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 *. ,; 
 
■MESSAGE. 
 
 ZHI 
 
 .*•" 
 
 •n'. 
 
 \ 
 
 ^■J-. 
 
 Fellotv-citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives : 
 
 In the midst of unprecedeuted political troubles, we Lave cause of 
 great gratitude to God for unusual good health, and most abundant 
 harvests. 
 
 You will not be surprised to learn that, in the peculiar exigencies 
 of the times, our intercourse with foreign nations has been attended 
 with profound solicitude, chiefly turning upon our own domestic 
 affairs. 
 
 A disloyal portion of the American people have, during the whole 
 year, been engaged in an attempt to divide and destroy the Union. 
 A nation which endures factious domestic division, is exposed to dis- 
 respect abroad; and one party, if not both, is sure, sooner or later, 
 to invoke foreign intervention. 
 
 Nations thus tempted to interfere; are not always able to resist the 
 counsels of seeming expediency and ungenerous ambition, although 
 measures adopted under such influences seldom fail to be unfortunate 
 and injurious to those adopting«i|ftiem. 
 
 The disloyal citizens of the United States who have offered the ruin 
 of our country, in return for the aid and comfort which they have in- 
 voked abroad, have received less patronage and encouragement than 
 they probably expected. If it were just to suppose, as the insurgents 
 have seemed to assume, that foreign nations, in this case, discarding 
 all moral, social, and treaty obligations, would act solely, and self- 
 ishly, for the most speedy restoration of commerce, including, espe- 
 cially, the acquisition of cotton, those nations appear, as yet, not to 
 have seen their way to their object more directly, or clearly, through 
 the destruction, than through the preservation, of the Union. If we 
 could dare to believe that foreign nations are actuated by no higher 
 principle than this, I am quite sure a sound argument could bo made 
 to show tiiem that they can roach their aim more readily, and easily, 
 by aiding to crush this rebellion, than by giving encouragement to it* 
 
 The principal lever relied on by the insurgents for exciting foroign 
 
ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 1. 
 
 
 t 
 
 nations to hostility against us, as already intimated, is the embarrass- 
 ment of commerce. Those nations, however, not improbably, saw 
 from the first, that it was the Union which made, as well onr foreign, 
 as our domestic commerce. They can scarcely have failed to per- 
 ceive that the effort for disunion produces the existing difficulty; and 
 that one strong nation promises more durable peace, and a more ex- 
 tensive, valuable and reliable commerce, than can the same nation 
 broken into hostile fragments. 
 
 It is not my purpose to review our discussions with foreign states; 
 because whatever might be their wishes, or dispositions, the integrity 
 of our country, and the stability of our government, mainly depend, 
 not upon them, but on the loyalty, virtue, patriotism, and intelligence 
 of the American people. The correspondence itself, with the usual 
 reservations, is herewith submitted. 
 
 I venture to hope it will appear that we have practiced prudence, 
 and liberality towards foreign powers, averting causes of irritation; 
 and, with firmness, maintaining our own rights and honor. 
 
 Since, however, it is apparent that here, as in every other state, 
 foreign dangers necessarily attend domestic difficulties, I recommend 
 that adequate and am[)le measures be adopted for maintaining the 
 public defences on every side. While, under this general recom- 
 mendation, provision for defending our sea-coast line readily occurs 
 to the mind, I also, in the same connexion, ask the attention of Con- 
 gress to our great lakes and rivers. It is believed that some fortifi- 
 cations and depots of arms r.nd munitions, Avith harbor and naviga- 
 tion improvements, all at well selected points upon those, would bo 
 of great importance to the national defence and preservation. I ask 
 attention to the views of tlie Secretary of War, ex[)ressed in his 
 report, upon the same general subject. 
 
