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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10894 ***
+
+A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS.
+
+BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON
+
+
+John Adams
+
+March 4, 1797, to March 4, 1801
+
+
+
+
+
+
+John Adams
+
+
+John Adams was born on October 19 (old style), 1735, near Boston,
+Mass., in the portion of the town of Braintree which has since been
+incorporated as Quincy. He was fourth in descent from Henry Adams,
+who fled from persecution in Devonshire, England, and settled in
+Massachusetts about 1630. Another of his ancestors was John Adams, a
+founder of the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Entered Harvard College in 1751,
+and graduated therefrom four years later. Studied the law and taught
+school at Worcester; was admitted to the bar of Suffolk County in 1758.
+In 1768 removed to Boston, where he won distinction at the bar. In 1764
+married Abigail Smith, whose father was Rev. William Smith and whose
+grandfather was Colonel Quincy. In 1770 was chosen a representative from
+Boston in the legislature of Massachusetts. In 1774 was a member of the
+Continental Congress, and in 1776 was the adviser and great supporter of
+the Declaration of Independence. The same year was a deputy to treat
+with Lord Howe for the pacification of the Colonies. He declined the
+offer of chief justice of Massachusetts. In December, 1777, was
+appointed a commissioner to France, and returned home in the summer of
+1779. He was then chosen a member of the Massachusetts convention for
+framing a State constitution. On September 29, 1779, was appointed by
+Congress minister plenipotentiary to negotiate a peace treaty with Great
+Britain. In 1781 was a commissioner to conclude treaties of peace with
+European powers. In 1783 negotiated with others a commercial treaty with
+Great Britain. Was one of the commissioners to sign the provisional
+treaty of peace with that nation November 30, 1782, and the definite
+treaty September 3, 1783. In 1784 remained in Holland, and in 1785 was
+by Congress appointed minister of the United States at the Court of
+Great Britain. He returned to his home in June, 1788. Was chosen
+Vice-President on the ticket with Washington, and on the assembling of
+the Senate took his seat as President of that body, at New York in
+April, 1789. Was reelected Vice-President in 1792. On the retirement of
+Washington in 1796 he was elected President, and was inaugurated March
+4, 1797. He retired March 4, 1801, to his home at Quincy, Mass. In 1816
+was chosen to head the list of Presidential electors of his party in the
+State. Was a member of the State convention to revise the constitution
+of Massachusetts; was unanimously elected president of that convention,
+but declined it on account of his age. His wife died in 1818. On July 4,
+1826, he died, and was buried at Quincy.
+
+
+
+
+INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
+
+IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA
+
+
+When it was first perceived, in early times, that no middle course for
+America remained between unlimited submission to a foreign legislature
+and a total independence of its claims, men of reflection were less
+apprehensive of danger from the formidable power of fleets and armies
+they must determine to resist than from those contests and dissensions
+which would certainly arise concerning the forms of government to be
+instituted over the whole and over the parts of this extensive country.
+Relying, however, on the purity of their intentions, the justice of
+their cause, and the integrity and intelligence of the people, under an
+overruling Providence which had so signally protected this country from
+the first, the representatives of this nation, then consisting of little
+more than half its present number, not only broke to pieces the chains
+which were forging and the rod of iron that was lifted up, but frankly
+cut asunder the ties which had bound them, and launched into an ocean of
+uncertainty.
+
+The zeal and ardor of the people during the Revolutionary war, supplying
+the place of government, commanded a degree of order sufficient at least
+for the temporary preservation of society. The Confederation which was
+early felt to be necessary was prepared from the models of the Batavian
+and Helvetic confederacies, the only examples which remain with any
+detail and precision in history, and certainly the only ones which the
+people at large had ever considered. But reflecting on the striking
+difference in so many particulars between this country and those where a
+courier may go from the seat of government to the frontier in a single
+day, it was then certainly foreseen by some who assisted in Congress at
+the formation of it that it could not be durable.
+
+Negligence of its regulations, inattention to its recommendations, if
+not disobedience to its authority, not only in individuals but in
+States, soon appeared with their melancholy consequences--universal
+languor, jealousies and rivalries of States, decline of navigation and
+commerce, discouragement of necessary manufactures, universal fall in
+the value of lands and their produce, contempt of public and private
+faith, loss of consideration and credit with foreign nations, and at
+length in discontents, animosities, combinations, partial conventions,
+and insurrection, threatening some great national calamity.
+
+In this dangerous crisis the people of America were not abandoned by
+their usual good sense, presence of mind, resolution, or integrity.
+Measures were pursued to concert a plan to form a more perfect union,
+establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common
+defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of
+liberty. The public disquisitions, discussions, and deliberations issued
+in the present happy Constitution of Government.
+
+Employed in the service of my country abroad during the whole course of
+these transactions, I first saw the Constitution of the United States in
+a foreign country. Irritated by no literary altercation, animated by no
+public debate, heated by no party animosity, I read it with great
+satisfaction, as the result of good heads prompted by good hearts, as an
+experiment better adapted to the genius, character, situation, and
+relations of this nation and country than any which had ever been
+proposed or suggested. In its general principles and great outlines it
+was conformable to such a system of government as I had ever most
+esteemed, and in some States, my own native State in particular, had
+contributed to establish. Claiming a right of suffrage, in common with
+my fellow-citizens, in the adoption or rejection of a constitution which
+was to rule me and my posterity, as well as them and theirs, I did not
+hesitate to express my approbation of it on all occasions, in public and
+in private. It was not then, nor has been since, any objection to it in
+my mind that the Executive and Senate were not more permanent. Nor have
+I ever entertained a thought of promoting any alteration in it but such
+as the people themselves, in the course of their experience, should see
+and feel to be necessary or expedient, and by their representatives in
+Congress and the State legislatures, according to the Constitution
+itself, adopt and ordain.
+
+Returning to the bosom of my country after a painful separation from it
+for ten years, I had the honor to be elected to a station under the new
+order of things, and I have repeatedly laid myself under the most
+serious obligations to support the Constitution. The operation of it has
+equaled the most sanguine expectations of its friends, and from an
+habitual attention to it, satisfaction in its administration, and
+delight in its effects upon the peace, order, prosperity, and happiness
+of the nation I have acquired an habitual attachment to it and
+veneration for it.
+
+What other form of government, indeed, can so well deserve our esteem
+and love?
+
+There may be little solidity in an ancient idea that congregations of
+men into cities and nations are the most pleasing objects in the sight
+of superior intelligences, but this is very certain, that to a
+benevolent human mind there can be no spectacle presented by any nation
+more pleasing, more noble, majestic, or august, than an assembly like
+that which has so often been seen in this and the other Chamber of
+Congress, of a Government in which the Executive authority, as well as
+that of all the branches of the Legislature, are exercised by citizens
+selected at regular periods by their neighbors to make and execute laws
+for the general good. Can anything essential, anything more than mere
+ornament and decoration, be added to this by robes and diamonds? Can
+authority be more amiable and respectable when it descends from
+accidents or institutions established in remote antiquity than when it
+springs fresh from the hearts and judgments of an honest and enlightened
+people? For it is the people only that are represented. It is their
+power and majesty that is reflected, and only for their good, in every
+legitimate government, under whatever form it may appear. The existence
+of such a government as ours for any length of time is a full proof of a
+general dissemination of knowledge and virtue throughout the whole body
+of the people. And what object or consideration more pleasing than this
+can be presented to the human mind? If national pride is ever
+justifiable or excusable it is when it springs, not from power or
+riches, grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence,
+information, and benevolence.
+
+In the midst of these pleasing ideas we should be unfaithful to
+ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties
+if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free,
+fair, virtuous, and independent elections. If an election is to be
+determined by a majority of a single vote, and that can be procured by a
+party through artifice or corruption, the Government may be the choice
+of a party for its own ends, not of the nation for the national good. If
+that solitary suffrage can be obtained by foreign nations by flattery or
+menaces, by fraud or violence, by terror, intrigue, or venality, the
+Government may not be the choice of the American people, but of foreign
+nations. It may be foreign nations who govern us, and not we, the
+people, who govern ourselves; and candid men will acknowledge that in
+such cases choice would have little advantage to boast of over lot or
+chance.
+
+Such is the amiable and interesting system of government (and such are
+some of the abuses to which it may be exposed) which the people of
+America have exhibited to the admiration and anxiety of the wise and
+virtuous of all nations for eight years under the administration of a
+citizen who, by a long course of great actions, regulated by prudence,
+justice, temperance, and fortitude, conducting a people inspired with
+the same virtues and animated with the same ardent patriotism and love
+of liberty to independence and peace, to increasing wealth and
+unexampled prosperity, has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens,
+commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured immortal
+glory with posterity.
+
+In that retirement which is his voluntary choice may he long live to
+enjoy the delicious recollection of his services, the gratitude of
+mankind, the happy fruits of them to himself and the world, which are
+daily increasing, and that splendid prospect of the future fortunes of
+this country which is opening from year to year. His name may be still a
+rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a bulwark, against all open or
+secret enemies of his country's peace. This example has been recommended
+to the imitation of his successors by both Houses of Congress and by the
+voice of the legislatures and the people throughout the nation.
+
+On this subject it might become me better to be silent or to speak with
+diffidence; but as something may be expected, the occasion, I hope, will
+be admitted as an apology if I venture to say that if a preference, upon
+principle, of a free republican government, formed upon long and serious
+reflection, after a diligent and impartial inquiry after truth; if an
+attachment to the Constitution of the United States, and a conscientious
+determination to support it until it shall be altered by the judgments
+and wishes of the people, expressed in the mode prescribed in it; if a
+respectful attention to the constitutions of the individual States and a
+constant caution and delicacy toward the State governments; if an equal
+and impartial regard to the rights, interest, honor, and happiness of
+all the States in the Union, without preference or regard to a northern
+or southern, an eastern or western, position, their various political
+opinions on unessential points or their personal attachments; if a love
+of virtuous men of all parties and denominations; if a love of science
+and letters and a wish to patronize every rational effort to encourage
+schools, colleges, universities, academies, and every institution for
+propagating knowledge, virtue, and religion among all classes of the
+people, not only for their benign influence on the happiness of life in
+all its stages and classes, and of society in all its forms, but as the
+only means of preserving our Constitution from its natural enemies, the
+spirit of sophistry, the spirit of party, the spirit of intrigue, the
+profligacy of corruption, and the pestilence of foreign influence, which
+is the angel of destruction to elective governments; if a love of equal
+laws, of justice, and humanity in the interior administration; if an
+inclination to improve agriculture, commerce, and manufactures for
+necessity, convenience, and defense; if a spirit of equity and humanity
+toward the aboriginal nations of America, and a disposition to meliorate
+their condition by inclining them to be more friendly to us, and our
+citizens to be more friendly to them; if an inflexible determination to
+maintain peace and inviolable faith with all nations, and that system of
+neutrality and impartiality among the belligerent powers of Europe which
+has been adopted by this Government and so solemnly sanctioned by both
+Houses of Congress and applauded by the legislatures of the States and
+the public opinion, until it shall be otherwise ordained by Congress; if
+a personal esteem for the French nation, formed in a residence of seven
+years chiefly among them, and a sincere desire to preserve the
+friendship which has been so much for the honor and interest of both
+nations; if, while the conscious honor and integrity of the people of
+America and the internal sentiment of their own power and energies must
+be preserved, an earnest endeavor to investigate every just cause and
+remove every colorable pretense of complaint; if an intention to pursue
+by amicable negotiation a reparation for the injuries that have been
+committed on the commerce of our fellow-citizens by whatever nation, and
+if success can not be obtained, to lay the facts before the legislature,
+that they may consider what further measures the honor and interest of
+the Government and its constituents demand; if a resolution to do
+justice as far as may depend upon me, at all times and to all nations,
+and maintain peace, friendship, and benevolence with all the world; if
+an unshaken confidence in the honor, spirit, and resources of the
+American people, on which I have so often hazarded my all and never been
+deceived; if elevated ideas of the high destinies of this country and of
+my own duties toward it, founded on a knowledge of the moral principles
+and intellectual improvements of the people deeply engraven on my mind
+in early life, and not obscured but exalted by experience and age; and,
+with humble reverence, I feel it to be my duty to add, if a veneration
+for the religion of a people who profess and call themselves Christians,
+and a fixed resolution to consider a decent respect for Christianity
+among the best recommendations for the public service, can enable me in
+any degree to comply with your wishes, it shall be my strenuous endeavor
+that this sagacious injunction of the two Houses shall not be without
+effect.
+
+With this great example before me, with the sense and spirit, the faith
+and honor, the duty and interest, of the same American people pledged to
+support the Constitution of the United States, I entertain no doubt of
+its continuance in all its energy, and my mind is prepared without
+hesitation to lay myself under the most solemn obligations to support it
+to the utmost of my power.
+
+And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the
+Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of
+virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its
+Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with
+the ends of His providence.
+
+March 4, 1797.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Fifth Congress, Vol. I, 49.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America provides that
+the President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses of
+Congress; and
+
+Whereas an extraordinary occasion exists for convening Congress, and
+divers weighty matters claim their consideration:
+
+I have therefore thought it necessary to convene, and I do by these
+presents convene, the Congress of the United States of America at the
+city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on Monday,
+the 15th day of May next, hereby requiring the Senators and
+Representatives in the Congress of the United States of America, and
+every of them, that, laying aside all other matters and cares, they then
+and there meet and assemble in Congress in order to consult and
+determine on such measures as in their wisdom shall be deemed meet for
+the safety and welfare of the said United States.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of
+America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my
+hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 25th day of March, A.D. 1797, and
+of the Independence of the United States of America the twenty-first.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  TIMOTHY PICKERING,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL SESSION MESSAGE.
+
+UNITED STATES, _May 16, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The personal inconveniences to the members of the Senate and of the
+House of Representatives in leaving their families and private affairs
+at this season of the year are so obvious that I the more regret the
+extraordinary occasion which has rendered the convention of Congress
+indispensable.
+
+It would have afforded me the highest satisfaction to have been able to
+congratulate you on a restoration of peace to the nations of Europe
+whose animosities have endangered our tranquillity; but we have still
+abundant cause of gratitude to the Supreme Dispenser of National
+Blessings for general health and promising seasons, for domestic and
+social happiness, for the rapid progress and ample acquisitions of
+industry through extensive territories, for civil, political, and
+religious liberty. While other states are desolated with foreign war or
+convulsed with intestine divisions, the United States present the
+pleasing prospect of a nation governed by mild and equal laws, generally
+satisfied with the possession of their rights, neither envying the
+advantages nor fearing the power of other nations, solicitous only for
+the maintenance of order and justice and the preservation of liberty,
+increasing daily in their attachment to a system of government in
+proportion to their experience of its utility, yielding a ready and
+general obedience to laws flowing from the reason and resting on the
+only solid foundation--the affections of the people.
+
+It is with extreme regret that I shall be obliged to turn your thoughts
+to other circumstances, which admonish us that some of these felicities
+may not be lasting. But if the tide of our prosperity is full and a
+reflux commencing, a vigilant circumspection becomes us, that we may
+meet our reverses with fortitude and extricate ourselves from their
+consequences with all the skill we possess and all the efforts in our
+power.
+
+In giving to Congress information of the state of the Union and
+recommending to their consideration such measures as appear to me to be
+necessary or expedient, according to my constitutional duty, the causes
+and the objects of the present extraordinary session will be explained.
+
+After the President of the United States received information that the
+French Government had expressed serious discontents at some proceedings
+of the Government of these States said to affect the interests of
+France, he thought it expedient to send to that country a new minister,
+fully instructed to enter on such amicable discussions and to give such
+candid explanations as might happily remove the discontents and suspicions
+of the French Government and vindicate the conduct of the United States.
+For this purpose he selected from among his fellow-citizens a character
+whose integrity, talents, experience, and services had placed him in the
+rank of the most esteemed and respected in the nation. The direct object
+of his mission was expressed in his letter of credence to the French
+Republic, being "to maintain that good understanding which from the
+commencement of the alliance had subsisted between the two nations, and
+to efface unfavorable impressions, banish suspicions, and restore that
+cordiality which was at once the evidence and pledge of a friendly
+union." And his instructions were to the same effect, "faithfully to
+represent the disposition of the Government and people of the United
+States (their disposition being one), to remove jealousies and obviate
+complaints by shewing that they were groundless, to restore that mutual
+confidence which had been so unfortunately and injuriously impaired,
+and to explain the relative interests of both countries and the real
+sentiments of his own."
+
+A minister thus specially commissioned it was expected would have proved
+the instrument of restoring mutual confidence between the two Republics.
+The first step of the French Government corresponded with that
+expectation. A few days before his arrival at Paris the French minister
+of foreign relations informed the American minister then resident at
+Paris of the formalities to be observed by himself in taking leave, and
+by his successor preparatory to his reception. These formalities they
+observed, and on the 9th of December presented officially to the
+minister of foreign relations, the one a copy of his letters of recall,
+the other a copy of his letters of credence.
+
+These were laid before the Executive Directory. Two days afterwards the
+minister of foreign relations informed the recalled American minister
+that the Executive Directory had determined not to receive another
+minister plenipotentiary from the United States until after the redress
+of grievances demanded of the American Government, and which the French
+Republic had a right to expect from it. The American minister
+immediately endeavored to ascertain whether by refusing to receive him
+it was intended that he should retire from the territories of the French
+Republic, and verbal answers were given that such was the intention of
+the Directory. For his own justification he desired a written answer,
+but obtained none until toward the last of January, when, receiving
+notice in writing to quit the territories of the Republic, he proceeded
+to Amsterdam, where he proposed to wait for instruction from this
+Government. During his residence at Paris cards of hospitality were
+refused him, and he was threatened with being subjected to the
+jurisdiction of the minister of police; but with becoming firmness he
+insisted on the protection of the law of nations due to him as the known
+minister of a foreign power. You will derive further information from
+his dispatches, which will be laid before you.
+
+As it is often necessary that nations should treat for the mutual
+advantage of their affairs, and especially to accommodate and terminate
+differences, and as they can treat only by ministers, the right of
+embassy is well known and established by the law and usage of nations.
+The refusal on the part of France to receive our minister is, then, the
+denial of a right; but the refusal to receive him until we have acceded
+to their demands without discussion and without investigation is to
+treat us neither as allies nor as friends, nor as a sovereign state.
+
+With this conduct of the French Government it will be proper to take
+into view the public audience given to the late minister of the United
+States on his taking leave of the Executive Directory. The speech of the
+President discloses sentiments more alarming than the refusal of a
+minister, because more dangerous to our independence and union, and at
+the same time studiously marked with indignities toward the Government
+of the United States. It evinces a disposition to separate the people of
+the United States from the Government, to persuade them that they have
+different affections, principles, and interests from those of their
+fellow-citizens whom they themselves have chosen to manage their common
+concerns, and thus to produce divisions fatal to our peace. Such
+attempts ought to be repelled with a decision which shall convince
+France and the world that we are not a degraded people, humiliated under
+a colonial spirit of fear and sense of inferiority, fitted to be the
+miserable instruments of foreign influence, and regardless of national
+honor, character, and interest.
+
+I should have been happy to have thrown a veil over these transactions
+if it had been possible to conceal them; but they have passed on the
+great theater of the world, in the face of all Europe and America, and
+with such circumstances of publicity and solemnity that they can not be
+disguised and will not soon be forgotten. They have inflicted a wound in
+the American breast. It is my sincere desire, however, that it may be
+healed.
+
+It is my sincere desire, and in this I presume I concur with you and
+with our constituents, to preserve peace and friendship with all
+nations; and believing that neither the honor nor the interest of the
+United States absolutely forbid the repetition of advances for securing
+these desirable objects with France, I shall institute a fresh attempt
+at negotiation, and shall not fail to promote and accelerate an
+accommodation on terms compatible with the rights, duties, interests,
+and honor of the nation. If we have committed errors, and these can be
+demonstrated, we shall be willing to correct them; if we have done
+injuries, we shall be willing on conviction to redress them; and equal
+measures of justice we have a right to expect from France and every
+other nation.
+
+The diplomatic intercourse between the United States and France being at
+present suspended, the Government has no means of obtaining official
+information from that country. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe
+that the Executive Directory passed a decree on the 2d of March last
+contravening in part the treaty of amity and commerce of 1778, injurious
+to our lawful commerce and endangering the lives of our citizens. A copy
+of this decree will be laid before you.
+
+While we are endeavoring to adjust all our differences with France by
+amicable negotiation, the progress of the war in Europe, the
+depredations on our commerce, the personal injuries to our citizens, and
+the general complexion of affairs render it my indispensable duty to
+recommend to your consideration effectual measures of defense.
+
+The commerce of the United States has become an interesting object of
+attention, whether we consider it in relation to the wealth and finances
+or the strength and resources of the nation. With a seacoast of near
+2,000 miles in extent, opening a wide field for fisheries, navigation,
+and commerce, a great portion of our citizens naturally apply their
+industry and enterprise to these objects. Any serious and permanent
+injury to commerce would not fail to produce the most embarrassing
+disorders. To prevent it from being undermined and destroyed it is
+essential that it receive an adequate protection.
