-
https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/files/original/e27573f7927598ec2ec6794ff29d4cf2.pdf
ef59214f377d68ba54851945633c69e4
PDF Text
Text
FOIA Number:
2006-0469-F (2)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting
Series/Staff Member:
Michael Waldman
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
14459
FoiderlD:
Folder Title:
Research Requests: Founding Fathers Quotes [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
s
92
4
5
2
��'^m^ie^ffifgre^
D^ielfiWebster;'.l?825.
are scattered . ^ t t f a l i t ^ ^
1
" I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -T. Jefferson
"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time" -T. Jefferson
"It i s ^ ^
be. dbne if we are always doing" -t": Jefferson ^
"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind" -Thomas Paine
"We,
W l # ^ « n 6 ^ » M
"Peace, like charity, begins at home" -F.D. Roosevelt
"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work at it" -Eleanor Roosevelt
"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another
problem" -Martin L. King, Jr.
" f 'fiefexariIbe no''progress if peopte h
�M\cvVEL
White Houre Coiumuiiicatioiis/Resenrcli:
State Of The Union Research
Juiuiurv 12, 1998
•
Thomas Jefferson
•
Our Principles Have Guided Us Tlii oii«li an Age of Revolution and Reformation
"Equal ami cxaci justice to all men, ofwhaicvcr .state or persuasion, religious or political; peace,
commerce, and lionest friendship with all nations — entangling alliances with none; the support of
the State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations f o r our domestic
concerns, and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies; the preservation of the
general government in its whole constitutional vigour, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home
and safety abroad;...freedom of religion; freedom of the press; freedom ofperson under the
protection of the habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected —these principles form the
bright constellation which has gone before us. and guided our steps through an age of revolution
and reformation." — Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801 [Bartlett's
Familiar Quotations. Online (www.Columbia.edu/acis/bartleby/
bartlett)]
•
Louisiana Purchase was Criticized
"/ know that the acquisition of Louisiana had been disapproved by some from a candid
apprehension that the etdargement of our territory would endanger its union. But who can limit
the extent to which the federative principle mav operate effectively? " — Thomas Jefferson, Second
Inaugural Address, Monday, March 4, 1 805 [ Bartlett's Familiar Quotations. Online
(www.coliimbia.edu/acis/bartleby/bartlelt)]
EDUCATION
•
"Most Important Bill"
"By far the most important bill in our whole code, is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the
people. No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservat ion of freedom and happiness." - Thomas Jefferson [Revolution Song. Thomas .leffersoiVs Legacy. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 9]
•
Reading is Fundamental
"When the press is free and every man able entitled to read, all is safe." — Thomas Jefferson
[Revolution SOIVJ. Thomas Jefferson's Leuacv. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 9]
•
Education in the "Highest Degree"
"1 have long entertained the hope that this, our native State, would take up the subject of
education, and make an establishment . . . where every branch of science, deemed useful at this
day, should be taught in its highest degree." [Revolution Song. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim
Strupp, 1992, p.l 1]
•
The Responsibiiity of Education
"It is highly interesting to our country, and if is the duty of its functionaries, to provide that every
citizen in it should receive an education proportioned to the conditions and pursuits of his life."
[Revolution Son;.:. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp. 1992. p.11]
�•
Comments on Literacy
"And it is declared and enacted, that no person unborn or under the age of twelve years...shall,
after the age ol' lifteen years, be a citizen of this commonwealth until he or she can read readily in
some tongue, native or acquired." [Revolution Song. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp,
1992, p.l 1]
•
Indefinite, Not Infinite
"And it cannot be but that each generation succeeding to the.knowledge aequired.by.all those that
preced^ed.it, adding to it their own acquisitions .and'disco veriesVahd handling 'the-mas&dowhiorf
successive and constant-aceumulation,anust:Mvance;the,Mowledge>and ^
not infinitely, as some have said, but indefinitely,'"arid"to a term which no one can fix or foresee."
[Revolution Sonu. Thomas Jefferson's LcLiacv. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 13]
L
RELIGION
•
Judgment of Religion
" never told my own religion, nor scrutinized that of another. 1 never attempted to make a
1
convert, nor wished to change another's creed. I have ever judged of other's religions by their
lives . . . for it is from our lives and not from our words, that our religion must be read."
[Revolution Song. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 24]
•
Religious Tolerance
"But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks
my pocket nor breaks my leg." [Revoluiion SOUL;. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp, 1992,
p. 24]
•
Separate "Sects"
"Say nothing of my religion. It is known lo my god and myself alone. I am of a sect by myself."
[Revolution SOIVJ:. Thomas Jefferson's Leuaev. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 26]
•
Difference of Opinion
"Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion . . . Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and
inquiry to truth . . ." [Revolution Song. Thomas Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 27]
NATIONAL ECONOMY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
•
"Peace, Commerce and Honest Friendsliip"
"Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy and I wish we may be permitted to
pursue it. Peace, commerce and honest friendships with all nations, entangling alliances with
none." [Revolution Song. Thomas Jefferson's Lcjacy. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. 31]
POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY & REVOLUTION
•
" I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." [Revolution Song. Thomas
Jefferson's Legacy. Jim Strupp, 1992, p. (>9]
THE FUTURE
•
"Llike the dreams;of-the future better than the history of the past." [Thomas Jefferson to John
Adams;>uigiisPl7t816, A-.T Letters, p. 4S5]
�THE OPTIMIST
•
"We caii no longer say there is nothing new under the sun. For this whole chapter in the history
of maffis new. The great extent of our RepiiBlie^is new." [Thomas Jefferson. Passionate Pilgrim The Presidency. The Founding ofthe University rind The Private Battle. Alf J. Mapp, Jr., p.3]
•
"As the storm is now subsiding, and the horizon becoming serene, it is pleasant to consider the
phenomenon with attention. We can no longer say tliere is nothing new under the sun. For this
whole chapter m tlie history of man is new. The great extent of our Republic is new. Its sparse
habitation is new. The mighty wave of public opinion which has rolled over it is new. But the
most pleasing novelty is, its so quickly subsiding over such an extensive surface to its true level
again. The order and good sense displayed in this recovery from delusion ... really bespeak a
strength of character in our nation which augurs well for the duration of our Republic." [Jefferson
and the Presidency. Leadership in the Youn-j Republic. Robert M. Johnstone, Jr., p. 49]
THE PHILOSOPHER
•
"For here we arc not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead." [Thomas Jefferson. A
Strange Case of Mistaken Identity, Alf .1. Mapp, Jr., p. xv]
•
"The storm we have passed through proves our vessel indestructible." [Thomas Jefferson
An Intimate History. Fawn M. Brodie, p. 429]
-
ON EDUCATION
•
"The ultimate result of the whole scheme of education would be teaching all children of the state
reading, writing, and common arithmetic." | In Pursuit of Reason. The Life of Thomas Jefferson.
Noble E. Cunningham, Jr., p. 59]
•
"That knowledge is power, that knowledge is safety, and that knowledge is happiness.ffiln Pursuit
of Reason. The Life of Thomas Jefferson, Noble E. Cunningham, Jr., p. 339]
•
"It now rests with ourselves alone to enjoy in peace and concord the blessings of self-government,
so long denied to mankind: to show by example the sufficiency of human reason for the care of
human affairs ami that the vvill ofthe majority, the National law of every society, is the only sure
guardian of the rights of man. Perhaps even Ihis may sometimes err. But it's errors are honest,
solitary and short-lived. - Let us then, my clear friends, for ever bow down to the general reason of
the society. We arc safe with that, even in it's deviations, for it soon retums again to the right
way. These are the lessons we have learnt together. We have prospered in their practice, and the
liberty with which you are pleased to approve my attachment to the general rights of mankind
assures we are still together in these it's kindred sentiments." [In Pursuit of Reason. The Life of
Thomas Jefferson. Noble E. Cunningham, Jr., p. 133-134]
•
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate
object of good government." [Thomas Jefferson - An Intimate History. Fawn M. Brodie, p. 2]
•
"A wise and frugal government, which shall refrain man from injuring one another, which shall
leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall
not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned." [Thomas Jefferson - An Intimate
History. Fawn M. Brodie, p. 447]
�George Washington — State ofthe Union Speeches
•
Good Will Towards Government Conti ihutes to National Prosperity
...the rising credit and respectability of onr country, the general and increasing good will toward
the government ofthe Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are
circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. [Washington's First
Annual Message lo Congress, January 8, 1 790]
•
Washington Called for Provisions to Faciliatc "Intercourse with Other Nations"
"The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other nations should be
facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to fulfill my duty m that respect in the manner
which circitmsiances may render most conducive lo the public good... " [Washington's First
Annual Message to Congress, January 8, I 790]
•
The Information Age? -- Washington Emphasizes Post-offices and Post-roads
"The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently liberal and
comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and facility of communication, is increased
by their instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government,
which, while it contributes to the security ofthe people, serves also to guard them against the
effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts,
especially to some ofthe important points in ihe. Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not
f a i l to be of man-rial utility. " [VVashingtons Third Annual Message to Congress, October 25,
1791]
"/ can not forbear inlimaiiug to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as
well to... the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the exertions of
skill and genius iu producing thcm al home, and of facilitating the intercourse between the
distant parts of our country by a due at lent ion to the post-office and post-roads."
[Washington's First Annual Message lo Congress, January 8, 1790]
•
Knowledge Is lhe Surest Basis of Public Happiness
Nor dm' J less persuaded thqtypu will agree with me in opinion that there is nothing which can >
?
b'&tteV deserve your patronage than the promotion of science and literature. 'Knoivledge'is in every
country the surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive
their impressions so immediately from the sense of Ihe community as in ours it is proportionably
essential. [Washington's First Annual Message to Congress, January 8, 1790]
•
U.S. Population in 1791: 4 Million
"The completion ofthe census of lhe inhahiianis. f o r which provision was made by law, has been
duly notified (excepting one instance in which the return has been informal, and another in which
it has been oinincd or miscarried), and lhe rciurns of the officers who were charged with this duty,
which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance that the present population of
the United States borders on 4.()()(),000persons. " [Washington's 'Third Annual Message to
Congress, October 25, 1791]
�•
•
Balance the Budget — Prevent Accumuiation of Debt
InUeed^hqtsoeyer^
can not be
fienefitedpy^^J
prbcra^ndWft
amTasfar as may
be.practicable^^
can not be disturbed, and, to prevent that progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimatel}
endanger all governments. [Washington's Sixth Annual Message to Congress, November 19, 1794
]
U.S. Will Be a Safeguard of Human Rights
"Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to spread his holy protection
over these United States; to turn the machinaitoiis ofthe wicked to the confirming of our
Constitution; to enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; to
perpetuate to our country that prosperity which his goodness has already conferred, and to verify
the anticipations of this Government being a safeguard of human rights. " [Washington's Sixth
Annual Message to Congress, November 19. I 794 |
ATTACHMENTS:
/
George Washington's Annual Messages To Congress
/
Copies Of All Speeches Cited Above
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...ef'i'erson: First Inaugural Address.
http://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl6.html
Thomas Jefferson
First Inaugural Address
In the Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, March 4, 1801
Chief Justice John Marshall administered the first
executive oath of office ever taken in the new federal city
in the new Senate Chamber (now the Old Supreme Court
Chamber) of the partially built Capitol building. The
outcome ofthe election of 1800 had been in doubt until
late February because Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr,
the two leading candidates, each had received 73
electoral votes. Consequently, the House of
Representatives met in a special session to resolve the
impasse, pursuant to the tenns spelled out in the
Constitution. After 30 hours of debate and balloting, Mr.
Jefferson emerged as the President and Mr. Burr the Vice
President. President John Adams, who had run
unsuccessfully for a second tenn, left Washington on the
day of the inauguration without attending the ceremony.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens:
CALLED upon to undertake the duties ofthe first executive office of our country, I avail myself of
the presence of that portion of my fellow-citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful
thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look toward me, to declare a sincere
consciousness that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful
presentiments which the greatness of the charge and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire. A
rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of
their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing
rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye—when I contemplate these transcendent objects,
and see the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue, and
the auspices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation, and humble myself before the magnitude
of the undertaking. Utterly, indeed, should I despair did not the presence of many whom I here see
remind me that in the other high authorities provided by our Constitution I shall find resources of
wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties. To you, then, gentlemen, who
are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with
encouragement for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in
which we are all embarked amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world.
1 of 3
01/12/98 19:38:40
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...efferson: First Inaugural Address.
http://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/pres 16.html
During the contest of opinion through which we have passed the animation of discussions and of 2
exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to think freely and
to speak and to write what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation,
announced according to the rules ofthe Constitution, all will, of course, arrange themselves under
the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good. A U ^ t ^ ^ l l v b e v ^ m i n d
tMsisacred-pnnciple,<that-though th^^
:
^ ^ - ^ ^
— , ^ —...
and
Q
onie mind>.| Let us restore to social intercourse fhaThSrmdhy and affection without which liberty and
.
even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that, having banished from our land that
f \ +£j\{ i religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we
countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody
persecutions. During the throes and convulsions of the ancient world, during the agonizing spasms
of infuriated man, seeking through blood and slaughter his long-lost liberty, it was not wonderful
that the agitation of the billows should reach even this distant and peaceful shore; that this should be
more felt and feared by some and less by others, and should divide opinions as to measures of
safety. But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different
names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any
among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand
undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason
is leftfreeto combat it. I know, indeed, that some honest men fear that a republican government can
not be strong, that this Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the full
tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the
theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want
energy to preserve itself? I trust not. I believe this, on the contrary, the strongest Government on
earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of
the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern. Sometimes it is
said that man can not be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the
government of others? Or have we found angels in the fonns of kings to govern him? Let history
answer this question.
JT
77
f
Let us, then, with courage and confidence pursue our own Federal and Republican principles, our 3
attachment to union and representative government. Kindly separated by nature and a wide ocean
from the exterminating havoc of one quarter of the globe; too high-minded to endure the
degradations of the others; possessing a chosen country, with room enough for our descendants to
the thousandth and thousandth generation; entertaining a due sense of our equal right to the use of
our own faculties, to the acquisitions of our own industry, to honor and confidence from our
fellow-citizens, resulting not from birth, but from our actions and their sense of them; enlightened
by a benign religion, professed, indeed, and practiced in various fonns, yet all of them inculcating
honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, and the love of man; acknowledging and adoring an overruling
Providence, which by all its dispensations proves that it delights in the happiness of man here and
his greater happiness hereafter—with all these blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy
and a prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow-citizens—a wise and frugal Government,
which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their
own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it
has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our
felicities.
2 of 3
01/12/98 19:38:54
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...efferson: First Inaugural Address.
http://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl6.html
About to enter, fellow-citizens, on the exercise of duties which comprehend everything dear and
4
valuable to you, it is proper you should understand what 1 deem the essential principles of our
Government, and consequently those which ought to shape its Administration. I will compress them
within the narrowest compass they will bear, stating the general principle, but not all its limitations.
Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace,
commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none; the support of the
State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic
concerns and the surest bulwarks against antirepublican tendencies; the preservation of the General
Government in its whole constitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety
abroad; a jealous care of the right of election by the people—a mild and safe corrective of abuses
which are lopped by the sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are unprovided; absolute
acquiescence in the decisions ofthe majority, the vital principle of republics, from which is no
appeal but to force, the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism; a well disciplined militia,
our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war, till regulars may relieve them; the
supremacy of the civil over the military authority; economy in the public expense, that labor may be
lightly burthened; the honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith;
encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce as its handmaid; the diffusion of information and
arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the public reason; freedom of religion; freedom of the press,
and freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus, and trial by juries impartially
selected. These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our
steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our
heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text
of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we
wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain
the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.
I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you have assigned me. With experience enough in
5
subordinate offices to have seen the difficulties of this the greatest of all, I have learnt to expect that
it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the
favor which bring him into it. Without pretensions to that high confidence you reposed in our first
and greatest revolutionary character, whose preeminent services had entitled him to the first place in
his country's love and destined for him the fairest page in the volume of faithful history, I ask so
much confidence only as may give firmness and effect to the legal administration of your affairs. I
shall often go wrong through defect of judgment. When right, I shall often be thought wrong by
those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my
own errors, which will never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may
condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts. The approbation implied by your suffrage is a
great consolation to me for the past, and my future solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of
those who have bestowed it in advance, to conciliate that of others by doing them all the good in my
power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and freedom of all.
Relying, then, on the patronage of your good will, I advance with obedience to the work, ready to
retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your power to make.
And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is
best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity.
6
Inaugural Addresses ofthe Presidents ofthe United States. 1989
3 of 3
01/12/98 19:38:55
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...fferson: Second Inaugural Address.
http://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl7.html
Thomas Jefferson
Second Inaugural Address
Monday, March 4, 1805
The second inauguration of Mr. Jefferson followed an
election under which the offices of President and Vice
President were to be separately sought, pursuant to the
newly adopted 12th Amendment to the Constitution.
George Clinton of New York was elected Vice President.
Chief Justice John Marshall administered the oath of
office in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol.
PROCEEDING, fellow-citizens, to that qualification which the Constitution requires before my
I
entrance on the charge again conferred on me, it is my duty to express the deep sense I entertain of
this new proof of confidence from my fellow-citizens at large, and the zeal with which it inspires
me so to conduct myself as may best satisfy their just expectations.
On taking this station on a fonner occasion I declared the principles on which I believed it my
2
duty to administer the affairs of our Commonwealth. My conscience tells me I have on every
occasion acted up to that declaration according to its obvious import and to the understanding of
every candid mind.
In the transaction of your foreign affairs we have endeavored to cultivate the friendship of all
nations, and especially of those with which we have the most important relations. We have done
them justice on all occasions, favored where favor was lawful, and cherished mutual interests and
intercourse on fair and equal tenns. We are finnly convinced, and we act on that conviction, that
with nations as with individuals our interests soundly calculated will ever be found inseparable
from our moral duties, and history bears witness to the fact that a just nation is trusted on its word
when recourse is had to annaments and wars to bridle others.
3
At home, fellow-citizens, you best know whether we have done well or ill. The suppression of
4
unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses, enabled us to discontinue our internal
taxes. These, covering our land with officers and opening our doors to their intrusions, had already
begun that process of domiciliary vexation which once entered is scarcely to be restrained from
reaching successively every article of property and produce. If among these taxes some minor ones
fell which had not been inconvenient, it was because their amount would not have paid the officers
who collected them, and because, if they had any merit, the State authorities might adopt them
instead of others less approved.