 I deem it of importance that the loyal regions of East Ten- 
 nessee and western North Carolina should be connected Avith Ken- 
 tucky, and other faithful parts of the Union, by railroad. I therefore 
 recommend, as a military measure, that Congress provide for the 
 construction of sudi road, as speedily as possible. Kentucky, no 
 doubt, will co-operatf, and, through her legishiture, make the most 
 judicious selection of ti line. The northern terminus must connect 
 with some existing railroad; and whether the route shall be from 
 Lexington, or Nicholasville, to the Cumberland Gap; or from Lebanon 
 to the Tennessee line, in the direction of Knoxville; or on some still 
 
 \% 
 
 ^■^j 
 
■■'« 
 
 arrass- 
 y, saw 
 Dreign, ^ 
 ,0 per- 
 ty; and 
 ore ex- 
 nation 
 
 states ; 
 itegrity 
 lepend, 
 ligence 
 le usual 
 
 udence, 
 ritation; 
 
 3r state, 
 ommend 
 [ling the 
 recora- 
 y occurs 
 of Con- 
 
 Ibrtifi- 
 naviga- 
 ould bo 
 
 . I ask 
 
 1 in his 
 
 Lst Ton- 
 ith Kcn- 
 herelbro 
 for the 
 ucky, no 
 ho most 
 connect 
 bo from 
 Lebanon 
 lomc still 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 9 
 
 different line, can easily be determined. Kentucky and the general 
 government co-operating, the work can be completed in a very short 
 time; and when done, it will be not only of vast present usefulness, 
 but also a valuable permanent improvement, worth its cost in all the 
 future. 
 
 Some treaties, designed chiefly for the interests of commerce, and 
 having no grave political importance, have been negotiated, and will 
 be submitted to the Senate for their consideration. 
 
 Although we have failed to induce some of the commercial powers 
 to adopt a desirable melioration of the rigor of maritime war, we 
 have removed all obstructions from the way of this humane reform, 
 except such as are merely of temporary and accidental occurrence. 
 
 I invite your attention to the correspondence between her Britannic 
 Majesty' s minister accredited to this government, and the Secretary 
 of State, relative to the detention of the British ship Perthshire in 
 June last, by the United States steamer Massachusetts, for a sup- 
 posed breach of the blockade. As this detention was occasioned 
 by an obvious misapprehension of the facts, and as justice requires 
 that we should commit no belligerent act not founded in strict 
 right, as sanctioned by public law, I recommend that an appro- 
 priation be made to satisfy the reasonable demand of the owners of 
 the vessel for her detention. 
 
 I repeat the recommendation of my predecessor, in his annual 
 message to Congress in December last, in regard to the disposition of 
 the surplus which will probably remain after satisfying the claims of 
 American citizens against China, pursuant to the awards of the com- 
 missioners under the act of the 3d of March, 1859. If, however, it 
 should not be deemed advisable to carry that recommendation into 
 eil'ect, I would suggest that authority be given for investing the prin- 
 cipal, over the proceeds of the surplus referred to, in good securities, 
 with a view to the satisfaction of such other just claims of our citi- 
 zens against China as are not unlikely to arise hereafter in the course 
 of our extensive trade with that Empire. 
 
 By the act of the 5th of August last, Congress authorized the 
 President to instruct the commanders of suitable vessels to defend 
 themselves against, and to capture pirates. This authority has been 
 exercised in a single instance only. For the more effectual protec- 
 tion of our extensive and valuable ccMnmerce, in the eastern seas 
 especially, it seems to me that it would also be advisable to authorize 
 
4 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 the commanders of sailing vessels to re-capture any prizes which 
 pirates may make of United States vessels and their cargoes, and the 
 consular courts, now established by law in eastern countries, to adju- 
 dicate the cases, in the event that this should not be objected to by 
 the local authorities. 
 
 If any good reason exists why we should persevere longer in with- 
 holding our recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti 
 and Liberia, I am unable to discern it. Unwilling, however, to inaugu- 
 rate a novel policy in regard to them without the approbation of 
 Congress, I submit for your consideration the expediency of an 
 appropriation for maintaining a charge d'affaires near each of tliOse 
 new states. It does not admit of doubt hat important commercial 
 advantages might be secured by favorable treaties with them. 
 
