Circumstances  , fellow citizens, which seriously threatened the peace of our country have made it a duty to convene you at an earlier period than usual. The love of peace so much cherished in the bosoms of our citizens, which has so long guided the proceedings of their public councils and induced forbearance under so many wrongs, may not insure our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry. The many injuries and depredations committed on our commerce and navigation upon the high seas for years past, the successive innovations on those principles of public law which have been established by the reason and usage of nations as the rule of their intercourse and the umpire and security of their rights and peace, and all the circumstances which induced the extraordinary mission to London are already known to you. The instructions given to our ministers were framed in the sincerest spirit of amity and moderation. They accordingly proceeded, in conformity therewith, to propose arrangements which might embrace and settle all the points in difference between us, which might bring us to a mutual understanding on our neutral and national rights and provide for a commercial intercourse on conditions of some equality. After long and fruitless endeavors to effect the purposes of their mission and to obtain arrangements within the limits of their instructions, they concluded to sign such as could be obtained and to send them for consideration, candidly declaring to the other negotiators at the same time that they were acting against their instructions, and that their Government, therefore, could not be pledged for ratification. Some of the articles proposed might have been admitted on a principle of compromise, but others were too highly disadvantageous, and no sufficient provision was made against the principal source of the irritations and collisions which were constantly endangering the peace of the two nations. The question, therefore, whether a treaty should be accepted in that form could have admitted but of one decision, even had no declarations of the other party impaired our confidence in it. Still anxious not to close the door against friendly adjustment, new modifications were framed and further concessions authorized than could before have been supposed necessary; and our ministers were instructed to resume their negotiations on these grounds. On this new reference to amicable discussion we were reposing in confidence, when on the 22nd day of June last by a formal order from a British admiral the frigate Chesapeake, leaving her port for a distant service, was attacked by one of those vessels which had been lying in our harbors under the indulgences of hospitality, was disabled from proceeding, had several of her crew killed and 4 taken away. On this outrage no commentaries are necessary. Its character has been pronounced by the indignant voices of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded. I immediately, by proclamation, interdicted our harbors and waters to all British armed vessels, forbade intercourse with them, and uncertain how far hostilities were intended, and the town of Norfolk, indeed, being threatened with immediate attack, a sufficient force was ordered for the protection of that place, and such other preparations commenced and pursued as the prospect rendered proper. An armed vessel of the United States was dispatched with instructions to our ministers at London to call on that Government for the satisfaction and security required by the outrage. A very short interval ought now to bring the answer, which shall be communicated to you as soon as received; then also, or as soon after as the public interests shall be found to admit, the unratified treaty and proceedings relative to it shall be made known to you. The aggression thus begun has been continued on the part of the British commanders by remaining within our waters in defiance of the authority of the country, by habitual violations of its jurisdiction, and at length by putting to death one of the persons whom they had forcibly taken from on board the Chesapeake. These aggravations necessarily lead to the policy either of never admitting an armed vessel into our harbors or of maintaining in every harbor such an armed force as may constrain obedience to the laws and protect the lives and property of our citizens against their armed guests; but the expense of such a standing force and its inconsistence with our principles dispense with those courtesies which would necessarily call for it, and leave us equally free to exclude the navy, as we are the army, of a foreign power from entering our limits. To former violations of maritime rights another is now added of very extensive effect. The Government of that nation has issued an order interdicting all trade by neutrals between ports not in amity with them; and being now at war with nearly every nation on the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, our vessels are required to sacrifice their cargoes at the first port they touch or to return home without the benefit of going to any other market. Under this new law of the ocean our trade on the Mediterranean has been swept away by seizures and condemnations, and that in other seas is threatened with the same fate. Our differences with Spain remain still unsettled, no measure having been taken on her part since my last communications to Congress to bring them to a close. But under a state of things which may favor reconsideration they have been recently pressed, and an expectation is entertained that they may now soon be brought to an issue of some sort. With their subjects on our borders no new collisions have taken place nor seem immediately to be apprehended. To our former grounds of complaint has been added a very serious one, as you will see by the decree a copy of which is now communicated. Whether this decree, which professes to be conformable to that of the French Government of 1806 November 21, heretofore communicated to Congress, will also be conformed to that in its construction and application in relation to the United States had not been ascertained at the date of our last communications. These, however, gave reason to expect such a conformity. With the other nations of Europe our harmony has been uninterrupted, and commerce and friendly intercourse have been maintained on their usual footing. Our peace with the several states on the coast of Barbary appears as firm as at any former period and as likely to continue as that of any other nation. Among our Indian neighbors in the northwestern quarter some fermentation was observed soon after the late occurrences, threatening the continuance of our peace. Messages were said to be interchanged and tokens to be passing, which usually denote a state of restlessness   among them, and the character of the agitators pointed to the sources of excitement. Measures were immediately taken for providing against that danger; instructions were given to require explanations, and, with assurances of our continued friendship, to admonish the tribes to remain quiet at home, taking no part in quarrels not belonging to them. As far as we are yet informed, the tribes in our vicinity, who are most advanced in the pursuits of industry, are sincerely disposed to adhere to their friendship with us and to their peace with all others, while those more remote do not present appearances sufficiently quiet