions of the most competent
+laws.
+
+To secure greater respect to our mercantile flag, and to the honest
+interests which it covers, it is expedient also that it be made punishable
+in our citizens to accept licenses from foreign governments for a trade
+unlawfully interdicted by them to other American citizens, or to trade
+under false colors or papers of any sort.
+
+A prohibition is equally called for against the acceptance by our citizens
+of special licenses to be used in a trade with the United States, and
+against the admission into particular ports of the United States of vessels
+from foreign countries authorized to trade with particular ports only.
+
+Although other subjects will press more immediately on your deliberations,
+a portion of them can not but be well bestowed on the just and sound policy
+of securing to our manufactures the success they have attained, and are
+still attaining, in some degree, under the impulse of causes not permanent,
+and to our navigation, the fair extent of which is at present abridged by
+the unequal regulations of foreign governments.
+
+Besides the reasonableness of saving our manufactures from sacrifices which
+a change of circumstances might bring on them, the national interest
+requires that, with regard to such articles at least as belong to our
+defense and our primary wants, we should not be left in unnecessary
+dependence on external supplies. And whilst foreign governments adhere to
+the existing discriminations in their ports against our navigation, and
+an equality or lesser discrimination is enjoyed by their navigation in
+our ports, the effect can not be mistaken, because it has been seriously
+felt by our shipping interests; and in proportion as this takes place the
+advantages of an independent conveyance of our products to foreign
+markets and of a growing body of mariners trained by their occupations for
+the service of their country in times of danger must be diminished.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th day of
+September last have exceeded $13.5 millions, and have enabled us to defray
+the current expenses, including the interest on the public debt, and to
+reimburse more than $5 millions of the principal without recurring to the
+loan authorized by the act of the last session. The temporary loan
+obtained in the latter end of the year 1810 has also been reimbursed, and
+is not included in that amount.
+
+The decrease of revenue arising from the situation of our commerce, and the
+extraordinary expenses which have and may become necessary, must be taken
+into view in making commensurate provisions for the ensuing year; and I
+recommend to your consideration the propriety of insuring a sufficiency of
+annual revenue at least to defray the ordinary expenses of Government, and
+to pay the interest on the public debt, including that on new loans which
+may be authorized.
+
+I can not close this communication without expressing my deep sense of the
+crisis in which you are assembled, my confidence in a wise and honorable
+result to your deliberations, and assurances of the faithful zeal with
+which my cooperating duties will be discharged, invoking at the same time
+the blessing of Heaven on our beloved country and on all the means that may
+be employed in vindicating its rights and advancing its welfare.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+November 4, 1812
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+On our present meeting it is my first duty to invite your attention to the
+providential favors which our country has experienced in the unusual degree
+of health dispensed to its inhabitants, and in the rich abundance with
+which the earth has rewarded the labors bestowed on it. In the successful
+cultivation of other branches of industry, and in the progress of general
+improvement favorable to the national prosperity, there is just occasion
+also for our mutual congratulations and thankfulness.
+
+With these blessings are necessarily mingled the pressures and vicissitudes
+incident to the state of war into which the United States have been forced
+by the perseverance of a foreign power in its system of injustice and
+aggression.
+
+Previous to its declaration it was deemed proper, as a measure of
+precaution and forecast, that a considerable force should be placed in the
+Michigan Territory with a general view to its security, and, in the event
+of war, to such operations in the uppermost Canada as would intercept the
+hostile influence of Great Britain over the savages, obtain the command of
+the lake on which that part of Canada borders, and maintain cooperating
+relations with such forces as might be most conveniently employed against
+other parts.
+
+Brigadier-General Hull was charged with this provisional service, having
+under his command a body of troops composed of regulars and of volunteers
+from the State of Ohio. Having reached his destination after his knowledge
+of the war, and possessing discretionary authority to act offensively, he
+passed into the neighboring territory of the enemy with a prospect of easy
+and victorious progress. The expedition, nevertheless, terminated
+unfortunately, not only in a retreat to the town and fort of Detroit, but
+in the surrender of both and of the gallant corps commanded by that
+officer. The causes of this painful reverse will be investigated by a
+military tribunal.
+
+A distinguishing feature in the operations which preceded and followed this
+adverse event is the use made by the enemy of the merciless savages under
+their influence. Whilst the benevolent policy of the United States
+invariably recommended peace and promoted civilization among that wretched
+portion of the human race, and was making exertions to dissuade them from
+taking either side in the war, the enemy has not scrupled to call to his
+aid their ruthless ferocity, armed with the horrors of those instruments of
+carnage and torture which are known to spare neither age nor sex. In this
+outrage against the laws of honorable war and against the feelings sacred
+to humanity the British commanders can not resort to a plea of retaliation,
+for it is committed in the face of our example. They can not mitigate it by
+calling it a self-defense against men in arms, for it embraces the most
+shocking butcheries of defenseless families. Nor can it be pretended that
+they are not answerable for the atrocities perpetrated, since the savages
+are employed with a knowledge, and even with menaces, that their fury could
+not be controlled. Such is the spectacle which the deputed authorities of a
+nation boasting its religion and morality have not been restrained from
+presenting to an enlightened age.
+
+The misfortune at Detroit was not, however, without a consoling effect. It
+was followed by signal proofs that the national spirit rises according to
+the pressure on it. The loss of an important post and of the brave men
+surrendered with it inspired everywhere new ardor and determination. In the
+States and districts least remote it was no sooner known than every citizen
+was ready to fly with his arms at once to protect his brethren against the
+blood-thirsty savages let loose by the enemy on an extensive frontier, and
+to convert a partial calamity into a source of invigorated efforts. This
+patriotic zeal, which it was necessary rather to limit than excite, has
+embodied an ample force from the States of Kentucky and Ohio and from parts
+of Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is placed, with the addition of a few
+regulars, under the command of Brigadier-General Harrison, who possesses
+the entire confidence of his fellow soldiers, among whom are citizens, some
+of them volunteers in the ranks, not less distinguished by their political
+stations than by their personal merits. The greater portion of this force
+is proceeding in relieving an important frontier post, and in several
+incidental operations against hostile tribes of savages, rendered
+indispensable by the subserviency into which they had been seduced by the
+enemy--a seduction the more cruel as it could not fail to impose a
+necessity of precautionary severities against those who yielded to it.
+
+At a recent date an attack was made on a post of the enemy near Niagara by
+a detachment of the regular and other forces under the command of
+Major-General Van Rensselaer, of the militia of the State of New York. The
+attack, it appears, was ordered in compliance with the ardor of the troops,
+who executed it with distinguished gallantry, and were for a time
+victorious; but not receiving the expected support, they were compelled to
+yield to reenforcements of British regulars and savages. Our loss has been
+considerable, and is deeply to be lamented. That of the enemy, less
+ascertained, will be the more felt, as it includes among the killed the
+commanding general, who was also the governor of the Province, and was
+sustained by veteran troops from unexperienced soldiers, who must daily
+improve in the duties of the field.
+
+Our expectation of gaining the command of the Lakes by the invasion of
+Canada from Detroit having been disappointed, measures were instantly taken
+to provide on them a naval force superior to that of the enemy. From the
+talents and activity of the officer charged with this object everything
+that can be done may be expected. Should the present season not admit of
+complete success, the progress made will insure for the next a naval
+ascendancy where it is essential to our permanent peace with and control
+over the savages.
+
+Among the incidents to the measures of the war I am constrained to advert
+to the refusal of the governors of Maine and Connecticut to furnish the
+required detachments of militia toward the defense of the maritime
+frontier. The refusal was founded on a novel and unfortunate exposition of
+the provisions of the Constitution relating to the militia. The
+correspondences which will be laid before you contain the requisite
+information on the subject. It is obvious that if the authority of the
+United States to call into service and command the militia for the public
+defense can be thus frustrated, even in a state of declared war and of
+course under apprehensions of invasion preceding war, they are not one
+nation for the purpose most of all requiring it, and that the public safety
+may have no other resource than in those large and permanent military
+establishments which are forbidden by the principles of our free
+government, and against the necessity of which the militia were meant to be
+a constitutional bulwark.
+
+On the coasts and on the ocean the war has been as successful as
+circumstances inseparable from its early stages could promise. Our public
+ships and private cruisers, by their activity, and, where there was
+occasion, by their intrepidity, have made the enemy sensible of the
+difference between a reciprocity of captures and the long confinement of
+them to their side. Our trade, with little exception, has safely reached
+our ports, having been much favored in it by the course pursued by a
+squadron of our frigates under the command of Commodore Rodgers, and in the
+instance in which skill and bravery were more particularly tried with those
+of the enemy the American flag had an auspicious triumph. The frigate
+Constitution, commanded by Captain Hull, after a close and short engagement
+completely disabled and captured a British frigate, gaining for that
+officer and all on board a praise which can not be too liberally bestowed,
+not merely for the victory actually achieved, but for that prompt and cool
+exertion of commanding talents which, giving to courage its highest
+character, and to the force applied its full effect, proved that more could
+have been done in a contest requiring more.
