The crime of ingratitude has not yet stained, and I trust never will stain, our national character. You are considered by them as not only having rendered important service in our own revolution, but as being, on a more extended scale, the friend of human rights, and able advocate of public liberty. To the welfare of Thomas Paine, the Americas are not, nor can they be, indifferent.

The great increase of our population throughout the Union will alone produce an important effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as in those in contemplation.

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.

I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis.

[In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places.

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

History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war.