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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of
+the Presidents, by Edited by James D. Richardson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents
+       Section 4 (of 4) of Volume 1: James Madison
+
+Author: Edited by James D. Richardson
+
+Release Date: January 31, 2004 [EBook #10895]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JAMES MADISON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS.
+
+BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON
+
+
+James Madison
+
+March 4, 1809, to March 4, 1817
+
+
+
+
+James Madison
+
+
+James Madison was born in King George County, Va., on the 16th of March,
+1751. He was the son of James Madison, the family being of English
+descent, and among the early settlers of Virginia. Was fitted for
+college by private tutors, and entered Princeton College in 1769,
+graduating in 1771; remained a year at college pursuing his studies.
+After this he returned to Virginia and began the practice of law. In
+1776 was elected a member of the general assembly of Virginia, and in
+1778 was appointed a member of the executive council. In the winter of
+1779-80 was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress, of which body
+he continued an active and prominent member till 1784. The legislature
+of Virginia appointed him in 1786 a delegate to a convention at
+Annapolis, Md., to devise a system of commercial regulations for all the
+States. Upon their recommendation a convention of delegates from all the
+States was held in Philadelphia in May, 1787. This Convention framed the
+Constitution of the United States, and of it Mr. Madison was a leading
+member. He was next a member of the convention of his State which met to
+consider the new Constitution for the United States. Was a member of the
+House of Representatives in the First Congress, taking his seat in
+April, 1789, and continued to be a member of the House during both of
+Washington's terms as President. He married Mrs. Dolly Paine Todd, of
+Philadelphia, in 1794, she being the widow of a Pennsylvania lawyer. Her
+father was a Quaker, and had removed from Virginia to Philadelphia.
+Declined the office of Secretary of State, vacated by Jefferson, in
+1793. He retired from Congress in 1797, and in 1798 accepted a seat in
+the Virginia assembly. In 1801 was appointed by President Jefferson
+Secretary of State, which office he held during the eight years of
+Jefferson's Administration. In 1808 was elected President, and was
+reelected in 1812. On March 4, 1817, he retired from public life, and
+passed the remainder of his days at Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. In
+1829 was chosen a member of the State convention to revise the
+constitution of Virginia, and was also chosen president of an
+agricultural society in his county. He died on the 28th day of June,
+1836, and was buried at his home.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ELECT.
+
+The President of the Senate communicated the following letter from the
+President elect of the United States:
+
+CITY OF WASHINGTON, _March 2, 1809_.
+
+Hon. JOHN MILLEDGE,
+
+_President pro tempore of the Senate_.
+
+SIR: I beg leave through you to inform the honorable the Senate of the
+United States that I propose to take the oath which the Constitution
+prescribes to the President of the United States before he enters on the
+execution of his office on Saturday, the 4th instant, at 12 o'clock, in
+the Chamber of the House of Representatives.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+Unwilling to depart from examples of the most revered authority, I avail
+myself of the occasion now presented to express the profound impression
+made on me by the call of my country to the station to the duties of
+which I am about to pledge myself by the most solemn of sanctions. So
+distinguished a mark of confidence, proceeding from the deliberate and
+tranquil suffrage of a free and virtuous nation, would under any
+circumstances have commanded my gratitude and devotion, as well as
+filled me with an awful sense of the trust to be assumed. Under the
+various circumstances which give peculiar solemnity to the existing
+period, I feel that both the honor and the responsibility allotted to me
+are inexpressibly enhanced.
+
+The present situation of the world is indeed without a parallel, and
+that of our own country full of difficulties. The pressure of these,
+too, is the more severely felt because they have fallen upon us at a
+moment when the national prosperity being at a height not before
+attained, the contrast resulting from the change has been rendered the
+more striking. Under the benign influence of our republican
+institutions, and the maintenance of peace with all nations whilst so
+many of them were engaged in bloody and wasteful wars, the fruits of a
+just policy were enjoyed in an unrivaled growth of our faculties and
+resources. Proofs of this were seen in the improvements of agriculture,
+in the successful enterprises of commerce, in the progress of
+manufactures and useful arts, in the increase of the public revenue and
+the use made of it in reducing the public debt, and in the valuable
+works and establishments everywhere multiplying over the face of our
+land.
+
+It is a precious reflection that the transition from this prosperous
+condition of our country to the scene which has for some time been
+distressing us is not chargeable on any unwarrantable views, nor, as I
+trust, on any involuntary errors in the public councils. Indulging no
+passions which trespass on the rights or the repose of other nations, it
+has been the true glory of the United States to cultivate peace by
+observing justice, and to entitle themselves to the respect of the
+nations at war by fulfilling their neutral obligations with the most
+scrupulous impartiality. If there be candor in the world, the truth of
+these assertions will not be questioned; posterity at least will do
+justice to them.
+
+This unexceptionable course could not avail against the injustice and
+violence of the belligerent powers. In their rage against each other, or
+impelled by more direct motives, principles of retaliation have been
+introduced equally contrary to universal reason and acknowledged law.
+How long their arbitrary edicts will be continued in spite of the
+demonstrations that not even a pretext for them has been given by the
+United States, and of the fair and liberal attempt to induce a
+revocation of them, can not be anticipated. Assuring myself that under
+every vicissitude the determined spirit and united councils of the
+nation will be safeguards to its honor and its essential interests, I
+repair to the post assigned me with no other discouragement than what
+springs from my own inadequacy to its high duties. If I do not sink
+under the weight of this deep conviction it is because I find some
+support in a consciousness of the purposes and a confidence in the
+principles which I bring with me into this arduous service.
+
+To cherish peace and friendly intercourse with all nations having
+correspondent dispositions; to maintain sincere neutrality toward
+belligerent nations; to prefer in all cases amicable discussion and
+reasonable accommodation of differences to a decision of them by an
+appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrigues and foreign partialities,
+so degrading to all countries and so baneful to free ones; to foster a
+spirit of independence too just to invade the rights of others, too
+proud to surrender our own, too liberal to indulge unworthy prejudices
+ourselves and too elevated not to look down upon them in others; to hold
+the union of the States as the basis of their peace and happiness; to
+support the Constitution, which is the cement of the Union, as well in
+its limitations as in its authorities; to respect the rights and
+authorities reserved to the States and to the people as equally
+incorporated with and essential to the success of the general system; to
+avoid the slightest interference with the rights of conscience or the
+functions of religion, so wisely exempted from civil jurisdiction; to
+preserve in their full energy the other salutary provisions in behalf of
+private and personal rights, and of the freedom of the press; to observe
+economy in public expenditures; to liberate the public resources by an
+honorable discharge of the public debts; to keep within the requisite
+limits a standing military force, always remembering that an armed and
+trained militia is the firmest bulwark of republics--that without
+standing armies their liberty can never be in danger, nor with large
+ones safe; to promote by authorized means improvements friendly to
+agriculture, to manufactures, and to external as well as internal
+commerce; to favor in like manner the advancement of science and the
+diffusion of information as the best aliment to true liberty; to carry
+on the benevolent plans which have been so meritoriously applied to the
+conversion of our aboriginal neighbors from the degradation and
+wretchedness of savage life to a participation of the improvements of
+which the human mind and manners are susceptible in a civilized
+state--as far as sentiments and intentions such as these can aid the
+fulfillment of my duty, they will be a resource which can not fail me.
+
+It is my good fortune, moreover, to have the path in which I am to tread
+lighted by examples of illustrious services successfully rendered in the
+most trying difficulties by those who have marched before me. Of those
+of my immediate predecessor it might least become me here to speak. I
+may, however, be pardoned for not suppressing the sympathy with which my
+heart is full in the rich reward he enjoys in the benedictions of a
+beloved country, gratefully bestowed for exalted talents zealously
+devoted through a long career to the advancement of its highest interest
+and happiness.
+
+But the source to which I look for the aids which alone can supply my
+deficiencies is in the well-tried intelligence and virtue of my
+fellow-citizens, and in the counsels of those representing them in the
+other departments associated in the care of the national interests. In
+these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to
+that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and
+guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of
+nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this
+rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout
+gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best
+hopes for the future.
+
+MARCH 4, 1809.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL SESSION MESSAGE.
+
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+On this first occasion of meeting you it affords me much satisfaction to
+be able to communicate the commencement of a favorable change in our
+foreign relations, the critical state of which induced a session of
+Congress at this early period.
+
+In consequence of the provisions of the act interdicting commercial
+intercourse with Great Britain and France, our ministers at London and
+Paris were without delay instructed to let it be understood by the
+French and British Governments that the authority vested in the
+Executive to renew commercial intercourse with their respective nations
+would be exercised in the case specified by that act.
+
+Soon after these instructions were dispatched it was found that the
+British Government, anticipating from early proceedings of Congress at
+their last session the state of our laws, which has had the effect of
+placing the two belligerent powers on a footing of equal restrictions,
+and relying on the conciliatory disposition of the United States, had
+transmitted to their legation here provisional instructions not only to
+offer satisfaction for the attack on the frigate _Chesapeake_, and
+to make known the determination of His Britannic Majesty to send an
+envoy extraordinary with powers to conclude a treaty on all the points
+between the two countries, but, moreover, to signify his willingness in
+the meantime to withdraw his orders in council, in the persuasion that
+the intercourse with Great Britain would be renewed on the part of the
+United States.
+
+These steps of the British Government led to the correspondence and the
+proclamation now laid before you, by virtue of which the commerce
+between the two countries will be renewable after the 10th day of June
+next.
+
+Whilst I take pleasure in doing justice to the councils of His Britannic
+Majesty, which, no longer adhering to the policy which made an
+abandonment by France of her decrees a prerequisite to a revocation of
+the British orders, have substituted the amicable course which has
+issued thus happily, I can not do less than refer to the proposal
+heretofore made on the part of the United States, embracing a like
+restoration of the suspended commerce, as a proof of the spirit of
+accommodation which has at no time been intermitted, and to the result
+which now calls for our congratulations, as corroborating the principles
+by which the public councils have been guided during a period of the
+most trying embarrassments.
+
+The discontinuance of the British orders as they respect the United
+States having been thus arranged, a communication of the event has been
+forwarded in one of our public vessels to our minister plenipotentiary
+at Paris, with instructions to avail himself of the important addition
+thereby made to the considerations which press on the justice of the
+French Government a revocation of its decrees or such a modification of
+them as that they shall cease to violate the neutral commerce of the
+United States.
+
+The revision of our commercial laws proper to adapt them to the
+arrangement which has taken place with Great Britain will doubtless
+engage the early attention of Congress. It will be worthy at the same
+time of their just and provident care to make such further alterations
+in the laws as will more especially protect and foster the several
+branches of manufacture which have been recently instituted or extended
+by the laudable exertions of our citizens.
+
+Under the existing aspect of our affairs I have thought it not
+inconsistent with a just precaution to have the gunboats, with the
+exception of those at New Orleans, placed in a situation incurring no
+expense beyond that requisite for their preservation and conveniency for
+future service, and to have the crews of those at New Orleans reduced to
+the number required for their navigation and safety.
+
+I have thought also that our citizens detached in quotas of militia
+amounting to 100,000 under the act of March, 1808, might not improperly
+be relieved from the state in which they were held for immediate
+service. A discharge of them has been accordingly directed.
+
+The progress made in raising and organizing the additional military
+force, for which provision was made by the act of April, 1808, together
+with the disposition of the troops, will appear by a report which the
+Secretary of War is preparing, and which will be laid before you.
+
+Of the additional frigates required by an act of the last session to be
+fitted for actual service, two are in readiness, one nearly so, and the
+fourth is expected to be ready in the month of July. A report which the
+Secretary of the Navy is preparing on the subject, to be laid before
+Congress, will shew at the same time the progress made in officering and
+manning these ships. It will shew also the degree in which the
+provisions of the act relating to the other public armed ships have been
+carried into execution.
+
+It will rest with the judgment of Congress to decide how far the change
+in our external prospects may authorize any modifications of the laws
+relating to the army and navy establishments.
+
+The works of defense for our seaport towns and harbors have proceeded
+with as much activity as the season of the year and other circumstances
+would admit. It is necessary, however, to state that, the appropriations
+hitherto made being found to be deficient, a further provision will
+claim the early consideration of Congress.
+
+The whole of the 8 per cent stock remaining due by the United States,
+amounting to $5,300,000, had been reimbursed on the last day of the year
+1808; and on the 1st day of April last the sum in the Treasury exceeded
+$9,500,000. This, together with the receipts of the current year on
+account of former revenue bonds, will probably be nearly if not
+altogether sufficient to defray the expenses of the year. But the
+suspension of exports and the consequent decrease of importations during
+the last twelve months will necessarily cause a great diminution in the
+receipts of the year 1810. After that year, should our foreign relations
+be undisturbed, the revenue will again be more than commensurate to all
+the expenditures.
+
+Aware of the inconveniences of a protracted session at the present
+season of the year, I forbear to call the attention of the Legislature
+to any matters not particularly urgent. It remains, therefore, only to
+assure you of the fidelity and alacrity with which I shall cooperate
+for the welfare and happiness of our country, and to pray that it may
+experience a continuance of the divine blessings by which it has been
+so signally favored.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+MAY 23, 1809.
+
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+MAY 26, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress the report of the Secretary of War, shewing
+the progress made in carrying into effect the act of April, 1808, for
+raising an additional military force, and the disposition of the troops.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JUNE 4, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the request of the legislature of Pennsylvania, I
+transmit to Congress a copy of certain of its proceedings, communicated
+for the purpose by the governor of that State.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JUNE 15, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 13th instant,
+I transmit extracts from letters from Mr. Pinkney to the Secretary of
+State, accompanied by letters and communications to him from the British
+secretary of state for the foreign department, all of which have been
+received here since the last session of Congress.
+
+To these documents are added a communication just made by Mr. Erskine
+to the Secretary of State, and his answer.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JUNE 20, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 19th instant, I
+transmit such information as has been received respecting exiles from
+Cuba arrived or expected within the United States; also a letter from
+General Turreau connected with that subject.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JUNE 26, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+The considerations which led to the nomination of a minister
+plenipotentiary to Russia being strengthened by evidence since received
+of the earnest desire of the Emperor to establish a diplomatic
+intercourse between the two countries, and of a disposition in his
+councils favorable to the extension of a commerce mutually advantageous,
+as will be seen by the extracts from letters from General Armstrong and
+Consul Harris herewith confidentially communicated, I nominate John
+Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, to be minister plenipotentiary of the
+United States to the Court of St. Petersburg.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Eleventh Congress, part 2, 2060.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is provided by the eleventh section of the act of Congress
+entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the
+United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and
+for other purposes," that "in case either France or Great Britain shall
+so revoke or modify her edicts as that they shall cease to violate the
+neutral commerce of the United States" the President is authorized to
+declare the same by proclamation, after which the trade suspended by the
+said act and by an act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the
+ports and harbors of the United States and the several acts
+supplementary thereto may be renewed with the nation so doing; and
+
+Whereas the Honorable David Montague Erskine, His Britannic Majesty's
+envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, has, by the order and
+in the name of his Sovereign, declared to this Government that the
+British orders in council of January and November, 1807, will have been
+withdrawn as respects the United States on the 10th day of June next:
+
+Now, therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States, do
+hereby proclaim that the orders in council aforesaid will have been
+withdrawn on the said 10th day of June next, after which day the trade
+of the United States with Great Britain, as suspended by the act of
+Congress above mentioned and an act laying an embargo on all ships and
+vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States and the several
+acts supplementary thereto, may be renewed.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States at Washington,
+the 19th day of April, A.D. 1809, and of the Independence of the United
+States the thirty-third.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  R. SMITH,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Eleventh Congress, part 2, 2076.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas, in consequence of a communication from His Britannic Majesty's
+envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary declaring that the
+British orders of council of January and November, 1807, would have been
+withdrawn on the 10th day of June last, and by virtue of authority given
+in such event by the eleventh section of the act of Congress entitled
+"An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United
+States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for
+other purposes," I, James Madison, President of the United States, did
+issue my proclamation bearing date on the 19th of April last, declaring
+that the orders in council aforesaid would have been so withdrawn on the
+said 10th day of June, after which the trade suspended by certain acts
+of Congress might be renewed; and
+
+Whereas it is now officially made known to me that the said orders in
+council have not been withdrawn agreeably to the communication and
+declaration aforesaid:
+
+I do hereby proclaim the same, and, consequently, that the trade
+renewable on the event of the said orders, being withdrawn, is to be
+considered as under the operation of the several acts by which such
+trade was suspended.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States at the city of
+Washington, the 9th day of August, A.D. 1809, and of the Independence
+of the said United States the thirty-fourth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  R. SMITH,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 29, 1809.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+At the period of our last meeting I had the satisfaction of
+communicating an adjustment with one of the principal belligerent
+nations, highly important in itself, and still more so as presaging a
+more extended accommodation. It is with deep concern I am now to inform
+you that the favorable prospect has been overclouded by a refusal of the
+British Government to abide by the act of its minister plenipotentiary,
+and by its ensuing policy toward the United States as seen through the
+communications of the minister sent to replace him.
+
+Whatever pleas may be urged for a disavowal of engagements formed by
+diplomatic functionaries in cases where by the terms of the engagements
+a mutual ratification is reserved, or where notice at the time may have
+been given of a departure from instructions, or in extraordinary cases
+essentially violating the principles of equity, a disavowal could not
+have been apprehended in a case where no such notice or violation
+existed, where no such ratification was reserved, and more especially
+where, as is now in proof, an engagement to be executed without any such
+ratification was contemplated by the instructions given, and where it
+had with good faith been carried into immediate execution on the part of
+the United States.
+
+These considerations not having restrained the British Government from
+disavowing the arrangement by virtue of which its orders in council were
+to be revoked, and the event authorizing the renewal of commercial
+intercourse having thus not taken place, it necessarily became a
+question of equal urgency and importance whether the act prohibiting
+that intercourse was not to be considered as remaining in legal force.
+This question being, after due deliberation, determined in the
+affirmative, a proclamation to that effect was issued. It could not but
+happen, however, that a return to this state of things from that which
+had followed an execution of the arrangement by the United States would
+involve difficulties. With a view to diminish these as much as possible,
+the instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury now laid before you
+were transmitted to the collectors of the several ports. If in
+permitting British vessels to depart without giving bonds not to proceed
+to their own ports it should appear that the tenor of legal authority
+has not been strictly pursued, it is to be ascribed to the anxious
+desire which was felt that no individuals should be injured by so
+unforeseen an occurrence; and I rely on the regard of Congress for
+the equitable interests of our own citizens to adopt whatever further
+provisions may be found requisite for a general remission of penalties
+involuntarily incurred.
+
+The recall of the disavowed minister having been followed by the
+appointment of a successor, hopes were indulged that the new mission
+would contribute to alleviate the disappointment which had been
+produced, and to remove the causes which had so long embarrassed the
+good understanding of the two nations. It could not be doubted that it
+would at least be charged with conciliatory explanations of the step
+which had been taken and with proposals to be substituted for the
+rejected arrangement. Reasonable and universal as this expectation was,
+it also has not been fulfilled. From the first official disclosures of
+the new minister it was found that he had received no authority to enter
+into explanations relative to either branch of the arrangement disavowed
+nor any authority to substitute proposals as to that branch which
+concerned the British orders in council, and, finally, that his
+proposals with respect to the other branch, the attack on the frigate
+_Chesapeake_, were founded on a presumption repeatedly declared to
+be inadmissible by the United States, that the first step toward
+adjustment was due from them, the proposals at the same time omitting
+even a reference to the officer answerable for the murderous aggression,
+and asserting a claim not less contrary to the British laws and British
+practice than to the principles and obligations of the United States.
+
+The correspondence between the Department of State and this minister
+will show how unessentially the features presented in its commencement
+have been varied in its progress. It will show also that, forgetting the
+respect due to all governments, he did not refrain from imputations on
+this, which required that no further communications should be received
+from him. The necessity of this step will be made known to His Britannic
+Majesty through the minister plenipotentiary of the United States in
+London; and it would indicate a want of the confidence due to a
+Government which so well understands and exacts what becomes foreign
+ministers near it not to infer that the misconduct of its own
+representative will be viewed in the same light in which it has been
+regarded here. The British Government will learn at the same time that
+a ready attention will be given to communications through any channel
+which may be substituted. It will be happy if the change in this respect
+should be accompanied by a favorable revision of the unfriendly policy
+which has been so long pursued toward the United States.
+
+With France, the other belligerent, whose trespasses on our commercial
+rights have long been the subject of our just remonstrances, the posture
+of our relations does not correspond with the measures taken on the part
+of the United States to effect a favorable change. The result of the
+several communications made to her Government, in pursuance of the
+authorities vested by Congress in the Executive, is contained in the
+correspondence of our minister at Paris now laid before you.
+
+By some of the other belligerents, although professing just and amicable
+dispositions, injuries materially affecting our commerce have not been
+duly controlled or repressed. In these cases the interpositions deemed
+proper on our part have not been omitted. But it well deserves the
+consideration of the Legislature how far both the safety and the honor
+of the American flag may be consulted, by adequate provisions against
+that collusive prostitution of it by individuals unworthy of the
+American name which has so much favored the real or pretended suspicions
+under which the honest commerce of their fellow-citizens has suffered.
+
+In relation to the powers on the coast of Barbary, nothing has occurred
+which is not of a nature rather to inspire confidence than distrust as
+to the continuance of the existing amity. With our Indian neighbors, the
+just and benevolent system continued toward them has also preserved
+peace, and is more and more advancing habits favorable to their
+civilization and happiness.
+
+From a statement which will be made by the Secretary of War it will be
+seen that the fortifications on our maritime frontier are in many of the
+ports completed, affording the defense which was contemplated, and that
+a further time will be required to render complete the works in the
+harbor of New York and in some other places. By the enlargement of the
+works and the employment of a greater number of hands at the public
+armories the supply of small arms of an improving quality appears to be
+annually increasing at a rate that, with those made on private contract,
+may be expected to go far toward providing for the public exigency.
+
+The act of Congress providing for the equipment of our vessels of war
+having been fully carried into execution, I refer to the statement of
+the Secretary of the Navy for the information which may be proper on
+that subject. To that statement is added a view of the transfers of
+appropriations authorized by the act of the session preceding the last
+and of the grounds on which the transfers were made.
+
+Whatever may be the course of your deliberations on the subject of our
+military establishments, I should fail in my duty in not recommending
+to your serious attention the importance of giving to our militia, the
+great bulwark of our security and resource of our power, an organization
+the best adapted to eventual situations for which the United States
+ought to be prepared.
+
+The sums which had been previously accumulated in the Treasury, together
+with the receipts during the year ending on the 30th of September last
+(and amounting to more than $9,000,000), have enabled us to fulfill all
+our engagements and to defray the current expenses of Government without
+recurring to any loan. But the insecurity of our commerce and the
+consequent diminution of the public revenue will probably produce a
+deficiency in the receipts of the ensuing year, for which and for other
+details I refer to the statements which will be transmitted from the
+Treasury.
+
+In the state which has been presented of our affairs with the great
+parties to a disastrous and protracted war, carried on in a mode equally
+injurious and unjust to the United States as a neutral nation, the
+wisdom of the National legislature will be again summoned to the
+important decision on the alternatives before them. That these will be
+met in a spirit worthy the councils of a nation conscious both of its
+rectitude and of its rights, and careful as well of its honor as of its
+peace, I have an entire confidence; and that the result will be stamped
+by a unanimity becoming the occasion, and be supported by every portion
+of our citizens with a patriotism enlightened and invigorated by
+experience, ought as little to be doubted.
+
+In the midst of the wrongs and vexations experienced from external
+causes there is much room for congratulation on the prosperity and
+happiness flowing from our situation at home. The blessing of health
+has never been more universal. The fruits of the seasons, though in
+particular articles and districts short of their usual redundancy, are
+more than sufficient for our wants and our comforts. The face of our
+country everywhere presents the evidence of laudable enterprise, of
+extensive capital, and of durable improvement. In a cultivation of the
+materials and the extension of useful manufactures, more especially
+in the general application to household fabrics, we behold a rapid
+diminution of our dependence on foreign supplies. Nor is it unworthy
+of reflection that this revolution in our pursuits and habits is in no
+slight degree a consequence of those impolitic and arbitrary edicts by
+which the contending nations, in endeavoring each of them to obstruct
+our trade with the other, have so far abridged our means of procuring
+the productions and manufactures of which our own are now taking the
+place.
+
+Recollecting always that for every advantage which may contribute to
+distinguish our lot from that to which others are doomed by the unhappy
+spirit of the times we are indebted to that Divine Providence whose
+goodness has been so remarkably extended to this rising nation, it
+becomes us to cherish a devout gratitude, and to implore from the same
+omnipotent source a blessing on the consultations and measures about to
+be undertaken for the welfare of our beloved country.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 12, 1809.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+According to the request of the House of Representatives expressed in
+their resolution of the 11th instant, I now lay before them a printed
+copy of a paper purporting to be a circular letter from Mr. Jackson to
+the British consuls in the United States, as received in a Gazette at
+the Department of State; and also a printed paper received in a letter
+from our minister in London, purporting to be a copy of a dispatch from
+Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine of the 23d of January last.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 16, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to the request in the resolution of the 15th instant, I
+transmit a copy of the correspondence with the governor of Pennsylvania
+in the case of Gideon Olmstead,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 16, 1809.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Agreeably to the request expressed in the resolution of the 13th
+instant, I lay before the House extracts from the correspondence of the
+minister plenipotentiary of the United States at London.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 22, 1809.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration whether they will
+advise and consent to the ratification thereof, a treaty concluded on
+the 30th September last with the Delaware, Potawattamie, Miami, and
+Eel-river Miami Indian tribes northwest of the Ohio; a separate article
+of the same date, with the said tribes, and a convention with the Weea
+tribe, concluded on the 26th October last; the whole being accompanied
+with the explanatory documents,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 3, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The act authorizing a detachment of 100,000 men from the militia will
+expire on the 30th of March next. Its early revival is recommended, in
+order that timely steps may be taken for arrangements such as the act
+contemplated.
+
+Without interfering with the modifications rendered necessary by the
+defects or the inefficacy of the laws restrictive of commerce and
+navigation, or with the policy of disallowing to foreign armed vessels
+the use of our waters, it falls within my duty to recommend also that,
+in addition to the precautionary measure authorized by that act and to
+the regular troops for completing the legal establishment of which
+enlistments are renewed, every necessary provision may be made for a
+volunteer force of 20,000 men, to be enlisted for a short period and
+held in a state of organization and readiness for actual service at the
+shortest warning.
+
+I submit to the consideration of Congress, moreover, the expediency of
+such a classification and organization of the militia as will best
+insure prompt and successive aids from that source, adequate to
+emergencies which may call for them.
+
+It will rest with them also to determine how far further provision may
+be expedient for putting into actual service, if necessary, any part of
+the naval armament not now employed.
+
+At a period presenting features in the conduct of foreign powers toward
+the United States which impose on them the necessity of precautionary
+measures involving expense, it is a happy consideration that such is the
+solid state of the public credit that reliance may be justly placed on
+any legal provision that may be made for resorting to it in a convenient
+form and to an adequate amount,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 9, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration whether they will
+advise and consent to the ratification thereof, a treaty concluded on
+the 9th day of December last with the Kickapoo tribe of Indians,
+accompanied by explanations in an extract of a letter from the governor
+of the Indiana Territory,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 15, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration whether they will
+advise and consent to the ratification thereof, a treaty concluded with
+the Great and Little Osage Indians on the 10th day of November, 1808,
+and the 31st day of August, 1809.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 22, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury,
+complying with their resolution of the 27th of December, on the subject
+of disbursements in the intercourse with the Barbary Powers.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 28, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before you copies of the treaties concluded with the Delaware,
+Pottawatamie, Miami, Eel River, and Wea tribes of Indians for the
+extinguishment of their title to the lands therein described, and I
+recommend to the consideration of Congress the making provision by law
+for carrying them into execution.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 15, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+A treaty having been entered into and duly ratified with the Kickapoo
+tribe of Indians for the extinguishment of their title to certain lands
+within the Indiana Territory, involving conditions which require
+legislative provision, I submit copies thereof to both branches for
+consideration.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 27, 1810,
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In consequence of your resolution of the 26th instant, an inquiry has
+been made into the correspondence of our minister at the Court of London
+with the Department of State, from which it appears that no official
+communication has been received from him since his receipt of the letter
+of November 23 last from the Secretary of State. A letter of January 4,
+1810, has been received from that minister by Mr. Smith, but being
+stated to be private and unofficial, and involving, moreover, personal
+considerations of a delicate nature, a copy is considered as not within
+the purview of the call of the House.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas the territory south of the Mississippi Territory and eastward of
+the river Mississippi, and extending to the river Perdido, of which
+possession was not delivered to the United States in pursuance of the
+treaty concluded at Paris on the 30th April, 1803, has at all times, as
+is well known, been considered and claimed by them as being within the
+colony of Louisiana conveyed by the said treaty in the same extent that
+it had in the hands of Spain and that it had when France originally
+possessed it; and
+
+Whereas the acquiescence of the United States in the temporary
+continuance of the said territory under the Spanish authority was not
+the result of any distrust of their title, as has been particularly
+evinced by the general tenor of their laws and by the distinction made
+in the application of those laws between that territory and foreign
+countries, but was occasioned by their conciliatory views and by a
+confidence in the justice of their cause and in the success of candid
+discussion and amicable negotiation with a just and friendly power; and
+
+Whereas a satisfactory adjustment, too long delayed, without the fault
+of the United States, has for some time been entirely suspended by
+events over which they had no control; and
+
+Whereas a crisis has at length arrived subversive of the order of things
+under the Spanish authorities, whereby a failure of the United States
+to take the said territory into its possession may lead to events
+ultimately contravening the views of both parties, whilst in the
+meantime the tranquillity and security of our adjoining territories are
+endangered and new facilities given to violations of our revenue and
+commercial laws and of those prohibiting the introduction of slaves;
+
+Considering, moreover, that under these peculiar and imperative
+circumstances a forbearance on the part of the United States to occupy
+the territory in question, and thereby guard against the confusions and
+contingencies which threaten it, might be construed into a dereliction
+of their title or an insensibility to the importance of the stake;
+considering that in the hands of the United States it will not cease
+to be a subject of fair and friendly negotiation and adjustment;
+considering, finally, that the acts of Congress, though contemplating a
+present possession by a foreign authority, have contemplated also an
+eventual possession of the said territory by the United States, and are
+accordingly so framed as in that case to extend in their operation to
+the same:
+
+Now be it known that I, James Madison, President of the United States of
+America, in pursuance of these weighty and urgent considerations, have
+deemed it right and requisite that possession should be taken of the
+said territory in the name and behalf of the United States. William
+C.C. Claiborne, governor of the Orleans Territory, of which the said
+Territory is to be taken as part, will accordingly proceed to execute
+the same and to exercise over the said Territory the authorities and
+functions legally appertaining to his office; and the good people
+inhabiting the same are invited and enjoined to pay due respect to him
+in that character, to be obedient to the laws, to maintain order, to
+cherish harmony, and in every manner to conduct themselves as peaceable
+citizens, under full assurance that they will be protected in the
+enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 27th day of October, A.D. 1810, and
+in the thirty-fifth year of the Independence of the said United States.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  R. SMITH,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Eleventh Congress, third session, 1248.]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas by the fourth section of the act of Congress passed on the 1st
+day of May, 1810, entitled "An act concerning the commercial intercourse
+between the United States and Great Britain and France and their
+dependencies, and for other purposes," it is provided "that in case
+either Great Britain or France shall before the 3d day of March next
+so revoke or modify her edicts as that they shall cease to violate the
+neutral commerce of the United States, which fact the President of the
+United States shall declare by proclamation, and if the other nation
+shall not within three months thereafter so revoke or modify her edicts
+in like manner, then the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
+ninth, tenth, and eighteenth sections of the act entitled 'An act to
+interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great
+Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes,'
+shall from and after the expiration of three months from the date of the
+proclamation aforesaid be revived and have full force and effect so far
+as relates to the dominions, colonies, and dependencies, and to the
+articles the growth, produce, or manufacture of the dominions, colonies,
+and dependencies, of the nation thus refusing or neglecting to revoke or
+modify her edicts in the manner aforesaid. And the restrictions imposed
+by this act shall, from the date of such proclamation cease and be
+discontinued in relation to the nation revoking or modifying her decrees
+in the manner aforesaid;" and
+
+Whereas it has been officially made known to this Government that the
+edicts of France violating the neutral commerce of the United States
+have been so revoked as to cease to have effect on the 1st of the
+present month:
+
+Now, therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States, do
+hereby proclaim that the said edicts of France have been so revoked as
+that they ceased on the said 1st day of the present month to violate the
+neutral commerce of the United States, and that from the date of these
+presents all the restrictions imposed by the aforesaid act shall cease
+and be discontinued in relation to France and their dependencies.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand, at the city of
+Washington, this 2d day of November, A.D. 1810, and of the Independence
+of the United States the thirty-fifth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  R. SMITH,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 5, 1810_.