+
+Anxious to abridge the evils from which a state of war can not be exempt, I
+lost no time after it was declared in conveying to the British Government
+the terms on which its progress might be arrested, without awaiting the
+delays of a formal and final pacification, and our charge d'affaires at
+London was at the same time authorized to agree to an armistice founded
+upon them. These terms required that the orders in council should be
+repealed as they affected the United States, without a revival of blockades
+violating acknowledged rules, and that there should be an immediate
+discharge of American sea men from British ships, and a stop to impressment
+from American ships, with an understanding that an exclusion of the sea men
+of each nation from the ships of the other should be stipulated, and that
+the armistice should be improved into a definitive and comprehensive
+adjustment of depending controversies.
+
+Although a repeal of the orders susceptible of explanations meeting the
+views of this Government had taken place before this pacific advance was
+communicated to that of Great Britain, the advance was declined from an
+avowed repugnance to a suspension of the practice of impressments during
+the armistice, and without any intimation that the arrangement proposed
+with regard to sea men would be accepted. Whether the subsequent
+communications from this Government, affording an occasion for
+reconsidering the subject on the part of Great Britain, will be viewed
+in a more favorable light or received in a more accommodating spirit
+remains to be known. It would be unwise to relax our measures in any
+respect on a presumption of such a result.
+
+The documents from the Department of State which relate to this subject
+will give a view also of the propositions for an armistice which have been
+received here, one of them from the authorities at Halifax and in Canada,
+the other from the British Government itself through Admiral Warren, and of
+the grounds on which neither of them could be accepted.
+
+Our affairs with France retain the posture which they held at my last
+communications to you. Notwithstanding the authorized expectations of an
+early as well as favorable issue to the discussions on foot, these have
+been procrastinated to the latest date. The only intervening occurrence
+meriting attention is the promulgation of a French decree purporting to be
+a definitive repeal of the Berlin and Milan decrees. This proceeding,
+although made the ground of the repeal of the British orders in council, is
+rendered by the time and manner of it liable to many objections.
+
+The final communications from our special minister to Denmark afford
+further proofs of the good effects of his mission, and of the amicable
+disposition of the Danish Government. From Russia we have the satisfaction
+to receive assurances of continued friendship, and that it will not be
+affected by the rupture between the United States and Great Britain. Sweden
+also professes sentiments favorable to the subsisting harmony.
+
+With the Barbary Powers, excepting that of Algiers, our affairs remain on
+the ordinary footing. The consul-general residing with that Regency has
+suddenly and without cause been banished, together with all the American
+citizens found there. Whether this was the transitory effect of capricious
+despotism or the first act of predetermined hostility is not ascertained.
+Precautions were taken by the consul on the latter supposition.
+
+The Indian tribes not under foreign instigations remain at peace, and
+receive the civilizing attentions which have proved so beneficial to them.
+
+With a view to that vigorous prosecution of the war to which our national
+faculties are adequate, the attention of Congress will be particularly
+drawn to the insufficiency of existing provisions for filling up the
+military establishment. Such is the happy condition of our country, arising
+from the facility of subsistence and the high wages for every species of
+occupation, that notwithstanding the augmented inducements provided at the
+last session, a partial success only has attended the recruiting service.
+The deficiency has been necessarily supplied during the campaign by other
+than regular troops, with all the inconveniences and expense incident to
+them. The remedy lies in establishing more favorably for the private
+soldier the proportion between his recompense and the term of his
+enlistment, and it is a subject which can not too soon or too seriously be
+taken into consideration.
+
+The same insufficiency has been experienced in the provisions for
+volunteers made by an act of the last session. The recompense for the
+service required in this case is still less attractive than in the other,
+and although patriotism alone has sent into the field some valuable corps
+of that description, those alone who can afford the sacrifice can be
+reasonably expected to yield to that impulse.
+
+It will merit consideration also whether as auxiliary to the security of
+our frontiers corps may not be advantageously organized with a restriction
+of their services to particular districts convenient to them, and whether
+the local and occasional services of mariners and others in the sea port
+towns under a similar organization would not be a provident addition to the
+means of their defense.
+
+I recommend a provision for an increase of the general officers of the
+Army, the deficiency of which has been illustrated by the number and
+distance of separate commands which the course of the war and the
+advantage of the service have required.
+
+And I can not press too strongly on the earliest attention of the
+Legislature the importance of the reorganization of the staff establishment
+with a view to render more distinct and definite the relations and
+responsibilities of its several departments. That there is room for
+improvements which will materially promote both economy and success in what
+appertains to the Army and the war is equally inculcated by the examples of
+other countries and by the experience of our own.
+
+A revision of the militia laws for the purpose of rendering them more
+systematic and better adapting them to emergencies of the war is at this
+time particularly desirable.
+
+Of the additional ships authorized to be fitted for service, two will be
+shortly ready to sail, a third is under repair, and delay will be avoided
+in the repair of the residue. Of the appropriations for the purchase of
+materials for ship building, the greater part has been applied to that
+object and the purchase will be continued with the balance.
+
+The enterprising spirit which has characterized our naval force and its
+success, both in restraining insults and depredations on our coasts and in
+reprisals on the enemy, will not fail to recommend an enlargement of it.
+
+There being reason to believe that the act prohibiting the acceptance of
+British licenses is not a sufficient guard against the use of them, for
+purposes favorable to the interests and views of the enemy, further
+provisions on that subject are highly important. Nor is it less so that
+penal enactments should be provided for cases of corrupt and perfidious
+intercourse with the enemy, not amounting to treason nor yet embraced by
+any statutory provisions.
+
+A considerable number of American vessels which were in England when the
+revocation of the orders in council took place were laden with British
+manufactures under an erroneous impression that the non-importation act
+would immediately cease to operate, and have arrived in the United States.
+It did not appear proper to exercise on unforeseen cases of such magnitude
+the powers vested in the Treasury Department to mitigate forfeitures
+without previously affording to Congress an opportunity of making on the
+subject such provision as they may think proper. In their decision they
+will doubtless equally consult what is due to equitable considerations and
+to the public interest.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th of
+September last have exceeded $16.5 millions, which have been sufficient
+to defray all the demands on the Treasury to that day, including a
+necessary reimbursement of near $3 millions of the principal of the
+public debt. In these receipts is included a sum of near $5.85 millions,
+received on account of the loans authorized by the acts of the last
+session; the whole sum actually obtained on loan amounts to $11 millions,
+the residue of which, being receivable subsequent to the 30th of September
+last, will, together with the current revenue, enable us to defray all the
+expenses of this year.
+
+The duties on the late unexpected importations of British manufactures will
+render the revenue of the ensuing year more productive than could have been
+anticipated.
+
+The situation of our country, fellow citizens, is not without its
+difficulties, though it abounds in animating considerations, of which the
+view here presented of our pecuniary resources is an example. With more
+than one nation we have serious and unsettled controversies, and with one,
+powerful in the means and habits of war, we are at war. The spirit and
+strength of the nation are nevertheless equal to the support of all its
+rights, and to carry it through all its trials. They can be met in that
+confidence.
+
+Above all, we have the inestimable consolation of knowing that the war in
+which we are actually engaged is a war neither of ambition nor of vain
+glory; that it is waged not in violation of the rights of others, but in
+the maintenance of our own; that it was preceded by a patience without
+example under wrongs accumulating without end, and that it was finally not
+declared until every hope of averting it was extinguished by the transfer
+of the British scepter into new hands clinging to former councils, and
+until declarations were reiterated to the last hour, through the British
+envoy here, that the hostile edicts against our commercial rights and our
+maritime independence would not be revoked; nay, that they could not be
+revoked without violating the obligations of Great Britain to other powers,
+as well as to her own interests.
+
+To have shrunk under such circumstances from manly resistance would have
+been a degradation blasting our best and proudest hopes; it would have
+struck us from the high rank where the virtuous struggles of our fathers
+had placed us, and have betrayed the magnificent legacy which we hold in
+trust for future generations. It would have acknowledged that on the
+element which forms three-fourths of the globe we inhabit, and where all
+independent nations have equal and common rights, the American people were
+not an independent people, but colonists and vassals.
+
+It was at this moment and with such an alternative that war was chosen. The
+nation felt the necessity of it, and called for it. The appeal was
+accordingly made, in a just cause, to the Just and All-powerful Being who
+holds in His hand the chain of events and the destiny of nations.
