I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account of the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, to convene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure it was desirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public inconvenience and a considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitants of this city, whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all their fellow citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the state and decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, now happily realized, that, without hazard to the lives or health of the members, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by law to meet. I submit, however, to your consideration whether a power to postpone the meeting of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitution upon such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794. Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace in Europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless, abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence for interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvements, and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as our moral and our religious principles, against all open and secret attacks. Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked - one in July, the other in August - to join their colleague in Holland. I have received intelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from whence they all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days of the 19th of September. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothing will have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to a successful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may be compatible with the safety, honor and interest of the United States. Nothing, in the mean time, will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity of which on many former occasions the people of the United States have given such memorable proofs, and the exertion of those resources for national defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly placed within their power. It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the adjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at the opening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was then prudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen the reasons for its adoption. Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, and whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most certain that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained. The state of society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and religious obligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor have been so impaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and the law of nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition, avarice and violence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable ground on which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection or defense will not be plundered. The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. The genius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Their cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture, fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation. The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens. Under this view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if I forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the only sure means of preserving both. I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power at the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable information of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelligence Spanish garrisons were still continued within our country, and the running of the boundary line had not been commenced. These circumstances are the more to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the Indians in a manner injurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope that the answers which have been given will remove the objections offered by the Spanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty, I have judged it proper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run the line of limits. Further information on this subject will be communicated in the course of the session. In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontier it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienate the affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to actual hostilities against the United States. Great activity has been exerted by those persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes residing within the territory of the United States to influence them to transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to form them into a confederacy, and prepare them for war against the United States. Although measures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights, to prevent Indian hostilities, and to preserve entire their attachment to the United States, it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect to these measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of such practices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may be necessary. The commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain to ascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in 1796 October, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and the adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to meet at Boston in August. They met, but the surveys requiring more time than had been supposed, and not being then completed, the commissioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when we may expect a final examination and decision. The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treaty met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British subjects for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them from citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hitherto prevented any determinations, but the business is now resumed, and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption. Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by the commissioners in London conformably to the 7th article of the treaty. The sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the British Government. A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, and not captured property, were the only objects in question, have been decided by arbitration, and the sums awarded to the citizens of the United States have also been paid. The commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treaty with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide on the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have been interrupted, but are now resumed. The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the commissioners acting under the 6th article of the treaty with Great Britain, and for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the capture of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdiction of the United States and brought into their ports, or taken by vessels originally armed in ports of the United States, upon the awards of the commissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty, it is necessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations. The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerable expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before their tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been disbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means of the same captures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreign countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the sick in particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls have in these cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these advances they reasonably expect reimbursements from the United States. The consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment. The provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return are found to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems necessary to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discovered sailing under the flag of the United States and with forged papers. It seldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception, because they have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sea letters. It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere - the national debts and taxes. Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans has been introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war the sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects of what have been called funding systems. The consequences arising from the continual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonish us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defense must be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both should be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little as possible by loans. The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction be laid before you. We are met together at a most interesting period. The situation of the principal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with some by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can be indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor, safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions of wisdom and firmness. In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence.