 The operations of the treasury during the period which has elapsed 
 since your adjournment have been conducted with signal success. The 
 patriotism of the people has placed at the disposal of the government 
 the large means demanded by the public exigencies. Much of the 
 national loan has been taken by citizens of the industrial classes, 
 whose confidence in their country's faith, and zeal for their country's 
 deliverance from present peril, have induced them to contribute to 
 the support of the government the whole of their limited acquisi. 
 tions. This fact imposes peculiar obligations to economy in disburse- 
 ment and energy in action. 
 
 The revenue from all sources, including loans, for the financial year 
 ending on the 30th June, 1861, was eighty-six million eight hundred 
 and thirty-five thousand nine hundred dollars and twenty-seven cents, 
 and the expenditures for the same period, including payments on 
 account of the public debt, were eighty-four million five hundred and 
 seventy-eight thousand eight hundred and thirty-four dollars and 
 forty-seven cents; leaving a balance in the treasury, on the 1st July, 
 of two million two hundred and fiftv-seven thousand sixtv-five dollars 
 and eighty cents. For the first quarter of the financial year, ending 
 on the 30th September, 18G1, tlie receipts from all sources, including 
 the balance of 1st of July, were one hundred and two million five 
 hundred and thirty-two thousand five hundred and nine dollars and 
 twenty-seven cents, and the expenses ninety-eight million two hun- 
 dred and thirty-nine tliousand seven hundred and thirty-three dollars 
 and nine cents; leaving a balance, on the Istot October, 18(51, of four 
 million two hundred and ninety-two thousand seven hundred and 
 seventy-six dollars and eighteen cents. 
 
ea which 
 ?, and the 
 J, to adju- 
 ted to by 
 
 r in with- 
 r of Hayti 
 
 inaugu- 
 bation of 
 loy 01 an 
 
 of tliOse 
 >mmofcial 
 rn. 
 
 IS el apse 'i 
 ess. The 
 vernraont 
 )h of tho 
 
 1 classea, 
 country's 
 
 ;ribute to 
 
 I acquisi. 
 
 disburse- 
 
 icial year 
 
 hundred 
 
 en cents, 
 
 inents on 
 
 died and 
 
 hirs and 
 
 1st July, 
 
 c dollars 
 
 , ending 
 
 including 
 
 illion live 
 
 )llurs and 
 
 two hun- 
 
 '0 dollars 
 
 1, of four 
 
 Ired and 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 6 
 
 Estimates for the remaining three quarters of the year, and for the 
 financial year 1863, together with his views of wa3\s and means 
 for meeting the demands contemplated by them, will be submitted 
 to Congress by the Secretary of the Treasury. It is gratifying to 
 know that the expenditures made necessary by the rebellion are not 
 beyond tho resources of the loyal people, and to believe that the 
 same patriotism which has thus far sustained the government will 
 continue to sustain it till Peace and Union shall attain bless the land. 
 
 I respectfully refer to tho report of the Secretary of War for infor- 
 mation respecting the numerical strength of the army, and for recom- 
 mendations having in view an increase of its efliciency and the well 
 being of the various branches of the service intrusted to his care. 
 It is gratifying to know that the patriotism of the people has proved 
 equal to the occasion, and that the number of troops tendered greatly 
 exceeds the force which Congress authorized me to call into the 
 field, 
 i I refer with pleasure to those portions of his report which make 
 
 allusion to the creditable degree of discipline already attained by our 
 troops, and to the excellent sanitary condition of the entire army. 
 
 The recommendation of the Secretary for an organization of the 
 militia upon a uniform basis, is a subject of vital importance to the 
 future safety of the country, and is commended to the serious atten- 
 tion of Congress. 
 