to justify the intermission of military precaution on our part. The great tribes on our southwestern quarter, much advanced beyond the others in agriculture and household arts, appear tranquil and identifying their views with ours in proportion to their advancement. With the whole of these people, in every quarter, I shall continue to inculcate peace and friendship with all their neighbors and perseverance in those occupations and pursuits which will best promote their own well-being. The appropriations of the last session for the defense of our sea port towns and harbors were made under expectation that a continuance of our peace would permit us to proceed in that work according to our convenience. It has been thought better to apply the sums then given toward the defense of New York, Charleston, and New Orleans chiefly, as most open and most likely first to need protection, and to leave places less immediately in danger to the provisions of the present session. The gun boats, too, already provided have on a like principle been chiefly assigned to New York, New Orleans, and the Chesapeake. Whether our movable force on the water, so material in aid of the defensive works on the land, should be augmented in this or any other form is left to the wisdom of the Legislature. For the purpose of manning these vessels in sudden attacks on our harbors it is a matter for consideration whether the sea men of the United States may not justly be formed into a special militia, to be called on for tours of duty in defense of the harbors where they shall happen to be, the ordinary militia of the place furnishing that portion which may consist of landsmen. The moment our peace was threatened I deemed it indispensable to secure a greater provision of those articles of military stores with which our magazines were not sufficiently furnished. To have awaited a previous and special sanction by law would have lost occasions which might not be retrieved. I did not hesitate, therefore, to authorize engagements for such supplements to our existing stock as would render it adequate to the emergencies threatening us, and I trust that the Legislature, feeling the same anxiety for the safety of our country, so materially advanced by this precaution, will approve, when done, what they would have seen so important to be done if then assembled. Expenses, also unprovided for, arose out of the necessity of calling all our gun boats into actual service for the defense of our harbors; all of which accounts will be laid before you. Whether a regular army is to be raised, and to what extent, must depend on the information so shortly expected. In the mean time I have called on the States for quotas of militia, to be in readiness for present defense, and have, moreover, encouraged the acceptance of volunteers; and I am happy to inform you that these have offered themselves with great alacrity in every part of the Union. They are ordered to be organized and ready at a momentÕs warning to proceed on any service to which they may be called, and every preparation within the Executive powers has been made to insure us the benefit of early exertions. I informed Congress at their last session of the enterprises against the public peace which were believed to be in preparation by Aaron Burr and his associates, of the measures taken to defeat them and to bring the offenders to justice. Their enterprises were happily defeated by the patriotic exertions of the militia whenever called into action, by the fidelity of the Army, and energy of the commander in chief in promptly arranging the difficulties presenting themselves on the Sabine, repairing to meet those arising on the Mississippi, and dissipating before their explosion plots engendering there. I shall think it my duty to lay before you the proceedings and the evidence publicly exhibited on the arraignment of the principal offenders before the circuit court of Virginia. You will be enabled to judge whether the defect was in the testimony, in the law, or in the administration of the law; and wherever it shall be found, the Legislature alone can apply or originate the remedy. The framers of our Constitution certainly supposed they had guarded as well their Government against destruction by treason as their citizens against oppression under pretense of it, and if these ends are not attained it is of importance to inquire by what means more effectual they may be secured. The accounts of the receipts of revenue during the year ending on the 30th day of September last being not yet made up, a correct statement will be hereafter transmitted from the Treasury. In the mean time, it is ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near $16M, which, with the $5.5M in the Treasury at the beginning of the year, have enabled us, after meeting the current demands and interest incurred, to pay more than $4M of the principal of our funded debt. These payments, with those of the preceding 5.5 years, have extinguished of the funded debt $25.5M, being the whole which could be paid or purchased within the limits of the law and of our contracts, and have left us in the Treasury $8.5M. A portion of this sum may be considered as a commencement of accumulation of the surpluses of revenue which, after paying the installments of debt as they shall become payable, will remain without any specific object. It may partly, indeed, be applied toward completing the defense of the exposed points of our country, on such a scale as shall be adapted to our principles and circumstances. This object is doubtless among the 1st entitled to attention in such a state of our finances, and it is one which, whether we have peace or war, will provide security where it is due. Whether what shall remain of this, with the future surpluses, may be usefully applied to purposes already authorized or more usefully to others requiring new authorities, or how otherwise they shall be disposed of, are questions calling for the notice of Congress, unless, indeed, they shall be superseded by a change in our public relations now awaiting the determination of others. Whatever be that determination, it is a great consolation that it will become known at a moment when the supreme council of the nation is assembled at its post, and ready to give the aids of its wisdom and authority to whatever course the good of our country shall then call us to pursue. Matters of minor importance will be the subjects of future communications, and nothing shall be wanting on my part which may give information or dispatch to the proceedings of the Legislature in the exercise of their high duties, and at a moment so interesting to the public welfare.