+
+The naval establishment must occur to every man who considers the
+injuries committed on our commerce, the insults offered to our citizens,
+and the description of vessels by which these abuses have been
+practiced. As the sufferings of our mercantile and seafaring citizens
+can not be ascribed to the omission of duties demandable, considering
+the neutral situation of our country, they are to be attributed to the
+hope of impunity arising from a supposed inability on our part to afford
+protection. To resist the consequences of such impressions on the minds
+of foreign nations and to guard against the degradation and servility
+which they must finally stamp on the American character is an important
+duty of Government.
+
+A naval power, next to the militia, is the natural defense of the United
+States. The experience of the last war would be sufficient to shew that
+a moderate naval force, such as would be easily within the present
+abilities of the Union, would have been sufficient to have baffled many
+formidable transportations of troops from one State to another, which
+were then practiced. Our seacoasts, from their great extent, are more
+easily annoyed and more easily defended by a naval force than any other.
+With all the materials our country abounds; in skill our naval
+architects and navigators are equal to any, and commanders and seamen
+will not be wanting.
+
+But although the establishment of a permanent system of naval defense
+appears to be requisite, I am sensible it can not be formed so speedily
+and extensively as the present crisis demands. Hitherto I have thought
+proper to prevent the sailing of armed vessels except on voyages to the
+East Indies, where general usage and the danger from pirates appeared to
+render the permission proper. Yet the restriction has originated solely
+from a wish to prevent collisions with the powers at war, contravening
+the act of Congress of June, 1794, and not from any doubt entertained by
+me of the policy and propriety of permitting our vessels to employ means
+of defense while engaged in a lawful foreign commerce. It remains for
+Congress to prescribe such regulations as will enable our seafaring
+citizens to defend themselves against violations of the law of nations,
+and at the same time restrain them from committing acts of hostility
+against the powers at war. In addition to this voluntary provision for
+defense by individual citizens, it appears to me necessary to equip the
+frigates, and provide other vessels of inferior force, to take under
+convoy such merchant vessels as shall remain unarmed.
+
+The greater part of the cruisers whose depredations have been most
+injurious have been built and some of them partially equipped in the
+United States. Although an effectual remedy may be attended with
+difficulty, yet I have thought it my duty to present the subject
+generally to your consideration. If a mode can be devised by the wisdom
+of Congress to prevent the resources of the United States from being
+converted into the means of annoying our trade, a great evil will be
+prevented. With the same view, I think it proper to mention that some of
+our citizens resident abroad have fitted out privateers, and others have
+voluntarily taken the command, or entered on board of them, and
+committed spoliations on the commerce of the United States. Such
+unnatural and iniquitous practices can be restrained only by severe
+punishments.
+
+But besides a protection of our commerce on the seas, I think it highly
+necessary to protect it at home, where it is collected in our most
+important ports. The distance of the United States from Europe and the
+well-known promptitude, ardor, and courage of the people in defense of
+their country happily diminish the probability of invasion.
+Nevertheless, to guard against sudden and predatory incursions the
+situation of some of our principal seaports demands your consideration.
+And as our country is vulnerable in other interests besides those of its
+commerce, you will seriously deliberate whether the means of general
+defense ought not to be increased by an addition to the regular
+artillery and cavalry, and by arrangements for forming a provisional
+army.
+
+With the same view, and as a measure which, even in a time of universal
+peace, ought not to be neglected, I recommend to your consideration a
+revision of the laws for organizing, arming, and disciplining the
+militia, to render that natural and safe defense of the country
+efficacious.
+
+Although it is very true that we ought not to involve ourselves in the
+political system of Europe, but to keep ourselves always distinct and
+separate from it if we can, yet to effect this separation, early,
+punctual, and continual information of the current chain of events and
+of the political projects in contemplation is no less necessary than if
+we were directly concerned in them. It is necessary, in order to the
+discovery of the efforts made to draw us into the vortex, in season to
+make preparations against them. However we may consider ourselves, the
+maritime and commercial powers of the world will consider the United
+States of America as forming a weight in that balance of power in Europe
+which never can be forgotten or neglected. It would not only be against
+our interest, but it would be doing wrong to one-half of Europe, at
+least, if we should voluntarily throw ourselves into either scale. It is
+a natural policy for a nation that studies to be neutral to consult with
+other nations engaged in the same studies and pursuits. At the same time
+that measures might be pursued with this view, our treaties with Prussia
+and Sweden, one of which is expired and the other near expiring, might
+be renewed.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+It is particularly your province to consider the state of the public
+finances, and to adopt such measures respecting them as exigencies shall
+be found to require. The preservation of public credit, the regular
+extinguishment of the public debt, and a provision of funds to defray
+any extraordinary expenses will of course call for your serious
+attention. Although the imposition of new burthens can not be in itself
+agreeable, yet there is no ground to doubt that the American people will
+expect from you such measures as their actual engagements, their present
+security, and future interests demand.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The present situation of our country imposes an obligation on all the
+departments of Government to adopt an explicit and decided conduct. In
+my situation an exposition of the principles by which my Administration
+will be governed ought not to be omitted.
+
+It is impossible to conceal from ourselves or the world what has been
+before observed, that endeavors have been employed to foster and
+establish a division between the Government and people of the United
+States. To investigate the causes which have encouraged this attempt is
+not necessary; but to repel, by decided and united councils,
+insinuations so derogatory to the honor and aggressions so dangerous to
+the Constitution, union, and even independence of the nation is an
+indispensable duty.
+
+It must not be permitted to be doubted whether the people of the United
+States will support the Government established by their voluntary
+consent and appointed by their free choice, or whether, by surrendering
+themselves to the direction of foreign and domestic factions, in
+opposition to their own Government, they will forfeit the honorable
+station they have hitherto maintained.
+
+For myself, having never been indifferent to what concerned the
+interests of my country, devoted the best part of my life to obtain and
+support its independence, and constantly witnessed the patriotism,
+fidelity, and perseverance of my fellow-citizens on the most trying
+occasions, it is not for me to hesitate or abandon a cause in which my
+heart has been so long engaged.
+
+Convinced that the conduct of the Government has been just and impartial
+to foreign nations, that those internal regulations which have been
+established by law for the preservation of peace are in their nature
+proper, and that they have been fairly executed, nothing will ever be
+done by me to impair the national engagements, to innovate upon
+principles which have been so deliberately and uprightly established, or
+to surrender in any manner the rights of the Government. To enable me to
+maintain this declaration I rely, under God, with entire confidence on
+the firm and enlightened support of the National Legislature and upon
+the virtue and patriotism of my fellow-citizens.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
+
+SIR: The Senate of the United States request you to accept their
+acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have
+given in your speech to both Houses of Congress on the existing state
+of the Union.
+
+While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature,
+we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening
+it on this momentous occasion.
+
+The superintendence of our national faith, honor, and dignity being in a
+great measure constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe
+with singular satisfaction the vigilance, firmness, and promptitude
+exhibited by you in this critical state of our public affairs, and from
+thence derive an evidence and pledge of the rectitude and integrity of
+your Administration. And we are sensible it is an object of primary
+importance that each branch of the Government should adopt a language
+and system of conduct which shall be cool, just, and dispassionate, but
+firm, explicit, and decided.
+
+We are equally desirous with you to preserve peace and friendship with
+all nations, and are happy to be informed that neither the honor nor
+interests of the United States forbid advances for securing those
+desirable objects by amicable negotiation with the French Republic. This
+method of adjusting national differences is not only the most mild, but
+the most rational and humane, and with governments disposed to be just
+can seldom fail of success when fairly, candidly, and sincerely used.
+
+If we have committed errors and can be made sensible of them, we agree
+with you in opinion that we ought to correct them, and compensate the
+injuries which may have been consequent thereon; and we trust the French
+Republic will be actuated by the same just and benevolent principles of
+national policy.
+
+We do therefore most sincerely approve of your determination to promote
+and accelerate an accommodation of our existing differences with that
+Republic by negotiation, on terms compatible with the rights, duties,
+interests, and honor of our nation. And you may rest assured of our most
+cordial cooperation so far as it may become necessary in this pursuit.
+
+Peace and harmony with all nations is our sincere wish; but such being
+the lot of humanity that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable
+dispositions, it is our firm belief that effectual measures of defense
+will tend to inspire that national self-respect and confidence at
+_home_ which is the unfailing source of respectability _abroad_, to
+check aggression and prevent war.
+
+While we are endeavoring to adjust our differences with the French
+Republic by amicable negotiation, the progress of the war in Europe, the
+depredations on our commerce, the personal injuries to our citizens, and
+the general complexion of affairs prove to us your vigilant care in
+recommending to our attention effectual measures of defense.
+
+Those which you recommend, whether they relate to external defense by
+permitting our citizens to arm for the purpose of repelling aggressions
+on their commercial rights, and by providing sea convoys, or to internal
+defense by increasing the establishments of artillery and cavalry, by
+forming a provisional army, by revising the militia laws, and fortifying
+more completely our ports and harbors, will meet our consideration under
+the influence of the same just regard for the security, interest, and
+honor of our country which dictated your recommendation.
+
+Practices so unnatural and iniquitous as those you state, of our own
+citizens converting their property and personal exertions into the means
+of annoying our trade and injuring their fellow-citizens, deserve legal
+severity commensurate with their turpitude.
+
+Although the Senate believe that the prosperity and happiness of our
+country does not depend on general and extensive political connections
+with European nations, yet we can never lose sight of the propriety as
+well as necessity of enabling the Executive, by sufficient and liberal
+supplies, to maintain and even extend our foreign intercourse as
+exigencies may require, reposing full confidence in the Executive, in
+whom the Constitution has placed the powers of negotiation.
+
+We learn with sincere concern that attempts are in operation to alienate
+the affections of our fellow-citizens from their Government. Attempts
+so wicked, wherever they exist, can not fail to excite our utmost
+abhorrence. A government chosen by the people for their own safety and
+happiness, and calculated to secure both, can not lose their affections
+so long as its administration pursues the principles upon which it was
+erected; and your resolution to observe a conduct just and impartial to
+all nations, a sacred regard to our national engagements, and not to
+impair the rights of our Government, contains principles which can not
+fail to secure to your Administration the support of the National
+Legislature to render abortive every attempt to excite dangerous
+jealousies among us, and to convince the world that our Government and
+your administration of it can not be separated from the affectionate
+support of every good citizen. And the Senate can not suffer the present
+occasion to pass without thus publicly and solemnly expressing their
+attachment to the Constitution and Government of their country; and
+as they hold themselves responsible to their constituents, their
+consciences, and their God, it is their determination by all their
+exertions to repel every attempt to alienate the affections of the
+people from the Government, so highly injurious to the honor, safety,
+and independence of the United States.
+
+We are happy, since our sentiments on the subject are in perfect unison
+with yours, in this public manner to declare that we believe the conduct
+of the Government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, and
+that those internal regulations which have been established for the
+preservation of peace are in their nature proper and have been fairly
+executed.
+
+And we are equally happy in possessing an entire confidence in your
+abilities and exertions in your station to maintain untarnished the
+honor, preserve the peace, and support the independence of our country,
+to acquire and establish which, in connection with your fellow-citizens,
+has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life.
+
+To aid you in these arduous and honorable exertions, as it is our duty
+so it shall be our faithful endeavor; and we flatter ourselves, sir,
+that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest
+to the world that although the United States love peace, they will be
+independent; that they are sincere in their declarations to be just to
+the French and all other nations, and expect the same in return.
+
+If a sense of justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall influence
+their councils, which we sincerely hope we shall have just grounds to
+expect, peace and amity between the United States and all nations will
+be preserved.
+
+But if we are so unfortunate as to experience injuries from any foreign
+power, and the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably
+adjusted between nations shall be rejected, the determination "not
+to surrender in any manner the rights of the Government," being so
+inseparably connected with the dignity, interest, and independence
+of our country, shall by us be steadily and inviolably supported.
+
+TH. JEFFERSON,
+
+_Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate_.
+
+MAY 23, 1797.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+_Mr. Vice-President and Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+It would be an affectation in me to dissemble the pleasure I feel on
+receiving this kind address.
+
+My long experience of the wisdom, fortitude, and patriotism of the
+Senate of the United States enhances in my estimation the value of those
+obliging expressions of your approbation of my conduct, which are a
+generous reward for the past and an affecting encouragement to constancy
+and perseverance in future.
+
+Our sentiments appear to be so entirely in unison that I can not but
+believe them to be the rational result of the understandings and the
+natural feelings of the hearts of Americans in general on contemplating
+the present state of the nation.
+
+While such principles and affections prevail they will form an
+indissoluble bond of union and a sure pledge that our country has no
+essential injury to apprehend from any portentous appearances abroad.
+In a humble reliance on Divine Providence we may rest assured that
+while we reiterate with sincerity our endeavors to accommodate all our
+differences with France, the independence of our country can not be
+diminished, its dignity degraded, or its glory tarnished by any nation
+or combination of nations, whether friends or enemies.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+MAY 24, 1797.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
+UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: The interesting details of those events which have rendered the
+convention of Congress at this time indispensable (communicated in your
+speech to both Houses) has excited in us the strongest emotions. Whilst
+we regret the occasion, we can not omit to testify our approbation of
+the measure, and pledge ourselves that no considerations of private
+inconvenience shall prevent on our part a faithful discharge of the
+duties to which we are called.
+
+We have constantly hoped that the nations of Europe, whilst desolated
+by foreign wars or convulsed by intestine divisions, would have left
+the United States to enjoy that peace and tranquillity to which the
+impartial conduct of our Government has entitled us, and it is now with
+extreme regret we find the measures of the French Republic tending to
+endanger a situation so desirable and interesting to our country.
+
+Upon this occasion we feel it our duty to express in the most explicit
+manner the sensations which the present crisis has excited, and to
+assure you of our zealous cooperation in those measures which may appear
+necessary for our security or peace.
+
+Although it is the earnest wish of our hearts that peace may be
+maintained with the French Republic and with all the world, yet we never
+will surrender those rights which belong to us as a nation; and whilst
+we view with satisfaction the wisdom, dignity, and moderation which have
+marked the measures of the Supreme Executive of our country in his
+attempt to remove by candid explanations the complaints and jealousies
+of France, we feel the full force of that indignity which has been
+offered our country in the rejection of its minister. No attempts to
+wound our rights as a sovereign State will escape the notice of our
+constituents. They will be felt with indignation and repelled with that
+decision which shall convince the world that we are not a degraded
+people; that we can never submit to the demands of a foreign power
+without examination and without discussion.
+
+Knowing as we do the confidence reposed by the people of the United
+States in their Government, we can not hesitate in expressing our
+indignation at any sentiments tending to derogate from that confidence.
+Such sentiments, wherever entertained, serve to evince an imperfect
+knowledge of the opinions of our constituents. An attempt to separate
+the people of the United States from their Government is an attempt to
+separate them from themselves; and although foreigners who know not the
+genius of our country may have conceived the project, and foreign
+emissaries may attempt the execution, yet the united efforts of our
+fellow-citizens will convince the world of its impracticability.
+
+Sensibly as we feel the wound which has been inflicted by the
+transactions disclosed in your communications, yet we think with you
+that neither the honor nor the interest of the United States forbid the
+repetition of advances for preserving peace; we therefore receive with
+the utmost satisfaction your information that a fresh attempt at
+negotiation will be instituted, and we cherish the hope that a mutual
+spirit of conciliation, and a disposition on the part of France to
+compensate for any injuries which may have been committed upon our
+neutral rights, and on the part of the United States to place France on
+grounds similar to those of other countries in their relation and
+connection with us (if any inequalities shall be found to exist), will
+produce an accommodation compatible with the engagements, rights,
+duties, and honor of the United States. Fully, however, impressed with
+the uncertainty of the result, we shall prepare to meet with fortitude
+any unfavorable events which may occur, and to extricate ourselves from
+their consequences with all the skill we possess and all the efforts in
+our power. Believing with you that the conduct of the Government has
+been just and impartial to foreign nations, that the laws for the
+preservation of peace have been proper, and that they have been fairly
+executed, the Representatives of the people do not hesitate to declare
+that they will give their most cordial support to the execution of
+principles so deliberately and uprightly established.
+
+The many interesting subjects which you have recommended to our
+consideration, and which are so strongly enforced by this momentous
+occasion, will receive every attention which their importance demands,
+and we trust that, by the decided and explicit conduct which will govern
+our deliberations, every insinuation will be repelled which is derogatory
+to the honor and independence of our country.
+
+Permit us in offering this address to express our satisfaction at
+your promotion to the first office in the Government and our entire
+confidence that the preeminent talents and patriotism which have placed
+you in this distinguished situation will enable you to discharge its
+various duties with satisfaction to yourself and advantage to our common
+country.
+
+JUNE 2, 1797.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+_Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I receive with great satisfaction your candid approbation of the
+convention of Congress, and thank you for your assurances that the
+interesting subjects recommended to your consideration shall receive
+the attention which their importance demands, and that your cooperation
+may be expected in those measures which may appear necessary for our
+security or peace.
+
+The declarations of the Representatives of this nation of their
+satisfaction at my promotion to the first office in this Government and
+of their confidence in my sincere endeavors to discharge the various
+duties of it with advantage to our common country have excited my most
+grateful sensibility.
+
+I pray you, gentlemen, to believe and to communicate such assurance to
+our constituents that no event which I can foresee to be attainable by
+any exertions in the discharge of my duties can afford me so much cordial
+satisfaction as to conduct a negotiation with the French Republic to a
+removal of prejudices, a correction of errors, a dissipation of umbrages,
+an accommodation of all differences, and a restoration of harmony and
+affection to the mutual satisfaction of both nations. And whenever the
+legitimate organs of intercourse shall be restored and the real sentiments
+of the two Governments can be candidly communicated to each other,
+although strongly impressed with the necessity of collecting ourselves
+into a manly posture of defense, I nevertheless entertain an encouraging
+confidence that a mutual spirit of conciliation, a disposition to
+compensate injuries and accommodate each other in all our relations and
+connections, will produce an agreement to a treaty consistent with the
+engagements, rights, duties, and honor of both nations.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+JUNE 3, 1797.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _May 26, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of
+perpetual peace and friendship between the United States of America
+and the Bey and subjects of Tripoli, of Barbary, concluded at Tripoli
+on the 4th day of November, 1796.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _May 31, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I nominate General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Carolina,
+Francis Dana, chief justice of the State of Massachusetts, and General
+John Marshall, of Virginia, to be jointly and severally envoys
+extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
+
+After mature deliberation on the critical situation of our relations
+with France, which have long engaged my most serious attention, I have
+determined on these nominations of persons to negotiate with the French
+Republic to dissipate umbrages, to remove prejudices, to rectify errors,
+and adjust all differences by a treaty between the two powers.
+
+It is in the present critical and singular circumstances of great
+importance to engage the confidence of the great portions of the Union
+in the characters employed and the measures which may be adopted. I have
+therefore thought it expedient to nominate persons of talents and
+integrity, long known and intrusted in the three great divisions of
+the Union, and at the same time, to provide against the cases of death,
+absence, indisposition, or other impediment, to invest any one or more
+of them with full powers.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _June 12, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have received information from the commissioner appointed on the part
+of the United States, pursuant to the third article of our treaty with
+Spain, that the running and marking of the boundary line between the
+colonies of East and West Florida and the territory of the United States
+have been delayed by the officers of His Catholic Majesty, and that they
+have declared their intention to maintain his jurisdiction, and to
+suspend the withdrawing his troops from the military posts they occupy
+within the territory of the United States until the two Governments
+shall, by negotiation, have settled the meaning of the second article
+respecting the withdrawing of the troops, garrisons, or settlements of
+either party in the territory of the other--that is, whether, when the
+Spanish garrisons withdraw, they are to leave the works standing or to
+demolish them--and until, by an additional article to the treaty, the
+real property of the inhabitants shall be secured, and, likewise, until
+the Spanish officers are sure the Indians will be pacific. The two first
+questions, if to be determined by negotiation, might be made subjects of
+discussion for years, and as no limitation of time can be prescribed to
+the other, a certainty in the opinion of the Spanish officers that the
+Indians will be pacific, it will be impossible to suffer it to remain an
+obstacle to the fulfillment of the treaty on the part of Spain.
+
+To remove the first difficulty, I have determined to leave it to the
+discretion of the officers of His Catholic Majesty when they withdraw
+his troops from the forts within the territory of the United States,
+either to leave the works standing or to demolish them; and to remove
+the second I shall cause an assurance to be published and to be
+particularly communicated to the minister of His Catholic Majesty and to
+the governor of Louisiana that the settlers or occupants of the lands in
+question shall not be disturbed in their possessions by the troops of
+the United States, but, on the contrary, that they shall be protected in
+all their lawful claims; and to prevent or remove every doubt on this
+point it merits the consideration of Congress whether it will not be
+expedient immediately to pass a law giving positive assurances to those
+inhabitants who, by fair and regular grants or by occupancy, have
+obtained legal titles or equitable claims to lands in that country prior
+to the final ratification of the treaty between the United States and
+Spain on the 25th of April, 1796.
+
+This country is rendered peculiarly valuable by its inhabitants, who are
+represented to amount to nearly 4,000, generally well affected and much
+attached to the United States, and zealous for the establishment of a
+government under their authority.
