Notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of the present year, I was induced to call you together still sooner, as well that any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the Treasury might be supplied as that no delay might happen in providing for the result of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether it should require arrangements adapted to a return of peace or further and more effective provisions for prosecuting the war. That result is not yet known. If, on the one hand, the repeal of the orders in council and the general pacification in Europe, which withdrew the occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practiced, suggest expectations that peace and amity may be reestablished, we are compelled, on the other hand, by the refusal of the British Government to accept the offered mediation of the Emperor of Russia, by the delays in giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation, and, above all, by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried on to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against the rights and prosperity of this country. This increased violence is best explained by the two important circumstances that the great contest in Europe for an equilibrium guaranteeing all its States against the ambition of any has been closed without any check on the over-bearing power of Great Britain on the ocean, and it has left in her hands disposable armaments, with which, forgetting the difficulties of a remote war with a free people, and yielding to the intoxication of success, with the example of a great victim to it before her eyes, she cherishes hopes of still further aggrandizing a power already formidable in its abuses to the tranquillity of the civilized and commercial world. But whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes, the public councils of a nation more able to maintain than it was to require its independence, and with a devotion to it rendered more ardently by the experience of its blessings, can never deliberate but on the means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or unwarrantable passions with which alone the war can now be pursued against us. In the events of the present campaign the enemy, with all his augmented means and wanton use of them, has little ground for exultation, unless he can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this metropolis and the neighboring town of Alexandria, from both of which his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate. In his other incursions on our Atlantic frontier his progress, often checked and chastised by the martial spirit of the neighboring citizens, has had more effect in distressing individuals and in dishonoring his arms than in promoting any object of legitimate warfare; and in the two instances mentioned, however deeply to be regretted on our part, he will find in his transient success, which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary business at the seat of Government, no compensation for the loss of character with the world by his violations of private property and by his destruction of public edifices protected as monuments of the arts by the laws of civilized warfare. On our side we can appeal to a series of achievements which have given new luster to the American arms. Besides the brilliant incidents in the minor operations of the campaign, the splendid victories gained on the Canadian side of the Niagara by the American forces under Major-General Brown and Brigadiers Scott and Gaines have gained for these heroes and their emulating companions the most unfading laurels, and, having triumphantly tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery, have taught the enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture. On our southern border victory has continued also to follow the American standard. The bold and skillful operations of Major-General Jackson, conducting troops drawn from the militia of the States least distant, particularly Tennessee, have subdued the principal tribes of hostile savages, and, by establishing a peace with them, preceded by recent and exemplary chastisement, has best guarded against the mischief of their cooperations with the British enterprises which may be planned against that quarter of our country. Important tribes of Indians on our northwestern frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them to the interests of the United States and to consider our enemy as theirs also. In the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of Baltimore, defended by militia and volunteers, aided by a small body of regulars and sea men, he was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships, whilst concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by the steady and well-directed fire of the fort and batteries opposed to it. In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at Plattsburg, of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, after a perseverance for many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreat, with our gallant bands pressing upon them. On the Lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the great exertions for the command made on our part have been well repaid. On Lake Ontario our squadron is now and has been for some time in a condition to confine that of the enemy to his own port, and to favor the operations of our land forces on that frontier. A part of the squadron on Lake Erie has been extended into Lake Huron, and has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake also. One object of the expedition was the reduction of Mackinaw, which filed with the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer justly distinguished for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably conducted by both the land and the naval commanders, was otherwise highly valuable in its effects. On Lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some time been undisputed, the British squadron lately came into action with the American, commanded by Captain Macdonough. It issued in the capture of the whole of the enemy's ships. The best praise for this officer and his intrepid comrades is in the likeness of his triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized another officer and established at a critical moment our command of another lake. On the ocean the pride of our naval arms had been amply supported. A second frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy, but the loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended. Captain Porter, who commanded her, and whose previous career had been distinguished by daring enterprise and by fertility of genius, maintained a sanguinary contest against two ships, one of them superior to his own, and under other severe disadvantages, 'til humanity tore down the colors which valor had nailed to the mast. This officer and his brave comrades have added much to the rising glory of the American flag, and have merited all the effusions of gratitude which their country is ever ready to bestow on the champions of its rights and of its safety. Two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy, but by a superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation of their commanders, whilst two others, one commanded by Captain Warrington, the other by Captain Blakely, have captured British ships of the same class with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and their companions to a just share in the praise of their country. In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce and to bring their rich prizes into our ports, contributing thus, with other proofs, to demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade the proclamation of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging the commerce of neutral powers with the United States. To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense, and great expenses incurred. That the defense everywhere may be both more convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the Regular Army and of enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia. I earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia as, by classing and disciplining for the most prompt and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency. The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the 30th day of June last amounted to $32M, of which near $11M were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder derived from loans. The disbursements for public expenditures during the same period exceeded $34M, and left in the Treasury on the first day of July near $5M. The demands during the remainder of the present year already authorized by Congress and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war will render it necessary that large sums should be provided to meet them. From this view of the national affairs Congress will be urged to take up without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts. Our enemy is powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water. Availing himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming with his undivided force a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national existence. He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property. In his pride of maritime dominion and in his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures. His barbarous policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant metropolis. From such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and in its worst forms may be looked for. The American people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects. His threats and his barbarities, instead of dismay, will kindle in every bosom an indignation not be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders. In providing the means necessary the National Legislature will not distrust the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents. They will cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and honor of the nation demand. We have seen them everywhere paying their taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and alacrity. We see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call. In offering their blood they give the surest pledge that no other tribute will be withheld. Having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added the capture of near 1000 American vessels and the impressment of thousands of American sea faring citizens, and until a final declaration had been made by the Government of Great Britain that her hostile orders against our commerce would not be revoked but on conditions as impossible as unjust, whilst it was known that these orders would not otherwise cease but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years, and which, according to appearances at that time, might last as many more; having manifested on every occasion and in every proper mode a sincere desire to arrest the effusion of blood and meet our enemy on the ground of justice and reconciliation, our beloved country, in still opposing to his persevering hostility all its energies, with an undiminished disposition toward peace and friendship on honorable terms, must carry with it the good wishes of the impartial world and the best hopes of support from an omnipotent and kind Providence.
Notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of the present year, I was induced to call you together still sooner, as well that any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the Treasury might be supplied as that no delay might happen in providing for the result of the negotiations on foot with Great Britain, whether it should require arrangements adapted to a return of peace or further and more effective provisions for prosecuting the war. That result is not yet known. If, on the one hand, the repeal of the orders in council and the general pacification in Europe, which withdrew the occasion on which impressments from American vessels were practiced, suggest expectations that peace and amity may be reestablished, we are compelled, on the other hand, by the refusal of the British Government to accept the offered mediation of the Emperor of Russia, by the delays in giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation, and, above all, by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried on to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against the