+
+_Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+The embarrassments which have prevailed in our foreign relations, and so
+much employed the deliberations of Congress, make it a primary duty in
+meeting you to communicate whatever may have occurred in that branch of
+our national affairs.
+
+The act of the last session of Congress concerning the commercial
+intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and
+their dependencies having invited in a new form a termination of their
+edicts against our neutral commerce, copies of the act were immediately
+forwarded to our ministers at London and Paris, with a view that its
+object might be within the early attention of the French and British
+Governments.
+
+By the communication received through our minister at Paris it appeared
+that a knowledge of the act by the French Government was followed by a
+declaration that the Berlin and Milan decrees were revoked, and would
+cease to have effect on the 1st day of November ensuing. These being the
+only known edicts of France within the description of the act, and the
+revocation of them being such that they ceased at that date to violate
+our neutral commerce, the fact, as prescribed by law, was announced by a
+proclamation bearing date the 2d day of November.
+
+It would have well accorded with the conciliatory views indicated by
+this proceeding on the part of France to have extended them to all the
+grounds of just complaint which now remain unadjusted with the United
+States. It was particularly anticipated that, as a further evidence of
+just dispositions toward them, restoration would have been immediately
+made of the property of our citizens seized under a misapplication of
+the principle of reprisals combined with a misconstruction of a law of
+the United States. This expectation has not been fulfilled.
+
+From the British Government no communication on the subject of the act
+has been received. To a communication from our minister at London of a
+revocation by the French Government of its Berlin and Milan decrees it
+was answered that the British system would be relinquished as soon as
+the repeal of the French decrees should have actually taken effect and
+the commerce of neutral nations have been restored to the condition in
+which it stood previously to the promulgation of those decrees. This
+pledge, although it does not necessarily import, does not exclude the
+intention of relinquishing, along with the orders in council, the
+practice of those novel blockades which have a like effect of
+interrupting our neutral commerce, and this further justice to the
+United States is the rather to be looked for, inasmuch as the blockades
+in question, being not more contrary to the established law of nations
+than inconsistent with the rules of blockade formally recognized by
+Great Britain herself, could have no alleged basis other than the plea
+of retaliation alleged as the basis of the orders in council. Under the
+modification of the original orders of November, 1807, into the orders
+of April, 1809, there is, indeed, scarcely a nominal distinction between
+the orders and the blockades. One of those illegitimate blockades,
+bearing date in May, 1806, having been expressly avowed to be still
+unrescinded, and to be in effect comprehended in the orders in council,
+was too distinctly brought within the purview of the act of Congress not
+to be comprehended in the explanation of the requisites to a compliance
+with it. The British Government was accordingly apprised by our minister
+near it that such was the light in which the subject was to be regarded.
+
+On the other important subjects depending between the United States and
+that Government no progress has been made from which an early and
+satisfactory result can be relied on.
+
+In this new posture of our relations with those powers the consideration
+of Congress will be properly turned to a removal of doubts which may
+occur in the exposition and of difficulties in the execution of the act
+above cited.
+
+The commerce of the United States with the north of Europe, heretofore
+much vexed by licentious cruisers, particularly under the Danish flag,
+has latterly been visited with fresh and extensive depredations. The
+measures pursued in behalf of our injured citizens not having obtained
+justice for them, a further and more formal interposition with the
+Danish Government is contemplated. The principles which have been
+maintained by that Government in relation to neutral commerce, and the
+friendly professions of His Danish Majesty toward the United States, are
+valuable pledges in favor of a successful issue.
+
+Among the events growing out of the state of the Spanish Monarchy, our
+attention was imperiously attracted to the change developing itself in
+that portion of West Florida which, though of right appertaining to the
+United States, had remained in the possession of Spain awaiting the
+result of negotiations for its actual delivery to them. The Spanish
+authority was subverted and a situation produced exposing the country to
+ulterior events which might essentially affect the rights and welfare of
+the Union. In such a conjuncture I did not delay the interposition
+required for the occupancy of the territory west of the river Perdido,
+to which the title of the United States extends, and to which the laws
+provided for the Territory of Orleans are applicable. With this view,
+the proclamation of which a copy is laid before you was confided to the
+governor of that Territory to be carried into effect. The legality and
+necessity of the course pursued assure me of the favorable light in
+which it will present itself to the Legislature, and of the promptitude
+with which they will supply whatever provisions may be due to the
+essential rights and equitable interests of the people thus brought into
+the bosom of the American family.
+
+Our amity with the powers of Barbary, with the exception of a recent
+occurrence at Tunis, of which an explanation is just received, appears
+to have been uninterrupted and to have become more firmly established.
+
+With the Indian tribes also the peace and friendship of the United
+States are found to be so eligible that the general disposition to
+preserve both continues to gain strength.
+
+I feel particular satisfaction in remarking that an interior view of our
+country presents us with grateful proofs of its substantial and
+increasing prosperity. To a thriving agriculture and the improvements
+related to it is added a highly interesting extension of useful
+manufactures, the combined product of professional occupations and of
+household industry. Such indeed is the experience of economy as well as
+of policy in these substitutes for supplies heretofore obtained by
+foreign commerce that in a national view the change is justly regarded
+as of itself more than a recompense for those privations and losses
+resulting from foreign injustice which furnished the general impulse
+required for its accomplishment. How far it may be expedient to guard
+the infancy of this improvement in the distribution of labor by
+regulations of the commercial tariff is a subject which can not fail to
+suggest itself to your patriotic reflections.
+
+It will rest with the consideration of Congress also whether a provident
+as well as fair encouragement would not be given to our navigation by
+such regulations as would place it on a level of competition with
+foreign vessels, particularly in transporting the important and bulky
+productions of our own soil. The failure of equality and reciprocity in
+the existing regulations on this subject operates in our ports as a
+premium to foreign competitors, and the inconvenience must increase as
+these may be multiplied under more favorable circumstances by the more
+than countervailing encouragements now given them by the laws of their
+respective countries.
+
+Whilst it is universally admitted that a well-instructed people alone
+can be permanently a free people, and whilst it is evident that the
+means of diffusing and improving useful knowledge form so small a
+proportion of the expenditures for national purposes, I can not presume
+it to be unseasonable to invite your attention to the advantages of
+superadding to the means of education provided by the several States a
+seminary of learning instituted by the National Legislature within the
+limits of their exclusive jurisdiction, the expense of which might be
+defrayed or reimbursed out of the vacant grounds which have accrued to
+the nation within those limits.
+
+Such an institution, though local in its legal character, would be
+universal in its beneficial effects. By enlightening the opinions, by
+expanding the patriotism, and by assimilating the principles, the
+sentiments, and the manners of those who might resort to this temple of
+science, to be redistributed in due time through every part of the
+community, sources of jealousy and prejudice would be diminished, the
+features of national character would be multiplied, and greater extent
+given to social harmony. But, above all, a well-constituted seminary in
+the center of the nation is recommended by the consideration that the
+additional instruction emanating from it would contribute not less to
+strengthen the foundations than to adorn the structure of our free and
+happy system of government.
+
+Among the commercial abuses still committed under the American flag, and
+leaving in force my former reference to that subject, it appears that
+American citizens are instrumental in carrying on a traffic in enslaved
+Africans, equally in violation of the laws of humanity and in defiance
+of those of their own country. The same just and benevolent motives
+which produced the interdiction in force against this criminal conduct
+will doubtless be felt by Congress in devising further means of
+suppressing the evil.
+
+In the midst of uncertainties necessarily connected with the great
+interests of the United States, prudence requires a continuance of our
+defensive and precautionary arrangement. The Secretary of War and
+Secretary of the Navy will submit the statements and estimates which may
+aid Congress in their ensuing provisions for the land and naval forces.
+The statements of the latter will include a view of the transfers of
+appropriations in the naval expenditures and the grounds on which they
+were made.
+
+The fortifications for the defense of our maritime frontier have been
+prosecuted according to the plan laid down in 1808. The works, with some
+exceptions, are completed and furnished with ordnance. Those for the
+security of the city of New York, though far advanced toward completion,
+will require a further time and appropriation. This is the case with a
+few others, either not completed or in need of repairs.
+
+The improvements in quality and quantity made in the manufacture of
+cannon and small arms, both at the public armories and private
+factories, warrant additional confidence in the competency of these
+resources for supplying the public exigencies.
+
+These preparations for arming the militia having thus far provided for
+one of the objects contemplated by the power vested in Congress with
+respect to that great bulwark of the public safety, it is for their
+consideration whether further provisions are not requisite for the other
+contemplated objects of organization and discipline. To give to this
+great mass of physical and moral force the efficiency which it merits,
+and is capable of receiving, it is indispensable that they should be
+instructed and practiced in the rules by which they are to be governed.
+Toward an accomplishment of this important work I recommend for the
+consideration of Congress the expediency of instituting a system which
+shall in the first instance call into the field at the public expense
+and for a given time certain portions of the commissioned and
+noncommissioned officers. The instruction and discipline thus acquired
+would gradually diffuse through the entire body of the militia that
+practical knowledge and promptitude for active service which are the
+great ends to be pursued. Experience has left no doubt either of the
+necessity or of the efficacy of competent military skill in those
+portions of an army in fitting it for the final duties which it may have
+to perform.
+
+The Corps of Engineers, with the Military Academy, are entitled to the
+early attention of Congress. The buildings at the seat fixed by law for
+the present Academy are so far in decay as not to afford the necessary
+accommodation. But a revision of the law is recommended, principally
+with a view to a more enlarged cultivation and diffusion of the
+advantages of such institutions, by providing professorships for all the
+necessary branches of military instruction, and by the establishment of
+an additional academy at the seat of Government or elsewhere. The means
+by which war, as well for defense as for offense, are now carried on
+render these schools of the more scientific operations an indispensable
+part of every adequate system. Even among nations whose large standing
+armies and frequent wars afford every other opportunity of instruction
+these establishments are found to be indispensable for the due
+attainment of the branches of military science which require a regular
+course of study and experiment. In a government happily without the
+other opportunities seminaries where the elementary principles of the
+art of war can be taught without actual war, and without the expense of
+extensive and standing armies, have the precious advantage of uniting an
+essential preparation against external danger with a scrupulous regard
+to internal safety. In no other way, probably, can a provision of equal
+efficacy for the public defense be made at so little expense or more
+consistently with the public liberty.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th of
+September last (and amounting to more than $8,500,000) have exceeded the
+current expenses of the Government, including the interest on the public
+debt. For the purpose of reimbursing at the end of the year $3,750,000
+of the principal, a loan, as authorized by law, had been negotiated to
+that amount, but has since been reduced to $2,750,000, the reduction
+being permitted by the state of the Treasury, in which there will be a
+balance remaining at the end of the year estimated at $2,000,000. For
+the probable receipts of the next year and other details I refer to
+statements which will be transmitted from the Treasury, and which will
+enable you to judge what further provisions may be necessary for the
+ensuing years.
+
+Reserving for future occasions in the course of the session whatever
+other communications may claim your attention, I close the present by
+expressing my reliance, under the blessing of Divine Providence, on the
+judgment and patriotism which will guide your measures at a period
+particularly calling for united councils and inflexible exertions for
+the welfare of our country, and by assuring you of the fidelity and
+alacrity with which my cooperation will be afforded.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 12, 1810.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress, and recommend to their early attention, a report
+of the Secretary of State, from which it will be seen that a very
+considerable demand beyond the legal appropriations has been incurred
+for the support of seamen distressed by seizures, in different parts of
+Europe, of the vessels to which they belonged.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _January 3, 1811_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress, in confidence, a letter of the 2d of December
+from Governor Folch, of West Florida, to the Secretary of State, and
+another of the same date from the same to John McKee.
+
+I communicate in like manner a letter from the British chargé d'affaires
+to the Secretary of State, with the answer of the latter. Although the
+letter can not have been written in consequence of any instruction from
+the British Government founded on the late order for taking possession
+of the portion of West Florida well known to be claimed by the United
+States; although no communication has ever been made by that Government
+to this of any stipulation with Spain contemplating an interposition
+which might so materially affect the United States, and although no call
+can have been made by Spain in the present instance for the fulfillment
+of any such subsisting engagement, yet the spirit and scope of the
+document, with the accredited source from which it proceeds, required
+that it should not be withheld from the consideration of Congress.
+
+Taking into view the tenor of these several communications, the posture
+of things with which they are connected, the intimate relation of the
+country adjoining the United States eastward of the river Perdido to
+their security and tranquillity, and the peculiar interest they
+otherwise have in its destiny, I recommend to the consideration of
+Congress the seasonableness of a declaration that the United States
+could not see without serious inquietude any part of a neighboring
+territory in which they have in different respects so deep and so just a
+concern pass from the hands of Spain into those of any other foreign
+power.
+
+I recommend to their consideration also the expediency of authorizing
+the Executive to take temporary possession of any part or parts of the
+said Territory, in pursuance of arrangements which may be desired by the
+Spanish authorities, and for making provision for the government of the
+same during such possession.
+
+The wisdom of Congress will at the same time determine how far it may be
+expedient to provide for the event of a subversion of the Spanish
+authorities within the Territory in question, and an apprehended
+occupancy thereof by any other foreign power.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 10, 1811.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress, in confidence, the translation of a letter
+from Louis de Onis to the captain general of Caraccas.
+
+The tendency of misrepresentations and suggestions which it may be
+inferred from this specimen enter into more important correspondences of
+the writer to promote in foreign councils at a critical period views
+adverse to the peace and to the best interests of our country renders
+the contents of the letter of sufficient moment to be made known to the
+legislature,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 30, 1811.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the Secretary of the
+Treasury, accompanied by copies of the Laws, Treaties, and other
+Documents Relative to the Public Lands, as collected and arranged
+pursuant to the act passed April 27, 1810.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 31, 1811.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress a letter from the chargé d'affaires of the United
+States at Paris to the Secretary of State, and another from the same to
+the French minister of foreign relations; also two letters from the
+agent of the American consul at Bordeaux to the Secretary of State.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 16, 1811.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now lay before Congress the treaty concluded on the 10th of November,
+1808, on the part of the United States with the Great and Little Osage
+tribes of Indians, with a view to such legal provisions as may be deemed
+proper for fulfilling its stipulations.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+VETO MESSAGES.
+
+
+FEBRUARY 21, 1811.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having examined and considered the bill entitled "An act incorporating
+the Protestant Episcopal Church in the town of Alexandria, in the
+District of Columbia," I now return the bill to the House of
+Representatives, in which it originated, with the following objections:
+
+_Because_ the bill exceeds the rightful authority to which
+governments are limited by the essential distinction between civil and
+religious functions, and violates in particular the article of the
+Constitution of the United States which declares that "Congress shall
+make no law respecting a religious establishment." The bill enacts into
+and establishes by law sundry rules and proceedings relative purely to
+the organization and polity of the church incorporated, and
+comprehending even the election and removal of the minister of the same,
+so that no change could be made therein by the particular society or by
+the general church of which it is a member, and whose authority it
+recognizes. This particular church, therefore, would so far be a
+religious establishment by law, a legal force and sanction being given
+to certain articles in its constitution and administration. Nor can it
+be considered that the articles thus established are to be taken as the
+descriptive criteria only of the corporate identity of the society,
+inasmuch as this identity must depend on other characteristics, as the
+regulations established are generally unessential and alterable
+according to the principles and canons by which churches of that
+denomination govern themselves, and as the injunctions and prohibitions
+contained in the regulations would be enforced by the penal consequences
+applicable to a violation of them according to the local law.
+
+_Because_ the bill vests in the said incorporated church an
+authority to provide for the support of the poor and the education of
+poor children of the same, an authority which, being altogether
+superfluous if the provision is to be the result of pious charity, would
+be a precedent for giving to religious societies as such a legal agency
+in carrying into effect a public and civil duty.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 28, 1811.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having examined and considered the bill entitled "An act for the relief
+of Richard Tervin, William Coleman, Edwin Lewis, Samuel Mims, Joseph
+Wilson, and the Baptist Church at Salem Meeting House, in the
+Mississippi Territory," I now return the same to the House of
+Representatives, in which it originated, with the following objection:
+
+_Because_ the bill in reserving a certain parcel of land of the
+United States for the use of said Baptist Church comprises a principle
+and precedent for the appropriation of funds of the United States for
+the use and support of religious societies, contrary to the article of
+the Constitution which declares that "Congress shall make no law
+respecting a religious establishment."
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From the National Intelligencer, July 25, 1811]
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas great and weighty matters claiming the consideration of the
+Congress of the United States form an extraordinary occasion for
+convening them, I do by these presents appoint Monday, the 4th day of
+November next, for their meeting at the city of Washington, hereby
+requiring the respective Senators and Representatives then and there to
+assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may
+then be made to them, and to consult and determine on such measures as
+in their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand, Done at the city of
+Washington, the 24th day of July, A.D. 1811, and of the Independence of
+the United States the thirty-sixth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _November 5, 1811_.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In calling you together sooner than a separation from your homes would
+otherwise have been required I yielded to considerations drawn from the
+posture of our foreign affairs, and in fixing the present for the time
+of your meeting regard was had to the probability of further
+developments of the policy of the belligerent powers toward this country
+which might the more unite the national councils in the measures to be
+pursued.
+
+At the close of the last session of Congress it was hoped that the
+successive confirmations of the extinction of the French decrees, so far
+as they violated our neutral commerce, would have induced the Government
+of Great Britain to repeal its orders in council, and thereby authorize
+a removal of the existing obstructions to her commerce with the United
+States.
+
+Instead of this reasonable step toward satisfaction and friendship
+between the two nations, the orders were, at a moment when least to have
+been expected, put into more rigorous execution; and it was communicated
+through the British envoy just arrived that whilst the revocation of the
+edicts of France, as officially made known to the British Government,
+was denied to have taken place, it was an indispensable condition of the
+repeal of the British orders that commerce should be restored to a
+footing that would admit the productions and manufactures of Great
+Britain, when owned by neutrals, into markets shut against them by her
+enemy, the United States being given to understand that in the meantime
+a continuance of their non importation act would lead to measures of
+retaliation.
+
+At a later date it has indeed appeared that a communication to the
+British Government of fresh evidence of the repeal of the French decrees
+against our neutral trade was followed by an intimation that it had been
+transmitted to the British plenipotentiary here in order that it might
+receive full consideration in the depending discussions. This
+communication appears not to have been received; but the transmission of
+it hither, instead of founding on it an actual repeal of the orders or
+assurances that the repeal would ensue, will not permit us to rely on
+any effective change in the British cabinet. To be ready to meet with
+cordiality satisfactory proofs of such a change, and to proceed in the
+meantime in adapting our measures to the views which have been disclosed
+through that minister will best consult our whole duty.
+
+In the unfriendly spirit of those disclosures indemnity and redress for
+other wrongs have continued to be withheld, and our coasts and the
+mouths of our harbors have again witnessed scenes not less derogatory to
+the dearest of our national rights than vexatious to the regular course
+of our trade.
+
+Among the occurrences produced by the conduct of British ships of war
+hovering on our coasts was an encounter between one of them and the
+American frigate commanded by Captain Rodgers, rendered unavoidable on
+the part of the latter by a fire commenced without cause by the former,
+whose commander is therefore alone chargeable with the blood
+unfortunately shed in maintaining the honor of the American flag. The
+proceedings of a court of inquiry requested by Captain Rodgers are
+communicated, together with the correspondence relating to the
+occurrence, between the Secretary of State and His Britannic Majesty's
+envoy. To these are added the several correspondences which have passed
+on the subject of the British orders in council, and to both the
+correspondence relating to the Floridas, in which Congress will be made
+acquainted with the interposition which the Government of Great Britain
+has thought proper to make against the proceeding of the United States.
+
+The justice and fairness which have been evinced on the part of the
+United States toward France, both before and since the revocation of her
+decrees, authorized an expectation that her Government would have
+followed up that measure by all such others as were due to our
+reasonable claims, as well as dictated by its amicable professions. No
+proof, however, is yet given of an intention to repair the other wrongs
+done to the United States, and particularly to restore the great amount
+of American property seized and condemned under edicts which, though not
+affecting our neutral relations, and therefore not entering into
+questions between the United States and other belligerents, were
+nevertheless founded in such unjust principles that the reparation ought
+to have been prompt and ample.
+
+In addition to this and other demands of strict right on that nation,
+the United States have much reason to be dissatisfied with the rigorous
+and unexpected restrictions to which their trade with the French
+dominions has been subjected, and which, if not discontinued, will
+require at least corresponding restrictions on importations from France
+into the United States.
+
+On all those subjects our minister plenipotentiary lately sent to Paris
+has carried with him the necessary instructions, the result of which
+will be communicated to you, and, by ascertaining the ulterior policy of
+the French Government toward the United States, Will enable you to adapt
+to it that of the United States toward France.
+
+Our other foreign relations remain without unfavorable changes. With
+Russia they are on the best footing of friendship. The ports of Sweden
+have afforded proofs of friendly dispositions toward our commerce in the
+councils of that nation also, and the information from our special
+minister to Denmark shews that the mission had been attended with
+valuable effects to our citizens, whose property had been so extensively
+violated and endangered by cruisers under the Danish flag.
+
+Under the ominous indications which commanded attention it became a duty
+to exert the means committed to the executive department in providing
+for the general security. The works of defense on our maritime frontier
+have accordingly been prosecuted with an activity leaving little to be
+added for the completion of the most important ones, and, as
+particularly suited for cooperation in emergencies, a portion of the
+gunboats have in particular harbors been ordered into use. The ships of
+war before in commission, with the addition of a frigate, have been
+chiefly employed as a cruising guard to the rights of our coast, and
+such a disposition has been made of our land forces as was thought to
+promise the services most appropriate and important. In this disposition
+is included a force consisting of regulars and militia, embodied in the
+Indiana Territory and marched toward our northwestern frontier. This
+measure was made requisite by several murders and depredations committed
+by Indians, but more especially by the menacing preparations and aspect
+of a combination of them on the Wabash, under the influence and
+direction of a fanatic of the Shawanese tribe. With these exceptions the
+Indian tribes retain their peaceable dispositions toward us, and their
+usual pursuits.
+
+I must now add that the period is arrived which claims from the
+legislative guardians of the national rights a system of more ample
+provisions for maintaining them. Notwithstanding the scrupulous justice,
+the protracted moderation, and the multiplied efforts on the part of the
+United States to substitute for the accumulating dangers to the peace of
+the two countries all the mutual advantages of reestablished friendship
+and confidence, we have seen that the British cabinet perseveres not
+only in withholding a remedy for other wrongs, so long and so loudly
+calling for it, but in the execution, brought home to the threshold of
+our territory, of measures which under existing circumstances have the
+character as well as the effect of war on our lawful commerce.
+
+With this evidence of hostile inflexibility in trampling on rights which
+no independent nation can relinquish, Congress will feel the duty of
+putting the United States into an armor and an attitude demanded by the
+crisis, and corresponding with the national spirit and expectations.
+
+I recommend, accordingly, that adequate provision be made for filling
+the ranks and prolonging the enlistments of the regular troops; for an
+auxiliary force to be engaged for a more limited term; for the
+acceptance of volunteer corps, whose patriotic ardor may court a
+participation in urgent services; for detachments as they may be wanted
+of other portions of the militia, and for such a preparation of the
+great body as will proportion its usefulness to its intrinsic
+capacities. Nor can the occasion fail to remind you of the importance of
+those military seminaries which in every event will form a valuable and
+frugal part of our military establishment.
+
+The manufacture of cannon and small arms has proceeded with due success,
+and the stock and resources of all the necessary munitions are adequate
+to emergencies. It will not be inexpedient, however, for Congress to
+authorize an enlargement of them.
+
+Your attention will of course be drawn to such provisions on the subject
+of our naval force as may be required for the services to which it may
+be best adapted. I submit to Congress the seasonableness also of an
+authority to augment the stock of such materials as are imperishable in
+their nature, or may not at once be attainable.
+
+In contemplating the scenes which distinguish this momentous epoch, and
+estimating their claims to our attention, it is impossible to overlook
+those developing themselves among the great communities which occupy the
+southern portion of our own hemisphere and extend into our neighborhood.
+An enlarged philanthropy and an enlightened forecast concur in imposing
+on the national councils an obligation to take a deep interest in their
+destinies, to cherish reciprocal sentiments of good will, to regard the
+progress of events, and not to be unprepared for whatever order of
+things may be ultimately established.
+
+Under another aspect of our situation the early attention of Congress
+will be due to the expediency of further guards against evasions and
+infractions of our commercial laws. The practice of smuggling, which is
+odious everywhere, and particularly criminal in free governments, where,
+the laws being made by all for the good of all, a fraud is committed on
+every individual as well as on the state, attains its utmost guilt when
+it blends with a pursuit of ignominious gain a treacherous subserviency,
+in the transgressors, to a foreign policy adverse to that of their own
+country. It is then that the virtuous indignation of the public should
+be enabled to manifest itself through the regular animadversions of the
+most competent laws.
+
+To secure greater respect to our-mercantile flag, and to the honest
+interests which it covers, it is expedient also that it be made
+punishable in our citizens to accept licenses from foreign governments
+for a trade unlawfully interdicted by them to other American citizens,
+or to trade under false colors or papers of any sort.
+
+A prohibition is equally called for against the acceptance by our
+citizens of special licenses to be used in a trade with the United
+States, and against the admission into particular ports of the United
+States of vessels from foreign countries authorized to trade with
+particular ports only.
+
+Although other subjects will press more immediately on your
+deliberations, a portion of them can not but be well bestowed on the
+just and sound policy of securing to our manufactures the success they
+have attained, and are still attaining, in some degree, under the
+impulse of causes not permanent, and to our navigation, the fair extent
+of which is at present abridged by the unequal regulations of foreign
+governments.
+
+Besides the reasonableness of saving our manufactures from sacrifices
+which a change of circumstances might bring on them, the national
+interest requires that, with respect to such articles at least as belong
+to our defense and our primary wants, we should not be left in
+unnecessary dependence on external supplies. And whilst foreign
+governments adhere to the existing discriminations in their ports
+against our navigation, and an equality or lesser discrimination is
+enjoyed by their navigation in our ports, the effect can not be
+mistaken, because it has been seriously felt by our shipping interests;
+and in proportion as this takes place the advantages of an independent
+conveyance of our products to foreign markets and of a growing body of
+mariners trained by their occupations for the service of their country
+in times of danger must be diminished.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th of
+September last have exceeded $13,500,000, and have enabled us to defray
+the current expenses, including the interest on the public debt, and to
+reimburse more than $5,000,000 of the principal without recurring to the
+loan authorized by the act of the last session. The temporary loan
+obtained in the latter end of the year 1810 has also been reimbursed,
+and is not included in that amount.
+
+The decrease of revenue arising from the situation of our commerce, and
+the extraordinary expenses which have and may become necessary, must be
+taken into view in making commensurate provisions for the ensuing year;
+and I recommend to your consideration the propriety of insuring a
+sufficiency of annual revenue at least to defray the ordinary expenses
+of Government, and to pay the interest on the public debt, including
+that on new loans which may be authorized.