+
+I therefore recommend to your consideration the expediency of erecting a
+government in the district of the Natchez similar to that established
+for the territory northwest of the river Ohio, but with certain
+modifications relative to titles or claims of land, whether of individuals
+or companies, or to claims of jurisdiction of any individual State.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _June 22, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Immediately after I had received your resolution of the 10th of June,
+requesting a report respecting the depredations committed on the
+commerce of the United States since the 1st of October, 1796, specifying
+the name of the vessel taken, where bound to or from, species of lading,
+the value (when it can be ascertained) of the vessel and cargo taken,
+and by what power captured, particularizing those which have been
+actually condemned, together with the proper documents to ascertain the
+same, I directed a collection to be made of all such information as
+should be found in the possession of the Government; in consequence of
+which the Secretary of State has made the report and the collection of
+documents which accompany this message, and are now laid before the
+House of Representatives in compliance with their desire.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _June 23, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The Dey of Algiers has manifested a predilection for American-built
+vessels, and in consequence has desired that two vessels might be
+constructed and equipped as cruisers according to the choice and taste
+of Captain O'Brien. The cost of two such vessels built with live oak and
+cedar, and coppered, with guns and all other equipments complete, is
+estimated at $45,000. The expense of navigating them to Algiers may
+perhaps be compensated by the freight of the stores with which they may
+be loaded on account of our stipulations by treaty with the Dey.
+
+A compliance with the Dey's request appears to me to be of serious
+importance. He will repay the whole expense of building and equipping
+the two vessels, and as he has advanced the price of our peace with
+Tripoli, and become pledged for that of Tunis, the United States seem to
+be under peculiar obligations to provide this accommodation, and I trust
+that Congress will authorize the advance of money necessary for that
+purpose.
+
+It also appears to be of importance to place at Algiers a person as
+consul in whose integrity and ability much confidence may be placed, to
+whom a considerable latitude of discretion should be allowed, for the
+interest of the United States in relation to their commerce. That
+country is so remote as to render it impracticable for the consul to ask
+and receive instructions in sudden emergencies. He may sometimes find it
+necessary to make instant engagements for money or its equivalent, to
+prevent greater expenses or more serious evils. We can hardly hope to
+escape occasions of discontent proceeding from the Regency or arising
+from the misconduct or even the misfortunes of our commercial vessels
+navigating in the Mediterranean Sea, and unless the causes of discontent
+are speedily removed the resentment of the Regency may be exerted with
+precipitation on our defenseless citizens and their property, and thus,
+occasion a tenfold expense to the United States. For these reasons it
+appears to me to be expedient to vest the consul at Algiers with a
+degree of discretionary power which can be requisite in no other
+situation; and to encourage a person deserving the public confidence to
+accept so expensive and responsible a situation, it appears
+indispensable to allow him a handsome salary. I should confer on such a
+consul a superintending power over the consulates for the States of
+Tunis and Tripoli, especially in respect to pecuniary engagements, which
+should not be made without his approbation.
+
+While the present salary of $2,000 a year appears adequate to the
+consulates of Tunis and Tripoli, twice that sum probably will be
+requisite for Algiers.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _July 3, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The whole of the intelligence which has for some time past been received
+from abroad, the correspondences between this Government and the
+ministers of the belligerent powers residing here, and the advices
+from the officers of the United States, civil and military, upon the
+frontiers all conspire to shew in a very strong light the critical
+situation of our country. That Congress might be enabled to form a more
+perfect judgment of it and of the measures necessary to be taken,
+I have directed the proper officers to prepare such collections of
+extracts from the public correspondences as might afford the clearest
+information. The reports made to me from the Secretary of State and the
+Secretary of War, with a collection of documents from each of them, are
+now communicated to both Houses of Congress. I have desired that the
+message, reports, and documents may be considered as confidential merely
+that the members of both Houses of Congress may be apprised of their
+contents before they should be made public. As soon as the two Houses
+shall have heard them, I shall submit to their discretion the
+publication of the whole, or any such parts of them as they shall
+judge necessary or expedient for the public good.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+BY JOHN ADAMS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas an act of the Congress of the United States was passed on the
+9th day of February, 1793, entitled "An act regulating foreign coins,
+and for other purposes," in which it was enacted "that foreign gold and
+silver coins shall pass current as money within the United States and be
+a legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands" at the several
+and respective rates therein stated; and that "at the expiration of
+three years next ensuing the time when the coinage of gold and silver
+agreeably to the act intituled "An act establishing a mint and regulating
+the coins of the United States" shall commence at the Mint of the United
+States (which time shall be announced by the proclamation of the
+President of the United States), all foreign gold coins and all foreign
+silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars,
+shall cease to be a legal tender as aforesaid:
+
+Now, therefore, I, the said John Adams, President of the United States,
+hereby proclaim, announce, and give notice to all whom it may concern
+that, agreeably to the act last above mentioned, the coinage of silver
+at the Mint of the United States commenced on the 15th day of October,
+1794, and the coinage of gold on the 31st day of July, 1795; and that
+consequently, in conformity to the act first above mentioned, all
+foreign silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such
+dollars, will cease to pass current as money within the United States
+and to be a legal tender for the payment of any debts or demands after
+the 15th day of October next, and all foreign gold coins will cease to
+pass current as money within the United States and to be a legal tender
+as aforesaid for the payment of any debts or demands after the 31st day
+of July, which will be A.D. 1798.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the 22d day of July, A.D. 1797, and of the
+Independence of the United States the twenty-second.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  TIMOTHY PICKERING,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _November 22, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account
+of the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia,
+to convene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure
+it was desirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public
+inconvenience and a considerable public expense and add to the
+calamities of the inhabitants of this city, whose sufferings must have
+excited the sympathy of all their fellow-citizens. Therefore, after
+taking measures to ascertain the state and decline of the sickness, I
+postponed my determination, having hopes, now happily realized, that,
+without hazard to the lives or health of the members, Congress might
+assemble at this place, where it was next by law to meet. I submit,
+however, to your consideration whether a power to postpone the meeting
+of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitution upon
+such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794.
+
+Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace
+in Europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties
+of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have,
+nevertheless, abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence
+and influence for interior tranquillity and personal security, for
+propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and
+general improvements, and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and
+religious liberty and a calm but steady determination to support our
+sovereignty, as well as our moral and our religious principles, against
+all open and secret attacks.
+
+Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked---one in July,
+the other early in August--to join their colleague in Holland. I have
+received intelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from
+whence they all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days
+of the 19th of September. Whatever may be the result of this mission,
+I trust that nothing will have been omitted on my part to conduct the
+negotiation to a successful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may
+be compatible with the safety, honor, and interest of the United States.
+Nothing, in the meantime, will contribute so much to the preservation of
+peace and the attainment of justice as a manifestation of that energy
+and unanimity of which on many former occasions the people of the United
+States have given such memorable proofs, and the exertion of those
+resources for national defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly
+placed within their power.
+
+It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the
+adjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary
+measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at the
+opening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was then
+prudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen the
+reasons for its adoption.
+
+Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, and
+whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most
+certain that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained.
+The state of society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and
+religious obligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor
+have been so impaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and
+the law of nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition,
+avarice, and violence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no
+reasonable ground on which to raise an expectation that a commerce
+without protection or defense will not be plundered.
+
+The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their
+existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and
+happiness. The genius, character, and habits of the people are highly
+commercial. Their cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our
+agriculture, fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and
+depend upon it. In short, commerce has made this country what it is, and
+it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in
+poverty and distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by
+navigation. The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the
+rights of commercial and seafaring no less than of the other citizens.
+Under this view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect
+of duty if I forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to
+protect our commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of
+defense as the only sure means of preserving both.
+
+I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power
+at the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable
+information of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty
+respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the
+demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic
+intelligence Spanish garrisons were still continued within our country,
+and the running of the boundary line had not been commenced. These
+circumstances are the more to be regretted as they can not fail to
+affect the Indians in a manner injurious to the United States. Still,
+however, indulging the hope that the answers which have been given will
+remove the objections offered by the Spanish officers to the immediate
+execution of the treaty, I have judged it proper that we should continue
+in readiness to receive the posts and to run the line of limits. Further
+information on this subject will be communicated in the course of the
+session.
+
+In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western
+frontier it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents
+to alienate the affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to
+actual hostilities against the United States. Great activity has been
+exerted by those persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian
+tribes residing within the territory of the United States to influence
+them to transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to
+form them into a confederacy, and prepare them for war against the
+United States. Although measures have been taken to counteract these
+infractions of our rights, to prevent Indian hostilities, and to
+preserve entire their attachment to the United States, it is my duty to
+observe that to give a better effect to these measures and to obviate
+the consequences of a repetition of such practices a law providing
+adequate punishment for such offenses may be necessary.
+
+The commissioners appointed under the fifth article of the treaty of
+amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great
+Britain to ascertain the river which was truly intended under the
+name of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at
+Passamaquoddy Bay in October, 1796, and viewed the mouths of the rivers
+in question and the adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion
+that actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary,
+gave to the agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose,
+and adjourned to meet at Boston in August. They met, but the surveys
+requiring more time than had been supposed, and not being then
+completed, the commissioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence,
+in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when we may expect a final
+examination and decision.
+
+The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the sixth article of the
+treaty met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British
+subjects for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due
+to them from citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various
+causes have hitherto prevented any determinations, but the business is
+now resumed, and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption.
+
+Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for
+losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures
+or condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by
+the commissioners in London comformably to the seventh article of the
+treaty. The sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the
+British Government. A considerable number of other claims, where costs
+and damages, and not captured property, were the only objects in
+question, have been decided by arbitration, and the sums awarded to the
+citizens of the United States have also been paid.
+
+The commissioners appointed agreeably to the twenty-first article of our
+treaty with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and
+decide on the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained
+in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the
+subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war between Spain and
+France. Their sittings have been interrupted, but are now resumed.
+
+The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses
+and damages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the
+commissioners acting under the sixth article of the treaty with Great
+Britain, and for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects by
+reason of the capture of their vessels and merchandise taken within the
+limits and jurisdiction of the United States and brought into their
+ports, or taken by vessels originally armed in ports of the United
+States, upon the awards of the commissioners acting under the seventh
+article of the same treaty, it is necessary that provision be made for
+fulfilling these obligations.
+
+The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French
+Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerable
+expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before
+their tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers
+instances been disbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means
+of the same captures great numbers of our seamen have been thrown ashore
+in foreign countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the
+sick in particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls
+have in these cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these
+advances they reasonably expect reimbursements from the United States.
+
+The consular act relative to seamen requires revision and amendment. The
+provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return
+are found to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems
+necessary to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have
+been discovered sailing under the flag of the United States and with
+forged papers. It seldom happens that the consuls can detect this
+deception, because they have no authority to demand an inspection of
+the registers and sea letters.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects
+which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your
+sphere--the national debts and taxes.
+
+Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was
+provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans
+has been introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes
+sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war,
+the sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the
+subjects of what have been called funding systems. The consequences
+arising from the continual accumulation of public debts in other
+countries ought to admonish us to be careful to prevent their growth in
+our own. The national defense must be provided for as well as the
+support of Government; but both should be accomplished as much as
+possible by immediate taxes, and as little as possible by loans.
+
+The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction
+be laid before you.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+We are met together at a most interesting period. The situations of the
+principal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with
+some by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can
+be indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity
+not less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the
+honor, safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the
+exertions of wisdom and firmness.
+
+In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: The communications you thought proper to make in your speech to
+both Houses of Congress on the opening of their present session afford
+additional proofs of the attention, integrity, and firmness which have
+always marked your official character.
+
+We can not but approve of the measures you had taken to ascertain
+the state and decline of the contagious sickness which has so lately
+afflicted the city of Philadelphia, and the pleasing circumstance that
+Congress is now assembled at that place without hazard to the health
+of its members evinces the propriety of your having postponed a
+determination to convene the National Legislature at another place. We
+shall take into consideration the law of 1794 on this subject, and will
+readily concur in any amendment which may be deemed expedient.
+
+It would have given us much pleasure to have received your
+congratulations on the reestablishment of peace in Europe and the
+restoration of security to the persons and property of our citizens from
+injustice and violence at sea; but though these events, so desirable to
+our country and the world, have not taken place, yet we have abundant
+cause of gratitude to the Great Disposer of Human Events for interior
+tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous
+agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvement, and, above
+all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a calm but
+steady determination to support our sovereignty against all open and
+secret attacks.
+
+We learn with satisfaction that our envoys extraordinary to the French
+Republic had safely arrived in Europe and were proceeding to the scene
+of negotiation, and whatever may be the result of the mission, we are
+perfectly satisfied that nothing on your part has been omitted which
+could in any way conduce to a successful conclusion of the negotiation
+upon terms compatible with the safety, honor, and interest of the United
+States; and we are fully convinced that in the meantime a manifestation
+of that unanimity and energy of which the people of the United States
+have given such memorable proofs and a proper exertion of those
+resources of national defense which we possess will essentially
+contribute to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice.
+
+We think, sir, with you that the commerce of the United States is
+essential to the growth, comfort, and prosperity of our country, and
+that the faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights
+of commercial and seafaring no less than of other citizens. And even if
+our negotiation with France should terminate favorably and the war in
+Europe cease, yet the state of society which unhappily prevails in so
+great a portion of the world and the experience of past times under
+better circumstances unite in warning us that a commerce so extensive
+and which holds out so many temptations to lawless plunderers can never
+be safe without protection; and we hold ourselves obliged by every tie
+of duty which binds us to our constituents to promote and concur in such
+measures of marine defense as may convince our merchants and seamen that
+their rights are not sacrificed nor their injuries forgotten.
+
+We regret that, notwithstanding the clear and explicit terms of the
+treaty between the United States and His Catholic Majesty, the Spanish
+garrisons are not yet withdrawn from our territory nor the running of
+the boundary line commenced. The United States have been faithful in the
+performance of their obligations to Spain, and had reason to expect a
+compliance equally prompt on the part of that power. We still, however,
+indulge the hope that the convincing answers which have been given to
+the objections stated by the Spanish officers to the immediate execution
+of the treaty will have their proper effect, and that this treaty, so
+mutually beneficial to the contracting parties, will be finally observed
+with good faith. We therefore entirely approve of your determination to
+continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run the line of
+partition between our territory and that of the King of Spain.
+
+Attempts to alienate the affections of the Indians, to form them into a
+confederacy, and to excite them to actual hostility against the United
+States, whether made by foreign agents or by others, are so injurious to
+our interests at large and so inhuman with respect to our citizens
+inhabiting the adjacent territory as to deserve the most exemplary
+punishment, and we will cheerfully afford our aid in framing a law which
+may prescribe a punishment adequate to the commission of crimes so
+heinous.
+
+The several objects you have pointed out to the attention of the
+Legislature, whether they regard our internal or external relations,
+shall receive from us that consideration which they merit, and we will
+readily concur in all such measures as may be necessary either to enable
+us to fulfill our engagements at home or to cause ourselves to be
+respected abroad; and at this portentous period, when the powers of
+Europe with whom we are connected by treaty or commerce are in so
+critical a situation, and when the conduct of some of those powers
+toward the United States is so hostile and menacing, the several
+branches of the Government are, in our opinion, called upon with
+peculiar importunity to unite, and by union not only to devise and carry
+into effect those measures on which the safety and prosperity of our
+country depend, but also to undeceive those nations who, regarding us
+as a weak and divided people, have pursued systems of aggression
+inconsistent with a state of peace between independent nations. And,
+sir, we beg leave to assure you that we derive a singular consolation
+from the reflection that at such a time the executive part of our
+Government has been committed to your hands, for in your integrity,
+talents, and firmness we place the most entire confidence.
+
+JACOB READ,
+
+_President of the Senate pro tempore_.
+
+NOVEMBER 27, 1797.
+
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _November 28, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate:_
+
+I thank you for this address.
+
+When, after the most laborious investigation and serious reflection,
+without partial considerations or personal motives, measures have been
+adopted or recommended, I can receive no higher testimony of their
+rectitude than the approbation of an assembly so independent, patriotic,
+and enlightened as the Senate of the United States.
+
+Nothing has afforded me more entire satisfaction than the coincidence
+of your judgment with mine in the opinion of the essential importance
+of our commerce and the absolute necessity of a maritime defense. What
+is it that has drawn to Europe the superfluous riches of the three
+other quarters of the globe but a marine? What is it that has drained
+the wealth of Europe itself into the coffers of two or three of its
+principal commercial powers but a marine?
+
+The world has furnished no example of a flourishing commerce without a
+maritime protection, and a moderate knowledge of man and his history
+will convince anyone that no such prodigy ever can arise. A mercantile
+marine and a military marine must grow up together; one can not long
+exist without the other.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
+UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: While our sympathy is excited by the recent sufferings of the
+citizens of Philadelphia, we participate in the satisfaction which you
+are pleased to express that the duration of the late calamity was so
+limited as to render unnecessary the expense and inconvenience that
+would have been incident to the convention of Congress in another place;
+and we shall readily attend to every useful amendment of the law which
+contemplates the event of contagious sickness at the seat of Government.
+
+In lamenting the increase of the injuries offered to the persons
+and property of our citizens at sea we gratefully acknowledge the
+continuance of interior tranquillity and the attendant blessings of
+which you remind us as alleviations of these fatal effects of injustice
+and violence.
+
+Whatever may be the result of the mission to the French Republic, your
+early and uniform attachment to the interest of our country, your
+important services in the struggle for its independence, and your
+unceasing exertions for its welfare afford no room to doubt of the
+sincerity of your efforts to conduct the negotiation to a successful
+conclusion on such terms as may be compatible with the safety, honor,
+and interest of the United States. We have also a firm reliance upon the
+energy and unanimity of the people of these States in the assertion of
+their rights, and on their determination to exert upon all proper
+occasions their ample resources in providing for the national defense.
+
+The importance of commerce and its beneficial influence upon
+agriculture, arts, and manufactures have been verified in the growth and
+prosperity of our country. It is essentially connected with the other
+great interests of the community; they must flourish and decline
+together; and while the extension of our navigation and trade naturally
+excites the jealousy and tempts the avarice of other nations, we are
+firmly persuaded that the numerous and deserving class of citizens
+engaged in these pursuits and dependent on them for their subsistence
+has a strong and indisputable claim to our support and protection.
+
+The delay of the Spanish officers to fulfill the treaty existing with
+His Catholic Majesty is a source of deep regret. We learn, however, with
+satisfaction that you still indulge hopes of removing the objections
+which have been made to its execution, and that you have continued in
+readiness to receive the posts. Disposed to perform with fidelity our
+national engagements, nothing shall be wanting on our part to obtain the
+same justice from others which we exercise toward them.
+
+Our abhorrence can not be too strongly expressed of the intrigues of
+foreign agents to alienate the affections of the Indians and to rouse
+them to acts of hostility against the United States. No means in our
+power should be omitted of providing for the suppression of such cruel
+practices and for the adequate punishment of their atrocious authors.
+
+Upon the other interesting subjects noticed in your address we shall
+bestow the requisite attention. To preserve inviolable the public
+faith by providing for the due execution of our treaties, to indemnify
+those who may have just claims to retribution upon the United States
+for expenses incurred in defending the property and relieving the
+necessities of our unfortunate fellow-citizens, to guard against
+evasions of the laws intended to secure advantages to the navigation
+of our own vessels, and especially to prevent by all possible means an
+unnecessary accumulation of the public debt, are duties which we shall
+endeavor to keep in view and discharge with assiduity.
+
+We regard with great anxiety the singular and portentous situation of
+the principal powers of Europe. It were devoutly to be wished that the
+United States, remote from this seat of war and discord, unambitious of
+conquests, respecting the rights of other nations, and desirous merely
+to avail themselves of their natural resources, might be permitted to
+behold the scenes which desolate that quarter of the globe with only
+those sympathetic emotions which are natural to the lovers of peace and
+friends of the human race. But we are led by events to associate with
+these feelings a sense of the dangers which menace our security and
+peace. We rely upon your assurances of a zealous and hearty concurrence
+in such measures as may be necessary to avert these dangers, and nothing
+on our part shall be wanting to repel them which the honor, safety, and
+prosperity of our country may require.
+
+NOVEMBER 28, 1797.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+UNITED STATES, _November 29, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I receive this address from the House of Representatives of the United
+States with peculiar pleasure.
+
+Your approbation of the meeting of Congress in this city and of those
+other measures of the Executive authority of Government communicated in
+my address to both Houses at the opening of the session afford me great
+satisfaction, as the strongest desire of my heart is to give
+satisfaction to the people and their Representatives by a faithful
+discharge of my duty.
+
+The confidence you express in the sincerity of my endeavors and in the
+unanimity of the people does me much honor and gives me great joy.