1 of 4
01/12/98 19:39:28
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...fferson: Second Inaugural Address.
li(tp://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl7.html
The remaining revenue on the consumption of foreign articles is paid chiefly by those who can
5
afford to add foreign luxuries to domestic comforts, being collected on our seaboard and frontiers
only, and incorporated with the transactions of our mercantile citizens, it may be the pleasure and
the pride of an American to ask, What farmer, what mechanic, what laborer ever sees a taxgatherer
of the United States? These contributions enable us to support the current expenses of the
Government, to fulfill contracts with foreign nations, to extinguish the native right of soil within
our limits, to extend those limits, and to apply such a surplus to our public debts as places at a short
day their final redemption, and that redemption once effected the revenue thereby liberated may, by
a just repartition of it among the States and a corresponding amendment of the Constitution, be
applied in time of peace to rivers, canals, roads, arts, manufactures, education, and other great
objects within each State. In time of war, if injustice by ourselves or others must sometimes
produce war, increased as the same revenue will be by increased population and consumption, and
aided by other resources reserved for that crisis, it may meet within the year all the expenses of the
year without encroaching on the rights of future generations by burthening them with the debts of
the past. War will then be but a suspension of useful works, and a return to a state of peace, a return
to the progress of improvement.
I have said, fellow-citizens, that the income reserved had enabled us to extend our limits, but that 6
extension may possibly pay for itself before we are called on, and in the meantime may keep down
the accruing interest; in all events, it will replace the advances we shall have made. I know that the
acquisition of Louisiana had been disapproved by some from a candid apprehension that the
enlargement of our territory would endanger its union. But who can limit the extent to which the
federative principle may operate effectively? The larger our association the less will it be shaken by
local passions; and in any view is it not better that the opposite bank of the Mississippi should be
settled by our own brethren and children than by strangers of another family? With which should
we be most likely to live in harmony and friendly intercourse?
In matters of religion I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution
independent of the powers of the General Government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion
to prescribe the religious exercises suited to it, but have left them, as the Constitution found them,
under the direction and discipline of the church or state authorities acknowledged by the several
religious societies.
7
The aboriginal inhabitants of these countries I have regarded with the commiseration their history 8
inspires. Endowed with the faculties and the rights of men, breathing an ardent love of liberty and
independence, and occupying a country which left them no desire but to be undisturbed, the stream
of overflowing population from other regions directed itself on these shores; without power to
divert or habits to contend against it, they have been overwhelmed by the current or driven before
it; now reduced within limits too narrow for the hunter's state, humanity enjoins us to teach them
agriculture and the domestic arts; to encourage them to that industiy which alone can enable them
to maintain their place in existence and to prepare them in time for that state of society which to
bodily comforts adds the improvement of the mind and morals. We have therefore liberally
furnished them with the implements of husbandry and household use; we have placed among them
instructors in the arts of first necessity, and they are covered with the aegis ofthe law against
aggressors from among ourselves.
2 of 4
01/12/98 19:39:45
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...fferson: Second Inaugural Address.
http://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl7.htnil
But the endeavors to enlighten them on the fate which awaits their present course of life, to induce 9
them to exercise their reason, follow its dictates, and change their pursuits with the change of
circumstances have powerful obstacles to encounter; they are combated by the habits of their
bodies, prejudices of their minds, ignorance, pride, and the influence of interested and crafty
individuals among them who feel themselves something in the present order of things and fear to
become nothing in any other. These persons inculcate a sanctimonious reverence for the customs of
their ancestors; that whatsoever they did must be done through all time; that reason is a false guide,
and to advance under its counsel in their physical, moral, or political condition is perilous
innovation; that their duty is to remain as their Creator made them, ignorance being safety and
knowledge full of danger; in short, my friends, among them also is seen the action and
counteraction of good sense and of bigotry; they too have their antiphilosophists who find an
interest in keeping things in their present state, who dread refonnation, and exert all their faculties
to maintain the ascendancy of habit over the duty of improving our reason and obeying its
mandates.
In giving these outlines I do not mean, fellow-citizens, to arrogate to myself the merit of the
measures. That is due, in the first place, to the reflecting character of our citizens at large, who, by
the weight of public opinion, influence and strengthen the public measures. It is due to the sound
discretion with which they select from among themselves those to whom they confide the
legislative duties. It is due to the zeal and wisdom of the characters thus selected, who lay the
foundations of public happiness in wholesome laws, the execution of which alone remains for
others, and it is due to the able and faithful auxiliaries, whose patriotism has associated them with
me in the executive functions.
10
During this course of administration, and in order to disturb it, the artillery of the press has been U
leveled against us, charged with whatsoever its licentiousness could devise or dare. These abuses of
an institution so important to freedom and science are deeply to be regretted, inasmuch as they tend
to lessen its usefulness and to sap its safety. They might, indeed, have been corrected by the
wholesome punishments reserved to and provided by the laws of the several States against
falsehood and defamation, but public duties more urgent press on the time of public servants, and
the offenders have therefore been left to find their punishment in the public indignation.
Nor was it uninteresting to the world that an experiment should be fairly and fully made, whether 12
freedom of discussion, unaided by power, is not sufficient for the propagation and protection of
truth—whether a government conducting itself in the true spirit of its constitution, with zeal and
purity, and doing no act which it would be unwilling the whole world should witness, can be
written down by falsehood and defamation. The experiment has been tried; you have witnessed the
scene; our fellow-citizens looked on, cool and collected; they saw the latent source from which
these outrages proceeded; they gathered around their public functionaries, and when the
Constitution called them to the decision by suffrage, they pronounced their verdict, honorable to
those who had served them and consolatory to the friend of man who believes that he may be
trusted with the control of his own affairs.
No inference is here intended that the laws provided by the States against false and defamatory
13
publications should not be enforced; he who has time renders a service to public morals and public
tranquillity in reforming these abuses by the salutary coercions of the law; but the experiment is
noted to prove that, since truth and reason have maintained their ground against false opinions in
league with false facts, the press, confined to truth, needs no other legal restraint; the public
judgment will correct false reasoning and opinions on a full hearing ofall parties; and no other
definite line can be drawn between the inestimable liberty ofthe press and its demoralizing
licentiousness. If there be still improprieties which this rule would not restrain, its supplement must
be sought in the censorship of public opinion.
3 of 4
01/12/98 19:39:47
�Inaugural Addresses ofthe Preside...fferson: Second Inaugural Address.
htlp://www.columbia.edu/~svl2/inaugural/presl7.html
Contemplating the union of sentiment now manifested so generally as auguring harmony and
14
happiness to our future course, I offer lo our country sincere congratulations. With those, too, not
yet rallied to the same point the disposition to do so is gaining strength; facts are piercing through
the veil drawn over them, and our doubting brethren will at length see that the mass of their
fellow-citizens with whom they can not yet resolve to act as to principles and measures, think as
they think and desire what they desire; that our wish as well as theirs is that the public efforts may
be directed honestly to the public good, that peace be cultivated, civil and religious liberty
unassailed, law and order preserved, equality of rights maintained, and that state of property, equal
or unequal, which results to every man from his own industry or that of his father's. When satisfied
of these views it is not in human nature that they should not approve and support them. In the
meantime let us cherish them with patient affection, let us do them justice, and more than justice, in
all competitions of interest; and we need not doubt that truth, reason, and their own interests will at
length prevail, will gather them into the fold of their country, and will complete that entire union of
opinion which gives to a nation the blessing of harmony and the benefit of all its strength.
I shall now enter on the duties to which my fellow-citizens have again called me, and shall
IS
proceed in the spirit of those principles which they have approved. I fear not that any motives of
interest may lead me astray; I am sensible of no passion which could seduce me knowingly from
the path of justice, but the weaknesses of human nature and the limits of my own understanding
will produce errors of judgment sometimes injurious to your interests. I shall need, therefore, all the
indulgence which I have heretofore experienced f r o ^ ^
it will certainly
not lessen with increasing years. IJpi:ll|ffeed^^^^
whoHefrbur fathers, ^
with;allitne,necessanes*and comforts of life; who has covered,ouK.infancy,witn His providence*and
our,nper;years^itn His wisdom and power? and;to;,whose-goodness J.ask yqujo join in: '-M
supplicationsiwith:me-thatiHe:wilfso^enlighteitthe mindSiOt-yourservantsFguideitneir councils,
and^prospentheir measures that-whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to
yoii' the'peace; friendship, and approbation of all nations.
1
Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. 1989
4 of 4
01/12/98 19:39:47
�Revolution
Song
Thomas Jefferson's
Legacy
Jim Strupp
Ashland Press
Summit, NJ
�Revolution Song
Education
Enlighten the people generally and Tyranny and
oppressions of both mind and body will vanish like
evil spirits at the dawn of day.
"In every child who is born, no
matter what circumstances and
of no matter what parents, the
potentiality of the human race is
born again and i n him, too, once
m o r e a n d of each of us, o u r
terrific responsibility toward
human life; Toward the utmost
idea of goodness, of the horror of
terror, and of God."
James Agee,
"Let Us Now Praise Famous Men"
By far the most important bill in our whole code, is
t h a t f o r the d i f f u s i o n of knowledge a m o n g the
people. No other sure foundation can be devised for
the p r e s e r v a t i o n of f r e e d o m and h a p p i n e s s . If
anybody thinks that kings, nobles, priests are good
conservators of the public happiness, send him here
[to Europe].
[Their European academies] commit their pupils to
the theatre of the world, with j u s t taste enough of
learning to be alienated from industrious pursuits,
and not enough to do service in the ranks of science.
If a
ria^bny^jq^te^be
ignorant and free, it expect?
whatlfiever was*Sffdnnfever'wilfebe.
I have often thought that nothing would do more
e x t e n s i v e good at s m a l l expense t h a n the
establishment of a small circulating library in every
county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be
l e n t to t h e people of t h e c o u n t y , u n d e r s u c h
regulation as would secure their safe return in due
time.
Man is an imitative animal. This quality is the germ
of all education in him. From his cradle to his grave
he is learning to do what he sees others do.
No n a t i o n is p e r m i t t e d to live i n ignorance w i t h
impunity.
I very much suspect that if thinking men would have
the courage to t h i n k for themselves, and to speak
what they think, it would be found they do not differ
in ... opinions as much as is supposed.
�10
Revolution Song
The good o p i n i o n of m a n k i n d , l i k e the lever of
Archimedes, w i t h the given f u l c r u m , moves the
world.
When the press is free and every man able entitled to
read, all is safe.
... i t is believed that the most effectual means of
preventing this [tyranny] would be, to illuminate, as
far as practicable, the minds of the people at large,
and more especially to give them knowledge of those
f a c t s , w h i c h h i s t o r y e x h i b i t e t h , t h a t , possessed
t h e r e b y of the e x p e r i e n c e of o t h e r ages a n d
countries, they may be enabled to know ambition
u n d e r a l l its shapes, and p r o m p t to exert their
natural powers to defeat its purposes.
At every of those schools shall be taught reading,
w r i t i n g , and common arithmetick, and the books
w h i c h s h a l l be used t h e r e i n f o r i n s t r u c t i n g the
children to read shall be such as will at the same
time make them acquainted with Graecian, Roman,
English, and American History. At these schools all
the free children, male and female, resident within
the respective hundred, shall be intitled to receive
t u i t i o n gratis, for the term of three years, and as
m n r h longer, at t h e i r n r f v a f e exne.ns?
t±">iP M ^ I U S . giituxhmis. or menus snail ihuik proper.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that on the
hrst day of January, in every year, there shall be
paid out of the treasuiy the sum of two thousand
pounds, to be laid out in such books and maps as
may be proper to be preserved i n a public library
and i n defraying the expenses necessaiy for the care
and preservation thereof; ...
It appears to me, then, that an American, coming to
Europe for education, loses in his knowledge in his
m o r a l s , i n his h e a l t h , i n his h a b i t s , a n d ' i n his
happiness.
Education
11
The natural course of the human mind is certainly
from credulity to scepticism; ...
... m u c h o b s e r v a t i o n a n d r e f l e c t i o n on these
[educational] institutions have long convinced me
t h a t the large and crowded b u i l d i n g s i n w h i c h
youths are pent up, are equally unfriendly to health,
to study, to manners, morals, and order.
I have long entertained the hope that this, our native
State, would take up the subject of education, and
make an e s t a b l i s h m e n t , either w i t h or w i t h o u t
incorporation into that of William and Mary, where
every branch of science, deemed useful at this day.
should i e taught in its highest degree.
It is highly interesting to our country, and it is the
duty of its functionaries, to provide that every citizen
in it should receive an education proportioned to the
conditions and pursuits of his life.
... the judge thereof shall appoint three discreet and
well-informed persons, residents of the county, and
n o t b e i n g m i n i s t e r s of the gospel of any
denomination, to serve as visitors of the Elementary
Schools i n the said county; ... and shall proceed to
divide t h e i r c o u n t y i n t o w a r d s ... and ... s h a l l
propose to them ... — 1. the location of a schoolhouse for the ward, and a dwelling-house for the
teacher ... 2. the size and structure of the said
houses ... A t t h i s school s h a l l be received and
instructed gratis, every infant of competent age who
has not already had three years' schooling. And it is
declared and enacted, that no person u n b o r n or
under the age of twelve years at the passing of this
act ... shall, after the age of fifteen years, be a citizen
of t h i s c o m m o n w e a l t h u n t i l he or she can read
readily in some tongue, native or acquired.
And for the establishment of colleges whereat the
youth of the Commonwealth may, within convenient
�12
Revolution Song
Education
distances from their homes, receive a higher grade of
education.
To form the statesman, legislators, and judges,
on whom public prosperity and individual
happiness are so much to depend;
A plan for female education has never been a subject
of systematic contemplation w i t h me. It has
occupied my attention so far only as the education of
my own daughters occasionally required.
Considering that they would be placed in a country
situation where little aid could be obtained from
abroad, I thought it essential to give them a solid
education, which might enable them, when become
mothers, to educate their own daughters, and even
to direct the course for sons, should their fathers be
lost, or incapable, or inattentive.
13
To expound the principles and structure of
government, the laws which regulate the
intercourse of nations, those formed
municipally for our own government, and a
sound spirit of legislation, which, banishing
all arbitrary and unnecessary restraint on
individual action, shall leave us free to do
whatever does not violate the equal rights of
another;
The objects of ... primary education determine its
character and limits. These objects would be.
To give to every citizen the information he needs
for the transaction of his own business;
To enable him to calculate for himself, and to
express and preserve his ideas, his contracts
and accounts, in writing;
To improve, by reading, his morals and faculties;
To understand his duties to his neighbors and
country, and to discharge with competence
the functions confided to him by either;
To know his rights; to exercise with order and
justice those he retains; to choose with
discretion the fiduciary of those he delegates;
and to notice their conduct with diligence,
with candor, and judgement;
and, in general, to observe with intelligence and
faithfulness all the social relations under
which he shall be placed.
... And this brings us to the point at which are to
commence the higher branches of education
... those, for example, which are,
To harmonize and promote the interests of
agriculture, manufacture, and commerce, and
by well informed views of political economy to
give a free scope to the public industry;
To develop the reasoning faculties of our youth,
enlarge their minds, cultivate their morals,
and instill into them the precepts of virtue
and order;
To enlighten them with mathematical and
physical sciences, which advance the arts,
and administer to the health, the subsistence,
and comforts of human life;
And, generally to form them to habits of
reflection and correct action, rendering them
examples of virtue to others, and of happiness
within themselves.
Education generates habits of application, of order,
and the love of virtue; and controls, by the force of
habit, any innate obliquities i n our moral
organization. We should be far, too, from the
discouraging persuasion that man is fixed, by the
law of his nature, at a given point; that his
improvement is a chimera, and the hope delusive of
rendering ourselves wiser, happier or better than our
forefathers were ... And it cannot be but that each
generation succeeding to the knowledge acquired by
all those who preceded it, adding to it their own
�24
Revolution Song
Rebgion
25
taught, we should have to strip off the artificial
vestments i n which they have been muffled by
priests, who have Travestied them into various
forms, as instruments of riches and power to
themselves ... there will be found remaining the
most sublime and benevolant code of morals which
has ever been offered to man.
[I believe]
1. that there is one only God, and he all perfect
2. that there is a future state of rewards and
punishments.
3. that to love God with all thy heart and thy
neighbor as thyself, is the sum of religion
The doctrines which flowed from the lips of Jesus
himself are within the comprehension of a child; but
hundreds of volumes have not yet explained the
Platonisms engrafted on them.
[We are all held together by] bonds of love, charity,
peace, common wants and common aids.
Let us not be uneasy then about the different roads
we may pursue, as believing them the shortest, to
that our last abode, but following the guidance of a
good conscience, let us be happy in the hope that by
these different paths we shall all meet in the end.
Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that
God is just.
In every country and in every age, the priest has
been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with
the despot, abetting his abuses i n r e t u r n for
protection to his own.
I never told my own religion, nor scrutinized that of
another. I never attempted to make a convert, nor
wished to change anothers creed. I have ever judged
of others' religion by their lives ... for it is from our
lives and not from our words, that our religion must
be read.
(I am] a reed Christian, that is to say, a disciple of
the doctrine of Jesus, very d i f f e r e n t from the
Platonists, who call me infidel and themselves
Christian and preacher of the gospel, while they
draw all their characteristic dogmas from what its
author never said nor saw.
... I say, for the human mind not to believe that
there is, in all this, design, cause and effect, up to
an ultimate cause, a fabricator of all things from
matter and motion, their preserver and regulator
while permitted to exist in their present forms, and
their regenerator into new and other forms.
But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say
there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my
pocket nor breaks my leg.
If there be beyond the grave any concern for the
things of this world, there is one angel who views
their attentions w i t h pleasure and wishes
continuance of them while she must pity the
miseries to which they confine me.
[Jesus'] parentage was obscure, his condition poor;
his education null; his natural endowments great;
his life correct and innocent; he was meek,
benevolent, patient, f i r m , disinterested, and of
sublime elequence ...[his doctrines] mutilated,
misstated, disfigured by the corruptions of
schismatizing followers ... frittered into subtleties
and obscured with jargon [but Jesus' greatest
contribution was that] He pushed his scrutinies into
the heart of man; erected his tribunal in the region
of his thoughts, and purified the waters at the
fountain head.
�26
Revolution Song
[Clergyman have taken the true doctrines of Christ
and] have compounded ... a system beyond the
comprehension of man [To which Jesus] were he to
return to earth, would not recognize one feature.
I am not afraid of the priests ... they have tried upon
me all their various batteries, of pious whining,
hypocritical canting, lying and slandering, without
being able to give me one moment of pain.