+
+I can not close this communication without expressing my deep sense of
+the crisis in which you are assembled, my confidence in a wise and
+honorable result to your deliberations, and assurances of the faithful
+zeal with which my cooperating duties will be discharged, invoking at
+the same time the blessing of Heaven on our beloved country and on all
+the means that may be employed in vindicating its rights and advancing
+its welfare.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _November 13, 1811_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress copies of a correspondence between the envoy
+extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain and the
+Secretary of State relative to the aggression committed by a British
+ship of war on the United States frigate _Chesapeake_, by which it
+will be seen that that subject of difference between the two countries
+is terminated by an offer of reparation, which has been acceded to.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 18, 1811_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress two letters received from Governor Harrison, of
+the Indiana Territory, reporting the particulars and the issue of the
+expedition under his command, of which notice was taken in my
+communication of November 5.
+
+While it is deeply lamented that so many valuable lives have been lost
+in the action which took place on the 7th ultimo, Congress will see with
+satisfaction the dauntless spirit and fortitude victoriously displayed
+by every description of the troops engaged, as well as the collected
+firmness which distinguished their commander on an occasion requiring
+the utmost exertions of valor and discipline.
+
+It may reasonably be expected that the good effects of this critical
+defeat and dispersion of a combination of savages, which appears to have
+been spreading to a greater extent, will be experienced not only in a
+cessation of the murders and depredations committed on our frontier, but
+in the prevention of any hostile incursions otherwise to have been
+apprehended.
+
+The families of those brave and patriotic citizens who have fallen in
+this severe conflict will doubtless engage the favorable attention of
+Congress.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 23, 1811_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress copies of an act of the legislature of New
+York relating to a canal from the Great Lakes to Hudson River. In making
+the communication I consult the respect due to that State, in whose
+behalf the commissioners appointed by the act have placed it in my hands
+for the purpose.
+
+The utility of canal navigation is universally admitted. It is no less
+certain that scarcely any country offers more extensive opportunities
+for that branch of improvements than the United States, and none,
+perhaps, inducements equally persuasive to make the most of them. The
+particular undertaking contemplated by the State of New York, which
+marks an honorable spirit of enterprise and comprises objects of
+national as well as more limited importance, will recall the attention
+of Congress to the signal advantages to be derived to the United States
+from a general system of internal communication and conveyance, and
+suggest to their consideration whatever steps may be proper on their
+part toward its introduction and accomplishment. As some of those
+advantages have an intimate connection with the arrangements and
+exertions for the general security, it is at a period calling for those
+that the merits of such a system will be seen in the strongest lights.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 27, 1811_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of resolutions entered into by the
+legislature of Pennsylvania, which have been transmitted to me with that
+view by the governor of that State, in pursuance of one of the said
+resolutions.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _January 15, 1812_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress an account of the contingent expenses of the
+Government for the year 1811, incurred on the occasion of taking
+possession of the territory limited eastwardly by the river Perdido,
+and amounting to $3,396.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _January 16, 1812_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress a letter from the envoy extraordinary and
+minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the Secretary of State,
+with the answer of the latter.
+
+The continued evidence afforded in this correspondence of the hostile
+policy of the British Government against our national rights strengthens
+the considerations recommending and urging the preparation of adequate
+means for maintaining them.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 3, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+At the request of the convention assembled in the Territory of Orleans
+on the 22d day of November last, I transmit to Congress the proceedings
+of that body in pursuance of the act entitled "An act to enable the
+people of the Territory of Orleans to form a constitution and State
+government, and for the admission of the said State into the Union on an
+equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes."
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 9, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of certain documents which remain in the
+Department of State. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the
+United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not
+to observe the laws of peace and neutrality toward Great Britain, and in
+the midst of amicable professions and negotiations on the part of the
+British Government, through its public minister here, a secret agent of
+that Government was employed in certain States, more especially at the
+seat of government in Massachusetts, in fomenting disaffection to the
+constituted authorities of the nation, and in intrigues with the
+disaffected, for the purpose of bringing about resistance to the laws,
+and eventually, in concert with a British force, of destroying the Union
+and forming the eastern part thereof into a political connection with
+Great Britain.
+
+In addition to the effect which the discovery of such a procedure ought
+to have on the public councils, it will not fail to render more dear to
+the hearts of all good citizens that happy union of these States which,
+under Divine Providence, is the guaranty of their liberties, their
+safety, their tranquillity, and their prosperity.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 1, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Considering it as expedient, under existing circumstances and prospects,
+that a general embargo be laid on all vessels now in port, or hereafter
+arriving, for the period of sixty days, I recommend the immediate
+passage of a law to that effect.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 20, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests
+of the American nation under the fostering influence of free
+constitutions and just laws has been a corresponding accumulation of
+duties in the several Departments of the Government, and this has been
+necessarily the greater in consequence of the peculiar state of our
+foreign relations and the connection of these with our internal
+administration.
+
+The extensive and multiplied preparations into which the United States
+are at length driven for maintaining their violated rights have caused
+this augmentation of business to press on the Department of War
+particularly, with a weight disproportionate to the powers of any single
+officer, with no other aids than are authorized by existing laws. With a
+view to a more adequate arrangement for the essential objects of that
+Department, I recommend to the early consideration of Congress a
+provision for two subordinate appointments therein, with such
+compensations annexed as may be reasonably expected by citizens duly
+qualified for the important functions which may be properly assigned to
+them.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MAY 26, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts
+from the correspondence of the Secretary of State and the minister
+plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These documents will
+place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _June 1, 1812_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I communicate to Congress certain documents, being a continuation of
+those heretofore laid before them on the subject of our affairs with
+Great Britain.
+
+Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803 of the war in which
+Great Britain is engaged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior
+magnitude, the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts
+hostile to the United States as an independent and neutral nation.
+
+British cruisers have been in the continued practice of violating
+the American flag on the great highway of nations, and of seizing
+and carrying off persons sailing under it, not in the exercise of a
+belligerent right founded on the law of nations against an enemy, but
+of a municipal prerogative over British subjects. British jurisdiction
+is thus extended to neutral vessels in a situation where no laws can
+operate but the law of nations and the laws of the country to which the
+vessels belong, and a self-redress is assumed which, if British subjects
+were wrongfully detained and alone concerned, is that substitution of
+force for a resort to the responsible sovereign which falls within
+the definition of war. Could the seizure of British subjects in such
+cases be regarded as within the exercise of a belligerent right, the
+acknowledged laws of war, which forbid an article of captured property
+to be adjudged without a regular investigation before a competent
+tribunal, would imperiously demand the fairest trial where the sacred
+rights of persons were at issue. In place of such a trial these rights
+are subjected to the will of every petty commander.
+
+The practice, hence, is so far from affecting British subjects alone
+that, under the pretext of searching for these, thousands of American
+citizens, under the safeguard of public law and of their national flag,
+have been torn from their country and from everything dear to them; have
+been dragged on board ships of war of a foreign nation and exposed,
+under the severities of their discipline, to be exiled to the most
+distant and deadly climes, to risk their lives in the battles of their
+oppressors, and to be the melancholy instruments of taking away those of
+their own brethren.
+
+Against this crying enormity, which Great Britain would be so prompt
+to avenge if committed against herself, the United States have in vain
+exhausted remonstrances and expostulations, and that no proof might be
+wanting of their conciliatory dispositions, and no pretext left for a
+continuance of the practice, the British Government was formally assured
+of the readiness of the United States to enter into arrangements such as
+could not be rejected if the recovery of British subjects were the real
+and the sole object. The communication passed without effect.
+
+British cruisers have been in the practice also of violating the rights
+and the peace of our coasts. They hover over and harass our entering and
+departing commerce. To the most insulting pretensions they have added
+the most lawless proceedings in our very harbors, and have wantonly
+spilt American blood within the sanctuary of our territorial
+jurisdiction. The principles and rules enforced by that nation, when
+a neutral nation, against armed vessels of belligerents hovering near
+her coasts and disturbing her commerce are well known. When called on,
+nevertheless, by the United States to punish the greater offenses
+committed by her own vessels, her Government has bestowed on their
+commanders additional marks of honor and confidence.
+
+Under pretended blockades, without the presence of an adequate force and
+sometimes without the practicability of applying one, our commerce has
+been plundered in every sea, the great staples of our country have been
+cut off from their legitimate markets, and a destructive blow aimed
+at our agricultural and maritime interests. In aggravation of these
+predatory measures they have been considered as in force from the dates
+of their notification, a retrospective effect being thus added, as has
+been done in other important cases, to the unlawfulness of the course
+pursued. And to render the outrage the more signal these mock blockades
+have been reiterated and enforced in the face of official communications
+from the British Government declaring as the true definition of a legal
+blockade "that particular ports must be actually invested and previous
+warning given to vessels bound to them not to enter."
+
+Not content with these occasional expedients for laying waste our
+neutral trade, the cabinet of Britain resorted at length to the sweeping
+system of blockades, under the name of orders in council, which has
+been molded and managed as might best suit its political views, its
+commercial jealousies, or the avidity of British cruisers.
+
+To our remonstrances against the complicated and transcendent injustice
+of this innovation the first reply was that the orders were reluctantly
+adopted by Great Britain as a necessary retaliation on decrees of her
+enemy proclaiming a general blockade of the British Isles at a time when
+the naval force of that enemy dared not issue from his own ports. She
+was reminded without effect that her own prior blockades, unsupported by
+an adequate naval force actually applied and continued, were a bar to
+this plea; that executed edicts against millions of our property could
+not be retaliation on edicts confessedly impossible to be executed; that
+retaliation, to be just, should fall on the party setting the guilty
+example, not on an innocent party which was not even chargeable with an
+acquiescence in it.
+
+When deprived of this flimsy veil for a prohibition of our trade with
+her enemy by the repeal of his prohibition of our trade with Great
+Britain, her cabinet, instead of a corresponding repeal or a practical
+discontinuance of its orders, formally avowed a determination to persist
+in them against the United States until the markets of her enemy should
+be laid open to British products, thus asserting an obligation on a
+neutral power to require one belligerent to encourage by its internal
+regulations the trade of another belligerent, contradicting her own
+practice toward all nations, in peace as well as in war, and betraying
+the insincerity of those professions which inculcated a belief that,
+having resorted to her orders with regret, she was anxious to find an
+occasion for putting an end to them.
+
+Abandoning still more all respect for the neutral rights of the United
+States and for its own consistency, the British Government now demands
+as prerequisites to a repeal of its orders as they relate to the United
+States that a formality should be observed in the repeal of the French
+decrees nowise necessary to their termination nor exemplified by British
+usage, and that the French repeal, besides including that portion of the
+decrees which operates within a territorial jurisdiction, as well as
+that which operates on the high seas, against the commerce of the United
+States should not be a single and special repeal in relation to the
+United States, but should be extended to whatever other neutral nations
+unconnected with them may be affected by those decrees. And as an
+additional insult, they are called on for a formal disavowal of
+conditions and pretensions advanced by the French Government for which
+the United States are so far from having made themselves responsible
+that, in official explanations which have been published to the world,
+and in a correspondence of the American minister at London with the
+British minister for foreign affairs such a responsibility was
+explicitly and emphatically disclaimed.
+
+It has become, indeed, sufficiently certain that the commerce of
+the United States is to be sacrificed, not as interfering with the
+belligerent rights of Great Britain; not as supplying the wants of
+her enemies, which she herself supplies; but as interfering with the
+monopoly which she covets for her own commerce and navigation. She
+carries on a war against the lawful commerce of a friend that she may
+the better carry on a commerce with an enemy--a commerce polluted by the
+forgeries and perjuries which are for the most part the only passports
+by which it can succeed.
+
+Anxious to make every experiment short of the last resort of injured
+nations, the United States have withheld from Great Britain, under
+successive modifications, the benefits of a free intercourse with their
+market, the loss of which could not but outweigh the profits accruing
+from her restrictions of our commerce with other nations. And to entitle
+these experiments to the more favorable consideration they were so
+framed as to enable her to place her adversary under the exclusive
+operation of them. To these appeals her Government has been equally
+inflexible, as if willing to make sacrifices of every sort rather than
+yield to the claims of justice or renounce the errors of a false pride.
+Nay, so far were the attempts carried to overcome the attachment
+of the British cabinet to its unjust edicts that it received every
+encouragement within the competency of the executive branch of our
+Government to expect that a repeal of them would be followed by a war
+between the United States and France, unless the French edicts should
+also be repealed. Even this communication, although silencing forever
+the plea of a disposition in the United States to acquiesce in those
+edicts originally the sole plea for them, received no attention.
+
+If no other proof existed of a predetermination of the British
+Government against a repeal of its orders, it might be found in the
+correspondence of the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at
+London and the British secretary for foreign affairs in 1810, on the
+question whether the blockade of May, 1806, was considered as in force
+or as not in force. It had been ascertained that the French Government,
+which urged this blockade as the ground of its Berlin decree, was
+willing in the event of its removal to repeal that decree, which, being
+followed by alternate repeals of the other offensive edicts, might
+abolish the whole system on both sides. This inviting opportunity for
+accomplishing an object so important to the United States, and professed
+so often to be the desire of both the belligerents, was made known
+to the British Government. As that Government admits that an actual
+application of an adequate force is necessary to the existence of a
+legal blockade, and it was notorious that if such a force had ever been
+applied its long discontinuance had annulled the blockade in question,
+there could be no sufficient objection on the part of Great Britain to a
+formal revocation of it, and no imaginable objection to a declaration of
+the fact that the blockade did not exist. The declaration would have
+been consistent with her avowed principles of blockade, and would have
+enabled the United States to demand from France the pledged repeal of
+her decrees, either with success, in which case the way would have
+been opened for a general repeal of the belligerent edicts, or without
+success, in which case the United States would have been justified
+in turning their measures exclusively against France. The British
+Government would, however, neither rescind the blockade nor declare its
+nonexistence, nor permit its nonexistence to be inferred and affirmed
+by the American plenipotentiary. On the contrary, by representing the
+blockade to be comprehended in the orders in council, the United States
+were compelled so to regard it in their subsequent proceedings.
+
+There was a period when a favorable change in the policy of the
+British cabinet was justly considered as established. The minister
+plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty here proposed an adjustment of
+the differences more immediately endangering the harmony of the two
+countries. The proposition was accepted with the promptitude and
+cordiality corresponding with the invariable professions of this
+Government. A foundation appeared to be laid for a sincere and lasting
+reconciliation. The prospect, however, quickly vanished. The whole
+proceeding was disavowed by the British Government without any
+explanations which could at that time repress the belief that the
+disavowal proceeded from a spirit of hostility to the commercial rights
+and prosperity of the United States; and it has since come into proof
+that at the very moment when the public minister was holding the
+language of friendship and inspiring confidence in the sincerity of the
+negotiation with which he was charged a secret agent of his Government
+was employed in intrigues having for their object a subversion of our
+Government and a dismemberment of our happy union.
+
+In reviewing the conduct of Great Britain toward the United States
+our attention is necessarily drawn to the warfare just renewed by the
+savages on one of our extensive frontiers--a warfare which is known to
+spare neither age nor sex and to be distinguished by features peculiarly
+shocking to humanity. It is difficult to account for the activity and
+combinations which have for some time been developing themselves among
+tribes in constant intercourse with British traders and garrisons
+without connecting their hostility with that influence and without
+recollecting the authenticated examples of such interpositions
+heretofore furnished by the officers and agents of that Government.
+
+Such is the spectacle of injuries and indignities which have been heaped
+on our country, and such the crisis which its unexampled forbearance and
+conciliatory efforts have not been able to avert. It might at least
+have been expected that an enlightened nation, if less urged by moral
+obligations or invited by friendly dispositions on the part of the
+United States, would have found in its true interest alone a sufficient
+motive to respect their rights and their tranquillity on the high
+seas; that an enlarged policy would have favored that free and general
+circulation of commerce in which the British nation is at all times
+interested, and which in times of war is the best alleviation of its
+calamities to herself as well as to other belligerents; and more
+especially that the British cabinet would not, for the sake of a
+precarious and surreptitious intercourse with hostile markets, have
+persevered in a course of measures which necessarily put at hazard the
+invaluable market of a great and growing country, disposed to cultivate
+the mutual advantages of an active commerce.
+
+Other counsels have prevailed. Our moderation and conciliation have
+had no other effect than to encourage perseverance and to enlarge
+pretensions. We behold our seafaring citizens still the daily victims of
+lawless violence, committed on the great common and highway of nations,
+even within sight of the country which owes them protection. We behold
+our vessels, freighted with the products of our soil and industry, or
+returning with the honest proceeds of them, wrested from their lawful
+destinations, confiscated by prize courts no longer the organs of public
+law but the instruments of arbitrary edicts, and their unfortunate crews
+dispersed and lost, or forced or inveigled in British ports into British
+fleets, whilst arguments are employed in support of these aggressions
+which have no foundation but in a principle equally supporting a claim
+to regulate our external commerce in all cases whatsoever.
+
+We behold, in fine, on the side of Great Britain a state of war against
+the United States, and on the side of the United States a state of peace
+toward Great Britain.
+
+Whether the United States shall continue passive under these progressive
+usurpations and these accumulating wrongs, or, opposing force to force
+in defense of their national rights, shall commit a just cause into
+the hands of the Almighty Disposer of Events, avoiding all connections
+which might entangle it in the contest or views of other powers,
+and preserving a constant readiness to concur in an honorable
+reestablishment of peace and friendship, is a solemn question which
+the Constitution wisely confides to the legislative department of the
+Government. In recommending it to their early deliberations I am happy
+in the assurance that the decision will be worthy the enlightened and
+patriotic councils of a virtuous, a free, and a powerful nation.
+
+Having presented this view of the relations of the United States with
+Great Britain and of the solemn alternative growing out of them, I
+proceed to remark that the communications last made to Congress on the
+subject of our relations with France will have shewn that since the
+revocation of her decrees, as they violated the neutral rights of the
+United States, her Government has authorized illegal captures by its
+privateers and public ships, and that other outrages have been practiced
+on our vessels and our citizens. It will have been seen also that no
+indemnity had been provided or satisfactorily pledged for the extensive
+spoliations committed under the violent and retrospective orders of the
+French Government against the property of our citizens seized within the
+jurisdiction of France. I abstain at this time from recommending to the
+consideration of Congress definitive measures with respect to that
+nation, in the expectation that the result of unclosed discussions
+between our minister plenipotentiary at Paris and the French Government
+will speedily enable Congress to decide with greater advantage on the
+course due to the rights, the interests, and the honor of our country.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JUNE 30, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+With a view the better to adapt to the public service the volunteer
+force contemplated by the act passed on the 6th day of February, I
+recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of making the
+requisite provision for the officers thereof being commissioned by the
+authority of the United States.
+
+Considering the distribution of the military forces of the United States
+required by the circumstances of our country, I recommend also to the
+consideration of Congress the expediency of providing for the
+appointment of an additional number of general officers, and of deputies
+in the Adjutant's, Quartermaster's, Inspector's, and Paymaster's
+departments of the Army, and for the employment in cases of emergency of
+additional engineers.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JULY 1, 1812.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the
+26th of June, I transmit the information contained in the documents
+herewith enclosed.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+_From the Secretary of State to General George Matthews and Colonel
+John M'Kee_.
+
+DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _January 26, 1811_.
+
+The President of the United States having appointed you jointly and
+severally commissioners for carrying into effect certain provisions of
+an act of Congress (a copy of which is inclosed) relative to the portion
+of the Floridas situated to the east of the river Perdido, you will
+repair to that quarter with all possible expedition, concealing from
+general observation the trust committed to you with that discretion
+which the delicacy and importance of the undertaking require.
+
+Should you find Governor Folk or the local authority existing there
+inclined to surrender in an amicable manner the possession of the
+remaining portion or portions of West Florida now held by him in the
+name of the Spanish Monarchy, you are to accept in behalf of the United
+States the abdication of his or of the other existing authority and the
+jurisdiction of the country over which it extends. And should a
+stipulation be insisted on for the redelivery of the country at a future
+period, you may engage for such redelivery to the lawful sovereign.
+
+The debts clearly due from the Spanish Government to the people of the
+Territory surrendered may, if insisted on, be assumed within reasonable
+limits and under specified descriptions to be settled hereafter as a
+claim against Spain in an adjustment of our affairs with her. You may
+also guarantee, in the name of the United States, the confirmation of
+all such titles to land as are clearly sanctioned by Spanish laws, and
+Spanish civil functionaries, where no special reasons may require
+changes, are to be permitted to remain in office with the assurance of a
+continuation of the prevailing laws, with such alterations only as may
+be necessarily required in the new situation of the country.
+
+If it should be required and be found necessary, you may agree to
+advance, as above, a reasonable sum for the transportation of the
+Spanish troops.
+
+These directions are adapted to one of the contingencies specified in
+the act of Congress, namely, the amicable surrender of the possession of
+the Territory by the local ruling authority. But should the arrangement
+contemplated by the statute not be made, and should there be room to
+entertain a suspicion of an existing design in any foreign power to
+occupy the country in question, you are to keep yourselves on the alert,
+and on the first undoubted manifestation of the approach of a force for
+that purpose you will exercise with promptness and vigor the powers with
+which you are invested by the President to preoccupy by force the
+Territory, to the entire exclusion of any armament that may be advancing
+to take the possession of it. In this event you will exercise a sound
+discretion in applying the powers given with respect to debts, titles to
+lands, civil officers, and the continuation of the Spanish laws, taking
+care to commit the Government on no point further than may be necessary;
+and should any Spanish military force remain within the country after
+the occupancy by the troops of the United States, you may in such case
+aid in their removal from the same.
+
+The universal toleration which the laws of the United States assure to
+every religious persuasion will not escape you as an argument for
+quieting the minds of uninformed individuals who may entertain fears on
+that head.
+
+The conduct you are to pursue in regard to East Florida must be
+regulated by the dictates of your own judgments, on a close view and
+accurate knowledge of the precise state of things there, and of the real
+disposition of the Spanish Government always recurring to the present
+instruction as the paramount rule of your proceedings. Should you
+discover an inclination in the governor of East Florida, or in the
+existing local authority, amicably to surrender that province into the
+possession of the United States, you are to accept it on the same terms
+that are prescribed by these instructions in relation to West Florida.
+And in case of the actual appearance of any attempt to take possession
+by a foreign power, you will pursue the same effective measures for the
+occupation of the Territory and for the exclusion of the foreign force
+as you are directed to pursue with respect to the country east of the
+Perdido, forming at this time the extent of Governor Folk's
+jurisdiction.
+
+If you should, under these instructions, obtain possession of Mobile,
+you will lose no time in informing Governor Claiborne thereof, with a
+request that he will without delay take the necessary steps for the
+occupation of the same.
+
+All ordnance and military stores that may be found in the Territory must
+be held as the property of the Spanish Government, to be accounted for
+hereafter to the proper authority, and you will not fail to transmit an
+inventory thereof to this Department.
+
+If in the execution of any part of these instructions you should need
+the aid of a military force, the same will be afforded you upon your
+application to the commanding officer of the troops of the United States
+on that station, or to the commanding officer of the nearest post, in
+virtue of orders which have been issued from the War Department. And in
+case you should, moreover, need naval assistance, you will receive the
+same upon your application to the naval commander in pursuance of orders
+from the Navy Department.
+
+From the Treasury Department will be issued the necessary instructions
+in relation to imposts and duties, and to the slave ships whose arrival
+is apprehended.
+
+The President, relying upon your discretion, authorizes you to draw upon
+the collectors of Orleans and Savannah for such sums as may be necessary
+to defray unavoidable expenses that may be incurred in the execution of
+these instructions, not exceeding in your drafts on New Orleans $8,000
+and in your drafts on Savannah $2,000, without further authority, of
+which expenses you will hereafter exhibit a detailed account duly
+supported by satisfactory vouchers.
+
+POSTSCRIPT.--If Governor Folk should unexpectedly require and
+pertinaciously insist that the stipulation for the redelivery of the
+Territory should also include that portion of the country which is
+situated west of the river Perdido, you are, in yielding to such demand,
+only to use general words that may by implication comprehend that
+portion of country; but at the same time you are expressly to provide
+that such stipulation shall not in any way impair or affect the right or
+title of the United States to the same.
+
+
+
+_The Secretary of State to General Matthews_.
+
+DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _April 4, 1812_.
+
+General MATTHEWS, etc.
+
+SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 14th of March,
+and have now to communicate to you the sentiments of the President on
+the very interesting subject to which it relates.
+
+I am sorry to have to state that the measures which you appear to have
+adopted for obtaining possession of Amelia Island and other parts of
+Bast Florida are not authorized by the law of the United States or the
+instructions founded on it under which you have acted.
+
+You were authorized by the law, a copy of which was communicated to you,
+and by your instructions, which are strictly conformable to it, to take
+possession of East Florida only in case one of the following contingencies
+should happen: Either that the governor or other existing local
+authority should be disposed to place it amicably in the hands of the
+United States, or that an attempt should be made to, take possession
+of it by a foreign power. Should the first contingency happen it would
+follow that the arrangement, being amicable, would require no force on
+the part of the United States to carry it into effect. It was only in
+case of an attempt to take it by a foreign power that force could be
+necessary, in which event only were you authorized to avail yourself
+of it.
+
+In neither of these contingencies was it the policy of the law or
+purpose of the Executive to wrest the Province forcibly from Spain,
+but only to occupy it with a view to prevent its falling into the
+hands of any foreign power, and to hold that pledge under the existing
+peculiarity of the circumstances of the Spanish Monarchy for a just
+result in an amicable negotiation with Spain.
+
+Had the United States been disposed to proceed otherwise, that intention
+would have been manifested by a change of the law and suitable measures
+to carry it into effect; and as it was in their power to take possession
+whenever they might think that circumstances authorized and required it,
+it would be the more to be regretted if possession should be effected by
+any means irregular in themselves and subjecting the Government of the
+United States to unmerited censure.
+
+The views of the Executive respecting East Florida are further
+illustrated by your instructions as to West Florida. Although the United
+States have thought that they had a good title to the latter Province,
+they did not take possession until after the Spanish authority had been
+subverted by a revolutionary proceeding, and the contingency of the
+country being thrown into foreign hands had forced itself into view. Nor
+did they then, nor have they since, dispossessed the Spanish troops of
+the post which they occupied. If they did not think proper to take
+possession by force of a province to which they thought they were justly
+entitled, it could not be presumed that they should intend to act
+differently in respect to one to which they had not such a claim.
+
+I may add that although due sensibility has been always felt for the
+injuries which were received from the Spanish Government in the last
+war, the present situation of Spain has been a motive for a moderate and
+pacific policy toward her.
+
+In communicating to you these sentiments of the Executive on the
+measures you have lately adopted for taking possession of East Florida,
+I add with pleasure that the utmost confidence is reposed in your
+integrity and zeal to promote the welfare of your country. To that zeal
+the error into which you have fallen is imputed. But in consideration of
+the part which you have taken, which differs so essentially from that
+contemplated and authorized by the Government, and contradicts so
+entirely the principles on which it has uniformly and sincerely acted,
+you will be sensible of the necessity of discontinuing the service in
+which you have been employed.
+
+You will therefore consider your powers as revoked on the receipt of
+this letter. The new duties to be performed will be transferred to the
+governor of Georgia, to whom instructions will be given on all the
+circumstances to which it may be proper at the present juncture to call
+his attention.
+
+I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
+
+JAMES MONROE.
+
+
+
+_The Secretary of State to His Excellency D.B. Mitchell, the
+governor of Georgia_.
+
+DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _April 10, 1812_.
+
+SIR: The President is desirous of availing the public of your services
+in a concern of much delicacy and of high importance to the United
+States. Circumstances with which you are in some degree acquainted, but
+which will be fully explained by the inclosed papers, have made it
+necessary to revoke the powers heretofore committed to General Matthews
+and to commit them to you. The President is persuaded that you will not
+hesitate to undertake a trust so important to the nation, and peculiarly
+to the State of Georgia. He is the more confident in this belief from
+the consideration that these new duties may be discharged without
+interfering, as he presumes, with those of the station which you now
+hold.
+
+By the act of the 15th of January, 1811, you will observe that it was
+not contemplated to take possession of East Florida or any part thereof,
+unless it should be surrendered to the United States amicably by the
+governor or other local authority of the Province, or against an attempt
+to take possession of it by a foreign power, and you will also see that
+General Matthews's instructions, of which a copy is likewise inclosed,
+correspond fully with the law.
+
+By the documents in possession of the Government it appears that neither
+of these contingencies have happened; that instead of an amicable
+surrender by the governor or other local authority the troops of the
+United States have been used to dispossess the Spanish authority by
+force. I forbear to dwell on the details of this transaction because it
+is painful to recite them. By the letter to General Matthews which is
+inclosed, open for your perusal, you will fully comprehend the views of
+the Government respecting the late transaction, and by the law, the
+former instructions to the General, and the late letter now forwarded
+you will be made acquainted with the course of conduct which it is
+expected of you to pursue in future in discharging the duties heretofore
+enjoined on him.
+
+It is the desire of the President that you should turn your attention
+and direct your efforts in the first instance to the restoration of that
+state of things in the Province which existed before the late
+transactions. The Executive considers it proper to restore back to the
+Spanish authorities Amelia Island and such other parts, if any, of East
+Florida as may have thus been taken from them. With this view it will be
+necessary for you to communicate _directly_ with the governor or
+principal officer of Spain in that Province, and to act in harmony with
+him in the attainment of it. It is presumed that the arrangement will be
+easily and amicably made between you. I inclose you an order from the
+Secretary of War to the commander of the troops of the United States to
+evacuate the country when requested so to do by you, and to pay the same
+respect in future to your order in fulfilling the duties enjoined by the
+law that he had been instructed to do to that of General Matthews.
+
+In restoring to the Spanish authorities Amelia Island and such other
+parts of East Florida as may have been taken possession of in the name
+of the United States there is another object to which your particular
+attention will be due. In the measures lately adopted by General
+Matthews to take possession of that Territory it is probable that much
+reliance has been placed by the people who acted in it on the
+countenance and support of the United States. It will be improper to
+expose these people to the resentment of the Spanish authorities. It is
+not to be presumed that those authorities in regaining possession of the
+Territory in this amicable mode from the United States will be disposed
+to indulge any such feeling toward them. You will, however, come to a
+full understanding with the Spanish governor on this subject, and not
+fail to obtain from him the most explicit and satisfactory assurance
+respecting it. Of this assurance you will duly apprise the parties
+interested, and of the confidence which you repose in it. It is hoped
+that on this delicate and very interesting point the Spanish governor
+will avail himself of the opportunity it presents to evince the friendly
+disposition of his Government toward the United States.