+
+It remains only that, faithful to ourselves, entangled in no connections
+with the views of other powers, and ever ready to accept peace from the
+hand of justice, we prosecute the war with united counsels and with the
+ample faculties of the nation until peace be so obtained and as the
+only means under the Divine blessing of speedily obtaining it.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+December 7, 1813
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+In meeting you at the present interesting conjuncture it would have been
+highly satisfactory if I could have communicated a favorable result to the
+mission charged with negotiations for restoring peace. It was a just
+expectation, from the respect due to the distinguished Sovereign who had
+invited them by his offer of mediation, from the readiness with which the
+invitation was accepted on the part of the United States, and from the
+pledge to be found in an act of their Legislature for the liberality which
+their plenipotentiaries would carry into the negotiations, that no time
+would be lost by the British Government in embracing the experiment for
+hastening a stop to the effusion of blood. A prompt and cordial acceptance
+of the mediation on that side was the less to be doubted, as it was of a
+nature not to submit rights or pretensions on either side to the decision
+of an umpire, but to afford merely an opportunity, honorable and desirable
+to both, for discussing and, if possible, adjusting them for the interest
+of both.
+
+The British cabinet, either mistaking our desire of peace for a dread of
+British power or misled by other fallacious calculations, has disappointed
+this reasonable anticipation. No communications from our envoys having
+reached us, no information on the subject has been received from that
+source; but it is known that the mediation was declined in the first
+instance, and there is no evidence, notwithstanding the lapse of time, that
+a change of disposition in the British councils has taken place or is to be
+expected.
+
+Under such circumstances a nation proud of its rights and conscious of its
+strength has no choice but an exertion of the one in support of the other.
+
+To this determination the best encouragement is derived from the success
+with which it has pleased the Almighty to bless our arms both on the land
+and on the water.
+
+Whilst proofs have been continued of the enterprise and skill of our
+cruisers, public and private, on the ocean, and a trophy gained in the
+capture of a British by an American vessel of war, after an action giving
+celebrity to the name of the victorious commander, the great inland waters
+on which the enemy were also to be encountered have presented achievements
+of our naval arms as brilliant in their character as they have been
+important in their consequences.
+
+On Lake Erie, the squadron under command of Captain Perry having met the
+British squadron of superior force, a sanguinary conflict ended in the
+capture of the whole. The conduct of that officer, adroit as it was daring,
+and which was so well seconded by his comrades, justly entitles them to the
+admiration and gratitude of their country, and will fill an early page in
+its naval annals with a victory never surpassed in luster, however much it
+may have been in magnitude.
+
+On Lake Ontario the caution of the British commander, favored by
+contingencies, frustrated the efforts of the American commander to bring on
+a decisive action. Captain Chauncey was able, however, to establish an
+ascendancy on that important theater, and to prove by the manner in which
+he effected everything possible that opportunities only were wanted for a
+more shining display of his own talents and the gallantry of those under
+his command.
+
+The success on Lake Erie having opened a passage to the territory of the
+enemy, the officer commanding the Northwestern army transferred the war
+thither, and rapidly pursuing the hostile troops, fleeing with their savage
+associates, forced a general action, which quickly terminated in the
+capture of the British and dispersion of the savage force.
+
+This result is signally honorable to Major-General Harrison, by whose
+military talents it was prepared; to Colonel Johnson and his mounted
+volunteers, whose impetuous onset gave a decisive blow to the ranks of the
+enemy, and to the spirit of the volunteer militia, equally brave and
+patriotic, who bore an interesting part in the scene; more especially to
+the chief magistrate of Kentucky, at the head of them, whose heroism
+signalized in the war which established the independence of his country,
+sought at an advanced age a share in hardships and battles for maintaining
+its rights and its safely.
+
+The effect of these successes has been to rescue the inhabitants of
+Michigan from their oppressions, aggravated by gross infractions of
+the capitulation which subjected them to a foreign power; to alienate
+the savages of numerous tribes from the enemy, by whom they were
+disappointed and abandoned, and to relieve an extensive region of country
+from a merciless warfare which desolated its frontiers and imposed on its
+citizens the most harassing services.
+
+In consequences of our naval superiority on Lake Ontario and the
+opportunity afforded by it for concentrating our forces by water,
+operations which had been provisionally planned were set on foot against
+the possessions of the enemy on the St. Lawrence. Such, however, was the
+delay produced in the first instance by adverse weather of unusual violence
+and continuance and such the circumstances attending the final movements of
+the army, that the prospect, at one time so favorable, was not realized.
+
+The cruelty of the enemy in enlisting the savages into a war with a nation
+desirous of mutual emulation in mitigating its calamities has not been
+confined to any one quarter. Wherever they could be turned against us no
+exertions to effect it have been spared. On our southwestern border the
+Creek tribes, who, yielding to our persevering endeavors, were gradually
+acquiring more civilized habits, became the unfortunate victims of
+seduction. A war in that quarter has been the consequence, infuriated by a
+bloody fanaticism recently propagated among them. It was necessary to crush
+such a war before it could spread among the contiguous tribes and before it
+could favor enterprises of the enemy into that vicinity. With this view a
+force was called into the service of the United States from the States of
+Georgia and Tennessee, which, with the nearest regular troops and other
+corps from the Massachussets Territory, might not only chastise the savages
+into present peace but make a lasting impression on their fears.
+
+The progress of the expedition, as far as is yet known, corresponds with
+the martial zeal with which it was espoused, and the best hopes of a
+satisfactory issue are authorized by the complete success with which a
+well-planned enterprise was executed against a body of hostile savages by a
+detachment of the volunteer militia of Tennessee, under the gallant
+command of General Coffee, and by a still more important victory over a
+larger body of them, gained under the immediate command of Major-General
+Jackson, an officer equally distinguished for his patriotism and his
+military talents.
+
+The systematic perseverance of the enemy in courting the aid of the savages
+in all quarters had the natural effect of kindling their ordinary
+propensity to war into a passion, which, even among those best disposed
+toward the United States, was ready, if not employed on our side, to be
+turned against us. A departure from our protracted forbearance to accept
+the services tendered by them has thus been forced upon us. But in yielding
+to it the retaliation has been mitigated as much as possible, both in its
+extent and in its character, stopping far short of the example of the
+enemy, who owe the advantages they have occasionally gained in battle
+chiefly to the number of their savage associates, and who have not
+controlled them either from their usual practice of indiscriminate
+massacre on defenseless inhabitants or from scenes of carnage without a
+parallel on prisoners to the British arms, guarded by all the laws of
+humanity and of honorable war. For these enormities the enemy are equally
+responsible, whether with the power to prevent them they want the will or
+with the knowledge of a want of power they still avail themselves of such
+instruments.
+
+In other respects the enemy are pursuing a course which threatens
+consequences most afflicting to humanity.
+
+A standing law of Great Britain naturalizes, as is well known, all aliens
+complying with conditions limited to a shorter period than those required
+by the United States, and naturalized subjects are in war employed by her
+Government in common with native subjects. In a contiguous British Province
+regulations promulgated since the commencement of the war compel citizens
+of the United States being there under certain circumstances to bear arms,
+whilst of the native emigrants from the United States, who compose much of
+the population of the Province, a number have actually borne arms against
+the United States within their limits, some of whom, after having done so,
+have become prisoners of war, and are now in our possession. The British
+commander in that Province, nevertheless, with the sanction, as appears, of
+his Government, thought proper to select from American prisoners of war and
+send to Great Britain for trial as criminals a number of individuals who
+had emigrated from the British dominions long prior to the state of war
+between the two nations, who had incorporated themselves into our
+political society in the modes recognized by the law and the practice of
+Great Britain, and who were made prisoners of war under the banners of
+their adopted country, fighting for its rights and its safety.
+
+The protection due to these citizens requiring an effectual interposition
+in their behalf, a like number of British prisoners of war were put into
+confinement, with a notification that they would experience whatever
+violence might be committed on the American prisoners of war sent to Great
+Britain.
+
+It was hoped that this necessary consequence of the step unadvisedly taken
+on the part of Great Britain would have led her Government to reflect on
+the inconsistencies of its conduct, and that a sympathy with the British,
+if not with the American, sufferers would have arrested the cruel career
+opened by its example.
+
+This was unhappily not the case. In violation both of consistency and of
+humanity, American officers and non-commissioned officers in double the
+number of the British soldiers confined here were ordered into close
+confinement, with formal notice that in the event of a retaliation for the
+death which might be inflicted on the prisoners of war sent to Great
+Britain for trial the officers so confined would be put to death also. It
+was notified at the same time that the commanders of the British fleets and
+armies on our coasts are instructed in the same event to proceed with a
+destructive severity against our towns and their inhabitants.
+
+That no doubt might be left with the enemy of our adherence to the
+retaliatory resort imposed on us, a correspondent number of British
+officers, prisoners of war in our hands, were immediately put into close
+confinement to abide the fate of those confined by the enemy, and the
+British Government was apprised of the determination of this Government to
+retaliate any other proceedings against us contrary to the legitimate modes
+of warfare.