When I was young I was fond of speculations which
seemed to promise some insight into that hidden
country [heaven] but ... I have for very many years
ceased to read or to think concerning them, and
have reposed my head on that pillow of ignorance
which a benevolent Creator has made so soft for us
... I have thought it better, by nourishing good
passions and controlling the bad, to merit an
inheritance in a state of being of which I can know
so little, and to trust for the future to Him who has
been so good for the past.
Say nothing of my religion. It is known to my god
and myself alone.
I am of a sect by myself.
Religion
27
sovereign reverence that act of the whole American
people which declared that their legislature should
"make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,
"thus building a wall of separation between church
and state.
Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion.
They have made the happy discovery, that the way to
silence religious disputes, is to take no notice of
them.
The bishops were always mere tools of the crown.
God himself will not save men against their wills.
The life and essence of religion consists in the
internal persuasion or belief of the mind. External
forms of worship, when against our belief are
hypocrisy ...
Truth will do well enough if left to shift for herself.
She seldom has received much aid from the power of
great men to whom she is rarely known and seldom
welcome.
In matters of religion, I have considered that its free
exercise is placed by the constitution independent of
the powers of the general government. I have
therefore undertaken, on no occasion, to prescribe
the religious exercises suited to it; but have left
them, as the constitution found them, under the
d i r e c t i o n and discipline of state or c h u r c h
authorities acknowledged by the several religious
societies.
It is the refusing toleration to those of a different
opinion which has produced all the ... wars on
account of religion.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies
solely between man and his God, that he owes
account to none other for his faith or his worship,
that the legislative powers of government reach
actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with
How much wiser are the Quakers, who, agreeing in
the fundamental doctrines of the gospel ... and,
keeping within the pale of common sense, suffer no
speculative difference of opinion, any more than of
feature, to impair the love of their breathern. Be
Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to
truth ...
My opinion is that there would never have been an
infidel, if there had never been a priest.
�30
31
Revolution Song
National Economy & Foreign Affairs
Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest
policy and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.
Peace, commerce and honest friendships with all
nations, entangling alliances with none.
We owe gratitude to France, justice to England, good
will to all, and subservience to none.
'To my children
Grow up as
good
revolutionaries. Study hard so
that you can master technology,
w h i c h allows us to master
nature. Remember that the
revolution is what is important
... Above all, always be capable
of feeling deeply any injustice
committed against anyone,
anywhere in the world. This is
the most beautiful quality in a
revolutionary."
Che Guevara,
A Letter to His Children, 1965.
The less we have to do with the enmities of Europe
the better. Not in our day, but at no distant one, we
may shake a rod over the heads of all, which may
make the stoutest tremble. But I hope our wisdom
will grow with our power, and teach us that the less
we use our power the greater it will be.
We must meet our duty and convince the world that
we are just friends and brave enemies.
Our first and fundamental maxim should be never to
entangle ourselves in the broils of Europe. Our
second, never to suffer Europe to intermeddle wdth
cis-Atlantic affairs.
At the time we were funding our national debt, we
heard much about "a public debt being a public
blessing"; that the stock representing it was a
creation of active capital for the ailment of
commerce, manufacture, and agriculture.
Never fear the want of business. A man who
qualifies himself well for his calling, never fails of
employment.
whateveir: ;they ;may^chqose>to«bring info-our ports.
�Revolution Song
68
Politics, Philosophy and Revolution
69
to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the
many, distributing to everyone exactly the functions
he is competent to ...
government, of trial by jury, habeas corpus, freedom
of the press, freedom of opinion, and representative
government [are almost] innate.
[The Ward-republic provides that] the whole is
cemented by giving to every citizen, personally, a
part in the administration of the public affairs.
Every man, and every body of men on earth,
possesses the right of self-government: they receive
it with their being from the hand of nature.
No society can make a perpetual, constitu tion or even V
a pei^etu^|law;%^e- eaft-h- always belongs tp the "
living^neratibn. /
Wherever the people are well informed they can be
trusted with their own government; that whenever
things get so far wrong as to attract their notice,
they may be relied on to set them to rights.
[Through ward-republics] the voice of the whole
people would thus fairly, f u l l y , and peaceably
expressed, discussed, and decided by the common
reason of the society.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ... a
participator in public affairs.
;,
... Unsuccessful rebellions indeed generally establish
the encroachments on the rights of the people which
have produced them. An observation of this truth
should render honest republican governors so mild
in their p u n i s h m e n t of rebellions, as not to
discourage them too much. It is a medicine
necessary for the sound health of government.
And what country can preserve it's liberties if their
rulers are not warned from time to time that their
people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them
take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to
facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few
lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty
must be refreshed from time to time with the blood
of patriots and Tyrants.
The generation which commences a revolution can
rarely compleat it.
Independence can be trusted nowhere but with the
people in mass. They are inherently independent of
all but moral law.'
[In] the m u l t i t u d e
v i t a l elements of free
If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a
greater degree we are made for ourselves.
I like the dreams of the future better than the
history of the past.
We both consider the people as our children, and
love them with parental affection. But You love
them as infants whom you are afraid to trust
without nurses; and I as adults whom I freely leave
to self-government.
The constitution and the laws of their predecessors
extinguished them in their natural course with those
who gave them being. This could preserve that
being till it ceased to be itself, and no longer. Every
constitution then, and every law, naturally expires at
the end of 19 years. If it be enforced longer, it is an
act of force, and not of right.
It is time therefore for us to lay this matter before
his majesty, and to declare that he has no right to
grant land of himself. From the nature and purpose
of civil institutions, all the lands within the limits
which any particular society has circumscribed
around itself, are assumed by that society, and
�State of the Union Speeches from 200 Years Ago (John Adams)
N O V E M B E R 1897
Adams Reported U.S. Was Prospering
"[W]e have, nevertheless, abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence f o r
interior tranquility and personal security, f o r propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive
fisheries, and general improvements, and, above all, f o r a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty
and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as our moral and our religious
principles, against all open and secret attacks. " [John Adams' First Annual Address, November 22,
1897 from The State of Union Messages ofthe Presidents 1790-1966]
Adams Said Commerce Made This Country What It Is
"The commerce of the United States is essential, i f not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their
growth, prosperity, and happiness. The genius, character, and habits ofthe people are highly
commercial. Their cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture, fisheries, arts,
and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In short, commerce has made this country
what it is, and it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and
distress. " [John Adams' First Annual Address, November 22, 1897 from The State of Union Messages
ofthe Presidents 1790-1966]
Adams Cautioned Against Accumulating Public Debts
"77;e consequences arising from the continual accumulation ofpublic debts in other countries ought to
admonish us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. " [John Adams' First Annual Address,
November 22, 1897 from The State of Union Messages ofthe Presidents 1790-1966]
Adams Said No Events In Europe "Can Be Indifferent To Us"
"We are met together at a most interesting period. The situations ofthe principal powers of Europe
are singular and portentous. Connected with some by treaties and with all by commerce, no important
event there can be indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not less f o r a
disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor, safety, and prosperity of our country!
depend than f o r all the exertions of wisdom and firmness. " [John Adams' First Annual Address,
November 22, 1897 from The State of Union Messages of the Presidents 1790-1966]
D E C E M B E R 1898
Adam Called For Unity To Maintain Our Dearest Interests
" I can not close this address without once more adverting to our political situation and inculcating the
essential importance of uniting in the maintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the
temper and wisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures we shall secure to our country
that weight and respect to which it is so justly entitled. " [John Adams' 2nd Annual Address, December
8, 1798 from The State of Union Messages of the Presidents 1790-1966]
WHCR 01/13/98
�George Washington's Farewell Address: 1796
Washington Said Independence Resulted From Working Together
"The name of Amencan, which belongs to you, in your national capacity must always exalt the just
pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations... You have in a
common cause fought & triumphed together — The independence & liberty you possess are the work of
joint councils, and joint efforts — of common dangers, sufferings and successes. " [Transcription ofthe
Final Manuscript of Washington Farewell Address, September 19, 1796]
Washington Called For America To Be A People Guided By Justice and Benevolence
"Observe good faith & justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace & harmony with all—Religion &
morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be
worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the
magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice & benevolence. "
[Transcription ofthe Final Manuscript of Washington Farewell Address, September 19, 1796]
OTHER ATTACHMENTS:
/
George Washington's Farewell Address
/
Full Annual Addresses, John Adams: 1797, 1798, 1799
(P.S.- Michael, There IS a book of SOTU speeches (1790-1966) done by....Arthur
Schlesinger.)
WHCR 01/13/98
�First Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/messagel
.html
Tlie Papers of George Washington
Washington's First Annual Message to Congress
8 January 1790
[Note: The transcription of Washington's First Annual Message to Congress and the notes that follow it
are adapted from Dorothy Twohig, ed. The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, volume
4, pp. 543-49, published by the University Press of Virginia (Charlottesville, 1993), all rights reserved.
The original signed document is in the National Archives: RG 46, First Congress, Records of Legislative
Proceedings, President's Messages, and a contemporary copy is in the same repository, RG 233, First
Congress, Records of Legislative Proceedings, Journals. ]
New York City, Federal Hall, Wall & Broad Streets, 8 January 1790
I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself of congratulating you on the
present favorable prospects of our public affairs. The recent accession of the important state of north
Carolina to the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has been received), the^
rising credit and respectability of our country, the general and increasing good will toward the
government of the Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are
circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity.
—
In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive encouragement from the
reflection that the measures of the last session have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the
novelty and difficulty ofthe work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their expectations and to
secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach will in the course of the
present important session call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism,firmness,and
wisdom.
Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common
defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is on e ofthe most effectual means of
preserving peace.
A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested
plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as
tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies.
The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable will be entitled to mature
consideration. In the arrangements which may be made respecting it it will be of importance to
conciliate the comfortable support ofthe officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy.
There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to certain hostile tribes of
Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of our southern and western frontiers from their
depredations, but you will perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct to
be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth of Virginia) that we
ought to be prepared to afford protection to those parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish
aggressors.
The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other nations should be facilitated by
such provisions as will enable me to fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances
may render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the compensation tcj be made to the
persons who may be employed should, according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law,
and a competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the conduct of foreign affairs.
Various considerations also render it expedient that the tenns on which foreigners may be admitted to
1 of 3
m / i T/OO AO-cn. i c
�First Annual Message to Congress
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/messagel.html
tlie rights of citizens should be speedily ascerlained by a uniform rule of naturalization.
Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures ofthe United States is an object of great importance,
and will, 1 am persuaded, be duly attended to.
The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper means will not, I trust, need
recommendation; but I can not forbear intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual
""l
encouragement as well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the exertions 1
of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of facilitating the intercourse between the distant
parts of our country by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads.
Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there is nothing which can better
/ deserve your patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the j
/ surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their impressions _J
so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is proportionably essential.
To the security ofa free constitution it contributes in various ways—by convincing those who are
intrusted with the public administration that every valuable end of government is best answered by the
enlightened confidence ofthe people, and by leaching the people themselves to know and to value their
own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distinguish between oppression and the
necessary exercise of lawfhl authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their
convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; to discriminate the spirit of
liberty from that of licentiousness—cherishing the first, avoiding the last—and uniting a speedy but
temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws.
Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to seminaries of learning already
established, by the institution of a national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of
a place in the deliberations of the legislature.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the resolution entered into by you expressive
of your opinion that an adequate provision for the support ofthe public credit is a matter of high
importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I entirely concur; and to a perfect
confidence in your best endeavors to devise such a provision as will be truly with the end I add an equal
reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the legislature.
It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the character and interests ofthe
United States are so obviously so deeply concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from
your declaration.
Gentlemen ofthe Senate and House of Representatives:
I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such papers and estimates as regard
the affairs particularly recommended to your consideration, and necessary to convey to you that
information of the state of the Union which it is my duty to afford.
The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed, and I
shall derive great satisfaction from a cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of
insuring to our fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from afree,efficient, and
equal government.
Facsimile of manuscript page # \ 2
Congress's Reply to Washington's First Annual Message
2of3
o i / n / o o no.^o.ii^
�http://minerva.acc.Virg. ..ualmessages/replyl. html
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/replyl.html
Congress's Reply to Washington's First Annual Message
Note: The following is adapted from The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, as
previously cited.
Washington delivered his first State of the Union address in the Senate chambers on 8 January. The
Virginia Herald and Fredericksburg Advertiser, 21 Jan. 1790, noted that Washington "was dressed in a
crow coloured suit of clothes, of American manufacture. . . . This elegant fabric was from the
manufactory in Hartford." According to Sen. William Maclay's account "The President was dressed in a
second Mourning, and . . . read his speech well, the senate headed by their President were on his right
The House of Representatives . . . with their Speaker were on his left his [official] Family with the
Heads of Departments attended, the business was soon over and the Senate were left alone" (Kenneth R.
Bowling and Helen E. Veit, eds.. Diary of William Maclay (Baltimoe, 1988), 179-80). Washington's
speech was widely printed in the newspapers. See, for example, the New York Daily Advertiser, 9 Jan.
1790, the Virginia Herald and Fredericlcsburg Advertiser, 21 Jan. 1790, the Connecticut Courant
(Hartford), 14 Jan. 1790, and the New-York Daily Gazette, 9 Jan. 1790. After the president's departure
the Senate appointed a committee, consisting of Rufus King, Ralph Izard, and William Paterson, to
prepare a reply. The committee reported on Monday, 11 Jan., and the following address was adopted in
reply to Washington's speech: "We the Senate of the United States, return you our thanks for your
speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. The accession of the State of North-Carolina to the
Constitution of the United States, gives us much pleasure; and we offer you our congratulations on that
event, which at the same time adds strength to our Union, and affords a proof that the more the
Constitution has been considered, the more the goodness of it has appeared.—The information which we
have received that the measures of the last session have been as satisfactory to our Constituents as we
had reason to expect from the difficulty of the work in which we were engaged, will afford us much
consolation, and encouragement in resuming our deliberations in the present session for the public good;
and every exertion on our part shall be made to realize, and secure to our Country those blessings which
a gracious Providence has placed within her reach.—We are persuaded that one of the most effectual
means of preserving Peace, is to be prepared for War; and our attention shall be directed to the objects of
common defence, and to the adoption of such plans as shall appear the most likely to prevent our
dependence on other Countries for essential supplies.—In the arrangements to be made respecting the
establishment of such Troops as may be deemed indispensable, we shall with pleasure provide for the
comfortable support of the officers, and soldiers, with a due regard to economy.-We regret that the
pacific measures adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians, have not been
attended with the beneficial effects toward the inhabitants of our Southern and Western frontiers, which
we had reason to hope; and we shall cheerfully co-operate in providing the most effectual means for
their protection; and i f necesssary, for the punishment of aggressors.-The uniformity of the currency,
and of weights and measures, the introduction of new, and useful inventions from abroad, and the
exertions of skill, and genius in producing them at home, the facilitating the communication between the
distant parts of our country by means ofthe Post-Office, and Post Roads, a provision for the support of
the department of foreign affairs, and a uniform rule of naturalization, by which Foreigners may be
admitted to the rights of Citizens, are objects which shall receive such early attention as their respective
importance requires.-Literature and Science are essential to the preservation o f a free Constitution: The
measures of Government should therefore be calculated to strengthen the confidence that is due to that
important truth.-Agriculture, Commerce and Manufactures forming the basis of the wealth, and strength
of our confederated Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation; and shall be advanced by
all proper means in our power.—Public credit being an object of great importance, we shall cheerfully
co-operate in all proper measures for its support.—Proper attention shall be given to such papers and
estimates as you may be pleased to hy before us.-Our cares and efforts shall be directed to the welfare
of our Country; and we have the most perfect dependence upon your co-operating with us on all
occasions in such measures as will insure to our fellow citizens, the blessings which they have a right to
expect from a free, efficient, and equal government" (Linda G. De Pauw et al., eds., Documentary
History of the First Federal Congess ofthe United States of America (6 vols, to date, Baltimore), 1:21920).
„
On 9 Jan. the House of Representatives appointed a committee of William Loughton Smith, George
Clymer, and John Laurance to prepare an answer to Washington's address, and on 12 Jan. a committee of
1 of 2
oi /19/QR no-ss-s^
�http://minerva.acc. Virg... ualmessages/replyl. html
littp://miner\'a.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/replyl.html
the whole approved the following reply: "The Representatives ofthe people of the United States, have
taken into consideration your Speech to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the present session.
"We reciprocate your congratulations on the accession ofthe State of North Carolina, an event, which,
while it is a testimony of increasing good will towards the Government of the Union, cannot fail to give
additional dignity and strength to the American Republic, already rising in the estimation of the world in
national character and respectability.
"The infomration that our measures of the last Session have not proved dis-satisfactory to our
Constituents, affords us much encouragement at this juncture when we are resuming the arduous task of
legislating for so extensive an empire.
"Nothing can be more gratifying to the Representatives of a free people than the reflection that their
labours are rewarded by the approbation of their fellow citizens: Under this impression, we shall make
every exertion to realize their expectations, and to secure lo them those blessings, which Providence has
placed within their reach. Still prompted by the same desire to promote their interests which then
actuated us, we shall in the present Session diligently and anxiously pursue those measures, which shall
appear to us conducive to that end.
"We concur with you in the sentiment that Agriculture, commerce and manufactures are entitled to
legislative protection; and that the promotion of Science and literature will contribute to the security of a
free government: in the progress of our deliberations, we shall not lose sight of objects so worthy of our
regard.
"The various and weighty matters which you have judged necessary to recommend to our attention,
appear to us essential to the tranquility and welfare of the Union, and claim our early and most serious
consideration. We shall proceed without delay to bestow on them that calm discussion which their
importance requires.
"We regret that the pacific arrangements pursued with regard to certain hostile tribes of Indians, have not
been attended with that success which we had reason to expect from them. We shall not hesitate to
concur in such further measures, as may best obviate any ill effects which might be apprehended from
the failure of those negotiations.
"Your approbation of the vote of this House, at the last Session, respecting the provision for the public
Creditors, is very acceptable to us: the proper mode of carrying that resolution into effect, being a
subject in which the future character and happiness of these States are so deeply involved, will be among
the first to deserve our attention.
"The prosperity of the United States is the primary object of all our deliberations, and we cherish the
reflection, that every measure, which we may adopt for its advancement, will not only receive your
cheerful concurrence, but will at the same time, derive from your co-operation, additional efficacy in
ensuring to our fellow-citizens, the blessings of a free, efficient and equal government" (Library of
Congress: Washington Papers).
Back to First Annual Message
2 of 2
m /n/oo nn-sQ-sr.
�Second Annual Message to Congress
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/g\vpapers/annualmessages/message2.html
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Second Annual Message to Congress
8 December 1790
New York City, Federal Hall, Wall & Broad Streets
In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable
prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have
blessed our country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce.