rights and prosperity of this country. This increased violence is best explained by the two important circumstances that the great contest in Europe for an equilibrium guaranteeing all its States against the ambition of any has been closed without any check on the over-bearing power of Great Britain on the ocean, and it has left in her hands disposable armaments, with which, forgetting the difficulties of a remote war with a free people, and yielding to the intoxication of success, with the example of a great victim to it before her eyes, she cherishes hopes of still further aggrandizing a power already formidable in its abuses to the tranquillity of the civilized and commercial world. But whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes, the public councils of a nation more able to maintain than it was to require its independence, and with a devotion to it rendered more ardently by the experience of its blessings, can never deliberate but on the means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or unwarrantable passions with which alone the war can now be pursued against us. In the events of the present campaign the enemy, with all his augmented means and wanton use of them, has little ground for exultation, unless he can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this metropolis and the neighboring town of Alexandria, from both of which his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate. In his other incursions on our Atlantic frontier his progress, often checked and chastised by the martial spirit of the neighboring citizens, has had more effect in distressing individuals and in dishonoring his arms than in promoting any object of legitimate warfare; and in the two instances mentioned, however deeply to be regretted on our part, he will find in his transient success, which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary business at the seat of Government, no compensation for the loss of character with the world by his violations of private property and by his destruction of public edifices protected as monuments of the arts by the laws of civilized warfare. On our side we can appeal to a series of achievements which have given new luster to the American arms. Besides the brilliant incidents in the minor operations of the campaign, the splendid victories gained on the Canadian side of the Niagara by the American forces under Major-General Brown and Brigadiers Scott and Gaines have gained for these heroes and their emulating companions the most unfading laurels, and, having triumphantly tested the progressive discipline of the American soldiery, have taught the enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture. On our southern border victory has continued also to follow the American standard. The bold and skillful operations of Major-General Jackson, conducting troops drawn from the militia of the States least distant, particularly Tennessee, have subdued the principal tribes of hostile savages, and, by establishing a peace with them, preceded by recent and exemplary chastisement, has best guarded against the mischief of their cooperations with the British enterprises which may be planned against that quarter of our country. Important tribes of Indians on our northwestern frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them to the interests of the United States and to consider our enemy as theirs also. In the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of Baltimore, defended by militia and volunteers, aided by a small body of regulars and sea men, he was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships, whilst concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by the steady and well-directed fire of the fort and batteries opposed to it. In another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at Plattsburg, of which regulars made a part only, the enemy, after a perseverance for many hours, was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreat, with our gallant bands pressing upon them. On the Lakes, so much contested throughout the war, the great exertions for the command made on our part have been well repaid. On Lake Ontario our squadron is now and has been for some time in a condition to confine that of the enemy to his own port, and to favor the operations of our land forces on that frontier. A part of the squadron on Lake Erie has been extended into Lake Huron, and has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake also. One object of the expedition was the reduction of Mackinaw, which filed with the loss of a few brave men, among whom was an officer justly distinguished for his gallant exploits. The expedition, ably conducted by both the land and the naval commanders, was otherwise highly valuable in its effects. On Lake Champlain, where our superiority had for some time been undisputed, the British squadron lately came into action with the American, commanded by Captain Macdonough. It issued in the capture of the whole of the enemy's ships. The best praise for this officer and his intrepid comrades is in the likeness of his triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized another officer and established at a critical moment our command of another lake. On the ocean the pride of our naval arms had been amply supported. A second frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy, but the loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended. Captain Porter, who commanded her, and whose previous career had been distinguished by daring enterprise and by fertility of genius, maintained a sanguinary contest against two ships, one of them superior to his own, and under other severe disadvantages, 'til humanity tore down the colors which valor had nailed to the mast. This officer and his brave comrades have added much to the rising glory of the American flag, and have merited all the effusions of gratitude which their country is ever ready to bestow on the champions of its rights and of its safety. Two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy, but by a superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation of their commanders, whilst two others, one commanded by Captain Warrington, the other by Captain Blakely, have