and navigation with Great Britain, have not yet been removed. The negociation 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 endeavours 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 negociation 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 endeavours for the preservation of harmony with all nations, will continue to be used, the experience of the world; our own experience admonish us, of the insecurity of trusting too confi. dently to their success. We cannot, 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 defence 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 re

commended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquility; 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 contem. plated the fortification of some of our principal sea. ports and harbours. 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 expence to the public, this manufactory has been brought to such a state of maturity, as with continued encouragement, will supercede the necessity of future importations from foreign coun

tries.

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 re

sources of this country, and of the wisdom and effi ciency 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 labour, 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 labours to promote the general happiness, will receive from me the most zealous co-operation. JOHN ADAMS.

UNITED STATES, November 22d, 1800.

SIR,

ANSWER OF THE SENATE.

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 cannot 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.

2 A

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 proba ble 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 co-operation 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.

THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY.

Mr. President and gentlemen of the Senate,

FOR this excellent address, so respectful to the memory of my illustrious predecessor, which I