The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of American stock abroad as well as at
home, and the revenues allotted for this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the
calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the more pleasing, as it is not only
a proof of the fertility of our resources, but as it assures us ofa further increase ofthe national
respectability and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the patriotism and
integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging
their engagements has been exemplary.
In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts ofthe last session, a loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward
which some provisional measures had previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well
the celerity with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the more than ordinary
demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further
execution of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has
my directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for more precise information.
Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears that the district of
Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred in certain propositions contained in a law of that
State, in consequence of which the district is to become a distinct member ofthe Union, in case the
requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is now made. I shall cause the
papers on this very transaction to be laid before you.
The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found to do great honor to both the
parties, and the sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by
our fellow citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular welfare to
the great national impressions under which you will decide on the case submitted to you.
It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursion have been made on our frontier
settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some ofthe
tribes dwelling on and near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their depredations, and
being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as
could be seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and plunder, they
have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and overtures made on the part of the United States,
renewed their violences with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable citizens
have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances peculiarly shocking, whilst others have
been carried into a deplorable captivity.
These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the Western settlements that the
aggressors should be made sensible that the Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing
their crimes than it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As this object could
not be effected by defensive measures, it became necessary to put in force the act which empowers the
President to call out the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly authorized an
1 of 3
oi /n/oo iQ.m.gi
�Second Annual Message to Congress
"
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message2.html
expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are combined with such drafts of militia as were
deemed sufficient. The event of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to
lay before you a statement ofthe information on which il is founded, as well as an estimate of the
expense with which it will be attended.
The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of the great maritime powers,
whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for the general peace and security enjoyed by the United
States, reminds us at the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve these
blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency of a war, and even of preparations
for a war, among the nations most concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means,
and thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable productions to their markets. I
recommend it to your serious reflections how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against
embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own navigation as will render
our commerce and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very
moments most interesting to both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our own
produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this evil.
Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our trade which belongs to the
Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you
will not think any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection.
The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary system have opened the doors of
justice to all descriptions of persons. You will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that
system may yet be made, and particularly whether an unifonn process of execution on sentences issuing
from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States.
The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and sea men, has called for the appointment of
consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and
those functions which are pennitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly indulgence, in
the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, with His Most Christian Majesty has
stipulated in certain cases the aid of the national authority to his consuls established here. Some
legislative provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect.
The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and measures, of the post office and
post roads are subjects which I presume you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by
their own importance.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to which they are appropriated
leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions will be commensurate to the other objects for which the
public faith stands now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy with you,
not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing
resources of the country will permit to exonerate it ofthe principal itself. The appropriation you have
made ofthe Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I am persuaded that the sooner
that valuable fund can be made to contribute, along with the other means, to the actual reduction of the
public debt the more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the more
satisfactory to our constituents.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:
in pursuing the various and weighty business ofthe present session I indulge the fullest persuasion that
your consultation will be equally marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In
whatever belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished zeal for its
welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our best reward, if, by a successful administration
of our respective trusts, we can make the established Govenunent more and more instrumental in
promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment and
confidence.
2 of 3
m / n / o s in-m-^i
�Ac
�Third Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva. acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message3 .html
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Third Annual Message to Congress
25 October 1791
Philadelphia
"In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers so long as a lawless set of unpri
wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, or infringe the most solemn treaties, without recei
punishment they so justly merit."
Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful acknowledgments, the a
with which another year has again rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too important tc
recollection.
Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you of the progressive ;
agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation. In tracing their causes you will have rem
with particular pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as privat
which the Constitution and laws ofthe United States have so eminently contributed; and you w
observed with no less interest new and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the
nation. But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the confirmation of these
circumstances which will be disclosed in the several official communications that will be made to you in
the course of your deliberations.
The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed the sum allowed to be
subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not
only of confidence in the Government, but of resource in the community.
In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution of the different objects which
were specially provided for by the laws and resolutions of the last session.
Among the most important of these is the defense and security ofthe western frontiers. To accomplish it
on the most humane principles was a primary wish.
Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally concluded and other proper means
used to attach the wavering and to confirm in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians,
effectual measures have been adopted to make those o f a hostile description sensible that a pacification
was desired upon tenns of moderation and justice.
Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince the refractory ofthe
power of the United States to punish their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been
directed, to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of humanity.
Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet depending. The Expeditions which
have been completed were carried on under the authority and at the expense of the United States by the
militia of Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of peculiar
commendation.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
�Third Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message3.htnil
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Third Annual Message to Congress
25 October 1791
Philadelphia
"In vain may we expect peace wilh the Indians on our frontiers so long as a lawless set of unprincipled
wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the
punishment they so justly merit."
theil&t^
than^{)atnotie,jssue-in measures conducive to the stability and increase of national prosperity *
Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful acknowledgments, the abundance
with which another year has again rewarded the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape
recollection.
Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you ofthe progressive state of
agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked
with particular pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as private, to
which the Constitution and laws ofthe United States have so eminently contributed; and you will have
observed with no less interest new and decisive proofs ofthe increasing reputation and credit ofthe
nation. But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the confirmation of these
circumstances which will be disclosed in the several official communications that will be made to you in
the course of your deliberations.
The rapid subscriptions to the Bank ofthe United States, which completed the sum allowed to be
subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not
only of confidence in the Government, but of resource in the community.
In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution of the different objects which
were specially provided for by the laws and resolutions ofthe last session.
Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the western frontiers. To accomplish it
on the most humane principles was a primary wish.
Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally concluded and other proper means
used to attach the wavering and to confirm in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians,
effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a pacification
was desired upon terms of moderation and justice.
Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince the refractory of the
power of the United States to punish their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been
directed, to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of humanity.
Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet depending. The Expeditions which
have been completed were carried on under the authority and at the expense of the United States by the
militia of Kentucky, whose enteiprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of peculiar
commendation.
1 of4
o i / n / o g irvns sn
�Third Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message3.html
Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and considerable numbers of individuals
belonging to them have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations,
and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United States.
It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease and that an intimate intercourse
may succeed, calculated to advance the happiness ofthe Indians and to attach them firmly to the United
States.
In order to this it seems necessary• That they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice.
• That the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so
defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be practicable controversy
concerning the reality and extent of the alienations which are made.
ci That commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending to secure an equitable
deportment toward them, and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them
the blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition.
• That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the means to which the
Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their immediate interests with the preservation of
peace.
• And that efficacious provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those
who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger the peace of the Union.
A system corresponding with the mild principles of religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened
race of men, whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as
honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of sound policy.
The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on distilled spirits, which respect the
subdivisions of the districts into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of
compensations, have likewise carried into effect. In a manner in which both materials and experience
were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily conceived that there must have been difficulty in
such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a
proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the circumspection which has been
used will be found in the result to have secured that last two objects; but it is probable that with a view
to the first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable.
The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have been upon the whole
such as were to be expected among enlightened and well-disposed citizens from the propriety and
necessity of the measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States and
a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in particular places to some degree of
discontent; but it is satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just
apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full confidence that it will in all give way to
motives which arise out of a just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare.
If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main design may be so varied as to
remove any well-intentioned objections that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation
to make the proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady and firm adherence to
constitutional and necessary acts of Government the fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be
practicable to consult the wishes of eveiy part of the community and to lay the foundations of the public
administration in the affections ofthe people.
Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a district of 10 miles square for the
permanent seat of the Government ofthe United State has been fixed and announced by proclamation,
2 of 4
o i / n / o s m-ns-M
�Third Annual Message to Congress
httpi/Zminerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message3.html
whicli district will comprehend lands on both sides ofthe river Potomac and the towns of Alexandria
and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress,
and as there is a prospect, favored by the rate ol" sales which have already taken place, of ample funds for
carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation of their due progress.
The completion of the census ofthe inhabitants, for which provision was made by law, has been duly
notified (excepting one instance in which the return has been informal, and another in which it has been
omitted or miscarried), and the rciurns ofthe officers who were charged with this duty, which will be
laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance that the present population of the United States
borders on 4,000,000 persons.
^_
It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins has been completed in Holland, the
terms of which are similar to those ofthe one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges.
Another, on like tenns, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under circumstances that assured an
immediate completion.
Gentlemen of the Senate:
Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and Six Nations of Indians
will be laid before you for your consideration and ratification.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must anticipate with pleasure that many of
the difficulties necessarily incident to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive
country have been happily sunnounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your predecessors in
cooperation with the other branch ofthe Legislature. The important objects which remain to be
accomplished will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally
well calculated of the advancement of the general weal.
The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the act making provision for the
debt of the United States having expired, statements from the proper department will as soon as possible
apprise you of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an assurance that the views
of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States
has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of the general
satisfaction ofthe public creditors with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance and of
the spirit of accommodation to the convenience ofthe Government with which they are actuated. The
subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the provisions of the law have permitted may
be said to be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will
naturally engage your further deliberations.
It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the revenues which have been
established promise to be adequate to their objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency
occurs, to supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our constituents.
An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the current service of the ensuing year,
together with such ascertained demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and
such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for which no specific
appropriation may have yet been made; ofall which a proper estimate will be laid before you.
Gentlemen of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
I shall content myself with a general reference to fonner communications for several objects upon which
the urgency of other affairs has hitherto postponed any definitive resolution. Their impprtqpee will recall
them to your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most arduous arrangements of
the Government will afford you leisure to resume them to advantage.
These are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more particular mention. These are the
�Third Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message3.html
militia, the post office and post roads, the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale ofthe
vacant lands of the United States.
The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in reference to the national
security to the satisfaction of the community or to the preservation of order. In connection with this the
establishment of competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as are peculiarly
important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States
under divine protection ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as little
as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances.
The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as
they respect the expedition, safety, and facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality
in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, while it contributes to
the security ofthe people, serves also to guard them against the effects of misrepresentation and
misconception. The establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some ofthe important points in
the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not fail to be of material utility.
The disorders in the existing cunency, and especially the scarcity of small change, a scarcity so
peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the
resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have been taken
pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite
apparatus.
An uniformity in the weights and measures ofthe country is among the important objects submitted to
you by the Constitution, and if it can be derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must
be no less honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience.
A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is particularly urged, among other
reasons, by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt;
that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening our citizens with new
taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a
limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right.
Facsimile of manuscript page # 2
, , ,
- m .
Previous Document
..
,
,
Next Document
Back to List of Documents Back to Selected Presidential Documents
Electronic files created by
Frank E. Grizzard, Jr.
Assistant Editor
Revolutionary War Series
The Papers of George Washington
The University of Virginia
gwpapers@,virginia. edu voice: (804) 924-3569
fax: (804) 982-4529
Last Modified: 14 February 1997
4 cf4
n i n - w n o irv.nc.cT
�Fourth Annual Message to Congress
littpV/minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualfnessages/message4.html
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Fourth Annual Message to Congress
6 October 1792
Philadelphia
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:
It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the present occasion that, in
felicitating you on a continuance ofthe national prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it
information that the Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our Northwestern
frontier have terminated.
You will, I am persuaded, leam with no less concern than I communicate it that reiterated endeavors
toward effecting a pacification have hitherto issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering
hostility on the part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to procure tranquillity
to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the
prevalent wish ofthe nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels to
accomplish these desirable puq5oses; in making which efforts I consulted less my own anticipations of
the event, or the scruples which some considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the
object attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is the case.
A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, which will be laid before
you, while it will confirm to you the want of success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper
and as efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of some of them, indeed,
is still depending, but a favorable one, though not to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that
has yet happened.
In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens have fallen victims to their
zeal for the public service. A sanction commonly respected even among savages has been found in this
instance insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I presume, be duly
considered whether the occasion does not call for an exercise of liberality toward the families ofthe
deceased.
It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation of hostile appearances among
the tribes north ofthe Ohio, some threatening symptoms have of late been revived among some of those
south of it.
A part ofthe Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five villages on the Tennessee
River, have long been in the practice of committing depredations on the neighboring settlements.
It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in July, 1791, would have
prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the event has not answered this hope. The
Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated
wanton and unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that quarter. The information
which has been received on this subject will be laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have
been strictly enjoined and observed.
It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on the part of the United States or
their citizens is even alleged as a pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter.
1 of4
m/n/oc
m-nz-iA
�Fourth Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message4.html
I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made (pursuant to the provision by law
for that purpose) to be prepared for the alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of
pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised have been recruited, though
the number is still incomplete, and pains have been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the
particular kind of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated by the measures
which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the war) has been in itself deemed preferable to
immature efforts. A statement from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised,
and some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise information as a guide to the
legislative consultations, and among other things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional
stimulus to the recruiting service may not be advisable.
In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be found inevitable I derive
consolation from the information I receive that the product of the revenues for the present year is likely
to supersede the necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the ensuing year.
This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of the session, and it is proper to add that the
information alluded to proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of hostility.
1 can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending to your consideration the
expediency of more adequate provision for giving energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and
for restraining the commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans must prove
nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of qualified and trusty persons to reside
among them as agents would also contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in
addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for promoting civilization among the
friendly tribes and for carrying on trade with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under
regulations calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in cementing their
interest with ours could not but be considerable.
The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still more the case were it not for
the impediments which in some places continue to embarrass the collection ofthe duties on spirits
distilled within the United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local extent,
and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the law appears to be progressive.
But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in certain quarters, I judged
a special interposition on my part proper and advisable, and under this impression have issued a
proclamation warning against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object or
tending to obstruct the operation ofthe law in question, and announcing that all lawful ways and means
would be strictly put in execution for bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience
thereto.
Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and Congress may be assured that
nothing within constitutional and legal limits which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and
maintain the just authority ofthe laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon the full
cooperation of the other departments ofthe Government and upon the zealous support ofall good
citizens.
I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the subject of a revision of the judiciary
system. A representation from the judges ofthe Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points
out some of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution of the laws
considerations arise out of the structure of the system which in some cases tend to relax their efficacy.
As connected with this subject, provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the courts
of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses against the Constitution and laws ofthe
Union and of the punishment for such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular
attention.
Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It would be wise, however, by
timely provisions to guard against those acts of our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to
put ourselves in a condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may sometimes have
occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to your consideration the means of preventing
2 of 4
n i / n / o s in-nA-M
�Fourth Annual Message to Congress
liltp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message4.htinl
those aggressions by our citizens on the territory of oilier nations, and other infractions of the law of
nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger our peace with them; and, in
general, the maintenance o f a friendly intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your
attention by the expiration ofthe law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, at the close of
the present session.
In execution ofthe authority given by the Legislature measures have been taken for engaging some
artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our mint. Others have been employed at home.
Provision has been made ofthe requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for
the purposes ofthe establishment. There has also been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes,
the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them.
The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of our national coinage, as being
essential to their due operation and to order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and
completed.
It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the post office operate, in experiment,
against the transmission of news papers to distant parts ofthe country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be
found to be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the circulation of political
intelligence and information will, I doubt not, lead to the application of a remedy.
The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified to me. The Legislature will
share with me in the satisfaction which arises from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the
nation to which it relates and conducive to the general order.
It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the subject, and in further
execution of the acts severally making provision for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three
new loans have been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins-one at Antwerp, at the annual interest of 4.5%,
with an allowance of 4% in lieu ofall charges, in the other 2 at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4%,
with an allowance of 5.5% in one case and of 5% in the other in lieu ofall charges. The rates of these
loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are confirmations ofthe high state of our
credit abroad.
Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, the payment of the debts due
to certain foreign officers, according to the provision made during the last session, has been embraced.
Gentlemen o f t h e House of Representatives:
I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now sufficiently matured to enable you
to enter upon a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the
public debt, according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No measure can be more
desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance or to the general sentiment and wish of
the nation.
Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has been made of the Bank of the
United States, pursuant to the eleventh section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the
public stipulations in this particular il is expected a valuable saving will be made.
Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such extraordinaries as may require
provision will demand, and I doubt not will engage, your early attention.
Gentlemen of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, not particularized iji my present,
as have been suggested in my former communications to you.
Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, that which regulates trade
and intercourse with the Indian tribes will merit particular notice.
T, f 4
0
n i / n / o o m.n^. i c
�Fourth Annual Message to Congress^ ^ "'
http^/minewaracc^irginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/m^
Tlie results of your common deliberations hitherto will, 1 trust, be productive of solid and durable
advantages to our constituents, such as, by conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend
to strengthen and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, under Divine
Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and their happiness.
Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing which can have a more
powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of hannony, combined with a due regard to stability, in
the public councils.
Facsimile of manuscript page # 2
Previous Document
Next Document
Back to List of Documents Back to Selected Presidential Documents
Electronic files created by
Frank E. Grizzard, Jr.
Assistant Editor
Revolutionary War Series
The Papers of George Washington
The University of Virginia
gwpapers@,virginia.edu voice: (804) 924-3569
fax: (804) 982-4529
Last Modified: 14 February 1997
4 of 4
ni/n/QR in-nrvis
�Fifth Annual Message to Congress
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers'/armualme'ssages/niessage5.h
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Fifth Annual Message to Congress
3 December 1793
Philadelphia
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
Since the commencement of the tenn for which 1 have been again called into office no fit occasion has
arisen for expressing to me fellow citizens at large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the
renewed testimony of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for all those
instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been honored by my country, on the other it could
not prevent an earnest wish for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have
torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated according to its real motives,
and that the people, and the authorities derived from them, would support exertions having nothing
personal for their object, 1 have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the Executive
power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of nations depends to crown with success
our mutual endeavors for the general happiness.
As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United States have the most
extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that our intercourse with them might be interrupted
and our disposition for peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by belligerent
nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our citizens ofthe consequences of a
contraband trade and of hostile acts to any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration ofthe existing
legal state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities belonging to our situation. Under
these impressions the proclamation which will be laid before you was issued.
In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt general rules which should conform
to the treaties and assert the privileges ofthe United States. These were reduced into a system, which
will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought of myself at liberty to forbid the sale of the
prizes permitted by our treaty of commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused
to cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our territory, or by vessels
commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within the limits of the United States.
It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this plan of procedure; and it will
probably be found expedient to extend the legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United
States to many cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some further
provisions.
Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in hostility against any of the powers
at war, or enter upon militaiy expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or
usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where the penalties on violations of the
law of nations may have been indistinctly marked, or are inadequate— these offenses can not receive too
early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies.
Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the judiciary, who possess a
long-established course of investigation, effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it.
