Chapter  16 1800
UNITED STATES,  January 6, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of Congress of
the 21st of December last, I transmitted a copy of these resolutions, by
my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound
respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character, of their
condolence in the late afflicting dispensation of Providence, and
entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General George
Washington in the manner expressed in the first resolution. As the
sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this nation than
she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as
in her own words, I transmit to Congress her original letter.

It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make any comments upon
it, but there can be no doubt that the nation at large, as well as
all the branches of the Government, will be highly gratified by any
arrangement which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of her individual
feelings.

JOHN ADAMS.

MOUNT VERNON,  December 31, 1799 .

The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

SIR: While I feel with keenest anguish the late dispensation of Divine
Providence, I can not be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect
and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband;
and as his best services and most anxious wishes were always devoted to
the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they were truly
appreciated and gratefully remembered affords no inconsiderable
consolation.

Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me never
to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the
request made by Congress, which you have had the goodness to transmit
to me; and in doing this I need not, I can not, say what a sacrifice
of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty.

With grateful acknowledgments and unfeigned thanks for the personal
respect and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself,
I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

UNITED STATES,  January 13, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

A report made to me on the 5th of this month by the Secretary of War
contains various matters in which the honor and safety of the nation are
deeply interested. I transmit it, therefore, to Congress and recommend
it to their serious consideration.

JOHN ADAMS.

UNITED STATES,  January 14, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

As the inclosed letter from a member of your House received by me in
the night of Saturday, the 11th instant, relates to the privileges of
the House, which, in my opinion, ought to be inquired into in the House
itself, if anywhere, I have thought proper to submit the whole letter
and its tendencies to your consideration without any other comments on
its matter or style; but as no gross impropriety of conduct on the part
of persons holding commissions in the Army or Navy of the United States
ought to pass without due animadversion, I have directed the Secretary
of War and the Secretary of the Navy to investigate the conduct
complained of and to report to me without delay such a statement of
facts as will enable me to decide on the course which duty and justice
shall appear to prescribe.

JOHN ADAMS.

UNITED STATES,  January 23, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

I transmit to Congress for the information of the members a report
of the Secretary of State of the 9th instant, a letter from Matthew
Clarkson, esq., to him of the 2d, and a list of the claims adjusted
by the commissioners under the twenty-first article of our treaty
with Spain.

JOHN ADAMS.

UNITED STATES,  February 14, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

I transmit herewith a copy of the laws enacted by the governor and
judges of the Mississippi Territory, for the inspection of Congress.
There being but this one copy, I must request the House, when they
have made the requisite examination, to send it to the Senate.

JOHN ADAMS.

PROCLAMATIONS.

 (From C. F. Adams's Works of John Adams, Vol. IX, p. 177.)

PROCLAMATION.

MAY 9, 1800.

Whereas by an act of Congress of the United States passed the 27th day
of February last, entitled "An act further to suspend the commercial
intercourse between the United States and France and the dependencies
thereof," it is enacted that at any time after the passing of the said
act it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, by his
order, to remit and discontinue for the time being, whenever he shall
deem it expedient and for the interest of the United States, all or any
of the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the said act in respect to
the territories of the French Republic, or to any island, port, or place
belonging to the said Republic with which, in his opinion, a commercial
intercourse may be safely renewed, and to make proclamation thereof
accordingly; and it is also thereby further enacted that the whole of
the island of Hispaniola shall, for the purposes of the said act, be
considered as a dependence of the French Republic; and

Whereas the circumstances of certain ports and places of the said island
not comprised in the proclamation of the 26th day of June, 1799, are
such that I deem it expedient and for the interest of the United States
to remit and discontinue the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the
said act in respect to those ports and places in order that a commercial
intercourse with the same may be renewed:

Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of
the powers vested in me as aforesaid, do hereby remit and discontinue
the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the act aforesaid in respect
to all the ports and places in the said island of Hispaniola from Monte
Christi on the north, round by the eastern end thereof as far as the
port of Jacmel on the south, inclusively. And it shall henceforth be
lawful for vessels of the United States to enter and trade at any of
the said ports and places, provided it be done with the consent of
the Government of Saint Domingo. And for this purpose it is hereby
required that such vessels first enter the port of Cape Francois or
Port Republicain, in the said island, and there obtain the passports
of the said Government, which shall also be signed by the consul-general
or consul of the United States residing at Cape Francois or Port
Republicain, permitting such vessel to go thence to the other ports and
places of the said island hereinbefore mentioned and described. Of all
which the collectors of the customs and all other officers and citizens
of the United States are to take due notice and govern themselves.