+
+There is one other remaining circumstance only to which I wish to call
+your attention, and that relates to General Matthews himself. His
+gallant and meritorious services in our Revolution and patriotic conduct
+since have always been held in high estimation by the Government. His
+errors in this instance are imputed altogether to his zeal to promote
+the welfare of his country; but they are of a nature to impose on the
+Government the necessity of the measures now taken, in giving effect to
+which you will doubtless feel a disposition to consult, as far as may
+be, his personal sensibility.
+
+I have the honor to be, etc.,
+
+JAMES MONROE.
+
+P.S.--Should you find it impracticable to execute the duties designated
+above in person, the President requests that you will be so good as to
+employ some very respectable character to represent you in it, to whom
+you are authorized to allow a similar compensation. It is hoped,
+however, that you may be able to attend to it in person, for reasons
+which I need not enter into. The expenses to which you may be exposed
+will be promptly paid to your draft on this Department.
+
+
+
+_The Secretary of State to D.B. Mitchell, esq., governor of Georgia_.
+
+DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _May 27, 1812_.
+
+SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 2d instant from
+St. Marys, where you had arrived in discharge of the trust reposed in
+you by the President, in relation to East Florida.
+
+My letter by Mr. Isaacs has, I presume, substantially answered the most
+important of the queries submitted in your letter, but I will give to
+each a more distinct answer.
+
+By the law of which a copy was forwarded to you it is made the duty of
+the President to prevent the occupation of East Florida by any foreign
+power. It follows that you are authorized to consider the entrance, or
+attempt to enter, especially under existing circumstances, of British
+troops of any description as the case contemplated by the law, and to
+use the proper means to defeat it.
+
+An instruction will be immediately forwarded to the commander of the
+naval force of the United States in the neighborhood of East Florida to
+give you any assistance, in case of emergency, which you may think
+necessary and require.
+
+It is not expected, if you find it proper to withdraw the troops, that
+you should interfere to compel the patriots to surrender the country or
+any part of it to the Spanish authorities. The United States are
+responsible for their own conduct only; not for that of the inhabitants
+of East Florida. Indeed, in consequence of the compromitment of the
+United States to the inhabitants, you have been already instructed not
+to withdraw the troops, unless you find that it may be done consistently
+with their safety, and to report to the Government the result of your
+conferences with the Spanish authorities, with your opinion of their
+views, holding in the meantime the ground occupied.
+
+In the present state of our affairs with Great Britain the course above
+pointed out is the more justifiable and proper.
+
+I have the honor, etc.,
+
+JAMES MONROE.
+
+
+
+JULY 6, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to the Senate copies and extracts of documents in the
+archives of the Department of State falling within the purview of their
+resolution of the 4th instant, on the subject of British impressments
+from American vessels. The information, though voluminous, might have
+been enlarged with more time for research and preparation. In some
+instances it might at the same time have been abridged but for the
+difficulty of separating the matter extraneous to the immediate object
+of the resolution.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+VETO MESSAGE.
+
+
+APRIL 3, 1812.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having examined and considered the bill entitled "An act providing for
+the trial of causes pending in the respective district courts of the
+United States, in case of the absence or disability of the judges
+thereof," which bill was presented to me on the 25th of March past, I
+now return the same to the House of Representatives, in which it
+originated, with the following objections:
+
+Because the additional services imposed by the bill on the justices of
+the Supreme Court of the United States are to be performed by them
+rather in the quality of other judges of other courts, namely, judges of
+the district courts, than in the quality of justices of the Supreme
+Court. They are to hold the said district courts, and to do and perform
+all acts relating to the said courts which are by law required of the
+district judges. The bill therefore virtually appoints, for the time,
+the justices of the Supreme Court to other distinct offices to which, if
+compatible with their original offices, they ought to be appointed by
+another than the legislative authority, in pursuance of legislative
+provisions authorizing the appointments.
+
+Because the appeal allowed by law for the decision of the district
+courts to the circuit courts, whilst it corroborates the construction
+which regards a judge of one court as clothed with a new office, by
+being constituted a judge of the other, submits for correction erroneous
+judgments, not to superior or other judges, but to the erring individual
+himself, acting as sole judge in the appellate court.
+
+Because the additional services to be required may, by distances of
+place and by the casualties contemplated by the bill, become
+disproportionate to the strength and health of the justices who are to
+perform them, the additional services being, moreover, entitled to no
+additional compensation, nor the additional expenses incurred to
+reimbursement. In this view the bill appears to be contrary to equity,
+as well as a precedent for modifications and extensions of judicial
+services encroaching on the constitutional tenure of judicial offices.
+
+Because, by referring to the President of the United States questions of
+disability in the district judges and of the unreasonableness of
+delaying the suits or causes pending in the district courts, and leaving
+it with him in such causes to require the justices of the Supreme Court
+to perform additional services, the bill introduces an unsuitable
+relation of members of the judiciary department to a discretionary
+authority of the executive department.
+
+JAMES MADISON
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 1, p. 448.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that a number of individuals who
+have deserted from the Army of the United States have become sensible of
+their offense and are desirous of returning to their duty, a full pardon
+is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals as
+shall within four months from the date hereof surrender themselves to
+the commanding officer of any military post within the United States or
+the Territories thereof.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 7th day of February, A.D. 1812, and
+of the Independence of the United States the thirty-sixth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Twelfth Congress, part 2, 2223.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas the Congress of the United States, by virtue of the constituted
+authority vested in them, have declared by their act bearing date the
+18th day of the present month that war exists between the United Kingdom
+of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof and the United
+States of America and their Territories:
+
+Now, therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States of
+America, do hereby proclaim the same to all whom it may concern; and I
+do specially enjoin on all persons holding offices, civil or military,
+under the authority of the United States that they be vigilant and
+zealous in discharging the duties respectively incident thereto; and I
+do moreover exhort all the good people of the United States, as they
+love their country, as they value the precious heritage derived from the
+virtue and valor of their fathers, as they feel the wrongs which have
+forced on them the last resort of injured nations, and as they consult
+the best means under the blessing of Divine Providence of abridging its
+calamities, that they exert themselves in preserving order, in promoting
+concord, in maintaining the authority and efficacy of the laws, and in
+supporting and invigorating all the measures which may be adopted by the
+constituted authorities for obtaining a speedy, a just, and an honorable
+peace.
+
+In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
+the United States to be affixed to these presents.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 19th day of June, 1812, and of the
+Independence of the United States the thirty-sixth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Twelfth Congress, part 2, 2224.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the
+two Houses, have signified a request that a day may be recommended to be
+observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as
+a day of public humiliation and prayer; and
+
+Whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious
+denominations and societies so disposed to offer at one and the same
+time their common vows and adorations to Almighty God on the solemn
+occasion produced by the war in which He has been pleased to permit
+the injustice of a foreign power to involve these United States:
+
+I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next as a
+convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering the
+Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of Mankind the public
+homage due to His holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions
+which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasure;
+of seeking His merciful forgiveness and His assistance in the great
+duties of repentance and amendment, and especially of offering fervent
+supplications that in the present season of calamity and war He would
+take the American people under His peculiar care and protection; that He
+would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism, and bestow
+His blessing on their arms; that He would inspire all nations with a
+love of justice and of concord and with a reverence for the unerring
+precept of our holy religion to do to others as they would require that
+others should do to them; and, finally, that, turning the hearts of our
+enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their councils
+against us, He would hasten a restoration of the blessings of peace.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given at Washington, the 9th day of July, A.D. 1812.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 3, p. 101.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that a number of individuals who
+have deserted from the Army of the United States have become sensible of
+their offenses and are desirous of returning to their duty, a full
+pardon is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals
+as shall within four months from the date hereof surrender themselves to
+the commanding officer of any military post within the United States or
+the Territories thereof.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 8th day of October, A.D. 1812, and
+of the Independence of the United States the thirty-seventh.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _November 4, 1812_.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+On our present meeting it is my first duty to invite your attention to
+the providential favors which our country has experienced in the unusual
+degree of health dispensed to its inhabitants, and in the rich abundance
+with which the earth has rewarded the labors bestowed on it. In the
+successful cultivation of other branches of industry, and in the
+progress of general improvement favorable to the national prosperity,
+there is just occasion also for our mutual congratulations and
+thankfulness.
+
+With these blessings are necessarily mingled the pressures and
+vicissitudes incident to the state of war into which the United States
+have been forced by the perseverance of a foreign power in its system of
+injustice and aggression.
+
+Previous to its declaration it was deemed proper, as a measure of
+precaution and forecast, that a considerable force should be placed in
+the Michigan Territory with a general view to its security, and, in
+the event of war, to such operations in the uppermost Canada as would
+intercept the hostile influence of Great Britain over the savages,
+obtain the command of the lake on which that part of Canada borders,
+and maintain cooperating relations with such forces as might be most
+conveniently employed against other parts. Brigadier-General Hull was
+charged with this provisional service, having under his command a body
+of troops composed of regulars and of volunteers from the State of Ohio.
+Having reached his destination after his knowledge of the war, and
+possessing discretionary authority to act offensively, he passed into
+the neighboring territory of the enemy with a prospect of easy and
+victorious progress. The expedition, nevertheless, terminated
+unfortunately, not only in a retreat to the town and fort of Detroit,
+but in the surrender of both and of the gallant corps commanded by that
+officer. The causes of this painful reverse will be investigated by a
+military tribunal.
+
+A distinguishing feature in the operations which preceded and followed
+this adverse event is the use made by the enemy of the merciless savages
+under their influence. Whilst the benevolent policy of the United States
+invariably recommended peace and promoted civilization among that
+wretched portion of the human race, and was making exertions to dissuade
+them from taking either side in the war, the enemy has not scrupled to
+call to his aid their ruthless ferocity, armed with the horrors of those
+instruments of carnage and torture which are known to spare neither age
+nor sex. In this outrage against the laws of honorable war and against
+the feelings sacred to humanity the British commanders can not resort to
+a plea of retaliation, for it is committed in the face of our example.
+They can not mitigate it by calling it a self-defense against men in
+arms, for it embraces the most shocking butcheries of defenseless
+families. Nor can it be pretended that they are not answerable for the
+atrocities perpetrated, since the savages are employed with a knowledge,
+and even with menaces, that their fury could not be controlled. Such is
+the spectacle which the deputed authorities of a nation boasting its
+religion and morality have not been restrained from presenting to an
+enlightened age.
+
+The misfortune at Detroit was not, however, without a consoling effect.
+It was followed by signal proofs that the national spirit rises
+according to the pressure on it. The loss of an important post and of
+the brave men surrendered with it inspired everywhere new ardor and
+determination. In the States and districts least remote it was no sooner
+known than every citizen was ready to fly with his arms at once to
+protect his brethren against the bloodthirsty savages let loose by the
+enemy on an extensive frontier, and to convert a partial calamity into
+a source of invigorated efforts. This patriotic zeal, which it was
+necessary rather to limit than excite, has embodied an ample force from
+the States of Kentucky and Ohio and from parts of Pennsylvania and
+Virginia. It is placed, with the addition of a few regulars, under
+the command of Brigadier-General Harrison, who possesses the entire
+confidence of his fellow-soldiers, among whom are citizens, some of them
+volunteers in the ranks, not less distinguished by their political
+stations than by their personal merits. The greater portion of this
+force is proceeding on its destination toward the Michigan Territory,
+having succeeded in relieving an important frontier post, and in several
+incidental operations against hostile tribes of savages, rendered
+indispensable by the subserviency into which they had been seduced by
+the enemy--a seduction the more cruel as it could not fail to impose a
+necessity of precautionary severities against those who yielded to it.
+
+At a recent date an attack was made on a post of the enemy near Niagara
+by a detachment of the regular and other forces under the command of
+Major-General Van Rensselaer, of the militia of the State of New York.
+The attack, it appears, was ordered in compliance with the ardor of the
+troops, who executed it with distinguished gallantry, and were for a
+time victorious; but not receiving the expected support, they were
+compelled to yield to reenforcements of British regulars and savages.
+Our loss has been considerable, and is deeply to be lamented. That of
+the enemy, less ascertained, will be the more felt, as it includes among
+the killed the commanding general, who was also the governor of the
+Province, and was sustained by veteran troops from unexperienced
+soldiers, who must daily improve in the duties of the field.
+
+Our expectation of gaining the command of the Lakes by the invasion of
+Canada from Detroit having been disappointed, measures were instantly
+taken to provide on them a naval force superior to that of the enemy.
+From the talents and activity of the officer charged with this object
+everything that can be done may be expected. Should the present season
+not admit of complete success, the progress made will insure for the
+next a naval ascendency where it is essential to our permanent peace
+with and control over the savages.
+
+Among the incidents to the measures of the war I am constrained to
+advert to the refusal of the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut
+to furnish the required detachments of militia toward the defense of the
+maritime frontier. The refusal was founded on a novel and unfortunate
+exposition of the provisions of the Constitution relating to the
+militia. The correspondences which will be laid before you contain
+the requisite information on the subject. It is obvious that if the
+authority of the United States to call into service and command the
+militia for the public defense can be thus frustrated, even in a state
+of declared war and of course under apprehensions of invasion preceding
+war, they are not one nation for the purpose most of all requiring it,
+and that the public safety may have no other resource than in those
+large and permanent military establishments which are forbidden by the
+principles of our free government, and against the necessity of which
+the militia were meant to be a constitutional bulwark.
+
+On the coasts and on the ocean the war has been as successful as
+circumstances inseparable from its early stages could promise. Our
+public ships and private cruisers, by their activity, and, where there
+was occasion, by their intrepidity, have made the enemy sensible of the
+difference between a reciprocity of captures and the long confinement of
+them to their side. Our trade, with little exception, has safely reached
+our ports, having been much favored in it by the course pursued by a
+squadron of our frigates under the command of Commodore Rodgers, and in
+the instance in which skill and bravery were more particularly tried
+with those of the enemy the American flag had an auspicious triumph.
+The frigate _Constitution_, commanded by Captain Hull, after a close
+and short engagement completely disabled and captured a British frigate,
+gaining for that officer and all on board a praise which can not be too
+liberally bestowed, not merely for the victory actually achieved, but
+for that prompt and cool exertion of commanding talents which, giving to
+courage its highest character, and to the force applied its full effect,
+proved that more could have been done in a contest requiring more.
+
+Anxious to abridge the evils from which a state of war can not be
+exempt, I lost no time after it was declared in conveying to the British
+Government the terms on which its progress might be arrested, without
+awaiting the delays of a formal and final pacification, and our chargé
+d'affaires at London was at the same time authorized to agree to an
+armistice founded upon them. These terms required that the orders in
+council should be repealed as they affected the United States, without a
+revival of blockades violating acknowledged rules, and that there should
+be an immediate discharge of American seamen from British ships, and a
+stop to impressment from American ships, with an understanding that
+an exclusion of the seamen of each nation from the ships of the other
+should be stipulated, and that the armistice should be improved into
+a definitive and comprehensive adjustment of depending controversies.
+Although a repeal of the orders susceptible of explanations meeting the
+views of this Government had taken place before this pacific advance was
+communicated to that of Great Britain, the advance was declined from an
+avowed repugnance to a suspension of the practice of impressments during
+the armistice, and without any intimation that the arrangement proposed
+with respect to seamen would be accepted. Whether the subsequent
+communications from this Government, affording an occasion for
+reconsidering the subject on the part of Great Britain, will be viewed
+in a more favorable light or received in a more accommodating spirit
+remains to be known. It would be unwise to relax our measures in any
+respect on a presumption of such a result.
+
+The documents from the Department of State which relate to this subject
+will give a view also of the propositions for an armistice which have
+been received here, one of them from the authorities at Halifax and in
+Canada, the other from the British Government itself through Admiral
+Warren, and of the grounds on which neither of them could be accepted.
+
+Our affairs with France retain the posture which they held at my last
+communications to you. Notwithstanding the authorized expectations of an
+early as well as favorable issue to the discussions on foot, these have
+been procrastinated to the latest date. The only intervening occurrence
+meriting attention is the promulgation of a French decree purporting to
+be a definitive repeal of the Berlin and Milan decrees. This proceeding,
+although made the ground of the repeal of the British orders in council,
+is rendered by the time and manner of it liable to many objections.
+
+The final communications from our special minister to Denmark afford
+further proofs of the good effects of his mission, and of the amicable
+disposition of the Danish Government. From Russia we have the
+satisfaction to receive assurances of continued friendship, and that it
+will not be affected by the rupture between the United States and Great
+Britain. Sweden also professes sentiments favorable to the subsisting
+harmony.
+
+With the Barbary Powers, excepting that of Algiers, our affairs remain
+on the ordinary footing. The consul-general residing with that Regency
+has suddenly and without cause been banished, together with all the
+American citizens found there. Whether this was the transitory effect of
+capricious despotism or the first act of predetermined hostility is not
+ascertained. Precautions were taken by the consul on the latter
+supposition.
+
+The Indian tribes not under foreign instigations remain at peace, and
+receive the civilizing attentions which have proved so beneficial to
+them.
+
+With a view to that vigorous prosecution of the war to which our
+national faculties are adequate, the attention of Congress will be
+particularly drawn to the insufficiency of existing provisions for
+filling up the military establishment. Such is the happy condition of
+our country, arising from the facility of subsistence and the high wages
+for every species of occupation, that notwithstanding the augmented
+inducements provided at the last session, a partial success only has
+attended the recruiting service. The deficiency has been necessarily
+supplied during the campaign by other than regular troops, with all
+the inconveniences and expense incident to them. The remedy lies in
+establishing more favorably for the private soldier the proportion
+between his recompense and the term of his enlistment, and it is a
+subject which can not too soon or too seriously be taken into
+consideration.
+
+The same insufficiency has been experienced in the provisions for
+volunteers made by an act of the last session. The recompense for the
+service required in this case is still less attractive than in the
+other, and although patriotism alone has sent into the field some
+valuable corps of that description, those alone who can afford the
+sacrifice can be reasonably expected to yield to that impulse.
+
+It will merit consideration also whether as auxiliary to the security
+of our frontiers corps may not be advantageously organized with a
+restriction of their services to particular districts convenient to
+them, and whether the local and occasional services of mariners and
+others in the seaport towns under a similar organization would not be
+a provident addition to the means of their defense.
+
+I recommend a provision for an increase of the general officers of the
+Army, the deficiency of which has been illustrated by the number and
+distance of separate commands which the course of the war and the
+advantage of the service have required.
+
+And I can not press too strongly on the earliest attention of the
+Legislature the importance of the reorganization of the staff
+establishment with a view to render more distinct and definite the
+relations and responsibilities of its several departments. That there
+is room for improvements which will materially promote both economy and
+success in what appertains to the Army and the war is equally inculcated
+by the examples of other countries and by the experience of our own.
+
+A revision of the militia laws for the purpose of rendering them more
+systematic and better adapting them to emergencies of the war is at this
+time particularly desirable.
+
+Of the additional ships authorized to be fitted for service, two will
+be shortly ready to sail, a third is under repair, and delay will be
+avoided in the repair of the residue. Of the appropriations for the
+purchase of materials for shipbuilding, the greater part has been
+applied to that object and the purchase will be continued with the
+balance.
+
+The enterprising spirit which has characterized our naval force and its
+success, both in restraining insults and depredations on our coasts and
+in reprisals on the enemy, will not fail to recommend an enlargement of
+it.
+
+There being reason to believe that the act prohibiting the acceptance
+of British licenses is not a sufficient guard against the use of them,
+for purposes favorable to the interests and views of the enemy, further
+provisions on that subject are highly important. Nor is it less so that
+penal enactments should be provided for cases of corrupt and perfidious
+intercourse with the enemy, not amounting to treason nor yet embraced
+by any statutory provisions.
+
+A considerable number of American vessels which were in England when the
+revocation of the orders in council took place were laden with British
+manufactures under an erroneous impression that the nonimportation act
+would immediately cease to operate, and have arrived in the United
+States. It did not appear proper to exercise on unforeseen cases of such
+magnitude the ordinary powers vested in the Treasury Department to
+mitigate forfeitures without previously affording to Congress an
+opportunity of making on the subject such provision as they may think
+proper. In their decision they will doubtless equally consult what is
+due to equitable considerations and to the public interest.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury during the year ending on the 30th of
+September last have exceeded $16,500,000, which have been sufficient
+to defray all the demands on the Treasury to that day, including a
+necessary reimbursement of near three millions of the principal of the
+public debt. In these receipts is included a sum of near $5,850,000,
+received on account of the loans authorized by the acts of the last
+session; the whole sum actually obtained on loan amounts to $11,000,000,
+the residue of which, being receivable subsequent to the 30th of
+September last, will, together with the current revenue, enable us to
+defray all the expenses of this year.
+
+The duties on the late unexpected importations of British manufactures
+will render the revenue of the ensuing year more productive than could
+have been anticipated.
+
+The situation of our country, fellow-citizens, is not without its
+difficulties, though it abounds in animating considerations, of which
+the view here presented of our pecuniary resources is an example. With
+more than one nation we have serious and unsettled controversies, and
+with one, powerful in the means and habits of war, we are at war. The
+spirit and strength of the nation are nevertheless equal to the support
+of all its rights, and to carry it through all its trials. They can be
+met in that confidence. Above all, we have the inestimable consolation
+of knowing that the war in which we are actually engaged is a war
+neither of ambition nor of vainglory; that it is waged not in violation
+of the rights of others, but in the maintenance of our own; that it was
+preceded by a patience without example under wrongs accumulating without
+end, and that it was finally not declared until every hope of averting
+it was extinguished by the transfer of the British scepter into new
+hands clinging to former councils, and until declarations were
+reiterated to the last hour, through the British envoy here, that
+the hostile edicts against our commercial rights and our maritime
+independence would not be revoked; nay, that they could not be revoked
+without violating the obligations of Great Britain to other powers, as
+well as to her own interests. To have shrunk under such circumstances
+from manly resistance would have been a degradation blasting our best
+and proudest hopes; it would have struck us from the high rank where the
+virtuous struggles of our fathers had placed us, and have betrayed the
+magnificent legacy which we hold in trust for future generations. It
+would have acknowledged that on the element which forms three-fourths of
+the globe we inhabit, and where all independent nations have equal and
+common rights, the American people were not an independent people,
+but colonists and vassals. It was at this moment and with such an
+alternative that war was chosen. The nation felt the necessity of it,
+and called for it. The appeal was accordingly made, in a just cause,
+to the Just and All-powerful Being who holds in His hand the chain of
+events and the destiny of nations. It remains only that, faithful to
+ourselves, entangled in no connections with the views of other powers,
+and ever ready to accept peace from the hand of justice, we prosecute
+the war with united counsels and with the ample faculties of the nation
+until peace be so obtained and as the only means under the Divine
+blessing of speedily obtaining it.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+NOVEMBER, 12, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+For the further information of Congress relative to the pacific advances
+made on the part of this Government to that of Great Britain, and the
+manner in which they have been met by the latter, I transmit the sequel
+of the communications on that subject received from the late chargé
+d'affaires at London.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+NOVEMBER 17, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress copies of a letter from the consul general of
+the United States to Algiers, stating the circumstances preceding and
+attending his departure from that Regency.
+
+JAMES MADISON
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 11, 1812_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy
+from Captain Decatur, of the frigate _United States_, reporting his
+combat and capture of the British frigate _Macedonian_. Too much
+praise can not be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board
+for the consummate skill and conspicuous valor by which this trophy has
+been added to the naval arms of the United States.
+
+I transmit also a letter from Captain Jones, who commanded the sloop
+of war _Wasp_, reporting his capture of the British sloop of war
+_Frolic_, after a close action, in which other brilliant titles will
+be seen to the public admiration and praise.
+
+A nation feeling what it owes to itself and to its citizens could never
+abandon to arbitrary violence on the ocean a class of them which give
+such examples of capacity and courage in defending their rights on that
+element, examples which ought to impress on the enemy, however brave and
+powerful, preference of justice and peace to hostility against a country
+whose prosperous career may be accelerated but can not be prevented by
+the assaults made on it.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 22, 1813.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a correspondence
+between John Mitchell, agent for American prisoners of war at Halifax,
+and the British admiral commanding at that station.
+
+I transmit, for the like purpose, copies of a letter from Commodore
+Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 22, 1813.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress a letter, with accompanying documents, from
+Captain Bainbridge, now commanding the United States frigate the
+_Constitution_, reporting his capture and destruction of the
+British frigate the _Java_. The circumstances and the issue of this
+combat afford another example of the professional skill and heroic
+spirit which prevail in our naval service. The signal display of both by
+Captain Bainbridge, his officers and crew, commands the highest praise.
+
+This being a second instance in which the condition of the captured
+ship, by rendering it impossible to get her into port, has barred
+a contemplated reward of successful valor, I recommend to the
+consideration of Congress the equity and propriety of a general
+provision allowing in such cases, both past and future, a fair
+proportion of the value which would accrue to the captors on the
+safe arrival and sale of the prize.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 24, 1813.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of a proclamation of the British
+lieutenant-governor of the island of Bermuda, which has appeared under
+circumstances leaving no doubt of its authenticity. It recites a British
+order in council of the 26th of October last, providing for the supply
+of the British West Indies and other colonial possessions by a trade
+under special licenses, and is accompanied by a circular instruction to
+the colonial governors which confines licensed importations from ports
+of the United States to the ports of the Eastern States exclusively.
+
+The Government of Great Britain had already introduced into her commerce
+during war a system which, at once violating the rights of other nations
+and resting on a mass of forgery and perjury unknown to other times,
+was making an unfortunate progress in undermining those principles
+of morality and religion which are the best foundation of national
+happiness.
+
+The policy now proclaimed to the world introduces into her modes of
+warfare a system equally distinguished by the deformity of its features
+and the depravity of its character, having for its object to dissolve
+the ties of allegiance and the sentiments of loyalty in the adversary
+nation, and to seduce and separate its component parts the one from the
+other.
+
+The general tendency of these demoralizing and disorganizing
+contrivances will be reprobated by the civilized and Christian world,
+and the insulting attempt on the virtue, the honor, the patriotism, and
+the fidelity of our brethren of the Eastern States will not fail to call
+forth all their indignation and resentment, and to attach more and more
+all the States to that happy Union and Constitution against which such
+insidious and malignant artifices are directed.
+
+The better to guard, nevertheless, against the effect of individual
+cupidity and treachery and to turn the corrupt projects of the enemy
+against himself, I recommend to the consideration of Congress the
+expediency of an effectual prohibition of any trade whatever by citizens
+or inhabitants of the United States under special licenses, whether
+relating to persons or ports, and in aid thereof a prohibition of all
+exportations from the United States in foreign bottoms, few of which are
+actually employed, whilst multiplying counterfeits of their flags and
+papers are covering and encouraging the navigation of the enemy.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 3, 1813.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Conformably to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the
+27th of January last, I transmit "rolls of the persons having office or
+employment of a public nature under the United States,"
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+VETO MESSAGE.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 5, 1812.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The bill entitled "An act supplementary to the acts heretofore passed on
+the subject of an uniform rule of naturalization," which passed the two
+Houses at the last session of Congress, having appeared to me liable to
+abuse by aliens having no real purpose of effectuating a naturalization,
+and therefore not been signed, and having been presented at an hour
+too near the close of the session to be returned with objections for
+reconsideration, the bill failed to become a law. I also recommend that
+provision be now made in favor of aliens entitled to the contemplated
+benefit, under such regulations as will prevent advantage being taken
+of it for improper purposes.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
+
+
+About to add the solemnity of an oath to the obligations imposed by a
+second call to the station in which my country heretofore placed me,
+I find in the presence of this respectable assembly an opportunity of
+publicly repeating my profound sense of so distinguished a confidence
+and of the responsibility united with it. The impressions on me are
+strengthened by such an evidence that my faithful endeavors to discharge
+my arduous duties have been favorably estimated, and by a consideration
+of the momentous period at which the trust has been renewed. From the
+weight and magnitude now belonging to it I should be compelled to shrink
+if I had less reliance on the support of an enlightened and generous
+people, and felt less deeply a conviction that the war with a powerful
+nation, which forms so prominent a feature in our situation, is stamped
+with that justice which invites the smiles of Heaven on the means of
+conducting it to a successful termination.
+
+May we not cherish this sentiment without presumption when we reflect
+on the characters by which this war is distinguished?
+
+It was not declared on the part of the United States until it had been
+long made on them, in reality though not in name; until arguments and
+expostulations had been exhausted; until a positive declaration had been
+received that the wrongs provoking it would not be discontinued; nor
+until this last appeal could no longer be delayed without breaking down
+the spirit of the nation, destroying all confidence in itself and in its
+political institutions, and either perpetuating a state of disgraceful
+suffering or regaining by more costly sacrifices and more severe
+struggles our lost rank and respect among independent powers.
+
+On the issue of the war are staked our national sovereignty on the
+high seas and the security of an important class of citizens, whose
+occupations give the proper value to those of every other class. Not to
+contend for such a stake is to surrender our equality with other powers
+on the element common to all and to violate the sacred title which every
+member of the society has to its protection. I need not call into view
+the unlawfulness of the practice by which our mariners are forced at the
+will of every cruising officer from their own vessels into foreign
+ones, nor paint the outrages inseparable from it. The proofs are in the
+records of each successive Administration of our Government, and the
+cruel sufferings of that portion of the American people have found their
+way to every bosom not dead to the sympathies of human nature.
+
+As the war was just in its origin and necessary and noble in its
+objects, we can reflect with a proud satisfaction that in carrying it
+on no principle of justice or honor, no usage of civilized nations, no
+precept of courtesy or humanity, have been infringed, The war has been
+waged on our part with scrupulous regard to all these obligations, and
+in a spirit of liberality which was never surpassed.
+
+How little has been the effect of this example on the conduct of the
+enemy!
+
+They have retained as prisoners of war citizens of the United States
+not liable to be so considered under the usages of war.