captured British ships of the same class with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and their companions to a just share in the praise of their country. In spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts, our private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce and to bring their rich prizes into our ports, contributing thus, with other proofs, to demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade the proclamation of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging the commerce of neutral powers with the United States. To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense, and great expenses incurred. That the defense everywhere may be both more convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the Regular Army and of enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia. I earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia as, by classing and disciplining for the most prompt and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency. The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the 30th day of June last amounted to $32M, of which near $11M were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder derived from loans. The disbursements for public expenditures during the same period exceeded $34M, and left in the Treasury on the first day of July near $5M. The demands during the remainder of the present year already authorized by Congress and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war will render it necessary that large sums should be provided to meet them. From this view of the national affairs Congress will be urged to take up without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed. It is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts. Our enemy is powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water. Availing himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming with his undivided force a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national existence. He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property. In his pride of maritime dominion and in his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures. His barbarous policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant metropolis. From such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and in its worst forms may be looked for. The American people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects. His threats and his barbarities, instead of dismay, will kindle in every bosom an indignation not be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders. In providing the means necessary the National Legislature will not distrust the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents. They will cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and honor of the nation demand. We have seen them everywhere paying their taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and alacrity. We see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call. In offering their blood they give the surest pledge that no other tribute will be withheld. Having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added the capture of near 1000 American vessels and the impressment of thousands of American sea faring citizens, and until a final declaration had been made by the Government of Great Britain that her hostile orders against our commerce would not be revoked but on conditions as impossible as unjust, whilst it was known that these orders would not otherwise cease but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years, and which, according to appearances at that time, might last as many more; having manifested on every occasion and in every proper mode a sincere desire to arrest the effusion of blood and meet our enemy on the ground of justice and reconciliation, our beloved country, in still opposing to his persevering hostility all its energies, with an undiminished disposition toward peace and friendship on honorable terms, must carry with it the good wishes of the impartial world and the best hopes of support from an omnipotent and kind Providence.
notwithstanding the early day which had been fixed for your session of the present year i was induced to call you together still sooner as well that any inadequacy in the existing provisions for the wants of the treasury might be supplied as that no delay might happen in providing for the result of the negotiations on foot with great britain whether it should require arrangements adapted to a return of peace or further and more effective provisions for prosecuting the war that result is not yet known if on the one hand the repeal of the orders in council and the general pacification in europe which withdrew the occasion on which impressments from american vessels were practiced suggest expectations that peace and amity may be reestablished we are compelled on the other hand by the refusal of the british government to accept the offered mediation of the emperor of russia by the delays in giving effect to its own proposal of a direct negotiation and above all by the principles and manner in which the war is now avowedly carried on to infer that a spirit of hostility is indulged more violent than ever against the rights and prosperity of this country this increased violence is best explained by the two important circumstances that the great contest in europe for an equilibrium guaranteeing all its states against the ambition of any has been closed without any check on the power of great britain on the ocean and it has left in her hands disposable armaments with which forgetting the difficulties of a remote war with a free people and yielding to the intoxication of success with the example of a great victim to it before her eyes she cherishes hopes of still further aggrandizing a power already formidable in its abuses to the tranquillity of the civilized and commercial world but whatever may have inspired the enemy with these more violent purposes the public councils of a nation more able to maintain than it was to require its independence and with a devotion to it rendered more ardently by the experience of its blessings can never deliberate but on the means most effectual for