+
+It is fortunate for the United States that they have it in their power to
+meet the enemy in this deplorable contest as it is honorable to them that
+they do not join in it but under the most imperious obligations, and with
+the humane purpose of effectuating a return to the established usages of
+war.
+
+The views of the French Government on the subjects which have been so long
+committed to negotiation have received no elucidation since the close of
+your late session. The minister plenipotentiary of the United States at
+Paris had not been enabled by proper opportunities to press the objects of
+his mission as prescribed by his instructions.
+
+The militia being always to be regarded as the great bulwark of defense and
+security for free states, and the Constitution having wisely committed to
+the national authority a use of that force as the best provision against an
+unsafe military establishment, as well as a resource peculiarly adapted to
+a country having the extent and the exposure of the United States, I
+recommend to Congress a revision of the militia laws for the purpose of
+securing more effectually the services of all detachments called into the
+employment and placed under the Government of the United States.
+
+It will deserve the consideration of Congress also whether among other
+improvements in the militia laws justice does not require a regulation,
+under due precautions, for defraying the expense incident to the first
+assembling as well as the subsequent movements of detachments called into
+the national service.
+
+To give to our vessels of war, public and private, the requisite advantage
+in their cruises, it is of much importance that they should have, both for
+themselves and their prizes, the use of the ports and markets of friendly
+powers. With this view, I recommend to Congress the expediency of such
+legal provisions as may supply the defects or remove the doubts of the
+Executive authority, to allow to the cruisers of other powers at war with
+enemies of the United States such use of the American ports as may
+correspond with the privileges allowed by such powers to American
+cruisers.
+
+During the year ending on the 30th of September last the receipts into the
+Treasury have exceeded $37.5 millions, of which near $24 millions were the
+produce of loans. After meeting all demands for the public service there
+remained in the Treasury on that day near $7 millions. Under the
+authority contained in the act of the 2nd of August last for borrowing
+$7.5 millions, that sum has been obtained on terms more favorable to the
+United States than those of the preceding loans made during the present
+year. Further sums to a considerable amount will be necessary to be
+obtained in the same way during the ensuing year, and from the increased
+capital of the country, from the fidelity with which the public
+engagements have been kept and the public credit maintained, it may be
+expected on good grounds that the necessary pecuniary supplies will
+not be wanting.
+
+The expenses of the current year, from the multiplied operations falling
+within it, have necessarily been extensive; but on a just estimate of the
+campaign in which the mass of them has been incurred the cost will not be
+found disproportionate to the advantages which have been gained. The
+campaign has, indeed, in its latter stages in one quarter been less
+favorable than was expected, but in addition to the importance of our naval
+success the progress of the campaign has been filled with incidents highly
+honorable to the American arms.
+
+The attacks of the enemy on Craney Island, on Fort Meigs, on Sacketts
+Harbor, and on Sandusky have been vigorously and successfully repulsed; nor
+have they in any case succeeded on either frontier excepting when directed
+against the peaceable dwellings of individuals or villages unprepared or
+undefended.
+
+On the other hand, the movements of the American Army have been followed by
+the reduction of York, and of Forts George, Erie, and Malden; by the
+recovery of Detroit and the extinction of the Indian war in the West, and
+by the occupancy or command of a large portion of Upper Canada. Battles
+have also been fought on the borders of the St. Lawrence, which, though not
+accomplishing their entire objects, reflect honor on the discipline and
+prowess of our soldiery, the best auguries of eventual victory. In the same
+scale are to be placed the late successes in the South over one of the most
+powerful, which had become one of the most hostile also, of the Indian
+tribes.
+
+It would be improper to close this communication without expressing a
+thankfulness in which all ought to unite for the abundance; for the
+preservation of our internal tranquillity, and the stability of our free
+institutions, and, above all, for the light of divine truth and the
+protection of every man's conscience in the enjoyment of it. And although
+among our blessings we can not number an exemption from the evils of war,
+yet these will never be regarded as the greatest of evils by the friends of
+liberty and of the rights of nations. Our country has before preferred them
+to the degraded condition which was the alternative when the sword was
+drawn in the cause which gave birth to our national independence, and none
+who contemplate the magnitude and feel the value of that glorious event
+will shrink from a struggle to maintain the high and happy ground on which
+it placed the American people.
+
+With all good citizens the justice and necessity of resisting wrongs and
+usurpations no longer to be borne will sufficiently outweigh the privations
+and sacrifices inseparable from a state of war. But it is a reflection,
+moreover, peculiarly consoling, that, whilst wars are generally aggravated
+by their baneful effects on the internal improvements and permanent
+prosperity of the nations engaged in them, such is the favored situation of
+the United States that the calamities of the contest into which they have
+been compelled to enter are mitigated by improvements and advantages of
+which the contest itself is the source.
+
+If the war has increased the interruptions of our commerce, it has at the
+same time cherished and multiplied our manufactures so as to make us
+independent of all other countries for the more essential branches for
+which we ought to be dependent on none, and is even rapidly giving them an
+extent which will create additional staples in our future intercourse with
+foreign markets.
+
+If much treasure has been expended, no inconsiderable portion of it has
+been applied to objects durable in their value and necessary to our
+permanent safety.
+
+If the war has exposed us to increased spoliations on the ocean and to
+predatory incursions on the land, it has developed the national means of
+retaliating the former and of providing protection against the latter,
+demonstrating to all that every blow aimed at our maritime independence is
+an impulse accelerating the growth of our maritime power.
+
+By diffusing through the mass of the nation the elements of military
+discipline and instruction; by augmenting and distributing warlike
+preparations applicable to future use; by evincing the zeal and valor with
+which they will be employed and the cheerfulness with which every necessary
+burden will be borne, a greater respect for our rights and a longer
+duration of our future peace are promised than could be expected without
+these proofs of the national character and resources.
+
+The war has proved moreover that our free Government, like other free
+governments, though slow in its early movements, acquires in its progress a
+force proportioned to its freedom, and that the union of these States, the
+guardian of the freedom and safety of all and of each, is strengthened by
+every occasion that puts it to the test.
+
+In fine, the war, with all its vicissitudes, is illustrating the capacity
+and the destiny of the United States to be a great, a flourishing, and a
+powerful nation, worthy of the friendship which it is disposed to cultivate
+with all others, and authorized by its own example to require from all an
+observance of the laws of justice and reciprocity. Beyond these their
+claims have never extended, and in contending for these we behold a subject
+for our congratulations in the daily testimonies of increasing harmony
+throughout the nation, and may humbly repose our trust in the smiles of
+Heaven on so righteous a cause.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+September 20, 1814
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+Notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of the
+present year, I was induced to call you together still sooner, as well that
+any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the Treasury
+might be supplied as that no delay might happen in providing for the result
+of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether it should require
+arrangements adapted to a return of peace or further and more effective
+provisions for prosecuting the war.
+
+That result is not yet known. If, on the one hand, the repeal of the orders
+in council and the general pacification in Europe, which withdrew the
+occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practiced,
+suggest expectations that peace and amity may be reestablished, we are
+compelled, on the other hand, by the refusal of the British Government to
+accept the offered mediation of the Emperor of Russia, by the delays in
+giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation, and, above all,
+by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried on to
+infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against
+the rights and prosperity of this country.
+
+This increased violence is best explained by the two important
+circumstances that the great contest in Europe for an equilibrium
+guaranteeing all its States against the ambition of any has been closed
+without any check on the over-bearing power of Great Britain on the ocean,
+and it has left in her hands disposable armaments, with which, forgetting
+the difficulties of a remote war with a free people, and yielding to the
+intoxication of success, with the example of a great victim to it before
+her eyes, she cherishes hopes of still further aggrandizing a power already
+formidable in its abuses to the tranquillity of the civilized and
+commercial world.
+
+But whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes,
+the public councils of a nation more able to maintain than it was to
+require its independence, and with a devotion to it rendered more ardently
+by the experience of its blessings, can never deliberate but on the means
+most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or unwarrantable
+passions with which alone the war can now be pursued against us.
+
+In the events of the present campaign the enemy, with all his augmented
+means and wanton use of them, has little ground for exultation, unless he
+can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this
+metropolis and the neighboring town of Alexandria, from both of which his
+retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate. In
+his other incursions on our Atlantic frontier his progress, often checked
+and chastised by the martial spirit of the neighboring citizens, has had
+more effect in distressing individuals and in dishonoring his arms than in
+promoting any object of legitimate warfare; and in the two instances
+mentioned, however deeply to be regretted on our part, he will find in his
+transient success, which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary
+business at the seat of Government, no compensation for the loss of
+character with the world by his violations of private property and by his
+destruction of public edifices protected as monuments of the arts by the
+laws of civilized warfare.