+
+They have refused to consider as prisoners of war, and threatened to
+punish as traitors and deserters, persons emigrating without restraint
+to the United States, incorporated by naturalization into our political
+family, and fighting under the authority of their adopted country in
+open and honorable war for the maintenance of its rights and safety.
+Such is the avowed purpose of a Government which is in the practice of
+naturalizing by thousands citizens of other countries, and not only of
+permitting but compelling them to fight its battles against their native
+country.
+
+They have not, it is true, taken into their own hands the hatchet and
+the knife, devoted to indiscriminate massacre, but they have let loose
+the savages armed with these cruel instruments; have allured them into
+their service, and carried them to battle by their sides, eager to glut
+their savage thirst with the blood of the vanquished and to finish the
+work of torture and death on maimed and defenseless captives. And, what
+was never before seen, British commanders have extorted victory over the
+unconquerable valor of our troops by presenting to the sympathy of their
+chief captives awaiting massacre from their savage associates. And now
+we find them, in further contempt of the modes of honorable warfare,
+supplying the place of a conquering force by attempts to disorganize our
+political society, to dismember our confederated Republic. Happily, like
+others, these will recoil on the authors; but they mark the degenerate
+counsels from which they emanate, and if they did not belong to a
+series of unexampled inconsistencies might excite the greater wonder as
+proceeding from a Government which founded the very war in which it has
+been so long engaged on a charge against the disorganizing and
+insurrectional policy of its adversary.
+
+To render the justice of the war on our part the more conspicuous, the
+reluctance to commence it was followed by the earliest and strongest
+manifestations of a disposition to arrest its progress. The sword was
+scarcely out of the scabbard before the enemy was apprised of the
+reasonable terms on which it would be resheathed. Still more precise
+advances were repeated, and have been received in a spirit forbidding
+every reliance not placed on the military resources of the nation.
+
+These resources are amply sufficient to bring the war to an honorable
+issue. Our nation is in number more than half that of the British Isles.
+It is composed of a brave, a free, a virtuous, and an intelligent
+people. Our country abounds in the necessaries, the arts, and the
+comforts of life. A general prosperity is visible in the public
+countenance. The means employed by the British cabinet to undermine it
+have recoiled on themselves; have given to our national faculties a more
+rapid development, and, draining or diverting the precious metals from
+British circulation and British vaults, have poured them into those of
+the United States. It is a propitious consideration that an unavoidable
+war should have found this seasonable facility for the contributions
+required to support it. When the public voice called for war, all knew,
+and still know, that without them it could not be carried on through the
+period which it might last, and the patriotism, the good sense, and the
+manly spirit of our fellow-citizens are pledges for the cheerfulness
+with which they will bear each his share of the common burden. To render
+the war short and its success sure, animated and systematic exertions
+alone are necessary, and the success of our arms now may long preserve
+our country from the necessity of another resort to them. Already
+have the gallant exploits of our naval heroes proved to the world
+our inherent capacity to maintain our rights on one element. If the
+reputation of our arms has been thrown under clouds on the other,
+presaging flashes of heroic enterprise assure us that nothing is wanting
+to correspondent triumphs there also but die discipline and habits which
+are in daily progress.
+
+MARCH 4, 1813.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL SESSION MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _May 25, 1813_.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+At an early day after the close of the last session of Congress an offer
+was formally communicated from His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of
+Russia of his mediation, as the common friend of the United States and
+Great Britain, for the purpose of facilitating a peace between them. The
+high character of the Emperor Alexander being a satisfactory pledge for
+the sincerity and impartiality of his offer, it was immediately
+accepted, and as a further proof of the disposition on the part of the
+United States, to meet their adversary in honorable experiments for
+terminating the war it was determined to avoid intermediate delays
+incident to the distance of the parties by a definitive provision for
+the contemplated negotiation. Three of our eminent citizens were
+accordingly commissioned with the requisite powers to conclude a treaty
+of peace with persons clothed with like powers on the part of Great
+Britain. They are authorized also to enter into such conventional
+regulations of the commerce between the two countries as may be mutually
+advantageous. The two envoys who, were in the United States at the time
+of their appointment have proceeded to join their colleague already at
+St. Petersburg.
+
+The envoys have received another commission authorizing them to conclude
+with Russia a treaty of commerce with a view to strengthen the amicable
+relations and improve the beneficial intercourse between the two
+countries.
+
+The issue of this friendly interposition of the Russian Emperor and this
+pacific manifestation on the part of the United States time only can
+decide. That the sentiments of Great Britain toward that Sovereign will
+have produced an acceptance of his offered mediation must be presumed.
+That no adequate motives exist to prefer a continuance of war with the
+United States to the terms on which they are willing to close it is
+certain. The British cabinet also must be sensible that, with respect to
+the important question of impressment, on which the war so essentially
+turns, a search for or seizure of British persons or property on board
+neutral vessels on the high seas is not a belligerent right derived from
+the law of nations, and it is obvious that no visit or search or use of
+force for any purpose on board the vessels of one independent power on
+the high seas can in war or peace be sanctioned by the laws or authority
+of another power. It is equally obvious that, for the purpose of
+preserving to each State its seafaring members, by excluding them from
+the vessels of the other, the mode heretofore proposed by the United
+States and now enacted by them as an article of municipal policy, can
+not for a moment be compared with the mode practiced by Great Britain
+without a conviction of its title to preference, inasmuch as the latter
+leaves the discrimination between the mariners of the two nations to
+officers exposed by unavoidable bias as well as by a defect of evidence
+to a wrong decision, under circumstances precluding for the most part
+the enforcement of controlling penalties, and where a wrong decision,
+besides the irreparable violation of the sacred rights of persons, might
+frustrate the plans and profits of entire voyages; whereas the mode
+assumed by the United States guards with studied fairness and efficacy
+against errors in such cases and avoids the effect of casual errors on
+the safety of navigation and the success of mercantile expeditions.
+
+If the reasonableness of expectations drawn from these considerations
+could guarantee their fulfillment a just peace would not be distant. But
+it becomes the wisdom of the National Legislature to keep in mind the
+true policy, or rather the indispensable obligation, of adapting its
+measures to the supposition that the only course to that happy event is
+in the vigorous employment of the resources of war. And painful as the
+reflection is, this duty is particularly enforced by the spirit and
+manner in which the war continues to be waged by the enemy, who,
+uninfluenced by the unvaried examples of humanity set them, are adding
+to the savage fury of it on one frontier a system of plunder and
+conflagration on the other, equally forbidden by respect for national
+character and by the established rules of civilized warfare.
+
+As an encouragement to persevering and invigorated exertions to bring
+the contest to a happy result, I have the satisfaction of being able to
+appeal to the auspicious progress of our arms both by land and on the
+water.
+
+In continuation of the brilliant achievements of our infant Navy, a
+signal triumph has been gained by Captain Lawrence and his companions in
+the _Hornet_ sloop of war, which destroyed a British sloop of war
+with a celerity so unexampled and with a slaughter of the enemy so
+disproportionate to the loss in the _Hornet_ as to claim for the
+conquerors the highest praise and the full recompense provided by
+Congress in preceding cases. Our public ships of war in general, as well
+as the private armed vessels, have continued also their activity and
+success against the commerce of the enemy, and by their vigilance and
+address have greatly frustrated the efforts of the hostile squadrons
+distributed along our coasts to intercept them in returning into port
+and resuming their cruises.
+
+The augmentation of our naval force, as authorized at the last session
+of Congress, is in progress. On the Lakes our superiority is near at
+hand where it is not already established.
+
+The events of the campaign, so far as they are known to us, furnish
+matter of congratulation, and show that under a wise organization and
+efficient direction the Army is destined to a glory not less brilliant
+than that which already encircles the Navy. The attack and capture of
+York is in that quarter a presage of future and greater victories, while
+on the western frontier the issue of the late siege of Fort Meigs leaves
+us nothing to regret but a single act of inconsiderate valor.
+
+The provisions last made for filling the ranks and enlarging the staff
+of the Army have had the best effects. It will be for the consideration
+of Congress whether other provisions depending on their authority may
+not still further improve the military establishment and the means of
+defense.
+
+The sudden death of the distinguished citizen who represented the United
+States in France, without any special arrangements by him for such a
+contingency, has left us without the expected sequel to his last
+communications, nor has the French Government taken any measures for
+bringing the depending negotiations to a conclusion through its
+representative in the United States. This failure adds to delays before
+so unreasonably spun out. A successor to our deceased minister has been
+appointed and is ready to proceed on his mission. The course which he
+will pursue in fulfilling it is that prescribed by a steady regard to
+the true interests of the United States, which equally avoids an
+abandonment of their just demands and a connection of their fortunes
+with the systems of other powers.
+
+The receipts in the Treasury from the 1st of October to the 31st day of
+March last, including the sums received on account of Treasury notes and
+of the loans authorized by the acts of the last and the preceding
+sessions of Congress, have amounted to $15,412,000. The expenditures
+during the same period amounted to $15,920,000, and left in the Treasury
+on the 1st of April the sum of $1,857,000. The loan of $16,000,000,
+authorized by the act of the 8th of February last, has been contracted
+for. Of that sum more than $1,000,000 had been paid into the Treasury
+prior to the 1st of April, and formed a part of the receipts as above
+stated. The remainder of that loan, amounting to near $15,000,000, with
+the sum of $5,000,000 authorized to be issued in Treasury notes, and the
+estimated receipts from the customs and the sales of public lands,
+amounting to $9,300,000, and making, in the whole, $29,300,000, to
+be received during the last nine months of the present year, will
+be necessary to meet the expenditures already authorized and the
+engagements contracted in relation to the public debt. These engagements
+amount during that period to $10,500,000, which, with near one million
+for the civil, miscellaneous, and diplomatic expenses, both foreign and
+domestic, and $17,800,000 for the military and naval expenditures,
+including the ships of war building and to be built, will leave a sum
+in the Treasury at the end of the present year equal to that on the 1st
+of April last. A part of this sum may be considered as a resource for
+defraying any extraordinary expenses already authorized by law beyond
+the sums above estimated, and a further resource for any emergency may
+be found in the sum of $1,000,000, the loan of which to the United
+States has been authorized by the State of Pennsylvania, but which has
+not yet been brought into effect.
+
+This view of our finances, whilst it shows that due provision has been
+made for the expenses of the current year, shows at the same time, by
+the limited amount of the actual revenue and the dependence on loans,
+the necessity of providing more adequately for the future supplies
+of the Treasury. This can be best done by a well-digested system of
+internal revenue in aid of existing sources, which will have the effect
+both of abridging the amount of necessary loans and, on that account, as
+well as by placing the public credit on a more satisfactory basis, of
+improving the terms on which loans may be obtained. The loan of sixteen
+millions was not contracted for at a less interest than about 7 1/2 per
+cent, and, although other causes may have had an agency, it can not be
+doubted that, with the advantage of a more extended and less precarious
+revenue, a lower rate of interest might have sufficed. A longer
+postponement of this advantage could not fail to have a still greater
+influence on future loans.
+
+In recommending to the National Legislature this resort to additional
+taxes I feel great satisfaction in the assurance that our constituents,
+who have already displayed so much zeal and firmness in the cause of
+their country, will cheerfully give any other proof of their patriotism
+which it calls for. Happily no people, with local and transitory
+exceptions never to be wholly avoided, are more able than the people
+of the United States to spare for the public wants a portion of their
+private means, whether regard be had to the ordinary profits of industry
+or the ordinary price of subsistence in our country compared with those
+in any other. And in no case could stronger reasons be felt for yielding
+the requisite contributions. By rendering the public resources certain
+and commensurate to the public exigencies, the constituted authorities
+will be able to prosecute the war the more rapidly to its proper issue;
+every hostile hope founded on a calculated failure of our resources
+will be cut off, and by adding to the evidence of bravery and skill
+in combats on the ocean and the land, and alacrity in supplying the
+treasure necessary to give them their fullest effect, and demonstrating
+to the world the public energy which our political institutions combine,
+with the personal liberty distinguishing them, the best security will be
+provided against future enterprises on the rights or the peace of the
+nation.
+
+The contest in which the United States are engaged appeals for its
+support to every motive that can animate an uncorrupted and enlightened
+people--to the love of country; to the pride of liberty; to an emulation
+of the glorious founders of their independence by a successful
+vindication of its violated attributes; to the gratitude and sympathy
+which demand security from the most degrading wrongs of a class of
+citizens who have proved themselves so worthy the protection of their
+country by their heroic zeal in its defense; and, finally, to the sacred
+obligation of transmitting entire to future generations that precious
+patrimony of national rights and independence which is held in trust by
+the present from the goodness of Divine Providence.
+
+Being aware of the inconveniences to which a protracted session at this
+season would be liable, I limit the present communication to objects of
+primary importance. In special messages which may ensue regard will be
+had to the same consideration.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+MAY 29, 1813.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+The Swedish Government having repeatedly manifested a desire to
+interchange a public minister with the United States, and having lately
+appointed one with that view, and other considerations concurring to
+render it advisable at this period to make a correspondent appointment,
+I nominate Jonathan Russell, of Rhode Island, to be minister
+plenipotentiary of the United States to Sweden.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _July 6, 1813_.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I have received from the committee appointed by the resolution of the
+Senate of the 14th day of June a copy of that resolution, which
+authorizes the committee to confer with the President on the subject of
+the nomination made by him of a minister plenipotentiary to Sweden.
+
+Conceiving it to be my duty to decline the proposed conference with the
+committee, and it being uncertain when it may be convenient to explain
+to the committee, and through them to the Senate, the grounds of my so
+doing, I think it proper to address the explanation directly to the
+Senate. Without entering into a general review of the relations in which
+the Constitution has placed the several departments of the Government to
+each other, it will suffice to remark that the Executive and Senate, in
+the cases of appointments to office and of treaties, are to be
+considered as independent of and coordinate with each other. If they
+agree, the appointments or treaties are made; if the Senate disagree,
+they fail. If the Senate wish information previous to their final
+decision, the practice, keeping in view the constitutional relations of
+the Senate and the Executive, has been either to request the Executive
+to furnish it or to refer the subject to a committee of their body to
+communicate, either formally or informally, with the head of the proper
+department. The appointment of a committee of the Senate to confer
+immediately with the Executive himself appears to lose sight of the
+coordinate relation between the Executive and the Senate which the
+Constitution has established, and which ought therefore to be
+maintained.
+
+The relation between the Senate and House of Representatives, in whom
+legislative power is concurrently vested, is sufficiently analogous to
+illustrate that between the Executive and Senate in making appointments
+and treaties. The two Houses are in like manner independent of and
+coordinate with each other, and the invariable practice of each in
+appointing committees of conference and consultation is to commission
+them to confer not with the coordinate body itself, but with a committee
+of that body; and although both branches of the Legislature may be too
+numerous to hold conveniently a conference with committees, were they to
+be appointed by either to confer with the entire body of the other, it
+may be fairly presumed that if the whole number of either branch were
+not too large for the purpose the objection to such a conference, being
+against the principle as derogating from the coordinate relations of the
+two Houses, would retain all its force.
+
+I add only that I am entirely persuaded of the purity of the intentions
+of the Senate in the course they have pursued on this occasion, and with
+which my view of the subject makes it my duty not to accord, and that
+they will be cheerfully furnished with all the suitable information in
+possession of the Executive in any mode deemed consistent with the
+principles of the Constitution and the settled practice under it.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _July 20, 1813_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+There being sufficient ground to infer that it is the purpose of the
+enemy to combine with the blockade of our ports special licenses to
+neutral vessels or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby
+they may draw from our country the precise kind and quantity of
+exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains
+obstructed, keeping in view also the insidious discrimination between
+the different ports of the United States; and as such a system, if not
+counteracted, will have the effect of diminishing very materially the
+pressure of the war on the enemy, and encouraging a perseverance in it,
+at the same time that it will leave the general commerce of the United
+States under all the pressure the enemy can impose, thus subjecting
+the whole to British regulation in subserviency to British monopoly,
+I recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of an
+immediate and effectual prohibition of exports limited to a convenient
+day in their next session, and removable in the meantime in the event
+of a cessation of the blockade of our ports.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 4, p. 345.]
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution of the
+two Houses, have signified a request that a day may be recommended to be
+observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as
+a day of public humiliation and prayer; and
+
+Whereas in times of public calamity such as that of the war brought on
+the United States by the injustice of a foreign government it is
+especially becoming that the hearts of all should be touched with the
+same and the eyes of all be turned to that Almighty Power in whose hand
+are the welfare and the destiny of nations:
+
+I do therefore issue this my proclamation, recommending to all who shall
+be piously disposed to unite their hearts and voices in addressing at
+one and the same time their vows and adorations to the Great Parent and
+Sovereign of the Universe that they assemble on the second Thursday of
+September next in their respective religious congregations to render Him
+thanks for the many blessings He has bestowed on the people of the
+United States; that He has blessed them with a land capable of yielding
+all the necessaries and requisites of human life, with ample means for
+convenient exchanges with foreign countries; that He has blessed the
+labors employed in its cultivation and improvement; that He is now
+blessing the exertions to extend and establish the arts and manufactures
+which will secure within ourselves supplies too important to remain
+dependent on the precarious policy or the peaceable dispositions of
+other nations, and particularly that He has blessed the United States
+with a political Constitution founded on the will and authority of the
+whole people and guaranteeing to each individual security, not only of
+his person and his property, but of those sacred rights of conscience so
+essential to his present happiness and so dear to his future hopes; that
+with those expressions of devout thankfulness be joined supplications to
+the same Almighty Power that He would look down with compassion on our
+infirmities; that He would pardon our manifold transgressions and
+awaken and strengthen in all the wholesome purposes of repentance and
+amendment; that in this season of trial and calamity He would preside in
+a particular manner over our public councils and inspire all citizens
+with a love of their country and with those fraternal affections and
+that mutual confidence which have so happy a tendency to make us safe
+at home and respected abroad; and that as He was graciously pleased
+heretofore to smile on our struggles against the attempts of the
+Government of the Empire of which these States then made a part to wrest
+from them the rights and privileges to which they were entitled in
+common with every other part and to raise them to the station of an
+independent and sovereign people, so He would now be pleased in like
+manner to bestow His blessing on our arms in resisting the hostile and
+persevering efforts of the same power to degrade us on the ocean, the
+common inheritance of all, from rights and immunities belonging and
+essential to the American people as a coequal member of the great
+community of independent nations; and that, inspiring our enemies
+with moderation, with justice, and with that spirit of reasonable
+accommodation which our country has continued to manifest, we may be
+enabled to beat our swords into plowshares and to enjoy in peace every
+man the fruits of his honest industry and the rewards of his lawful
+enterprise.
+
+If the public homage of a people can ever be worthy the favorable regard
+of the Holy and Omniscient Being to whom it is addressed, it must be
+that in which those who join in it are guided only by their free choice,
+by the impulse of their hearts and the dictates of their consciences;
+and such a spectacle must be interesting to all Christian nations as
+proving that religion, that gift of Heaven for the good of man, freed
+from all coercive edicts, from that unhallowed connection with the
+powers of this world which corrupts religion into an instrument or an
+usurper of the policy of the state, and making no appeal but to reason,
+to the heart, and to the conscience, can spread its benign influence
+everywhere and can attract to the divine altar those freewill offerings
+of humble supplication, thanksgiving, and praise which alone can be
+acceptable to Him whom no hypocrisy can deceive and no forced sacrifices
+propitiate.
+
+Upon these principles and with these views the good people of the United
+States are invited, in conformity with the resolution aforesaid, to
+dedicate the day above named to the religious solemnities therein
+recommended.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given at Washington, this 23d day of July, A.D. 1813.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 7, 1813_.
+
+_Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In meeting you at the present interesting conjuncture it would have been
+highly satisfactory if I could have communicated a favorable result to
+the mission charged with negotiations for restoring peace. It was a just
+expectation, from the respect due to the distinguished Sovereign who had
+invited them by his offer of mediation, from the readiness with which
+the invitation was accepted on the part of the United States, and from
+the pledge to be found in an act of their Legislature for the liberality
+which their plenipotentiaries would carry into the negotiations, that no
+time would be lost by the British Government in embracing the experiment
+for hastening a stop to the effusion of blood. A prompt and cordial
+acceptance of the mediation on that side was the less to be doubted, as
+it was of a nature not to submit rights or pretensions on either side
+to the decision of an umpire, but to afford merely an opportunity,
+honorable and desirable to both, for discussing and, if possible,
+adjusting them for the interest of both.
+
+The British cabinet, either mistaking our desire of peace for a dread
+of British power or misled by other fallacious calculations, has
+disappointed this reasonable anticipation. No communications from
+our envoys having reached us, no information on the subject has been
+received from that source; but it is known that the mediation was
+declined in the first instance, and there is no evidence,
+notwithstanding the lapse of time, that a change of disposition in the
+British councils has taken place or is to be expected.
+
+Under such circumstances a nation proud of its rights and conscious of
+its strength has no choice but an exertion of the one in support of the
+other.
+
+To this determination the best encouragement is derived from the success
+with which it has pleased the Almighty to bless our arms both on the
+land and on the water.
+
+Whilst proofs have been continued of the enterprise and skill of our
+cruisers, public and private, on the ocean, and a new trophy gained in
+the capture of a British by an American vessel of war, after an action
+giving celebrity to the name of the victorious commander, the great
+inland waters on which the enemy were also to be encountered have
+presented achievements of our naval arms as brilliant in their character
+as they have been important in their consequences.
+
+On Lake Erie, the squadron under command of Captain Perry having met the
+British squadron of superior force, a sanguinary conflict ended in the
+capture of the whole. The conduct of that officer, adroit as it was
+daring, and which was so well seconded by his comrades, justly entitles
+them to the admiration and gratitude of their country, and will fill an
+early page in its naval annals with a victory never surpassed in luster,
+however much it may have been in magnitude.
+
+On Lake Ontario the caution of the British commander, favored by
+contingencies, frustrated the efforts of the American commander to bring
+on a decisive action. Captain Chauncey was able, however, to establish
+an ascendency on that important theater, and to prove by the manner
+in which he effected everything possible that opportunities only were
+wanted for a more shining display of his own talents and the gallantry
+of those under his command.
+
+The success on Lake Erie having opened a passage to the territory of the
+enemy, the officer commanding the Northwestern army transferred the war
+thither, and rapidly pursuing the hostile troops, fleeing with their
+savage associates, forced a general action, which quickly terminated in
+the capture of the British and dispersion of the savage force.
+
+This result is signally honorable to Major General Harrison, by whose
+military talents it was prepared; to Colonel Johnson and his mounted
+volunteers, whose impetuous onset gave a decisive blow to the ranks of
+the enemy, and to the spirit of the volunteer militia, equally brave and
+patriotic, who bore an interesting part in the scene; more especially to
+the chief magistrate of Kentucky, at the head of them, whose heroism
+signalized in the war which established the independence of his country,
+sought at an advanced age a share in hardships and battles for
+maintaining its rights and its safety.
+
+The effect of these successes has been to rescue the inhabitants of
+Michigan from their oppressions, aggravated by gross infractions of
+the capitulation which subjected them to a foreign power; to alienate
+the savages of numerous tribes from the enemy, by whom they were
+disappointed and abandoned, and to relieve an extensive region of
+country from a merciless warfare which desolated its frontiers and
+imposed on its citizens the most harassing services.
+
+In consequence of our naval superiority on Lake Ontario and the
+opportunity afforded by it for concentrating our forces by water,
+operations which had been provisionally planned were set on foot against
+the possessions of the enemy on the St. Lawrence. Such, however, was the
+delay produced in the first instance by adverse weather of unusual
+violence and continuance and such the circumstances attending the final
+movements of the army, that the prospect, at one time so favorable, was
+not realized.
+
+The cruelty of the enemy in enlisting the savages into a war with a
+nation desirous of mutual emulation in mitigating its calamities has not
+been confined to any one quarter. Wherever they could be turned against
+us no exertions to effect it have been spared. On our southwestern
+border the Creek tribes, who, yielding to our persevering endeavors,
+were gradually acquiring more civilized habits, became the unfortunate
+victims of seduction. A war in that quarter has been the consequence,
+infuriated by a bloody fanaticism recently propagated among them. It
+was necessary to crush such a war before it could spread among the
+contiguous tribes and before it could favor enterprises of the enemy
+into that vicinity. With this view a force was called into the service
+of the United States from the States of Georgia and Tennessee, which,
+with the nearest regular troops and other corps from the Mississippi
+Territory, might not only chastise the savages into present peace but
+make a lasting impression on their fears.
+
+The progress of the expedition, as far as is yet known, corresponds with
+the martial zeal with which it was espoused, and the best hopes of a
+satisfactory issue are authorized by the complete success with which a
+well-planned enterprise was executed against a body of hostile savages
+by a detachment of the volunteer militia of Tennessee, under the gallant
+command of General Coffee, and by a still more important victory over a
+larger body of them, gained under the immediate command of Major General
+Jackson, an officer equally distinguished for his patriotism and his
+military talents.
+
+The systematic perseverance of the enemy in courting the aid of the
+savages in all quarters had the natural effect of kindling their
+ordinary propensity to war into a passion, which, even among those
+best disposed toward the United States, was ready, if not employed
+on our side, to be turned against us. A departure from our protracted
+forbearance to accept the services tendered by them has thus been forced
+upon us. But in yielding to it the retaliation has been mitigated as
+much as possible, both in its extent and in its character, stopping far
+short of the example of the enemy, who owe the advantages they have
+occasionally gained in battle chiefly to the number of their savage
+associates, and who have not controlled them either from their usual
+practice of indiscriminate massacre on defenseless inhabitants or from
+scenes of carnage without a parallel on prisoners to the British arms,
+guarded by all the laws of humanity and of honorable war. For these
+enormities the enemy are equally responsible, whether with the power to
+prevent them they want the will or with the knowledge of a want of power
+they still avail themselves of such instruments.
+
+In other respects the enemy are pursuing a course which threatens
+consequences most afflicting to humanity.
+
+A standing law of Great Britain naturalizes, as is well known, all
+aliens complying with conditions limited to a shorter period than
+those required by the United States, and naturalized subjects are
+in war employed by her Government in common with native subjects.
+In a contiguous British Province regulations promulgated since the
+commencement of the war compel citizens of the United States being there
+under certain circumstances to bear arms, whilst of the native emigrants
+from the United States, who compose much of the population of the
+Province, a number have actually borne arms against the United States
+within their limits, some of whom, after having done so, have become
+prisoners of war, and are now in our possession. The British commander
+in that Province, nevertheless, with the sanction, as appears, of his
+Government, thought proper to select from American prisoners of war and
+send to Great Britain for trial as criminals a number of individuals who
+had emigrated from the British dominions long prior to the state of war
+between the two nations, who had incorporated themselves into our
+political society in the modes recognized by the law and the practice of
+Great Britain, and who were made prisoners of war under the banners of
+their adopted country, fighting for its rights and its safety.
+
+The protection due to these citizens requiring an effectual
+interposition in their behalf, a like number of British prisoners of
+war were put into confinement, with a notification that they would
+experience whatever violence might be committed on the American
+prisoners of war sent to Great Britain.
+
+It was hoped that this necessary consequence of the step unadvisedly
+taken on the part of Great Britain would have led her Government to
+reflect on the inconsistencies of its conduct, and that a sympathy with
+the British, if not with the American, sufferers would have arrested the
+cruel career opened by its example.
+
+This was unhappily not the case. In violation both of consistency and of
+humanity, American officers and noncommissioned officers in double the
+number of the British soldiers confined here were ordered into close
+confinement, with formal notice that in the event of a retaliation for
+the death which might be inflicted on the prisoners of war sent to Great
+Britain for trial the officers so confined would be put to death also.
+It was notified at the same time that the commanders of the British
+fleets and armies on our coasts are instructed in the same event to
+proceed with a destructive severity against our towns and their
+inhabitants.
+
+That no doubt might be left with the enemy of our adherence to the
+retaliatory resort imposed on us, a correspondent number of British
+officers, prisoners of war in our hands, were immediately put into close
+confinement to abide the fate of those confined by the enemy, and the
+British Government has been apprised of the determination of this
+Government to retaliate any other proceedings against us contrary to
+the legitimate modes of warfare.
+
+It is as fortunate for the United States that they have it in their
+power to meet the enemy in this deplorable contest as it is honorable
+to them that they do not join in it but under the most imperious
+obligations, and with the humane purpose of effectuating a return to
+the established usages of war.
+
+The views of the French Government on the subjects which have been so
+long committed to negotiation have received no elucidation since the
+close of your late session. The minister plenipotentiary of the United
+States at Paris had not been enabled by proper opportunities to press
+the objects of his mission as prescribed by his instructions.
+
+The militia being always to be regarded as the great bulwark of defense
+and security for free states, and the Constitution having wisely
+committed to the national authority a use of that force as the best
+provision against an unsafe military establishment, as well as a
+resource peculiarly adapted to a country having the extent and the
+exposure of the United States, I recommend to Congress a revision of the
+militia laws for the purpose of securing more effectually the services
+of all detachments called into the employment and placed under the
+Government of the United States.
+
+It will deserve the consideration of Congress also whether among other
+improvements in the militia laws justice does not require a regulation,
+under due precautions, for defraying the expense incident to the first
+assembling as well as the subsequent movements of detachments called
+into the national service.
+
+To give to our vessels of war, public and private, the requisite
+advantage in their cruises, it is of much importance that they should
+have, both for themselves and their prizes, the use of the ports and
+markets of friendly powers. With this view, I recommend to Congress the
+expediency of such legal provisions as may supply the defects or remove
+the doubts of the Executive authority, to allow to the cruisers of other
+powers at war with enemies of the United States such use of the American
+ports as may correspond with the privileges allowed by such powers to
+American cruisers.
+
+During the year ending on the 30th of September last the receipts into
+the Treasury have exceeded $37,500,000, of which near twenty-four
+millions were the produce of loans. After meeting all demands for
+the public service there remained in the Treasury on that day near
+$7,000,000. Under the authority contained in the act of the 2d of August
+last for borrowing $7,500,000, that sum has been obtained on terms more
+favorable to the United States than those of the preceding loan made
+during the present year. Further sums to a considerable amount will be
+necessary to be obtained in the same way during the ensuing year, and
+from the increased capital of the country, from the fidelity with which
+the public engagements have been kept and the public credit maintained,
+it may be expected on good grounds that the necessary pecuniary supplies
+will not be wanting.