In testimony, etc.

JOHN ADAMS.

 (From Annals of Congress, Seventh Congress, second session, 1552.)

PROCLAMATION.

BY JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Whereas the late wicked and treasonable insurrection against the just
authority of the United States of sundry persons in the counties of
Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in
the year 1799, having been speedily suppressed without any of the
calamities usually attending rebellion; whereupon peace, order, and
submission to the laws of the United States were restored in the
aforesaid counties, and the ignorant, misguided, and misinformed in the
counties have returned to a proper sense of their duty, whereby it is
become unnecessary for the public good that any future prosecutions
should be commenced or carried on against any person or persons by
reason of their being concerned in the said insurrection:

Wherefore be it known that I, John Adams, President of the United States
of America, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full, free,
and absolute pardon to all and every person or persons concerned in the
said insurrection, excepting as hereinafter excepted, of all treasons,
misprisions of treason, felonies, misdemeanors, and other crimes by them
respectively done or committed against the United States in either of
the said counties before the 12th day of March, in the year 1799,
excepting and excluding therefrom every person who now standeth indicted
or convicted of any treason, misprision of treason, or other offense
against the United States, whereby remedying and releasing unto all
persons, except as before excepted, all pains and penalties incurred,
or supposed to be incurred, for or on account of the premises.

 (SEAL.)

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at
the city of Philadelphia, this 21st day of May, A.D. 1800, and of the
Independence of the said States the twenty-fourth.

JOHN ADAMS.

BY JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas by an act of the Congress of the United States passed on the
27th day of February last, entitled "An act further to suspend the
commercial intercourse between the United States and France and the
dependencies thereof," it is enacted "that at any time after the passing
of the said act it shall be lawful for the President of the United
States, by his order, to remit and discontinue for the time being,
whenever he shall deem it expedient and for the interest of the United
States, all or any of the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the
said act in respect to the territories of the French Republic, or to any
island, port, or place belonging to the said Republic with which, in his
opinion, a commercial intercourse may be safely renewed, and to make
proclamation thereof accordingly;" and it is also thereby further
enacted that the whole of the island of Hispaniola shall, for the
purposes of the said act, be considered as a dependence of the French
Republic; and

Whereas the circumstances of the said islands are such that, in my
opinion, a commercial intercourse may safely be renewed with every part
thereof, under the limitations and restrictions hereinafter mentioned:

Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of
the powers vested in me as aforesaid, do hereby remit and discontinue
the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the act aforesaid in respect
to every part of the said island, so that it shall be lawful for vessels
of the United States to trade at any of the ports and places thereof,
provided it be done with the consent of the Government of Saint Domingo;
and for this purpose it is hereby required that such vessels first clear
for and enter the port of Cape Francais or Port Republicain, in the said
island, and there obtain the passports of the said Government, which
shall also be signed by the consul-general of the United States, or
their consul residing at Cape Francais, or their consul residing at Port
Republicain, permitting such vessels to go thence to the other ports and
places of the said island. Of all which the collectors of the customs
and all other officers and citizens of the United States are to take due
notice and govern themselves accordingly.

 (SEAL.)

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at
the city of Washington, this 6th day of September, A.D. 1800, and of
the Independence of the said States the twenty-fifth.

JOHN ADAMS.

By the President:
  J. MARSHALL,
     Secretary of State .

FOURTH ANNUAL ADDRESS.

UNITED STATES,  November 22, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session in
Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the
removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions
have been executed, and the public officers have since resided and
conducted the ordinary business of the Government in this place.

I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of
Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate
you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed.
Although there is cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now
so complete as might be wished, yet there is great reason to believe
that this inconvenience will cease with the present session.

It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble
for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the
Supreme Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing.

May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this
city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that
constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose
name it bears be forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our
country may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish
forever!