Circumstances , fellow citizens, which seriously threatened the peace of our country have made it a duty to convene you at an earlier period than usual. The love of peace so much cherished in the bosoms of our citizens, which has so long guided the proceedings of their public councils and induced forbearance under so many wrongs, may not insure our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry. The many injuries and depredations committed on our commerce and navigation upon the high seas for years past, the successive innovations on those principles of public law which have been established by the reason and usage of nations as the rule of their intercourse and the umpire and security of their rights and peace, and all the circumstances which induced the extraordinary mission to London are already known to you. The instructions given to our ministers were framed in the sincerest spirit of amity and moderation. They accordingly proceeded, in conformity therewith, to propose arrangements which might embrace and settle all the points in difference between us, which might bring us to a mutual understanding on our neutral and national rights and provide for a commercial intercourse on conditions of some equality. After long and fruitless endeavors to effect the purposes of their mission and to obtain arrangements within the limits of their instructions, they concluded to sign such as could be obtained and to send them for consideration, candidly declaring to the other negotiators at the same time that they were acting against their instructions, and that their Government, therefore, could not be pledged for ratification. Some of the articles proposed might have been admitted on a principle of compromise, but others were too highly disadvantageous, and no sufficient provision was made against the principal source of the irritations and collisions which were constantly endangering the peace of the two nations. The question, therefore, whether a treaty should be accepted in that form could have admitted but of one decision, even had no declarations of the other party impaired our confidence in it. Still anxious not to close the door against friendly adjustment, new modifications were framed and further concessions authorized than could before have been supposed necessary; and our ministers were instructed to resume their negotiations on these grounds. On this new reference to amicable discussion we were reposing in confidence, when on the 22nd day of June last by a formal order from a British admiral the frigate Chesapeake, leaving her port for a distant service, was attacked by one of those vessels which had been lying in our harbors under the indulgences of hospitality, was disabled from proceeding, had several of her crew killed and 4 taken away. On this outrage no commentaries are necessary. Its character has been pronounced by the indignant voices of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded. I immediately, by proclamation, interdicted our harbors and waters to all British armed vessels, forbade intercourse with them, and uncertain how far hostilities were intended, and the town of Norfolk, indeed, being threatened with immediate attack, a sufficient force was ordered for the protection of that place, and such other preparations commenced and pursued as the prospect rendered proper. An armed vessel of the United States was dispatched with instructions to our ministers at London to call on that Government for the satisfaction and security required by the outrage. A very short interval ought now to bring the answer, which shall be communicated to you as soon as received; then also, or as soon after as the public interests shall be found to admit, the unratified treaty and proceedings relative to it shall be made known to you. The aggression thus begun has been continued on the part of the British commanders by remaining within our waters in defiance of the authority of the country, by habitual violations of its jurisdiction, and at length by putting to death one of the persons whom they had forcibly taken from on board the Chesapeake. These aggravations necessarily lead to the policy either of never admitting an armed vessel into our harbors or of maintaining in every harbor such an armed force as may constrain obedience to the laws and protect the lives and property of our citizens against their armed guests; but the expense of such a standing force and its inconsistence with our principles dispense with those courtesies which would necessarily call for it, and leave us equally free to exclude the navy, as we are the army, of a foreign power from entering our limits. To former violations of maritime rights another is now added of very extensive effect. The Government of that nation has issued an order interdicting all trade by neutrals between ports not in amity with them; and being now at war with nearly every nation on the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, our vessels are required to sacrifice their cargoes at the first port they touch or to return home without the benefit of going to any other market. Under this new law of the ocean our trade on the Mediterranean has been swept away by seizures and condemnations, and that in other seas is threatened with the same fate. Our differences with Spain remain still unsettled, no measure having been taken on her part since my last communications to Congress to bring them to a close. But under a state of things which may favor reconsideration they have been recently pressed, and an expectation is entertained that they may now soon be brought to an issue of some sort. With their subjects on our borders no new collisions have taken place nor seem immediately to be apprehended. To our former grounds of complaint has been added a very serious one, as you will see by the decree a copy of which is now communicated. Whether this decree, which professes to be conformable to that of the French Government of 1806 November 21, heretofore communicated to Congress, will also be conformed to that in its construction and application in relation to the United States had not been ascertained at the date of our last communications. These, however, gave reason to expect such a conformity. With the other nations of Europe our harmony has been uninterrupted, and commerce and friendly intercourse have been maintained on their usual footing. Our peace with the several states on the coast of Barbary appears as firm as at any former period and as likely to continue as that of any other nation. Among our Indian neighbors in the northwestern quarter some fermentation was observed soon after the late occurrences, threatening the continuance of our peace. Messages were said to be interchanged and tokens to be passing, which usually denote a state of restlessness among them, and the character of the agitators pointed to the sources of excitement. Measures were immediately taken for providing against that danger; instructions were given to require explanations, and, with assurances of our continued friendship, to admonish the tribes to remain quiet at home, taking no part in quarrels not belonging to them. As far as we are yet informed, the tribes in our vicinity, who are most advanced in the pursuits of industry, are sincerely disposed to adhere to their friendship with us and to their peace with all others, while those more remote do not present appearances sufficiently quiet to justify the intermission of military precaution on our part. The great tribes on our southwestern quarter, much advanced beyond the others in agriculture and household arts, appear tranquil and identifying their views with ours in proportion to their advancement. With the whole of these people, in every quarter, I shall continue to inculcate peace and friendship with all their neighbors and perseverance in those occupations and pursuits which will best promote their own well-being. The appropriations of the last session for the defense of our sea port towns and harbors were made under expectation that a continuance of our peace would permit us to proceed in that work according to our convenience. It has been thought better to apply the sums then given