 The large addition to the regular army, in connexion with the 
 defection that has so considerably diminished the number of its 
 officers, gives peculiar importance to his recommendation for increas- 
 ing tho corps of cadets to the greatest capacity of the Military 
 Academy. 
 
 By mere omission, [ presume. Congress uas failed to provide chap- 
 I lains for hospitals occupied by volunteers. This subject was brought 
 
 I to my notice, and I was induced to draw up the Ibrm of a letter, one 
 
 copy of which, properly addressed, has been delivered to each of 
 § the persons, and at tho dates respectively named and stated, in a 
 
 schedule, containing also the form of the letter, marked A, and here- 
 with transmitted. 
 
 These gentlemen, 1 understand, entered upon the duties desig- 
 nated, at the times respectively stated in the schedule, and have 
 labored faithfully therein ever since. 1 therefore recommend that 
 they be compensated at the same rate as chaplains in the army. I 
 
 
6 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OP THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 further suggest that general provision be made for chaplains to serve 
 at hospitals, as well as with regiments. 
 
 ■ The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents in detail the 
 operations of that branch of the service, the activity and energy 
 which have characterized its administration, and the results of meas- 
 ures to increase its efficiency and power. Such have been the addi- 
 tions, by construction and purchase, that it may almost be said a 
 navy has been created and brought into service since our difficulties 
 commenced. 
 
 Besides blockading our extensive coast, squadrons larger than ever 
 before assembled under our flag have been put afloat and performed 
 deeds which have increased our naval renown. 
 
 I would invite special attention to the recommendation of the Sec- 
 retary for a more perfect organization of the navy by introducing 
 additional grades in the service. 
 
 The present organization is defective and unsatisfactory, and the 
 suggestions submitted by the department will, it is believed, if 
 adopted, obviate the difficulties alluded to, promote harmony, and 
 increase the efficiencv of the navv. 
 
 There are three vacancies on the bench of the Supreme Court — 
 two by the decease of Justices Daniel and McLean, and one by the 
 resignation of Justice Campbell. I have so far forborne making 
 nominations to fill these vacancies for reasons which I will now state. 
 Two of the outgoing judges resided within the States now overrun 
 by revolt; so that if successors were appointed in the same localities, 
 they could not now serve upon their circuits; and many of the most 
 competent men there, probably would not take the personal hazard 
 of accepting to serve, even here, upon the supreme bench. I have 
 been unwilling to throw all the appointments northward, thus dis- 
 abling myself from doing justice to the south on the return of peace; 
 although I may remark that to transfer to the north one which has 
 heretofore been in the south, would not, with reference to terr'tory 
 and population, be unjust. 
 
 During the long and brilliant judicinl career of Judge McLean his 
 circuit grew into an empire — altogether too large for any one judge 
 to give the courts therein more than a nominal attendance — rising in 
 population from one million foin* hundred and seventy thousand and 
 eighteen, in 1830, to six million one hundred and lifty-one thousand 
 four hundred and five, in 18G0. 
 
 Be^*idcs this, the country generally has outgrown our [)resent judi- 
 
ins to serve 
 
 detail the 
 and energy 
 Its of meas- 
 311 the addi- 
 t be said a 
 • difficulties 
 
 QT than ever 
 il performed 
 
 L of the Sec- 
 introducing 
 
 ory, and the 
 believed, if 
 
 irmony, 
 
 and 
 
 3me Court — 
 i one by the 
 )rne making 
 11 now state, 
 now overrun 
 ne localities, 
 of the most 
 sonal hazard 
 ich. I have 
 rd, thus dis- 
 jrn of peace ; 
 le which has 
 to territory 
 
 ) McLean his 
 ly one judge 
 CO — rising in 
 thousand and 
 one thousand 
 
 present judi- 
 
 ANNITAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 7 
 
 cial system. If uniformity was at all intended, the system requires 
 that all the Sta'^os shall be accommodated with circuit courts, attended 
 by supreme judges, while, in fact, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, 
 Florida, Texas, California, and Oregon, have never had any such courts. 
 Nor can this well be remedied without a change of the system; because 
 the adding of judges to the Supreme Court, enough for the accommoda- 
 tion of all parts of the country, with circuit courts, would create a 
 court altogether too numerous for a judicial body of any sort. And 
 the evil, if it be one, will increase as new States come into the Union. 
 Circuit courts are useful, or they are not useful. If useful, no State 
 should be denied them ; if not useful, no State should have them. 
 Let them be provided for all, or abolished as to all. 
 
