vacancies.

CONSTITUTION OF THE

meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it be come a law, be presented to the President of the Uni. 3. No person shall be a Senator who shall not have ted States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not, he attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine shall return it, with his objections, to that House in years a citizen of the United States, and who shall which it shall have originated, who shall enter the ob. not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for jections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconwhich he shall be chosen. sider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of

4. The Vice-President of the United States shall that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, be President of the Senate. but shall have no vote un- together with the objections, to the other House, by lees they be equally divided. which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approv

5. The Senate shall choose their own own officers, ed by two-thirds of that House, it shall become a law. and also a President pro-tempore, in the absence of the But in all such cases the votes of both Houses shall be Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the President of the United States. persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered 6. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all on the journal of each House respectively. If any bill impeachments; when sitting for that purpose, they shall not be returned by the President within ten days shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President [Sundays excepted] after it shall have been presented of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall to him, the same shalt be a law, in like manner as if he preside; and no person shall be convicted without had signed it, unless the Congress by their adjourn the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. ment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not 7. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not ex. be a law.

tend farther than to removal from office, and disqua- 3. Every crder, resolution or vote, to which the conlification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust currence of the Senate and House of Representatives or profit under the United States: but the party con- may be necessary. (except on a question of adjoursvicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to in- ment,) shall be presented to the President of the Uni. dictment, trial, judgment and punishment, according ted States; and before the same shall take effect, shall to law. be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.

SECTION IV.-Election of Members.

1. The times, places and manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators.

2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

States.

SECTION VIII.-Powers of Congress.

1. The Congress shall have power to lay and oollect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States: but all dut es, imposts and excises, shall be uniforin throughout the United 2. To borrow money on the credit of the United Stutes; 3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations and 1. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, among the several States, and with the Indian tribes; returns and qualifications of its own members, and a 4. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies business: but a smaller number may adjourn from day throughout the United States:

SECTION V.-Powers of each Hoase.

to day, and may be authorized to compel the attend- 5. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and ance of absent members, in such manner, and under of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and such penalties, as each House may provide.

measures;

2. Each House may determine the rules of its pre- 6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting ceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, the securities and current coin of the United States; and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a mem- 7. To establish post offices and post roads; 8. To promote the progress of science and useful

ber. 3. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceed-arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inings, and from time to time publish the same, except ventors the exclusive right to their respective writings such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy: and discoveries; • and the yeas and nays of the members of either House 9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those Court; present, be entered on the journal.

4. Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

10. To define and punish piracies and felonies com, mitted on the high seas, and offences against the law offnations;

11. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

12. To raise and support arnes, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

SECTION VI.-Compensation, Privileges, &c. 1. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States, They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and 14. To make rules for the government and regulation breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during of the lacd and naval forces;

13. To provide and maintain a navy:

their attendance at the session of their respective 15. To provide for calling forth the militia to exeHouses, and in going to and returning from the same; cute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and and for any speech or debate in either House, they renel invasions; shall not be questioned in any other place.

16. To provide for organizing, arming and disciplin

2. No Senator or Representative sball, during the ing the militia, and for govern ng such part of them time for which he was elected, be appointed to any as may be employed in the service of the Un ted States. civil office under the authority of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the appointment of which shall have been created or the emoluments the officers and the authority of training the militia. whereof shall have been increased during such time; according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; and no person holding any office under the United 17. To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases States shall be a member of either House during his whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten continuance in office. miles square) as may, by cession of particular States and the acceptance by Congress, become the seat of SECTION VII.-Bills and Resolutions, &c. the government of the United States, and to exercise 1. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in like authority over all places purchased by the conthe House of Representatives; but the Senate may sent of the Legislature of the State in which the same propose, or concur with amendments, as on other bills. shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, 2. Every bill which shall have passed the House of dock yards, and other needful buildings:-And,

UNITED STATES.

SECTION IX.-Prohibitions and Privileges.