toward the defense of New York, Charleston, and New Orleans chiefly, as most open and most likely first to need protection, and to leave places less immediately in danger to the provisions of the present session. The gun boats, too, already provided have on a like principle been chiefly assigned to New York, New Orleans, and the Chesapeake. Whether our movable force on the water, so material in aid of the defensive works on the land, should be augmented in this or any other form is left to the wisdom of the Legislature. For the purpose of manning these vessels in sudden attacks on our harbors it is a matter for consideration whether the sea men of the United States may not justly be formed into a special militia, to be called on for tours of duty in defense of the harbors where they shall happen to be, the ordinary militia of the place furnishing that portion which may consist of landsmen. The moment our peace was threatened I deemed it indispensable to secure a greater provision of those articles of military stores with which our magazines were not sufficiently furnished. To have awaited a previous and special sanction by law would have lost occasions which might not be retrieved. I did not hesitate, therefore, to authorize engagements for such supplements to our existing stock as would render it adequate to the emergencies threatening us, and I trust that the Legislature, feeling the same anxiety for the safety of our country, so materially advanced by this precaution, will approve, when done, what they would have seen so important to be done if then assembled. Expenses, also unprovided for, arose out of the necessity of calling all our gun boats into actual service for the defense of our harbors; all of which accounts will be laid before you. Whether a regular army is to be raised, and to what extent, must depend on the information so shortly expected. In the mean time I have called on the States for quotas of militia, to be in readiness for present defense, and have, moreover, encouraged the acceptance of volunteers; and I am happy to inform you that these have offered themselves with great alacrity in every part of the Union. They are ordered to be organized and ready at a momentÕs warning to proceed on any service to which they may be called, and every preparation within the Executive powers has been made to insure us the benefit of early exertions. I informed Congress at their last session of the enterprises against the public peace which were believed to be in preparation by Aaron Burr and his associates, of the measures taken to defeat them and to bring the offenders to justice. Their enterprises were happily defeated by the patriotic exertions of the militia whenever called into action, by the fidelity of the Army, and energy of the commander in chief in promptly arranging the difficulties presenting themselves on the Sabine, repairing to meet those arising on the Mississippi, and dissipating before their explosion plots engendering there. I shall think it my duty to lay before you the proceedings and the evidence publicly exhibited on the arraignment of the principal offenders before the circuit court of Virginia. You will be enabled to judge whether the defect was in the testimony, in the law, or in the administration of the law; and wherever it shall be found, the Legislature alone can apply or originate the remedy. The framers of our Constitution certainly supposed they had guarded as well their Government against destruction by treason as their citizens against oppression under pretense of it, and if these ends are not attained it is of importance to inquire by what means more effectual they may be secured. The accounts of the receipts of revenue during the year ending on the 30th day of September last being not yet made up, a correct statement will be hereafter transmitted from the Treasury. In the mean time, it is ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near $16M, which, with the $5.5M in the Treasury at the beginning of the year, have enabled us, after meeting the current demands and interest incurred, to pay more than $4M of the principal of our funded debt. These payments, with those of the preceding 5.5 years, have extinguished of the funded debt $25.5M, being the whole which could be paid or purchased within the limits of the law and of our contracts, and have left us in the Treasury $8.5M. A portion of this sum may be considered as a commencement of accumulation of the surpluses of revenue which, after paying the installments of debt as they shall become payable, will remain without any specific object. It may partly, indeed, be applied toward completing the defense of the exposed points of our country, on such a scale as shall be adapted to our principles and circumstances. This object is doubtless among the 1st entitled to attention in such a state of our finances, and it is one which, whether we have peace or war, will provide security where it is due. Whether what shall remain of this, with the future surpluses, may be usefully applied to purposes already authorized or more usefully to others requiring new authorities, or how otherwise they shall be disposed of, are questions calling for the notice of Congress, unless, indeed, they shall be superseded by a change in our public relations now awaiting the determination of others. Whatever be that determination, it is a great consolation that it will become known at a moment when the supreme council of the nation is assembled at its post, and ready to give the aids of its wisdom and authority to whatever course the good of our country shall then call us to pursue. Matters of minor importance will be the subjects of future communications, and nothing shall be wanting on my part which may give information or dispatch to the proceedings of the Legislature in the exercise of their high duties, and at a moment so interesting to the public welfare.
circumstances fellow citizens which seriously threatened the peace of our country have made it a duty to convene you at an earlier period than usual the love of peace so much cherished in the bosoms of our citizens which has so long guided the proceedings of their public councils and induced forbearance under so many wrongs may not insure our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry the many injuries and depredations committed on our commerce and navigation upon the high seas for years past the successive innovations on those principles of public law which have been established by the reason and usage of nations as the rule of their intercourse and the umpire and security of their rights and peace and all the circumstances which induced the extraordinary mission to london are already known to you the instructions given to our ministers were framed in the sincerest spirit of amity and moderation they accordingly proceeded in conformity therewith to propose arrangements which might embrace and settle all the points in difference between us which might bring us to a mutual understanding on our neutral and national rights and provide for a commercial intercourse on conditions of some equality after long and fruitless endeavors to effect the purposes of their mission and to obtain arrangements within the limits of their instructions they concluded to sign such as could be obtained and to send them for consideration candidly declaring to the other negotiators at the same time that they were acting