+
+I rejoice in that harmony which appears in the sentiments of all
+the branches of the Government on the importance of our commerce
+and our obligations to defend it, as well as in all the other subjects
+recommended to your consideration, and sincerely congratulate you and
+our fellow-citizens at large on this appearance, so auspicious to the
+honor, interest, and happiness of the nation.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 6, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+Isaac Smith, esq., who was appointed, with the advice and consent of
+the Senate, to hold a treaty with the Seneca Nation of Indians, to
+superintend the purchase of a parcel of their land under a right of
+preemption derived from the State of Massachusetts, and situated within
+the State of New York, having declined that service, Jeremiah Wadsworth,
+esq., was appointed during your recess to hold a treaty, which has
+terminated in a deed of bargain and sale, herewith submitted to your
+consideration.
+
+It being represented to me that the immediate investment in bank stock
+of the moneys which are to be the consideration of this deed might be
+attended with considerable loss to the Indians by raising the market
+price of that article, it is suggested whether it would not be expedient
+that the ratification should be made conclusive and binding on the
+parties only after the President shall be satisfied that the investment
+of the moneys has been made conformably to the intention of the treaty.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 13, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I lay before you the copy of a letter from the judges of the Supreme
+Court of the United States, representing the inconvenience arising from
+altering the time of holding the circuit court for the State of Delaware
+from April to June, and desiring that the existing law may be altered by
+restoring the spring session of the circuit court in Delaware to the
+27th of April.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 30, 1797_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In compliance with the desire of the two Houses of Congress, expressed
+in their resolution of the 2d of March, 1797, that some speedy and
+effectual means might be adopted of obtaining information from the
+States of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
+Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina whether they have ratified the
+amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution concerning the
+suability of States, and if they have, to obtain proper evidences,
+measures have been taken and information and evidences obtained the
+particulars of which will appear in the report from the Secretary of
+State made by my direction on the 28th day of this month, and now
+presented to the two Houses for their consideration.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 5, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The Secretary for the Department of War on the 30th day of December last
+made a representation to me of the situation of affairs in his office,
+which I now transmit to the Senate and House of Representatives, and
+recommend to their consideration and decision.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 8, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The situation of affairs between some of the citizens of the United
+States and the Cherokee Indians has evinced the propriety of holding a
+treaty with that nation to extinguish by purchase their right to certain
+parcels of land and to adjust and settle other points relative to the
+safety and conveniency of our citizens. With this view I nominate Fisher
+Ames, of Dedham, in the State of Massachusetts; Bushrod Washington, of
+Richmond, in the State of Virginia, and Alfred Moore, of North Carolina,
+to be commissioners of the United States with full powers to hold
+conferences and conclude a treaty with the Cherokee Nation of Indians
+for the purposes before mentioned.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have now an opportunity of transmitting to Congress a report of the
+Secretary of State, with a copy of an act of the legislature of the
+State of Kentucky consenting to the ratification of the amendment of
+the Constitution of the United States proposed by Congress in their
+resolution of the 2d day of December, 1793, relative to the suability
+of States. This amendment, having been adopted by three-fourths of the
+several States, may now be declared to be a part of the Constitution of
+the United States.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The situation of affairs between the United States and the Cherokee
+Indians having evinced the expediency of a treaty with that nation for
+the promotion of justice to them, as well as of the interests and
+convenience of our citizens, I have nominated and, by and with the
+advice and consent of the Senate, appointed commissioners to hold
+conferences and conclude a treaty as early as the season of the year
+and the convenience of the parties will admit.
+
+As we know very well by experience such negotiations can not be carried
+on without considerable expenses, I recommend to your consideration the
+propriety of making an appropriation at this time for defraying such as
+may be necessary for holding and concluding a treaty.
+
+That you may form your judgments with greater facility, I shall direct
+the proper officer to lay before you an estimate of such articles and
+expenses as may be thought indispensable.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 18, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+A representation has been made to me by the judge of the Pennsylvania
+district of the United States of certain inconveniences and disagreeable
+circumstances which have occurred in the execution of the law passed on
+the 28th day of May, 1796, entitled "An act for the relief of persons
+imprisoned for debt," as well as of certain doubts which have been
+raised concerning its construction. This representation, together with
+a report of the Attorney-General on the same subject, I now transmit to
+Congress for their consideration, that if any amendments or explanations
+of that law should be thought advisable they may be adopted.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+At the commencement of this session of Congress I proposed in the course
+of it to communicate to both Houses further information concerning
+the situation of our affairs in the territories of the United States
+situated on the Mississippi River and in its neighborhood; our
+intercourse with the Indian nations; our relations with the Spanish
+Government, and the conduct of their officers and agents. This
+information will be found in a report of the Secretary of State and the
+documents attending it, which I now present to the Senate and House of
+Representatives.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 2, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have received from our minister in London two acts of the Parliament
+of Great Britain, one passed on the 4th of July, 1797, entitled "An
+act for carrying into execution the treaty of amity, commerce, and
+navigation concluded between His Majesty and the United States of
+America," the other passed on the 19th day of July, 1797, entitled
+"An act for regulating the trade to be carried on with the British
+possessions in India by the ships of nations in amity with His Majesty."
+These acts have such connections with the commercial and political
+interests of the United States that it is proper they should be
+communicated to Congress. I have accordingly transmitted copies of
+them with this message.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 5, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have received a letter from His Excellency Charles Pinckney, esq.,
+governor of the State of South Carolina, dated the 22d of October, 1797,
+inclosing a number of depositions of witnesses to several captures and
+outrages committed within and near the limits of the United States by a
+French privateer belonging to Cape Francois, or Monte Christo, called
+the _Vertitude_ or _Fortitude_, and commanded by a person of the name of
+Jordan or Jourdain, and particularly upon an English merchant ship named
+the _Oracabissa_, which he first plundered and then burned, with the
+rest of her cargo, of great value, within the territory of the United
+States, in the harbor of Charleston, on the 17th day of October last,
+copies of which letter and depositions, and also of several other
+depositions relative to the same subject, received from the collector
+of Charleston, are herewith communicated.
+
+Whenever the channels of diplomatical communication between the United
+States and France shall be opened, I shall demand satisfaction for the
+insult and reparation for the injury.
+
+I have transmitted these papers to Congress not so much for the purpose
+of communicating an account of so daring a violation of the territory of
+the United States as to show the propriety and necessity of enabling the
+Executive authority of Government to take measures for protecting the
+citizens of the United States and such foreigners as have a right to
+enjoy their peace and the protection of their laws within their limits
+in that as well as some other harbors which are equally exposed.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 12, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In obedience to the law, I now present to both Houses of Congress my
+annual account of expenditures from the contingent fund during the year
+1797, by which it appears that on the 1st day of January last there
+remained in the Treasury a balance of $15,494.24 subject to future
+dispositions of Government.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 18, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In the report of the Secretary of State and the documents herewith
+transmitted will be found such information as is in our possession of
+the losses recovered by the citizens of the United States under the
+treaty made with Great Britain, which are now presented to the House of
+Representatives in compliance with their request in their resolution of
+the 1st of this month.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 20, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In obedience to the law of the United States of the 3d of March, 1797,
+entitled "An act authorizing an expenditure and making an appropriation
+for the prosecution of the claims of certain citizens of the United
+States for property captured by the belligerent powers," I submit to
+Congress the account exhibited to me by the Secretary of State with his
+report of the 17th of this month.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 21, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+Having received the original treaty concluded between the United States
+and the Government of Tunis, I lay it before the Senate of the United
+States whether they advise and consent to its ratification.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 23, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The inclosed memorial from the commissioners appointed under an act of
+the United States entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and
+permanent seat of the Government of the United States," representing
+the situation and circumstances of the city of Washington, I take this
+opportunity to present to both Houses of the Legislature and recommend
+to their consideration. Alexander White, esq., one of those commissioners,
+is now in this city, and will be able to give to Congress, or any of
+their committees, any explanation or further information which the
+subject may require.
+
+JOHN ADAMS
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _March 5, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The first dispatches from our envoys extraordinary since their arrival
+at Paris were received at the Secretary of State's office at a late hour
+last evening. They are all in a character which will require some days
+to be deciphered, except the last, which is dated the 8th of January,
+1798. The contents of this letter are of so much importance to be
+immediately made known to Congress and to the public, especially to the
+mercantile part of our fellow-citizens, that I have thought it my duty
+to communicate them to both Houses without loss of time.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _March 12, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+Insinuations having been repeatedly made in the name of the Court of
+Sweden of an inclination to renew the connection between the United
+States and that power, I sent, in the recess of the Senate, to our
+minister at Berlin a full power to negotiate that business, with
+such alterations as might be agreeable to both parties; but as that
+commission, if not renewed with the advice and consent of the Senate,
+will expire with the present session of Congress, I now nominate John
+Quincy Adams to be a commissioner with full powers to negotiate a treaty
+of amity and commerce with His Majesty the King of Sweden.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _March 19, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The dispatches from the envoys extraordinary of the United States to the
+French Republic, which were mentioned in my message to both Houses of
+Congress of the 5th instant, have been examined and maturely considered.
+
+While I feel a satisfaction in informing you that their exertions for
+the adjustment of the differences between the two nations have been
+sincere and unremitted, it is incumbent on me to declare that I perceive
+no ground of expectation that the objects of their mission can be
+accomplished on terms compatible with the safety, the honor, or the
+essential interests of the nation.
+
+This result can not with justice be attributed to any want of moderation
+on the part of this Government, or to any indisposition to forego
+secondary interests for the preservation of peace. Knowing it to be
+my duty, and believing it to be your wish, as well as that of the
+great body of the people, to avoid by all reasonable concessions any
+participation in the contentions of Europe, the powers vested in our
+envoys were commensurate with a liberal and pacific policy and that high
+confidence which might justly be reposed in the abilities, patriotism,
+and integrity of the characters to whom the negotiation was committed.
+After a careful review of the whole subject, with the aid of all the
+information I have received, I can discern nothing which could have
+insured or contributed to success that has been omitted on my part, and
+nothing further which can be attempted consistently with maxims for
+which our country has contended at every hazard, and which constitute
+the basis of our national sovereignty.
+
+Under these circumstances I can not forbear to reiterate the
+recommendations which have been formerly made, and to exhort you to
+adopt with promptitude, decision, and unanimity such measures as
+the ample resources of the country afford for the protection of our
+seafaring and commercial citizens, for the defense of any exposed
+portions of our territory, for replenishing our arsenals, establishing
+foundries and military manufactures, and to provide such efficient
+revenue as will be necessary to defray extraordinary expenses and supply
+the deficiencies which may be occasioned by depredations on our
+commerce.
+
+The present state of things is so essentially different from that in
+which instructions were given to the collectors to restrain vessels of
+the United States from sailing in an armed condition that the principle
+on which those orders were issued has ceased to exist. I therefore
+deem it proper to inform Congress that I no longer conceive myself
+justifiable in continuing them, unless in particular cases where there
+may be reasonable ground of suspicion that such vessels are intended
+to be employed contrary to law.
+
+In all your proceedings it will be important to manifest a zeal, vigor,
+and concert in defense of the national rights proportioned to the danger
+with which they are threatened.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _April 3, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In compliance with the request of the House of Representatives expressed
+in their resolution of the 2d of this month, I transmit to both Houses
+those instructions to and dispatches from the envoys extraordinary of
+the United States to the French Republic which were mentioned in my
+message of the 19th of March last, omitting only some names and a few
+expressions descriptive of the persons.
+
+I request that they may be considered in confidence until the members
+of Congress are fully possessed of their contents and shall have had
+opportunity to deliberate on the consequences of their publication,
+after which time I submit them to your wisdom.
+
+JOHN ADAMS
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _April 12, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+A treaty with the Mohawk Nation of Indians has by accident lain long
+neglected. It was executed under the authority of the Honorable Isaac
+Smith, a commissioner of the United States. I now submit it to the
+Senate for their consideration.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _May 3, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+His Excellency John Jay, esq., governor of New York, has informed me
+that the Oneida tribe of Indians have proposed to sell a part of their
+land to the said State, and that the legislature at their late session
+authorized the purchase, and to accomplish this object the governor has
+desired that a commissioner may be appointed to hold a treaty with the
+Oneida tribe of Indians, at which the agents of the State of New York
+may agree with them on the terms of the purchase. I therefore nominate
+Joseph Hopkinson, esq., of Pennsylvania, to be the commissioner to hold
+a treaty with the said Oneida tribe of Indians for the purpose above
+mentioned.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _June 21, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+While I congratulate you on the arrival of General Marshall, one of our
+late envoys extraordinary to the French Republic, at a place of safety,
+where he is justly held in honor, I think it my duty to communicate to
+you a letter received by him from Mr. Gerry, the only one of the three
+who has not received his congé. This letter, together with another from
+the minister of foreign relations to him of the 3d of April, and his
+answer of the 4th, will shew the situation in which he remains--his
+intentions and prospects.
+
+I presume that before this time he has received fresh instructions (a
+copy of which accompanies this message) to consent to no loans, and
+therefore the negotiation may be considered at an end.
+
+I will never send another minister to France without assurances that he
+will be received, respected, and honored as the representative of a
+great, free, powerful, and independent nation.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _June 27, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have received a letter from His Excellency Thomas Mifflin, governor of
+Pennsylvania, inclosing some documents which I judge it my duty to lay
+before Congress without loss of time.
+
+As my opinion coincides entirely with that of his excellency the
+governor, I recommend the subject to the consideration of both Houses of
+Congress, whose authority alone appears to me adequate to the occasion.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _July 2, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I nominate George Washington, of Mount Vernon, to be Lieutenant-General
+and Commander in Chief of all the armies raised or to be raised in the
+United States.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _July 13, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+A resolution of both Houses of Congress authorizing an adjournment on
+Monday, the 16th of this month, has been laid before me. Sensible of
+the severity of the service in so long a session, it is with great
+reluctance that I find myself obliged to offer any consideration which
+may operate against the inclinations of the members; but certain
+measures of Executive authority which will require the consideration of
+the Senate, and which can not be matured, in all probability, before
+Monday or Tuesday, oblige me to request of the Senate that they would
+continue their session until Wednesday or Thursday.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _July 17, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+Believing that the letter received this morning from General Washington
+will give high satisfaction to the Senate, I transmit them a copy of it,
+and congratulate them and the public on this great event--the General's
+acceptance of his appointment as Lieutenant-General and Commander in
+Chief of the Army.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+MOUNT VERNON, _July 13, 1798_.
+
+JOHN ADAMS,
+
+_President of the United States_.
+
+DEAR SIR: I had the honor, on the evening of the 11th instant, to
+receive from the hands of the Secretary of War your favor of the 7th,
+announcing that you had, with the advice and consent of the Senate,
+appointed me "Lieutenant-General and Commander in Chief of all the
+armies raised or to be raised for the service of the United States."
+
+I can not express how greatly affected I am at this new proof of public
+confidence and the highly flattering manner in which you have been
+pleased to make the communication. At the same time I must not conceal
+from you my earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less
+declined in years and better qualified to encounter the usual
+vicissitudes of war.
+
+You know, sir, what calculation I had made relative to the probable
+course of events on my retiring from office, and the determination I had
+consoled myself with of closing the remnant of my days in my present
+peaceful abode. You will therefore be at no loss to conceive and
+appreciate the sensations I must have experienced to bring my mind to
+any conclusion that would pledge me, at so late a period of life, to
+leave scenes I sincerely love to enter upon the boundless field of
+public action, incessant trouble, and high responsibility.
+
+It was not possible for me to remain ignorant of or indifferent to
+recent transactions. The conduct of the Directory of France toward our
+country, their insidious hostility to its Government, their various
+practices to withdraw the affections of the people from it, the evident
+tendency of their acts and those of their agents to countenance and
+invigorate opposition, their disregard of solemn treaties and the laws
+of nations, their war upon our defenseless commerce, their treatment of
+our ministers of peace, and their demands amounting to tribute could not
+fail to excite in me corresponding sentiments with those my countrymen
+have so generally expressed in their affectionate addresses to you.
+Believe me, sir, no one can more cordially approve of the wise and
+prudent measures of your Administration. They ought to inspire universal
+confidence, and will no doubt, combined with the state of things, call
+from Congress such laws and means as will enable you to meet the full
+force and extent of the crisis.
+
+Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and endeavored to
+avert war, and exhausted to the last drop the cup of reconciliation, we
+can with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause, and
+may confidently trust the final result to that kind Providence who has
+heretofore and so often signally favored the people of these United
+States.
+
+Thinking in this manner, and feeling how incumbent it is upon every
+person, of every description, to contribute at all times to his
+country's welfare, and especially in a moment like the present, when
+everything we hold dear and sacred is so seriously threatened, I have
+finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the
+armies of the United States, with the reserve only that I shall not be
+called into the field until the Army is in a situation to require my
+presence or it becomes indispensable by the urgency of circumstances.
+
+In making this reservation I beg it to be understood that I do not mean
+to withhold any assistance to arrange and organize the Army which you
+may think I can afford. I take the liberty also to mention that I
+must decline having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any
+immediate charge upon the public, or that I can receive any emoluments
+annexed to the appointment before entering into a situation to incur
+expense.
+
+The Secretary of War being anxious to return to the seat of Government,
+I have detained him no longer than was necessary to a full communication
+upon the several points he had in charge.
+
+With very great respect and consideration, I have the honor to be, dear
+sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
+
+G'o. WASHINGTON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially
+depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the
+national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty
+which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is
+favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which
+social happiness can not exist nor the blessings of a free government
+be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially
+in seasons of difficulty or of danger, when existing or threatening
+calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity, are
+a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of
+America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation
+by the unfriendly disposition, conduct, and demands of a foreign power,
+evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation
+and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of
+injuries on very many of our fellow-citizens while engaged in their
+lawful business on the seas--under these considerations it has appeared
+to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven
+on our country demands at this time a special attention from its
+inhabitants.
+
+I have therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend,
+that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next, be observed throughout the
+United States as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that
+the citizens of these States, abstaining on that day from their
+customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the
+Father of Mercies agreeably to those forms or methods which they have
+severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming; that all religious
+congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before God the
+manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as
+individuals and as a nation, beseeching Him at the same time, of His
+infinite grace, through the Redeemer of the World, freely to remit all
+our offenses, and to incline us by His Holy Spirit to that sincere
+repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his
+inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; that it be made the subject
+of particular and earnest supplication that our country may be protected
+from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious
+privileges may be preserved inviolate and perpetuated to the latest
+generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially
+enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American
+people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence and
+inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past
+been so highly distinguished and by which they have obtained such
+invaluable advantages; that the health of the inhabitants of our land
+may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts, and
+manufactures be blessed and prospered; that the principles of genuine
+piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of
+every description of our citizens, and that the blessings of peace,
+freedom, and pure religion may be speedily extended to all the nations
+of the earth.
+
+And finally, I recommend that on the said day the duties of humiliation
+and prayer be accompanied by fervent thanksgiving to the Bestower
+of Every Good Gift, not only for His having hitherto protected and
+preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment
+of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them
+in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many
+and great favors conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at
+Philadelphia, this 23d day of March, A.D. 1798, and of the Independence
+of the said States the twenty-second.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  TIMOTHY PICKERING,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From C.R. Adams's Works of John Adams, Vol. IX, p. 170.]
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+JULY 13, 1798.
+
+The citizen Joseph Philippe Letombe having heretofore produced to the
+President of the United States his commission as consul-general of the
+French Republic within the United States of America, and another
+commission as consul of the French Republic at Philadelphia; and, in
+like manner, the citizen Rosier having produced his commission as
+vice-consul of the French Republic at New York; and the citizen Arcambal
+having produced his commission as vice-consul of the French Republic at
+Newport; and citizen Theodore Charles Mozard having produced his
+commission as consul of the French Republic within the States of New
+Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; and the President of the
+United States having thereupon granted an exequatur to each of the
+French citizens above named, recognizing them in their respective
+consular offices above mentioned, and declaring them respectively free
+to exercise and enjoy such functions, powers, and privileges as are
+allowed to a consul-general, consuls, and vice-consuls of the French
+Republic by their treaties, conventions, and laws in that case made and
+provided; and the Congress of the United States, by their act passed the
+7th day of July, 1798, having declared "that the United States are of
+right freed and exonerated from the stipulations of the treaties and of
+the consular convention heretofore concluded between the United States
+and France, and that the same shall not henceforth be regarded as
+legally obligatory on the Government or citizens of the United States,"
+and by a former act, passed the 13th day of May, 1798, the Congress of
+the United States having "suspended the commercial intercourse between
+the United States and France and the dependencies thereof," which
+commercial intercourse was the direct and chief object of the consular
+establishment; and
+
+Whereas actual hostilities have long been practiced on the commerce of
+the United States by the cruisers of the French Republic under the
+orders of its Government, which orders that Government refuses to revoke
+or relax; and hence it has become improper any longer to allow the
+consul-general, consuls, and vice-consuls of the French Republic above
+named, or any of its consular persons or agents heretofore admitted in
+these United States, any longer to exercise their consular functions:
+
+These are therefore to declare that I do no longer recognize the said
+citizen Letombe as consul-general or consul, nor the said citizens
+Rosier and Arcambal as vice-consuls, nor the said citizen Mozard as
+consul of the French Republic in any part of these United States, nor
+permit them or any other consular persons or agents of the French
+Republic heretofore admitted in the United States to exercise their
+functions as such; and I do hereby wholly revoke the exequaturs
+heretofore given to them respectively, and do declare them absolutely
+null and void from this day forward.