I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account of the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, to convene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure it was desirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public inconvenience and a considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitants of this city, whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all their fellow citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the state and decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, now happily realized, that, without hazard to the lives or health of the members, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by law to meet. I submit, however, to your consideration whether a power to postpone the meeting of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitution upon such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794. Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace in Europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless, abundant because of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence for interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvements, and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as our moral and our religious principles, against all open and secret attacks. Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked - one in July, the other in August - to join their colleague in Holland. I have received intelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from whence they all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days of the 19th of September. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothing will have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to a successful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may be compatible with the safety, honor and interest of the United States. Nothing, in the mean time, will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity of which on many former occasions the people of the United States have given such memorable proofs, and the exertion of those resources for national defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly placed within their power. It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the adjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at the opening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was then prudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen the reasons for its adoption. Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, and whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most certain that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained. The state of society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and religious obligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor have been so impaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and the law of nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition, avarice and violence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable ground on which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection or defense will not be plundered. The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. The genius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Their cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture, fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation. The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens. Under this view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if I forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the only sure means of preserving both. I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power at the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable information of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelligence Spanish garrisons were still continued within our country, and the running of the boundary line had not been commenced. These circumstances are the more to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the Indians in a manner injurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope that the answers which have been given will remove the objections offered by the Spanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty, I have judged it proper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run the line of limits. Further information on this subject will be communicated in the course of the session. In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontier it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienate the affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to actual hostilities against the United States. Great activity has been exerted by those persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes residing within the territory of the United States to influence them to transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to form them into a confederacy, and prepare them for war against the United States. Although measures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights, to prevent Indian hostilities, and to preserve entire their attachment to the United States, it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect to these measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of such practices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may be necessary. The commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain to ascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in 1796 October, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and the adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to meet at Boston in August. They met, but the surveys requiring more time than had been supposed, and not being then completed, the commissioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when we may expect a final examination and decision. The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treaty met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British subjects for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them from citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hitherto prevented any determinations, but the business is now resumed, and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption. Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by the commissioners in London conformably to the 7th article of the treaty. The sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the British Government. A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, and not captured property, were the only objects in question, have been decided by arbitration, and the sums awarded to the citizens of the United States have also been paid. The commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treaty with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide on the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have been interrupted, but are now resumed. The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the commissioners acting under the 6th article of the treaty with Great Britain, and for the losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the capture of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdiction of the United States and brought into their ports, or taken by vessels originally armed in ports of the United States, upon the awards of the commissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty, it is necessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations. The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerable expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before their tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been disbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means of the same captures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreign countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the sick in particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls have in these cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these advances they reasonably expect reimbursements from the United States. The consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment. The provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return are found to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems necessary to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discovered sailing under the flag of the United States and with forged papers. It seldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception, because they have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sea letters. It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere - the national debts and taxes. Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans has been introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war the sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects of what have been called funding systems. The consequences arising from the continual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonish us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defense must be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both should be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little as possible by loans. The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction be laid before you. We are met together at a most interesting period. The situation of the principal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with some by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can be indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor, safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions of wisdom and firmness. In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence.