It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the
District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the
United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this
important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while
performing it to take into view the future probable situation of the
territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will
consider it as the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled
rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and
possessing within itself those energies 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
and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real
pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic
motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the
readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of
private citizens.

It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the
laws into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the
administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the
Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their
present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to
your serious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No
subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to
none can those improvements which may have been suggested by experience
be more beneficially applied.

A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been
concluded and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and
I have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation.

The difficulties which suspended the execution of the sixth article
of our treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain
have not yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still
depending. As it must be for the interest and honor of both nations
to adjust this difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the
expectation that the sincere endeavors of the Government of the United
States to bring it to an amicable termination will not be disappointed.

The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United
States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due
to their character, and three persons with equal powers were appointed
to treat with them. Although at the date of the last official
intelligence the negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped
that our efforts to effect an accommodation will at length meet with a
success proportioned to the sincerity with which they have been so often
repeated.

While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all
nations will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our
own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently
to their success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence,
abandon those measures of self-protection which are adapted to our
situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence
and injustice of others may again compel us to resort While our vast
extent of seacoast, the commercial and agricultural habits of our
people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean,
suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial to
ourselves, our distance from Europe and our resources for maritime
strength will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable and
systematic arrangements, so far as our resources will justify, for a
navy adapted to defensive war, and which may in case of necessity be
quickly brought into use, seem to be as much recommended by a wise and
true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquillity, for the
safety of our shores, and for the protection of our property committed
to the ocean.

The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by
a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the
protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our
expectations the objects for which it was created.

In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of
some of our principal seaports and harbors. A variety of considerations,
which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure
of precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums
have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for
Congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in
order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications
which have been commenced.

The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the
attention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the
public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as,
with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future
importations from foreign countries.

 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the
ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and
expenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much
satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has
been more considerable than during any former equal period. This result
affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and
of the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by
Congress 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 irresistibly
drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited
an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to
deplore and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced
it. If, turning our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the
prospect which presents itself; if we perceive the interior of our
country prosperous, free, and happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the
protection of laws emanating only from the general will, the fruits of
their own labor, we ought to fortify and cling to those institutions
which have been the source of such real felicity and resist with
unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous innovations
which may diminish their influence.

To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty of
guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a
sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure
you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from
me the most zealous cooperation.

JOHN ADAMS.

ADDRESS OF THE SENATE TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

SIR: Impressed with the important truth that the hearts of rulers and
people are in the hand of the Almighty, the Senate of the United States
most cordially join in your invocations for appropriate blessings upon
the Government and people of this Union.

We meet you, sir, and the other branch of the National Legislature in
the city which is honored by the name of our late hero and sage, the
illustrious Washington, with sensations and emotions which exceed our
power of description.

While we congratulate ourselves on the convention of the Legislature at
the permanent seat of Government, and ardently hope that permanence and
stability may be communicated as well to the Government itself as to its
seat, our minds are irresistibly led to deplore the death of him who
bore so honorable and efficient a part in the establishment of both.
Great indeed would have been our gratification if his sum of earthly
happiness had been completed by seeing the Government thus peaceably
convened at this place; but we derive consolation from a belief that the
moment in which we were destined to experience the loss we deplore was
fixed by that Being whose counsels can not err, and from a hope that
since in this seat of Government, which bears his name, his earthly
remains will be deposited, the members of Congress, and all who inhabit
the city, with these memorials before them, will retain his virtues in
lively recollection, and make his patriotism, morals, and piety models
for imitation. And permit us to add, sir, that it is not among the least
of our consolations that you, who have been his companion and friend
from the dawning of our national existence, and trained in the same
school of exertion to effect our independence, are still preserved by a
gracious Providence in health and activity to exercise the functions of
Chief Magistrate.

The question whether the local powers over the District of Columbia,
vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States, shall
be immediately exercised is of great importance, and in deliberating
upon it we shall naturally be led to weigh the attending circumstances
and every probable consequence of the measures which may be proposed.

The several subjects for legislative consideration contained in your
speech to both Houses of Congress shall receive from the Senate all the
attention which they can give, when contemplating those objects, both in
respect to their national importance and the additional weight that is
given them by your recommendation.