+
+The expenses of the current year, from the multiplied operations falling
+within it, have necessarily been extensive; but on a just estimate of
+the campaign in which the mass of them has been incurred the cost will
+not be found disproportionate to the advantages which have been gained.
+The campaign has, indeed, in its latter stages in one quarter been less
+favorable than was expected, but in addition to the importance of our
+naval success the progress of the campaign has been filled with
+incidents highly honorable to the American arms.
+
+The attacks of the enemy on Craney Island, on Fort Meigs, on Sacketts
+Harbor, and on Sandusky have been vigorously and successfully repulsed;
+nor have they in any case succeeded on either frontier excepting when
+directed against the peaceable dwellings of individuals or villages
+unprepared or undefended.
+
+On the other hand, the movements of the American Army have been followed
+by the reduction of York, and of Forts George, Erie, and Maiden; by the
+recovery of Detroit and the extinction of the Indian war in the West,
+and by the occupancy or command of a large portion of Upper Canada.
+Battles have also been fought on the borders of the St. Lawrence, which,
+though not accomplishing their entire objects, reflect honor on the
+discipline and prowess of our soldiery, the best auguries of eventual
+victory. In the same scale are to be placed the late successes in the
+South over one of the most powerful, which had become one of the most
+hostile also, of the Indian tribes.
+
+It would be improper to close this communication without expressing a
+thankfulness in which all ought to unite for the numerous blessings
+with which our beloved country continues to be favored; for the
+abundance which overspreads our land, and the prevailing health of its
+inhabitants; for the preservation of our internal tranquillity, and
+the stability of our free institutions, and, above all, for the light
+of divine truth and the protection of every man's conscience in the
+enjoyment of it. And although among our blessings we can not number an
+exemption from the evils of war, yet these will never be regarded as
+the greatest of evils by the friends of liberty and of the rights of
+nations. Our country has before preferred them to the degraded condition
+which was the alternative when the sword was drawn in the cause which
+gave birth to our national independence, and none who contemplate the
+magnitude and feel the value of that glorious event will shrink from a
+struggle to maintain the high and happy ground on which it placed the
+American people.
+
+With all good citizens the justice and necessity of resisting wrongs
+and usurpations no longer to be borne will sufficiently outweigh the
+privations and sacrifices inseparable from a state of war. But it
+is a reflection, moreover, peculiarly consoling, that, whilst wars
+are generally aggravated by their baneful effects on the internal
+improvements and permanent prosperity of the nations engaged in them,
+such is the favored situation of the United States that the calamities
+of the contest into which they have been compelled to enter are
+mitigated by improvements and advantages of which the contest itself
+is the source.
+
+If the war has increased the interruptions of our commerce, it has at
+the same time cherished and multiplied our manufactures so as to make us
+independent of all other countries for the more essential branches for
+which we ought to be dependent on none, and is even rapidly giving them
+an extent which will create additional staples in our future intercourse
+with foreign markets.
+
+If much treasure has been expended, no inconsiderable portion of it has
+been applied to objects durable in their value and necessary to our
+permanent safety.
+
+If the war has exposed us to increased spoliations on the ocean and to
+predatory incursions on the land, it has developed the national means of
+retaliating the former and of providing protection against the latter,
+demonstrating to all that every blow aimed at our maritime independence
+is an impulse accelerating the growth of our maritime power.
+
+By diffusing through the mass of the nation the elements of military
+discipline and instruction; by augmenting and distributing warlike
+preparations applicable to future use; by evincing the zeal and valor
+with which they will be employed and the cheerfulness with which every
+necessary burden will be borne, a greater respect for our rights and a
+longer duration of our future peace are promised than could be expected
+without these proofs of the national character and resources.
+
+The war has proved moreover that our free Government, like other free
+governments, though slow in its early movements, acquires in its
+progress a force proportioned to its freedom, and that the union of
+these States, the guardian of the freedom and safety of all and of each,
+is strengthened by every occasion that puts it to the test.
+
+In fine, the war, with all its vicissitudes, is illustrating the
+capacity and the destiny of the United States to be a great, a
+flourishing, and a powerful nation, worthy of the friendship which it
+is disposed to cultivate with all others, and authorized by its own
+example to require from all an observance of the laws of justice and
+reciprocity. Beyond these their claims have never extended, and in
+contending for these we behold a subject for our congratulations in the
+daily testimonies of increasing harmony throughout the nation, and may
+humbly repose our trust in the smiles of Heaven on so righteous a cause.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 9, 1813.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The tendency of our commercial and navigation laws in their present
+state to favor the enemy and thereby prolong the war is more and more
+developed by experience. Supplies of the most essential kinds And their
+way not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the
+armies in our neighborhood with which our own are contending derive from
+our ports and outlets a subsistence attainable with difficulty, if at
+all, from other sources. Even the fleets and troops infesting our coasts
+and waters are by like supplies accommodated and encouraged in their
+predatory and incursive warfare.
+
+Abuses having a like tendency take place in our import trade. British
+fabrics and products find their way into our ports under the name and
+from the ports of other countries, and often in British vessels
+disguised as neutrals by false colors and papers.
+
+To these abuses it may be added that illegal importations are openly
+made with advantage to the violators of the law, produced by
+undervaluations or other circumstances involved in the course of the
+judicial proceedings against them.
+
+It is found also that the practice of ransoming is a cover for collusive
+captures and a channel for intelligence advantageous to the enemy.
+
+To remedy as much as possible these evils, I recommend:
+
+That an effectual embargo on exports be immediately enacted.
+
+That all articles known to be derived, either not at all or in any
+immaterial degree only, from the productions of any other country than
+Great Britain, and particularly the extensive articles made of wool and
+cotton materials, and ardent spirits made from the cane, be expressly
+and absolutely prohibited, from whatever port or place or in whatever
+vessels the same may be brought into the United States, and that all
+violations of the nonimportation act be subjected to adequate penalties.
+
+That among the proofs of the neutral and national character of
+foreign vessels it be required that the masters and supercargoes and
+three-fourths at least of the crews be citizens or subjects of the
+country under whose flag the vessels sail.
+
+That all persons concerned in collusive captures by the enemy or in
+ransoming vessels or their cargoes from the enemy be subjected to
+adequate penalties.
+
+To shorten as much as possible the duration of the war it is
+indispensable that the enemy should feel all the pressure that can be
+given to it, and the restraints having that tendency will be borne with
+the greater cheerfulness by all good citizens, as the restraints will
+affect those most who are most ready to sacrifice the interest of their
+country in pursuit of their own.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 6, 1814.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a letter from the
+British secretary of state for foreign affairs to the Secretary of
+State, with the answer of the latter.
+
+In appreciating the accepted proposal of the Government of Great Britain
+for instituting negotiations for peace Congress will not fail to keep in
+mind that vigorous preparations for carrying on the war can in no
+respect impede the progress to a favorable result, whilst a relaxation
+of such preparations, should the wishes of the United States for a
+speedy restoration of the blessings of peace be disappointed, would
+necessarily have the most injurious consequences.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 26, 1814.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+It has appeared that at the recovery of the Michigan Territory from the
+temporary possession of the enemy the inhabitants thereof were left in
+so destitute and distressed a condition as to require from the public
+stores certain supplies essential to their subsistence, which have been
+prolonged under the same necessity which called for them.
+
+The deplorable situation of the savages thrown by the same event on the
+mercy and humanity of the American commander at Detroit drew from the
+same source the means of saving them from perishing by famine, and in
+other places the appeals made by the wants and sufferings of that
+unhappy description of people have been equally imperious.
+
+The necessity imposed by the conduct of the enemy in relation to the
+savages of admitting their cooperation in some instances with our arms
+has also involved occasional expense in supplying their wants, and it
+is possible that a perseverance of the enemy in their cruel policy may
+render a further expense for the like purpose inevitable.
+
+On these subjects an estimate from the Department of War will be laid
+before Congress, and I recommend a suitable provision for them.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 31, 1814.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Taking into view the mutual interests which the United States and
+the foreign nations in amity with them have in a liberal commercial
+intercourse, and the extensive changes favorable thereto which have
+recently taken place; taking into view also the important advantages
+which may otherwise result from adapting the state of our commercial
+laws to the circumstances now existing, I recommend to the consideration
+of Congress the expediency of authorizing, after a certain day,
+exportations, specie excepted, from the United States in vessels of the
+United States and in vessels owned and navigated by the subjects of
+powers at peace with them, and a repeal of so much of our laws as
+prohibits the importation of articles not the property of enemies, but
+produced or manufactured only within their dominions.
+
+I recommend also, as a more effectual safeguard and encouragement to our
+growing manufactures, that the additional duties on imports which are
+to expire at the end of one year after a peace with Great Britain be
+prolonged to the end of two years after that event, and that, in favor
+of our moneyed institutions, the exportation of specie be prohibited
+throughout the same period.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 6, p. 279.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that a number of individuals who
+have deserted from the Army of the United States have become sensible of
+their offenses and are desirous of returning to their duty, a full
+pardon is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals
+as shall within three months from the date hereof surrender themselves
+to the commanding officer of any military post within the United States
+or the Territories thereof.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+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.
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 17th day of June, A.D. 1814, and of
+the Independence of the United States the thirty eighth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is manifest that the blockade which has been proclaimed by
+the enemy of the whole Atlantic coast of the United States, nearly 2,000
+miles in extent, and abounding in ports, harbors, and navigable inlets,
+can not be carried into effect by any adequate force actually stationed
+for the purpose, and it is rendered a matter of certainty and notoriety
+by the multiplied and daily arrivals and departures of the public and
+private armed vessels of the United States and of other vessels that no
+such adequate force has been so stationed; and
+
+Whereas a blockade thus destitute of the character of a regular and
+legal blockade as defined and recognized by the established law of
+nations, whatever other purposes it may be made to answer, forms no
+lawful prohibition or obstacle to such neutral and friendly vessels
+as may choose to visit and trade with the United States; and
+
+Whereas it accords with the interest and the amicable views of the
+United States to favor and promote as far as may be the free and
+mutually beneficial commercial intercourse of all friendly nations
+disposed to engage therein, and with that view to afford to their
+vessels destined to the United States a more positive and satisfactory
+security against all interruptions, molestations, or vexations whatever
+from the cruisers of the United States:
+
+Now be it known that I, James Madison, President of the United States of
+America, do by this my proclamation strictly order and instruct all the
+public armed vessels of the United States and all private armed vessels
+commissioned as privateers or with letters of marque and reprisal not
+to interrupt, detain, or otherwise molest or vex any vessels whatever
+belonging to neutral powers or the subjects or citizens thereof, which
+vessels shall be actually bound and proceeding to any port or place
+within the jurisdiction of the United States, but, on the contrary, to
+render to all such vessels all the aid and kind offices which they may
+need or require.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given under my hand and the seal of the United States at the city of
+Washington, the 29th day of June, A.D. 1814, and of the Independence
+of the United States the thirty-eighth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Thirteenth Congress, vol. 3, 9.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas great and weighty matters claiming the consideration of the
+Congress of the United States form an extraordinary occasion for
+convening them, I do by these presents appoint Monday, the 19th day of
+September next, for their meeting at the city of Washington, hereby
+requiring the respective Senators and Representatives then and there to
+assemble in Congress, in order to receive such communications as may
+then be made to them and to consult and determine on such measures as in
+their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States.
+
+In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be
+hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand,
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 8th day of August, A.D. 1814, and of
+the Independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+[From Nile's Weekly Register, vol. 7, p. 2.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas the enemy by a sudden incursion have succeeded in invading the
+capital of the nation, defended at the moment by troops less numerous
+than their own and almost entirely of the militia, during their
+possession of which, though for a single day only, they wantonly
+destroyed the public edifices, having no relation in their structure to
+operations of war nor used at the time for military annoyance, some of
+these edifices being also costly monuments of taste and of the arts, and
+others depositories of the public archives, not only precious to the
+nation as the memorials of its origin and its early transactions, but
+interesting to all nations as contributions to the general stock of
+historical instruction and political science; and
+
+Whereas advantage has been taken of the loss of a fort more immediately
+guarding the neighboring town of Alexandria to place the town within the
+range of a naval force too long and too much in the habit of abusing its
+superiority wherever it can be applied to require as the alternative of
+a general conflagration an undisturbed plunder of private property,
+which has been executed in a manner peculiarly distressing to the
+inhabitants, who had inconsiderately cast themselves upon the justice
+and generosity of the victor; and
+
+Whereas it now appears by a direct communication from the British
+commander on the American station to be his avowed purpose to employ the
+force under his direction "in destroying and laying waste such towns and
+districts upon the coast as may be found assailable," adding to this
+declaration the insulting pretext that it is in retaliation for a wanton
+destruction committed by the army of the United States in Upper Canada,
+when it is notorious that no destruction has been committed, which,
+notwithstanding the multiplied outrages previously committed by the
+enemy was not unauthorized, and promptly shown to be so, and that the
+United States have been as constant in their endeavors to reclaim the
+enemy from such outrages by the contrast of their own example as they
+have been ready to terminate on reasonable conditions the war itself;
+and
+
+Whereas these proceedings and declared purposes, which exhibit a
+deliberate disregard of the principles of humanity and the rules of
+civilized warfare, and which must give to the existing war a character
+of extended devastation and barbarism at the very moment of negotiations
+for peace, invited by the enemy himself, leave no prospect of safety to
+anything within the reach of his predatory and incendiary operations but
+in manful and universal determination to chastise and expel the invader:
+
+Now, therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States, do
+issue this my proclamation, exhorting all the good people thereof to
+unite their hearts and hands in giving effect to the ample means
+possessed for that purpose. I enjoin it on all officers, civil and
+military, to exert themselves in executing the duties with which they
+are respectively charged; and more especially I require the officers
+commanding the respective military districts to be vigilant and alert in
+providing for the defense thereof, for the more effectual accomplishment
+of which they are authorized to call to the defense of exposed and
+threatened places portions of the militia most convenient thereto,
+whether they be or be not parts of the quotas detached for the service
+of the United States under requisitions of the General Government.
+
+On an occasion which appeals so forcibly to the proud feelings and
+patriotic devotion of the American people none will forget what they
+owe to themselves, what they owe to their country and the high destinies
+which await it, what to the glory acquired by their fathers in
+establishing the independence which is now to be maintained by their
+sons with the augmented strength and resources with which time and
+Heaven had blessed them.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
+the United States to be affixed to these presents. Done at the city of
+Washington, the 1st day of September, A.D. 1814 and of the Independence
+of the United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _September 17, 1814_.
+
+The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+SIR: The destruction of the Capitol by the enemy having made it
+necessary that other accommodations should be provided for the
+meeting of Congress, chambers for the Senate and for the House of
+Representatives, with other requisite apartments, have been fitted up,
+under the direction of the superintendent of the city, in the public
+building heretofore allotted for the post and other public offices.
+
+With this information, be pleased, sir, to accept assurances of my great
+respect and consideration.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _September 20, 1814_.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+Notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of
+the present year, I was induced to call you together still sooner, as
+well that any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the
+Treasury might be supplied as that no delay might happen in providing
+for the result of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether
+it should require arrangements adapted to a return of peace or further
+and more effective provisions for prosecuting the war.
+
+That result is not yet known. If, on the one hand, the repeal of the
+orders in council and the general pacification in Europe, which withdrew
+the occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practiced,
+suggest expectations that peace and amity may be reestablished, we are
+compelled, on the other hand, by the refusal of the British Government
+to accept the offered mediation of the Emperor of Russia, by the delays
+in giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation, and, above
+all, by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly
+carried on to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent
+than ever against the rights and prosperity of this country.
+
+This increased violence is best explained by the two important
+circumstances that the great contest in Europe for an equilibrium
+guaranteeing all its States against the ambition of any has been closed
+without any check on the overbearing power of Great Britain on the
+ocean, and it has left in her hands disposable armaments, with which,
+forgetting the difficulties of a remote war with a free people, and
+yielding to the intoxication of success, with the example of a great
+victim to it before her eyes, she cherishes hopes of still further
+aggrandizing a power already formidable in its abuses to the
+tranquillity of the civilized and commercial world.
+
+But whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent
+purposes, the public councils of a nation more able to maintain than it
+was to acquire its independence, and with a devotion to it rendered more
+ardent by the experience of its blessings, can never deliberate but
+on the means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or
+unwarrantable passions with which alone the war can now be pursued
+against us.
+
+In the events of the present campaign the enemy, with all his augmented
+means and wanton use of them, has little ground for exultation, unless
+he can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this
+metropolis and the neighboring town of Alexandria, from both of which
+his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and
+fortunate. In his other incursions on our Atlantic frontier his
+progress, often checked and chastised by the martial spirit of the
+neighboring citizens, has had more effect in distressing individuals
+and in dishonoring his arms than in promoting any object of legitimate
+warfare; and in the two instances mentioned, however deeply to be
+regretted on our part, he will find in his transient success, which
+interrupted for a moment only the ordinary public business at the seat
+of Government, no compensation for the loss of character with the world
+by his violations of private property and by his destruction of public
+edifices protected as monuments of the arts by the laws of civilized
+warfare.
+
+On our side we can appeal to a series of achievements which have given
+new luster to the American arms. Besides the brilliant incidents in the
+minor operations of the campaign, the splendid victories gained on the
+Canadian side of the Niagara by the American forces under Major-General
+Brown and Brigadiers Scott and Gaines have gained for these heroes and
+their emulating companions the most unfading laurels, and, having
+triumphantly tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery,
+have taught the enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts
+the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture.
+
+On our southern border victory has continued also to follow the American
+standard. The bold and skillful operations of Major-General Jackson,
+conducting troops drawn from the militia of the States least distant,
+particularly of Tennessee, have subdued the principal tribes of hostile
+savages, and, by establishing a peace with them, preceded by recent and
+exemplary chastisement, has best guarded against the mischief of their
+cooperation with the British enterprises which may be planned against
+that quarter of our country. Important tribes of Indians on our
+northwestern frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them
+to the interests of the United States and to consider our enemy as
+theirs also.
+
+In the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of Baltimore, defended by
+militia and volunteers, aided by a small body of regulars and seamen, he
+was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships,
+whilst a concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by
+the steady and well-directed fire of the fort and batteries opposed to
+it.
+
+In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at
+Plattsburg, of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, after a
+perseverance for many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a
+hasty retreat, with our gallant bands pressing upon him.
+
+On the Lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the great exertions
+for the command made on our part have been well repaid. On Lake Ontario
+our squadron is now and has been for some time in a condition to confine
+that of the enemy to his own port, and to favor the operations of our
+land forces on that frontier.
+
+A part of the squadron on Lake Erie has been extended into Lake Huron,
+and has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake
+also. One object of the expedition was the reduction of Mackinaw, which
+failed with the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer
+justly distinguished for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably
+conducted by both the land and the naval commanders, was otherwise
+highly valuable in its effects.
+
+On Lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some time been
+undisputed, the British squadron lately came into action with the
+American, commanded by Captain Macdonough. It issued in the capture of
+the whole of the enemy's ships. The best praise for this officer and his
+intrepid comrades is in the likeness of his triumph to the illustrious
+victory which immortalized another officer and established at a critical
+moment our command of another lake.
+
+On the ocean the pride of our naval arms had been amply supported. A
+second frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy, but the
+loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended.
+Captain Porter, who commanded her, and whose previous career had
+been distinguished by daring enterprise and by fertility of genius,
+maintained a sanguinary contest against two ships, one of them superior
+to his own, and under other severe disadvantages, till humanity tore
+down the colors which valor had nailed to the mast. This officer and his
+brave comrades have added much to the rising glory of the American flag,
+and have merited all the effusions of gratitude which their country is
+ever ready to bestow on the champions of its rights and of its safety.
+
+Two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy, but by
+a superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation
+of their commanders, whilst two others, one commanded by Captain
+Warrington, the other by Captain Blakely, have captured British ships of
+the same class with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and
+their companions to a just share in the praise of their country.
+
+In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our
+private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce and to bring
+their rich prizes into our ports, contributing thus, with other proofs,
+to demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade the
+proclamation of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging
+the commerce of neutral powers with the United States.
+
+To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great
+bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense,
+and great expenses incurred. That the defense everywhere may be both
+more convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity
+of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the Regular Army and of
+enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be
+engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia. I
+earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in
+the system of the militia as, by classing and disciplining for the most
+prompt and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to
+that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and
+efficiency.
+
+The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on
+the 30th day of June last amounted to $32,000,000, of which near eleven
+millions were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder
+derived from loans. The disbursements for public expenditures during the
+same period exceeded $34,000,000, and left in the Treasury on the 1st
+day of July near $5,000,000. The demands during the remainder of the
+present year already authorized by Congress and the expenses incident to
+an extension of the operations of the war will render it necessary that
+large sums should be provided to meet them.
+
+From this view of the national affairs Congress will be urged to take
+up without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of
+military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the
+character which the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the
+situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts. Our enemy is
+powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water. Availing
+himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming with his undivided force
+a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national
+existence. He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of
+civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton
+destruction of private property. In his pride of maritime dominion and
+in his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity
+at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures. His barbarous
+policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of
+taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant
+metropolis. From such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and
+in its worst forms may be looked for. The American people will face it
+with the undaunted spirit which in their revolutionary struggle defeated
+his unrighteous projects. His threats and his barbarities, instead of
+dismay, will kindle in every bosom an indignation not to be extinguished
+but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders. In providing
+the means necessary the National Legislature will not distrust the
+heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents. They will
+cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety
+and honor of the nation demand. We have seen them everywhere paying
+their taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and
+alacrity. We see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger
+and duty call. In offering their blood they give the surest pledge that
+no other tribute will be withheld.
+
+Having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added
+the capture of nearly a thousand American vessels and the impressment of
+thousands of American seafaring citizens, and until a final declaration
+had been made by the Government of Great Britain that her hostile
+orders against our commerce would not be revoked but on conditions as
+impossible as unjust, whilst it was known that these orders would not
+otherwise cease but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years, and
+which, according to appearances at that time, might last as many more;
+having manifested on every occasion and in every proper mode a sincere
+desire to arrest the effusion of blood and meet our enemy on the ground
+of justice and reconciliation, our beloved country, in still opposing
+to his persevering hostility all its energies, with an undiminished
+disposition toward peace and friendship on honorable terms, must carry
+with it the good wishes of the impartial world and the best hopes of
+support from an omnipotent and kind Providence.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+SEPTEMBER 26, 1814.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit to Congress, for their information, copies of a letter from
+Admiral Cochrane, commanding His Britannic Majesty's naval forces on the
+American station, to the Secretary of State, with his answer, and of a
+reply from Admiral Cochrane.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _October 10, 1814_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress communications just received from the
+plenipotentiaries of the United States charged with negotiating peace
+with Great Britain, showing the conditions on which alone that
+Government is willing to put an end to the war.
+
+The instructions to those plenipotentiaries, disclosing the grounds on
+which they were authorized to negotiate and conclude a treaty of peace,
+will be the subject of another communication.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _October 13, 1814_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I now transmit to Congress copies of the instructions to the
+plenipotentiaries of the United States charged with negotiating a peace
+with Great Britain, as referred to in my message of the 10th instant.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 1,  1814.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I transmit, for the information of Congress, the communications last
+received from the ministers extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the
+United States at Ghent, explaining the course and actual state of their
+negotiations with the plenipotentiaries of Great Britain.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 15, 1815.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I have received from the American commissioners a treaty of peace and
+amity between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America,
+signed by those commissioners and by the commissioners of His Britannic
+Majesty at Ghent on the 24th of December, 1814. The termination of
+hostilities depends upon the time of the ratification of the treaty by
+both parties. I lose no time, therefore, in submitting the treaty to the
+Senate for their advice and approbation.
+
+I transmit also a letter from the American commissioners, which
+accompanied the treaty.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _February 18, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of the treaty of peace and amity between
+the United States and His Britannic Majesty, which was signed by the
+commissioners of both parties at Ghent on the 24th of December, 1814,
+and the ratifications of which have been duly exchanged.
+
+While performing this act I congratulate you and our constituents upon
+an event which is highly honorable to the nation, and terminates with
+peculiar felicity a campaign signalized by the most brilliant successes.
+
+The late war, although reluctantly declared by Congress, had become a
+necessary resort to assert the rights and independence of the nation. It
+has been waged with a success which is the natural result of the wisdom
+of the legislative councils, of the patriotism of the people, of the
+public spirit of the militia, and of the valor of the military and naval
+forces of the country. Peace, at all times a blessing, is peculiarly
+welcome, therefore, at a period when the causes for the war have ceased
+to operate, when the Government has demonstrated the efficiency of its
+powers of defense, and when the nation can review its conduct without
+regret and without reproach.
+
+I recommend to your care and beneficence the gallant men whose
+achievements in every department of the military service, on the land
+and on the water, have so essentially contributed to the honor of the
+American name and to the restoration of peace. The feelings of conscious
+patriotism and worth will animate such men under every change of fortune
+and pursuit, but their country performs a duty to itself when it bestows
+those testimonials of approbation and applause which are at once the
+reward and the incentive to great actions.
+
+The reduction of the public expenditures to the demands of a peace
+establishment will doubtless engage the immediate attention of Congress.
+There are, however, important considerations which forbid a sudden and
+general revocation of the measures that have been produced by the war.
+Experience has taught us that neither the pacific dispositions of
+the American people nor the pacific character of their political
+institutions can altogether exempt them from that strife which appears
+beyond the ordinary lot of nations to be incident to the actual period
+of the world, and the same faithful monitor demonstrates that a certain
+degree of preparation for war is not only indispensable to avert
+disasters in the onset, but affords also the best security for the
+continuance of peace. The wisdom of Congress will therefore, I am
+confident, provide for the maintenance of an adequate regular force; for
+the gradual advancement of the naval establishment; for improving all
+the means of harbor defense; for adding discipline to the distinguished
+bravery of the militia, and for cultivating the military art in its
+essential branches, under the liberal patronage of Government.
+
+The resources of our country were at all times competent to the
+attainment of every national object, but they will now be enriched and
+invigorated by the activity which peace will introduce into all the
+scenes of domestic enterprise and labor. The provision that has been
+made for the public creditors during the present session of Congress
+must have a decisive effect in the establishment of the public credit
+both at home and abroad. The reviving interests of commerce will
+claim the legislative attention at the earliest opportunity, and such
+regulations will, I trust, be seasonably devised as shall secure to the
+United States their just proportion of the navigation of the world.
+The most liberal policy toward other nations, if met by corresponding
+dispositions, will in this respect be found the most beneficial policy
+toward ourselves. But there is no subject that can enter with greater
+force and merit into the deliberations of Congress than a consideration
+of the means to preserve and promote the manufactures which have sprung
+into existence and attained an unparalleled maturity throughout the
+United States during the period of the European wars. This source of
+national independence and wealth I anxiously recommend, therefore, to
+the prompt and constant guardianship of Congress.
+
+The termination of the legislative sessions will soon separate you,
+fellow citizens, from each other, and restore you to your constituents.
+I pray you to bear with you the expressions of my sanguine hope that
+the peace which has been just declared will not only be the foundation
+of the most friendly intercourse between the United States and Great
+Britain, but that it will also be productive of happiness and harmony in
+every section of our beloved country. The influence of your precepts and
+example must be everywhere powerful, and while we accord in grateful
+acknowledgments for the protection which Providence has bestowed upon
+us, let us never cease to inculcate obedience to the laws and fidelity
+to the Union as constituting the palladium of the national independence
+and prosperity.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _February 22, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of two ratified treaties which were entered
+into on the part of the United States, one on the 22d day of July, 1814,
+with the several tribes of Indians called the Wyandots, Delawares,
+Shawanees, Senakas, and Miamies; the other on the 9th day of August,
+1814, with the Creek Nation of Indians.
+
+It is referred to the consideration of Congress how far legislative
+provisions may be necessary for carrying any part of these stipulations
+into effect.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _February 23, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Congress will have seen by the communication from the consul-general of
+the United States at Algiers laid before them on the 17th of November,
+1812, the hostile proceedings of the Dey against that functionary. These
+have been followed by acts of more overt and direct warfare against the
+citizens of the United States trading in the Mediterranean, some of whom
+are still detained in captivity, notwithstanding the attempts which have
+been made to ransom them, and are treated with the rigor usual on the
+coast of Barbary.
+
+The considerations which rendered it unnecessary and unimportant to
+commence hostile operations on the part of the United States being now
+terminated by the peace with Great Britain, which opens the prospect of
+an active and valuable trade of their citizens within the range of the
+Algerine cruisers, I recommend to Congress the expediency of an act
+declaring the existence of a state of war between the United States
+and the Dey and Regency of Algiers, and of such provisions as may be
+requisite for a vigorous prosecution of it to a successful issue.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _February 25, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Peace having happily taken place between the United States and Great
+Britain, it is desirable to guard against incidents which during periods
+of war in Europe might tend to interrupt it, and it is believed in
+particular that the navigation of American vessels exclusively by
+American seamen, either natives or such as are already naturalized,
+would not only conduce to the attainment of that object, but also to
+increase the number of our seamen, and consequently to render our
+commerce and navigation independent of the service of foreigners who
+might be recalled by their governments under circumstances the most
+inconvenient to the United States. I recommend the subject, therefore,
+to the consideration of Congress, and in deciding upon it I am persuaded
+that they will sufficiently estimate the policy of manifesting to the
+world a desire on all occasions to cultivate harmony with other nations
+by any reasonable accommodations which do not impair the enjoyment
+of any of the essential rights of a free and independent people. The
+example on the part of the American Government will merit and may be
+expected to receive a reciprocal attention from all the friendly powers
+of Europe.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+VETO MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _January 30, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+Having bestowed on the bill entitled "An act to incorporate the
+subscribers to the Bank of the United States of America" that full
+consideration which is due to the great importance of the subject, and
+dictated by the respect which I feel for the two Houses of Congress, I
+am constrained by a deep and solemn conviction that the bill ought not
+to become a law to return it to the Senate, in which it originated, with
+my objections to the same.