In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular circumstances, their power to
liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, and even of a citizen ofthe United States, although seized under
a false color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate certain captures within the
1 of 4
01/12/98 10:06:31
�Fifth Annual Mes&gd to Congress
• • ~- • -. -
http://minerva!ace.Virginia:EDU/g^apers/aimualmessages^
protection of our territory, it would seem proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the
Executive is to be the resort in either ofthe two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped that he will be
authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts when for his own information he shall request
il.
1 can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our duties to the rest of the world
without again pressing upon you the necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense
and of exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United States ought not to
indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of human events, they will forever keep at a distance
those painful appeals to arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank due
to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of
weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of
the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready
for war. The documents which will be presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and
military stores now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these supplies can not
with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring warlike apparatus
in the moment of public danger.
Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or jealousy of the warmest
friends of republican government. They are incapable of abuse in the hands ofthe militia, who ought to
possess a pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be trained to a degree of
energy equal to every military exigency ofthe United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too
solemnly pursued, whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by establishing
an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized them so as to produce their full effect;
whether your own experience in the several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme,
and whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to afford an opportunity for the
study of those branches of the military art which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone.
The connection ofthe United States with Europe has become extremely interesting. The occurrences
which relate to it and have passed under the knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in
a subsequent communication.
When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that every reasonable effort has
been made to adjust the causes of dissension with the Indians north ofthe Ohio. The instructions given
to the commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love of peace, and a
liberality having no restriction but the essential interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt,
however, of an amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act offensively.
Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of military preparation, it is doubtful how far the
advance ofthe season, before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the
remainder ofthe year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to this important subject you will
determine whether the deficiency in the number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by
succors of militia, or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits.
An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the Creeks and the Cherokees.
The former have been relieved with com and with clothing, and offensive measures against them
prohibited during the recess of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have been
instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which will be delivered to you disclose
the critical footing on which we stand in regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce
what shall be done.
After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit their most serious labors to render
tranquillity with the savages pennanent by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of
justice on the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian nations in behalf of the
United States is most likely to conciliate their attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud,
without extortion, with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the commoidities ofthe
Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment and receive in exchange. Individuals will not
pursue such a traffic unless they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United
States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the opinion of Congress, they
2 of 4
01/12/98 10:06:31
�:r^rr-.-rtv^-'-'.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
*
Fifth Annual Message to Congress
"
• . ".
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message5.html
will recollect that it can not be accomplished by any means yet in the hands ofthe Executive.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the United States and individual
States concluded their important function within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their
report, which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books ofthe Treasury.
On the first day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became payable on the loans ofthe
United States in Holland. This was adjusted by a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature
of a new loan at an interest of 5% for the term often years, and the expenses of this operation were a
commission of 3%.
The first installment ofthe loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank ofthe United States has been paid, as was
directed by law. For the second it is necessary that provision be made.
No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and discharge ofthe public debt.
On none can delay be more injurious or an economy of time more valuable.
The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal the anticipations which were
formed of it, but it is not expected to prove commensurate with all the objects which have been
suggested. Some auxiliary provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped that
these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of our citizens, who can not but be
sensible of the true wisdom of encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a
future accumulation of burthens.
But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the transportation of public prints. There
is no resource so firm for the Government ofthe United States as the affections of the people, guided by
an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more than a faithful representation
of public proceedings, diffused without restraint throughout the United States.
An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the ensuing year and a statement of
a purchase of arms and military stores made during the recess will be presented to Congress.
Gentlemen o f t h e Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your deliberations and involve
some ofthe choicest interests of our common country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the
magnitude of your task. Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be
hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its dignity may be lost. But as
the legislative proceedings of the United States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper
or of candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my strenuous and warmest
cooperation.
Facsimile of manuscript page # 2
Previous Document
Next Document
Back to List of Documents Back to Selected Presidential Documents
Electronic files created by
Frank E. Grizzard, Jr.
Assistant Editor
Revolutionary War Series
The Papers of George Washington
3 of 4
ni/i?/os in-nfi-3i
�Sixth Annual Message to Congress
,
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpape^s/armualmessages/message6.htall
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Sixth Annual Message to Congress
19 November 1794
Philadelphia
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the American people became a
nation; when we survey the general prosperity of our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and
happiness to which it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during your
recess some of the citizens ofthe United States have been found capable of insurrection. It is due,
however, to the character of our Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies
of order, freely to unfold the course of this event.
During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the legislative power granted by the
Constitution of the United States "to lay and collect excises". In a majority ofthe States scarcely an
objection was heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first conceived, until they
were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice,
fostered and imbittered by the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others by
the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence.
It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints which were presented, and to
relieve them as far as justice dictated or general convenience would permit. But the impression which
this moderation made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts of delusion
were no longer confined to the efforts of designing individuals. The very forbearance to press
prosecutions was misinterpreted into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men
began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that by a more formal concert
their operation might be defeated, certain self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation.
Hence, while the greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts of excise, a
few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It is now perceived that every expectation from the
tenderness which had been hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create an
opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process was therefore delivered to the
marshal against the rioters and delinquent distillers.
No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance of armed men was aimed at
his person and the person and property ofthe inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal,
arrested him, and detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy of his life,
to renounce the service of other process on the west side of the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation
was afterwards sent to him to demand a surrender of that which he had served. A numerous body
repeatedly attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and finally destroyed by fire
his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both of these officers, from a just regard to their safety,
fled to the seat of Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to compel the
resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the authority of the United States, and thereby
to extort a repeal of the laws of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government.
Upon testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States notified to
me that "in the counties of Washington and Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the Urtited States were
opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the
ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshal of that district".
1 of 5
m/n./QR
�Sixth Annual Message to Congress
http://minei-va.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message6.html
On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighted what might best subdue the crisis. On the
one hand the judiciary was pronounced lo be stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which
reached the very existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of Government
were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent acquiescence; and to yield to the
treasonable fury of so small a portion of the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle
of our Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On the other, to array
citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of such excesses, to encounter the expense and other
embarrassments of so distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with many
affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted.
I postponed, therefore, the summoning of the militia immediately into the field, but I required them to be
held in readiness, that if my anxious endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of
their danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before the season should be too
far advanced.
My proclamation of the 7th of August last [1794] was accordingly issued, and accompanied by the
appointment of commissioners, who were charged to repair to the scene of insurrection. They were
authorized to confer with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be candid and
explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a
resort to coercion; to represent, however, that, without submission, coercion must be the resort; but to
invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful citizens, by such accommodations as
lay within the sphere of Executive power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the
United States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a satisfactory assurance of
obedience to the laws.
Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and abilities, and must unite all virtuous
men, by shewing that the means of conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or
abetted the tumults did not subscribe the mild fonn which was proposed as the atonement, and the
indications of a peaceable temper were neither sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or
warrant the further suspension of the march ofthe militia.
Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. 1 ordered the militia to march, after once more
admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation ofthe 25th of September last [1794].
It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree of force competent to the quelling
of the insurrection. From a respect, indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow citizens belonging to
the militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very reluctance to ascribe too
much importance to the opposition, had its extent been accurately seen, would have been a decided
inducement to the smallest efficient numbers. In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion 15K men,
as being an army which, according to all human calculation, would be prompt and adequate in every
view, and might, perhaps, by rendering resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had
been assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the governor of
Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion which justified a requisition to the other
States.
As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service ofthe United States, I have
visited the places of general rendezvous to obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior
movements. Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from obstruction; that the
civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered
terms of amnesty, and may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good
government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought always to receive, and, I
trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the
opportunity of restoring the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has tended
to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now confessed by those who yere not inclined
to exaggerate the ill conduct ofthe insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a
particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many of the offenders. If the state of
things had afforded reason for the continuance of my presence with the anny, it would not have been
withholden. But eveiy appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to the reputation and strength
2of5
ni/n/os
IAOA/I^
�Sixth Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message6.htmi
of tlie United States, I have judged it most proper lo resume my duties at the seat of Government,
leaving the chief command with the governor of Virginia.
Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, whatsoever may be the pretense, the
purposes of mischief and revenge may not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain
period in the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we contemplate the
situation of those who are connected with the execution of the laws or of others who may have exposed
themselves by an honorable attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session
being the legal limitation ofthe employment of the militia. Congress can not be too early occupied with
this subject.
Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and from the documents which
will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape their observation that not only the inspector of the
revenue, but other officers ofthe United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in the discharge
of their functions, sustained material injuries to their property. The obligation and policy of
indemnifying them are strong and obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge
this provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the ties of office, may have
suffered damage by their generous exertions for upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount,
even if all the injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the Government
would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who incurs a loss in its defense shall find
a recompense in its liberality.
While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have disgraced the name or
interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our community, or should have diverted to a new application
any portion of the public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations for the
misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid foundations, by furnishing an
additional that my fellow citizens understand the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel
their inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have been used to sway them from
their interest and duty, they are not as ready to maintain the authority ofthe laws against licentious
invasions as they were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle displaying to the
highest advantage of republican government to behold the most and the least wealthy of our citizens
standing in the same ranks as private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the
Constitution-undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by approach of an inclement
season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic
cooperation which I have experienced from the chief magistrates ofthe States to which my requisitions
have been addressed.
To every description of citizens, let praise be given, but let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance
over that precious depository of American happiness, the Constitution ofthe United States. Let them
cherish it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a dwelling in our land. And
when in the calm moments of reflection they shall have retraced the origin and progress of the
insurrection, let them determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, careless
of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who rouse can not always appease a civil
convulsion, have disseminated, from an ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and
accusations ofthe whole Government.
Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into office, "to the best of my ability
to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States", on you, gentlemen, and the
people by whom you are deputed, I rely for support.
In the arrangement to which the possibility of a similar contingency will naturally draw your attention it
ought not to be forgotten that the militia laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have
been supplied by the zeal of our citizens. Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, which are not the
least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is attended with a doubt on its success.
The devising and establishing ofa well regulated militia would be a genuine source of legislative honor
and a perfect title to public gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not pass
without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and thus
�Sixth Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message6.html
providing, in the language of the Constitution, for calling them forth lo execute the laws of the Union,
suppress insurrections, and repel invasions.
As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too frequently recur, they will not
omit to inquire whether the fortifications which have been already licensed by law be commensurate
with our exigencies.
The intelligence from the anny under the command of General Wayne is a happy presage to our military
operations against the hostile Indians north ofthe Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded,
the advance which he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their
obstinacy in waging war against the United States. And yet, even at this late hour, when our power to
punish them can not be questioned, we shall not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of
candor, equity, and good neighborhood.
Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. The Creeks in particular are
covered from encroachment by the imposition of the General Government and that of Georgia. From a
desire also to remove the discontents of the Six nations, a settlement mediated at Presque Isle, on Lake
Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to rectify any misconception into which they
may have fallen. But I can not refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I
recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the Indians within our limits
by the fixing and conducting of trading houses upon the principles then expressed.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures has developed our
pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is
believed that the result is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay.
Nothing can more promote the pennanent welfare of the nation and nothing would be more grateful to
our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by
procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that credit on grounds which can not
be disturbed, and to prevent that progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all
governments.
An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures into which we have been driven
by the insurrection, will be submitted to Congress.
Gentlemen o f t h e Senate and of the House of Representatives:
The Mint ofthe United States has entered upon the coinage ofthe precious metals, and considerable
sums of defective coins and bullion have been lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a
pleasing prospect that the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was originally
fonned of its utility.
In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with foreign nations will be
transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign
transactions has been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe the treaties with pure and absolute
faith; to check every deviation from the line of impartiality; to explain what may have been
misapprehended and correct what may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the
right, to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done to ourselves.
Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to spread his holy protection over
these United States; to tum the machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to
enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; to perpetuate to our country-that prosperity which his goodness has already conferred, and to verify the anticipation^ oflthis
Government being a safeguard of human rights.
4
n
f ^
m/n/no
in.
�Seventh Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message7.htinl
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Seventh Annual Message to Congress
8 December 1795
Philadelphia
Fellow Citizens ofthe Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have never met you at any period
when more than at the present the situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual
congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for
the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy.
The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we have been engaged with certain
Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in the option ofthe United States by a treaty which the
commander of our army has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region.
In the adjustment of the tenns the satisfaction ofthe Indians was deemed worthy no less of the policy
than of the liberality of the United States as the necessaiy basis of durable tranquillity, the object, it is
believed, has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid before the Senate for
their consideration.
The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had annoyed ourfrontiers,have
lately confirmed their preexisting treaties with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to
carry them into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. But we have to
lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some
citizens of Georgia are represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, which
have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which will be productive of further
expense, and may occasion more effusion of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the
usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert general
hostility.
A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our treaty made with his
father, the late Emperor, and consequently the continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar
satisfaction I add that information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers
importing that the terms of the treaty with the Day and Regency of that country had been adjusted in
such a manner as to authorize the expectation of a speedy peace and the resolution of our unfortunate
fellow citizens from a grievous captivity.
The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, the pleasing information that
he had assurances ofa speedy and satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending
upon unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable to cherish the expectation
of an issue which, securing amicably very essential interests of the United States, will at the same time
lay the foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have uniformly and sincerely
desired to cultivate.
Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, you, gentlemen, are all apprised
that a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation has been negotiated with Great Britairt, and that the
Senate have advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts part of one article.
Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment 1 was able to fonn of the public interest after full and mature
deliberation, 1 have added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is unknown.
1 of4
ni/n/os in-nt
�V ^ ^ • ^ , ^ ^.^^ -•
•
Seventh Annual Message to Congress
f-«-
W^.-.—
-
-
http://miiierva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message7.html
When received, the subject will without delay be placed before Congress.
This interesting summary of our affairs with regard lo the foreign powers between whom and the United
States controversies have subsisted, and with regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we
have been in a state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and gratifying
reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the extinguishment of all the causes of external
discord which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights
and honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation will have been laid for
accelerating, maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country.
Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations ofthe United States, we discover
equal cause for contentment and satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American
dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, and calamitous, in which
the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many
of the arts most useful to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity of
subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the anticipations of a return of the blessings of
peace and repose are alloyed by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the
departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of government, our favored country,
happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed tranquillity - a tranquillity the more satisfactory because
maintained at the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no obligation to others.
Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, the molestations of our
trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, very pointed remonstrances have been made) being
overbalanced by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population
advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, proportionally augments our
strength and resources, and guarantees our future security.
Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various improvement; and with burthens so
light as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with
governments founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and wholesome laws,
is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness never surpassed, if ever
before equaled?
Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force impel us, with sincere
acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and
improve our immense advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and favorite
wish of my heart.
It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the part of our country which was
lately the scene of disorder and insurrection now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled
have abandoned their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due from good
citizens to the public authorities ofthe society. These circumstances have induced me to pardon
generally the offenders here referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to
capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to exercise with firmness and energy
the constitutional powers with which I am vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public
good than it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government every degree of
moderation and tenderness which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit.
Gentlemen: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course of the session, a review of
our military establishment is not the least important. It is called for by the events which have changed,
and may be expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. In this review you will
doubtless allow due weight to the considerations that the questions between us and certain foreign
powers are not yet finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that our Western
posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning and securing them. A statement of our
present military force will be laid before you by the Department of War.
With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of the militia. It will merit
inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of
2 of 4
ni/n/OQ
\c\ nfi. zr.
�Seventh Annual Message to Congress
http://minei-va.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message7.html
so much moment in my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of it may be
renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be accomplished. Time is wearing away some
advantages for forwarding the object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public
councils.
While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western borders so well authorizes,
it is necessary that we should not lose sight of an important truth which continually receives new
confirmations, namely, that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection ofthe Indians
from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants are insufficient. It is demonstrated that
these violences can now be perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless
the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to condign punishment, all the
exertions of the Government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all
our present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent women and children, who
are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must continue to shock humanity, and an enonnous expense to
drain the Treasury of the Union.
To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable that there shall be competent
means of rendering justice to them. If these means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and
especially i f there can be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians on
reasonable tenns (a measure the mention of which I the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences
with them they urge it with solicitude), I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our
tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of their civilization is not
diminished by the experiments which have been thus far made under the auspices of Government. The
accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national character and
administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and reimbursed pursuant to different
acts of Congress, will be submitted from the proper Department, together with an estimate of the
appropriations necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year.
Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the provision of the redemption of the public debt
will naturally engage your examination. Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were
superfluous to repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable extinction of our public
debt accords as much with the true interest of our country as with the general sense of our constituents.
Gentlemen of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew the situation of that
institution and the necessity of some further legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more
completely into effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular quarters.
The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, the state of the fortifications of
our harbors, the measures which have been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for
replenishing our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken toward the
execution ofthe law for opening a trade with the Indians will likewise be presented for the information
of Congress.
Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the course ofthe session and mutual
forbearance where there is a difference of opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace,
happiness, and welfare of our country to need any recommendation of mine.
Facsimile of manuscript page # 2
�' Eighth Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message8.html
The Papers of George Washington
Washington's Eighth Annual Message to Congress
7 December 1796
Philadelphia
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:
In recurring to the internal situation of our country since 1 had last the pleasure to address you, I find
ample reason for a renewed expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued
series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth.
The acts ofthe last session which required special arrangements have been as far as circumstances would
admit carried into operation.
Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to preserve peace along
the extent of our interior frontier have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been
taken to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory incursions of those unruly
individuals who can not be restrained by their tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured
to the Indians by treaty—to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them with correct
conceptions of the power as well as justice of the Government.
The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State of Georgia, which had for a
principal object the purchase of a parcel of their land by that State, broke up without its being
accomplished, the nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making any sale.
The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new treaty with the Creeks their preexisting
engagements with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses
and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their friendship and the general peace may
be more effectually secured.
The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed for carrying into effect the
treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and His Brittanic Majesty
necessarily procrastinated the reception ofthe posts stipulated to be delivered beyond the date assigned
for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General of Canada could be addressed with propriety
on the subject, arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United
States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit,
Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and additions have been ordered to be made as
appeared indispensable.
The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great Britain to determine which is
the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq.,
of New York, for the 3rd commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrew's, in Passamaquoddy Bay, in the
beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made ofthe rivers in dispute; but deeming it
impracticable to have these surveys completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in
August, 1797, for the final decision of the question.
Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably to the 7th article of the treaty
with Great Britain, relative to captures and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the
commissioners of His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., was
chosen by lot for the 5th commissioner. In October following the board were to proceed to business. As
yet there has been no communication of commissioners on Ihe part of Great Britain to unite with those
lof 5
01/12/08 10:07:09
�^j^^fw;^---.-^—r-—
Eighth Annual Message to Congress
.—-
:.