defeating the extravagant views or unwarrantable passions with which alone the war can now be pursued against us in the events of the present campaign the enemy with all his augmented means and wanton use of them has little ground for exultation unless he can feel it in the success of his recent enterprises against this metropolis and the neighboring town of alexandria from both of which his retreats were as precipitate as his attempts were bold and fortunate in his other incursions on our atlantic frontier his progress often checked and chastised by the martial spirit of the neighboring citizens has had more effect in distressing individuals and in dishonoring his arms than in promoting any object of legitimate warfare and in the two instances mentioned however deeply to be regretted on our part he will find in his transient success which interrupted for a moment only the ordinary business at the seat of government no compensation for the loss of character with the world by his violations of private property and by his destruction of public edifices protected as monuments of the arts by the laws of civilized warfare on our side we can appeal to a series of achievements which have given new luster to the american arms besides the brilliant incidents in the minor operations of the campaign the splendid victories gained on the canadian side of the niagara by the american forces under brown and brigadiers scott and gaines have gained for these heroes and their emulating companions the most unfading laurels and having triumphantly tested the progressive discipline of the american soldiery have taught the enemy that the longer he protracts his hostile efforts the more certain and decisive will be his final discomfiture on our southern border victory has continued also to follow the american standard the bold and skillful operations of jackson conducting troops drawn from the militia of the states least distant particularly tennessee have subdued the principal tribes of hostile savages and by establishing a peace with them preceded by recent and exemplary chastisement has best guarded against the mischief of their cooperations with the british enterprises which may be planned against that quarter of our country important tribes of indians on our northwestern frontier have also acceded to stipulations which bind them to the interests of the united states and to consider our enemy as theirs also in the recent attempt of the enemy on the city of baltimore defended by militia and volunteers aided by a small body of regulars and sea men he was received with a spirit which produced a rapid retreat to his ships whilst concurrent attack by a large fleet was successfully resisted by the steady and fire of the fort and batteries opposed to it in another recent attack by a powerful force on our troops at plattsburg of which regulars made a part only the enemy after a perseverance for many hours was finally compelled to seek safety in a hasty retreat with our gallant bands pressing upon them on the lakes so much contested throughout the war the great exertions for the command made on our part have been well repaid on lake ontario our squadron is now and has been for some time in a condition to confine that of the enemy to his own port and to favor the operations of our land forces on that frontier a part of the squadron on lake erie has been extended into lake huron and has produced the advantage of displaying our command on that lake also one object of the expedition was the reduction of mackinaw which filed with the loss of a few brave men among whom was an officer justly distinguished for his gallant exploits the expedition ably conducted by both the land and the naval commanders was otherwise highly valuable in its effects on lake champlain where our superiority had for some time been undisputed the british squadron lately came into action with the american commanded by captain macdonough it issued in the capture of the whole of the enemy ships the best praise for this officer and his intrepid comrades is in the likeness of his triumph to the illustrious victory which immortalized another officer and established at a critical moment our command of another lake on the ocean the pride of our naval arms had been amply supported a second frigate has indeed fallen into the hands of the enemy but the loss is hidden in the blaze of heroism with which she was defended captain porter who commanded her and whose previous career had been distinguished by daring enterprise and by fertility of genius maintained a sanguinary contest against two ships one of them superior to his own and under other severe disadvantages humanity tore down the colors which valor had nailed to the mast this officer and his brave comrades have added much to the rising glory of the american flag and have merited all the effusions of gratitude which their country is ever ready to bestow on the champions of its rights and of its safety two smaller vessels of war have also become prizes to the enemy but by a superiority of force which sufficiently vindicates the reputation of their commanders whilst two others one commanded by captain warrington the other by captain blakely have captured british ships of the same class with a gallantry and good conduct which entitle them and their companions to a just share in the praise of their country in spite of the naval force of the enemy accumulated on our coasts our private cruisers also have not ceased to annoy his commerce and to bring their rich prizes into our ports contributing thus with other proofs to demonstrate the incompetency and illegality of a blockade the proclamation of which is made the pretext for vexing and discouraging the commerce of neutral powers with the united states to meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense and great expenses incurred that the defense everywhere may be both more convenient and more economical congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the regular army and of enlarging the provision for special corps mounted and unmounted to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia i earnestly renew at the same time a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia as by classing and disciplining