 Three modifications occur to me, either of which, I think, would 
 be an improvement upon our present system. Let the Supreme 
 Court be of convenient number in every event. Then, first, let the 
 whole country be divided into circuits of convenient size, the supreme 
 judges to servo in a number of them corresponding to their own num- 
 ber, and independent circuit judges be provided for all the rest. Or, 
 secondly, let the supreme judges be relieved from circuit duties, and 
 circuit judges provided for all the circuits. Or, thirdly, dispense 
 with circuit courts altogether, leaving the judicial functions wholly 
 to the district courts and an independent Supreme Court. 
 
 I respectfully recommend to the consideration of Congress the 
 present condition of the statute laws, with the hope that Congress 
 will be able to find an easy remedy for many of the inconveniences 
 and evils which constantly embarrass those engaged in the practical 
 administration of them. Since the organization of the government, 
 Congress has enacted some five thousand acts and joint resolutions, 
 which fill more than six thousand closely printed pages, and arc 
 scattered tlirougli muny volumes. Many of those acts have been 
 drawn in haste and witliout sufticient caution, so that tlieir provisions 
 are often obscure in thenujolves, or in conflict Mith each other, or at 
 least so doubtful as to render it very difficult for even the best 
 informed persons to ascortain precisely what the statute law really is. 
 
 It seems to me very important that the statute laws should be 
 made as plain and intoUigiblo as possible, and be reduced to as small 
 a (;onipass as may consist with the fullness and precision of the Avill 
 of the legislature and the perspicuity of its language. This, well 
 done, would, I think, greatly lacilitate the labors of those whose 
 dutv it is to assist in the administration of the laws, and would be a 
 
r 
 
 8 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 If 
 
 lasting benefit to the people, by placing before them, in a more 
 accessible and intelligible form, the laws which so deeply concern 
 their interests and their duties. 
 
 1 am informed by some whose opinions I respect, that all the acts 
 of Congress now in force, and of a permanent and general nature, 
 might be revised and re-written, so as to bo embraced in one volume 
 (or at most, two volumes) of ordinary and convenient size. And I 
 respectfully recommend to Congress to consider of the subject, and, 
 if my suggestion be approved, to devise such plan as to their wisdom 
 shall seem most proper for the attainment of the end proposed. 
 
 One of the unavoidable consefjuences of the present insurrection 
 is the entire suppression, in many places, of all the ordinary moans of 
 administering civil justice by the oflicers, and in the forms of existing 
 law. This is the case, in whole or in part, in all the insurgent 
 States; and as our armies advance upon and take possession of parts 
 of those States, the practical evil becomes more apparent. There 
 are no courts nor oflicers to whom the citi/ens of other States may 
 apply for the enforcement of their lawful claims against citizens of 
 the insurgent States; and there is a vast amount of debt constituting 
 such claims. Some have estimated it as high as two hundred milliou 
 dollars, due, in large part, from insurgents, in open rebellion, to 
 loyal citizens who are, even now, making great sacrifices in the dis- 
 charge of their patriotic duty to support the government. 
 
