extensive sea-board and frontier of the northern and eastern states. A sanguinary war had recently exposed them to the ravages of a powerful, an insolent, and in many respects, a barbarous foe. Naval demonstrations had clearly evinced the necessity of strong fortifications in our harbours, and a regular line of military posts upon our frontiers. The President, having been himself a distinguished soldier in the war of the revolution, could view the country with the eye of a soldier; being accompanied by the accomplished Gen. Swift, the then Chief Engineer in the American army, he availed himself of his military science in determining the places which formed the most proper military sites. But although this was his primary object, his capacious mind embraced within its excursive range every great subject connected with the permanent interest of his beloved country. As a scholar he viewed the progress of the higher branches of literature, and saw a portion of citizens who in the eastern world, are called the peasantry, subject to the capricious whims of imperious landlords, and the extortions of profligate governments. He there saw them FREEMEN, owners of the soil they cultivated, and enjoying the blessings of a mild and equal government.

After completing this laborious and interesting Tour, the President returned to the seat of government, where he soon after met the grand council of the Republic, and presented to them his first Message, already inserted.

Devoting himself to the important duties devolved upon him by his high office, he spent the succeeding winter and spring at the seat of government.

Soon after the conclusion of the interesting session of Congress in 1817-18, and after arranging the im portant affairs of the Cabinet, the President, in pursuance of his determination to explore every portion of the Republic, where it was practicable, and where it was most exposed to the naval and military forces of our enemies, prepared to survey the CHESAPEAKE bay, and to explore the country lying upon its extensive shores.

About the 20th May, 1818, he left the seat of government, and proceeded to Annapolis, the political capital of the state of Maryland. He was accompanied by the Hon. JOHN C. CALHOUN, Secretary at War, the Hon. BENJAMIN CROWNINGSHIELD, Secretary of the Navy, and other gentlemen of distinction.

In no respect does our country present a more striking difference from others, than in the course pursued by our Rulers in elevated stations. I need not repeat what was said in the few remarks introductory to the first Tour, published soon after it was ended; but the admiration of our countrymen cannot too often, nor too highly be excited, by calling their attention to the unceasing assiduity with which our President, and the members of the Cabinet discharge the duties assigned them by the Constitution and the Government. What the Rulers of other nations do by agents, our Rulers do themselves. The President and the heads of two departments, leave their residences to determine the best mode of defending a section of the union peculiarly exposed to the incursions of a naval force, and which had recently felt the necessity of more efficient defence.

The citizens of Annapolis, remembering the splendid manner in which the President was received every

where through his first Tour, were determined not to be excelled in civility, or hospitality, by their Northern and Eastern brethren. A splendid public dinner was

given him, at which Chancellor KILTY presided.

following Address was delivered.

TO JAMES MONROE,

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

The

The Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of Annapolis, in behalf of themselves and their fellow citizens, beg leave to welcome you on your arrival; to express the satisfaction which your visit to the Metropolis of Maryland has occasioned, and to offer any assistance in their power, for accomplishing the object of it.

Many of the inhabitants recollect your residence amongst them as a member of congress in the year 1783, since which your public duties have called you to other states, and other climes.

The rigour of the season at that time was unfavora ble to a view of the situation of the place and its surrounding waters, the prospect of which is now expanded and embellished by the military establishments erected by the United States, which of course will come within your observation.

They avail themselves of the first opportunity that has occurred of offering their congratulations on your election to the highest office in the gift of our free and happy country, and of testifying their sense of the wisdom and firmness which have since marked your administration.

A continued course of arduous and useful services in our revolutionary struggle, and since in various important trusts, had led the people to anticipate such a result, at the same time that they pointed to the most appropriate reward.

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They conclude by expressing their best wishes for your health and happiness-their attachment to you as Chief Magistrate of the union, and their respect for your public, and private character.

J. RANDALL, Mayor.

May 23, 1818.

REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.

To the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Annapolis.

FELLOW CITIZENS-In performing a duty imposed on me by the principles of our excellent constitution, which I have undertaken, at least with zeal, to give all the effect in my power, to the salutary purposes of the laws providing for the public defence, it is very gratifying to me, to have found it consistent with that duty, to make a visit to this metropolis, and I beg you, and my other fellow citizens, its inhabitants, to accept my grateful acknowledgment, for the kind reception given me.

In recurring to the period of 1783, when congress held their session here, you bring to view, incidents in the highest degree important. It was then, and here, after a long and arduous struggle, which secured our independence, that the treaty of peace was ratified. It was then, and here, that the illustrious commander of our revolutionary armies, after performing services, which a greatful country can never forget, nor time ob

literate, restored his commission to the authority from whom he had received it. To me these events, so profoundly interesting to all, were peculiarly imposing and impressive. It was then, in very early life that I commenced my career in the national councils, in which I have since so long continued. To meet again, so many of those who were present at those great events, some of whom, were parties to them, affords me the highest gratification.

For the good opinion which you have been pleased to express of my conduct, in the various trusts committed to me, since, by my country, I have all the sensibility which such sentiments ought to inspire in the mind of one, who considers the approbation of his fellow citizens, the best reward which he can receive for his services.

In performing the duty which brought me here, I shall be happy to receive the aid which you have offered, and in whatever situation I may hereafter be placed, I shall always entertain for your prosperity and happiness, the most unfeigned solicitude.

JAMES MONROE.

The town of Annapolis, although small, has many attractions. It is delightfully situated upon the south bank of the beautiful river Severn, about two miles above its entrance unto the Chesapeake bay. It has a state house, an Episcopal and a Methodist church, and many handsome private residences. It has but little pretensions to commercial consequence; indeed Baltimore commands almost the whole trade upon this immense bay.