against their instructions and that their government therefore could not be pledged for ratification some of the articles proposed might have been admitted on a principle of compromise but others were too highly disadvantageous and no sufficient provision was made against the principal source of the irritations and collisions which were constantly endangering the peace of the two nations the question therefore whether a treaty should be accepted in that form could have admitted but of one decision even had no declarations of the other party impaired our confidence in it still anxious not to close the door against friendly adjustment new modifications were framed and further concessions authorized than could before have been supposed necessary and our ministers were instructed to resume their negotiations on these grounds on this new reference to amicable discussion we were reposing in confidence when on the 22nd day of june last by a formal order from a british admiral the frigate chesapeake leaving her port for a distant service was attacked by one of those vessels which had been lying in our harbors under the indulgences of hospitality was disabled from proceeding had several of her crew killed and 4 taken away on this outrage no commentaries are necessary its character has been pronounced by the indignant voices of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded i immediately by proclamation interdicted our harbors and waters to all british armed vessels forbade intercourse with them and uncertain how far hostilities were intended and the town of norfolk indeed being threatened with immediate attack a sufficient force was ordered for the protection of that place and such other preparations commenced and pursued as the prospect rendered proper an armed vessel of the united states was dispatched with instructions to our ministers at london to call on that government for the satisfaction and security required by the outrage a very short interval ought now to bring the answer which shall be communicated to you as soon as received then also or as soon after as the public interests shall be found to admit the unratified treaty and proceedings relative to it shall be made known to you the aggression thus begun has been continued on the part of the british commanders by remaining within our waters in defiance of the authority of the country by habitual violations of its jurisdiction and at length by putting to death one of the persons whom they had forcibly taken from on board the chesapeake these aggravations necessarily lead to the policy either of never admitting an armed vessel into our harbors or of maintaining in every harbor such an armed force as may constrain obedience to the laws and protect the lives and property of our citizens against their armed guests but the expense of such a standing force and its inconsistence with our principles dispense with those courtesies which would necessarily call for it and leave us equally free to exclude the navy as we are the army of a foreign power from entering our limits to former violations of maritime rights another is now added of very extensive effect the government of that nation has issued an order interdicting all trade by neutrals between ports not in amity with them and being now at war with nearly every nation on the atlantic and mediterranean seas our vessels are required to sacrifice their cargoes at the first port they touch or to return home without the benefit of going to any other market under this new law of the ocean our trade on the mediterranean has been swept away by seizures and condemnations and that in other seas is threatened with the same fate our differences with spain remain still unsettled no measure having been taken on her part since my last communications to congress to bring them to a close but under a state of things which may favor reconsideration they have been recently pressed and an expectation is entertained that they may now soon be brought to an issue of some sort with their subjects on our borders no new collisions have taken place nor seem immediately to be apprehended to our former grounds of complaint has been added a very serious one as you will see by the decree a copy of which is now communicated whether this decree which professes to be conformable to that of the french government of 1806 november 21 heretofore communicated to congress will also be conformed to that in its construction and application in relation to the united states had not been ascertained at the date of our last communications these however gave reason to expect such a conformity with the other nations of europe our harmony has been uninterrupted and commerce and friendly intercourse have been maintained on their usual footing our peace with the several states on the coast of barbary appears as firm as at any former period and as likely to continue as that of any other nation among our indian neighbors in the northwestern quarter some fermentation was observed soon after the late occurrences threatening the continuance of our peace messages were said to be interchanged and tokens to be passing which usually denote a state of restlessness among them and the character of the agitators pointed to the sources of excitement measures were immediately taken for providing against that danger instructions were given to require explanations and with assurances of our continued friendship to admonish the tribes to remain quiet at home taking no part in quarrels not belonging to them as far as we are yet informed the tribes in our vicinity who are most advanced in the pursuits of industry are sincerely disposed to adhere to their friendship with us and to their peace with all others while those more remote do not present appearances sufficiently quiet to justify the intermission of military precaution on our part the great tribes on our southwestern quarter much advanced beyond the others in agriculture and household arts appear tranquil and identifying their views with ours in proportion to their advancement with the whole of these people in every quarter i shall continue to inculcate peace and friendship with all their neighbors and perseverance in those occupations and pursuits which will best promote their own the appropriations of the last session for the defense of our sea port towns and harbors were made under expectation that a continuance of our peace would permit us to proceed in that work according to our convenience it has been thought better to apply the sums then given toward the defense of new york charleston and new orleans chiefly as most open and most likely first to need protection and to leave places less immediately in danger to the provisions of the present session the gun boats too already provided have on a like principle been chiefly assigned to new york new orleans and the chesapeake whether our movable force on the water so material in aid of the defensive works on the land should be augmented in this or any other form is left to the wisdom of the legislature for the purpose of manning these vessels in sudden attacks on our harbors it is a matter for consideration whether the sea men of the united states may not justly be formed into a special militia to be called on for tours of duty in defense of the harbors where they shall happen to be the ordinary militia of the place furnishing that portion which may consist of landsmen the moment our peace was