 Under these circumstances, I have been urgently solicited to estab- 
 lish, by military power, courts to administer summary justice in such 
 cases. I have thus far declined to do it, not because I had any doubt 
 that the end proposed — the collo(!tion of the debts — was just and right 
 in itself, but because I have been unwilling to go beyond the pressure 
 of necessity in the unusual exercise of power. But the powers of 
 Congress I suppose are e(|ual to the anomalous occasion, and there- 
 fore I refer the whole matter to Congress, with the hope that a plan 
 may be devised for the administration of justice in all such parts of 
 the insurgent States and Territories as may be under the control of 
 this government, whether by a voluntary return to allegiance and 
 order, or by the power of our arms. This, however, not to be a per- 
 manent institution, but a temporary substitute, and to cease as soon 
 as the ordinary courts can be re-established in peace. 
 
 It is important that some more convenient means should be pro- 
 vided, if possible, for the adjustment of claims against the govern- 
 ment, especially in view of their increased number by reason of the 
 
ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 9 
 
 in a more 
 ly concern 
 
 ill the acts 
 al nature, 
 me volume 
 ',e. And I 
 bject, and, 
 sir wisdom 
 osed. 
 
 isurrection 
 ry moans of 
 of existing 
 insurgent 
 )n of parts 
 nt. There 
 States may 
 citizens of 
 'onstituting 
 [red million 
 cbellion, to 
 in tlie dis- 
 
 3d to estab- 
 ice in such 
 I any doubt 
 st and right 
 he pressure 
 powers of 
 and there- 
 that a plan 
 oh parts of 
 ! control of 
 giance and 
 be a per- 
 ase as soon 
 
 uld be pro- 
 the govern- 
 ason of the 
 
 war. It is as much the duty of government to render prompt justice 
 against itself, in favor of citizens, as it is to administer the same, be- 
 tween private individuals. The investigation and adjudication of 
 claims, in their nature belong to tlie judicial department ; besides it 
 iri apparent that the attention of Congress, will be more than usually 
 engaged, for some time to come, with great national (piostions. It 
 was intended, by the organization of the court of claims, mainly to 
 remove this branch of business from the halls of Congress ; but while 
 the court has proved to be an elfective, and valuable means of inves- 
 tigation, it in groat degree fails to effect the object of its creation, 
 for want of power to make its judgments final. 
 
 Fully aware of the delicacy, not to say the danger, of the subject, 
 I commend to your careful consideration whether this power of making 
 judgments final, may not properly bo given to the court, reserving 
 the right of appeal on questions of law to the Supreme Court, with 
 such other provisions as experience may have shown to be necessary. 
 
 I ask attention to the report of the Postmaster General, the follow- 
 ing being a summary statement of the condition of the department: 
 
 The revenue from all sources during the fiscal year ending June 
 30, 1861, including the annual permanent appropriation of seven 
 hundred thousand dollars for the transportation of "free mail matter," 
 was nine million forty-nine thousand two hundred and ninety-six 
 dollars and forty cents, being about two per cent, less than the reve- 
 nue for 1860. 
 
 The expenditures were thirteen million six hundred and six 
 thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine dollars and eleven cents, 
 showing a decrease of more than eight per cent, as compared with 
 those of the previous year, and leaving an excess of expenditure over 
 the revenue for the last fiscal year of four million five hundred and 
 fifty-seven thousand four hundred and sixty-two dollars and seventy- 
 one cents. 
 
 The gross revenue for the year ending June 30, 1863, is estimated 
 at an increase of four per cent, on that of 1861, making eight million 
 six hundred and eighty-three thousand dollars, to which should be 
 added the earnings of the department in carrying free matter, viz: 
 seven hundred thousand dollars, making nine million three hundred 
 and eighty-three thousand dollars. 
 
 The total expenditures for 1863 are estimated at twelve million 
 five hundred and twent3'-eight thousand dollars, leaving an estimated 
 
10 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 deficiency of three million one Imndred and forty-five thousand 
 dollars to be supplied from the treasury, in addition to the permanent 
 appropriation. 
 