+
+In testimony whereof, etc.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 8, 1798_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+While with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations
+of Divine Providence in the alarming and destructive pestilence with
+which several of our cities and towns have been visited, there is
+cause for gratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has
+disappeared and that we are again permitted to assemble in safety at
+the seat of Government for the discharge of our important duties. But
+when we reflect that this fatal disorder has within a few years made
+repeated ravages in some of our principal seaports, and with increased
+malignancy, and when we consider the magnitude of the evils arising
+from the interruption of public and private business, whereby the
+national interests are deeply affected, I think it my duty to invite
+the Legislature of the Union to examine the expediency of establishing
+suitable regulations in aid of the health laws of the respective States;
+for these being formed on the idea that contagious sickness may be
+communicated through the channels of commerce, there seems to be a
+necessity that Congress, who alone can regulate trade, should frame a
+system which, while it may tend to preserve the general health, may be
+compatible with the interests of commerce and the safety of the revenue.
+
+While we think on this calamity and sympathize with the immediate
+sufferers, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being our
+annual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation in the
+ordinary blessings of His providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude
+I can not omit to add one of the first importance to our well-being and
+safety; I mean that spirit which has arisen in our country against the
+menaces and aggression of a foreign nation. A manly sense of national
+honor, dignity, and independence has appeared which, if encouraged and
+invigorated by every branch of the Government, will enable us to view
+undismayed the enterprises of any foreign power and become the sure
+foundation of national prosperity and glory.
+
+The course of the transactions in relation to the United States and
+France which have come to my knowledge during your recess will be made
+the subject of a future communication. That communication will confirm
+the ultimate failure of the measures which have been taken by the
+Government of the United States toward an amicable adjustment of
+differences with that power. You will at the same time perceive that the
+French Government appears solicitous to impress the opinion that it is
+averse to a rupture with this country, and that it has in a qualified
+manner declared itself willing to receive a minister from the United
+States for the purpose of restoring a good understanding. It is
+unfortunate for professions of this kind that they should be expressed
+in terms which may countenance the inadmissible pretension of a right to
+prescribe the qualifications which a minister from the United States
+should possess, and that while France is asserting the existence of a
+disposition on her part to conciliate with sincerity the differences
+which have arisen, the sincerity of a like disposition on the part of
+the United States, of which so many demonstrative proofs have been
+given, should even be indirectly questioned. It is also worthy of
+observation that the decree of the Directory alleged to be intended to
+restrain the depredations of French cruisers on our commerce has not
+given, and can not give, any relief. It enjoins them to conform to all
+the laws of France relative to cruising and prizes, while these laws are
+themselves the sources of the depredations of which we have so long, so
+justly, and so fruitlessly complained.
+
+The law of France enacted in January last, which subjects to capture and
+condemnation neutral vessels and their cargoes if any portion of the
+latter are of British fabric or produce, although the entire property
+belong to neutrals, instead of being rescinded has lately received a
+confirmation by the failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this
+law, which, is an unequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nations
+it attacks, continues in force those nations can see in the French
+Government only a power regardless of their essential rights, of their
+independence and sovereignty; and if they possess the means they can
+reconcile nothing with their interest and honor but a firm resistance.
+
+Hitherto, therefore, nothing is discoverable in the conduct of France
+which ought to change or relax our measures of defense. On the contrary,
+to extend and invigorate them is our true policy. We have no reason to
+regret that these measures have been thus far adopted and pursued, and
+in proportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous and incalculable
+situation of Europe we shall discover new and cogent motives for the
+full development of our energies and resources.
+
+But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the
+necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to
+infer that we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for
+war can alone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and
+perseveringly cultivated, and harmony between us and France may be
+restored at her option. But to send another minister without more
+determinate assurances that he would be received would be an act
+of humiliation to which the United States ought not to submit. It
+must therefore be left with France (if she is indeed desirous of
+accommodation) to take the requisite steps. The United States will
+steadily observe the maxims by which they have hitherto been governed.
+They will respect the sacred rights of embassy; and with a sincere
+disposition on the part of France to desist from hostility, to make
+reparation for the injuries heretofore inflicted on our commerce, and to
+do justice in future, there will be no obstacle to the restoration of a
+friendly intercourse. In making to you this declaration I give a pledge
+to France and the world that the Executive authority of this country
+still adheres to the humane and pacific policy which has invariably
+governed its proceedings, in conformity with the wishes of the other
+branches of the Government and of the people of the United States.
+But considering the late manifestations of her policy toward foreign
+nations, I deem it a duty deliberately and solemnly to declare my
+opinion that whether we negotiate with her or not, vigorous preparations
+for war will be alike indispensable. These alone will give to us an
+equal treaty and insure its observance.
+
+Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take the
+liberty to recall your attention to the naval establishment. The
+beneficial effects of the small naval armament provided under the acts
+of the last session are known and acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever
+experienced more sudden and remarkable advantages from any measure of
+policy than we have derived from the arming for our maritime protection
+and defense. We ought without loss of time to lay the foundation for an
+increase of our Navy to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect
+our trade. Such a naval force as it is doubtless in the power of the
+United States to create and maintain would also afford to them the best
+means of general defense by facilitating the safe transportation of
+troops and stores to every part of our extensive coast. To accomplish
+this important object, a prudent foresight requires that systematical
+measures be adopted for procuring at all times the requisite timber and
+other supplies. In what manner this shall be done I leave to your
+consideration.
+
+I will now advert, gentlemen, to some matters of less moment, but proper
+to be communicated to the National Legislature.
+
+After the Spanish garrisons had evacuated the posts they occupied at the
+Natchez and Walnut Hills the commissioner of the United States commenced
+his observations to ascertain the point near the Mississippi which
+terminated the northernmost part of the thirty-first degree of north
+latitude. From thence he proceeded to run the boundary line between
+the United States and Spain. He was afterwards joined by the Spanish
+commissioner, when the work of the former was confirmed, and they
+proceeded together to the demarcation of the line. Recent information
+renders it probable that the Southern Indians, either instigated to
+oppose the demarcation or jealous of the consequences of suffering white
+people to run a line over lands to which the Indian title had not
+been extinguished, have ere this time stopped the progress of the
+commissioners; and considering the mischiefs which may result from
+continuing the demarcation in opposition to the will of the Indian
+tribes, the great expense attending it, and that the boundaries which
+the commissioners have actually established probably extend at least as
+far as the Indian title has been extinguished, it will perhaps become
+expedient and necessary to suspend further proceedings by recalling our
+commissioner.
+
+The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the fifth article of the
+treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and
+His Britannic Majesty to determine what river was truly intended under
+the name of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, and
+forming a part of the boundary therein described, have finally decided
+that question. On the 25th of October they made their declaration that
+a river called Scoodiac, which falls into Passamaquoddy Bay at its
+northwestern quarter, was the true St. Croix intended in the treaty of
+peace, as far as its great fork, where one of its streams comes from the
+westward and the other from the northward, and that the latter stream is
+the continuation of the St. Croix to its source. This decision, it is
+understood, will preclude all contention among individual claimants, as
+it seems that the Scoodiac and its northern branch bound the grants of
+land which have been made by the respective adjoining Governments. A
+subordinate question, however, it has been suggested, still remains to
+be determined. Between the mouth of the St. Croix as now settled and
+what is usually called the Bay of Fundy lie a number of valuable
+islands. The commissioners have not continued the boundary line through
+any channel of these islands, and unless the bay of Passamaquoddy be a
+part of the Bay of Fundy this further adjustment of boundary will be
+necessary. But it is apprehended that this will not be a matter of any
+difficulty.
+
+Such progress has been made in the examination and decision of cases of
+captures and condemnations of American vessels which were the subject of
+the seventh article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation
+between the United States and Great Britain that it is supposed the
+commissioners will be able to bring their business to a conclusion in
+August of the ensuing year.
+
+The commissioners acting under the twenty-fifth article of the treaty
+between the United States and Spain have adjusted most of the claims of
+our citizens for losses sustained in consequence of their vessels and
+cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during
+the late war between France and Spain.
+
+Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the law
+for augmenting the military establishment, among these the desire of
+obtaining the fullest information to direct the best selection of
+officers. As this object will now be speedily accomplished, it is
+expected that the raising and organizing of the troops will proceed
+without obstacle and with effect.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have directed an estimate of the appropriations which will be
+necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you,
+accompanied with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to a
+recent period. It will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent
+and solidity of the public resources from the prosperous state of the
+finances, notwithstanding the unexampled embarrassments which have
+attended commerce. When you reflect on the conspicuous examples of
+patriotism and liberality which have been exhibited by our mercantile
+fellow-citizens, and how great a proportion of the public resources
+depends on their enterprise, you will naturally consider whether their
+convenience can not be promoted and reconciled with the security of the
+revenue by a revision of the system by which the collection is at
+present regulated.
+
+During your recess measures have been steadily pursued for effecting
+the valuations and returns directed by the act of the last session,
+preliminary to the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other
+delays or obstacles have been experienced except such as were expected
+to arise from the great extent of our country and the magnitude and
+novelty of the operation, and enough has been accomplished to assure
+a fulfillment of the views of the Legislature.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I can not close this address without once more adverting to our
+political situation and inculcating the essential importance of uniting
+in the maintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the
+temper and wisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures we
+shall secure to our country that weight and respect to which it is so
+justly entitled.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: The Senate of the United States join you in thanks to Almighty God
+for the removal of the late afflicting dispensations of His providence
+and for the patriotic spirit and general prosperity of our country.
+Sympathy for the sufferings of our fellow-citizens from disease and the
+important interests of the Union demand of the National legislature a
+ready cooperation with the State governments in the use of such means as
+seem best calculated to prevent the return of this fatal calamity.
+
+Although we have sincerely wished that an adjustment of our differences
+with the Republic of France might be effected on safe and honorable
+terms, yet the information you have given us of the ultimate failure of
+the negotiation has not surprised us. In the general conduct of that
+Republic we have seen a design of universal influence incompatible with
+the self-government and destructive of the independence of other States.
+In its conduct toward these United States we have seen a plan of
+hostility pursued with unremitted constancy, equally disregarding the
+obligations of treaties and the rights of individuals. We have seen
+two embassies, formed for the purpose of mutual explanations and
+clothed with the most extensive and liberal powers, dismissed without
+recognition and even without a hearing. The Government of France has not
+only refused to repeal but has recently enjoined the observance of its
+former edict respecting merchandise of British fabric or produce the
+property of neutrals, by which the interruption of our lawful commerce
+and the spoliation of the property of our citizens have again received a
+public sanction. These facts indicate no change of system or disposition;
+they speak a more intelligible language than professions of solicitude
+to avoid a rupture, however ardently made. But if, after the repeated
+proofs we have given of a sincere desire for peace, these professions
+should be accompanied by insinuations implicating the integrity
+with which it has been pursued; if, neglecting and passing by the
+constitutional and authorized agents of the Government, they are
+made through the medium of individuals without public character or
+authority, and, above all, if they carry with them a claim to prescribe
+the political qualifications of the minister of the United States to
+be employed in the negotiation, they are not entitled to attention or
+consideration, but ought to be regarded as designed to separate the
+people from their Government and to bring about by intrigue that which
+open force could not effect.
+
+We are of opinion with you, sir, that there has nothing yet been
+discovered in the conduct of France which can justify a relaxation of
+the means of defense adopted during the last session of Congress, the
+happy result of which is so strongly and generally marked. If the force
+by sea and land which the existing laws authorize should be judged
+inadequate to the public defense, we will perform the indispensable duty
+of bringing forward such other acts as will effectually call forth the
+resources and force of our country.
+
+A steady adherence to this wise and manly policy, a proper direction
+of the noble spirit of patriotism which has arisen in our country, and
+which ought to be cherished and invigorated by every branch of the
+Government, will secure our liberty and independence against all open
+and secret attacks.
+
+We enter on the business of the present session with an anxious
+solicitude for the public good, and shall bestow that consideration
+on the several objects pointed out in your communication which they
+respectively merit.
+
+Your long and important services, your talents and firmness, so often
+displayed in the most trying times and most critical situations, afford
+a sure pledge of a zealous cooperation in every measure necessary to
+secure us justice and respect,
+
+JOHN LAURANCE,
+
+_President of the Senate pro tempore_.
+
+DECEMBER 11, 1798.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+
+DECEMBER 12, 1798.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_.
+
+GENTLEMEN: I thank you for this address, so conformable to the spirit of
+our Constitution and the established character of the Senate of the
+United States for wisdom, honor, and virtue.
+
+I have seen no real evidence of any change of system or disposition in
+the French Republic toward the United States. Although the officious
+interference of individuals without public character or authority is not
+entitled to any credit, yet it deserves to be considered whether that
+temerity and impertinence of individuals affecting to interfere in
+public affairs between France and the United States, whether by their
+secret correspondence or otherwise, and intended to impose upon the
+people and separate them from their Government, ought not to be inquired
+into and corrected.
+
+I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurances that you will bestow that
+consideration on the several objects pointed out in my communication
+which they respectively merit.
+
+If I have participated in that understanding, sincerity, and constancy
+which have been displayed by my fellow-citizens and countrymen in the
+most trying times and critical situations, and fulfilled my duties to
+them, I am happy. The testimony of the Senate of the United States in my
+favor is an high and honorable reward, which receives, as it merits, my
+grateful acknowledgments. My zealous cooperation in measures necessary
+to secure us justice and consideration may be always depended on.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
+UNITED STATES.
+
+
+JOHN ADAMS,
+
+_President of the United States_.
+
+SIR: The House of Representatives unite with you in deploring the
+effects of the desolating malady by which the seat of Government and
+other parts of our country have recently been visited. In calling our
+attention to the fatality of its repeated ravages and inviting us to
+consider the expediency of exercising our constitutional powers in aid
+of the health laws of the respective States, your recommendation is
+sanctioned by the dictates of humanity and liberal policy. On this
+interesting subject we feel the necessity of adopting every wise
+expedient for preventing a calamity so distressing to individual
+sufferers and so prejudicial to our national commerce.
+
+That our finances are in a prosperous state notwithstanding the
+commercial derangements resulting from this calamity and from external
+embarrassments is a satisfactory manifestation of the great extent and
+solidity of the public resources. Connected with this situation of our
+fiscal concerns, the assurance that the legal provisions for obtaining
+revenue by direct taxation will fulfill the views of the Legislature is
+peculiarly acceptable.
+
+Desirous as we are that all causes of hostility may be removed by the
+amicable adjustment of national differences, we learn with satisfaction
+that in pursuance of our treaties with Spain and with Great Britain
+advances have been made for definitively settling the controversies
+relative to the southern and northeastern limits of the United States.
+With similar sentiments have we received your information that the
+proceedings under commissions authorized by the same treaties afford to
+a respectable portion of our citizens the prospect of a final decision
+on their claims for maritime injuries committed by subjects of those
+powers.
+
+It would be the theme of mutual felicitation were we assured of
+experiencing similar moderation and justice from the French Republic,
+between which and the United States differences have unhappily arisen;
+but this is denied us by the ultimate failure of the measures which have
+been taken by this Government toward an amicable adjustment of those
+differences and by the various inadmissible pretensions on the part of
+that nation.
+
+The continuing in force the decree of January last, to which you
+have more particularly pointed our attention, ought of itself to be
+considered as demonstrative of the real intentions of the French
+Government. That decree proclaims a predatory warfare against the
+unquestionable rights of neutral commerce which with our means of
+defense our interest and our honor command us to repel. It therefore
+now becomes the United States to be as determined in resistance as
+they have been patient in suffering and condescending in negotiation.
+
+While those who direct the affairs of France persist in the enforcement
+of decrees so hostile to our essential rights, their conduct forbids us
+to confide in any of their professions of amity.
+
+As, therefore, the conduct of France hitherto exhibits nothing which
+ought to change or relax our measures of defense, the policy of
+extending and invigorating those measures demands our sedulous
+attention. The sudden and remarkable advantages which this country has
+experienced from a small naval armament sufficiently prove the utility
+of its establishment. As it respects the guarding of our coast, the
+protection of our trade, and the facility of safely transporting the
+means of territorial defense to every part of our maritime frontier,
+an adequate naval force must be considered as an important object of
+national policy. Nor do we hesitate to adopt the opinion that, whether
+negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous preparations for
+war will be alike indispensable.
+
+In this conjuncture of affairs, while with you we recognize our abundant
+cause of gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of Events for the ordinary
+blessings of Providence, we regard as of high national importance the
+manifestation in our country of a magnanimous spirit of resistance to
+foreign domination. This spirit merits to be cherished and invigorated
+by every branch of Government as the estimable pledge of national
+prosperity and glory.
+
+Disdaining a reliance on foreign protection, wanting no foreign guaranty
+of our liberties, resolving to maintain our national independence
+against every attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure, we
+confide under Providence in the patriotism and energies of the people of
+these United States for defeating the hostile enterprises of any foreign
+power.
+
+To adopt with prudent foresight such systematical measures as may be
+expedient for calling forth those energies wherever the national
+exigencies may require, whether on the ocean or on our own territory,
+and to reconcile with the proper security of revenue the convenience of
+mercantile enterprise, on which so great a proportion of the public
+resources depends, are objects of moment which shall be duly regarded in
+the course of our deliberations.
+
+Fully as we accord with you in the opinion that the United States ought
+not to submit to the humiliation of sending another minister to France
+without previous assurances sufficiently determinate that he will be
+duly accredited, we have heard with cordial approbation the declaration
+of your purpose steadily to observe those maxims of humane and pacific
+policy by which the United States have hitherto been governed. While it
+is left with France to take the requisite steps for accommodation, it is
+worthy the Chief Magistrate of a free people to make known to the world
+that justice on the part of France will annihilate every obstacle to the
+restoration of a friendly intercourse, and that the Executive authority
+of this country will respect the sacred rights of embassy. At the same
+time, the wisdom and decision which have characterized your past
+Administration assure us that no illusory professions will seduce you
+into any abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States as
+a free and independent nation.
+
+December 13, 1798.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+
+DECEMBER 14, 1798.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States of America_.
+
+GENTLEMEN: My sincere acknowledgments are due to the House of
+Representatives of the United States for this excellent address so
+consonant to the character of representatives of a great and free
+people. The judgment and feelings of a nation, I believe, were never
+more truly expressed by their representatives than those of our
+constituents by your decided declaration that with our means of defense
+our interest and honor command us to repel a predatory warfare against
+the unquestionable rights of neutral commerce; that it becomes the
+United States to be as determined in resistance as they have been
+patient in suffering and condescending in negotiation; that while those
+who direct the affairs of France persist in the enforcement of decrees
+so hostile to our essential rights their conduct forbids us to confide
+in any of their professions of amity; that an adequate naval force
+must be considered as an important object of national policy, and
+that, whether negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous
+preparations for war will be alike indispensable.
+
+The generous disdain you so coolly and deliberately express of a
+reliance on foreign protection, wanting no foreign guaranty of our
+liberties, resolving to maintain our national independence against every
+attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure, will meet the full
+approbation of every sound understanding and exulting applauses from the
+heart of every faithful American.
+
+I thank you, gentlemen, for your candid approbation of my sentiments on
+the subject of negotiation and for the declaration of your opinion that
+the policy of extending and invigorating our measures of defense and the
+adoption with prudent foresight of such systematical measures as may be
+expedient for calling forth the energies of our country wherever the
+national exigencies may require, whether on the ocean or on our own
+territory, will demand your sedulous attention.
+
+At the same time, I take the liberty to assure you it shall be my
+vigilant endeavor that no illusory professions shall seduce me into any
+abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States as a free
+and independent nation.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+JANUARY 8, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In compliance with your desire expressed in your resolution of the 2d
+of this month, I lay before you an extract of a letter from George C.
+Moreton, acting consul of the United States at The Havannah, dated the
+13th of November, 1798, to the Secretary of State, with a copy of a
+letter from him to L. Tresevant and William Timmons, esquires, with
+their answer.
+
+Although your request extends no further than such information as has
+been received, yet it may be a satisfaction to you to know that as soon
+as this intelligence was communicated to me circular orders were given
+by my direction to all the commanders of our vessels of war, a copy of
+which is also herewith transmitted. I also directed this intelligence
+and these orders to be communicated to His Britannic Majesty's envoy
+extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States and
+to our minister plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain, with
+instructions to him to make the proper representation to that Government
+upon this subject.