threatened i deemed it indispensable to secure a greater provision of those articles of military stores with which our magazines were not sufficiently furnished to have awaited a previous and special sanction by law would have lost occasions which might not be retrieved i did not hesitate therefore to authorize engagements for such supplements to our existing stock as would render it adequate to the emergencies threatening us and i trust that the legislature feeling the same anxiety for the safety of our country so materially advanced by this precaution will approve when done what they would have seen so important to be done if then assembled expenses also unprovided for arose out of the necessity of calling all our gun boats into actual service for the defense of our harbors all of which accounts will be laid before you whether a regular army is to be raised and to what extent must depend on the information so shortly expected in the mean time i have called on the states for quotas of militia to be in readiness for present defense and have moreover encouraged the acceptance of volunteers and i am happy to inform you that these have offered themselves with great alacrity in every part of the union they are ordered to be organized and ready at a momentõs warning to proceed on any service to which they may be called and every preparation within the executive powers has been made to insure us the benefit of early exertions i informed congress at their last session of the enterprises against the public peace which were believed to be in preparation by aaron burr and his associates of the measures taken to defeat them and to bring the offenders to justice their enterprises were happily defeated by the patriotic exertions of the militia whenever called into action by the fidelity of the army and energy of the commander in chief in promptly arranging the difficulties presenting themselves on the sabine repairing to meet those arising on the mississippi and dissipating before their explosion plots engendering there i shall think it my duty to lay before you the proceedings and the evidence publicly exhibited on the arraignment of the principal offenders before the circuit court of virginia you will be enabled to judge whether the defect was in the testimony in the law or in the administration of the law and wherever it shall be found the legislature alone can apply or originate the remedy the framers of our constitution certainly supposed they had guarded as well their government against destruction by treason as their citizens against oppression under pretense of it and if these ends are not attained it is of importance to inquire by what means more effectual they may be secured the accounts of the receipts of revenue during the year ending on the 30th day of september last being not yet made up a correct statement will be hereafter transmitted from the treasury in the mean time it is ascertained that the receipts have amounted to near 16m which with the in the treasury at the beginning of the year have enabled us after meeting the current demands and interest incurred to pay more than 4m of the principal of our funded debt these payments with those of the preceding years have extinguished of the funded debt being the whole which could be paid or purchased within the limits of the law and of our contracts and have left us in the treasury a portion of this sum may be considered as a commencement of accumulation of the surpluses of revenue which after paying the installments of debt as they shall become payable will remain without any specific object it may partly indeed be applied toward completing the defense of the exposed points of our country on such a scale as shall be adapted to our principles and circumstances this object is doubtless among the 1st entitled to attention in such a state of our finances and it is one which whether we have peace or war will provide security where it is due whether what shall remain of this with the future surpluses may be usefully applied to purposes already authorized or more usefully to others requiring new authorities or how otherwise they shall be disposed of are questions calling for the notice of congress unless indeed they shall be superseded by a change in our public relations now awaiting the determination of others whatever be that determination it is a great consolation that it will become known at a moment when the supreme council of the nation is assembled at its post and ready to give the aids of its wisdom and authority to whatever course the good of our country shall then call us to pursue matters of minor importance will be the subjects of future communications and nothing shall be wanting on my part which may give information or dispatch to the proceedings of the legislature in the exercise of their high duties and at a moment so interesting to the public welfare
circumstances fellow citizens seriously threatened peace country made duty convene earlier period usual love peace much cherished bosoms citizens long guided proceedings public councils induced forbearance many wrongs may insure continuance quiet pursuits industry many injuries depredations committed commerce navigation upon high seas years past successive innovations principles public law established reason usage nations rule intercourse umpire security rights peace circumstances induced extraordinary mission london already known instructions given ministers framed sincerest spirit amity moderation accordingly proceeded conformity therewith propose arrangements might embrace settle points difference us might bring us mutual understanding neutral national rights provide commercial intercourse conditions equality long fruitless endeavors effect purposes mission obtain arrangements within limits instructions concluded sign could obtained send consideration candidly declaring negotiators time acting instructions government therefore could pledged ratification articles proposed might admitted principle compromise others highly disadvantageous sufficient provision made principal source irritations collisions constantly endangering peace two nations question therefore whether treaty accepted form could admitted one decision even declarations party impaired confidence still anxious close door friendly adjustment new modifications framed concessions authorized could supposed necessary ministers instructed resume negotiations grounds new reference amicable discussion reposing confidence 22nd day june last formal order british admiral frigate chesapeake leaving port distant service attacked one vessels lying harbors indulgences hospitality disabled proceeding several crew killed 4 taken away outrage commentaries necessary character pronounced indignant voices citizens emphasis unanimity never exceeded immediately proclamation interdicted harbors waters british armed vessels forbade intercourse uncertain far hostilities intended town norfolk indeed threatened immediate attack sufficient force ordered protection place preparations commenced pursued prospect rendered proper armed vessel united states dispatched instructions ministers london call government satisfaction security required outrage short interval ought bring answer shall communicated soon received also soon public interests shall found admit unratified treaty proceedings relative shall made known aggression thus begun continued part british commanders remaining within waters