INTRODUCTION. In the compilation of the work which is contained in these volumes, we are confident that we have performed an acceptable service to the American public. Former editions of the presidents' messages have been imperfect and incomplete in many respects; particularly in having been taken, in some instances, from incorrect copies, and abounding in typographical errors; also in the omission of numerous important special messages. These defects we have now endeavored to remedy; in the first place, by a careful comparison of the copies in these pages, with official documents ; and, secondly, by diligent research, to supply the special messages and inaugural addresses omitted in former compilations. It is hoped that this collection will be found to contain every address and message of all our presidents, from Washington to the present chief magistrate, which may be deemed important to elucidate the political history of this country, or to satisfy any reference that may be made by inquirers. The copious index, which is inserted at the end of the third volume, is a new feature of this compilation, that former editions have wanted ; and, of course, their value for reference has been greatly impaired, by that omission. The communications of the executive of this great republic to the national legislature, and the expositions of his policy and principles to his fellow-citizens, on entering upon the duties of his high office, must always be of interest to every intelligent and patriotic American. To most of these productions of statesmen who have been elevated by the voice of their countrymen to the chief magistracy of the nation, we may point with satisfaction, as containing lessons of political wisdom which will endure through all time. In this respect they will compare favorably with similar productions in the annals of any other nation. To render these writings of the American presidents more valuable and complete, as a continued national history, from the adoption of our constitution to the present time, we have accompanied them with a brief memoir of each president, and a history of the events of his administration. The latter sketches include an account of the most important transactions of Congress, at every session since the year 1789, and a de tail of the prominent political events and movements of parties during each period. In the preparation of the memoirs of the presidents, and the history of their administrations, we have consulted the most authentic writers on American history, as will appear by our quotations from their works; to which we here desire to express our acknowledgments. In this portion of our labors, we have endeavored to perform the part of a faithful and candid historian, whose office it is to relate events, and explain causes, without favor or prejudice. We feel the utmost confidence that intelligent and impartial readers will duly appreciate this task. The Constitution of the United States, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence, must always form a portion of the text-book of the American statesman; and, indeed, of every citizen who understands his duties to the republic. These documents are, therefore, added to this collection, accompanied with notes, and an historical sketch of the political events which led to the adoption of these Magna-Chortas of our liberties. In the appendix will be found a variety of useful statistical information, so arranged as to be convenient for reference. The American who loves his country, will examine with pleasure, as well as patriotic pride, the political history unfolded in the following voluminous pages of documents, biography, and narrative. He will behold the republic founded and established by the valor and wisdom of his ancestors, in the different stages of her progress—from the dawn of her existence as an independent power, through the blessing of Providence, overcoming every difficulty and danger-advancing in population, wealth, and territory, until she has acquired the first rank, in physical and moral ability, among the nations of the earth. June, 1854, CONTENTS. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE...... ......PAGE xiii 1 9 22 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25 31 33 36 38 42 46 47 50 51 54 55 60 64 69 79 95 103 107 112 116 116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOHN ADAMS.. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS JEFFERSON. Second inaugural Address, March 4, 1805 .... .PAGE 173 177 182 184 184 185 186 186 187 192 193 197 197 198 200 204 204 204 206 207 207 208 208 209 209 210 210 211 211 212 213 218 218 . 219 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JAMES MADISON. 267 . 273 275 277 280 281 285 286 286 290 291 291 292 292 293 293 298 304 304 305 305 306 308 311 312 317 318 319 319 323 .....PAGE 325 327 327 328 333 339 339 339 340 340 341 Special Message, February 20, 1815...... 383 391 396 404 411 419 426 433 443 451 462 465 479 |
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