18. To make all laws which shall be necessary and ed, to the seat of the government of the United States. proper for carrying into execution the foregoing pow-directed to the President of the Senute; the President ers, and all powers vested by this Constitution in the of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and government of the United States, orin any department House of Representatives, open all the certificates, nd or officer thereof. the votes shall then be counted. The person having) the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, f such number be a majority of the whole) 1 The migration or importation of such persons as number of Electors appo nted; and if no person have any of the States now existing shall think proper to such majority, then from the persons having the high. admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior est numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but voted for as President, the House of Representatives a tax or duty may be imp sed on such importation, not shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President.exceed ng ten dollars for each person. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken

2. The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall by States, the representation from each State having not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of invasion the public safety may require it. member or members from two-thirds of the States, and 3. No bill of ttainder or ex post facto law shall a major ty of all the States shall be necessary to a be pissed. choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not 4. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, choose & President whenever the right of choice shall unless in proportion to the census or enumeration devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March herein before directed to be taken. next following, then the Vice President shall act as 5. No tax or (uty shall be laid on articles exported President, as in case of the death or other constitutionfrom any State. al disabil ty of the President. 6. No preferer ce s all be given by any regulation 4. The person having the greatest number of votes: of commerce or revenue to the ports of one State over as Vice President, shall be the V ce President: if such those of another; nor shall vessels bound to, or from, number be a majority of the whole number of Electors. one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from another. the two highest numbers on the 1st, the Senate shall 7. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but choose the Vice President; a quorum for the purpose in consequence of appropriation ma de by law; and a shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of regular statement and account of the receipts and Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall expenditures of all public monsey shall be published be necessary to a cho ce. 5. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the of. 8. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United fice of President, shall be eligible to that of Vice PresiStates; and no person holding any office of profit or dent.

from time to time.

trust under them, shall, without the consent of the 6. The Congress may determine the time of choosing Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or the Electors, and the day on which they shall give title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or their votes, which day shall be the same throughout foreign state. the United States.

SECTION X. State Restrictions, &c.

7. No person.except a natural born citizen, or a citi. zen of the Un ted States at the time of the adoption 1. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance or of this Const tut on, shall be elig ble to the office of confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal: President; neither shall any person be eligible to that coin money; emit bills of credit; make any thing but office who shall not have attained to the age of thirtygold and silver coin ander in payment of debts; pass five years, and been fourteen years a resident within any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impair the United States. ing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.

8. In case of removal of the President from office, or 2. No State shall, without the consent of the Con powers and dut es of the said office, the same shall de, of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the gress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, volve on the Vice President, and the Congress may bý except what may be absolutely necessary for execu- law provide for the case of removal, death, resig ting its inspection laws; and the nett produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any State on imports and ident, declaring what officer shall then act as Presi: nation or inability both of the President and Vice Pres exports, shall be for the use of the Treasury of the dent, and such officer shall act accordingly, until United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the disability be removed, or a President shall be the revision and control of the Congress. elected.

3. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, 9. The Pres dent shall, at stated times, receive for lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war his services a compensation, which shall neither be in-2 in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact creased nor diminished during the period for which he with another State, or with a foreign power, or en- shall have been elected, and he shall not receive withgage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such im- in that period any other emclument from the United minent danger as will not admit of delay.

ARTICLE II.-PRESIDENT.

SECTION 1.-Election for President.

States or any of them.

10. Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) that I will faith1. The Executive power shall be vested in a Presi- fully execute the office of President of the United dent of the United States of America. He shall hold States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, his office during the term of four years, and, tege- protect and defend the Constitution of the United ther with the Vice President, chosen for the same States." term, be elected as follows:

2. Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the SECTION II.-Powers of the President. Legislature thereof may direct, a number of Electors, 1. The President shall be commander-in-chief of equal to the whole number of Senators and Represen- the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the tatives to which the State may be entitled in the Con-milit a of the several States, when called into the acgress; but no Senator or Representative, or person tual service of the United States; he may require the holding an office of trust or profit under the United opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of States, shall be appointed an Elector. the Executive departments, upon any subject relating

3. The Electors shall meet in their respective States to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall and vote by ballot for the President and Vice President, have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenone of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of ces against the United States, except in cases of imthe same State with themselves: they shall name in peachment.

their ballots the person voted for as President, and 2. He shull have power, by and with the advice in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice Pres and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provi ident, and they shall inake distinct lists of all persons ded two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and he voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as shall nominate, and by and with the advice and conVice President, and of the number of votes for each, sent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other which lists they shall sign and certify, andtransmit,seal public ministers and consuls, Judges of the Supreme

m

CONSTITUTION OF THE

Court, and all other officers of the United States, to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided every other State. And the Congress may by general for, and which shall be established by law; but the laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records Congress may by law vest the appointinent of such and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect inferior officers as they think proper in the President thereof. alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of depart.

ments.

SECTION II.-Privilege of Citizens.

3. The President shall have power to fill up all va.1. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to cancies that may happen during the recess of the Sen- all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several ate, by granting commissions which shall expire at States. the end of their nex. session.