+
+On our side we can appeal to a series of achievements which have given new
+luster to the American arms. Besides the brilliant incidents in the minor
+operations of the campaign, the splendid victories gained on the Canadian
+side of the Niagara by the American forces under Major-General Brown and
+Brigadiers Scott and Gaines have gained for these heroes and their
+emulating companions the most unfading laurels, and, having triumphantly
+tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery, have taught the
+enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts the more certain and
+decisive will be his final discomfiture.
+
+On our southern border victory has continued also to follow the American
+standard. The bold and skillful operations of Major-General Jackson,
+conducting troops drawn from the militia of the States least distant,
+particularly Tennessee, have subdued the principal tribes of hostile
+savages, and, by establishing a peace with them, preceded by recent and
+exemplary chastisement, has best guarded against the mischief of their
+cooperations with the British enterprises which may be planned against that
+quarter of our country. Important tribes of Indians on our northwestern
+frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them to the interests
+of the United States and to consider our enemy as theirs also.
+
+In the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of Baltimore, defended by
+militia and volunteers, aided by a small body of regulars and sea men, he
+was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships,
+whilst concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by the
+steady and well-directed fire of the fort and batteries opposed to it.
+
+In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at Plattsburg,
+of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, after a perseverance for
+many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreat, with
+our gallant bands pressing upon them.
+
+On the Lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the great exertions for
+the command made on our part have been well repaid. On Lake Ontario our
+squadron is now and has been for some time in a condition to confine that
+of the enemy to his own port, and to favor the operations of our land
+forces on that frontier.
+
+A part of the squadron on Lake Erie has been extended into Lake Huron, and
+has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake also. One
+object of the expedition was the reduction of Mackinaw, which followed with
+the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer justly distinguished
+for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably conducted by both the land
+and the naval commanders, was otherwise highly valuable in its effects.
+
+On Lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some time been undisputed,
+the British squadron lately came into action with the American, commanded
+by Captain Macdonough. It issued in the capture of the whole of the enemy's
+ships. The best praise for this officer and his intrepid comrades is in the
+likeness of his triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized
+another officer and established at a critical moment our command of another
+lake.
+
+On the ocean the pride of our naval arms had been amply supported. A second
+frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy, but the loss is
+hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended. Captain Porter,
+who commanded her, and whose previous career had been distinguished by
+daring enterprise and by fertility of genius, maintained a sanguinary
+contest against two ships, one of them superior to his own, and under other
+severe disadvantages, 'til humanity tore down the colors which valor had
+nailed to the mast. This officer and his brave comrades have added much to
+the rising glory of the American flag, and have merited all the effusions
+of gratitude which their country is ever ready to bestow on the champions
+of its rights and of its safety.
+
+Two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy, but by a
+superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation of their
+commanders, whilst two others, one commanded by Captain Warrington, the
+other by Captain Blakely, have captured British ships of the same class
+with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and their companions
+to a just share in the praise of their country.
+
+In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our
+private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce and to bring
+their rich prizes into our ports, contributing thus, with other proofs, to
+demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade the proclamation
+of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging the commerce of
+neutral powers with the United States.
+
+To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great
+bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense, and
+great expenses incurred. That the defense everywhere may be both more
+convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity of
+immediate measures for filling the ranks of the Regular Army and of
+enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be
+engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia. I
+earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in the
+system of the militia as, by classing and disciplining for the most prompt
+and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to that great
+resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency.
+
+The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the
+30th day of June last amounted to $32 millions, of which near $11 millions
+were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder derived from
+loans. The disbursements for public expenditures during the same period
+exceeded $34 millions, and left in the Treasury on the first day of July
+near $5 millions. The demands during the remainder of the present year
+already authorized by Congress and the expenses incident to an extension
+of the operations of the war will render it necessary that large sums
+should be provided to meet them.
+
+From this view of the national affairs Congress will be urged to take up
+without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military
+force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which
+the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the situation of our
+country calls for its greatest efforts.
+
+Our enemy is powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water.
+Availing himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming with his undivided
+force a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national
+existence. He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of
+civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton
+destruction of private property. In his pride of maritime dominion and in
+his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity at the
+progress of our navigation and of our manufactures. His barbarous policy
+has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with
+which our country had enriched and embellished its infant metropolis. From
+such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and in its worst forms
+may be looked for.
+
+The American people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their
+revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects. His threats and
+his barbarities, instead of dismay, will kindle in every bosom an
+indignation not to be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of
+such cruel invaders.
+
+In providing the means necessary the National Legislature will not distrust
+the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents. They will
+cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and
+honor of the nation demand. We have seen them everywhere paying their
+taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and alacrity. We
+see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call.
+In offering their blood they give the surest pledge that no other tribute
+will be withheld.
+
+Having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added
+the capture of near one thousand American vessels and the impressment of
+thousands of American sea faring citizens, and until a final declaration
+had been made by the Government of Great Britain that her hostile orders
+against our commerce would not be revoked but on conditions as impossible
+as unjust, whilst it was known that these orders would not otherwise
+cease but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years, and which,
+according to appearances at that time, might last as many more; having
+manifested on every occasion and in every proper mode a sincere desire to
+arrest the effusion of blood and meet our enemy on the ground of justice
+and reconciliation, our beloved country, in still opposing to his
+persevering hostility all its energies, with an undiminished disposition
+toward peace and friendship on honorable terms, must carry with it the
+good wishes of the impartial world and the best hopes of support from an
+omnipotent and kind Providence.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+December 5, 1815
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+I have the satisfaction on our present meeting of being able to communicate
+the successful termination of the war which had been commenced against the
+United States by the Regency of Algiers. The squadron in advance on that
+service, under Commodore Decatur, lost not a moment after its arrival in
+the Mediterranean in seeking the naval force of the enemy then cruising in
+that sea, and succeeded in capturing two of his ships, one of them the
+principal ship, commanded by the Algerine admiral. The high character of
+the American commander was brilliantly sustained on the occasion which
+brought his own ship into close action with that of his adversary, as was
+the accustomed gallantry of all the officers and men actually engaged.
+Having prepared the way by this demonstration of American skill and
+prowess, he hastened to the port of Algiers, where peace was promptly
+yielded to his victorious force.
+
+In the terms stipulated the rights and honor of the United States were
+particularly consulted by a perpetual relinquishment on the part of the Dey
+of all pretensions to tribute from them. The impressions which have thus
+been made, strengthened as they will have been by subsequent transactions
+with the Regencies of Tunis and of Tripoli by the appearance of the larger
+force which followed under Commodore Bainbridge, the chief in command of
+the expedition, and by the judicious precautionary arrangements left by him
+in that quarter, afford a reasonable prospect of future security for the
+valuable portion of our commerce which passes within reach of the Barbary
+cruisers.
+
+It is another source of satisfaction that the treaty of peace with Great
+Britain has been succeeded by a convention on the subject of commerce
+concluded by the plenipotentiaries of the two countries. In this result a
+disposition is manifested on the part of that nation corresponding with the
+disposition of the United States, which it may be hoped will be improved
+into liberal arrangements on other subjects on which the parties have
+mutual interests, or which might endanger their future harmony. Congress
+will decide on the expediency of promoting such a sequel by giving effect
+to the measure of confining the American navigation to American sea men--a
+measure which, at the same time that it might have that conciliatory
+tendency, would have the further advantage of increasing the independence
+of our navigation and the resources for our maritime defense.
+
+In conformity with the articles in the treaty of Ghent relating to the
+Indians, as well as with a view to the tranquillity of our western and
+northwestern frontiers, measures were taken to establish an immediate peace
+with the several tribes who had been engaged in hostilities against the
+United States. Such of them as were invited to Detroit acceded readily to a
+renewal of the former treaties of friendship. Of the other tribes who were
+invited to a station on the Mississippi the greater number have also
+accepted the peace offered to them. The residue, consisting of the more
+distant tribes or parts of tribes, remain to be brought over by further
+explanations, or by such other means as may be adapted to the dispositions
+they may finally disclose.
+
+The Indian tribes within and bordering on the southern frontier, whom a
+cruel war on their part had compelled us to chastise into peace, have
+latterly shown a restlessness which has called for preparatory measures for
+repressing it, and for protecting the commissioners engaged in carrying the
+terms of the peace into execution.
+
+The execution of the act for fixing the military peace establishment has
+been attended with difficulties which even now can only be overcome by
+legislative aid. The selection of officers, the payment and discharge of
+the troops enlisted for the war, the payment of the retained troops and
+their reunion from detached and distant stations, the collection and
+security of the public property in the Quartermaster, Commissary, and
+Ordnance departments, and the constant medical assistance required in
+hospitals and garrisons rendered a complete execution of the act
+impracticable on the 1st of May, the period more immediately contemplated.