We deprecate with you, sir, all spirit of innovation from whatever
quarter it may arise, which may impair the sacred bond that connects the
different parts of this Empire, and we trust that, under the protection
of Divine Providence the wisdom and virtue of the citizens of the United
States will deliver our national compact unimpaired to a grateful
posterity.

From past experience it is impossible for the Senate of the United
States to doubt of your zealous cooperation with the Legislature in
every effort to promote the general happiness and tranquillity of the
Union.

Accept, sir, our warmest wishes for your health and happiness.

JOHN E. HOWARD,

 President of the Senate pro tempore .

NOVEMBER 25, 1800.

REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.

CITY OF WASHINGTON,  November 26, 1800 .

 Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Senate :

For this excellent address, so respectful to the memory of my
illustrious predecessor, which I receive from the Senate of the United
States at this time and in this place with peculiar satisfaction, I pray
you to accept of my unfeigned acknowledgments. With you I ardently hope
that permanence and stability will be communicated as well to the
Government itself as to its beautiful and commodious seat. With you
I deplore the death of that hero and sage who bore so honorable and
efficient a part in the establishment of both. Great indeed would have
been my gratification if his sum of earthly happiness had been completed
by seeing the Government thus peaceably convened at this place, himself
at its head; but while we submit to the decisions of Heaven, whose
councils are inscrutable to us, we can not but hope that the members of
Congress, the officers of Government, and all who inhabit the city or
the country will retain his virtues in lively recollection and make his
patriotism, morals, and piety models for imitation.

I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the several subjects for
legislative consideration recommended in my communication to both Houses
shall receive from the Senate a deliberate and candid attention.

With you, gentlemen, I sincerely deprecate all spirit of innovation
which may weaken the sacred bond that connects the different parts
of this nation and Government, and with you I trust that under the
protection of Divine Providence the wisdom and virtue of our citizens
will deliver our national compact unimpaired to a free, prosperous,
happy, and grateful posterity. To this end it is my fervent prayer that
in this city the foundations of wisdom may be always opened and the
streams of eloquence forever flow. Here may the youth of this extensive
country forever look up without disappointment, not only to the
monuments and memorials of the dead, but to the examples of the living,
in the members of Congress and officers of Government, for finished
models of all those virtues, graces, talents, and accomplishments which
constitute the dignity of human nature and lay the only foundation for
the prosperity or duration of empires.

JOHN ADAMS.

ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES.

JOHN ADAMS,

 President of the United States .

SIR: The House of Representatives have received with great respect the
communication which you have been pleased to make to the two Houses of
Congress at the commencement of the present session.

The final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has
now taken place, within the District of Columbia is an event of no small
importance in the political transactions of our country, and we
cordially unite our wishes with yours that this Territory may be the
residence of happiness and virtue.

Nor can we on this occasion omit to express a hope that the spirit
which animated the great founder of this city may descend to future
generations, and that the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness which
marked the events of his public life may be imitated in all succeeding
ages.

A consideration of those powers which have been vested in Congress over
the District of Columbia will not escape our attention, nor shall we
forget that in exercising these powers a regard must be had to those
events which will necessarily attend the capital of America.

The cheerfulness and regularity with which the officers and soldiers of
the temporary army have returned to the condition of private citizens is
a testimony clear and conclusive of the purity of those motives which
induced them to engage in the public service, and will remain a proof on
all future occasions that an army of soldiers drawn from the citizens of
our country deserve our confidence and respect.

No subject can be more important than that of the judiciary, which you
have again recommended to our consideration, and it shall receive our
early and deliberate attention.

The Constitution of the United States having confided the management
of our foreign negotiations to the control of the Executive power, we
cheerfully submit to its decisions on this important subject; and in
respect to the negotiations now pending with France, we sincerely hope
that the final result may prove as fortunate to our country as the most
ardent mind can wish.

So long as a predatory war is carried on against our commerce we
should sacrifice the interests and disappoint the expectations of our
constituents should we for a moment relax that system of maritime
defense which has resulted in such beneficial effects. At this period it
is confidently believed that few persons can be found within the United
States who do not admit that a navy, well organized, must constitute the
natural and efficient defense of this country against all foreign
hostility.