+
+Waiving the question of the constitutional authority of the Legislature
+to establish an incorporated bank as being precluded in my judgment by
+repeated recognitions under varied circumstances of the validity of such
+an institution in acts of the legislative, executive, and judicial
+branches of the Government, accompanied by indications, in different
+modes, of a concurrence of the general will of the nation, the proposed
+bank does not appear to be calculated to answer the purposes of reviving
+the public credit, of providing a national medium of circulation, and of
+aiding the Treasury by facilitating the indispensable anticipations of
+the revenue and by affording to the public more durable loans.
+
+1. The capital of the bank is to be compounded of specie, of public
+stock, and of Treasury notes convertible into stock, with a certain
+proportion of each of which every subscriber is to furnish himself.
+
+The amount of the stock to be subscribed will not, it is believed, be
+sufficient to produce in favor of the public credit any considerable or
+lasting elevation of the market price, whilst this may be occasionally
+depressed by the bank itself if it should carry into the market the
+allowed proportion of its capital consisting of public stock in order to
+procure specie, which it may find its account in procuring with some
+sacrifice on that part of its capital.
+
+Nor will any adequate advantage arise to the public credit from the
+subscription of Treasury notes. The actual issue of these notes nearly
+equals at present, and will soon exceed, the amount to be subscribed
+to the bank. The direct effect of this operation is simply to convert
+fifteen millions of Treasury notes into fifteen millions of 6 per cent
+stock, with the collateral effect of promoting an additional demand for
+Treasury notes beyond what might otherwise be negotiable.
+
+Public credit might indeed be expected to derive advantage from the
+establishment of a national bank, without regard to the formation of its
+capital, if the full aid and cooperation of the institution were secured
+to the Government during the war and during the period of its fiscal
+embarrassments. But the bank proposed will be free from all legal
+obligation to cooperate with the public measures, and whatever might be
+the patriotic disposition of its directors to contribute to the removal
+of those embarrassments, and to invigorate the prosecution of the war,
+fidelity to the pecuniary and general interest of the institution
+according to their estimate of it might oblige them to decline a
+connection of their operations with those of the National Treasury
+during the continuance of the war and the difficulties incident to it.
+Temporary sacrifices of interest, though overbalanced by the future
+and permanent profits of the charter, not being requirable of right in
+behalf of the public, might not be gratuitously made, and the bank would
+reap the full benefit of the grant, whilst the public would lose the
+equivalent expected from it; for it must be kept in view that the sole
+inducement to such a grant on the part of the public would be the
+prospect of substantial aids to its pecuniary means at the present
+crisis and during the sequel of the war. It is evident that the stock of
+the bank will on the return of peace, if not sooner, rise in the market
+to a value which, if the bank were established in a period of peace,
+would authorize and obtain for the public a bonus to a very large
+amount. In lieu of such a bonus the Government is fairly entitled to and
+ought not to relinquish or risk the needful services of the bank under
+the pressing circumstances of war.
+
+2. The bank as proposed to be constituted can not be relied on during
+the war to provide a circulating medium nor to furnish loans or
+anticipations of the public revenue.
+
+Without a medium the taxes can not be collected, and in the absence of
+specie the medium understood to be the best substitute is that of notes
+issued by a national bank. The proposed bank will commence and conduct
+its operations under an obligation to pay its notes in specie, or be
+subject to the loss of its charter. Without such an obligation the notes
+of the bank, though not exchangeable for specie, yet resting on good
+pledges and performing the uses of specie in the payment of taxes and in
+other public transactions, would, as experience has ascertained, qualify
+the bank to supply at once a circulating medium and pecuniary aids to
+the Government. Under the fetters imposed by the bill it is manifest
+that during the actual state of things, and probably during the war, the
+period particularly requiring such a medium and such a resource for
+loans and advances to the Government, notes for which the bank would be
+compellable to give specie in exchange could not be kept in circulation.
+The most the bank could effect, and the most it could be expected to
+aim at, would be to keep the institution alive by limited and local
+transactions which, with the interest on the public stock in the bank,
+might yield a dividend sufficient for the purpose until a change from
+war to peace should enable it, by a flow of specie into its vaults and
+a removal of the external demand for it, to derive its contemplated
+emoluments from a safe and full extension of its operations.
+
+On the whole, when it is considered that the proposed establishment
+will enjoy a monopoly of the profits of a national bank for a period of
+twenty years; that the monopolized profits will be continually growing
+with the progress of the national population and wealth; that the nation
+will during the same period be dependent on the notes of the bank for
+that species of circulating medium whenever the precious metals may
+be wanted, and at all times for so much thereof as may be an eligible
+substitute for a specie medium, and that the extensive employment of the
+notes in the collection of the augmented taxes will, moreover, enable
+the bank greatly to extend its profitable issues of them without the
+expense of specie capital to support their circulation, it is as
+reasonable as it is requisite that the Government, in return for these
+extraordinary concessions to the bank, should have a greater security
+for attaining the public objects of the institution than is presented in
+the bill, and particularly for every practicable accommodation, both in
+the temporary advances necessary to anticipate the taxes and in those
+more durable loans which are equally necessary to diminish the resort
+to taxes.
+
+In discharging this painful duty of stating objections to a measure
+which has undergone the deliberations and received the sanction of
+the two Houses of the National Legislature I console myself with the
+reflection that if they have not the weight which I attach to them they
+can be constitutionally overruled, and with a confidence that in a
+contrary event the wisdom of Congress will hasten to substitute a more
+commensurate and certain provision for the public exigencies.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution
+expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and
+war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United
+States as a day of public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to
+Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on
+their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have deemed it proper
+by this proclamation to recommend that Thursday, the 12th of January
+next, be set apart as a day on which all may have an opportunity of
+voluntarily offering at the same time in their respective religious
+assemblies their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the
+Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of
+strengthening their vows of repentance and amendment. They will be
+invited by the same solemn occasion to call to mind the distinguished
+favors conferred on the American people in the general health which has
+been enjoyed, in the abundant fruits of the season, in the progress of
+the arts instrumental to their comfort, their prosperity, and their
+security, and in the victories which have so powerfully contributed to
+the defense and protection of our country, a devout thankfulness for all
+which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the Beneficent
+Parent of the Human Race that He would be graciously pleased to pardon
+all their offenses against Him; to support and animate them in the
+discharge of their respective duties; to continue to them the precious
+advantages flowing from political institutions so auspicious to their
+safety against dangers from abroad, to their tranquillity at home, and
+to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would in a special
+manner preside over the nation in its public councils and constituted
+authorities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to its arms
+in maintaining its rights and in overcoming all hostile designs and
+attempts against it; and, finally, that by inspiring the enemy with
+dispositions favorable to a just and reasonable peace its blessings
+may be speedily and happily restored.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November, 1814, and of
+the Independence of the United States the thirty-eighth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Among the many evils produced by the wars which with little intermission
+have afflicted Europe and extended their ravages into other quarters
+of the globe for a period exceeding twenty years, the dispersion or a
+considerable portion of the inhabitants of different countries in sorrow
+and in want has not been the least injurious to human happiness nor the
+least severe in the trial of human virtue.
+
+It had been long ascertained that many foreigners, flying from the
+dangers of their own home, and that some citizens, forgetful of their
+duty, had cooperated in forming an establishment on the island of
+Barrataria, near the mouth of the river Mississippi, for the purposes
+of a clandestine and lawless trade. The Government of the United States
+caused the establishment to be broken up and destroyed, and having
+obtained the means of designating the offenders of every description,
+it only remained to answer the demands of justice by inflicting an
+exemplary punishment.
+
+But it has since been represented that the offenders have manifested a
+sincere penitence; that they have abandoned the prosecution of the worse
+cause for the support of the best, and particularly that they have
+exhibited in the defense of New Orleans unequivocal traits of courage
+and fidelity. Offenders who have refused to become the associates of the
+enemy in the war upon the most seducing terms of invitation and who have
+aided to repel his hostile invasion of the territory of the United
+States can no longer be considered as objects of punishment, but as
+objects of a generous forgiveness.
+
+It has therefore been seen with great satisfaction that the general
+assembly of the State of Louisiana earnestly recommend those offenders
+to the benefit of a full pardon.
+
+And in compliance with that recommendation, as well as in consideration
+of all the other extraordinary circumstances of the case, I, James
+Madison, President of the United States of America, do issue this
+proclamation, hereby granting, publishing, and declaring a free and full
+pardon of all offenses committed in violation of any act or acts of the
+Congress of the said United States touching the revenue, trade, and
+navigation thereof or touching the intercourse and commerce of the
+United States with foreign nations at any time before the 8th day of
+January, in the present year 1815, by any person or persons whomsoever
+being inhabitants of New Orleans and the adjacent country or being
+inhabitants of the said island of Barrataria and the places adjacent:
+_Provided_, That every person claiming the benefit of this full
+pardon in order to entitle himself thereto shall produce a certificate
+in writing from the governor of the State of Louisiana stating that such
+person has aided in the defense of New Orleans and the adjacent country
+during the invasion thereof as aforesaid.
+
+And I do hereby further authorize and direct all suits, indictments,
+and prosecutions for fines, penalties, and forfeitures against any
+person or persons who shall be entitled to the benefit of this full
+pardon forthwith to be stayed, discontinued, and released; and all
+civil officers are hereby required, according to the duties of their
+respective stations, to carry this proclamation into immediate and
+faithful execution.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Done at the city of Washington, the 6th day of February, in the year
+1815, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Acting as Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 7, p. 397.]
+
+
+JAMES MADISON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+_To all and singular to whom these presents shall come, greeting_:
+
+Whereas a treaty of peace and amity between the United States of America
+and His Britannic Majesty was signed at Ghent on the 24th day of
+December, 1814, by the plenipotentiaries respectively appointed for that
+purpose; and the said treaty having been, by and with the advice and
+consent of the Senate of the United States, duly accepted, ratified, and
+confirmed on the 17th day of February, 1815, and ratified copies thereof
+having been exchanged agreeably to the tenor of the said treaty, which
+is in the words following, to wit:
+
+[Here follows the treaty.]
+
+Now, therefore, to the end that the said treaty of peace and amity may
+be observed with good faith on the part of the United States, I, James
+Madison, President as aforesaid, have caused the premises to be made
+public; and I do hereby enjoin all persons bearing office, civil or
+military, within the United States and all others citizens or
+inhabitants thereof or being within the same faithfully to observe and
+fulfill the said treaty and every clause and article thereof.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+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.
+
+Done at the city of Washington, this 18th day of February, A.D. 1815,
+and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States the
+thirty-ninth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Acting Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States have by a
+joint resolution signified their desire that a day may be recommended to
+be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity
+as a day of thanksgiving and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty God
+for His great goodness manifested in restoring to them the blessing of
+peace.
+
+No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of
+the Great Disposer of Events and of the Destiny of Nations than the
+people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted
+them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the
+great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under
+all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their
+early days. Under His fostering care their habits, their sentiments, and
+their pursuits prepared them for a transition in due time to a state of
+independence and self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it
+was attained they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of His benign
+interposition. During the interval which succeeded He reared them into
+the strength and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them
+to assert their national rights and to enhance their national character
+in another arduous conflict, which is now so happily terminated by a
+peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies. And to
+the same Divine Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift we are indebted
+for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil,
+which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.
+
+It is for blessings such as these, and more especially for the
+restoration of the blessing of peace, that I now recommend that the
+second Thursday in April next be set apart as a day on which the people
+of every religious denomination may in their solemn assemblies unite
+their hearts and their voices in a freewill offering to their Heavenly
+Benefactor of their homage of thanksgiving and of their songs of praise.
+
+[SEAL.]
+
+Given at the city of Washington on the 4th day of March, A.D. 1815, and
+of the Independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas information has been received that sundry persons citizens of
+the United States or residents within the same, and especially within
+the State of Louisiana, are conspiring together to begin and set on
+foot, provide, and prepare the means for a military expedition or
+enterprise against the dominions of Spain, with which the United States
+are happily at peace; that for this purpose they are collecting arms,
+military stores, provisions, vessels, and other means; are deceiving and
+seducing honest and well-meaning citizens to engage in their unlawful
+enterprises; are organizing, officering, and arming themselves for the
+same contrary to the laws in such cases made and provided:
+
+I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, warning and
+enjoining all faithful citizens who have been led without due knowledge
+or consideration to participate in the said unlawful enterprises to
+withdraw from the same without delay, and commanding all persons
+whatsoever engaged or concerned in the same to cease all further
+proceedings therein, as they will answer the contrary at their peril.
+And I hereby enjoin and require all officers, civil and military, of the
+United States or of any of the States or Territories, all judges,
+justices, and other officers of the peace, all military officers of the
+Army or Navy of the United States, and officers of the militia, to be
+vigilant, each within his respective department and according to his
+functions, in searching out and bringing to punishment all persons
+engaged or concerned in such enterprises, in seizing and detaining,
+subject to the disposition of the law, all arms, military stores,
+vessels, or other means provided or providing for the same, and, in
+general, in preventing the carrying on such expedition or enterprise by
+all the lawful means within their power. And I require all good and
+faithful citizens and others within the United States to be aiding and
+assisting herein, and especially in the discovery, apprehension, and
+bringing to justice of all such offenders, in preventing the execution
+of their unlawful combinations or designs, and in giving information
+against them to the proper authorities.
+
+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 Washington, the 1st day of September, A.D. 1815, and
+of the Independence of the said United States of America the fortieth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 5, 1815_.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+I have the satisfaction on our present meeting of being able to
+communicate to you the successful termination of the war which had been
+commenced against the United States by the Regency of Algiers. The
+squadron in advance on that service, under Commodore Decatur, lost not a
+moment after its arrival in the Mediterranean in seeking the naval force
+of the enemy then cruising in that sea, and succeeded in capturing two
+of his ships, one of them the principal ship, commanded by the Algerine
+admiral. The high character of the American commander was brilliantly
+sustained on the occasion which brought his own ship into close action
+with that of his adversary, as was the accustomed gallantry of all the
+officers and men actually engaged. Having prepared the way by this
+demonstration of American skill and prowess, he hastened to the port of
+Algiers, where peace was promptly yielded to his victorious force. In
+the terms stipulated the rights and honor of the United States were
+particularly consulted by a perpetual relinquishment on the part of
+the Dey of all pretensions to tribute from them. The impressions which
+have thus been made, strengthened as they will have been by subsequent
+transactions with the Regencies of Tunis and of Tripoli by the
+appearance of the larger force which followed under Commodore
+Bainbridge, the chief in command of the expedition, and by the judicious
+precautionary arrangements left by him in that quarter, afford a
+reasonable prospect of future security for the valuable portion of our
+commerce which passes within reach of the Barbary cruisers.
+
+It is another source of satisfaction that the treaty of peace with Great
+Britain has been succeeded by a convention on the subject of commerce
+concluded by the plenipotentiaries of the two countries. In this result
+a disposition is manifested on the part of that nation corresponding
+with the disposition of the United States, which it may be hoped will
+be improved into liberal arrangements on other subjects on which the
+parties have mutual interests, or which might endanger their future
+harmony. Congress will decide on the expediency of promoting such a
+sequel by giving effect to the measure of confining the American
+navigation to American seamen--a measure which, at the same time that it
+might have that conciliatory tendency, would have the further advantage
+of increasing the independence of our navigation and the resources for
+our maritime defense.
+
+In conformity with the articles in the treaty of Ghent relating to the
+Indians, as well as with a view to the tranquillity of our western and
+northwestern frontiers, measures were taken to establish an immediate
+peace with the several tribes who had been engaged in hostilities
+against the United States. Such of them as were invited to Detroit
+acceded readily to a renewal of the former treaties of friendship.
+Of the other tribes who were invited to a station on the Mississippi
+the greater number have also accepted the peace offered to them. The
+residue, consisting of the more distant tribes or parts of tribes,
+remain to be brought over by further explanations, or by such other
+means as may be adapted to the dispositions they may finally disclose.
+
+The Indian tribes within and bordering on the southern frontier, whom a
+cruel war on their part had compelled us to chastise into peace, have
+latterly shown a restlessness which has called for preparatory measures
+for repressing it, and for protecting the commissioners engaged in
+carrying the terms of the peace into execution.
+
+The execution of the act for fixing the military peace establishment has
+been attended with difficulties which even now can only be overcome by
+legislative aid. The selection of officers, the payment and discharge of
+the troops enlisted for the war, the payment of the retained troops and
+their reunion from detached and distant stations, the collection and
+security of the public property in the Quartermaster, Commissary, and
+Ordnance departments, and the constant medical assistance required
+in hospitals and garrisons rendered a complete execution of the
+act impracticable on the 1st of May, the period more immediately
+contemplated. As soon, however, as circumstances would permit, and as
+far as it has been practicable consistently with the public interests,
+the reduction of the Army has been accomplished; but the appropriations
+for its pay and for other branches of the military service having proved
+inadequate, the earliest attention to that subject will be necessary;
+and the expediency of continuing upon the peace establishment the staff
+officers who have hitherto been provisionally retained is also
+recommended to the consideration of Congress.
+
+In the performance of the Executive duty upon this occasion there has
+not been wanting a just sensibility to the merits of the American Army
+during the late war; but the obvious policy and design in fixing an
+efficient military peace establishment did not afford an opportunity to
+distinguish the aged and infirm on account of their past services nor
+the wounded and disabled on account of their present sufferings. The
+extent of the reduction, indeed, unavoidably involved the exclusion
+of many meritorious officers of every rank from the service of their
+country; and so equal as well as so numerous were the claims to
+attention that a decision by the standard of comparative merit could
+seldom be attained. Judged, however, in candor by a general standard of
+positive merit, the Army Register will, it is believed, do honor to the
+establishment, while the case of those officers whose names are not
+included in it devolves with the strongest interest upon the legislative
+authority for such provision as shall be deemed the best calculated to
+give support and solace to the veteran and the invalid, to display the
+beneficence as well as the justice of the Government, and to inspire a
+martial zeal for the public service upon every future emergency.
+
+Although the embarrassments arising from the want of an uniform national
+currency have not been diminished since the adjournment of Congress,
+great satisfaction has been derived in contemplating the revival of the
+public credit and the efficiency of the public resources. The receipts
+into the Treasury from the various branches of revenue during the nine
+months ending on the 30th of September last have been estimated at
+$12,500,000; the issues of Treasury notes of every denomination during
+the same period amounted to the sum of $14,000,000, and there was also
+obtained upon loan during the same period a sum of $9,000,000 of which
+the sum of $6,000,000 was subscribed in cash and the sum of $3,000,000
+in Treasury notes. With these means, added to the sum of $1,500,000,
+being the balance of money in the Treasury on the 1st day of January,
+there has been paid between the 1st of January and the 1st of October on
+account of the appropriations of the preceding and of the present year
+(exclusively of the amount of the Treasury notes subscribed to the loan
+and of the amount redeemed in the payment of duties and taxes) the
+aggregate sum of $33,500,000, leaving a balance then in the Treasury
+estimated at the sum of $3,000,000. Independent, however, of the
+arrearages due for military services and supplies, it is presumed that
+a further sum of $5,000,000, including the interest on the public debt
+payable on the 1st of January next, will be demanded at the Treasury
+to complete the expenditures of the present year, and for which the
+existing ways and means will sufficiently provide.
+
+The national debt, as it was ascertained on the 1st of October last,
+amounted in the whole to the sum of $120,000,000, consisting of
+the unredeemed balance of the debt contracted before the late war
+($39,000,000), the amount of the funded debt contracted in consequence
+of the war ($64,000,000), and the amount of the unfunded and floating
+debt, including the various issues of Treasury notes, $17,000,000, which
+is in a gradual course of payment. There will probably be some addition
+to the public debt upon the liquidation of various claims which are
+depending, and a conciliatory disposition on the part of Congress may
+lead honorably and advantageously to an equitable arrangement of the
+militia expenses incurred by the several States without the previous
+sanction or authority of the Government of the United States; but when
+it is considered that the new as well as the old portion of the debt
+has been contracted in the assertion of the national rights and
+independence, and when it is recollected that the public expenditures,
+not being exclusively bestowed upon subjects of a transient nature, will
+long be visible in the number and equipments of the American Navy, in
+the military works for the defense of our harbors and our frontiers, and
+in the supplies of our arsenals and magazines the amount will bear a
+gratifying comparison with the objects which have been attained, as well
+as with the resources of the country.
+
+The arrangements of the finances with a view to the receipts and
+expenditures of a permanent peace establishment will necessarily enter
+into the deliberations of Congress during the present session. It is
+true that the improved condition of the public revenue will not only
+afford the means of maintaining the faith of the Government with its
+creditors inviolate, and of prosecuting successfully the measures of
+the most liberal policy, but will also justify an immediate alleviation
+of the burdens imposed by the necessities of the war. It is, however,
+essential to every modification of the finances that the benefits of
+an uniform national currency should be restored to the community. The
+absence of the precious metals will, it is believed, be a temporary
+evil, but until they can again be rendered the general medium of
+exchange it devolves on the wisdom of Congress to provide a substitute
+which shall equally engage the confidence and accommodate the wants of
+the citizens throughout the Union. If the operation of the State banks
+can not produce this result, the probable operation of a national bank
+will merit consideration; and if neither of these expedients be deemed
+effectual it may become necessary to ascertain the terms upon which the
+notes of the Government (no longer required as an instrument of credit)
+shall be issued upon motives of general policy as a common medium of
+circulation.
+
+Notwithstanding the security for future repose which the United States
+ought to find in their love of peace and their constant respect for
+the rights of other nations, the character of the times particularly
+inculcates the lesson that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought
+not to be unprepared for it. This consideration will sufficiently
+recommend to Congress a liberal provision for the immediate extension
+and gradual completion of the works of defense, both fixed and floating,
+on our maritime frontier, and an adequate provision for guarding our
+inland frontier against dangers to which certain portions of it may
+continue to be exposed.
+
+As an improvement in our military establishment, it will deserve the
+consideration of Congress whether a corps of invalids might not be so
+organized and employed as at once to aid in the support of meritorious
+individuals excluded by age or infirmities from the existing
+establishment, and to procure to the public the benefit of their
+stationary services and of their exemplary discipline. I recommend also
+an enlargement of the Military Academy already established, and the
+establishment of others in other sections of the Union; and I can not
+press too much on the attention of Congress such a classification and
+organization of the militia as will most effectually render it the
+safeguard of a free state. If experience has shewn in the recent
+splendid achievements of militia the value of this resource for the
+public defense, it has shewn also the importance of that skill in the
+use of arms and that familiarity with the essential rules of discipline
+which can not be expected from the regulations now in force. With this
+subject is intimately connected the necessity of accommodating the laws
+in every respect to the great object of enabling the political authority
+of the Union to employ promptly and effectually the physical power of
+the Union in the cases designated by the Constitution.
+
+The signal services which have been rendered by our Navy and the
+capacities it has developed for successful cooperation in the national
+defense will give to that portion of the public force its full value in
+the eyes of Congress, at an epoch which calls for the constant vigilance
+of all governments. To preserve the ships now in a sound state, to
+complete those already contemplated, to provide amply the imperishable
+materials for prompt augmentations, and to improve the existing
+arrangements into more advantageous establishments for the construction,
+the repairs, and the security of vessels of war is dictated by the
+soundest policy.
+
+In adjusting the duties on imports to the object of revenue the
+influence of the tariff on manufactures will necessarily present itself
+for consideration. However wise the theory may be which leaves to the
+sagacity and interest of individuals the application of their industry
+and resources, there are in this as in other cases exceptions to the
+general rule. Besides the condition which the theory itself implies of
+a reciprocal adoption by other nations, experience teaches that so many
+circumstances must concur in introducing and maturing manufacturing
+establishments, especially of the more complicated kinds, that a country
+may remain long without them, although sufficiently advanced and in some
+respects even peculiarly fitted for carrying them on with success. Under
+circumstances giving a powerful impulse to manufacturing industry it has
+made among us a progress and exhibited an efficiency which justify the
+belief that with a protection not more than is due to the enterprising
+citizens whose interests are now at stake it will become at an early day
+not only safe against occasional competitions from abroad, but a source
+of domestic wealth and even of external commerce. In selecting the
+branches more especially entitled to the public patronage a preference
+is obviously claimed by such as will relieve the United States from a
+dependence on foreign supplies, ever subject to casual failures, for
+articles necessary for the public defense or connected with the primary
+wants of individuals. It will be an additional recommendation of
+particular manufactures where the materials for them are extensively
+drawn from our agriculture, and consequently impart and insure to that
+great fund of national prosperity and independence an encouragement
+which can not fail to be rewarded.
+
+Among the means of advancing the public interest the occasion is
+a proper one for recalling the attention of Congress to the great
+importance of establishing throughout our country the roads and canals
+which can best be executed under the national authority. No objects
+within the circle of political economy so richly repay the expense
+bestowed on them; there are none the utility of which is more
+universally ascertained and acknowledged; none that do more honor to the
+governments whose wise and enlarged patriotism duly appreciates them.
+Nor is there any country which presents a field where nature invites
+more the art of man to complete her own work for his accommodation and
+benefit. These considerations are strengthened, moreover, by the
+political effect of these facilities for intercommunication in bringing
+and binding more closely together the various parts of our extended
+confederacy. Whilst the States individually, with a laudable enterprise
+and emulation, avail themselves of their local advantages by new
+roads, by navigable canals, and by improving the streams susceptible
+of navigation, the General Government is the more urged to similar
+undertakings, requiring a national jurisdiction and national means, by
+the prospect of thus systematically completing so inestimable a work;
+and it is a happy reflection that any defect of constitutional authority
+which may be encountered can be supplied in a mode which the
+Constitution itself has providently pointed out.
+
+The present is a favorable season also for bringing again into view the
+establishment of a national seminary of learning within the District of
+Columbia, and with means drawn from the property therein, subject to
+the authority of the General Government. Such an institution claims
+the patronage of Congress as a monument of their solicitude for the
+advancement of knowledge, without which the blessings of liberty can
+not be fully enjoyed or long preserved; as a model instructive in the
+formation of other seminaries; as a nursery of enlightened preceptors,
+and as a central resort of youth and genius from every part of their
+country, diffusing on their return examples of those national feelings,
+those liberal sentiments, and those congenial manners which contribute
+cement to our Union and strength to the great political fabric of which
+that is the foundation.
+
+In closing this communication I ought not to repress a sensibility,
+in which you will unite, to the happy lot of our country and to the
+goodness of a superintending Providence, to which we are indebted for
+it. Whilst other portions of mankind are laboring under the distresses
+of war or struggling with adversity in other forms, the United States
+are in the tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honorable peace. In
+reviewing the scenes through which it has been attained we can rejoice
+in the proofs given that our political institutions, founded in human
+rights and framed for their preservation, are equal to the severest
+trials of war, as well as adapted to the ordinary periods of repose. As
+fruits of this experience and of the reputation acquired by the American
+arms on the land and on the water, the nation finds itself possessed of
+a growing respect abroad and of a just confidence in itself, which are
+among the best pledges for its peaceful career. Under other aspects of
+our country the strongest features of its flourishing condition are seen
+in a population rapidly increasing on a territory as productive as it is
+extensive; in a general industry and fertile ingenuity which find their
+ample rewards, and in an affluent revenue which admits a reduction of
+the public burdens without withdrawing the means of sustaining the
+public credit, of gradually discharging the public debt, of providing
+for the necessary defensive and precautionary establishments, and of
+patronizing in every authorized mode undertakings conducive to the
+aggregate wealth and individual comfort of our citizens.
+
+It remains for the guardians of the public welfare to persevere in that
+justice and good will toward other nations which invite a return of
+these sentiments toward the United States; to cherish institutions which
+guarantee their safety and their liberties, civil and religious; and to
+combine with a liberal system of foreign commerce an improvement of the
+national advantages and a protection and extension of the independent
+resources of our highly favored and happy country.
+
+In all measures having such objects my faithful cooperation will be
+afforded.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 6, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration and advice as to a
+ratification, a treaty of peace with the Dey of Algiers concluded on
+the 30th day of June, 1815, with a letter relating to the same from
+the American commissioners to the Secretary of State.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 6, 1815.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration and advice as to a
+ratification, a convention to regulate the commerce between the United
+States and Great Britain, signed by their respective plenipotentiaries
+on the 3d of July last, with letters relating to the same from the
+American plenipotentiaries to the Secretary of State, and also the
+declaration with which it is the intention of the British Government
+to accompany the exchange of the ratification of the convention.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 6, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration and advice as to a
+ratification, treaties which have been concluded with the following
+Indian tribes, viz: Iaway tribe, Kickapoo tribe, Poutawatamie, Siouxs
+of the Lakes, Piankeshaw tribe, Siouxs of the River St. Peters, Great
+and Little Osage tribes, Yancton tribe, Mahas, Fox tribe, Teeton, Sac
+Nation, Kanzas tribe, Chippewa, Ottawa, Potawatamie, Shawanoe, Wyandot,
+Miami, Delaware, and Seneca.
+
+I communicate also the letters from the commissioners on the part of
+the United States relating to their proceedings on those occasions.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+WASHINGTON, _December 11, 1815_.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I transmit the original of the convention between the United States and
+Great Britain, as signed by their respective plenipotentiaries, on the
+3d day of July last, a copy of which was laid before the Senate on the
+5th instant.
+
+I transmit also a copy of the late treaty of peace with Algiers, as
+certified by one of the commissioners of the United States, an office
+copy of which was laid before the Senate on the 5th instant, the
+original of the treaty not having been received.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 23, 1815.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of a proclamation notifying the convention
+concluded with Great Britain on the 3d day of July last, and that the
+same has been duly ratified; and I recommend to Congress such
+legislative provisions as the convention may call for on the part of the
+United States.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 18, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The accompanying extract from the occurrences at Fort Jackson in August,
+1814, during the negotiation of a treaty with the Indians shows that the
+friendly Creeks, wishing to give to General Jackson, Benjamin Hawkins,
+and others a national mark of their gratitude and regard, conveyed to
+them, respectively, a donation of land, with a request that the grant
+might be duly confirmed by the Government of the United States.