+As soon, however, as circumstances would permit, and as far as it has been
+practicable consistently with the public interests, the reduction of the
+Army has been accomplished; but the appropriations for its pay and for
+other branches of the military service having proved inadequate, the
+earliest attention to that subject will be necessary; and the expediency of
+continuing upon the peace establishment the staff officers who have
+hitherto been provisionally retained is also recommended to the
+consideration of Congress.
+
+In the performance of the Executive duty upon this occasion there has not
+been wanting a just sensibility to the merits of the American Army during
+the late war; but the obvious policy and design in fixing an efficient
+military peace establishment did not afford an opportunity to distinguish
+the aged and infirm on account of their past services nor the wounded and
+disabled on account of their present sufferings.
+
+The extent of the reduction, indeed, unavoidably involved the exclusion of
+many meritorious officers of every rank from the service of their country;
+and so equal as well as so numerous were the claims to attention that a
+decision by the standard of comparative merit could seldom be attained.
+Judged, however, in candor by a general standard of positive merit, the
+Army Register will, it is believed, do honor to the establishment, while
+the case of those officers whose names are not included in it devolves with
+the strongest interest upon the legislative authority for such provisions
+as shall be deemed the best calculated to give support and solace to the
+veteran and the invalid, to display the beneficence as well as the justice
+of the Government, and to inspire a martial zeal for the public service
+upon every future emergency.
+
+Although the embarrassments arising from the want of an uniform national
+currency have not been diminished since the adjournment of Congress, great
+satisfaction has been derived in contemplating the revival of the public
+credit and the efficiency of the public resources. The receipts into the
+Treasury from the various branches of revenue during the nine months ending
+on the 30th of September last have been estimated at $12.5 millions; the
+issues of Treasury notes of every denomination during the same period
+amounted to the sum of $14 millions, and there was also obtained upon loan
+during the same period a sum of $9 millions, of which the sum of $6
+millions was subscribed in cash and the sum of $3 millions in Treasury
+notes.
+
+With these means, added to the sum of $1.5 millions, being the balance of
+money in the Treasury on the 1st day of January, there has been paid
+between the 1st of January and the 1st of October on account of the
+appropriations of the preceding and of the present year (exclusively of
+the amount of the Treasury notes subscribed to the loan and of the amount
+redeemed in the payment of duties and taxes) the aggregate sum of $33.5
+millions, leaving a balance then in the Treasury estimated at the sum of
+$3 millions. Independent, however of the arrearages due for military
+services and supplies, it is presumed that a further sum of $5 millions,
+including the interest on the public debt payable on the 1st of January
+next, will be demanded at the Treasury to complete the expenditures of
+the present year, and for which the existing ways and means will
+sufficiently provide.
+
+The national debt, as it was ascertained on the 1st of October last,
+amounted in the whole to the sum of $120 millions, consisting of the
+unredeemed balance of the debt contracted before the late war ($39
+millions), the amount of the funded debt contracted in consequence of the
+war ($64 millions), and the amount of the unfunded and floating debt,
+including the various issues of Treasury notes, $17 millions, which is in
+gradual course of payment.
+
+There will probably be some addition to the public debt upon the
+liquidation of various claims which are depending, and a conciliatory
+disposition on the part of Congress may lead honorably and advantageously
+to an equitable arrangement of the militia expenses incurred by the several
+States without the previous sanction or authority of the Government of the
+United States; but when it is considered that the new as well as the old
+portion of the debt has been contracted in the assertion of the national
+rights and independence, and when it is recollected that the public
+expenditures, not being exclusively bestowed upon subjects of a transient
+nature, will long be visible in the number and equipments of the American
+Navy, in the military works for the defense of our harbors and our
+frontiers, and in the supplies of our arsenals and magazines the amount
+will bear a gratifying comparison with the objects which have been
+attained, as well as with the resources of the country.
+
+The arrangements of the finances with a view to the receipts and
+expenditures of a permanent peace establishment will necessarily enter into
+the deliberations of Congress during the present session. It is true that
+the improved condition of the public revenue will not only afford the means
+of maintaining the faith of the Government with its creditors inviolate,
+and of prosecuting successfully the measures of the most liberal policy,
+but will also justify an immediate alleviation of the burdens imposed by
+the necessities of the war.
+
+It is, however, essential to every modification of the finances that the
+benefits of an uniform national currency should be restored to the
+community. The absence of the precious metals will, it is believed, be a
+temporary evil, but until they can again be rendered the general medium of
+exchange it devolves on the wisdom of Congress to provide a substitute
+which shall equally engage the confidence and accommodate the wants of the
+citizens throughout the Union. If the operation of the State banks can not
+produce this result, the probable operation of a national bank will merit
+consideration; and if neither of these expedients be deemed effectual it
+may become necessary to ascertain the terms upon which the notes of the
+Government (no longer required as an instrument of credit) shall be issued
+upon motives of general policy as a common medium of circulation.
+
+Notwithstanding the security for future repose which the United States
+ought to find in their love of peace and their constant respect for the
+rights of other nations, the character of the times particularly inculcates
+the lesson that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought not to be
+unprepared for it. This consideration will sufficiently recommend to
+Congress a liberal provision for the immediate extension and gradual
+completion of the works of defense, both fixed and floating, on our
+maritime frontier, and an adequate provision for guarding our inland
+frontier against dangers to which certain portions of it may continue to be
+exposed.
+
+As an improvement in our military establishment, it will deserve the
+consideration of Congress whether a corps of invalids might not be so
+organized and employed as at once to aid in the support of meritorious
+individuals excluded by age or infirmities from the existing establishment,
+and to procure to the public the benefit of their stationary services and
+of their exemplary discipline.
+
+I recommend also an enlargement of the Military Academy already
+established, and the establishment of others in other sections of the
+Union; and I can not press too much on the attention of Congress such a
+classification and organization of the militia as will most effectually
+render it the safeguard of a free state. If experience has shewn in the
+recent splendid achievements of militia the value of this resource for the
+public defense, it has shewn also the importance of that skill in the use
+of arms and that familiarity with the essential rules of discipline which
+can not be expected from the regulations now in force.
+
+With this subject is intimately connected the necessity of accommodating
+the laws in every respect to the great object of enabling the political
+authority of the Union to employ promptly and effectually the physical
+power of the Union in the cases designated by the Constitution.
+
+The signal services which have been rendered by our Navy and the capacities
+it has developed for successful cooperation in the national defense will
+give to that portion of the public force its full value in the eyes of
+Congress, at an epoch which calls for the constant vigilance of all
+governments. To preserve the ships now in a sound state, to complete those
+already contemplated, to provide amply the imperishable materials for
+prompt augmentations, and to improve the existing arrangements into more
+advantageous establishments for the construction, the repairs, and the
+security of vessels of war is dictated by the soundest policy.
+
+In adjusting the duties on imports to the object of revenue the influence
+of the tariff on manufactures will necessarily present itself for
+consideration. However wise the theory may be which leaves to the sagacity
+and interest of individuals the application of their industry and
+resources, there are in this as in other cases exceptions to the general
+rule. Besides the condition which the theory itself implies of reciprocal
+adoption by other nations, experience teaches that so many circumstances
+must concur in introducing and maturing manufacturing establishments,
+especially of the more complicated kinds, that a country may remain long
+without them, although sufficiently advanced and in some respects even
+peculiarly fitted for carrying them on with success. Under circumstances
+giving a powerful impulse to manufacturing industry it has made among us a
+progress and exhibited an efficiency which justify the belief that with a
+protection not more than is due to the enterprising citizens whose
+interests are now at stake it will become at an early day not only safe
+against occasional competitions from abroad, but a source of domestic
+wealth and even of external commerce.
+
+In selecting the branches more especially entitled to the public patronage
+a preference is obviously claimed by such as will relieve the United States
+from a dependence on foreign supplies, ever subject to casual failures, for
+articles necessary for the public defense or connected with the primary
+wants of individuals. It will be an additional recommendation of particular
+manufactures where the materials for them are extensively drawn from our
+agriculture, and consequently impart and insure to that great fund of
+national prosperity and independence an encouragement which can not fail to
+be rewarded.
+
+Among the means of advancing the public interest the occasion is a proper
+one for recalling the attention of Congress to the great importance of
+establishing throughout our country the roads and canals which can best be
+executed under the national authority. No objects within the circle of
+political economy so richly repay the expense bestowed on them; there are
+none the utility of which is more universally ascertained and acknowledged;
+none that do more honor to the governments whose wise and enlarged
+patriotism duly appreciates them. Nor is there any country which presents a
+field where nature invites more the art of man to complete her own work for
+his accommodation and benefit.