for the most prompt and active service the portions most capable of it will give to that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency the moneys received into the treasury during the nine months ending on the 30th day of june last amounted to 32m of which near 11m were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder derived from loans the disbursements for public expenditures during the same period exceeded 34m and left in the treasury on the first day of july near 5m the demands during the remainder of the present year already authorized by congress and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war will render it necessary that large sums should be provided to meet them from this view of the national affairs congress will be urged to take up without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military force and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed it is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts our enemy is powerful in men and in money on the land and on the water availing himself of fortuitous advantages he is aiming with his undivided force a deadly blow at our growing prosperity perhaps at our national existence he has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property in his pride of maritime dominion and in his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures his barbarous policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant metropolis from such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and in its worst forms may be looked for the american people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects his threats and his barbarities instead of dismay will kindle in every bosom an indignation not be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders in providing the means necessary the national legislature will not distrust the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents they will cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and honor of the nation demand we have seen them everywhere paying their taxes direct and indirect with the greatest promptness and alacrity we see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call in offering their blood they give the surest pledge that no other tribute will be withheld having forborne to declare war until to other aggressions had been added the capture of near 1000 american vessels and the impressment of thousands of american sea faring citizens and until a final declaration had been made by the government of great britain that her hostile orders against our commerce would not be revoked but on conditions as impossible as unjust whilst it was known that these orders would not otherwise cease but with a war which had lasted nearly twenty years and which according to appearances at that time might last as many more having manifested on every occasion and in every proper mode a sincere desire to arrest the effusion of blood and meet our enemy on the ground of justice and reconciliation our beloved country in still opposing to his persevering hostility all its energies with an undiminished disposition toward peace and friendship on honorable terms must carry with it the good wishes of the impartial world and the best hopes of support from an omnipotent and kind providence
notwithstanding early day fixed session present year induced call together still sooner well inadequacy existing provisions wants treasury might supplied delay might happen providing result negotiations foot great britain whether require arrangements adapted return peace effective provisions prosecuting war result yet known one hand repeal orders council general pacification europe withdrew occasion impressments american vessels practiced suggest expectations peace amity may reestablished compelled hand refusal british government accept offered mediation emperor russia delays giving effect proposal direct negotiation principles manner war avowedly carried infer spirit hostility indulged violent ever rights prosperity country increased violence best explained two important circumstances great contest europe equilibrium guaranteeing states ambition closed without check power great britain ocean left hands disposable armaments forgetting difficulties remote war free people yielding intoxication success example great victim eyes cherishes hopes still aggrandizing power already formidable abuses tranquillity civilized commercial world whatever may inspired enemy violent purposes public councils nation able maintain require independence devotion rendered ardently experience blessings never deliberate means effectual defeating extravagant views unwarrantable passions alone war pursued us events present campaign enemy augmented means wanton use little ground exultation unless feel success recent enterprises metropolis neighboring town alexandria retreats precipitate attempts bold fortunate incursions atlantic frontier progress often checked chastised martial spirit neighboring citizens effect distressing individuals dishonoring arms promoting object legitimate warfare two instances mentioned however deeply regretted part find transient success interrupted moment ordinary business seat government compensation loss character world violations private property destruction public edifices protected monuments arts laws civilized warfare side appeal series achievements given new luster american arms besides brilliant incidents minor operations campaign splendid victories gained canadian side niagara american forces brown brigadiers scott gaines gained heroes emulating companions unfading laurels triumphantly tested progressive discipline american soldiery taught enemy longer protracts hostile efforts certain decisive final discomfiture southern border victory continued also follow american standard bold skillful operations jackson conducting troops drawn militia states least distant particularly tennessee subdued principal tribes hostile savages establishing peace preceded recent exemplary chastisement best guarded mischief cooperations british enterprises may planned quarter country important tribes indians northwestern frontier also acceded stipulations bind interests united states consider enemy also recent attempt enemy