i was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary on account of the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of philadelphia to convene the national legislature at some other place this measure it was desirable to avoid because it would occasion much public inconvenience and a considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitants of this city whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all their fellow citizens therefore after taking measures to ascertain the state and decline of the sickness i postponed my determination having hopes now happily realized that without hazard to the lives or health of the members congress might assemble at this place where it was next by law to meet i submit however to your consideration whether a power to postpone the meeting of congress without passing the time fixed by the constitution upon such occasions would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794 although i can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace in europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea we have nevertheless abundant because of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence for interior tranquillity and personal security for propitious seasons prosperous agriculture productive fisheries and general improvements and above all for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty as well as our moral and our religious principles against all open and secret attacks our envoys extraordinary to the french republic embarked one in july the other in august to join their colleague in holland i have received intelligence of the arrival of both of them in holland from whence they all proceeded on their journeys to paris within a few days of the 19th of september whatever may be the result of this mission i trust that nothing will have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to a successful conclusion on such equitable terms as may be compatible with the safety honor and interest of the united states nothing in the mean time will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity of which on many former occasions the people of the united states have given such memorable proofs and the exertion of those resources for national defense which a beneficent providence has kindly placed within their power it may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the adjournment of congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two houses at the opening of your late extraordinary session if that system was then prudent it is more so now as increasing depredations strengthen the reasons for its adoption indeed whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with france and whether the war in europe is or is not to continue i hold it most certain that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained the state of society has so long been disturbed the sense of moral and religious obligations so much weakened public faith and national honor have been so impaired respect to treaties has been so diminished and the law of nations has lost so much of its force while pride ambition avarice and violence have been so long unrestrained there remains no reasonable ground on which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection or defense will not be plundered the commerce of the united states is essential if not to their existence at least to their comfort their growth prosperity and happiness the genius character and habits of the people are highly commercial their cities have been formed and exist upon commerce our agriculture fisheries arts and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it in short commerce has made this country what it is and it can not be destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and distress great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation the faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens under this view of our affairs i should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if i forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the only sure means of preserving both i have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power at the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable information of the due execution of our treaty with his catholic majesty respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the demarcation of the line of limits but by the latest authentic intelligence spanish garrisons were still continued within our country and the running of the boundary line had not been commenced these circumstances are the more to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the indians in a manner injurious to the united states still however indulging the hope that the answers which have been given will remove the objections offered by the spanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty i have judged it proper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run the line of limits further information on this subject will be communicated in the course of the session in connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontier it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienate the affections of the indian nations and to excite them to actual hostilities against the united states great activity has been exerted by those persons who have insinuated themselves among the indian tribes residing within the territory of the united states to influence them to transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation to form them into a confederacy and prepare them for war against the united states although measures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights to prevent indian hostilities and to preserve entire their attachment to the united states it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect to these measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of such practices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may be necessary the commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity commerce and navigation between the united states and great britain to ascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the river croix mentioned in the treaty of peace met at passamaquoddy bay in 1796 october and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and the adjacent shores and islands and being of opinion that actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary gave to the agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose and adjourned to meet at boston in august they met but the surveys requiring more time than had been supposed and not being then completed the commissioners again adjourned to meet at providence in the state of rhode island in june next when we may expect a final examination and decision the commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treaty met at philadelphia in may last to examine the claims of british subjects for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them from citizens or inhabitants of the united states various causes have hitherto prevented any determinations but the business is now resumed and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption several decisions on the claims of citizens of the united states for losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by the commissioners in london conformably to the 7th article of the treaty the sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the british government a considerable number of other claims where costs and damages and not captured property were the only objects in question have been decided by arbitration and the sums awarded to the citizens of the united states have also been paid the commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treaty with spain met at philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide on the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of his catholic majesty during the late war between spain and france their sittings have been interrupted but are now resumed the united states being obligated to make compensation for the losses and damages sustained by british subjects upon the award of the commissioners acting under the 6th article of the treaty with great britain and for the losses and damages sustained by british subjects by reason of the capture of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdiction of the united states and brought into their ports or taken by vessels originally armed in ports of the united states upon the awards of the commissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty it is necessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations the numerous captures of american vessels by the cruisers of the french republic and of some by those of spain have occasioned considerable expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before their tribunals the sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been disbursed by the consuls of the united states by means of the same captures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreign countries destitute of all means of subsistence and the sick in particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings the consuls have in these cases also advanced moneys for their relief for these advances they reasonably expect reimbursements from the united states the consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment the provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return are found to be inadequate and ineffectual another provision seems necessary to be added to the consular act some foreign vessels have been discovered sailing under the flag of the united states and with forged papers it seldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception because they have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sea letters it is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects which by the constitution are placed particularly within your sphere the national debts and taxes since the decay of the feudal system by which the public defense was provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals the system of loans has been introduced and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war the sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects of what have been called funding systems the consequences arising from the continual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonish us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own the national defense must be provided for as well as the support of government but both should be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes and as little as possible by loans the estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction be laid before you we are met together at a most interesting period the situation of the principal powers of europe are singular and portentous connected with some by treaties and with all by commerce no important event there can be indifferent to us such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor safety and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions of wisdom and firmness in all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence
time apprehensive would necessary account contagious sickness afflicted city philadelphia convene national legislature place measure desirable avoid would occasion much public inconvenience considerable public expense add calamities inhabitants city whose sufferings must excited sympathy fellow citizens therefore taking measures ascertain state decline sickness postponed determination hopes happily realized without hazard lives health members congress might assemble place next law meet submit however consideration whether power postpone meeting congress without passing time fixed constitution upon occasions would useful amendment law 1794 although yet congratulate reestablishment peace europe restoration security persons properties citizens injustice violence sea nevertheless abundant gratitude source benevolence influence interior tranquillity personal security propitious seasons prosperous agriculture productive fisheries general improvements rational spirit civil religious liberty calm steady determination support sovereignty well moral religious principles open secret attacks envoys extraordinary french republic embarked one july august join colleague holland received intelligence arrival holland whence proceeded journeys paris within days 19th september whatever may result mission trust nothing omitted part conduct negotiation successful conclusion equitable terms may compatible safety honor interest united states nothing mean time contribute much preservation peace attainment justice manifestation energy unanimity many former occasions people united states given memorable proofs exertion resources national defense beneficent providence kindly placed within power may confidently asserted nothing occurred since adjournment congress renders inexpedient precautionary measures recommended consideration two houses opening late extraordinary session system prudent increasing depredations strengthen reasons adoption indeed whatever may issue negotiation france whether war europe continue hold certain permanent tranquillity order soon obtained state society long disturbed sense moral religious obligations much weakened public faith national honor impaired respect treaties diminished law nations lost much force pride ambition avarice violence long unrestrained remains reasonable ground raise expectation commerce without protection defense plundered commerce united states essential existence least comfort growth prosperity happiness genius character habits people highly commercial cities formed exist upon commerce agriculture fisheries arts manufactures connected depend upon short commerce made country destroyed neglected without involving people poverty distress great numbers directly solely supported navigation faith society pledged preservation rights commercial sea faring less citizens view affairs hold guilty neglect duty forbore recommend make every exertion protect commerce place country suitable posture defense sure means preserving entertained expectation would power opening session communicated agreeable information due execution treaty catholic majesty respecting withdrawing troops territory demarcation line limits latest authentic intelligence spanish garrisons still continued within country running boundary line commenced circumstances regretted fail affect indians manner injurious united states still however indulging hope answers given remove objections offered spanish officers immediate execution treaty judged proper continue readiness receive posts run line limits information subject communicated course session connection unpleasant state things western frontier proper mention attempts foreign agents alienate affections indian nations excite actual hostilities united states great activity exerted persons insinuated among indian tribes residing within territory united states influence transfer affections force foreign nation form confederacy prepare war united states although measures taken counteract infractions rights prevent indian hostilities preserve entire attachment united states duty observe give better effect measures obviate consequences repetition practices law providing adequate punishment offenses may necessary commissioners appointed 5th article treaty amity commerce navigation united states great britain ascertain river truly intended name river croix mentioned treaty peace met passamaquoddy bay 1796 october viewed mouths rivers question adjacent shores islands opinion actual surveys rivers sources necessary gave agents two nations instructions purpose adjourned meet boston august met surveys requiring time supposed completed commissioners adjourned meet providence state rhode island june next may expect final examination decision commissioners appointed pursuance 6th article treaty met philadelphia may last examine claims british subjects debts contracted peace still remaining due citizens inhabitants united states various causes hitherto prevented determinations business resumed doubtless prosecuted without interruption several decisions claims citizens united states losses damages sustained reason irregular illegal captures condemnations vessels property made commissioners london conformably 7th article treaty sums awarded commissioners paid british government considerable number claims costs damages captured property objects question decided arbitration sums awarded citizens united states also paid commissioners appointed agreeably 21st article treaty spain met philadelphia summer past examine decide claims citizens losses sustained consequence vessels cargoes taken subjects catholic majesty late war spain france sittings interrupted resumed united states obligated make compensation losses damages sustained british subjects upon award commissioners acting 6th article treaty great britain losses damages sustained british subjects reason capture vessels merchandise taken within limits jurisdiction united states brought ports taken vessels originally armed ports united states upon awards commissioners acting 7th article treaty necessary provision made fulfilling obligations numerous captures american vessels cruisers french republic spain occasioned considerable expenses making supporting claims citizens