•
••••-TV*
iv V^I^OJI
a..
-fr-v;
•' i K ^ r ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ i f '
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers7anriualmessages/message8:htmI
who have been appointed on the part of lhe United Slates for carrying into effect the 6th article ofthe
treaty.
The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the boundary line between the
territory ofthe United States and His Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet
at the Natchez before the expiration of 6 months after the exchange of the ratifications, which was
effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April [1796]; and the troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying
any posts within the limits ofthe United States were within the same time period to be withdrawn. The
commissioner ofthe United States therefore commenced his journey for the Natchez in September, and
troops were ordered to occupy the posts from which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn.
Information has been recently received of the appointment o f a commissioner on the part of His Catholic
Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment for the adjustment of the claims of
our citizens whose vessels were captured by the armed vessels of Spain.
In pursuance ofthe act of Congress passed in the last session for the protection and relief of American
sea-men, agents were appointed, one to reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The
effects of the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those which have been
communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be beneficial. The agent destined to reside in
Great Britain declining to accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the
minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention until a new agent shall be
appointed.
After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the final arrangements for
fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be
crowned with success, but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary transactions
occasioned by that war, which will render further provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our
citizens who were prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling of heart, is itself an earnest of a
satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with
the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli.
To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is indispensable. This is manifest with
regard to wars in which a State is itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most
sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to
a neutral flag requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This
may even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent powers from committing
such violations of the rights ofthe neutral parly as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best
information I have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean without a
protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed to the calamities from which numbers
of them have but just been relieved.
These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation
of a navy. The increasing progress of their navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite
supply of sea-men, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an encouragement,
likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their
hands. Will it not, then, be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for the
building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by degrees, in proportion as our
resources shall render it practicable without inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find
our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present?
Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of
manufactures. The object is of too much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every
way which shall appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are inexpedient; but
where the state of things in a country leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will for a
great length of time obtain, when these are o f a nature essential to the furnishing and equipping ofthe
public force in time of war, are not establishments for procuring them on public account to the.extent of
the ordinary demand for the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy as
an exception to the general rule?
2 of 5
01/19/08 10 07 00
�Eighth Annual Message to Congress
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/message8.html
Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, precarious because liable to be
interrupted? I f the necessary article should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security
and independence thence arising form an ample compensation?
Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls ofthe public service in time of peace, will
in time of war easily be extended in proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even
perhaps be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to mitigate the privations
from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are
already, or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that they may be no danger of
interference with pursuits of individual industry.
It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national welfare agriculture is of primary
importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this
truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation ofthe soil more and more an object of public
patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it
be dedicated with greater propriety?
Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been attended with greater success
than the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing
information, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of
discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of
improvement by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the
results everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation.
Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits.
I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency of establishing a national
university and also a military academy, the desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly
increased with every new view I have taken of the subject that 1 can not omit the opportunity of once for
all recalling your attention to them.
The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a
flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation.
True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of learning highly repeatable
and useful; but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the
different departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though they would be
excellent auxiliaries.
Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation ofthe principles, opinions, and manners of
our country-men by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves
attention. The more homogenous our citizens can be made in these particulars the greater will be our
prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a national institution should be the education
of our youth in the science of government. In a republic whal species of knowledge can be equally
important and what duty more pressing on its legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to
those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties ofthe country?
The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the
general policy o f a nation may be, it ought never to be wiihout an adequate stock of military knowledge
for emergencies. The 1st would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety or
expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon
its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the
necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought lo be its care in preserving and transmitting, by
proper establishments, the knowledge of that art.
Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough :
examination ofthe subject will evince that the arl of war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that
it demands much previous sludy, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state is
always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, Iherefore, ought to be a serious care of every
•\ o f S
n i / n / o o in.0-7.no
�Eighth Annual Message to Congress
~
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpaper's/annualmessages/message8.htnd
government, and for this purpose an academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an
obvious expedient which different nations have successfully employed.
The compensation to the officers ofthe United Stales in various instances, and in none more than in
respect to the most important stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences o f a
defective provision are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the defect of
public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within which the selection of character for office is
to be made, and will proportionally diminish the probability o f a choice of men able as well as upright.
Besides that, it should be repugnant to the vital principles of our Government virtually to exclude from
public trusts talents and virtue unless accompanied by wealth.
While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and embarrassments have been overcome
and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret J mention that circumstances o f a very
unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive injuries in the
West Indies from the cruisers and agents ofthe French Republic, and communications have been
received from its minister here which indicate the danger o f a further disturbance of our commerce by its
authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable.
It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain
cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated,
and I shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a
just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the
expectation that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will eventually
insure success.
In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the character of our Government and
nation, or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my
country-men.
I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this interesting subject.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
I have directed an estimate ofthe appropriations necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be
submitted from the proper Department, with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest
period to which an account can be prepared.
It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues ofthe United States continue in a state of
progressive improvement.
A reenforcement ofthe existing provisions for discharging our public debt was mentioned in my address
at the opening ofthe last session. Some preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which
will no doubt engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it will afford me a
heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a
speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret i f from any motive intervals of
tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end.
Gentlemen of the Senate and ofthe House of Representatives:
My solicitude to see the militia ofthe United States placed on an efficient establishment has been so
often and so ardently expressed that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present
occasion, at the same time that 1 shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors are yet sufficiently
secured.
/i
The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the representatives ofthe people of
the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration ofthe present form of government
commenced, and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the success of the
experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign
�•
I
' http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/annualmessages/inessage8.html
Eighth Annual Message to Congress
Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the virtue
and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted for
the protection of their liberties may be perpetual.
;
• Facsimile of manuscript page # 2
i Previous Document
Back to List of Documents Back to Selected Presidential Documents
Electronic files created by
Frank E. Grizzard, Jr.
Assistant Editor
Revolutionary War Series
The Papers of George Washington
The University of Virginia
gwpapers(a),virginia.edu voice: (804) 924-3569
fax: (804) 982-4529
Last Modified: 14 February 1997
n i m / o s i o o-7-io
�/
(-i
3
>
Z
WHITE HOUSE LIBRARY
AND
.. The
RESEARCH CENTER,
; '
' .'
§ta'te of the Umon
-Vlessages
of the
Presidents
1790-1966
I
(fl
C
D
S
Tl
S
O
o
2
o
n
o
o
C
D
***
•
<
WHITE'HOUSE
REFERENCE •
with a introduction by
n
ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER JR
l-V'-^V'-V.'
Editor: Fred L. Ime!
VOLUME
I
i-
I
1
0
s
1
0
1790-1860
•rv
c
n
<
n
0)
c
n
0)
C
D
%
NEW YORK.
,141
CHELSEA
R
'
HOUSE
PUBLISHERS
in association with ihe
R- UOWKE-K C O . M J . A X V
19G7
T
J
n
m
\
in
:/
F
�40
JOHN
ADAMS
FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Nowmbtr aa, 1797.
Gtniltmen of iht Senate ayniGmtkmm of the H<m< of Representatives:
I was for some time Rpprehewlve tl:at it wculd be necessary, on account
of the contagious slclcness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, to convene tbe National legislature ftt some othe* plac«. This measure it waa
desirable to avoid, because it would, occasion much public Inconyeuience
and a considerable public expeuie tmd add to the calamities of the lnhab<
Itauts of this city, whose sufferinga must have excited the sympathy of
all tlieir fellow-citizens, Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain
(he state and decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, uow happily realized, tlmt, without hazard to the Uvea or
health of the members, C9»gre?3 might assemble at this place, where
it was next by law to meet. I submit, however, to your consideration
whether a power to postpone the meeting of Congress, without passing
the time fixed by the Constitution upon such occasions, would not be
a useful amendment to the la.w of J794.
Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of
peace lu Europe and the restoration of secunty to the persons aud prbpertlea of our cittzaiB from Injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless, abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and
influenc* for interior tranquiUlty and personal security, for propitious
seasons, prosperous agriculture, productivefisheries,and general improveraents, and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty
and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, 'as well
as our moral aud our religious principles, agalusl all open and secret
attacks.
Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked—one
in July, the other early (a August—to join their colleague in Holland.
I have received inttlUgsnCe of the arrival of both of them in Holland,
from whence they all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few
days of the i9lh of Septentber. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothiug will have been omitted on my part to conduct
the negotiation to a successful conclusion, ou such equitably terms as may
be compatible with the swfety, honor, aud interest of tlie United States.
Nothing, in the meantime, will contribute so much to the preservation of
peace and the attainment of justice as a manifestation of that energy and
unnnimity of which on many former occasions the people of the United
States hiLve given such memorable proofs, and tlie exertion of those
resources for national defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly
placed within their power.
•
It may be confidently asserted that nothing bas occurred siriR the
UNITED
i
STATSS,
First Annual Message
t Z
adjoumracnt of Congress which renders Inexpedient those precautlonar w
measuire.) recommended by mc to the consideration of the two Houses 1 to
the opening of your late extraordinary session, If that system was the
prudent, i l is more so uow, as increasing depredations strengthen th ^
s
reasons for its adoption,
Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, ami ®
whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it moat cer ^
tain that permaneut tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained n
/The state of society has so long beeu disturbed, the sense of moral am §
•;. religious obligatious so much weakened, public faith and national houo: ^
have beeu so impaired, respect to treaties has beeu so diminished, anc m
the Uw of nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition §
avarice, and violence have been so long nureslrained, there remains uc
reasonable ground ou which to raise au expectation that a commerce without protection or defense will uot be plundered.
E
§
V
The commerce of the United States is essential, if uot to their exist- >
ence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness, >
<
';• The genius, character, and liabits of the people ore highly commercial.
Their cities have been formed and exist upon^oommerce. Our agriculture,fisheries,arts, and manufactures areconuecled wilh and depend upon
i.vMfflff-'. it. In short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not
..
be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and
,£HEBK
distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation.
The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and seafaring no less than of the other citizens. Under this view
of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if I forbore
to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our com- JI
merce ond to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the
10
ouly sure means of preserving both.
Q
I have entertained an expectation that it would heve been iu my power ro
:<;:;. at the opening of this session to have communicated lo you the agreeable tn
m
Iinformation of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty tn
£
respecting the'withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the tn
cn
^V.
demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelll- U
D
genoe Spanish garrisous were still continued within our country, and
't-j.:
the running of the boundary line had not beeu commenoed. These drcumstauces are the more to be regretted aa they can not fall to oflect
the Indians in a mauuer injurious to the United States. Still, however,
','
indulging Ute hope that the auswers which have been given will remove
the objections offered by the Spanish officers to the immediate execution
of tbe treaty, I have judged it proper that we should coulinue iu readi:'
ness toVoceive the posts and to run the line of limits. Further informa'.•
lion 011 tins subject will be communicated in tbe course of the session.
lu. connection with this unpleasant stale of things ou our western
frontier it is proper for me to utention the attempts of foreign agents to
1
111
r
J
:
to
\
tn
�42
JOHN
I'nsl Annual Message
ADAMS
alienato tht afitectloBB of the Tndiau cationa and to excite therrf to actual
hostfUUea against the Uuited States. Great activity has been exerted
by those persons who have insinuated thenpselves among the Indian tribes
residing within the territory of the United States to influence them to
transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to forajthem into
a confederacy, and prepare them for war agalust the United States.
Although measures have been taken to counteract these iufrictions of
ourrights,to prevent Indian hoistlllties, and to preserve entire their attachment to the United States, it Is ray duty to observe that to give a better
effect to these measures dud to obviate the consequences of a repetition
of such practices a law providing adequate punishment for st^h offenses
may be necessary.
The commissionera appointed under the fifth article of the treaty of
amity, commerce, and uavigatlon between the Uuited States and Great
Britain to ascertain tlie river which was truly intended under the name
of the river St, Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in October, 1796, and viewed the mouths of the rivfers in
question and the adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that
actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the
agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to ,
meet at Boston iA August. They met, but the surveys requiring more
time than had been supposed, and uot being then completed, the commlssioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode
Island, in June next, when we may expect a final examinatiou and
decision.
Tht; commissioners appointed In pursuance of the sixth article of the
treaty met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British
subjects for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to
tlu'tn from citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes
have hitherto prevented, any determinatious, but the business is now
resumed, and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption.
Several decisions ou the claims of citizens of the United States for
losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures
or comlemnatloiifl of their vessels or other properly have beeu made by
the comiuisstouers iu I/mdon comformably to the seventh article of the
treaty. The sums awarded by the coinmissiouers have been paid by the
British Government, A considerable number of other claims!, where costs
and damages, aud not captured property, were the only objects iu question,
have been decided by arbitration, and the sums awarded to tbe citizens ov
the United Stales have also been paid,
The commissioners appointed agreeably to the twenty-first article of
our treaty with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide ou the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of their vessels aud cargoes having been taken
by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war between
4z
1
Spain and Prnnoe, Their sittings have been interrupted, but are no u
resumed.
^
- »: The United States l>eing obligated to make compensation for the loss* ^
and damages sustaiued by British subjects, upon the award of the cou
missioners acting under the sixth article of the treaty with Great Britait ?
and for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reaso: §
of the capture of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limit ^
: and jurisdiction of tbe United States and brought into their ports, o T
O
taken by vessels originally armed in ports of tlie United States, upoi §
the awards of the commissioners acting under tlie .seventh article of tin
same treaty, it is necessary that provision be made for fulfilling thesi m
obligatious.
o
The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of tin
French Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned cousid ~
erable expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizen.' Ejj
before tlieir tribuuals. The sums required for this purpose have iu y
divers instances been disbursed by the consuls of the United States, By K
means of the same captures great numbers of our seamen have been
tlirown ashore in foreign countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, aud the sick in particular have beeu exposed to grievous sufTeriugs.
The consuls have in these coses also advanced moneys for their relief,
For these advances they reasonably expect reimbursements from the
Uniled States.
The consular act relative to seamen requires revision and amendment.
The provisions for their support in foreign countries aud for their return
are found to be inadequate and ineffectual, Another provision seems necessary to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have beeu
•discovered sailing under the flag of the United Slates and with forged
papers. It seldom happens that tlie consuls can detect this deception,
because they have uo authority to demand au iuspection of the registers
and sea letters.
m
(ienlUmtn of ike House of Repramtatives:
It is my duty to recomnieud to your serious consideration those objects
which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere—
the national debts and taxes.
Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was
provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans
has been introduoed, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes
sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war
the sums loaned aud debts coulractcd have necessarily become the subjects oi what have beeu called funding systems. The consequences T3
arising from the continual accumuLation of public debts in other countries
ought to admonish us to be careful lo prevent their growth in our own. m
The tiatiounl defense must be provided for as well as the support of
\
tn
�44
J0 MN
Second Annual
ADAMS
Ooveniiueul; but botli should be aocotnplished AS much as possible l)y
Immediate taxes, and as little as possible by loans,
The estimates for the service of the eusiiiug year will by my directiou
be laid before you.
O
CO
i-l
I
o
Gendemen of Ike Seiiale and Gentletnen of the House of liepresett/ati^is;
We are met together at a most interesting period. The situat^Ous of
Ute principal powers of Kurope are singular and portentous. Connected
with some by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event
there can be indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with 'peculiar
Importunity not less for a disposition to unite iu all those measures ou
which the honor, safety, aud prosperity of our country depend than for
all the exertions of wisdom and firmness.
I D all such measures you may rely ou my zealous and hearty concurrence,
•P
0)
On
0)
SECOND -ANNUAL ADDRESS.
UNITHD
*4-l
0
>
a.
<
a.
w
o
tn
ro
01
01
01
S
a
o
u
o
s
o
tt.
LL
ID
N
C
D
01
1
z
0
•H
e
D
C
D
p
O
<»
L
-P
rt
-p
STATUS,
Decembers,
1798.
Gentlemm of ths Senate and Gentlemen of tht House qf Representatives;
While with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations
of Divine Providence in the alarming and destructive pestilence with which
several of our cities and towns have been visited, there is cause for gratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has disappeared and
that we are again permitted to assemble in Safety at the seat of Govemmenl forthe discharge of our important duties, But when we reflect that
this fatal disorder has within a few years made repeated ravages in eorue
of our principal seaports, and with increased malignancy, and when we
consider the magnitude of the evils arising from the iuterruptlou ©{ public and private business, whereby the national interests are deeply affected,
I think it my duty to invite the legislature of the Union to examine the
expediency of establishing suitable regulations in aid of the health laws
of the respective States; for these being formed on the idea that contagious sickness may be communicated through the channels of commerce,
there seems to be a necessity that Cougresa, who alone can regulate trade,
should frame a system which, while it may tend to preserve the general
health, may be compatible with the interests of oommeree and the safety
of the revenue.
Mtusagf.
AS
While we think on this calamity and sympathize with (he immediate
buffcrcra, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being our
annual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation iu the ordinary
blessings of His providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude I cau not
omit to add one of the first importance to our well-being and safety; I
mean that spirit which has arisen in our country against the menaces aud
aggression of a foreign nation, A manly sense of national honor, dignity,
and independence has appeared which, if encouraged and invigorated
by every branch of the Government, will enable us to view undismayed
the enterprises of any foreign power and become the sure foundation
of national prosperity and glory.
The course of the transactioos iu relation lo the United States and
France which have come to my knowledge duriug your recess will be made
the subject of a future comnmuication. That communication wilt confirm the ultimate failure of the measures which have been taken by the
Government of the United States toward an amicable adjustment of differences with that power. You will at the same time perceive that the
French Govemmenl appears solicitous to impress the opinion that it is
averse to a rupture with this oountry, aud that it has iu a qualified manner declared itself willing to receive a minister from the United Slates
for the purpose of restoring a good understanding, I l is unfortunate for
professions of this kind that they should be expressed in terms which
may countenance the inadmissible pretension of a right to prescribe the
qualifications which a minister from the United States should possess,
and that while Franoe is asserting the existence of a disposition ou her
part to conciliate with .sincerity the differences which have arisen, the
sincerity of a like disptaition on the part of the United States, of which
so many demonstrative proofs have been given, should even he indirectly
questioned. It is also worthy of observation that the decree of the
Directory alleged to be intended to restraiti the depredations of French
cruisers on our commerce has not given, and cau not give, any relief. I t
enjoins them to conform to all the laws of Prauce relative to cruising and
prizes, while these laws are themselves the sources of the depiedalious of
which wc have so long, so justly, and so fniillessly complained.