city baltimore defended militia volunteers aided small body regulars sea men received spirit produced rapid retreat ships whilst concurrent attack large fleet successfully resisted steady fire fort batteries opposed another recent attack powerful force troops plattsburg regulars made part enemy perseverance many hours finally compelled seek safety hasty retreat gallant bands pressing upon lakes much contested throughout war great exertions command made part well repaid lake ontario squadron time condition confine enemy port favor operations land forces frontier part squadron lake erie extended lake huron produced advantage displaying command lake also one object expedition reduction mackinaw filed loss brave men among officer justly distinguished gallant exploits expedition ably conducted land naval commanders otherwise highly valuable effects lake champlain superiority time undisputed british squadron lately came action american commanded captain macdonough issued capture whole enemy ships best praise officer intrepid comrades likeness triumph illustrious victory immortalized another officer established critical moment command another lake ocean pride naval arms amply supported second frigate indeed fallen hands enemy loss hidden blaze heroism defended captain porter commanded whose previous career distinguished daring enterprise fertility genius maintained sanguinary contest two ships one superior severe disadvantages humanity tore colors valor nailed mast officer brave comrades added much rising glory american flag merited effusions gratitude country ever ready bestow champions rights safety two smaller vessels war also become prizes enemy superiority force sufficiently vindicates reputation commanders whilst two others one commanded captain warrington captain blakely captured british ships class gallantry good conduct entitle companions share praise country spite naval force enemy accumulated coasts private cruisers also ceased annoy commerce bring rich prizes ports contributing thus proofs demonstrate incompetency illegality blockade proclamation made pretext vexing discouraging commerce neutral powers united states meet extended diversified warfare adopted enemy great bodies militia taken service public defense great expenses incurred defense everywhere may convenient economical congress see necessity immediate measures filling ranks regular army enlarging provision special corps mounted unmounted engaged longer periods service due militia earnestly renew time recommendation changes system militia classing disciplining prompt active service portions capable give great resource public safety requisite energy efficiency moneys received treasury nine months ending 30th day june last amounted 32m near 11m proceeds public revenue remainder derived loans disbursements public expenditures period exceeded 34m left treasury first day july near 5m demands remainder present year already authorized congress expenses incident extension operations war render necessary large sums provided meet view national affairs congress urged take without delay well subject pecuniary supplies military force scale commensurate extent character war assumed disguised situation country calls greatest efforts enemy powerful men money land water availing fortuitous advantages aiming undivided force deadly blow growing prosperity perhaps national existence avowed purpose trampling usages civilized warfare given earnests plunder wanton destruction private property pride maritime dominion thirst commercial monopoly strikes peculiar animosity progress navigation manufactures barbarous policy even spared monuments arts models taste country enriched embellished infant metropolis adversary hostility greatest force worst forms may looked american people face undaunted spirit revolutionary struggle defeated unrighteous projects threats barbarities instead dismay kindle every bosom indignation extinguished disaster expulsion cruel invaders providing means necessary national legislature distrust heroic enlightened patriotism constituents cheerfully proudly bear every burden every kind safety honor nation demand seen everywhere paying taxes direct indirect greatest promptness alacrity see rushing enthusiasm scenes danger duty call offering blood give surest pledge tribute withheld forborne declare war aggressions added capture near 1000 american vessels impressment thousands american sea faring citizens final declaration made government great britain hostile orders commerce would revoked conditions impossible unjust whilst known orders would otherwise cease war lasted nearly twenty years according appearances time might last many manifested every occasion every proper mode sincere desire arrest effusion blood meet enemy ground justice reconciliation beloved country still opposing persevering hostility energies undiminished disposition toward peace friendship honorable terms must carry good wishes impartial world best hopes support omnipotent kind providence
notwithstanding early day fix session present year induce call together still sooner well inadequacy exist provision want treasury might supply delay might happen provide result negotiation foot great britain whether require arrangement adapt return peace effective provision prosecute war result yet know one hand repeal order council general pacification europe withdraw occasion impressment american vessel practice suggest expectation peace amity may reestablish compelled hand refusal british government accept offer mediation emperor russia delay give effect proposal direct negotiation principle manner war avowedly carry infer spirit hostility indulge violent ever right prosperity country increase violence best explain two important circumstance great contest europe equilibrium guarantee state ambition close without check power great britain ocean leave hand disposable armament forget difficulty remote war free people yield intoxication success example great victim eye cherishes hope still aggrandize power already formidable abuse tranquillity civilize commercial world whatever may inspire enemy violent purpose public council nation able maintain require independence devotion render ardently experience blessing never deliberate mean effectual