The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** Dates of addresses by John Adams in this eBook: November 22, 1797 December 8, 1798 December 3, 1799 November 11, 1800 *** State of the Union AddressJohn AdamsNovember 22, 1797 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account ofthe contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, toconvene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure it wasdesirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public inconvenience anda considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitantsof this city, whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all theirfellow citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the stateand decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, now happily realized, that, without hazard to the lives or health of themembers, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by law tomeet. I submit, however, to your consideration whether a power to postponethe meeting of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitutionupon such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794. Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace inEurope and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of ourcitizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless, abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence forinterior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvements, and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and acalm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as ourmoral and our religious principles, against all open and secret attacks. Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked--one in July, theother in August--to join their colleague in Holland. I have receivedintelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from whence theyall proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days of the 19th ofSeptember. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothingwill have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to asuccessful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may be compatible withthe safety, honor and interest of the United States. Nothing, in the meantime, will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and theattainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity ofwhich on many former occasions the people of the United States have givensuch memorable proofs, and the exertion of those resources for nationaldefense which a beneficent Providence has kindly placed within theirpower. It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since theadjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionarymeasures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at theopening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was thenprudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen thereasons for its adoption. Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, andwhether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most certainthat permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained. The stateof society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and religiousobligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor have been soimpaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and the law ofnations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition, avarice andviolence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable groundon which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection ordefense will not be plundered. The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. Thegenius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Theircities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture, fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. Inshort, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not bedestroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty anddistress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation. The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights ofcommercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens. Under thisview of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if Iforbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect ourcommerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as theonly sure means of preserving both. I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power atthe opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeableinformation of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majestyrespecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and thedemarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelligenceSpanish garrisons were still continued within our country, and the runningof the boundary line had not been commenced. These circumstances are themore to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the Indians in a mannerinjurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope that theanswers which have been given will remove the objections offered by theSpanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty, I have judged itproper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to runthe line of limits. Further information on this subject will becommunicated in the course of the session. In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontierit is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienatethe affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to actualhostilities against the United States. Great activity has been exerted bythose persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian tribesresiding within the territory of the United States to influence them totransfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to form them intoa confederacy, and prepare them for war against the United States. Althoughmeasures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights, toprevent Indian hostilities, and to preserve entire their attachment to theUnited States, it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect tothese measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of suchpractices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may benecessary. The commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain toascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the riverSt. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in1796 October, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and theadjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that actual surveys ofboth rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the agents of the twonations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to meet at Boston inAugust. They met, but the surveys requiring more time than had beensupposed, and not being then completed, the commissioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when wemay expect a final examination and decision. The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treatymet at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British subjectsfor debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them fromcitizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hithertoprevented any determinations, but the business is now resumed, anddoubtless will be prosecuted without interruption. Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for lossesand damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures orcondemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by thecommissioners in London conformably to the 7th article of the treaty. Thesums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the British Government. A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, and notcaptured property, were the only objects in question, have been decided byarbitration, and the sums awarded to the citizens of the United States havealso been paid. The commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treatywith Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide onthe claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence oftheir vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His CatholicMajesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings havebeen interrupted, but are now resumed. The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses anddamages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the commissionersacting under the 6th article of the treaty with Great Britain, and for thelosses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the captureof their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdictionof the United States and brought into their ports, or taken by vesselsoriginally armed in ports of the United States, upon the awards of thecommissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty, it isnecessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations. The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the FrenchRepublic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerableexpenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before theirtribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances beendisbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means of the samecaptures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreigncountries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the sick inparticular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls have inthese cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these advances theyreasonably expect reimbursements from the United States. The consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment. Theprovisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return arefound to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems necessaryto be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discoveredsailing under the flag of the United States and with forged papers. Itseldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception, because theyhave no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sealetters. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objectswhich by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere--thenational debts and taxes. Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense wasprovided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans hasbeen introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxessufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war thesums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects ofwhat have been called funding systems. The consequences arising from thecontinual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonishus to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defensemust be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both shouldbe accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little aspossible by loans. The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction belaid before you. Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: We are met together at a most interesting period. The situations of theprincipal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with someby treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can beindifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity notless for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor, safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions ofwisdom and firmness. In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence. *** State of the Union AddressJohn AdamsDecember 8, 1798 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: While with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations ofDivine Providence in the alarming and destructive pestilence with whichseveral of our cities and towns have been visited, there is cause forgratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has disappeared andthat we are again permitted to assemble in safety at the seat of Governmentfor the discharge of our important duties. But when we reflect that thisfatal disorder has within a few years made repeated ravages in some of ourprincipal sea ports, and with increased malignancy, and when we considerthe magnitude of the evils arising from the interruption of public andprivate business, whereby the national interests are deeply affected, Ithink it my duty to invite the Legislature of the Union to examine theexpediency of establishing suitable regulations in aid of the health lawsof the respective States; for these being formed on the idea thatcontagious sickness may be communicated through the channels of commerce, there seems to be a necessity that Congress, who alone can regulate trade, should frame a system which, while it may tend to preserve the generalhealth, may be compatible with the interests of commerce and the safety ofthe revenue. While we think on this calamity and sympathize with the immediatesufferers, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being ourannual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation in the ordinaryblessings of His providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude I can notomit to add one of the first importance to our well being and safety; I meanthat spirit which has arisen in our country against the menaces andaggression of a foreign nation. A manly sense of national honor, dignity, and independence has appeared which, if encouraged and invigorated by everybranch of the Government, will enable us to view undismayed the enterprisesof any foreign power and become the sure foundation of national prosperityand glory. The course of the transactions in relation to the United States and Francewhich have come to my knowledge during your recess will be made the subjectof a future communication. That communication will confirm the ultimatefailure of the measures which have been taken by the Government of theUnited States toward an amicable adjustment of differences with that power. You will at the same time perceive that the French Government appearssolicitous to impress the opinion that it is averse to a rupture with thiscountry, and that it has in a qualified manner declared itself willing toreceive a minister from the United States for the purpose of restoring agood understanding. It is unfortunate for professions of this kind thatthey should be expressed in terms which may countenance the inadmissiblepretension of a right to prescribe the qualifications which a minister fromthe United States should possess, and that while France is asserting theexistence of a disposition on her part to conciliate with sincerity thedifferences which have arisen, the sincerity of a like disposition on thepart of the United States, of which so many demonstrative proofs have beengiven, should even be indirectly questioned. It is also worthy of observation that the decree of the Directory allegedto be intended to restrain the depredations of French cruisers on ourcommerce has not given, and can not give, any relief. It enjoins them toconform to all the laws of France relative to cruising and prizes, whilethese laws are themselves the sources of the depredations of which we haveso long, so justly, and so fruitlessly complained. The law of France enacted in January last, which subjects to capture andcondemnation neutral vessels and their cargoes if any portion of the latterare of British fabric or produce, although the entire property belong toneutrals, instead of being rescinded has lately received a confirmation bythe failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this law, which is anunequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nations it attacks, continuesin force those nations can see in the French Government only a powerregardless of their essential rights, of their independence andsovereignty; and if they possess the means they can reconcile nothing withtheir interest and honor but a firm resistance. Hitherto, therefore, nothing is discoverable in the conduct of France whichought to change or relax our measures of defense. On the contrary, toextend and invigorate them is our true policy. We have no reason to regretthat these measures have been thus far adopted and pursued, and inproportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous and incalculablesituation of Europe we shall discover new and cogent motives for the fulldevelopment of our energies and resources. But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in thenecessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to inferthat we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for war canalone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and perseveringlycultivated, and harmony between us and France may be restored at heroption. But to send another minister without more determinate assurancesthat he would be received would be an act of humiliation to which theUnited States ought not to submit. It must therefore be left with France(if she is indeed desirous of accommodation) to take the requisite steps. The United States will steadily observe the maxims by which they havehitherto been governed. They will respect the sacred rights of embassy; andwith a sincere disposition on the part of France to desist from hostility, to make reparation for the injuries heretofore inflicted on our commerce, and to do justice in future, there will be no obstacle to the restorationof a friendly intercourse. In making to you this declaration I give a pledge to France and the worldthat the Executive authority of this country still adheres to the humaneand pacific policy which has invariably governed its proceedings, inconformity with the wishes of the other branches of the Government and ofthe people of the United States. But considering the late manifestations ofher policy toward foreign nations, I deem it a duty deliberately andsolemnly to declare my opinion that whether we negotiate with her or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable. These alone willgive to us an equal treaty and insure its observance. Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take theliberty to recall your attention to the naval establishment. The beneficialeffects of the small naval armament provided under the acts of the lastsession are known and acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever experiencedmore sudden and remarkable advantages from any measure of policy than wehave derived from the arming for our maritime protection and defense. We ought without loss of time to lay the foundation for an increase of ourNavy to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect our trade. Such anaval force as it is doubtless in the power of the United States to createand maintain would also afford to them the best means of general defense byfacilitating the safe transportation of troops and stores to every part ofour extensive coast. To accomplish this important object, a prudentforesight requires that systematic measures be adopted for procuring at alltimes the requisite timber and other supplies. In what manner this shall bedone I leave to your consideration. I will now advert, gentlemen, to some matters of less moment, but proper tobe communicated to the National Legislature. After the Spanish garrisons had evacuated the posts they occupied at theNatchez and Walnut Hills the commissioner of the United States commenceshis observations to ascertain the point near the Mississippi whichterminated the northernmost part of the 31st degree of north latitude. Fromthence he proceeded to run the boundary line between the United States andSpain. He was afterwards joined by the Spanish commissioner, when the workof the former was confirmed, and they proceeded together to the demarcationof the line. Recent information renders it probable that the Southern Indians, eitherinstigated to oppose the demarcation or jealous of the consequences ofsuffering white people to run a line over lands to which the Indian titlehad not been extinguished, have ere this time stopped the progress of thecommissioners; and considering the mischiefs which may result fromcontinuing the demarcation in opposition to the will of the Indian tribes, the great expense attending it, and that the boundaries which thecommissioners have actually established probably extend at least as far asthe Indian title has been extinguished, it will perhaps become expedientand necessary to suspend further proceedings by recalling ourcommissioner. The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 5th article of the treatyof amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and HisBritannic Majesty to determine what river was truly intended under the nameof the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, and forming a partof the boundary therein described, have finally decided that question. Onthe 25th of October they made their declaration that a river calledScoodiac, which falls into Passamaquoddy Bay at its northwestern quarter, was the true St. Croix intended in the treaty of peace, as far as its greatfork, where one of its streams comes from the westward and the other fromthe northward, and that the latter stream is the continuation of the St. Croix to its source. This decision, it is understood, will preclude all contention among theindividual claimants, as it seems that the Scoodiac and its northern branchbound the grants of land which have been made by the respective adjoiningGovernments. A subordinate question, however, it has been suggested, still remains to bedetermined. Between the mouth of the St. Croix as now settled and what isusually called the Bay of Fundy lie a number of valuable islands. Thecommissioners have not continued the boundary line through any channel ofthese islands, and unless the bay of Passamaquoddy be a part of the Bay ofFundy this further adjustment of boundary will be necessary, but it isapprehended that this will not be a matter of any difficulty. Such progress has been made in the examination and decision of cases ofcaptures and condemnations of American vessels which were the subject ofthe 7th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation betweenthe United States and Great Britain that it is supposed the commissionerswill be able to bring their business to a conclusion in August of theensuing year. The commissioners acting under the 25th article of the treaty between theUnited States and Spain have adjusted most of the claims of our citizensfor losses sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes havingbeen taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late warbetween France and Spain. Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the law foraugmenting the military establishment, among these the desire of obtainingthe fullest information to direct the best selection of officers. As thisobject will now be speedily accomplished, it is expected that the raisingand organizing of the troops will proceed without obstacle and witheffect. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I have directed an estimate of the appropriations which will be necessaryfor the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you, accompanied witha view of the public receipts and expenditures to a recent period. It will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent and solidity ofthe public resources from the prosperous state of the finances, notwithstanding the unexampled embarrassments which have attended commerce. When you reflect on the conspicuous examples of patriotism and liberalitywhich have been exhibited by our mercantile fellow citizens, and how greata proportion of the public resources depends on their enterprise, you willnaturally consider whether their convenience can not be promoted andreconciled with the security of the revenue by a revision of the system bywhich the collection is at present regulated. During your recess measures have been steadily pursued for effecting thevaluations and returns directed by the act of the last session, preliminaryto the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other delays orobstacles have been experienced except such as were expected to arise fromthe great extent of our country and the magnitude and novelty of theoperation, and enough has been accomplished to assure a fulfillment of theviews of the Legislature. Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I can not close this address without once more adverting to our politicalsituation and inculcating the essential importance of uniting in themaintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the temper andwisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures we shall secure toour country that weight and respect to which it is so justly entitled. *** State of the Union AddressJohn AdamsDecember 3, 1799 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: It is with peculiar satisfaction that I meet the 6th Congress of the UnitedStates of America. Coming from all parts of the Union at this critical andinteresting period, the members must be fully possessed of the sentimentsand wishes of our constituents. The flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by landand by sea; the prosperity of our extended commerce, notwithstandinginterruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of theworld; the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which havelately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimableadvantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame ofgovernment, are continued to us unimpaired, demand of the whole Americanpeople sincere thanks to a benevolent Deity for the merciful dispensationsof His providence. But while these numerous blessings are recollected, it is a painful duty toadvert to the ungrateful return which has been made for them by some of thepeople in certain counties of Pennsylvania, where, seduced by the arts andmisrepresentations of designing men, they have openly resisted the lawdirecting the valuation of houses and lands. Such defiance was given to thecivil authority as rendered hopeless all further attempts by judicialprocess to enforce the execution of the law, and it became necessary todirect a military force to be employed, consisting of some companies ofregular troops, volunteers, and militia, by whose zeal and activity, incooperation with the judicial power, order and submission were restored andmany of the offenders arrested. Of these, some have been convicted ofmisdemeanors, and others, charged with various crimes, remain to be tried. To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and to insurea just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment of the judiciarysystem is indispensably necessary. In this extensive country it can not buthappen that numerous questions respecting the interpretation of the lawsand the rights and duties of officers and citizens must arise. On the onehand, the laws should be executed; on the other, individuals should beguarded from oppression. Neither of these objects is sufficiently assuredunder the present organization of the judicial department. I thereforeearnestly recommend the subject to your serious consideration. Persevering in the pacific and humane policy which had been invariablyprofessed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the UnitedStates, when indications were made on the part of the French Republic of adisposition to accommodate the existing differences between the twocountries, I felt it to be my duty to prepare for meeting their advances bya nomination of ministers upon certain conditions which the honor of ourcountry dictated, and which its moderation had given it a right toprescribe. The assurances which were required of the French Government previous to thedeparture of our envoys have been given through their minister of foreignrelations, and I have directed them to proceed on their mission to Paris. They have full power to conclude a treaty, subject to the constitutionaladvice and consent of the Senate. The characters of these gentlemen aresure pledges to their country that nothing incompatible with its honor orinterest, nothing inconsistent with our obligations of good faith orfriendship to any other nation, will be stipulated. It appearing probable from the information I received that our commercialintercourse with some ports in the island of St. Domingo might safely berenewed, I took such steps as seemed to me expedient to ascertain thatpoint. The result being satisfactory, I then, in conformity with the act ofCongress on the subject, directed the restraints and prohibitions of thatintercourse to be discontinued on terms which were made known byproclamation. Since the renewal of this intercourse our citizens trading tothose ports, with their property, have been duly respected, andprivateering from those ports has ceased. In examining the claims of British subjects by the commissioners atPhiladelphia, acting under the 6th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, a difference of opinion onpoints deemed essential in the interpretation of that article has arisenbetween the commissioners appointed by the United States and the othermembers of that board, from which the former have thought it their duty towithdraw. It is sincerely to be regretted that the execution of an articleproduced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice should have been thusunavoidably interrupted. It is, however, confidently expected that the samespirit of amity and the same sense of justice in which it originated willlead to satisfactory explanations. In consequence of the obstacles to the progress of the commission inPhiladelphia, His Britannic Majesty has directed the commissionersappointed by him under the 7th article of the treaty relating to theBritish captures of American vessels to withdraw from the board sitting inLondon, but with the express declaration of his determination to fulfillwith punctuality and good faith the engagements which His Majesty hascontracted by his treaty with the United States, and that they will beinstructed to resume their functions whenever the obstacles which impedethe progress of the commission at Philadelphia shall be removed. It beingin like manner my sincere determination, so far as the same depends on me, that with equal punctuality and good faith the engagements contracted bythe United States in their treaties with His Britannic Majesty shall befulfilled, I shall immediately instruct our minister at London to endeavorto obtain the explanation necessary to a just performance of thoseengagements on the part of the United States. With such dispositions onboth sides, I can not entertain a doubt that all difficulties will soon beremoved and that the two boards will then proceed and bring the businesscommitted to them respectively to a satisfactory conclusion. The act of Congress relative to the seat of the Government of the UnitedStates requiring that on the 1st Monday of December next it should betransferred from Philadelphia to the District chosen for its permanentseat, it is proper for me to inform you that the commissioners appointed toprovide suitable buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of thePresident and of the public offices of the Government have made a report ofthe state of the buildings designed for those purposes in the city ofWashington, from which they conclude that the removal of the seat ofGovernment to that place at the time required will be practicable and theaccommodation satisfactory. Their report will be laid before you. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for theservice of the ensuing year, together with an account of the revenue andexpenditure, to be laid before you. During a period in which a greatportion of the civilized world has been involved in a war unusuallycalamitous and destructive, it was not to be expected that the UnitedStates could be exempted from extraordinary burthens. Although the periodis not arrived when the measures adopted to secure our country againstforeign attacks can be renounced, yet it is alike necessary for the honorof the Government and the satisfaction of the community that an exacteconomy should be maintained. I invite you, gentlemen, to investigate thedifferent branches of the public expenditure. The examination will lead tobeneficial retrenchments or produce a conviction of the wisdom of themeasures to which the expenditure relates. Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: At a period like the present, when momentous changes are occurring andevery hour is preparing new and great events in the political world, when aspirit of war is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs theinterests of the United States have any connection, unsafe and precariouswould be our situation were we to neglect the means of maintaining our justrights. The result of the mission to France is uncertain; but however itmay terminate, a steady perseverance in a system of national defensecommensurate with our resources and the situation of our country is anobvious dictate of wisdom; for, remotely as we are placed from thebelligerent nations, and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all, toavoid offense to any, nothing short of the power of repelling aggressionswill secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping the calamitiesof war or national degradation. As to myself, it is my anxious desire so toexecute the trust reposed in me as to render the people of the UnitedStates prosperous and happy. I rely with entire confidence on yourcooperation in objects equally your care, and that our mutual labors willserve to increase and confirm union among our fellow citizens and anunshaken attachment to our Government. *** State of the Union AddressJohn AdamsNovember 11, 1800 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session inPhiladelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for theremoval of the public offices, records, and property. These directions havebeen executed, and the public officers have since resided and conducted theordinary business of the Government in this place. I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling ofCongress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although thereis cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete as mightbe wished, yet there is great reason to believe that this inconveniencewill cease with the present session. It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble forthe first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the SupremeRuler of the Universe and imploring His blessing. May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this citymay that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy andself-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears beforever held in veneration! Here and throughout our country may simplemanners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever! It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over theDistrict of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of theUnited States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion thisimportant trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while performingit to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for thehappiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as thecapital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, incommerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself thoseenergies and resources which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government. In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers andsoldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords realpleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patrioticmotives which brought them into the service of their country, by thereadiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of privatecitizens. It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the lawsinto prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of theadministration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on theFederal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with theirpresent circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to yourserious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No subjectis more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none canthose improvements which may have been suggested by experience be morebeneficially applied. A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been concludedand ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and I have directedthe treaty to be promulgated by proclamation. The difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of ourtreaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain have not yetbeen removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As itmust be for the interest and honor of both nations to adjust thisdifference with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation that thesincere endeavors of the Government of the United States to bring it to anamicable termination will not be disappointed. The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the UnitedStates to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due totheir character, and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treatwith them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence thenegotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts toeffect an accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned tothe sincerity with which they have been so often repeated. While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nationswill continue to be used, the experience of the world and our ownexperience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently totheir success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to oursituation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violenceand injustice of others may again compel us to resort. While our vastextent of sea coast, the commercial and agriculture habits of our people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean, suggest thesystem of defense which will be most beneficial to ourselves, our distancefrom Europe and our resources for maritime strength will enable us toemploy it with effect. Seasonable and systematic arrangements, so far asour resources will justify, for a navy adapted to defensive war, and whichmay in case of necessity be quickly brought into use, seem to be as muchrecommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our futuretranquillity, for the safety of our shores, and for the protection of ourproperty committed to the ocean. The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by agreat national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by theprotection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of ourexpectations the objects for which it was created. In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification ofsome of our principal sea ports and harbors. A variety of considerations, which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure ofprecaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums havealready been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for Congressto determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in order torender competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which havebeen commenced. The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites theattention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to thepublic this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as, with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of futureimportations from foreign countries. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for theensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue andexpenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with muchsatisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year hasbeen more considerable than during any former equal period. This resultaffords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and ofthe wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted byCongress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public credit. Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistiblydrawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited anuncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore andof wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it. If, turning oureyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presentsitself; if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free, andhappy; if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws emanating onlyfrom the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortifyand cling to those institutions which have been the source of such realfelicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of thosedangerous innovations which may diminish their influence. To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty ofguarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a surepledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure you thatyour labors to promote the general happiness will receive from me the mostzealous cooperation.