+
+It is but justice to say that this is the first instance of misbehavior
+of any of the British officers toward our vessels of war that has come
+to my knowledge. According to all the representations that I have seen,
+the flag of the United States and their officers and men have been
+treated by the civil and military authority of the British nation in
+Nova Scotia, the West India islands, and on the ocean with uniform
+civility, politeness, and friendship. I have no doubt that this first
+instance of misconduct will be readily corrected.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 15, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I transmit to you the treaty between the United States and the Cherokee
+Indians, signed near Tellico on the 2d day of October, 1798, for your
+consideration. I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you
+the journal of the commissioners and a copy of their instructions.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 18, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The communication relative to our affairs with France alluded to in my
+address to both Houses at the opening of the session is contained in
+the sheets which accompany this. A report of the Secretary of State,
+containing some observations on them, will be sent to Congress on
+Monday.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 28, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+An edict of the Executive Directory of the French Republic of the 29th
+of October, 1798, inclosed in a letter from our minister plenipotentiary
+in London of the 16th of November, is of so much importance that it can
+not be too soon communicated to you and the public.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+In consequence of intimations from the Court of Russia to our minister
+plenipotentiary at the Court of Great Britain of the desire of that
+power to have a treaty of amity and commerce with the United States,
+and that the negotiation might be conducted in London, I nominate Rufus
+King, our minister plenipotentiary at the Court of Great Britain, to be
+a minister plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating with
+any minister of equal rank and powers a treaty of amity and commerce
+between the United States and the Emperor of all the Russias.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 15, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In pursuance of the request in your resolve of yesterday, I lay before
+you such information as I have received touching a suspension of the
+arrêt of the French Republic, communicated to your House by my message
+of the 28th of January last. But if the execution of that arrêt be
+suspended, or even if it were repealed, it should be remembered that the
+arrêt of the Executive Directory of the 2d of March, 1797, remains in
+force, the third article of which subjects, explicitly and exclusively,
+American seamen to be treated as pirates if found on board ships of the
+enemies of France.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 18, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I transmit to you a document which seems to be intended to be a
+compliance with a condition mentioned at the conclusion of my message
+to Congress of the 21st of June last.
+
+Always disposed and ready to embrace every plausible appearance of
+probability of preserving or restoring tranquillity, I nominate William
+Vans Murray, our minister resident at The Hague, to be minister
+plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic.
+
+If the Senate shall advise and consent to his appointment, effectual
+care shall be taken in his instructions that he shall not go to France
+without direct and unequivocal assurances from the French Government,
+signified by their minister of foreign relations, that he shall be
+received in character, shall enjoy the privileges attached to his
+character by the law of nations, and that a minister of equal rank,
+title, and powers shall be appointed to treat with him, to discuss and
+conclude all controversies between the two Republics by a new treaty.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+[Translation.]
+
+PARIS, _the 7th Vendémiaire of the 7th Year
+  of the French Republic, One and Indivisible_.
+
+_The Minister of Exterior Relations to Citizen Pichon, Secretary of
+Legation of the French Republic near the Batavian Republic_:
+
+I have received successively, Citizen, your letters of the 22d and 27th
+Fructidor [8th and 13th September]. They afford me more and more reason
+to be pleased with the measure you have adopted, to detail to me your
+conversations with Mr. Murray. These conversations, at first merely
+friendly, have acquired consistency by the sanction I have given to them
+by my letter of the 11th Fructidor. I do not regret that you have
+trusted to Mr. Murray's honor a copy of my letter. It was intended for
+you only, and contains nothing but what is conformable to the intentions
+of Government. I am thoroughly convinced that should explanations take
+place with confidence between the two Cabinets, irritation would cease,
+a crowd of misunderstandings would disappear, and the ties of friendship
+would be the more strongly united as each party would discover the hand
+which sought to disunite them. But I will not conceal from you that your
+letters of the 2d and 3d Vendémiaire, just received, surprised me much.
+What Mr. Murray is still dubious of has been very explicitly declared,
+even before the President's message to Congress of the 3d Messidor [21st
+June] last was known in France. I had written it to Mr. Gerry, namely,
+on the 24th Messidor and 4th Thermidor; I did repeat it to him before he
+sat out. A whole paragraph of my letter to you of the 11th Fructidor, of
+which Mr. Murray has a copy, is devoted to develop still more the fixed
+determination of the French Government. According to these bases, you
+were right to assert that whatever plenipotentiary the Government of
+the United States might send to France to put an end to the existing
+differences between the two countries would be undoubtedly received
+with the respect due to the representative of a free, independent, and
+powerful nation.
+
+I can not persuade myself, Citizen, that the American Government need
+any further declarations from us to induce them, in order to renew
+the negotiations, to adopt such measures as would be suggested to
+them by their desire to bring the differences to a peaceable end. If
+misunderstandings on both sides have prevented former explanations from
+reaching that end, it is presumable that, those misunderstandings being
+done away, nothing henceforth will bring obstacles to the reciprocal
+dispositions. The President's instructions to his envoys at Paris, which
+I have only known by the copy given you by Mr. Murray, and received by
+me the 21st Messidor [9th July], announce, if they contain the whole of
+the American Government's intentions, dispositions which could only
+have added to those which the Directory has always entertained; and,
+notwithstanding the posterior acts of that Government, notwithstanding
+the irritating and almost hostile measures they have adopted, the
+Directory has manifested its perseverance in the sentiments which are
+deposited both in my correspondence with Mr. Gerry and in my letter to
+you of the 11th Fructidor, and which I have hereinbefore repeated in the
+most explicit manner. Carry, therefore, Citizen, to Mr. Murray those
+positive expressions in order to convince him of our sincerity, and
+prevail upon him to transmit them to his Government.
+
+I presume, Citizen, that this letter will find you at The Hague; if not,
+I ask it may be sent back to you at Paris.
+
+Salute and fraternity,
+
+CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 25, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+The proposition of a fresh negotiation with France in consequence
+of advances made by the French Government has excited so general an
+attention and so much conversation as to have given occasion to many
+manifestations of the public opinion, from which it appears to me that
+a new modification of the embassy will give more general satisfaction
+to the legislature and to the nation, and perhaps better answer the
+purposes we have in view.
+
+It is upon this supposition and with this expectation that I now
+nominate Oliver Ellsworth, esq., Chief Justice of the United States;
+Patrick Henry, esq., late governor of Virginia, and William Vans Murray,
+esq., our minister resident at The Hague, to be envoys extraordinary and
+ministers plenipotentiary to the French Republic, with full powers to
+discuss and settle by a treaty all controversies between the United
+States and France.
+
+It is not intended that the two former of these gentlemen shall embark
+for Europe until they shall have received from the Executive Directory
+assurances, signified by their secretary of foreign relations, that
+they shall be received in character, that they shall enjoy all the
+prerogatives attached to that character by the law of nations, and
+that a minister or ministers of equal powers shall be appointed and
+commissioned to treat with them.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+MARCH 2, 1799.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Judging it of importance to the public that the Legislature should be
+informed of the gradual progress of their maritime resources, I transmit
+to Congress a statement of the vessels, with their tonnage, warlike
+force, and complement of men, to which commissions as private armed
+vessels have been issued since the 9th day of July last.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From C. F. Adams's Works of John Adams, Vol. IX, p. 172.]
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+MARCH 6, 1799.
+
+As no truth is more clearly taught in the Volume of Inspiration, nor any
+more fully demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep
+sense and a due acknowledgment of the governing providence of a Supreme
+Being and of the accountableness of men to Him as the searcher of hearts
+and righteous distributer of rewards and punishments are conducive
+equally to the happiness and rectitude of individuals and to the
+well-being of communities; as it is also most reasonable in itself that
+men who are made capable of social acts and relations, who owe their
+improvements to the social state, and who derive their enjoyments from
+it, should, as a society, make their acknowledgments of dependence
+and obligation to Him who hath endowed them with these capacities and
+elevated them in the scale of existence by these distinctions; as it is
+likewise a plain dictate of duty and a strong sentiment of nature that
+in circumstances of great urgency and seasons of imminent danger earnest
+and particular supplications should be made to Him who is able to defend
+or to destroy; as, moreover, the most precious interests of the people
+of the United States are still held in jeopardy by the hostile designs
+and insidious acts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination
+among them of those principles, subversive of the foundations of
+all religious, moral, and social obligations, that have produced
+incalculable mischief and misery in other countries; and as, in fine,
+the observance of special seasons for public religious solemnities is
+happily calculated to avert the evils which we ought to deprecate and to
+excite to the performance of the duties which we ought to discharge by
+calling and fixing the attention of the people at large to the momentous
+truths already recited, by affording opportunity to teach and inculcate
+them by animating devotion and giving to it the character of a national
+act:
+
+For these reasons I have thought proper to recommend, and I do hereby
+recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the 25th day of April next, be
+observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn
+humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that the citizens on that day abstain
+as far as may be from their secular occupations, devote the time to the
+sacred duties of religion in public and in private; that they call to
+mind our numerous offenses against the Most High God, confess them
+before Him with the sincerest penitence, implore His pardoning mercy,
+through the Great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions,
+and that through the grace of His Holy Spirit we may be disposed and
+enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to His righteous requisitions
+in time to come; that He would interpose to arrest the progress of that
+impiety and licentiousness in principle and practice so offensive to
+Himself and so ruinous to mankind; that He would make us deeply sensible
+that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any
+people;" that He would turn us from our transgressions and turn His
+displeasure from us; that He would withhold us from unreasonable
+discontent, from disunion, faction, sedition, and insurrection; that He
+would preserve our country from the desolating sword; that He would save
+our cities and towns from a repetition of those awful pestilential
+visitations under which they have lately suffered so severely, and that
+the health of our inhabitants generally may be precious in His sight;
+that He would favor us with fruitful seasons and so bless the labors of
+the husbandman as that there may be food in abundance for man and beast;
+that He would prosper our commerce, manufactures, and fisheries, and
+give success to the people in all their lawful industry and enterprise;
+that He would smile on our colleges, academies, schools, and seminaries
+of learning, and make them nurseries of sound science, morals, and
+religion; that He would bless all magistrates, from the highest to the
+lowest, give them the true spirit of their station, make them a terror
+to evil doers and a praise to them that do well; that He would preside
+over the councils of the nation at this critical period, enlighten
+them to a just discernment of the public interest, and save them
+from mistake, division, and discord; that He would make succeed our
+preparations for defense and bless our armaments by land and by sea;
+that He would put an end to the effusion of human blood and the
+accumulation of human misery among the contending nations of the earth
+by disposing them to justice, to equity, to benevolence, and to peace;
+and that he would extend the blessings of knowledge, of true liberty,
+and of pure and undefiled religion throughout the world.
+
+And I do also recommend that with these acts of humiliation, penitence,
+and prayer fervent thanksgiving to the Author of All Good be united for
+the countless favors which He is still continuing to the people of the
+United States, and which render their condition as a nation eminently
+happy when compared with the lot of others.
+
+Given, etc,
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws for the
+valuation of lands and dwelling houses within the United States have
+existed in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the
+State of Pennsylvania, and have proceeded in a manner subversive of the
+just authority of the Government, by misrepresentations, to render the
+laws odious, by deterring the public officers of the United States to
+forbear the execution of their functions, and by openly threatening
+their lives; and
+
+Whereas the endeavors of the well-affected citizens, as well as of the
+executive officers, to conciliate a compliance with those laws have
+failed of success, and certain persons in the county of Northampton
+aforesaid have been hardy enough to perpetrate certain acts which I am
+advised amount to treason, being overt acts of levying war against the
+United States, the said persons, exceeding one hundred in number and
+armed and arrayed in a warlike manner, having, on the 7th day of this
+present month of March, proceeded to the house of Abraham Lovering, in
+the town of Bethlehem, and there compelled William Nichols, marshal of
+the United States in and for the district of Pennsylvania, to desist
+from the execution of certain legal process in his hands to be executed,
+and having compelled him to discharge and set at liberty certain persons
+whom he had arrested by virtue of criminal process duly issued for
+offenses against the United States, and having impeded and prevented the
+commissioner and the assessors, appointed in conformity with the laws
+aforesaid, in the county of Northampton aforesaid, by threats and
+personal injury, from executing the said laws, avowing as the motives of
+these illegal and treasonable proceedings an intention to prevent by
+force of arms the execution of the said laws and to withstand by open
+violence the lawful authority of the Government of the United States;
+and
+
+Whereas by the Constitution and laws of the United States I am
+authorized, whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed or
+the execution thereof obstructed in any State by combinations too
+powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings
+or by the powers vested in the marshals, to call forth military force to
+suppress such combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed;
+and
+
+Whereas it is in my judgment necessary to call forth military force
+in order to suppress the combinations aforesaid and to cause the laws
+aforesaid to be duly executed, and I have accordingly determined so to
+do, under the solemn conviction that the essential interests of the
+United States demand it:
+
+Wherefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, do hereby
+command all persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom
+it may concern, on or before Monday next, being the 18th day of this
+present month, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective
+abodes; and I do moreover warn all persons whomsoever against aiding,
+abetting, or comforting the perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable
+acts; and I do require all officers and others, good and faithful
+citizens, according to their respective duties and the laws of the land,
+to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and suppress such dangerous
+and unlawful proceedings.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of
+America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my
+hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 12th day of March, A.D. 1799, and
+of the Independence of the said United States of America the
+twenty-third.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  TIMOTHY PICKERING,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From, a broadside in the archives of the Department of State.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas by an act of the Congress of the United States passed the 9th
+day of February last, entitled "An act further to suspend the commercial
+intercourse between the United States and France and the dependencies
+thereof," it is provided that at any time after the passing of this act
+it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, if he shall
+deem it expedient and consistent with the interests of the United
+States, by his order to remit and discontinue for the time being the
+restraints and prohibitions by the said act imposed, either with respect
+to the French Republic or to any island, port, or place belonging to the
+said Republic with which a commercial intercourse may safely be renewed,
+and also to revoke such order whenever, in his opinion, the interest of
+the United States shall require; and he is authorized to make
+proclamation thereof accordingly; and
+
+Whereas the arrangements which have been made at St. Domingo for the
+safety of the commerce of the United States and for the admission of
+American vessels into certain ports of that island do, in my opinion,
+render it expedient and for the interest of the United States to renew a
+commercial intercourse with such ports:
+
+Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of
+the powers vested in me by the above-recited act, do hereby remit and
+discontinue the restraints and prohibitions therein contained within the
+limits and under the regulations here following, to wit:
+
+1. It shall be lawful for vessels which have departed or may depart
+from the United States to enter the ports of Cape François and Port
+Republicain, formerly called Port-au-Prince, in the said island of St.
+Domingo, on and after the 1st day of August next.
+
+2. No vessel shall be cleared for any other port in St. Domingo than
+Cape François and Port Republicain.
+
+3. It shall be lawful for vessels which shall enter the said ports of
+Cape François and Port Republicain after the 31st day of July next
+to depart from thence to any other port in said island between Monte
+Christi on the north and Petit Goave on the west; provided it be done
+with the consent of the Government of St. Domingo and pursuant to
+certificates or passports expressing such consent, signed by the
+consul-general of the United States or consul residing at the port
+of departure.
+
+4. All vessels sailing in contravention of these regulations will be
+out of the protection of the United States and be, moreover, liable
+to capture, seizure, and confiscation.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Philadelphia,
+the 26th day of June, A.D. 1799, and of the Independence of the said
+States the twenty-third.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  TIMOTHY PICKERING,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 3, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+It is with peculiar satisfaction that I meet the Sixth Congress of the
+United States of America. Coming from all parts of the Union at this
+critical and interesting period, the members must be fully possessed of
+the sentiments and wishes of our constituents.
+
+The flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by
+land and by sea; the prosperity of our extended commerce, notwithstanding
+interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the
+world; the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which
+have lately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimable
+advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame of
+government, are continued to us unimpaired, demand of the whole American
+people sincere thanks to a benevolent Deity for the merciful dispensations
+of His providence.
+
+But while these numerous blessings are recollected, it is a painful duty
+to advert to the ungrateful return which has been made for them by some
+of the people in certain counties of Pennsylvania, where, seduced by the
+arts and misrepresentations of designing men, they have openly resisted
+the law directing the valuation of houses and lands. Such defiance was
+given to the civil authority as rendered hopeless all further attempts
+by judicial process to enforce the execution of the law, and it became
+necessary to direct a military force to be employed, consisting of some
+companies of regular troops, volunteers, and militia, by whose zeal and
+activity, in cooperation with the judicial power, order and submission
+were restored and many of the offenders arrested. Of these, some have
+been convicted of misdemeanors, and others, charged with various crimes,
+remain to be tried.
+
+To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and
+to insure a just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment
+of the judiciary system is indispensably necessary. In this extensive
+country it can not but happen that numerous questions respecting the
+interpretation of the laws and the rights and duties of officers and
+citizens must arise. On the one hand, the laws should be executed; on
+the other, individuals should be guarded from oppression. Neither of
+these objects is sufficiently assured under the present organization
+of the judicial department. I therefore earnestly recommend the subject
+to your serious consideration.
+
+Persevering in the pacific and humane policy which had been invariably
+professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the United
+States, when indications were made on the part of the French Republic of
+a disposition to accommodate the existing differences between the two
+countries, I felt it to be my duty to prepare for meeting their advances
+by a nomination of ministers upon certain conditions which the honor of
+our country dictated, and which its moderation had given it a right to
+prescribe. The assurances which were required of the French Government
+previous to the departure of our envoys have been given through their
+minister of foreign relations, and I have directed them to proceed on
+their mission to Paris. They have full power to conclude a treaty,
+subject to the constitutional advice and consent of the Senate. The
+characters of these gentlemen are sure pledges to their country that
+nothing incompatible with its honor or interest, nothing inconsistent
+with our obligations of good faith or friendship to any other nation,
+will be stipulated.
+
+It appearing probable from the information I received that our
+commercial intercourse with some ports in the island of St. Domingo
+might safely be renewed, I took such steps as seemed to me expedient
+to ascertain that point. The result being satisfactory, I then, in
+conformity with the act of Congress on the subject, directed the
+restraints and prohibitions of that intercourse to be discontinued on
+terms which were made known by proclamation. Since the renewal of this
+intercourse our citizens trading to those ports, with their property,
+have been duly respected, and privateering from those ports has ceased.
+
+In examining the claims of British subjects by the commissioners at
+Philadelphia, acting under the sixth article of the treaty of amity,
+commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, a difference of opinion on
+points deemed essential in the interpretation of that article has arisen
+between the commissioners appointed by the United States and the other
+members of that board, from which the former have thought it their duty
+to withdraw. It is sincerely to be regretted that the execution of an
+article produced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice should have
+been thus unavoidably interrupted. It is, however, confidently expected
+that the same spirit of amity and the same sense of justice in which it
+originated will lead to satisfactory explanations. In consequence of
+the obstacles to the progress of the commission in Philadelphia, His
+Britannic Majesty has directed the commissioners appointed by him under
+the seventh article of the treaty relating to the British captures of
+American vessels to withdraw from the board sitting in London, but with
+the express declaration of his determination to fulfill with punctuality
+and good faith the engagements which His Majesty has contracted by his
+treaty with the United States, and that they will be instructed to
+resume their functions whenever the obstacles which impede the progress
+of the commission at Philadelphia shall be removed. It being in like
+manner my sincere determination, so far as the same depends on me, that
+with equal punctuality and good faith the engagements contracted by the
+United States in their treaties with His Britannic Majesty shall be
+fulfilled, I shall immediately instruct our minister at London to
+endeavor to obtain the explanations necessary to a just performance
+of those engagements on the part of the United States. With such
+dispositions on both sides, I can not entertain a doubt that all
+difficulties will soon be removed and that the two boards will then
+proceed and bring the business committed to them respectively to a
+satisfactory conclusion.
+
+The act of Congress relative to the seat of the Government of the United
+States requiring that on the first Monday of December next it should be
+transferred from Philadelphia to the District chosen for its permanent
+seat, it is proper for me to inform you that the commissioners appointed
+to provide suitable buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of
+the President and of the public offices of the Government have made a
+report of the state of the buildings designed for those purposes in
+the city of Washington, from which they conclude that the removal of
+the seat of Government to that place at the time required will be
+practicable and the accommodation satisfactory. Their report will
+be laid before you.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the
+service of the ensuing year, together with an account of the revenue and
+expenditure, to be laid before you. During a period in which a great
+portion of the civilized world has been involved in a war unusually
+calamitous and destructive, it was not to be expected that the United
+States could be exempted from extraordinary, burthens. Although the
+period is not arrived when the measures adopted to secure our country
+against foreign attacks can be renounced, yet it is alike necessary
+for the honor of the Government and the satisfaction of the community
+that an exact economy should be maintained. I invite you, gentlemen,
+to investigate the different branches of the public expenditure. The
+examination will lead to beneficial retrenchments or produce a conviction
+of the wisdom of the measures to which the expenditure relates.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+At a period like the present, when momentous changes are occurring and
+every hour is preparing new and great events in the political world,
+when a spirit of war is prevalent in almost every nation with whose
+affairs the interests of the United States have any connection, unsafe
+and precarious would be our situation were we to neglect the means of
+maintaining our just rights. The result of the mission to France is
+uncertain; but however it may terminate, a steady perseverance in a
+system of national defense commensurate with our resources and the
+situation of our country is an obvious dictate of wisdom; for, remotely
+as we are placed from the belligerent nations, and desirous as we are,
+by doing justice to all, to avoid offense to any, nothing short of the
+power of repelling aggressions will secure to our country a rational
+prospect of escaping the calamities of war or national degradation. As
+to myself, it is my anxious desire so to execute the trust reposed in me
+as to render the people of the United States prosperous and happy. I
+rely with entire confidence on your cooperation in objects equally your
+care, and that our mutual labors will serve to increase and confirm
+union among our fellow-citizens and an unshaken attachment to our
+Government.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
+
+Accept, sir, the respectful acknowledgments of the Senate of the United
+States for your speech delivered to both Houses of Congress at the
+opening of the present session.