The law of France enacted in January last, wliich subjects to capture
and condemnation neutral vessels and their cavgoea if any portion of the
latter are of British fabric or produce, although the entire properly belong
to neutrals, instead of being rescinded has lately received a confirmation by the failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this law, which
is an unequivocal act of war on (he commerce of the nations it attacks,
continues in force those nations can see in tire French Government ouly
a powfcr regardless of their essential rights, of their iudependence and
sovereignly; and if they possess the means tliey can reconcile nothing
wilh their interest and honor l>ut a firm resistance.
Hitherto, therefore, nothiug is discoverable in tho conduct of Prance
�46
>
ti
m
C
Q
o
u
0
X
0
tt.
(JL
^
O
D
c
n
JOHN
ADAMS
which ought to chauge or relax our measures of defense, On the contrary, to extend aud invigorate them is our true policy, We have no
reason to regret that these measures have Ixen thus far adopted aud
pursued, and in proportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous aud
incalculable situation of Europe we'shall discover new and cogent motives
for the full development of our energies aud resources.
Bul in demoustraliug by our conduct that we do not fear war in the
necessary protection of our righls and honor we shall give t o room to
infer that we abandon the desire of peace. Au efficient preparation for
war can alone insure peace. It is peace that we have utnfortnly and
perseveringly cultivated, and harmony between us and France may be
restored at ber option. But to seud nuothcr tiiiuister without more
determinate assurances that he would be received would Ix an act of
humiliation to wliich the United States ought not to submit. I t must
Iherefore be left with France (if she is indeed desirous of accommodatiou) to take the requisite steps, The United Slates will steadily observe
the maxims by which they have hitherto been govcrued. They will
respect the sacred rights of embassy; and with a sincere disposition on
the part of France to desist front hostility, to make reparation for the
injuries heretofore inflicted on our commerce, nnd todo justice in future,
there will be uo obstacle to the restoration of a friendly intercourse. In
making lo you this declaration I give a pledge to France and the world
that the Executive authority, of this cotiutry .still adheres to tlie humane
and pacific policy which has invariably governed its proceedings, iu
conformity with tbe wishes of the other branches of the Government
aud of the people of the Uuited States. But considering the late manifestations of her policy toward foreign nations, I deem it a duty deliberately and solemnly to declare my opinion that-whether we negotiate svith
her or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable.
These alone will give to tis an equal treaty and insure its observance.
Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take the
liberty to recall your attention to the naval establishment. The beneficial
effects of the small naval armament provided under the acts of the last
feession arc known aud acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever experienced more sudden aud remarkable advantages from any measure of
policy thau we have derived from the arming for our maritime protection
and defense, Wc ought without loss of time to lay the foimdatiou for
an increase of our Navy to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect
our trade, Such a naval force as it is doubtless iu the power of the
Uniled States to create aud maintain would also afTcrd to them the best
means of general defense by facilitating the safe transportation of troops
aud stores to every part of our extensive coast. To accomplish this important object, a prudent foresight requires that systematical measures be
adopted for procuring at all times the requisite timber aud other supplies.
In what manner this shall be done I leave to your consideration.
Second Annual Message
I will now advert, gentlemen, to some .natters of less moment h„f
proper
| . communicated to the National Lc ;is.nturc
^
^
After the Spamsh garrison, had evacuated the posts they occuuied at
t l * Natchez and Walnut Hills the eo,„,„i*ioner of .1 c J S
sw«
l 0
K
f
w uch terunnatcd the northernmost par, of the t h i r t v - f U Z ^ ^ Z
latitude
From thence he proceeded to nm the boundary line b ^
he Umted States and Spain. He was atterwnrds joined by the S p S
onnn^ouer, when the work of the former was confirmed and
deS ft o S b , " T
: " - - ° «he line. Recent informattn rem
u
1
6
<
e ,
a r
t i
f
mmmm
R y of Fundy tlus further adjustment of boundary w i , !
to'Scl"*
But it apprehended that this will not be a matter of any d i f l i c ^
Such progress has been made iu the examination aud decision 0 cases
of aptures aud condemnations of American veael, which were t h e T b ject of the seventh article of the treaty of amity, commerce I Z
v «
Uou between the United State, and Great Britain
U
™
X
1 S
t ) M t
i
z
47
i s
�V.
C
O
C
D
0
w
0
0
a:
C
D
0)
JOHN
ADAMS
48
conmiissiouerg will be able to bring their business to a conahiBion iu
August of tUc ensuing year.
•
The eommiBsioners acting under the twenty-fifth article of the treaty
between the Uniled States and Spain have adjusted most of the claims of
our citizens for losses sufstained in consequence ol their veefiels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during
the late war between France aud Spain.
Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the
law for augmenliug the military estabUshmeul, among these the destre
of obtaining the fullest information to direct the best selection of officers.
As this object will now he speedily accomplished, it is expected that the
raising and organizing of the troops will proceed without obstacle aud
with effect.
Gentlemen the Houie of Representative):
I have directed au estimate of the appropriations which will be necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you, accompanied with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to a recent
period. U will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent aud
RolklUy of the; public resources from the prosperous state of the finances,
notwithstanding the uuexomplcd embarrassments which have attended commeroe. When youreflecton the conspicuous examples of patriotIsm and liberality whicli have been exhibited by our mercantile fellowcitizens, and how great a proportion of the public resources depends ou
their enterprise, you will naturally consider whether their cobvemence
cau not be promoted and reconciled with the security of the revenue by a
revision of the system by which the collection is at present regulated.^
During your recess measures have beeu steadily pursued for effecting
the valualtom and returns directed by the act of lhe last session, preliminary to the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other delays
or obstacles have been experieuced except such as were expected to
arise from the great extent of our country and the magnitude and novelty
of the operation, and euough--has beeu accomplished to assure a fulfillment of the views of the Xegislature.
Third Annual Message
THIRD ANNUAL ADDRESS.
UNITED STATES, December 3, 1799.
m- •
1
V-
''v
V- V ;'
Gentlenun of ike Smote and Gmtletnen ofthe House of Represeniativev
I can not close this address without ouoe more advertiug to our political situation aud Inculcating the essential importance of uuitmg lu the
maintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the tcmpei
and wisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures wc
shall secure to our country that weight and respect to which it is so
justly eutitled.
03
c
n
i
z
<<
t;
i.
Gent/mtm of ihe Senate and Gentlemen of tht House of Representatives:
It is with peculiar satisfaction that I meet the Sixth Congress of (he
United Stales of America. Comiug from all parts of the Uulon at this
critical and interesting period, the members must be fully possessed of
the sentiments and wishes of our coustilueuts.
Tlie flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by
land and by sea; the prosperity of our extended commerce, uotwithstauding interruptions occasioned by the belligerent stale of a great part of the
world; the return of health, industry, and trade to those cilies which
have lately been afflicted with disease, and the various aud inestimable
advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame
of government, are continued to us unimpaired, demand of the whole
American people sincere thanks to r. benevolent Deity for the merciful
dispensations of His providence.
But while these numerous blessings are recollected, it is a painful duty
to advert to the ungrateful return whicli has beeu made for them by some
of die people in certain counties of Pennsylvania, where, seduced by tbe
arts and misrepreseutations of dfesigning mcu, they have openly resisted
lhe law dircctipg the valuation of houses aud lauds, Such defiauoc was
given to the pivil authority as rendered hopeless all- further attempts
by judicial process to enforce the execution of the Jaw, and it became
necessary to direct a military force to be employed, consisting of some
companies of regular troops, volunteers, and militia, by whose zeal and
activity, in cooperation wilh the judicial power, order and submission
were restored and many of the offenders arrested. Of these, some have
been convicted of misdemeanors, and others, charged with various crimes,
remain to be tried,
To give due effect to the civil adininistratiou of Government and to
Insure a just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment of the
judiciary system is indispensably necessary, In this extensive country il
cau not but happen that numerous questions respecting the interpretation
of the laws and the rights and duties of officers aud citizens must arise.
On the one hand, the laws should be executed; on the other, iudividtials should be guarded from oppression. Neither of these objects b
sufficiently assured under the present organization of the judicial department. I therefore earnestly recommend the subject to your serious oon»ideratioh.
1'cvsevcrlng In the pacific and humane policy which had been invariably professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the
United States, wheu iudicatious were made on the part of llie French
�Transcription the Farewell Address
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/farewell/t'watran.html
THE PAPERS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
Transcription ofthe Final Manuscript of Washington's Farewell
Address
United States 19th September 1796
Friends, & Fellow—Citizens.
The period for a new election o f a Citizen, to Administer the Executive government of the United States,
being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating
the person, who is to be cloathed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may
conduce to a more distinct expression ofthe public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution
I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those, out of whom a choice is to be
made.
I beg you, at the sametime, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken,
without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful Citizen
to his country—and that, in withdrawing the tender of service wliich silence in my Situation might imply,
I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for
your past kindness; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.
The acceptance of, & continuance hitherto in, the Office to which your Suffrages have twice called me,
have been a unifonn sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared
to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently
with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been
reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last Election, had even led to
the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed & critical
posture of our Affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my
confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.
I rejoice, that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of
inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; & am persuaded whatever partiality
may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our country, you will not
disapprove my determination to retire.
The impressions, with which, 1 first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the
proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good
intentions, contributed towards the Organization and Administration ofthe government,
the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in
the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps
still more in the eyes of others, has strengthned the motives to diffidence of myself; and
every day the encreasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade
of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any
circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, 1 have the
consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political
scene, patriotizm does not forbid it.
'fj
01/12/98 11:27:13
�Transcription the Farewell Address
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/farewell/fwatran.html
scene, patriotizm does not forbid it.
In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my
feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude wch I owe to
my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the stedfast confidence
with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my
inviolable attachment, by services faithful & persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. I f
benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and
as an instructive example in our annals, that, under circumstances in which the Passions agitated in every
direction were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, viscissitudes of fortune often
discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of Success has countenanced the spirit of
criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans
by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave,
as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its
beneficence-that your Union & brotherly affection may be perpetual—that the free constitution, which is
the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained—that its Administration in every department may be
stamped with wisdom and Virtue-that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the
auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this
blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection—and
adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.
Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and
the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me on an occasion like the present, to offer to
your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments; which are the
result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to the
permanency of your felicity as a People. These will be offered to you with the more freedom as you can
only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal
motive to biass his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your endulgent reception of my
sentiments on a fonner and not dissimilar occasion.
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is
necessary to fortify or confirm the Attachment.
The Unity of Govemmeitt.which constitutes you one people is also now
dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main Pillar in the Edifice of your
real independence, the support of your tranquility at home; your peace
abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty which
you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that from different
causes & from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many
artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; t
as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of
internal & external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though
often covertly & insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you
should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to
your collective & individual happiness; that you should cherish a
cordial, habitual & immoveable attachment to it; accustoming
yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Palladium of your political
safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety;
discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in
any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first
dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our Country from
the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, o f a common
country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to
you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation
derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same Religeon,
Manners, Habits & political Principles. You have in a common cause fought & triumphed together-The
1 oi')
01/12/98 1 1:27:21
�Transcription the Farewell Address
httpV/minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/f'arewell/fwatran.html
independence & liberty you possess are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts—of common
dangers, sufferings and successes.
But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility are greatly
outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your Interest. Here every portion of our country
finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding & preserving the Union of the whole.
,
v-.-^idS&s
The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal
Laws ofa common government, finds in the productions ofthe latter, great
additional resources of Maratime & commercial enterprise and—precious
. materials of manufacturing industry. The South in the same Intercourse,
' benefitting by the Agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow & its commerce
expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its
particular navigation envigorated; and while it contributes, in different ways, to
nourish & increase the general mass of the National navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a
Maratime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West,
already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications, by land & water, will
more & more find a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at
home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth & comfort—and what is perhaps of
still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the Secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its
own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the
Union, directed by an indissoluble community of Interest as one Nation. Any other tenure by which the
West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own seperate strength, or from an
apostate & unnatural connection with any foreign Power, must be intrinsically precarious.
f
While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate & particular Interest
in Union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means &
efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from
external danger, a less frequent interruption of their Peace by foreign Nations; and,
what is of inestimable value! they must derive from Union an exemption from
those broils and Wars between themselves, which so frequently afflict
neighbouring countries, not tied together by the same government; which their own
rivalships al6ne wog^ldteesufficiertlito produce,'but which opposite foreign
alliances, attachments &irttriegues would stimulate & imbitter. Hence likewise
they will avotd*the necessity of those overgrown Military establishments, which
under any form of Government are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly
hostile to Republican Liberty: In this sense it is, that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of
your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.
<
These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting & virtuous mind, and exhibit the
continuance ofthe Union as a primary object of Patriotic desire. Is there a doubt, whether a common
government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such
a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the
auxiliary agency of governments for the respective Subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the
experiment. 'Tis well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to
Union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its
impracticability, there will always be reason, to distrust the patriotism of those, who in any quarter may
endeavor to weaken its bands.
In contemplating the causes wch may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, that any
ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by Geographical
discriminations—Northern and Southern-Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavour
to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of
Party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions & aims of other
Districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies & heart burnings which spring
from these misrepresentations. They tend to render Alien to each other those who ought to be bound
together by fraternal Affection. The Inhabitants of our Western country have lately had a useful lesson
on this head. They have Seen, in the Negociation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by
3 of 9
01/12/98 11:27:27
�Transcription the Farewell Address
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/farewell/fwatran.html
the Senate, of the Treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United
States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the
General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their Interests in regard to the Mississippi.
They have been witnesses to the formation of two Treaties, that with G: Britain and that with Spain,
which secure to them every thing they could desire, in respect to our Foreign relations, towards
confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages
on the Union by wch they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those Advisers, if such
there are, who would sever them from their Brethren and connect them with Aliens?
To the efficacy and permanency of Your Union, a Government for the
whole is indispensable. No Alliances however strict between the parts
can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the
infractions & interruptions which all Alliances in all times have
experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon
your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government, better
calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for the
efficacious management of your common concerns. This government,
the offspring of our own choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon
full investigation & mature deliberation, completely free in its
principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy,
and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a
just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority,
compliance with its Laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties
enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our
political Systems is the right ofthe people to make and to alter their
Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time
exists, 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all.
The very idea ofthe power and the right of the People to establish Government presupposes the duty of
every Individual to obey the established Government.
All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and Associations, under whatever
plausible character, with the real design to direct, controul counteract, or awe the regular deliberation
and action oMtie Constituted authorities are distructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal
tendency. They serve to Organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force-to put in the
place of the delegated will of the Nation, the will of a pafty; often a small but artful and enterprizing
minority of the Community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the
public Administration the Mirror of the ill concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the
Organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils and modefied by mutual
interests. However combinations or Associations ofthe above description may now & then answer
popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which
cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power ofthe People, & to usurp
for themselves the reins of Government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them
to unjust dominion.
4 of 9
01/12/98 11:27:31
�Transcription the Farewell Address
littp://minerva.acc. Virginia. EDU/gwpapers/t'arewell/fwatran. html
Towards the preservation of your Government and the permanency of
your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily
discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but
also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles
however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect,
in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the
energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly
overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember
that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of
Governments, as of other human institutions-that experience is the
surest standard, by which to test the real tendency of the existing
Constitution of a Country-that facility in changes upon the credit of
mere hypotheses & opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the
endless variety of hypotheses and opinion: and remember, especially,
that for the efficient management of your common interests, in a
country so extensive as ours, a Government of as much vigour as is
consistent with the perfect security of Liberty is indispensable—Liberty
itself will find in such a Government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest Guardian.
It is indeed little else than a name, where the Government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of
faction, to confine each member ofthe Society within the limits prescribed by the laws & to maintain all
in the secure & tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person & property.
I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties in the State, with particular reference to the
founding of them on Geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, &
warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party, generally.
This Spirit, unfortunately, is inseperable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the
human Mind. It exists under different shapes in all Governments, more or less stifled, controuled, or
repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst
enemy.
I The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural
to party dissention, which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid
enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and
permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of
men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of
some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the
purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of
sight) the common & continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the interest and
the duty of a wise People to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the Public Councils and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the
Community with ill founded Jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against
another, foments occasionally riot & insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence & corruption,
which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the
policy and the will of one country, are subjected to the policy and will of another.
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the Administration of the
Government and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true—and
in Governments of a Monarchical cast Patriotism may look with endulgence, if not with favour, upon the
spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to
be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for
every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of
public opinion, to mitigate & assuage it. A fire not to be quenched; it demands a uniform vigilance to
prevent its bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming it should consume.
of 9
01/12/98 11:27:35
�Transcription the Farewell Address
http://minerva.acc. Virginia. EDU/gwpapers/farewell/t'watran. html
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should
inspire caution in those entrusted with its Administration, to confine
themselves within their respective Constitutional Spheres; avoiding in the
exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another. The
spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the
departments in one, and thus to create whatever the fonn of government, a
real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to
abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us
of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the
exercise of political power; by dividing and distributing it into different
depositories, & constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal against
invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient &
modem; some of them in our country & under our own eyes. To preserve
them must be as necessary as to institute them. If in the opinion of the
People, the distribution or modification of the Constitutional powers be in
any particular wrong, let it be conected by an amendment in the way which
the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance,
may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which
the use can at any time yield.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are
indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to
subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens. The
mere Politican, equally with the pious man ought to respect & to cherish them. A volume could not trace
all their connections with private & public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for
property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the
instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that
morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined
education on minds of peculiar structure-reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National
morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule
indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government. Who that is ^sincere friend
to it 'tan look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric.
t
Promote then as an object of primary importance, Institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In
proportion as the structure ofa government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public
opinion should be enlightened.
As a very important source of strength & security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is
to use it as sparingly as possible: avoiding occasions of expence by cultivating peace, but remembering
also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to
repel it-avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expence, but by
vigorous exertions in time of Peace to discharge the Debts which unavoidable wars may have
occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear.
The execution of these maxims belongs to your Representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion
should cooperate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should
practically bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be Revenue—that to have Revenue
there must be taxes—that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient &
unpleasant—that the intrinsic embarrassment inseperable from lhe Selection ofthe proper objects (which
is always a choice of difficulties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the Conduct
ofthe Government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining Revenue
which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.
Observe good faith & justice towds all Nations. Cultivate peace & hannony with all-Religion &
morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy
ofa free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and
f> of 9
01/12/98 1 1:27:41
�Transcription the Farewell Address
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/f'arewell/fwatran.html
too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice & benevolence. Who can doubt that
in the course of time and things the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages
wch might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the
pennanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every
sentiment which ennobles human Nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?