2. A person charged in any State with treason, felo. ny, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be SECTION III.-Duties of the President. found in another State, shall, on demand of the Exec 1. He shall from time to time give to the Congress utive authority of the State from which he fled, be information of the state of the Union, and recommend delivered up, to be removed to the State having juto their consideration such measures as he shall judge risdiction of the crime.

necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary 3. No person held to service or labor in one State unoccasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, der the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in 2 and, in case of disagreement between them, with consequence of any law or regulation therein, be disrespect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn charged from such service or labor, but shall be delivthem to such time as he shall think proper: he shall ered up on claim of the party to whom such service receive ambassadors and other publie ministers; he or labor may be due. shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.

SECTION IV. Impeachment of Officers.

1. The President, Vice President, and all civil offi. cers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bri. bery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors,

ARTICLE III.-JUDICIARY.
SECTION 1.- Courts Judges.

1. The Judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good be. havior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services, a compensation which shall not be diminishied during their continuance in office.

SECTION III.-New States.

1. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of the Congress.

.

2. The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

SECTION IV.-State Governments-Republican. 1. The United States shal! guaranty to every State in this Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion; and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu tive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) against domestic violence.

ARTICLE V.-AMENDMENTS.

SECTION II.-Judicial Powers-Civil-Criminal. 1. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and the treaties made, or 1. The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses which shall be made under their authority; to all cases shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and con- this Constitution, or, on the application of the Legis uls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdic- latures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a tion to controversies to which the United States Convention for proposing amendments, which in either shall be a party; to controversies between two or more case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part States-between a State and citizens of another State of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures -between citizens of different States-between citi- of three-fourths of the several States, or by Convenzens of the same State claiming lands under grants of tions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the ther different States-and between a State, or the citizens mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress: thereof, and foreign States, citizens or subjects. 2. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and provided that no amendment which may be inade ministers and consuls, and those in which a State shall eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth be a party, the Supreme Court shall have original ju-clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and risdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of the Supreme Court shall have appellate juris tiction, its equal suffrage in the Senate. both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as the Congress shall make. 3. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be 1. All debts contracted and engagements entered the State where the said crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the as valid against the United States under this Constutrial shall be at such place or places as the Congress tion, as under the confederation. may by law have directed.

SECTION III.-Treason.

ARTICLE VI.-DEBTS.

2. This Constitution, and the laws of the United Stutes which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the 1. Treason against the United States, shall consist law of the land; and the Judges in every State shall authority of the United States, shall be the supreme only in levying war against them, or in adhering to be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws their enemies, giving them nid and comfort. No per- of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. son shall be convicted of treason unless on the testinony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on ed, and the members of the several State Legisla3. The Senators and Representatives before mentionconfession in open court. tures, and all executive and judicial officers. both

2. The Congress shall have power to declare the of the United States and of the several States, shall be punishment of treason, but no attainder of trenson shall bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Consti work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during tution; but no religious test shall ever be required as the life of the person attained. a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

ARTICLE IV.-STATE RIGHTS.

SECTION 1.-Restitution and Privileges.

1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each Statel

ARTICLE VII.-RATIFICATION.

1. The ratification of the conventions of nine States,

shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitu-f tion between the States so ratifying the same.

ARTICLE VIII.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inthe States present, the seventeenth day of Septem- fiicted. ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the Twelfth.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed

our names.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President,
and Deputy from Virginia.

AMENDMENTS.

Articles in addition to, and amendment of, the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and rutified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the Fifth Article of the original Constitution.

ARTIGLE I.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the pross or the right of the people peaceably to assem ble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

ARTICLE 11.

ARTICLE IX.

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage oth ers retained by the people.

ARTICLE X.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

ARTICLE XI.

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.

ARTICLE XII.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice Presi dent; and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of ali persons voted for as Vice President, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of government of the United States. directed to the President of the Senate; the President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted: the person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in whole number of Electors appointed; and, if no perany house without the consent of the owner, nor inson have such majority, then, from the persons hav. time of war but in a manner to be prescribed by law. ing the highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Repre sentatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

ARTICLE III.

ARTICLE IV.

The right of the people to be secure in their per-President. But, in choosing the President, the votes sons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable shall be taken by States, the representation from each searches and seizures, shail not be violated; and no State having one vote; a quorum for this purpose, warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, support. shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds ed by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

ARTICLE V.

of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Repre. sentatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice) No person shall be held to answer for a capital or President shall act as President, as in the case of the otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or death or other constitutional disability of the President. indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in The person having the greatest number of votes as the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in ac- Vice President, shall be the Vice President, if such tual service, in time of war or public danger; nor shall number be a majority of the whole number of Elec. any person be subject, for the same offence, to be tors appointed; and, if no person have a majority, twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Sena quorum for the compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against ate shall choose the Vice President himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number without due process of law; nor shall private property of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be taken for public use without just compensation. be necessary to a choice.