+
+While we devoutly join you in offering our thanks to Almighty God for
+the return of health to our cities and for the general prosperity of the
+country, we can not refrain from lamenting that the arts and calumnies
+of factious, designing men have excited open rebellion a second time in
+Pennsylvania, and thereby compelled the employment of a military force
+to aid the civil authority in the execution of the laws. We rejoice that
+your vigilance, energy, and well-timed exertions have crushed so
+daring an opposition and prevented the spreading of such treasonable
+combinations. The promptitude and zeal displayed by the troops called to
+suppress this insurrection deserve our highest commendation and praise,
+and afford a pleasing proof of the spirit and alacrity with which our
+fellow-citizens are ready to maintain the authority of our excellent
+Government.
+
+Knowing as we do that the United States are sincerely anxious for a fair
+and liberal execution of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation
+entered into with Great Britain, we learn with regret that the progress
+of adjustment has been interrupted by a difference of opinion among the
+commissioners. We hope, however, that the justice, the moderation,
+and the obvious interests of both parties will lead to satisfactory
+explanations, and that the business will then go forward to an amicable
+close of all differences and demands between the two countries. We
+are fully persuaded that the Legislature of the United States will
+cheerfully enable you to realize your assurances of performing on our
+part all engagements under our treaties with punctuality and the most
+scrupulous good faith.
+
+When we reflect upon the uncertainty of the result of the late mission
+to France and upon the uncommon nature, extent, and aspect of the war
+now raging in Europe, which affects materially our relations with the
+powers at war, and which has changed the condition of their colonies in
+our neighborhood, we are of opinion with you that it would be neither
+wise nor safe to relax our measures of defense or to lessen any of our
+preparations to repel aggression.
+
+Our inquiries and attention shall be carefully directed to the
+various other important subjects which you have recommended to our
+consideration, and from our experience of your past Administration we
+anticipate with the highest confidence your strenuous cooperation in all
+measures which have a tendency to promote and extend our national
+interests and happiness.
+
+SAMUEL LIVERMORE,
+
+_President of the Senate pro tempore_.
+
+DECEMBER 9, 1799.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 10, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I thank you for this address. I wish you all possible success and
+satisfaction in your deliberations on the means which have a tendency to
+promote and extend our national interests and happiness, and I assure
+you that in all your measures directed to those great objects you may at
+all times rely with the highest confidence on my cordial cooperation.
+
+The praise of the Senate, so judiciously conferred on the promptitude
+and zeal of the troops called to suppress the insurrection, as it falls
+from so high authority, must make a deep impression, both as a terror to
+the disobedient and an encouragement of such as do well.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
+UNITED STATES
+
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: While the House of Representatives contemplate the flattering
+prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by land and by
+sea, the prosperity of our extended commerce notwithstanding the
+interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the
+world, the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which
+have lately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimable
+advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame of
+Government, are continued to us unimpaired, we can not fail to offer
+up to a benevolent Deity our sincere thanks for these the merciful
+dispensations of His protecting providence.
+
+That any portion of the people of America should permit themselves,
+amid such numerous blessings, to be seduced by the arts and
+misrepresentations of designing men into an open resistance of a law
+of the United States can not be heard without deep and serious regret.
+Under a Constitution where the public burthens can only be imposed by
+the people themselves for their own benefit and to promote their own
+objects, a hope might well have been indulged that the general interest
+would have been too well understood and the general welfare too highly
+prized to have produced in any of our citizens a disposition to hazard
+so much felicity by the criminal effort of a part to oppose with lawless
+violence the will of the whole. While we lament that depravity which
+could produce a defiance of the civil authority and render indispensable
+the aid of the military force of the nation, real consolation is to
+be derived from the promptness and fidelity with which that aid was
+afforded. That zealous and active cooperation with the judicial power of
+the volunteers and militia called into service, which has restored order
+and submission to the laws, is a pleasing evidence of the attachment of
+our fellow-citizens to their own free Government, and of the truly
+patriotic alacrity with which they will support it.
+
+To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and to
+insure a just execution of the laws are objects of such real magnitude
+as to secure a proper attention to your recommendation of a revision and
+amendment of the judiciary system.
+
+Highly approving as we do the pacific and humane policy which has been
+invariably professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority
+of the United States, a policy which our best interests enjoined, and
+of which honor has permitted the observance, we consider as the most
+unequivocal proof of your inflexible perseverance in the same well-chosen
+system your preparation to meet the first indications on the part of
+the French Republic of a disposition to accommodate the existing
+differences between the two countries by a nomination of ministers,
+on certain conditions which the honor of our country unquestionably
+dictated, and which its moderation had certainly given it a right to
+prescribe. When the assurances thus required of the French Government,
+previous to the departure of our envoys, had been given through their
+minister of foreign relations, the direction that they should proceed
+on their mission was on your part a completion of the measure, and
+manifests the sincerity with which it was commenced. We offer up our
+fervent prayers to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the success of
+their embassy, and that it may be productive of peace and happiness to
+our common country. The uniform tenor of your conduct through a life
+useful to your fellow-citizens and honorable to yourself gives a sure
+pledge of the sincerity with which the avowed objects of the negotiation
+will be pursued on your part, and we earnestly pray that similar
+dispositions may be displayed on the part of France. The differences
+which unfortunately subsist between the two nations can not fail in
+that event to be happily terminated. To produce this end, to all so
+desirable, firmness, moderation, and union at home constitute, we are
+persuaded, the surest means. The character of the gentlemen you have
+deputed, and still more the character of the Government which deputes
+them, are safe pledges to their country that nothing incompatible with
+its honor or interest, nothing inconsistent with our obligations of good
+faith or friendship to any other nation, will be stipulated.
+
+We learn with pleasure that our citizens, with their property, trading
+to those ports of St. Domingo with which commercial intercourse has been
+renewed have been duly respected, and that privateering from those ports
+has ceased.
+
+With you we sincerely regret that the execution of the sixth article of
+the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, an
+article produced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice, should have
+been unavoidably interrupted. We doubt not that the same spirit of amity
+and the same sense of justice in which it originated will lead to
+satisfactory explanations, and we hear with approbation that our
+minister at London will be immediately instructed to obtain them. While
+the engagements which America has contracted by her treaty with Great
+Britain ought to be fulfilled with that scrupulous punctuality and good
+faith to which our Government has ever so tenaciously adhered, yet no
+motive exists to induce, and every principle forbids us to adopt, a
+construction which might extend them beyond the instrument by which they
+are created. We cherish the hope that the Government of Great Britain
+will disclaim such extension, and by cordially uniting with that of the
+United States for the removal of all difficulties will soon enable the
+boards appointed under the sixth and seventh articles of our treaty
+with that nation to proceed and bring the business committed to them
+respectively to a satisfactory conclusion.
+
+The buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of the President and
+for the public offices of the Government at its permanent seat being
+in such a state as to admit of a removal to that District by the time
+prescribed by the act of Congress, no obstacle, it is presumed, will
+exist to a compliance with the law.
+
+With you, sir, we deem the present period critical and momentous. The
+important changes which are occurring, the new and great events which
+are every hour preparing in the political world, the spirit of war which
+is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs the interests
+of the United States have any connection, demonstrate how unsafe and
+precarious would be our situation should we neglect the means of
+maintaining our just rights. Respecting, as we have ever done, the
+rights of others, America estimates too correctly the value of her
+own and has received evidence too complete that they are only to be
+preserved by her own vigilance ever to permit herself to be seduced by
+a love of ease or by other considerations into that deadly disregard of
+the means of self-defense which could only result from a carelessness
+as criminal as it would be fatal concerning the future destinies of our
+growing Republic. The result of the mission to France is indeed, sir,
+uncertain. It depends not on America alone. The most pacific temper will
+not always insure peace. We should therefore exhibit a system of conduct
+as indiscreet as it would be new in the history of the world if we
+considered the negotiation happily terminated because we have attempted
+to commence it, and peace restored because we wish its restoration. But,
+sir, however this mission may terminate, a steady perseverance in a
+system of national defense commensurate with our resources and the
+situation of our country is an obvious dictate of duty. Experience, the
+parent of wisdom and the great instructor of nations, has established
+the truth of your position, that, remotely as we are placed from the
+belligerent nations and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all,
+to avoid offense to any, yet nothing short of the power of repelling
+aggressions will secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping
+the calamities of war or national degradation.
+
+In the progress of the session we shall take into our serious
+consideration the various and important matters recommended to our
+attention.
+
+A life devoted to the service of your country, talents and integrity
+which have so justly acquired and so long retained the confidence
+and affection of your fellow-citizens, attest the sincerity of your
+declaration that it is your anxious desire so to execute the trust
+reposed in you as to render the people of the United States prosperous
+and happy.
+
+DECEMBER 9, 1799.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 10, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+This very respectful address from the Representatives of the people of
+the United States, at their first assembly after a fresh election, under
+the strong impression of the public opinion and national sense, at this
+interesting and singular crisis of our public affairs, has excited my
+sensibility and receives my sincere and grateful acknowledgments.
+
+As long as we can maintain with harmony and affection the honor of our
+country consistently with its peace, externally and internally, while
+that is attainable, or in war when that becomes necessary, assert its
+real independence and sovereignty, and support the constitutional
+energies and dignity of its Government, we may be perfectly sure, under
+the smiles of Divine Providence, that we shall effectually promote and
+extend our national interest and happiness.
+
+The applause of the Senate and House of Representatives, so justly
+bestowed upon the volunteers and militia for their zealous and active
+cooperation with the judicial power, which has restored order and
+submission to the laws, as it comes with peculiar weight and propriety
+from the Legislature, can not fail to have an extensive and permanent
+effect for the support of Government upon all those ingenuous minds who
+receive delight from the approving and animating voice of their country.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 5, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit to Congress certain documents which have relation to the
+communications made on Tuesday, on the subjects of the insurrection in
+Pennsylvania, the renewal of commerce with St. Domingo, and the mission
+to the French Republic.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 6, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty of amity and commerce
+between the United States and the King of Prussia, signed by their
+ministers on the 11th of July last.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 19, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The letter herewith transmitted will inform you that it has pleased
+Divine Providence to remove from this life our excellent fellow-citizen,
+George Washington, by the purity of his character and a long series of
+services to his country rendered illustrious through the world. It
+remains for an affectionate and grateful people, in whose hearts he
+can never die, to pay suitable honors to his memory.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+MOUNT VERNON, _December 15, 1799_.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: It is with inexpressible grief that I have to announce to you the
+death of the great and good General Washington. He died last evening
+between 10 and 11 o'clock, after a short illness of about twenty hours.
+His disorder was an inflammatory sore throat, which proceeded from a
+cold of which he made but little complaint on Friday. On Saturday
+morning about 3 o'clock he became ill. Dr. Craik attended him in the
+morning, and Dr. Dick, of Alexandria, and Dr. Brown, of Port Tobacco,
+were soon after called in. Every medical assistance was offered, but
+without the desired effect. His last scene corresponded with the whole
+tenor of his life; not a groan nor a complaint escaped him in extreme
+distress. With perfect resignation and in full possession of his reason,
+he closed his well-spent life.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most
+obedient and very humble servant,
+
+TOBIAS LEAR.
+
+
+The Senate, having resolved to wait on the President of the United
+States "to condole with him on the distressing event of the death of
+General George Washington," proceeded to the house of the President,
+when the President of the Senate, in their name, presented the address
+which had previously been agreed to, as follows:
+
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
+
+The Senate of the United States respectfully take leave, sir, to express
+to you their deep regret for the loss their country sustains in the
+death of General George Washington.
+
+This event, so distressing to all our fellow-citizens, must be
+peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been associated with him in deeds
+of patriotism. Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this
+occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man at such a crisis is
+no common calamity to the world. Our country mourns her father. The
+Almighty Disposer of Human Events has taken from us our greatest
+benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to
+Him who maketh darkness His pavilion.
+
+With patriotic pride we review the life of our Washington and compare
+him with those of other countries who have been preeminent in fame.
+Ancient and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt
+have too often been allied, but his fame is whiter than it is brilliant.
+The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his virtue. It
+reproved the intemperance of their ambition and darkened the splendor of
+victory. The scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest
+misfortune should sully his glory. He has traveled on to the end of his
+journey and carried with him an increasing weight of honor. He has
+deposited it safely, where misfortune can not tarnish it, where malice
+can not blast it. Favored of Heaven, he departed without exhibiting the
+weakness of humanity. Magnanimous in death, the darkness of the grave
+could not obscure his brightness.
+
+Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God, his glory is
+consummated. Washington yet lives on earth in his spotless example; his
+spirit is in Heaven.
+
+Let his countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general, the
+patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage. Let them teach their
+children never to forget that the fruit of his labors and his example
+are their inheritance.
+
+SAMUEL LIVERMORE,
+
+_President of the Senate pro tempore_.
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1799.
+
+
+To which the President replied as follows:
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 23, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I receive with the most respectful and affectionate sentiments in this
+impressive address the obliging expressions of your regard for the loss
+our country has sustained in the death of her most esteemed, beloved,
+and admired citizen.
+
+In the multitude of my thoughts and recollections on this melancholy
+event you will permit me only to say that I have seen him in the days of
+adversity, in some of the scenes of his deepest distress and most trying
+perplexities; I have also attended him in his highest elevation and most
+prosperous felicity, with uniform admiration of his wisdom, moderation,
+and constancy.
+
+Among all our original associates in that memorable league of the
+continent in 1774, which first expressed the sovereign will of a
+free nation in America, he was the only one remaining in the General
+Government. Although with a constitution more enfeebled than his at
+an age when he thought it necessary to prepare for retirement, I
+feel myself alone bereaved of my last brother; yet I derive a strong
+consolation from the unanimous disposition which appears in all ages
+and classes to mingle their sorrows with mine on this common calamity
+to the world.
+
+The life of our Washington can not suffer by comparison with those of
+other countries who have been most celebrated and exalted by fame. The
+attributes and decorations of royalty could have only served to eclipse
+the majesty of those virtues which made him, from being a modest
+citizen, a more resplendent luminary.
+
+Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have sullied his glory only
+with those superficial minds who, believing that characters and actions
+are marked by success alone, rarely deserve to enjoy it. Malice could
+never blast his honor, and envy made him a singular exception to her
+universal rule. For himself, he had lived enough to life and to glory.
+For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could have been answered, he
+would have been immortal. For me, his departure is at a most unfortunate
+moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous dominion of
+Providence over the passions of men and the results of their councils
+and actions, as well as over their lives, nothing remains for me but
+humble resignation.
+
+His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to
+magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in
+future generations as long as our history shall be read. If a Trajan
+found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want biographers, eulogists,
+or historians.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+The House of Representatives having resolved unanimously to wait on
+the President of the United States '"in condolence of this national
+calamity," the Speaker, attended by the House, withdrew to the house of
+the President, when the Speaker addressed the President as follows:
+
+
+SIR: The House of Representatives, penetrated with a sense of the
+irreparable loss sustained by the nation in the death of that great and
+good man, the illustrious and beloved Washington, wait on you, sir, to
+express their condolence on this melancholy and distressing event.
+
+To which the President replied as follows:
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 19, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I receive with great respect and affection the condolence of the House
+of Representatives on the melancholy and affecting event in the death
+of the most illustrious and beloved personage which this country ever
+produced. I sympathize with you, with the nation, and with good men
+through the world in this irreparable loss sustained by us all.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 31, 1799_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I nominate Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State; Oliver Wolcott,
+Secretary of the Treasury, and Samuel Sitgreaves, esq., of Pennsylvania,
+to be commissioners to adjust and determine, with commissioners
+appointed under the legislative authority of the State of Georgia, all
+interfering claims of the United States and that State to territories
+situate west of the river Chatahouchee, north of the thirty-first degree
+of north latitude, and south of the cession made to the United States by
+South Carolina; and also to receive any proposals for the relinquishment
+or cession of the whole or any part of the other territory claimed by
+the State of Georgia, and out of the ordinary jurisdiction thereof,
+according to the law of the United States of the 7th of April, 1798.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 6, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of Congress of
+the 21st of December last, I transmitted a copy of these resolutions, by
+my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound
+respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character, of their
+condolence in the late afflicting dispensation of Providence, and
+entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General George
+Washington in the manner expressed in the first resolution. As the
+sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this nation than
+she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as
+in her own words, I transmit to Congress her original letter.
+
+It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make any comments upon
+it, but there can be no doubt that the nation at large, as well as
+all the branches of the Government, will be highly gratified by any
+arrangement which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of her individual
+feelings.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+MOUNT VERNON, _December 31, 1799_.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: While I feel with keenest anguish the late dispensation of Divine
+Providence, I can not be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect
+and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband;
+and as his best services and most anxious wishes were always devoted to
+the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they were truly
+appreciated and gratefully remembered affords no inconsiderable
+consolation.
+
+Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me never
+to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the
+request made by Congress, which you have had the goodness to transmit
+to me; and in doing this I need not, I can not, say what a sacrifice
+of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty.
+
+With grateful acknowledgments and unfeigned thanks for the personal
+respect and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself,
+I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+MARTHA WASHINGTON.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 13, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+A report made to me on the 5th of this month by the Secretary of War
+contains various matters in which the honor and safety of the nation are
+deeply interested. I transmit it, therefore, to Congress and recommend
+it to their serious consideration.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 14, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+As the inclosed letter from a member of your House received by me in
+the night of Saturday, the 11th instant, relates to the privileges of
+the House, which, in my opinion, ought to be inquired into in the House
+itself, if anywhere, I have thought proper to submit the whole letter
+and its tendencies to your consideration without any other comments on
+its matter or style; but as no gross impropriety of conduct on the part
+of persons holding commissions in the Army or Navy of the United States
+ought to pass without due animadversion, I have directed the Secretary
+of War and the Secretary of the Navy to investigate the conduct
+complained of and to report to me without delay such a statement of
+facts as will enable me to decide on the course which duty and justice
+shall appear to prescribe.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 23, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit to Congress for the information of the members a report
+of the Secretary of State of the 9th instant, a letter from Matthew
+Clarkson, esq., to him of the 2d, and a list of the claims adjusted
+by the commissioners under the twenty-first article of our treaty
+with Spain.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 14, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit herewith a copy of the laws enacted by the governor and
+judges of the Mississippi Territory, for the inspection of Congress.
+There being but this one copy, I must request the House, when they
+have made the requisite examination, to send it to the Senate.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From C. F. Adams's Works of John Adams, Vol. IX, p. 177.]
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+MAY 9, 1800.
+
+Whereas by an act of Congress of the United States passed the 27th day
+of February last, entitled "An act further to suspend the commercial
+intercourse between the United States and France and the dependencies
+thereof," it is enacted that at any time after the passing of the said
+act it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, by his
+order, to remit and discontinue for the time being, whenever he shall
+deem it expedient and for the interest of the United States, all or any
+of the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the said act in respect to
+the territories of the French Republic, or to any island, port, or place
+belonging to the said Republic with which, in his opinion, a commercial
+intercourse may be safely renewed, and to make proclamation thereof
+accordingly; and it is also thereby further enacted that the whole of
+the island of Hispaniola shall, for the purposes of the said act, be
+considered as a dependence of the French Republic; and
+
+Whereas the circumstances of certain ports and places of the said island
+not comprised in the proclamation of the 26th day of June, 1799, are
+such that I deem it expedient and for the interest of the United States
+to remit and discontinue the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the
+said act in respect to those ports and places in order that a commercial
+intercourse with the same may be renewed:
+
+Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of
+the powers vested in me as aforesaid, do hereby remit and discontinue
+the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the act aforesaid in respect
+to all the ports and places in the said island of Hispaniola from Monte
+Christi on the north, round by the eastern end thereof as far as the
+port of Jacmel on the south, inclusively. And it shall henceforth be
+lawful for vessels of the United States to enter and trade at any of
+the said ports and places, provided it be done with the consent of
+the Government of St. Domingo. And for this purpose it is hereby
+required that such vessels first enter the port of Cape Francois or
+Port Republicain, in the said island, and there obtain the passports
+of the said Government, which shall also be signed by the consul-general
+or consul of the United States residing at Cape François or Port
+Republicain, permitting such vessel to go thence to the other ports and
+places of the said island hereinbefore mentioned and described. Of all
+which the collectors of the customs and all other officers and citizens
+of the United States are to take due notice and govern themselves.
+
+In testimony, etc.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Seventh Congress, second session, 1552.]
