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

In wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do

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

Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

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.

How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism.

A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.