+
+These considerations are strengthened, moreover, by the political effect of
+these facilities for intercommunication in bringing and binding more
+closely together the various parts of our extended confederacy. Whilst the
+States individually, with a laudable enterprise and emulation, avail
+themselves of their local advantages by new roads, by navigable canals, and
+by improving the streams susceptible of navigation, the General Government
+is the more urged to similar undertakings, requiring a national
+jurisdiction and national means, by the prospect of thus systematically
+completing so inestimable a work; and it is a happy reflection that any
+defect of constitutional authority which may be encountered can be supplied
+in a mode which the Constitution itself has providently pointed out.
+
+The present is a favorable season also for bringing again into view the
+establishment of a national seminary of learning within the District of
+Columbia, and with means drawn from the property therein, subject to the
+authority of the General Government. Such an institution claims the
+patronage of Congress as a monument of their solicitude for the advancement
+of knowledge, without which the blessings of liberty can not be fully
+enjoyed or long preserved; as a model instructive in the formation of other
+seminaries; as a nursery of enlightened preceptors, and as a central resort
+of youth and genius from every part of their country, diffusing on their
+return examples of those national feelings, those liberal sentiments, and
+those congenial manners which contribute cement to our Union and strength
+to the great political fabric of which that is the foundation.
+
+In closing this communication I ought not to repress a sensibility, in
+which you will unite, to the happy lot of our country and to the goodness
+of a superintending Providence, to which we are indebted for it. Whilst
+other portions of mankind are laboring under the distresses of war or
+struggling with adversity in other forms, the United States are in the
+tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honorable peace. In reviewing the
+scenes through which it has been attained we can rejoice in the proofs
+given that our political institutions, founded in human rights and framed
+for their preservation, are equal to the severest trials of war, as well
+adapted to the ordinary periods of repose.
+
+As fruits of this experience and of the reputation acquired by the American
+arms on the land and on the water, the nation finds itself possessed of a
+growing respect abroad and of a just confidence in itself, which are among
+the best pledges for its peaceful career. Under other aspects of our
+country the strongest features of its flourishing condition are seen in a
+population rapidly increasing on a territory as productive as it is
+extensive; in a general industry and fertile ingenuity which find their
+ample rewards, and in an affluent revenue which admits a reduction of the
+public burdens without withdrawing the means of sustaining the public
+credit, of gradually discharging the public debt, of providing for the
+necessary defensive and precautionary establishments, and of patronizing in
+every authorized mode undertakings conducive to the aggregate wealth and
+individual comfort of our citizens.
+
+It remains for the guardians of the public welfare to persevere in that
+justice and good will toward other nations which invite a return of these
+sentiments toward the United States; to cherish institutions which
+guarantee their safety and their liberties, civil and religious; and to
+combine with a liberal system of foreign commerce an improvement of the
+national advantages and a protection and extension of the independent
+resources of our highly favored and happy country.
+
+In all measures having such objects my faithful cooperation will be
+afforded.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+James Madison
+December 3, 1816
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be
+withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons which have very
+generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth and threatened scarcity in
+particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates,
+and of products within our extensive limits that the aggregate resources
+for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate wants. And as
+far as an economy of consumption, more than usual, may be necessary, our
+thankfulness is due to Providence for what is far more than a compensation,
+in the remarkable health which has distinguished the present year.
+
+Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that of
+the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of industry
+among us and in the extension of our commerce, the value of which is more
+and more disclosing itself to commercial nations, it is to be regretted
+that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures
+and by a portion of our navigation. As the first proceeds in an essential
+degree from an excess of imported merchandise, which carries a check in its
+own tendency, the cause in its present extent can not be very long in
+duration. The evil will not, however, be viewed by Congress without a
+recollection that manufacturing establishments, if suffered to sink too low
+or languish too long, may not revive after the causes shall have ceased,
+and that in the vicissitudes of human affairs situations may recur in which
+a dependence on foreign sources for indispensable supplies may be among the
+most serious embarrassments.
+
+The depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed in a material
+degree to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most
+extensively connected with us in commerce, and from the indirect operation
+of that exclusion.
+
+Previous to the late convention at London between the United States and
+Great Britain the relative state of the navigation laws of the two
+countries, growing out of the treaty of 1794, had given to the British
+navigation a material advantage over the American in the intercourse
+between the American ports and British ports in Europe. The convention of
+London equalized the laws of the two countries relating to those ports,
+leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the British
+colonies subject, as before, to the respective regulations of the parties.
+The British Government enforcing now regulations which prohibit a trade
+between its colonies and the United States in American vessels, whilst they
+permit a trade in British vessels, the American navigation loses
+accordingly, and the loss is augmented by the advantage which is given to
+the British competition over the American in the navigation between our
+ports and British ports in Europe by the circuitous voyages enjoyed by the
+one and not enjoyed by the other.
+
+The reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity applied to one branch of the
+commercial intercourse has been pressed on our part as equally applicable
+to both branches; but it is ascertained that the British cabinet declines
+all negotiation on the subject, with a disavowal, however, of any
+disposition to view in an unfriendly light whatever countervailing
+regulations the United States may oppose to the regulations of which they
+complain. The wisdom of the Legislature will decide on the course which,
+under these circumstances, is prescribed by a joint regard to the amicable
+relations between the two nations and to the just interests of the United
+States.
+
+I have the satisfaction to state, generally, that we remain in amity with
+foreign powers.
+
+An occurrence has indeed taken place in the Gulf of Mexico which, if
+sanctioned by the Spanish Government, may make an exception as to that
+power. According to the report of our naval commander on that station, one
+of our public armed vessels was attacked by an over-powering force under a
+Spanish commander, and the American flag, with the officers and crew,
+insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation. This has been demanded.
+In the mean time a frigate and a smaller vessel of war have been ordered
+into that Gulf for the protection of our commerce. It would be improper to
+omit that the representative of His Catholic Majesty in the United States
+lost no time in giving the strongest assurances that no hostile order could
+have emanated from his Government, and that it will be as ready to do as to
+expect whatever the nature of the case and the friendly relations of the
+two countries shall be found to require.
+
+The posture of our affairs with Algiers at the present moment is not known.
+The Dey, drawing pretexts from circumstances for which the United States
+were not answerable, addressed a letter to this Government declaring the
+treaty last concluded with him to have been annulled by our violation of
+it, and presenting as the alternative war or a renewal of the former
+treaty, which stipulated, among other things, an annual tribute. The
+answer, with an explicit declaration that the United States preferred war
+to tribute, required his recognition and observance of the treaty last
+made, which abolishes tribute and the slavery of our captured citizens. The
+result of the answer has not been received. Should he renew his warfare on
+our commerce, we rely on the protection it will find in our naval force
+actually in the Mediterranean.
+
+With the other Barbary States our affairs have undergone no change.
+
+The Indian tribes within our limits appear also disposed to remain at
+peace. From several of them purchases of lands have been made particularly
+favorable to the wishes and security of our frontier settlements, as well
+as to the general interests of the nation. In some instances the titles,
+though not supported by due proof, and clashing those of one tribe with the
+claims of another, have been extinguished by double purchases, the
+benevolent policy of the United States preferring the augmented expense to
+the hazard of doing injustice or to the enforcement of justice against a
+feeble and untutored people by means involving or threatening an effusion
+of blood.
+
+I am happy to add that the tranquillity which has been restored among the
+tribes themselves, as well as between them and our own population, will
+favor the resumption of the work of civilization which had made an
+encouraging progress among some tribes, and that the facility is increasing
+for extending that divided and individual ownership, which exists now in
+movable property only, to the soil itself, and of thus establishing in the
+culture and improvement of it the true foundation for a transit from the
+habits of the savage to the arts and comforts of social life.
+
+As a subject of the highest importance to the national welfare, I must
+again earnestly recommend to the consideration of Congress a reorganization
+of the militia on a plan which will form it into classes according to the
+periods of life more or less adapted to military services. An efficient
+militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution and required by
+the spirit and safety of free government. The present organization of our
+militia is universally regarded as less efficient than it ought to be made,
+and no organization can be better calculated to give to it its due force
+than a classification which will assign the foremost place in the defense
+of the country to that portion of its citizens whose activity and animation
+best enable them to rally to its standard. Besides the consideration that a
+time of peace is the time when the change can be made with most convenience
+and equity, it will now be aided by the experience of a recent war in which
+the militia bore so interesting a part.
+
+Congress will call to mind that no adequate provision has yet been made for
+the uniformity of weights and measures also contemplated by the
+Constitution. The great utility of a standard fixed in its nature and
+founded on the easy rule of decimal proportions is sufficiently obvious. It
+led the Government at an early stage to preparatory steps for introducing
+it, and a completion of the work will be a just title to the public
+gratitude.