defiance authority country habitual violations jurisdiction length putting death one persons forcibly taken board chesapeake aggravations necessarily lead policy either never admitting armed vessel harbors maintaining every harbor armed force may constrain obedience laws protect lives property citizens armed guests expense standing force inconsistence principles dispense courtesies would necessarily call leave us equally free exclude navy army foreign power entering limits former violations maritime rights another added extensive effect government nation issued order interdicting trade neutrals ports amity war nearly every nation atlantic mediterranean seas vessels required sacrifice cargoes first port touch return home without benefit going market new law ocean trade mediterranean swept away seizures condemnations seas threatened fate differences spain remain still unsettled measure taken part since last communications congress bring close state things may favor reconsideration recently pressed expectation entertained may soon brought issue sort subjects borders new collisions taken place seem immediately apprehended former grounds complaint added serious one see decree copy communicated whether decree professes conformable french government 1806 november 21 heretofore communicated congress also conformed construction application relation united states ascertained date last communications however gave reason expect conformity nations europe harmony uninterrupted commerce friendly intercourse maintained usual footing peace several states coast barbary appears firm former period likely continue nation among indian neighbors northwestern quarter fermentation observed soon late occurrences threatening continuance peace messages said interchanged tokens passing usually denote state restlessness among character agitators pointed sources excitement measures immediately taken providing danger instructions given require explanations assurances continued friendship admonish tribes remain quiet home taking part quarrels belonging far yet informed tribes vicinity advanced pursuits industry sincerely disposed adhere friendship us peace others remote present appearances sufficiently quiet justify intermission military precaution part great tribes southwestern quarter much advanced beyond others agriculture household arts appear tranquil identifying views proportion advancement whole people every quarter shall continue inculcate peace friendship neighbors perseverance occupations pursuits best promote appropriations last session defense sea port towns harbors made expectation continuance peace would permit us proceed work according convenience thought better apply sums given toward defense new york charleston new orleans chiefly open likely first need protection leave places less immediately danger provisions present session gun boats already provided like principle chiefly assigned new york new orleans chesapeake whether movable force water material aid defensive works land augmented form left wisdom legislature purpose manning vessels sudden attacks harbors matter consideration whether sea men united states may justly formed special militia called tours duty defense harbors shall happen ordinary militia place furnishing portion may consist landsmen moment peace threatened deemed indispensable secure greater provision articles military stores magazines sufficiently furnished awaited previous special sanction law would lost occasions might retrieved hesitate therefore authorize engagements supplements existing stock would render adequate emergencies threatening us trust legislature feeling anxiety safety country materially advanced precaution approve done would seen important done assembled expenses also unprovided arose necessity calling gun boats actual service defense harbors accounts laid whether regular army raised extent must depend information shortly expected mean time called states quotas militia readiness present defense moreover encouraged acceptance volunteers happy inform offered great alacrity every part union ordered organized ready momentõs warning proceed service may called every preparation within executive powers made insure us benefit early exertions informed congress last session enterprises public peace believed preparation aaron burr associates measures taken defeat bring offenders justice enterprises happily defeated patriotic exertions militia whenever called action fidelity army energy commander chief promptly arranging difficulties presenting sabine repairing meet arising mississippi dissipating explosion plots engendering shall think duty lay proceedings evidence publicly exhibited arraignment principal offenders circuit court virginia enabled judge whether defect testimony law administration law wherever shall found legislature alone apply originate remedy framers constitution certainly supposed guarded well government destruction treason citizens oppression pretense ends attained importance inquire means effectual may secured accounts receipts revenue year ending 30th day september last yet made correct statement hereafter transmitted treasury mean time ascertained receipts amounted near 16m treasury beginning year enabled us meeting current demands interest incurred pay 4m principal funded debt payments preceding years extinguished funded debt whole could paid purchased within limits law contracts left us treasury portion sum may considered commencement accumulation surpluses revenue paying installments debt shall become payable remain without specific object may partly indeed applied toward completing defense exposed points country scale shall adapted principles circumstances object doubtless among 1st entitled attention state finances one whether peace war provide security due whether shall remain future surpluses may usefully applied purposes already authorized usefully others requiring new authorities otherwise shall disposed questions calling notice congress unless indeed shall superseded change public relations awaiting determination others whatever determination great consolation become known moment supreme council nation assembled post ready give aids wisdom authority whatever course good country shall call us pursue matters minor importance subjects future communications nothing shall wanting part may give information dispatch proceedings legislature exercise high duties moment interesting public welfare