defeat extravagant view unwarrantable passion alone war pursue u event present campaign enemy augment mean wanton use little ground exultation unless feel success recent enterprise metropolis neighbor town alexandria retreat precipitate attempt bold fortunate incursion atlantic frontier progress often check chastised martial spirit neighbor citizen effect distress individual dishonor arm promote object legitimate warfare two instance mention however deeply regretted part find transient success interrupt moment ordinary business seat government compensation loss character world violation private property destruction public edifice protect monument art law civilize warfare side appeal series achievement give new luster american arm besides brilliant incident minor operation campaign splendid victory gain canadian side niagara american force brown brigadier scott gaines gain hero emulate companion unfading laurel triumphantly test progressive discipline american soldiery teach enemy long protracts hostile effort certain decisive final discomfiture southern border victory continue also follow american standard bold skillful operation jackson conduct troop draw militia state least distant particularly tennessee subdue principal tribe hostile savage establish peace precede recent exemplary chastisement best guarded mischief cooperation british enterprise may plan quarter country important tribe indian northwestern frontier also accede stipulation bind interest unite state consider enemy also recent attempt enemy city baltimore defend militia volunteer aid small body regular sea men receive spirit produce rapid retreat ship whilst concurrent attack large fleet successfully resist steady fire fort battery oppose another recent attack powerful force troop plattsburg regular make part enemy perseverance many hour finally compel seek safety hasty retreat gallant band press upon lake much contest throughout war great exertion command make part well repay lake ontario squadron time condition confine enemy port favor operation land force frontier part squadron lake erie extend lake huron produce advantage display command lake also one object expedition reduction mackinaw file loss brave men among officer justly distinguish gallant exploit expedition ably conduct land naval commander otherwise highly valuable effect lake champlain superiority time undisputed british squadron lately come action american command captain macdonough issue capture whole enemy ship best praise officer intrepid comrade likeness triumph illustrious victory immortalize another officer establish critical moment command another lake ocean pride naval arm amply support second frigate indeed fall hand enemy loss hidden blaze heroism defend captain porter command whose previous career distinguish dare enterprise fertility genius maintain sanguinary contest two ship one superior severe disadvantage humanity tore color valor nail mast officer brave comrade add much rise glory american flag merit effusion gratitude country ever ready bestow champion right safety two small vessel war also become prizes enemy superiority force sufficiently vindicate reputation commander whilst two others one command captain warrington captain blakely capture british ship class gallantry good conduct entitle companion share praise country spite naval force enemy accumulate coast private cruiser also cease annoy commerce bring rich prize port contribute thus proofs demonstrate incompetency illegality blockade proclamation make pretext vexing discourage commerce neutral power united state meet extended diversify warfare adopt enemy great body militia take service public defense great expense incur defense everywhere may convenient economical congress see necessity immediate measure fill rank regular army enlarge provision special corp mount unmounted engage long period service due militia earnestly renew time recommendation change system militia class discipline prompt active service portion capable give great resource public safety requisite energy efficiency money receive treasury nine month end 30th day june last amount 32m near 11m proceeds public revenue remainder derive loan disbursement public expenditure period exceed 34m left treasury first day july near 5m demand remainder present year already authorize congress expense incident extension operation war render necessary large sum provide meet view national affair congress urge take without delay well subject pecuniary supply military force scale commensurate extent character war assume disguised situation country call great effort enemy powerful men money land water avail fortuitous advantage aim undivided force deadly blow grow prosperity perhaps national existence avow purpose trampling usage civilize warfare give earnest plunder wanton destruction private property pride maritime dominion thirst commercial monopoly strike peculiar animosity progress navigation manufacture barbarous policy even spar monument art model taste country enrich embellished infant metropolis adversary hostility great force bad form may look american people face undaunted spirit revolutionary struggle defeat unrighteous project threat barbarity instead dismay kindle every bosom indignation extinguish disaster expulsion cruel invader provide mean necessary national legislature distrust heroic enlighten patriotism constituent cheerfully proudly bear every burden every kind safety honor nation demand see everywhere pay tax direct indirect great promptness alacrity see rush enthusiasm scene danger duty call offering blood give sure pledge tribute withhold forborne declare war aggression add capture near 1000 american vessel impressment thousand american sea fare citizen final declaration make government great britain hostile order commerce would revoke condition impossible unjust whilst know order would otherwise cease war last nearly twenty year accord appearance time might last many manifest every occasion every proper mode sincere desire arrest effusion blood meet enemy ground justice reconciliation beloved country still oppose persevere hostility energy undiminished disposition toward peace friendship honorable term must carry good wish impartial world best hope support omnipotent kind providence