+
+The importance which I have attached to the establishment of a university
+within this District on a scale and for objects worthy of the American
+nation induces me to renew my recommendation of it to the favorable
+consideration of Congress. And I particularly invite again their attention
+to the expediency of exercising their existing powers, and, where
+necessary, of resorting to the prescribed mode of enlarging them, in order
+to effectuate a comprehensive system of roads and canals, such as will have
+the effect of drawing more closely together every part of our country by
+promoting intercourse and improvements and by increasing the share of every
+part in the common stock of national prosperity.
+
+Occurrences having taken place which shew that the statutory provisions for
+the dispensation of criminal justice are deficient in relation both to
+places and to persons under the exclusive cognizance of the national
+authority, an amendment of the law embracing such cases will merit the
+earliest attention of the Legislature. It will be a seasonable occasion
+also for inquiring how far legislative interposition may be further
+requisite in providing penalties for offenses designated in the
+Constitution or in the statutes, and to which either no penalties are
+annexed or none with sufficient certainty. And I submit to the wisdom of
+Congress whether a more enlarged revisal of the criminal code be not
+expedient for the purpose of mitigating in certain cases penalties which
+were adopted into it antecedent to experiment and examples which justify
+and recommend a more lenient policy.
+
+The United States, having been the first to abolish within the extent of
+their authority the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery,
+by prohibiting the introduction of slaves and by punishing their citizens
+participating in the traffic, can not but be gratified at the progress made
+by concurrent efforts of other nations toward a general suppression of so
+great an evil. They must feel at the same time the greater solicitude to
+give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations. With that view, the
+interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and
+evasions which it is suggested are chargeable on unworthy citizens who
+mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags and with foreign ports, and
+by collusive importations of slaves into the United States through
+adjoining ports and territories. I present the subject to Congress with a
+full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be
+afforded by an amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to
+guard against abuses of a kindred character in the trade between the
+several States ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane
+object.
+
+To these recommendations I add, for the consideration of Congress, the
+expediency of a remodification of the judiciary establishment, and of an
+additional department in the executive branch of the Government.
+
+The first is called for by the accruing business which necessarily swells
+the duties of the Federal courts, and by the great and widening space
+within which justice is to be dispensed by them. The time seems to have
+arrived which claims for members of the Supreme Court a relief from
+itinerary fatigues, incompatible as well with the age which a portion of
+them will always have attained as with the researches and preparations
+which are due to their stations and to the juridical reputation of their
+country. And considerations equally cogent require a more convenient
+organization of the subordinate tribunals, which may be accomplished
+without an objectionable increase of the number or expense of the judges.
+
+The extent and variety of executive business also accumulating with the
+progress of our country and its growing population call for an additional
+department, to be charged with duties now over-burdening other departments
+and with such as have not been annexed to any department.
+
+The course of experience recommends, as another improvement in the
+executive establishment, that the provision for the station of
+Attorney-General, whose residence at the seat of Government, official
+connections with it, and the management of the public business before the
+judiciary preclude an extensive participation in professional emoluments,
+be made more adequate to his services and his relinquishments, and that,
+with a view to his reasonable accommodation and to a proper depository of
+his official opinions and proceedings, there be included in the provision
+the usual appurtenances to a public office.
+
+In directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances it is a
+subject of great gratification to find that even within the short period
+which has elapsed since the return of peace the revenue has far exceeded
+all the current demands upon the Treasury, and that under any probable
+diminution of its future annual products which the vicissitudes of commerce
+may occasion it will afford an ample fund for the effectual and early
+extinguishment of the public debt. It has been estimated that during the
+year 1816 the actual receipts of revenue at the Treasury, including the
+balance at the commencement of the year, and excluding the proceeds of
+loans and Treasury notes, will amount to about the sum of $47 millions;
+that during the same year the actual payments at the Treasury, including
+the payment of the arrearages of the War Department as well as the payment
+of a considerable excess beyond the annual appropriations, will amount to
+about the sum of $38 millions, and that consequently at the close of the
+year there will be a surplus in the Treasury of about the sum of $9
+millions.
+
+The operations of the Treasury continued to be obstructed by difficulties
+arising from the condition of the national currency, but they have
+nevertheless been effectual to a beneficial extent in the reduction of the
+public debt and the establishment of the public credit. The floating debt
+of Treasury notes and temporary loans will soon be entirely discharged. The
+aggregate of the funded debt, composed of debts incurred during the wars of
+1776 and 1812, has been estimated with reference to the first of January
+next at a sum not exceeding $110 millions. The ordinary annual expenses of
+the Government for the maintenance of all its institutions, civil,
+military, and naval, have been estimated at a sum greater than $20
+millions, and the permanent revenue to be derived from all the existing
+sources has been estimated at a sum of $25 millions.
+
+Upon this general view of the subject it is obvious that there is only
+wanting to the fiscal prosperity of the Government the restoration of an
+uniform medium of exchange. The resources and the faith of the nation,
+displayed in the system which Congress has established, insure respect and
+confidence both at home and abroad. The local accumulations of the revenue
+have already enabled the Treasury to meet the public engagements in the
+local currency of most of the States, and it is expected that the same
+cause will produce the same effect throughout the Union; but for the
+interests of the community at large, as well as for the purposes of the
+Treasury, it is essential that the nation should possess a currency of
+equal value, credit, and use wherever it may circulate. The Constitution
+has intrusted Congress exclusively with the power of creating and
+regulating a currency of that description, and the measures which were
+taken during the last session in execution of the power give every promise
+of success. The Bank of the United States has been organized under auspices
+the most favorable, and can not fail to be an important auxiliary to those
+measures.
+
+For a more enlarged view of the public finances, with a view of the
+measures pursued by the Treasury Department previous to the resignation of
+the late Secretary, I transmit an extract from the last report of that
+officer. Congress will perceive in it ample proofs of the solid foundation
+on which the financial prosperity of the nation rests, and will do justice
+to the distinguished ability and successful exertions with which the duties
+of the Department were executed during a period remarkable for its
+difficulties and its peculiar perplexities.
+
+The period of my retiring from the public service being at little distance,
+I shall find no occasion more proper than the present for expressing to my
+fellow citizens my deep sense of the continued confidence and kind support
+which I have received from them. My grateful recollection of these
+distinguished marks of their favorable regard can never cease, and with the
+consciousness that, if I have not served my country with greater ability, I
+have served it with a sincere devotion will accompany me as a source of
+unfailing gratification.
+
+Happily, I shall carry with me from the public theater other sources, which
+those who love their country most will best appreciate. I shall behold it
+blessed with tranquillity and prosperity at home and with peace and respect
+abroad. I can indulge the proud reflection that the American people have
+reached in safety and success their 40th year as an independent nation;
+that for nearly an entire generation they have had experience of their
+present Constitution, the off-spring of their undisturbed deliberations and
+of their free choice; that they have found it to bear the trials of adverse
+as well as prosperous circumstances; to contain in its combination of the
+federate and elective principles a reconcilement of public strength with
+individual liberty, of national power for the defense of national rights
+with a security against wars of injustice, of ambition, and vain-glory in
+the fundamental provision which subjects all questions of war to the will
+of the nation itself, which is to pay its costs and feel its calamities.
+Nor is it less a peculiar felicity of this Constitution, so dear to us all,
+that it is found to be capable, without losing its vital energies, of
+expanding itself over a spacious territory with the increase and expansion
+of the community for whose benefit it was established.
+
+And may I not be allowed to add to this gratifying spectacle that I shall
+read in the character of the American people, in their devotion to true
+liberty and to the Constitution which is its palladium, sure presages that
+the destined career of my country will exhibit a Government pursuing the
+public good as its sole object, and regulating its means by the great
+principles consecrated in its charter and by those moral principles to
+which they are so well allied; a Government which watches over the purity
+of elections, the freedom of speech and of the press, the trial by jury,
+and the equal interdict against encroachments and compacts between religion
+and the state; which maintains inviolably the maxims of public faith, the
+security of persons and property, and encourages in every authorized mode
+the general diffusion of knowledge which guarantees to public liberty its
+permanency and to those who possess the blessing the true enjoyment of it;
+a Government which avoids intrusions on the internal repose of other
+nations, and repels them from its own; which does justice to all nations
+with a readiness equal to the firmness with which it requires justice from
+them; and which, whilst it refines its domestic code from every ingredient
+not congenial with the precepts of an enlightened age and the sentiments of
+a virtuous people, seeks by appeals to reason and by its liberal examples
+to infuse into the law which governs the civilized world a spirit which may
+diminish the frequency or circumscribe the calamities of war, and meliorate
+the social and beneficent relations of peace; a Government, in a word,
+whose conduct within and without may bespeak the most noble of ambitions--
+that of promoting peace on earth and good will to man.
+
+These contemplations, sweetening the remnant of my days, will animate my
+prayers for the happiness of my beloved country, and a perpetuity of the
+institutions under which it is enjoyed.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of James
+Madison, by James Madison
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