ARTICLE VI.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall

But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President, shall be eligible to that of Vice President? of the United States.

An Article intended as a 13th amendment to the Con. have been committed, which district shall have been stitution was proposed at the Second Session of the previously ascertained by law; and to be informed Eleventh Congress, but was not ratified by a sufficient of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be con

fronted with the witnesses against him; to have com- number of States, to become 'valid as a part of the S pulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor: Constitution. It is erroneously given in an edition of and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.

ARTICLE VII.

In suits at common law, where the value in contro. versy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved: and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the com. mon law

the Laws of the United States published by Bioren & Duane in 1815.

[Note.-The 11th article of the amendments to the Constitution, was proposed at the second session of the third Congress; the 12th article, at the first session of the eighth Congress; and the 13th arti cle, at the second session of the eleventh Congress.]

WASHINGTON'S

FAREWELL ADDRESS.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS:

tions, contributed towards the organization and The period for a new election of a Citizen to administration of the Government, the best exadminister the Executive Government of the ertions of which a very fallible judgment was the United States being not far distant, and the capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the time actually arrived, when your thoughts inferiority of my qualifications, expericuce in must be employed in designating the person my own eyes perhaps still more in the eyes of who is to be clothed with that important trust, others, has strengthened the motives to diffiit appears to me proper, especially as it may dence of myself; and every day the increasing conduce to a more distinct expression of the weight of years admonishes me more and more, public voice, that I should now apprize you of that the shade of retirement is as necessary to the resolution I have formed, to decline being me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any considered among the number of those out of circumstances have given peculiar value to my whom a choice is to be made. services, they were temporary, I have the con

I beg you, at the same time, to do me the solation to believe, that while choice and prujustice to be assured, that this resolution has not dence invite me to quit the political scenc, pabeen taken, without a strict regard to all the triotism does not forbid it.

considerations appertaining to the relation, In looking forward to the moment which is which binds a dutiful citizen to his Country; to terminate the career of my public life, my and that, in withdrawing the tender of service, feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep which silence in my situation might imply. I acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude) am influenced by no diminution of zeal for which I owe to my beloved Country, for the your future interest; no deficiency of grateful many honors it has conferred upon me; still respect for your past kindness; but am sup- more for the steadfast confidence with which it ported by a full conviction that the step is com- has supported me; and for the opportunities I patible with both. have thence enjoyed of manifesting my invioThe acceptance of, and continuance hitherto lable attachment by services faithful and persein the office to which your suffrages have vering, though in usefulness unequal to my twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice zeal. If benefits have resulted to our Country of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a from these services, let it always be rememberdeference for what appeared to be your desire.ed to your praise, and as an instructive examI constantly hoped that it would have been ple in our annals, that under circumstances in much earlier in my power, consistently with which the passions, agitated in every direction motives which I was not at liberty to disegard, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances to return to that retirement from which I had sometimes dubious-vicissitudes of fortune, ofbeen reluctantly drawn. The strength of my ten discouraging, in situations in which, not uninclination to do this, previous to the last elec- frequently, want of success has countenanced) tion, had even led to the preparation of an Ad- the spirit of criticism-the constancy of your dress to declare it to you; but mature reflection support was the essential prop of the efforts, on the then perplexed and critical posture of and a guaranty of the plans by which they our affairs with foreign nations, and the unani- were effected. Profoundly penetrated with mous advice of persons entitled to my confi-this idea, Ishall carry it with me to my grave, dence, impelled me to abandon the idea. as a strong incitement to unceasing vows, that?

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, ex- Heaven may continue to you the choicest toternal as well as internal, no longer renders the kens of its beneficence--that your union and pursuit of inclinations incompatible with the brotherly affection may be perpetual-that the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persua- free Constitution, which is the work of your ded whatever partiality may be retained for hands, may be sacredly maintained-that its my services, that in the present circumstances administration in every department may be of our Country, you will not disapprove of my stamped with wisdom and virtue-that, in fine, determination to retire. the happiness of the people of these States, unThe impressions with which I first under-der the auspices of Liberty, may be made comtook the arduous trust, were explained on the plete, by so careful a preservation and so prùproper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, dent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to I will only say, that I have with good inten-them the glory of recommending it to the ap