I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.

By the last returns to the Department of War the militia force of the several States may be estimated at 800,000 men - infantry, artillery, and cavalry.

Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.

In a representative republic, the education of our children must be of the utmost importance!

If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.

National honor is national property of the highest value.