In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that pennanent inveterate antipathies
against particular Nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded; and that in place of
them just & amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The Nation, which indulges towards
another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its
animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.
Antipathy in one Nation against another-disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay
hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions
of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate envenomed and bloody contests. The Nation,
prompted by ill will & resentment sometimes impels to War the Government, contrary to the best
calculations of policy. The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts
through passion what reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the Nation
subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition and other sinister & pernicious motives.
The peace often, sometimes perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the victim.
So likewise, a passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for
the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases where no real
common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities ofthe other, betrays the former into a
participation in the quanels & Wars of the latter, without adequate inducement or justification: It leads
also to concessions to the favourite Nation of priviledges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure
the Nation making the concessions-by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained—&
by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom eql priviledges are
withheld: And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the
favourite Nation) facility to betray, or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium,
sometimes even with popularity; gilding with the appearances o f a virtuous sense of obligation a
commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish
compliances of ambition conuption or infatuation.
As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the
truly enlightened and independent Patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with
domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the
public Councils! Such an attachment o f a small or weak, towards a great & powerful Nation, dooms the
former to be the satellite of the latter.
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens,), the
jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign
influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. But that jealousy to be useful must
be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence
against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom
they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the
other. Real Patriots, who may resist the intriegues of the favourite, are liable to become suspected and
odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause & confidence of the people, to sunender their
interests.
The Great mle of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations is in extending our comercial relations to
have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements
let them be fulfilled, with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.
Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must
be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence
therefore it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of
her politics, or the ordinary combinations & collisions of her friendships, or enmities.
7 of 9
01/12/98 11:27:46
�Transcription the Farewell Address
littp://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/f'arewell/fwatran.html
Our detached & distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one
People, under an efficient government, the period is not far off, when we may defy material injury from
external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time
resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making
acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or
War, as our interest guided by justice shall Counsel.
Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground?
Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in
the toils of European Ambition, Rivalship, Interest, Humour or Caprice?
'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent Alliances, with any portion of the foreign World-So far, I
mean, as we are now at liberty to do it-for let me not be understood as capable of patronising infidility
to existing engagements, (I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that
honesty is always the best policy)--! repeat it therefore. Let those engagements, be observed in their
genuine sense. But in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.
Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectably defensive posture, we
may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.
Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are recommended by policy, humanity and interest. But
even our Commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting
exclusive favours or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing & deversifying by
gentle means the streams of Commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with Powers so disposed-in
order to give to trade a stable course, to define the rights of our Merchants, and to enable the
Government to support them-conventional rules of intercourse; the best that present circumstances and
mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, & liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as
experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view, that 'tis folly in one Nation to
look for disinterested favors from another-that it must pay with a portion of its Independence for
whatever it may accept under that character—that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition
of having given equivalents for nominal favours and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not
. giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate upon real favours from Nation to
.Nation. 'Tis an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.
In offering to you, my Countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they
will make the strong and lasting impression, I could wish-that they will controul the usual current of the
passions, or prevent our Nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the Destiny of
Nations: But if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some
occasional good; that they may now & then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the
mischiefs of foreign Intriegue, to guard against the Impostures of pretended patriotism—this hope will be
a full recompence for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.
How far in the discharge of my Official duties, I have been guided by the principles which have been
delineated, the public Records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to You and to the world.
To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by
them.
In relation to the still subsisting War in Europe, my Proclamation of the 22d of April 1793 is the index
to my Plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of Your Representatives in both Houses of
Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me; uninfluenced by any attempts to deter
or divert me from it.
After deliberate examination with the aid of the best lights I could obtain I was well satisfied that our
Country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest,
to take a Neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it,
with moderation, perseverence & firmness.
The considerations, which respect the right to hold this conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to
X < (>
><
'
01/12/98 11:27:46
�Transcription the Farewell Address
http://minerva.acc.Virginia.EDU/gwpapers/farewell/fwatran.html
detail. I will only observe, that according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being
denied by any ofthe Belligerent Powers has been virtually admitted by all.
The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation
which justice and humanity impose on every Nation, in cases in which it isfreeto act, to maintain
inviolate the relations of Peace and amity towards other Nations.
The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections &
experience. With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavour to gain time to our country to settle
& mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption, to that degree of strength &
consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes.
Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration, I am unconscious of intentional error—I am
nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors.
Whatever they may be I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may
tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my Country will never cease to view them with indulgence;
and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its Service, with an upright zeal, the faults of
incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the Mansions of rest.
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so
natural to a Man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several Generations; I
anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the
sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow Citizens, the benign influence of good Laws
under afreeGovernment—the ever favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our
mutual cares, labours and dangers.
Go: Washington
Back to Document Homepage Back to Farewell Address Homepage
Electronic files created by
Frank E. Grizzard, Jr.
Assistant Editor
Revolutionary War Series
(
)of9
01/12/98 11:27:47
�We should never despair; our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the
better, so I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and
proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times.
-George Washington, July 15, 1777
(Quote #7 on page 148 of American Heritage Dictionary of American Quotations, by Miner and
Rawson)
TK^hawSmiioPof these states ism wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope •
f
•r&f^JK^^^f^ft
....^..^V
••••••••
. . . . r...... ..... r.
of hbertv tnrougnouti'the world, ft
-James Madison, September 1829
(Quote # 5 on page 17 of American Heritage Dictionary of American Quaotations, by Miner and
Rawson)
&
�V'^t is error alone that needs government support; truth can stand by itself." - T. Jefferson
-"•^Knowledge...is the great sun in the firmament. Life and power are scattered with all its beams."
-Daniel Webster, 1825
v
Jt'liike the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -T. Jefferson
'^Phe God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time" -T. Jefferson
jilf fs wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing" -T. Jefferson
J^Ffte cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind" -Thomas Paine
/We started from scratch, every American an immigrant who came because he wanted change.
Why are we now afraid to change?" -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Peace, like charity, begins at home" -F.D. Roosevelt
"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work at it" -Eleanor Roosevelt
"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another
problem" -Martin L. King, Jr.
"There can be no progress if people have no faith in tomorrow" -John F. Kennedy
"America means opportunity, freedom, power." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
�1798
-Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified.(limits authority of federal
courts over individual states)
-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services founded.
1898
-first photographs taken utilizing artificial light
-US Army got its first female assistant surgeon, Anita Newcombe McGee
William McKinly inagurated.
1948
-.... ^ ,,
^ ^ c ^ X xj Pc^y-L^
--H^ourt orders school to accept black, Jan 12...In a unanimous decision, the US Supreme Court
has ordered the state of Oklahoma to admit a black-to the University of Oklahoma Law School
-^mssionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa
•eWorld Health Organization founded
•xo,^^,
L>tfie transistor was invented by three Americans in order to replace the vaccum tube in computers
(jJM"generaI assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
,. -Th^K^rsfiall Plan became law.
"^arry S. Truman elected President.
u
p
Janiiap£27 in history...
V ^ ^ w n a s A. Edison received a patent for his incandescent electric bulb. <
—
-National Geographic founded in Washigton D.C.
C ^
i \ V t.a./' ^
�\j
"It is error alone that needs government support; truth can stand by itself." - T. Jefferson
\J "Knowledge...is the great sun in the firmament. Life and power are scattered with all its beams."
-Daniel Webster, 1825
J
' " I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -T. Jefferson
J
• "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time" -T. Jefferson
^ "It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing" -T. Jefferson
v
"Get Action. Seize the moment..."-T. Roosevelt
.'The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind" -Thomas Paine
' " i "They [Americans] are the hope of this world. They may become its model.
-A.R.J. Turgot
"We started from scratch, every American an immigrant who came because he wanted change.
" Why are we now afraid to change?" -Eleanor Roosevelt
^Tlios£j^o_c^qt^
are condemned to repeat it" -George Santayana
"Peace, like charity, begins at home" -F.D. Roosevelt
"God and the politicians willing, the United States can declare peace upon the world and win it"
-Ely Culbertson
"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work at it" -Eleanor Roosevelt
"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another
' problem" -Martin L. King, Jr.
\ "There can be no progress if people have no faith in tomorrow" -John F. Kennedy
/ "It is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are
fighting for their liberty in defending our own" -Benjamin Franklin
^There is no little enemy" -Benjamin Franklin
"There never was a good war or a bad peace" -Benjamin Franklin
"When men are employed they are best contented" -Benjamin Franklin
�,"6ur country is the world-our countrymen are mankind." - Wiilliam Lloyd Garrison 1831-1865
J._4'He serves his party best who serves the country best." - Rutheford B. Hayes
x
x "My affections were first for my own country, and then, generally, for all mankind." - T.
""Ifefferson 1811.
^"America means opportunity, freedom, power." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
\ . -"We must stop talking about the American dream and start listening to the Dreams of
^Americans." -Reubin Askew
:
'" "Peace is always beautiful." -Walt Whitman 1855
^X"Politics is a profession; a serious, complicated and, in its true sense, a noble one." -D.D.
Eisenhower
"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a
right...and a desire to know; but besides this, they have a right, and indisputable, unalienable,
indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean of the
characters and conduct of their rulers." -John Adams
/Let us...cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and
write....Let every sluice of knowledge be opened and set a-flowing." -John Adams
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate
/^object of good government." -T. Jefferson
N
^ ^ T f a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was
and never will be." T. Jefferson
\ J'We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than to consume wealth
without producing it. -T. Jefferson
�Quotes
"One man with courage is a majority" -T. Jefferson
"Government [is] founded in opinion and confidence." -T Jefferson: The Anas 1792
"We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately."
-B. Franklin , at Declaration of Independence signing July 4, 1776
"Wherever PUBLIC spirit prevails, liberty is secure." -Noah Webster
"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here." -A.Lincoln, Gettysburg
Address
00Tt is error alone that needs government support; truth can stand by itself." - T. Jefferson
"A republic—if you can keep it" -B Franklin 1787
A
"Knowledge...is the great sun in the firmament. Life and power are scattered with all its beams."
-Daniel Webster, 1825
"No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent"
-A. Lincoln, 1854
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
-A. Lincoln, 1863
"A public office is a public trust" -Anonymous
"The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate
object of good government." -T. Jefferson
"It is, Sir, the people's Constitution, the people's government, made for the people, made by the
people, and answerable to the people." D. Webster
"What more is necessary to make us wise and happy people? Still one thing more, fellow
citizens-wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which
shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and
shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good
government and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities"
-T. Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801
" I know no way of judging the future but by the past." -Patrick Henry, 1775
�" I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -T. Jefferson
"Great nations like great men, should keep their word." -Hugo Black
"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." -JFK
"He who enters a university walks on hallowed ground." -James Bryant Conant
"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." -John Cotton Dana
"Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe." -T. Jefferson
"A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing." -A. Hamilton
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people." -A. Lincoln
"The world must be made safe for democracy." -Woodrow Wilson
"In our youth is our strength , in our experience, our wisdom."- Herman Melville
" The only limit to America's realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today, let us move
forward with strong and active faith." -FDR
"Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as liberty
without freedom of speech." B. Franklin
"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time" -T. Jefferson
"Die when I may, I want it said of me that I picked a weed and planted a flower wherever I
thought a flower would grow." A. Lincoln
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see
right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds to care for him
who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve
and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." -A. Lincoln
"Important principles may and must be inflexible." -A.Lincoln
"The best way to destroy your enemy is to make him your friend." A. Lincoln
"The highest result of education is tolerance." -Helen Keller
"Taxes are paid in the sweat of every man who labors." -FDR
�1798
-Alien Act of June 22, 1798
-Sedition Act of June 14, 1798
-Kentucky Resolutions and Virginia Resolutions
1898
-Spain cedes Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines for $20 million
# -first photographs taken utilizing artificial light
* -US Army got its first female assistant surgeon, Anita Newcombe McGee
-Hawaiian Islands became a territory of the US
1948
• -Court orders school to accept black, Jan 12...In a unanimous decision, the US Supreme Court
has ordered the state of Oklahoma to admit a black to the University of Oklahoma Law School
-State of Israel comes into existence
-Draft Act is signed. A draft act requiring men from 19 thru 25 to serve in the military was
signed by President Truman.
-"State of the Union" film premiere, starring Dick Tracey, and Audrey Hepburn
• -Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa
-Voice of America made permanent agency
�Jefferson on dramatic change:
The researchers at Monticello said that they have no knowledge regarding Jefferson's ideas about
the government changing. They do have knowledge and literature regarding his ideas about
constitutional changes. These ideas are quoted below.
"Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the arc of
the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to them men of the preceding age a wisdom
more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment. I know that age well; I
belong to it, and labored with it. It deserved well of its country. It was very like the present, but
without the experience of the present; and forty years of experience in government is worth a
century of book-reading; and this they would say themselves, were they to rise form the dead. 1^
am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitution^ I think
moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate
ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects. But I know alsQ,,thatf
becombs^^fefHeveldped, more enlightened, as new discoveries. are..made,rnewitmths4iiscl^se^';
:
anH mnn nT<ifc''nn'H n i n i n i n r i s r V i n n o p w i t h t h p r h a n a e n f r.irr.11mstflnr.ps i n s t i t i i t i n n " ? r m i s t ' a H v a f i e e
capable as another of taking care of itself, and of ordering its own affairs.
- Letter to Sam Kercheval, July 12, 1816
"On similar ground it may be proved that no society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a
perpetual law, The earth belongs always to the living generation. They may manage it then, and
what proceeds from it, as they please, during their usufruct. They are masters too of their own
persons, and consequently may govern them as they please. ... Every constitution.... and,ev^y
law, naturally expires at the end of 19 years [a generation]. If it be enforced longer, it is an actjof
force, ^d'notWrigK'f|
- Letter to James Madison, September 6, 1789
Thomas Jefferson Writings
v
"Nothing... is unchangeable but the inherent and unalienable rights of man."
-- Letter to John Cartwright, June 5, 1824
The Portable Thomas Jefferson, p. 581
"A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing^and as, necessary in,the oolitical ^yorld as
storms in the physical... It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."
~ Letter to James Madison, January 30, 1787
Gale's Quotations
In defending against the accusations of anarchy, Jefferson wrote:
"The British ministry have so long hired their gazetteers to repeat and model into every form lies
about our being in anarchy, that the world has at length believed them... Yet where does this
anarchy exist? Where did it ever exist, except in the single instance of Massachusetts? And can
history produce an instance of rebellion so honourably conducted? ... God forbid we should be
�20 years without such a rebellion. The people can not be all, and always, well informed..." What
country before ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can
preserve it's liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve
the spirit of resistance: Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon
and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of libertyimusHje
refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Itis it'rnatmal'jSure! ""Our
Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusetts: and in the spur
of the moment they are setting up a kite to keep the hen yard in order. I hope in god this new
article will be rectified."
— Letter to William Stephens Smith: Paris, November 13, 1787
The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 12; p. 355-7
Let me know if you have any questions about these quotations.
Victoria
�+
Gale's Quotations
Thomas Jefferson
1743-1826
American. US President
A l i t t l e r e b e l l i o n , now and then, i s a good t h i n g , and as
necessary i n the p o l i t i c a l world as storms i n the p h y s i c a l . .
. . I t i s a medicine necessary f o r the sound h e a l t h of
government.
-- L e t t e r , James Madison, January 30, 1787
Born: A p r i l 13, 1743 i n Albemarle County, VA. Died: J u l y 4, 1826 i n Albemarle
County, VA.
Career H i g h l i g h t s : T h i r d pres., 1801-09; wrote Declaration of Independence,
1776; negotiated LA Purchase, 1803; organized Lewis, Clark expedition, 1803.
Also known as: Red Fox
i_
0
VA
>
•s ^
_
'O
!
Copyright (c) 1995 Gale Research Inc
�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!E:M!!]3S;[!!!EIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII[I1
TE C L M I
H OU B
A
W RD O Q OAO S
OL F U TT N
I
Search Results for:(Jefferson
What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be
refreshedfromtime to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its
natural manure.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president, letter, Nov. 13, 1787. The
Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 12, Julian P. Boyd (1955).
Referring to Daniel Shays's Rebellion of poor fanners in Massachusetts;
Jefferson, writingfromParis, was the only one of the American leaders not
alarmed by news of the revolt.
C o p y r i g h t 1996 by Columbia U n i v e r s i t y Press A l l R i g h t s Reserved.
�mmtititiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHi
TE C L M I
H OU B
A
W RD O Q O A O S
O L F U TT N
I
Search Results for:|Jefferson
^Nothing ... is unchangeable but the inherent and unalienablerightsof man.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, June 5, 1824, to John
Cartwright. The Portable Thomas Jefferson, p. 581, ed. Merrill D.
Peterson (1975).
C o p y r i g h t 1996 by Columbia U n i v e r s i t y Press A l l R i g h t s Reserved.
^
�TE C L M I
H OU B
A
W RD O Q O A O S
O L F U TT N
I
Search Results for:[Jefferson
Every constitution..., and every law, naturally expires at the end of 19 years [a
generation]. If it be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, September 6, 1789,
to James Madison. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 15, p. 396,
ed. Julian P. Boyd, et al. (1950).
C o p y r i g h t 1996 by Columbia U n i v e r s i t y Press A l l R i g h t s Reserved.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Michael Waldman
Description
An account of the resource
<p>Michael Waldman was Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriting from 1995-1999. His responsibilities were writing and editing nearly 2,000 speeches, which included four State of the Union speeches and two Inaugural Addresses. From 1993 -1995 he served as Special Assistant to the President for Policy Coordination.</p>
<p>The collection generally consists of copies of speeches and speech drafts, talking points, memoranda, background material, correspondence, reports, handwritten notes, articles, clippings, and presidential schedules. A large volume of this collection was for the State of the Union speeches. Many of the speech drafts are heavily annotated with additions or deletions. There are a lot of articles and clippings in this collection.</p>
<p>Due to the size of this collection it has been divided into two segments. Use links below for access to the individual segments:<br /><a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=43&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2006-0469-F+Segment+1">Segment One</a><br /><a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=43&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2006-0469-F+Segment+2">Segment Two</a></p>
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Michael Waldman
Office of Speechwriting
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1993-1999
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0469-F
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
Segment One contains 1071 folders in 72 boxes.
Segment Two contains 868 folders in 66 boxes.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Research Requests: Founding Father Quotes [1]
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 42
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36404"> Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763296">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0469-F Segment 2
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Preservation-Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
6/3/2015
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
7763296
42-t-7763296-20060469F-Seg2-042-015-2015