+
+Taking into consideration the peculiar circumstances of the case, the
+expediency of indulging the Indians in wishes which they associated with
+the treaty signed by them, and that the case involves an inviting
+opportunity for bestowing on an officer who has rendered such
+illustrious services to his country a token of its sensibility to them,
+the inducement to which can not be diminished by the delicacy and
+disinterestedness of his proposal to transfer the benefit from himself,
+I recommend to Congress that provision be made for carrying into effect
+the wishes and request of the Indians as expressed by them.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+It is represented that the lands in the Michigan Territory designated by
+law toward satisfying land bounties promised the soldiers of the late
+army are so covered with swamps and lakes, or otherwise unfit for
+cultivation, that a very inconsiderable proportion can be applied to the
+intended grants. I recommend, therefore, that other lands be designated
+by Congress for the purpose of supplying the deficiency.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 5, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 2d instant, they
+are informed that great losses having been sustained by citizens of
+the United States from unjust seizures and confiscations of their
+property by the late Government of Naples, it was deemed expedient
+that indemnification should be claimed by a special mission for that
+purpose. The occasion may be proper, also, for securing the use and
+accommodations of the Neapolitan ports, which may at any time be needed
+by the public ships of the United States, and for obtaining relief for
+the American commerce from the disadvantageous and unequal regulations
+now operating against it in that Kingdom,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+MARCH 9, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States
+according to the latest returns received by the Department of War.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 11, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+With a view to the more convenient arrangement of the important and
+growing business connected with the grant of exclusive rights to
+inventors and authors, I recommend the establishment of a distinct
+office within the Department of State to be charged therewith, under a
+director with a salary adequate to his services, and with the privilege
+of franking communications by mail from and to the office. I recommend
+also that further restraints be imposed on the issue of patents to
+wrongful claimants, and further guards provided against fraudulent
+exactions of fees by persons possessed of patents.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 16, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of a convention concluded between the
+United States and the Cherokee Indians on the 2d day of March last, as
+the same has been duly ratified and proclaimed; and I recommend that
+such provision be made by Congress as the stipulations therein contained
+may require,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+APRIL 17, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+It being presumed that further information may have changed the views
+of the Senate relative to the importance and expediency of a mission to
+Naples for the purpose of negotiating indemnities to our citizens for
+spoliations committed by the Neapolitan Government, I nominate William
+Pinkney, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Russia,
+to be minister plenipotentiary to Naples, specially charged with that
+trust.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATIONS.
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it has been represented that many uninformed or evil-disposed
+persons have taken possession of or made a settlement on the public
+lands of the United States which have not been previously sold, ceded,
+or leased by the United States, or the claim to which lands by such
+persons has not been previously recognized or confirmed by the United
+States, which possession or settlement is by the act of Congress passed
+on the 3d day of March, 1807, expressly prohibited; and
+
+Whereas the due execution of the said act of Congress, as well as the
+general interest, requires that such illegal practices should be
+promptly repressed:
+
+Now, therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States,
+have thought proper to issue my proclamation commanding and strictly
+enjoining all persons who have unlawfully taken possession of or made
+any settlement on the public lands as aforesaid forthwith to remove
+therefrom; and I do hereby further command and enjoin the marshal,
+or officer acting as marshal, in any State or Territory where such
+possession shall have been taken or settlement made to remove, from
+and after the 10th day of March, 1816, all or any of the said unlawful
+occupants; and to effect the said service I do hereby authorize the
+employment of such military force as may become necessary in pursuance
+of the provisions of the act of Congress aforesaid, warning the
+offenders, moreover, that they will be prosecuted in all such other ways
+as the law directs.
+
+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 Washington, the 12th day of December, A.D. 1815, and
+of the Independence of the said United States of America the fortieth.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JAMES MONROE,
+    _Secretary of State_.
+
+
+
+[From Niles's Weekly Register, vol. 10, p. 208.]
+
+
+BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+A PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas by the act entitled "An act granting bounties in land and extra
+pay to certain Canadian volunteers," passed the 5th March, 1816, it was
+enacted that the locations of the land warrants of the said volunteers
+should "be subject to such regulations as to priority of choice and
+manner of location as the President of the United States shall direct:"
+
+Wherefore I, James Madison, President of the United States, in
+conformity with the provisions of the act before recited, do hereby make
+known that the land warrants of the said Canadian volunteers may be
+located agreeably to the said act at the land offices at Vincennes or
+Jeffersonville, in the Indiana Territory, on the first Monday in June
+next, with the registers of the said land offices; that the warrantees
+may, in person or by their attorneys or other legal representatives, in
+the presence of the register and receiver of the said land district,
+draw lots for the priority of location; and that should any of the
+warrants not appear for location on that day they may be located
+afterwards, according to their priority of presentation, the locations
+in the district of Vincennes to be made at Vincennes and the locations
+in the district of Jeffersonville to be made at Jeffersonville.
+
+Given under my hand the 1st day of May, 1816.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+By the President:
+  JOSIAH MEIGS,
+    _Commissioner of the General Land Office_.
+
+
+
+
+
+EIGHTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
+
+
+DECEMBER 3, 1816.
+
+_Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives_:
+
+In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention can not be
+withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons which have very
+generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth and threatened scarcity
+in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of
+climates, and of products within our extensive limits that the aggregate
+resources for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate
+wants. And as far as an economy of consumption, more than usual, may be
+necessary, our thankfulness is due to Providence for what is far more
+than a compensation, in the remarkable health which has distinguished
+the present year.
+
+Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that
+of the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of
+industry among us and in the extension of our commerce, the value of
+which is more and more disclosing itself to commercial nations, it is
+to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches
+of our manufactures and by a portion of our navigation. As the first
+proceeds in an essential degree from an excess of imported merchandise,
+which carries a check in its own tendency, the cause in its present
+extent can not be of very long duration. The evil will not, however,
+be viewed by Congress without a recollection that manufacturing
+establishments, if suffered to sink too low or languish too long,
+may not revive after the causes shall have ceased, and that in the
+vicissitudes of human affairs situations may recur in which a dependence
+on foreign sources for indispensable supplies may be among the most
+serious embarrassments.
+
+The depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed in a material
+degree to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most
+extensively connected with us in commerce, and from the indirect
+operation of that exclusion.
+
+Previous to the late convention at London between the United States
+and Great Britain the relative state of the navigation laws of the two
+countries, growing out of the treaty of 1794, had given to the British
+navigation a material advantage over the American in the intercourse
+between the American ports and British ports in Europe. The convention
+of London equalized the laws of the two countries relating to those
+ports, leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the
+British colonies subject, as before, to the respective regulations of
+the parties. The British Government enforcing now regulations which
+prohibit a trade between its colonies and the United States in American
+vessels, whilst they permit a trade in British vessels, the American
+navigation loses accordingly, and the loss is augmented by the advantage
+which is given to the British competition over the American in the
+navigation between our ports and British ports in Europe by the
+circuitous voyages enjoyed by the one and not enjoyed by the other.
+
+The reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity applied to one branch of
+the commercial intercourse has been pressed on our part as equally
+applicable to both branches; but it is ascertained that the British
+cabinet declines all negotiation on the subject, with a disavowal,
+however, of any disposition to view in an unfriendly light whatever
+countervailing regulations the United States may oppose to the
+regulations of which they complain. The wisdom of the Legislature will
+decide on the course which, under these circumstances, is prescribed by
+a joint regard to the amicable relations between the two nations and to
+the just interests of the United States.
+
+I have the satisfaction to state, generally, that we remain in amity with
+foreign powers.
+
+An occurrence has indeed taken place in the Gulf of Mexico which, if
+sanctioned by the Spanish Government, may make an exception as to that
+power. According to the report of our naval commander on that station,
+one of our public armed vessels was attacked by an overpowering force
+under a Spanish commander, and the American flag, with the officers and
+crew, insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation. This has been
+demanded. In the meantime a frigate and a smaller vessel of war have
+been ordered into that Gulf for the protection of our commerce. It would
+be improper to omit that the representative of His Catholic Majesty in
+the United States lost no time in giving the strongest assurances that
+no hostile order could have emanated from his Government, and that it
+will be as ready to do as to expect whatever the nature of the case and
+the friendly relations of the two countries shall be found to require.
+
+The posture of our affairs with Algiers at the present moment is not
+known. The Dey, drawing pretexts from circumstances for which the United
+States were not answerable, addressed a letter to this Government
+declaring the treaty last concluded with him to have been annulled by
+our violation of it, and presenting as the alternative war or a renewal
+of the former treaty, which stipulated, among other things, an annual
+tribute. The answer, with an explicit declaration that the United States
+preferred war to tribute, required his recognition and observance of
+the treaty last made, which abolishes tribute and the slavery of our
+captured citizens. The result of the answer has not been received.
+Should he renew his warfare on our commerce, we rely on the protection
+it will find in our naval force actually in the Mediterranean.
+
+With the other Barbary States our affairs have undergone no change.
+
+The Indian tribes within our limits appear also disposed to remain
+at peace. From several of them purchases of lands have been made
+particularly favorable to the wishes and security of our frontier
+settlements, as well as to the general interests of the nation. In some
+instances the titles, though not supported by due proof, and clashing
+those of one tribe with the claims of another, have been extinguished by
+double purchases, the benevolent policy of the United States preferring
+the augmented expense to the hazard of doing injustice or to the
+enforcement of justice against a feeble and untutored people by means
+involving or threatening an effusion of blood. I am happy to add that
+the tranquillity which has been restored among the tribes themselves, as
+well as between them and our own population, will favor the resumption
+of the work of civilization which had made an encouraging progress among
+some tribes, and that the facility is increasing for extending that
+divided and individual ownership, which exists now in movable property
+only, to the soil itself, and of thus establishing in the culture and
+improvement of it the true foundation for a transit from the habits of
+the savage to the arts and comforts of social life.
+
+As a subject of the highest importance to the national welfare, I
+must again earnestly recommend to the consideration of Congress a
+reorganization of the militia on a plan which will form it into classes
+according to the periods of life more or less adapted to military
+services. An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the
+Constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government.
+The present organization of our militia is universally regarded as less
+efficient than it ought to be made, and no organization can be better
+calculated to give to it its due force than a classification which will
+assign the foremost place in the defense of the country to that portion
+of its citizens whose activity and animation best enable them to rally
+to its standard. Besides the consideration that a time of peace is the
+time when the change can be made with most convenience and equity, it
+will now be aided by the experience of a recent war in which the militia
+bore so interesting a part.
+
+Congress will call to mind that no adequate provision has yet been made
+for the uniformity of weights and measures also contemplated by the
+Constitution. The great utility of a standard fixed in its nature and
+founded on the easy rule of decimal proportions is sufficiently obvious.
+It led the Government at an early stage to preparatory steps for
+introducing it, and a completion of the work will be a just title to
+the public gratitude.
+
+The importance which I have attached to the establishment of a
+university within this District on a scale and for objects worthy of
+the American nation induces me to renew my recommendation of it to the
+favorable consideration of Congress. And I particularly invite again
+their attention to the expediency of exercising their existing powers,
+and, where necessary, of resorting to the prescribed mode of enlarging
+them, in order to effectuate a comprehensive system of roads and canals,
+such as will have the effect of drawing more closely together every
+part of our country by promoting intercourse and improvements and by
+increasing the share of every part in the common stock of national
+prosperity.
+
+Occurrences having taken place which shew that the statutory provisions
+for the dispensation of criminal justice are deficient in relation both
+to places and to persons under the exclusive cognizance of the national
+authority, an amendment of the law embracing such cases will merit the
+earliest attention of the Legislature. It will be a seasonable occasion
+also for inquiring how far legislative interposition maybe further
+requisite in providing penalties for offenses designated in the
+Constitution or in the statutes, and to which either no penalties are
+annexed or none with sufficient certainty. And I submit to the wisdom
+of Congress whether a more enlarged revisal of the criminal code be not
+expedient for the purpose of mitigating in certain cases penalties which
+were adopted into it antecedent to experiment and examples which justify
+and recommend a more lenient policy.
+
+The United States, having been the first to abolish within the extent
+of their authority the transportation of the natives of Africa into
+slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves and by punishing
+their citizens participating in the traffic, can not but be gratified
+at the progress made by concurrent efforts of other nations toward a
+general suppression of so great an evil. They must feel at the same
+time the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own
+regulations. With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to
+be required by the violations and evasions which it is suggested are
+chargeable on unworthy citizens who mingle in the slave trade under
+foreign flags and with foreign ports, and by collusive importations of
+slaves into the United States through adjoining ports and territories.
+I present the subject to Congress with a full assurance of their
+disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an
+amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to guard
+against abuses of a kindred character in the trade between the several
+States ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object.
+
+To these recommendations I add, for the consideration of Congress, the
+expediency of a remodification of the judiciary establishment, and of
+an additional department in the executive branch of the Government.
+
+The first is called for by the accruing business which necessarily
+swells the duties of the Federal courts, and by the great and widening
+space within which justice is to be dispensed by them. The time seems to
+have arrived which claims for members of the Supreme Court a relief from
+itinerary fatigues, incompatible as well with the age which a portion of
+them will always have attained as with the researches and preparations
+which are due to their stations and to the juridical reputation of their
+country. And considerations equally cogent require a more convenient
+organization of the subordinate tribunals, which may be accomplished
+without an objectionable increase of the number or expense of the
+judges.
+
+The extent and variety of executive business also accumulating with
+the progress of our country and its growing population call for an
+additional department, to be charged with duties now overburdening other
+departments and with such as have not been annexed to any department.
+
+The course of experience recommends, as another improvement in the
+executive establishment, that the provision for the station of
+Attorney-General, whose residence at the seat of Government, official
+connections with it, and the management of the public business before
+the judiciary preclude an extensive participation in professional
+emoluments, be made more adequate to his services and his
+relinquishments, and that, with a view to his reasonable accommodation
+and to a proper depository of his official opinions and proceedings,
+there be included in the provision the usual appurtenances to a public
+office.
+
+In directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances it
+is a subject of great gratification to find that even within the short
+period which has elapsed since the return of peace the revenue has far
+exceeded all the current demands upon the Treasury, and that under any
+probable diminution of its future annual products which the vicissitudes
+of commerce may occasion it will afford an ample fund for the effectual
+and early extinguishment of the public debt. It has been estimated that
+during the year 1816 the actual receipts of revenue at the Treasury,
+including the balance at the commencement of the year, and excluding
+the proceeds of loans and Treasury notes, will amount to about the sum
+of $47,000,000; that during the same year the actual payments at the
+Treasury, including the payment of the arrearages of the War Department
+as well as the payment of a considerable excess beyond the annual
+appropriations, will amount to about the sum of $38,000,000, and that
+consequently at the close of the year there will be a surplus in the
+Treasury of about the sum of $9,000,000.
+
+The operations of the Treasury continued to be obstructed by
+difficulties arising from the condition of the national currency, but
+they have nevertheless been effectual to a beneficial extent in the
+reduction of the public debt and the establishment of the public credit.
+The floating debt of Treasury notes and temporary loans will soon be
+entirely discharged. The aggregate of the funded debt, composed of
+debts incurred during the wars of 1776 and 1812, has been estimated
+with reference to the 1st of January next at a sum not exceeding
+$110,000,000. The ordinary annual expenses of the Government for the
+maintenance of all its institutions, civil, military, and naval, have
+been estimated at a sum less than $20,000,000, and the permanent revenue
+to be derived from all the existing sources has been estimated at a sum
+of about $25,000,000,
+
+Upon this general view of the subject it is obvious that there is only
+wanting to the fiscal prosperity of the Government the restoration of an
+uniform medium of exchange. The resources and the faith of the nation,
+displayed in the system which Congress has established, insure respect
+and confidence both at home and abroad. The local accumulations of the
+revenue have already enabled the Treasury to meet the public engagements
+in the local currency of most of the States, and it is expected that the
+same cause will produce the same effect throughout the Union; but for
+the interests of the community at large, as well as for the purposes
+of the Treasury, it is essential that the nation should possess a
+currency of equal value, credit, and use wherever it may circulate.
+The Constitution has intrusted Congress exclusively with the power of
+creating and regulating a currency of that description, and the measures
+which were taken during the last session in execution of the power
+give every promise of success. The Bank of the United States has been
+organized under auspices the most favorable, and can not fail to be an
+important auxiliary to those measures.
+
+For a more enlarged view of the public finances, with a view of the
+measures pursued by the Treasury Department previous to the resignation
+of the late Secretary, I transmit an extract from the last report of
+that officer. Congress will perceive in it ample proofs of the solid
+foundation on which the financial prosperity of the nation rests, and
+will do justice to the distinguished ability and successful exertions
+with which the duties of the Department were executed during a period
+remarkable for its difficulties and its peculiar perplexities.
+
+The period of my retiring from the public service being at little
+distance, I shall find no occasion more proper than the present for
+expressing to my fellow-citizens my deep sense of the continued
+confidence and kind support which I have received from them. My grateful
+recollection of these distinguished marks of their favorable regard can
+never cease, and with the consciousness that, if I have not served my
+country with greater ability, I have served it with a sincere devotion
+will accompany me as a source of unfailing gratification.
+
+Happily, I shall carry with me from the public theater other sources,
+which those who love their country most will best appreciate. I shall
+behold it blessed with tranquillity and prosperity at home and with
+peace and respect abroad. I can indulge the proud reflection that the
+American people have reached in safety and success their fortieth year
+as an independent nation; that for nearly an entire generation they have
+had experience of their present Constitution, the offspring of their
+undisturbed deliberations and of their free choice; that they have found
+it to bear the trials of adverse as well as prosperous circumstances:
+to contain in its combination of the federate and elective principles
+a reconcilement of public strength with individual liberty, of national
+power for the defense of national rights with a security against wars of
+injustice, of ambition, and of vainglory in the fundamental provision
+which subjects all questions of war to the will of the nation itself,
+which is to pay its costs and feel its calamities. Nor is it less a
+peculiar felicity of this Constitution, so dear to us all, that it is
+found to be capable, without losing its vital energies, of expanding
+itself over a spacious territory with the increase and expansion of the
+community for whose benefit it was established.
+
+And may I not be allowed to add to this gratifying spectacle that I
+shall read in the character of the American people, in their devotion
+to true liberty and to the Constitution which is its palladium, sure
+presages that the destined career of my country will exhibit a
+Government pursuing the public good as its sole object, and regulating
+its means by the great principles consecrated in its charter and by
+those moral principles to which they are so well allied; a Government
+which watches over the purity of elections, the freedom of speech and
+of the press, the trial by jury, and the equal interdict against
+encroachments and compacts between religion and the state; which
+maintains inviolably the maxims of public faith, the security of persons
+and property, and encourages in every authorized mode that general
+diffusion of knowledge which guarantees to public liberty its permanency
+and to those who possess the blessing the true enjoyment of it; a
+Government which avoids intrusions on the internal repose of other
+nations, and repels them from its own; which does justice to all nations
+with a readiness equal to the firmness with which it requires justice
+from them; and which, whilst it refines its domestic code from every
+ingredient not congenial with the precepts of an enlightened age and the
+sentiments of a virtuous people, seeks by appeals to reason and by its
+liberal examples to infuse into the law which governs the civilized
+world a spirit which may diminish the frequency or circumscribe the
+calamities of war, and meliorate the social and beneficent relations of
+peace; a Government, in a word, whose conduct within and without may
+bespeak the most noble of all ambitions---that of promoting peace on
+earth and good will to man.
+
+These contemplations, sweetening the remnant of my days, will animate my
+prayers for the happiness of my beloved country, and a perpetuity of the
+institutions under which it is enjoyed.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIAL MESSAGES.
+
+
+DECEMBER 6, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The ninth section of the act passed at the last session of Congress "to
+authorize the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed by the
+enemy while in the military service of the United States, and for other
+purposes," having received a construction giving to it a scope of great
+and uncertain extent, I thought it proper that proceedings relative to
+claims under that part of the act should be suspended until Congress
+should have an opportunity of defining more precisely the cases
+contemplated by them. With that view I now recommend the subject to
+their consideration. They will have an opportunity at the same time of
+considering how far other provisions of the act may be rendered more
+clear and precise in their import.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 10, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+I lay before the Senate, for their consideration and advice as to
+a ratification, treaties concluded with the several Indian tribes
+according to the following statement:
+
+A LIST OF INDIAN TRIBES WITH WHOM TREATIES HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE THE LAST
+SESSION OF CONGRESS.
+
+_Weas and Kickapoos tribes of Indians_.--Treaty concluded at Fort
+Harrison between Benjamin Parke and the chiefs and headmen of those
+tribes the 4th June, 1816.
+
+_Ottawas, Chippewas, and Pottowotomees_.--Treaty concluded at St. Louis
+between Governors Clarke, Edwards, and Colonel Choteau and the chiefs
+and headmen of those tribes on the 24th August, 1816.
+
+_Winnebago tribes_.--Made by the same persons on part United States
+and the headmen of this tribe at St. Louis 3d June, 1816.
+
+_Sacks of Rock River_.--Made by same at St. Louis 13th May, 1816.
+
+_Siouxs composing three tribes, the Siouxs of the Leaf, the Siouxs of
+the Broad Leaf, and the Siouxs who Shoot on the Pine-tops_.--Made and
+concluded by the same at St. Louis 1st June, 1816.
+
+_Chickasaw tribe_.--Treaty made by General Jackson, David Merrewether,
+esq., and Jesse Franklin, esq., and the headmen of that nation at
+Chickasaw council house 20th September, 1816.
+
+_Cherokee tribe_.--Treaty made by General Jackson, David Merrewether,
+esq., and Jesse Franklin, esq., and the headmen of that nation at Turkey
+Town on the 4th October, 1816.
+
+_Choctaw tribe_.--Treaty made by General John Coffee, John Rhea, and
+John McKee, esquires, and the headmen and warriors of that nation at
+the Choctaw trading house on the 24th of October, 1816.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 13, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate of the United States_:
+
+A treaty of commerce between the United States and the King of Sweden
+and Norway having been concluded and signed on the 4th day of September
+last by their plenipotentiaries, I lay the same before the Senate for
+their consideration and advice as to a ratification.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 21, 1816.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of
+the 6th instant, I transmit to them the proceedings of the commissioner
+appointed under the act "to authorize the payment for property lost,
+captured, or destroyed by the enemy while in the military service of the
+United States, and for other purposes," as reported by the commissioner
+to the Department of War.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 26, 1816.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to
+prevent violations of the obligations of the United States as a nation
+at peace toward belligerent parties and other unlawful acts on the high
+seas by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States.
+
+With a view to maintain more effectually the respect due to the laws, to
+the character, and to the neutral and pacific relations of the United
+States, I recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of
+such further legislative provisions as may be requisite for detaining
+vessels actually equipped, or in a course of equipment, with a warlike
+force within the jurisdiction of the United States, or, as the case may
+be, for obtaining from the owners or commanders of such vessels adequate
+securities against the abuse of their armaments, with the exceptions in
+such provisions proper for the cases of merchant vessels furnished with
+the defensive armaments usual on distant and dangerous expeditions, and
+of a private commerce in military stores permitted by our laws, and
+which the law of nations does not require the United States to prohibit.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 25, 1817.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+I lay before Congress copies of ratified treaties between the United
+States and the following Indian tribes:
+
+First. The Wea and Kickapoo.
+
+Second. The united tribes of Ottawas, Chippawas, and Potowotomies
+residing on the Illinois and Melwakee rivers and their waters and
+on the southwestern parts of Lake Michigan.
+
+Third. That portion of the Winnebago tribe or nation residing on the
+Ouisconsin River,
+
+Fourth. The Sacs of Rock River and the adjacent country.
+
+Fifth. Eight bands of the Siouxs, composing the three tribes called the
+Siouxs of the Leaf, the Siouxs of the Broad Leaf, and the Siouxs who
+Shoot in the Pine Tops.
+
+Sixth. The Chickasaw tribe of Indians.
+
+Seventh. The Cherokee tribe of Indians.
+
+Eighth. The Chactaw tribe of Indians.
+
+Congress will take into consideration how far legislative provisions may
+be necessary for carrying into effect stipulations contained in the said
+treaties,
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+JANUARY 31, 1817.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of His Most
+Christian Majesty having renewed, under special instructions from his
+Government, the claim of the representative of Baron de Beaumarchais for
+1,000,000 livres, which were debited to him in the settlement of his
+accounts with the United States, I lay before Congress copies of the
+memoir on that subject addressed by the said envoy to the Secretary of
+State.
+
+Considering that the sum of which the million of livres in question made
+a part was a gratuitous grant from the French Government to the United
+States, and the declaration of that Government that that part of the
+grant was put into the hands of M. de Beaumarchais as its agent, not as
+the agent of the United States, and was duly accounted for by him to
+the French Government; considering also the concurring opinions of two
+Attorneys-General of the United States that the said debit was not
+legally sustainable in behalf of the United States, I recommend the case
+to the favorable attention of the Legislature, whose authority alone can
+finally decide on it.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 3, 1817.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The Government of Great Britain, induced by the posture of the relations
+with the United States which succeeded the conclusion of the recent
+commercial convention, issued an order on the 17th day of August, 1815,
+discontinuing the discriminating duties payable in British ports on
+American vessels and their cargoes. It was not until the 22d of December
+following that a corresponding discontinuance of discriminating duties
+on British vessels and their cargoes in American ports took effect under
+the authority vested in the Executive by the act of March, 1816. During
+the period between those two dates there was consequently a failure
+of reciprocity or equality in the existing regulations of the two
+countries. I recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency
+of paying to the British Government the amount of the duties remitted
+during the period in question to citizens of the United States, subject
+to a deduction of the amount of whatever discriminating duties may have
+commenced in British ports after the signature of that convention and
+been collected previous to the 17th of August, 1815.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+FEBRUARY 6, 1817.
+
+_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+On comparing the fourth section of the act of Congress passed March 31,
+1814, providing for the indemnification of certain claimants of public
+lands in the Mississippi Territory, with the article of agreement and
+cession between the United States and State of Georgia, bearing date
+April 30, 1802, it appears that the engagements entered into with the
+claimants interfere with the rights and interests secured to that State.
+I recommend to Congress that provision be made by law for payments to
+the State of Georgia equal to the amount of Mississippi stock which
+shall be paid into the Treasury until the stipulated sum of $1,250,000
+shall be completed.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+VETO MESSAGE.
+
+
+MARCH 3, 1817.
+
+_To the House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+Having considered the bill this day presented to me entitled "An act
+to set apart and pledge certain funds for internal improvements,"
+and which sets apart and pledges funds "for constructing roads and
+canals, and improving the navigation of water courses, in order to
+facilitate, promote, and give security to internal commerce among
+the several States, and to render more easy and less expensive the
+means and provisions for the common defense," I am constrained by
+the insuperable difficulty I feel in reconciling the bill with the
+Constitution of the United States to return it with that objection
+to the House of Representatives, in which it originated.
+
+The legislative powers vested in Congress are specified and enumerated
+in the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution, and it
+does not appear that the power proposed to be exercised by the bill is
+among the enumerated powers, or that it falls by any just interpretation
+within the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying into
+execution those or other powers vested by the Constitution in the
+Government of the United States.
+
+"The power to regulate commerce among the several States" can not
+include a power to construct roads and canals, and to improve the
+navigation of water courses in order to facilitate, promote, and secure
+such a commerce without a latitude of construction departing from the
+ordinary import of the terms strengthened by the known inconveniences
+which doubtless led to the grant of this remedial power to Congress.
+
+To refer the power in question to the clause "to provide for the common
+defense and general welfare" would be contrary to the established and
+consistent rules of interpretation, as rendering the special and careful
+enumeration of powers which follow the clause nugatory and improper.
+Such a view of the Constitution would have the effect of giving to
+Congress a general power of legislation instead of the defined and
+limited one hitherto understood to belong to them, the terms "common
+defense and general welfare" embracing every object and act within the
+purview of a legislative trust. It would have the effect of subjecting
+both the Constitution and laws of the several States in all cases not
+specifically exempted to be superseded by laws of Congress, it being
+expressly declared "that the Constitution of the United States and laws
+made in pursuance thereof shall be the supreme law of the land, and
+the judges of every State shall be bound thereby, anything in the
+constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding." Such
+a view of the Constitution, finally, would have the effect of excluding
+the judicial authority of the United States from its participation in
+guarding the boundary between the legislative powers of the General and
+the State Governments, inasmuch as questions relating to the general
+welfare, being questions of policy and expediency, are unsusceptible of
+judicial cognizance and decision.
+
+A restriction of the power "to provide for the common defense and
+general welfare" to cases which are to be provided for by the
+expenditure of money would still leave within the legislative power of
+Congress all the great and most important measures of Government, money
+being the ordinary and necessary means of carrying them into execution.
+
+If a general power to construct roads and canals, and to improve the
+navigation of water courses, with the train of powers incident thereto,
+be not possessed by Congress, the assent of the States in the mode
+provided in the bill can not confer the power. The only cases in which
+the consent and cession of particular States can extend the power of
+Congress are those specified and provided for in the Constitution.
+
+I am not unaware of the great importance of roads and canals and the
+improved navigation of water courses, and that a power in the National
+Legislature to provide for them might be exercised with signal advantage
+to the general prosperity. But seeing that such a power is not expressly
+given by the Constitution, and believing that it can not be deduced from
+any part of it without an inadmissible latitude of construction and a
+reliance on insufficient precedents; believing also that the permanent
+success of the Constitution depends on a definite partition of powers
+between the General and the State Governments, and that no adequate
+landmarks would be left by the constructive extension of the powers of
+Congress as proposed in the bill, I have no option but to withhold
+my signature from it, and to cherishing the hope that its beneficial
+objects may be attained by a resort for the necessary powers to the same
+wisdom and virtue in the nation which established the Constitution in
+its actual form and providently marked out in the instrument itself a
+safe and practicable mode of improving it as experience might suggest.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+[From Annals of Congress, Fourteenth Congress, second session, 218.]
+
+WASHINGTON, _January 1, 1817_.
+
+_To the Senators of the United States, respectively_:
+
+SIR: Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate
+should be in session on the 4th of March next to receive such
+communications as may be made to it on the part of the Executive, your
+attendance in the Senate Chamber in this city on that day is accordingly
+requested.
+
+JAMES MADISON.
+
+
+
+
+
+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 THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JAMES MADISON ***
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