circumstance fellow citizen seriously threaten peace country make duty convene earlier period usual love peace much cherish bosom citizen long guide proceeding public council induce forbearance many wrong may insure continuance quiet pursuit industry many injury depredation commit commerce navigation upon high sea year past successive innovation principles public law establish reason usage nation rule intercourse umpire security right peace circumstance induce extraordinary mission london already know instruction give minister frame sincere spirit amity moderation accordingly proceed conformity therewith propose arrangement might embrace settle point difference u might bring u mutual understanding neutral national right provide commercial intercourse condition equality long fruitless endeavor effect purpose mission obtain arrangement within limit instruction conclude sign could obtain send consideration candidly declare negotiator time act instruction government therefore could pledge ratification article propose might admit principle compromise others highly disadvantageous sufficient provision make principal source irritation collision constantly endanger peace two nation question therefore whether treaty accept form could admit one decision even declaration party impair confidence still anxious close door friendly adjustment new modification frame concession authorize could suppose necessary minister instruct resume negotiation ground new reference amicable discussion repose confidence 22nd day june last formal order british admiral frigate chesapeake leave port distant service attack one vessel lie harbor indulgence hospitality disable proceed several crew kill 4 take away outrage commentary necessary character pronounce indignant voice citizen emphasis unanimity never exceed immediately proclamation interdict harbor water british arm vessel forbade intercourse uncertain far hostility intend town norfolk indeed threaten immediate attack sufficient force order protection place preparation commence pursue prospect render proper armed vessel united state dispatch instruction minister london call government satisfaction security require outrage short interval ought bring answer shall communicate soon receive also soon public interest shall find admit unratified treaty proceeding relative shall make know aggression thus begin continued part british commander remain within water defiance authority country habitual violation jurisdiction length put death one person forcibly take board chesapeake aggravation necessarily lead policy either never admit arm vessel harbor maintain every harbor arm force may constrain obedience law protect live property citizen arm guest expense stand force inconsistence principle dispense courtesy would necessarily call leave u equally free exclude navy army foreign power enter limit former violation maritime right another add extensive effect government nation issue order interdict trade neutral port amity war nearly every nation atlantic mediterranean sea vessel require sacrifice cargo first port touch return home without benefit go market new law ocean trade mediterranean sweep away seizures condemnation sea threaten fate difference spain remain still unsettled measure take part since last communication congress bring close state thing may favor reconsideration recently press expectation entertain may soon bring issue sort subject border new collision take place seem immediately apprehend former ground complaint add serious one see decree copy communicate whether decree professes conformable french government 1806 november 21 heretofore communicate congress also conform construction application relation united state ascertain date last communication however give reason expect conformity nation europe harmony uninterrupted commerce friendly intercourse maintain usual footing peace several state coast barbary appear firm former period likely continue nation among indian neighbor northwestern quarter fermentation observe soon late occurrence threaten continuance peace message say interchanged token pass usually denote state restlessness among character agitator point source excitement measure immediately take provide danger instruction give require explanation assurance continue friendship admonish tribe remain quiet home take part quarrel belong far yet inform tribes vicinity advance pursuit industry sincerely dispose adhere friendship u peace others remote present appearance sufficiently quiet justify intermission military precaution part great tribes southwestern quarter much advance beyond others agriculture household art appear tranquil identify view proportion advancement whole people every quarter shall continue inculcate peace friendship neighbor perseverance occupation pursuit best promote appropriation last session defense sea port town harbor make expectation continuance peace would permit u proceed work accord convenience think well apply sum give toward defense new york charleston new orleans chiefly open likely first need protection leave place less immediately danger provision present session gun boat already provide like principle chiefly assign new york new orleans chesapeake whether movable force water material aid defensive work land augment form leave wisdom legislature purpose man vessel sudden attack harbor matter consideration whether sea men united state may justly form special militia call tour duty defense harbor shall happen ordinary militia place furnish portion may consist landsmen moment peace threaten deem indispensable secure great provision article military store magazine sufficiently furnish await previous special sanction law would lose occasion might retrieve hesitate therefore authorize engagement supplement exist stock would render adequate emergency threaten u trust legislature feeling anxiety safety country materially advanced precaution approve do would see important do assembled expense also unprovided arose necessity call gun boat actual service defense harbor account lay whether regular army raise extent must depend information shortly expect mean time call state quota militia readiness present defense moreover encourage acceptance volunteer happy inform offer great alacrity every part union order organize ready momentõs warn proceed service may call every preparation within executive power make insure u benefit early exertion inform congress last session enterprises public peace believe preparation aaron burr associate measure take defeat bring offender justice enterprise happily defeat patriotic exertion militia whenever call action fidelity army energy commander chief promptly arrange difficulty present sabine repair meet arise mississippi dissipate explosion plot engender shall think duty lay proceeding evidence publicly exhibit arraignment principal offender circuit court virginia enable judge whether defect testimony law administration law wherever shall find legislature alone apply originate remedy framer constitution certainly suppose guard well government destruction treason citizen oppression pretense end attain importance inquire mean effectual may secure account receipt revenue year end 30th day september last yet make correct statement hereafter transmit treasury mean time ascertain receipt amount near 16m treasury begin year enable u meet current demand interest incur pay 4m principal fund debt payment precede year extinguish funded debt whole could pay purchase within limit law contract leave u treasury portion sum may consider commencement accumulation surplus revenue pay installment debt shall become payable remain without specific object may partly indeed apply toward complete defense expose point country scale shall adapt principle circumstance object doubtless among 1st entitle attention state finance one whether peace war provide security due whether shall remain future surplus may usefully applied purpose already authorize usefully others require new authority otherwise shall disposed question call notice congress unless indeed shall supersede change public relation await determination others whatever determination great consolation become known moment supreme council nation assemble post ready give aid wisdom authority whatever course good country shall call u pursue matter minor importance subject future communication nothing shall want part may give information dispatch proceeding legislature exercise high duty moment interest public welfare