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+BY JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+Whereas the late wicked and treasonable insurrection against the just
+authority of the United States of sundry persons in the counties of
+Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in
+the year 1799, having been speedily suppressed without any of the
+calamities usually attending rebellion; whereupon peace, order, and
+submission to the laws of the United States were restored in the
+aforesaid counties, and the ignorant, misguided, and misinformed in the
+counties have returned to a proper sense of their duty, whereby it is
+become unnecessary for the public good that any future prosecutions
+should be commenced or carried on against any person or persons by
+reason of their being concerned in the said insurrection:
+
+Wherefore be it known that I, John Adams, President of the United States
+of America, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full, free,
+and absolute pardon to all and every person or persons concerned in the
+said insurrection, excepting as hereinafter excepted, of all treasons,
+misprisions of treason, felonies, misdemeanors, and other crimes by them
+respectively done or committed against the United States in either of
+the said counties before the 12th day of March, in the year 1799,
+excepting and excluding therefrom every person who now standeth indicted
+or convicted of any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense
+against the United States, whereby remedying and releasing unto all
+persons, except as before excepted, all pains and penalties incurred,
+or supposed to be incurred, for or on account of the premises.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at
+the city of Philadelphia, this 21st day of May, A.D. 1800, and of the
+Independence of the said States the twenty-fourth.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+BY JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas by an act of the Congress of the United States passed on the
+27th day of February last, entitled "An act further to suspend the
+commercial intercourse between the United States and France and the
+dependencies thereof," it is enacted "that at any time after the passing
+of the said act it shall be lawful for the President of the United
+States, by his order, to remit and discontinue for the time being,
+whenever he shall deem it expedient and for the interest of the United
+States, all or any of the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the
+said act in respect to the territories of the French Republic, or to any
+island, port, or place belonging to the said Republic with which, in his
+opinion, a commercial intercourse may be safely renewed, and to make
+proclamation thereof accordingly;" and it is also thereby further
+enacted that the whole of the island of Hispaniola shall, for the
+purposes of the said act, be considered as a dependence of the French
+Republic; and
+
+Whereas the circumstances of the said islands are such that, in my
+opinion, a commercial intercourse may safely be renewed with every part
+thereof, under the limitations and restrictions hereinafter mentioned:
+
+Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of
+the powers vested in me as aforesaid, do hereby remit and discontinue
+the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the act aforesaid in respect
+to every part of the said island, so that it shall be lawful for vessels
+of the United States to trade at any of the ports and places thereof,
+provided it be done with the consent of the Government of St. Domingo;
+and for this purpose it is hereby required that such vessels first clear
+for and enter the port of Cape Français or Port Republicain, in the said
+island, and there obtain the passports of the said Government, which
+shall also be signed by the consul-general of the United States, or
+their consul residing at Cape Français, or their consul residing at Port
+Republicain, permitting such vessels to go thence to the other ports and
+places of the said island. Of all which the collectors of the customs
+and all other officers and citizens of the United States are to take due
+notice and govern themselves accordingly.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at
+the city of Washington, this 6th day of September, A.D. 1800, and of
+the Independence of the said States the twenty-fifth.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+By the President:
+  J. MARSHALL,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _November 22, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session in
+Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the
+removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions
+have been executed, and the public officers have since resided and
+conducted the ordinary business of the Government in this place.
+
+I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of
+Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate
+you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed.
+Although there is cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now
+so complete as might be wished, yet there is great reason to believe
+that this inconvenience will cease with the present session.
+
+It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble
+for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the
+Supreme Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing.
+
+May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this
+city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that
+constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose
+name it bears be forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our
+country may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish
+forever!
+
+It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the
+District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the
+United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this
+important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while
+performing it to take into view the future probable situation of the
+territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will
+consider it as the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled
+rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and
+possessing within itself those energies and resources which, if not
+thrown away or lamentably misdirected, will secure to it a long course
+of prosperity and self-government.
+
+In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers
+and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real
+pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic
+motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the
+readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of
+private citizens.
+
+It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the
+laws into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the
+administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the
+Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their
+present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to
+your serious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No
+subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to
+none can those improvements which may have been suggested by experience
+be more beneficially applied.
+
+A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been
+concluded and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and
+I have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation.
+
+The difficulties which suspended the execution of the sixth article
+of our treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain
+have not yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still
+depending. As it must be for the interest and honor of both nations
+to adjust this difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the
+expectation that the sincere endeavors of the Government of the United
+States to bring it to an amicable termination will not be disappointed.
+
+The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United
+States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due
+to their character, and three persons with equal powers were appointed
+to treat with them. Although at the date of the last official
+intelligence the negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped
+that our efforts to effect an accommodation will at length meet with a
+success proportioned to the sincerity with which they have been so often
+repeated.
+
+While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all
+nations will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our
+own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently
+to their success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence,
+abandon those measures of self-protection which are adapted to our
+situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence
+and injustice of others may again compel us to resort While our vast
+extent of seacoast, the commercial and agricultural habits of our
+people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean,
+suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial to
+ourselves, our distance from Europe and our resources for maritime
+strength will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable and
+systematic arrangements, so far as our resources will justify, for a
+navy adapted to defensive war, and which may in case of necessity be
+quickly brought into use, seem to be as much recommended by a wise and
+true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquillity, for the
+safety of our shores, and for the protection of our property committed
+to the ocean.
+
+The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by
+a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the
+protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our
+expectations the objects for which it was created.
+
+In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of
+some of our principal seaports and harbors. A variety of considerations,
+which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure
+of precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums
+have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for
+Congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in
+order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications
+which have been commenced.
+
+The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the
+attention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the
+public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as,
+with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future
+importations from foreign countries.
+
+_Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the
+ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and
+expenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much
+satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has
+been more considerable than during any former equal period. This result
+affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and
+of the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by
+Congress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public
+credit.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistibly
+drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited
+an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to
+deplore and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced
+it. If, turning our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the
+prospect which presents itself; if we perceive the interior of our
+country prosperous, free, and happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the
+protection of laws emanating only from the general will, the fruits of
+their own labor, we ought to fortify and cling to those institutions
+which have been the source of such real felicity and resist with
+unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous innovations
+which may diminish their influence.
+
+To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty of
+guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a
+sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure
+you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from
+me the most zealous cooperation.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: Impressed with the important truth that the hearts of rulers and
+people are in the hand of the Almighty, the Senate of the United States
+most cordially join in your invocations for appropriate blessings upon
+the Government and people of this Union.
+
+We meet you, sir, and the other branch of the National Legislature in
+the city which is honored by the name of our late hero and sage, the
+illustrious Washington, with sensations and emotions which exceed our
+power of description.
+
+While we congratulate ourselves on the convention of the Legislature at
+the permanent seat of Government, and ardently hope that permanence and
+stability may be communicated as well to the Government itself as to its
+seat, our minds are irresistibly led to deplore the death of him who
+bore so honorable and efficient a part in the establishment of both.
+Great indeed would have been our gratification if his sum of earthly
+happiness had been completed by seeing the Government thus peaceably
+convened at this place; but we derive consolation from a belief that the
+moment in which we were destined to experience the loss we deplore was
+fixed by that Being whose counsels can not err, and from a hope that
+since in this seat of Government, which bears his name, his earthly
+remains will be deposited, the members of Congress, and all who inhabit
+the city, with these memorials before them, will retain his virtues in
+lively recollection, and make his patriotism, morals, and piety models
+for imitation. And permit us to add, sir, that it is not among the least
+of our consolations that you, who have been his companion and friend
+from the dawning of our national existence, and trained in the same
+school of exertion to effect our independence, are still preserved by a
+gracious Providence in health and activity to exercise the functions of
+Chief Magistrate.
+
+The question whether the local powers over the District of Columbia,
+vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States, shall
+be immediately exercised is of great importance, and in deliberating
+upon it we shall naturally be led to weigh the attending circumstances
+and every probable consequence of the measures which may be proposed.
+
+The several subjects for legislative consideration contained in your
+speech to both Houses of Congress shall receive from the Senate all the
+attention which they can give, when contemplating those objects, both in
+respect to their national importance and the additional weight that is
+given them by your recommendation.
+
+We deprecate with you, sir, all spirit of innovation from whatever
+quarter it may arise, which may impair the sacred bond that connects the
+different parts of this Empire, and we trust that, under the protection
+of Divine Providence the wisdom and virtue of the citizens of the United
+States will deliver our national compact unimpaired to a grateful
+posterity.
+
+From past experience it is impossible for the Senate of the United
+States to doubt of your zealous cooperation with the Legislature in
+every effort to promote the general happiness and tranquillity of the
+Union.
+
+Accept, sir, our warmest wishes for your health and happiness.
+
+JOHN E. HOWARD,
+
+_President of the Senate pro tempore_.
+
+NOVEMBER 25, 1800.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+CITY OF WASHINGTON, _November 26, 1800_.
+
+_Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+For this excellent address, so respectful to the memory of my
+illustrious predecessor, which I receive from the Senate of the United
+States at this time and in this place with peculiar satisfaction, I pray
+you to accept of my unfeigned acknowledgments. With you I ardently hope
+that permanence and stability will be communicated as well to the
+Government itself as to its beautiful and commodious seat. With you
+I deplore the death of that hero and sage who bore so honorable and
+efficient a part in the establishment of both. Great indeed would have
+been my gratification if his sum of earthly happiness had been completed
+by seeing the Government thus peaceably convened at this place, himself
+at its head; but while we submit to the decisions of Heaven, whose
+councils are inscrutable to us, we can not but hope that the members of
+Congress, the officers of Government, and all who inhabit the city or
+the country will retain his virtues in lively recollection and make his
+patriotism, morals, and piety models for imitation.
+
+I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the several subjects for
+legislative consideration recommended in my communication to both Houses
+shall receive from the Senate a deliberate and candid attention.
+
+With you, gentlemen, I sincerely deprecate all spirit of innovation
+which may weaken the sacred bond that connects the different parts
+of this nation and Government, and with you I trust that under the
+protection of Divine Providence the wisdom and virtue of our citizens
+will deliver our national compact unimpaired to a free, prosperous,
+happy, and grateful posterity. To this end it is my fervent prayer that
+in this city the foundations of wisdom may be always opened and the
+streams of eloquence forever flow. Here may the youth of this extensive
+country forever look up without disappointment, not only to the
+monuments and memorials of the dead, but to the examples of the living,
+in the members of Congress and officers of Government, for finished
+models of all those virtues, graces, talents, and accomplishments which
+constitute the dignity of human nature and lay the only foundation for
+the prosperity or duration of empires.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
+UNITED STATES.
+
+JOHN ADAMS,
+
+_President of the United States_.
+
+SIR: The House of Representatives have received with great respect the
+communication which you have been pleased to make to the two Houses of
+Congress at the commencement of the present session.
+
+The final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has
+now taken place, within the District of Columbia is an event of no small
+importance in the political transactions of our country, and we
+cordially unite our wishes with yours that this Territory may be the
+residence of happiness and virtue.
+
+Nor can we on this occasion omit to express a hope that the spirit
+which animated the great founder of this city may descend to future
+generations, and that the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness which
+marked the events of his public life may be imitated in all succeeding
+ages.
+
+A consideration of those powers which have been vested in Congress over
+the District of Columbia will not escape our attention, nor shall we
+forget that in exercising these powers a regard must be had to those
+events which will necessarily attend the capital of America.
+
+The cheerfulness and regularity with which the officers and soldiers of
+the temporary army have returned to the condition of private citizens is
+a testimony clear and conclusive of the purity of those motives which
+induced them to engage in the public service, and will remain a proof on
+all future occasions that an army of soldiers drawn from the citizens of
+our country deserve our confidence and respect.
+
+No subject can be more important than that of the judiciary, which you
+have again recommended to our consideration, and it shall receive our
+early and deliberate attention.
+
+The Constitution of the United States having confided the management
+of our foreign negotiations to the control of the Executive power, we
+cheerfully submit to its decisions on this important subject; and in
+respect to the negotiations now pending with France, we sincerely hope
+that the final result may prove as fortunate to our country as the most
+ardent mind can wish.
+
+So long as a predatory war is carried on against our commerce we
+should sacrifice the interests and disappoint the expectations of our
+constituents should we for a moment relax that system of maritime
+defense which has resulted in such beneficial effects. At this period it
+is confidently believed that few persons can be found within the United
+States who do not admit that a navy, well organized, must constitute the
+natural and efficient defense of this country against all foreign
+hostility.
+
+The progress which has been made in the manufacture of arms leaves
+no doubt that the public patronage has already placed this country
+beyond all necessary dependence on foreign markets for an article so
+indispensable for defense, and gives us assurances that, under the
+encouragement which Government will continue to extend to this important
+object, we shall soon rival foreign countries not only in the number but
+in the quality of arms completed from our own manufactories.
+
+Few events could have been more pleasing to our constituents than that
+great and rapid increase of revenue which has arisen from permanent
+taxes. Whilst this event explains the great and increasing resources of
+our country, it carries along with it a proof which can not be resisted
+that those measures of maritime defense which were calculated to meet
+our enemy upon the ocean, and which have produced such extensive
+protection to our commerce, were founded in wisdom and policy. The mind
+must, in our opinion, be insensible to the plainest truths which can not
+discern the elevated ground on which this policy has placed our country.
+That national spirit which alone could vindicate our common rights has
+been roused, and those latent energies which had not been fully known
+were unfolded and brought into view, and our fellow-citizens were
+prepared to meet every event which national honor or national security
+could render necessary. Nor have its effects been much less important in
+other respects.
+
+Whilst many of the nations of the earth have been impoverished and
+depopulated by internal commotions and national contests, our internal
+peace has not been materially impaired; our commerce has extended, under
+the protection of our infant Navy, to every part of the globe; wealth
+has flowed without intermission into our seaports, and the labors of the
+husbandman have been rewarded by a ready market for the productions of
+the soil.
+
+Be assured, sir, that the various and important subjects recommended to
+our consideration shall receive our early and deliberate attention; and,
+confident of your cooperation in every measure which may be calculated
+to promote the general interest, we shall endeavor on our part to
+testify by our industry and dispatch the zeal and sincerity with which
+we regard the public good
+
+NOVEMBER 26, 1800.
+
+
+
+REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
+
+WASHINGTON, _November 27, 1800_.
+
+_Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Compelled by the habits of a long life, as well as by all the principles
+of society and government which I could ever understand and believe, to
+consider the great body of the people as the source of all legitimate
+authority no less than of all efficient power, it is impossible for
+me to receive this address from the immediate Representatives of the
+American people at this time and in this place without emotions which
+it would be improper to express if any language could convey them.
+
+May the spirit which animated the great founder of this city descend
+to future generations, and may the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness
+which marked the events of his public life be imitated in all succeeding
+ages.
+
+I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the judiciary system
+shall receive your deliberate attention.
+
+With you, gentlemen, I sincerely hope that the final result of the
+negotiations now pending with France may prove as fortunate to our
+country as they have been commenced with sincerity and prosecuted with
+deliberation and caution. With you I cordially agree that so long as a
+predatory war is carried on against our commerce we should sacrifice the
+interests and disappoint the expectations of our constituents should we
+for a moment relax that system of maritime defense which has resulted in
+such beneficial effects. With you I confidently believe that few persons
+can be found within the United States who do not admit that a navy, well
+organized, must constitute the natural and efficient defense of this
+country against all foreign hostility.
+
+Those who recollect the distress and danger to this country in former
+periods from the want of arms must exult in the assurance from their
+Representatives that we shall soon rival foreign countries not only
+in the number but in the quality of arms completed from our own
+manufactories.
+
+With you, gentlemen, I fully agree that the great increase of revenue is
+a proof that the measures of maritime defense were founded in wisdom.
+This policy has raised us in the esteem of foreign nations. That
+national spirit and those latent energies which had not been and are not
+yet fully known to any were not entirely forgotten by those who had
+lived long enough to see in former times their operation and some of
+their effects. Our fellow-citizens were undoubtedly prepared to meet
+every event which national honor or national security could render
+necessary. These, it is to be hoped, are secured at the cheapest and
+easiest rate; if not, they will be secured at more expense.
+
+I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the various subjects
+recommended to your consideration shall receive your deliberate
+attention. No further evidence is wanting to convince me of the zeal
+and sincerity with which the House of Representatives regard the public
+good.
+
+I pray you, gentlemen, to accept of my best wishes for your health and
+happiness.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _December 15, 1800_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I transmit to the Senate, for their consideration and decision, a
+convention, both in English and French, between the United States of
+America and the French Republic, signed at Paris on the 30th day of
+September last by the respective plenipotentiaries of the two powers.
+I also transmit to the Senate three manuscript volumes containing the
+journal of our envoys.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 7, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit to both Houses of Congress, for their information and
+consideration, copies of laws enacted by the governor and judges of the
+Mississippi Territory from the 30th of June until the 31st of December,
+A.D. 1799.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 17, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have received from Elias Boudinot, esq., Director of the Mint of
+the United States, a report of the 2d of January, representing the
+state of it, together with an abstract of the coins struck at the
+Mint from the 1st of January to the 31st of December, 1800; an abstract
+of the expenditures of the Mint from the 1st of January to the 31st of
+December, inclusive; a statement of gain on copper coined at the Mint
+from the 1st of January to the 31st of December, 1800, and a certificate
+from Joseph Richardson, assayer of the Mint, ascertaining the value of
+Spanish milled doubloons in proportion to the gold coins of the United
+States to be no more than 84 cents and 424/500 parts of a cent for 1
+pennyweight, or 28 grains and 24256/84848 parts of a grain to one
+dollar. These papers I transmit to Congress for their consideration,
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 21, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+In compliance with your request, signified in your resolution of the
+20th day of this month, I transmit you a report made to me by the
+Secretary of State on the same day, a letter of our late envoys to him
+of the 4th of October last, an extract of a letter from our minister
+plenipotentiary in London to him of the 22d of November last, and an
+extract of another letter from the minister to the Secretary of the 31st
+of October last.
+
+The reasoning in the letter of our late envoys to France is so fully
+supported by the writers on the law of nations, particularly by Vattel,
+as well as by his great masters, Grotius and Puffendorf, that nothing is
+left to be desired to settle the point that if there be a collision
+between two treaties made with two different powers the more ancient has
+the advantage, for no engagement contrary to it can be entered into in
+the treaty afterwards made; and if this last be found in any case
+incompatible with the more ancient one its execution is considered as
+impossible, because the person promising had not the power of acting
+contrary to his antecedent engagement. Although our right is very clear
+to negotiate treaties according to our own ideas of right and justice,
+honor and good faith, yet it must always be a satisfaction to know that
+the judgment of other nations with whom we have connection coincides
+with ours, and that we have no reason to apprehend that any disagreeable
+questions and discussions are likely to arise. The letters from Mr. King
+will therefore be read by the Senate with particular satisfaction.
+
+The inconveniences to public officers and the mischiefs to the public
+arising from the publication of the dispatches of ministers abroad are
+so numerous and so obvious that I request of the Senate that these
+papers, especially the letters from Mr. King, be considered in close
+confidence.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _January 30, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit to Congress for their consideration a letter from William
+Thornton, Alexander White, and William Cranch, esquires, commissioners
+of the city of Washington, with a representation of the affairs of the
+city made by them to the President of the United States, dated 28th of
+January, 1801, accompanied with a series of documents marked from A to
+H, inclusively.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 16, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I wish to know the pleasure of Congress and request their direction
+concerning the disposition of the property of the United States now in
+my possession; whether I shall deliver it into the hands of the heads of
+Departments, or of the commissioners of the city of Washington, or of a
+committee of Congress, or to any other persons Congress may appoint, to
+be delivered into the hands of my successor, or whether I shall present
+it myself to the President of the United States on the 4th of March
+next. Any of these modes will be agreeable to me.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _February 20, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I transmit to Congress a report received this morning from Elias
+Boudinot, esq., Director of the Mint, dated February 13, 1801, which
+will require the attention and decision of Congress before the close of
+the session.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+UNITED STATES, _March 2, 1801_.
+
+_Gentlemen of the Senate_:
+
+I have considered the advice and consent of the Senate to the
+ratification of the convention with France under certain conditions.
+Although it would have been more conformable to my own judgment and
+inclination to have agreed to that instrument unconditionally, yet as
+in this point I found I had the misfortune to differ in opinion from
+so high a constitutional authority as the Senate, I judged it more
+consistent with the honor and interest of the United States to ratify it
+under the conditions prescribed than not at all. I accordingly nominated
+Mr. Bayard minister plenipotentiary to the French Republic, that he
+might proceed without delay to Paris to negotiate the exchange of
+ratifications; but as that gentleman has declined his appointment,
+for reasons equally applicable to every other person suitable for the
+service, I shall take no further measures relative to this business,
+and leave the convention, with all the documents, in the Office of
+State, that my successor may proceed with them according to his wisdom.
+
+JOHN ADAMS.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+JANUARY 30, 1801.
+
+_To the Senators of the United States, respectively_.
+
+SIR: It appearing to me proper and necessary for the public service that
+the Senate of the United States should be convened on Wednesday, the 4th
+of March next, you are desired to attend in the Chamber of the Senate on
+that day, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to receive and act upon any
+communications which the President of the United States may then lay
+before you touching their interests, and to do and consider all other
+things which may be proper and necessary for the public service for the
+Senate to do and consider.
+
+ JOHN ADAMS,
+_President of the United States_.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and
+Papers of the Presidents, by Edited by James D. Richardson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10894 ***