The progress which has been made in the manufacture of arms leaves
no doubt that the public patronage has already placed this country
beyond all necessary dependence on foreign markets for an article so
indispensable for defense, and gives us assurances that, under the
encouragement which Government will continue to extend to this important
object, we shall soon rival foreign countries not only in the number but
in the quality of arms completed from our own manufactories.

Few events could have been more pleasing to our constituents than that
great and rapid increase of revenue which has arisen from permanent
taxes. Whilst this event explains the great and increasing resources of
our country, it carries along with it a proof which can not be resisted
that those measures of maritime defense which were calculated to meet
our enemy upon the ocean, and which have produced such extensive
protection to our commerce, were founded in wisdom and policy. The mind
must, in our opinion, be insensible to the plainest truths which can not
discern the elevated ground on which this policy has placed our country.
That national spirit which alone could vindicate our common rights has
been roused, and those latent energies which had not been fully known
were unfolded and brought into view, and our fellow-citizens were
prepared to meet every event which national honor or national security
could render necessary. Nor have its effects been much less important in
other respects.

Whilst many of the nations of the earth have been impoverished and
depopulated by internal commotions and national contests, our internal
peace has not been materially impaired; our commerce has extended, under
the protection of our infant Navy, to every part of the globe; wealth
has flowed without intermission into our seaports, and the labors of the
husbandman have been rewarded by a ready market for the productions of
the soil.

Be assured, sir, that the various and important subjects recommended to
our consideration shall receive our early and deliberate attention; and,
confident of your cooperation in every measure which may be calculated
to promote the general interest, we shall endeavor on our part to
testify by our industry and dispatch the zeal and sincerity with which
we regard the public good

NOVEMBER 26, 1800.

REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.

WASHINGTON,  November 27, 1800 .

 Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

Compelled by the habits of a long life, as well as by all the principles
of society and government which I could ever understand and believe, to
consider the great body of the people as the source of all legitimate
authority no less than of all efficient power, it is impossible for
me to receive this address from the immediate Representatives of the
American people at this time and in this place without emotions which
it would be improper to express if any language could convey them.

May the spirit which animated the great founder of this city descend
to future generations, and may the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness
which marked the events of his public life be imitated in all succeeding
ages.

I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the judiciary system
shall receive your deliberate attention.

With you, gentlemen, I sincerely hope that the final result of the
negotiations now pending with France may prove as fortunate to our
country as they have been commenced with sincerity and prosecuted with
deliberation and caution. With you I cordially agree that so long as a
predatory war is carried on against our commerce we should sacrifice the
interests and disappoint the expectations of our constituents should we
for a moment relax that system of maritime defense which has resulted in
such beneficial effects. With you I confidently believe that few persons
can be found within the United States who do not admit that a navy, well
organized, must constitute the natural and efficient defense of this
country against all foreign hostility.

Those who recollect the distress and danger to this country in former
periods from the want of arms must exult in the assurance from their
Representatives that we shall soon rival foreign countries not only
in the number but in the quality of arms completed from our own
manufactories.

With you, gentlemen, I fully agree that the great increase of revenue is
a proof that the measures of maritime defense were founded in wisdom.
This policy has raised us in the esteem of foreign nations. That
national spirit and those latent energies which had not been and are not
yet fully known to any were not entirely forgotten by those who had
lived long enough to see in former times their operation and some of
their effects. Our fellow-citizens were undoubtedly prepared to meet
every event which national honor or national security could render
necessary. These, it is to be hoped, are secured at the cheapest and
easiest rate; if not, they will be secured at more expense.

I thank you, gentlemen, for your assurance that the various subjects
recommended to your consideration shall receive your deliberate
attention. No further evidence is wanting to convince me of the zeal
and sincerity with which the House of Representatives regard the public
good.

I pray you, gentlemen, to accept of my best wishes for your health and
happiness.

JOHN ADAMS.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

UNITED STATES,  December 15, 1800 .

 Gentlemen of the Senate :

I transmit to the Senate, for their consideration and decision, a
convention, both in English and French, between the United States of
America and the French Republic, signed at Paris on the 30th day of
September last by the respective plenipotentiaries of the two powers.
I also transmit to the Senate three manuscript volumes containing the
journal of our envoys.

JOHN ADAMS.