tribunals sums required purpose divers instances disbursed consuls united states means captures great numbers sea men thrown ashore foreign countries destitute means subsistence sick particular exposed grievous sufferings consuls cases also advanced moneys relief advances reasonably expect reimbursements united states consular act relative sea men requires revision amendment provisions support foreign countries return found inadequate ineffectual another provision seems necessary added consular act foreign vessels discovered sailing flag united states forged papers seldom happens consuls detect deception authority demand inspection registers sea letters duty recommend serious consideration objects constitution placed particularly within sphere national debts taxes since decay feudal system public defense provided chiefly expense individuals system loans introduced nation raise within year taxes sufficient sums defense military operations time war sums loaned debts contracted necessarily become subjects called funding systems consequences arising continual accumulation public debts countries ought admonish us careful prevent growth national defense must provided well support government accomplished much possible immediate taxes little possible loans estimates service ensuing year direction laid met together interesting period situation principal powers europe singular portentous connected treaties commerce important event indifferent us circumstances call peculiar importunity less disposition unite measures honor safety prosperity country depend exertions wisdom firmness measures may rely zealous hearty concurrence
time apprehensive would necessary account contagious sickness afflict city philadelphia convene national legislature place measure desirable avoid would occasion much public inconvenience considerable public expense add calamity inhabitant city whose suffering must excite sympathy fellow citizen therefore take measure ascertain state decline sickness postpone determination hope happily realize without hazard live health member congress might assemble place next law meet submit however consideration whether power postpone meeting congress without pass time fix constitution upon occasion would useful amendment law 1794 although yet congratulate reestablishment peace europe restoration security person property citizen injustice violence sea nevertheless abundant gratitude source benevolence influence interior tranquillity personal security propitious season prosperous agriculture productive fishery general improvement rational spirit civil religious liberty calm steady determination support sovereignty well moral religious principle open secret attack envoys extraordinary french republic embark one july august join colleague holland receive intelligence arrival holland whence proceed journey paris within day 19th september whatever may result mission trust nothing omit part conduct negotiation successful conclusion equitable term may compatible safety honor interest united state nothing mean time contribute much preservation peace attainment justice manifestation energy unanimity many former occasion people united state give memorable proof exertion resource national defense beneficent providence kindly place within power may confidently assert nothing occur since adjournment congress render inexpedient precautionary measure recommend consideration two house open late extraordinary session system prudent increase depredation strengthen reason adoption indeed whatever may issue negotiation france whether war europe continue hold certain permanent tranquillity order soon obtain state society long disturbed sense moral religious obligation much weaken public faith national honor impaired respect treaty diminish law nation lose much force pride ambition avarice violence long unrestrained remains reasonable ground raise expectation commerce without protection defense plunder commerce united state essential existence least comfort growth prosperity happiness genius character habit people highly commercial city form exist upon commerce agriculture fishery arts manufacture connect depend upon short commerce make country destroy neglect without involve people poverty distress great number directly solely support navigation faith society pledge preservation right commercial sea fare less citizen view affair hold guilty neglect duty forbore recommend make every exertion protect commerce place country suitable posture defense sure mean preserve entertain expectation would power open session communicate agreeable information due execution treaty catholic majesty respect withdraw troop territory demarcation line limit late authentic intelligence spanish garrison still continue within country run boundary line commence circumstance regret fail affect indian manner injurious united state still however indulge hope answer give remove objection offer spanish officer immediate execution treaty judge proper continue readiness receive post run line limit information subject communicate course session connection unpleasant state thing western frontier proper mention attempt foreign agent alienate affection indian nation excite actual hostility united state great activity exert person insinuate among indian tribe reside within territory united state influence transfer affection force foreign nation form confederacy prepare war united state although measure take counteract infraction right prevent indian hostility preserve entire attachment unite state duty observe give good effect measure obviate consequence repetition practice law provide adequate punishment offense may necessary commissioner appoint 5th article treaty amity commerce navigation united state great britain ascertain river truly intended name river croix mention treaty peace meet passamaquoddy bay 1796 october view mouths river question adjacent shore islands opinion actual survey river source necessary give agent two nation instruction purpose adjourned meet boston august meet survey require time suppose complete commissioner adjourn meet providence state rhode island june next may expect final examination decision commissioner appoint pursuance 6th article treaty meet philadelphia may last examine claim british subject debts contract peace still remain due citizen inhabitant united state various cause hitherto prevented determination business resume doubtless prosecute without interruption several decision claim citizen united state loss damage sustain reason irregular illegal capture condemnation vessel property make commissioner london conformably 7th article treaty sum award commissioner pay british government considerable number claim cost damage capture property object question decide arbitration sum award citizen united state also pay commissioner appoint agreeably 21st article treaty spain meet philadelphia summer past examine decide claim citizens loss sustain consequence vessel cargoes take subject catholic majesty late war spain france sitting interrupt resumed united state obligate make compensation loss damage sustain british subject upon award commissioner act 6th article treaty great britain loss damage sustain british subject reason capture vessel merchandise take within limit jurisdiction united state bring port take vessel originally arm port united state upon award commissioner act 7th article treaty necessary provision make fulfilling obligation numerous capture american vessel cruiser french republic spain occasion considerable expense make support claim citizen tribunal sum require purpose diver instance disburse consul united state mean capture great number sea men throw ashore foreign country destitute mean subsistence sick particular expose grievous suffering consuls case also advance money relief advance reasonably expect reimbursement united state consular act relative sea men require revision amendment provision support foreign country return find inadequate ineffectual another provision seem necessary add consular act foreign vessel discover sailing flag united state forge paper seldom happen consuls detect deception authority demand inspection register sea letter duty recommend serious consideration object constitution place particularly within sphere national debt tax since decay feudal system public defense provide chiefly expense individual system loan introduce nation raise within year tax sufficient sum defense military operation time war sum loan debt contract necessarily become subject call fund system consequence arise continual accumulation public debt country ought admonish u careful prevent growth national defense must provide well support government accomplish much possible immediate tax little possible loan estimate service ensue year direction lay meet together interesting period situation principal power europe singular portentous connect treaty commerce important event indifferent u circumstance call peculiar importunity less disposition unite measure honor safety prosperity country depend exertion wisdom firmness measure may rely zealous hearty concurrence