 The present insurrection shows, T think, tliat the extension of this 
 District across the Potomac river, at the time of establisliing the 
 capital here, was eminently wise, and consequently that the relin- 
 quishment of that portion of it which lies within the State of Vir- 
 ginia was unwise and dangerous. I submit for your consideration 
 the expediency of regaining tliat part of the District, and the restora- 
 tion of the original boundaries thereof, through nogotiatioub with t!ie 
 State of Virginia. 
 
 The report of the Secretary of the Interior, with the accompany- 
 ing documents, exhibits the condition of the several branches of the 
 public business pertaining to that department. The depressing influ- 
 ences of the insurrection have been especially felt in the operations 
 of the Patent and General Land Oflices. The cash receipts from 
 the sales of public lands during the past year have exceeded the 
 expenses of our land system only about two hundred thousand dol- 
 lars. The sales have been entirely suspended in the southern States, 
 while the interruptions to the business of the country, and the diver- 
 sion of laj'ge numbers of men from labor to military service, have 
 obstructed settlements in the new States and Territories of the 
 northwest. 
 
 The receii)t8 of the Patent Odice have declined in nine months 
 about one hundred thpusand dollars, rendering a large reduction of 
 the force employed necessary to make it self-sustaining. 
 
 The demands npon the Pension Office will be largely increased by 
 the insurrection. Numerous ap})lications for pensions, based upon 
 the casualties of the existing war, have already been made. There 
 is reason to believe that many who are now upon the ]>onsion rolls 
 and in receij)t of the bounty of the government, are in the ranks of 
 the insurgent army, or giving them aid and comfort. The Secretary 
 of the Interior has directed a suspension of the payment of the ])en- 
 sions of Huch persons upon proof of their disloyalty, t reconnnetjd 
 that Congress autliori/c! that oflicer to i-anse the names of such p(!r- 
 fions to bo stricken from the pension rolls. 
 
 The relations of the government with the Indian tribes have boon 
 greatly distiirbe(l by the iiiHurrc't ion. cspt'cially in the southern super- 
 intendency and in that of New Mexico. The Indian country south of 
 Kansas is in the possession of insurgents from Texas and Arkansas. The 
 
ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 11 
 
 3 thousand 
 permanent 
 
 sion of this 
 ilishing the 
 t the relin- 
 ite of Vir- 
 )n8ideratiou 
 the restora- 
 mb with the 
 
 accompany - 
 iches of the 
 essing infiu- 
 B operations 
 'ceipts from 
 (cceeded the 
 iiousand dol- 
 hern States. 
 ,d the diver- 
 ervice, have 
 »ries of the 
 
 nine months 
 reduction of 
 
 increased l)y 
 hased upon 
 iide. There 
 ])cnsion rolls 
 the ranks of 
 he Secretary 
 t of tlie i)en- 
 [ reconnnend 
 of such por- 
 es liave been 
 utli(>rn snper- 
 miry south of 
 rkunsiis. The 
 
 agents of the United States appointed since the 4th of March for 
 this superintendency have been unable to reach their posts, while the 
 most of those who were in ofHce before that time have espoused the 
 insurrectionary cause, and assume to exercise ihe powers of agents 
 by virtue of commissions from the insurrectionists. It has been stated 
 in the public press that a portion of those Indians have been organ- 
 ized as a military force, and are attached to the army of the insur- 
 gents. Although the government has no official information upon 
 this subject, letters have been written to the Commissioner of Indian 
 Aflairs by several prominent chiefs, giving assurance of their loyalty 
 to the United States, and expressing a wish for the presence of fed- 
 eral troops to protect them. It is be^^eved that upon the repos- 
 session of the country by the federal forces the Indians will readily 
 cease all hostile demonstrations, aiid resume their former relations to 
 the government. 
 
 Agriculture, confessedly the largest interest of the nation, has, 
 not a department, nor a bureau, but a clerkship only, assigned to it 
 in the government. While it is fortunate that this great interest is 
 80 indcpendoi.t in its nature as to not have demanded and extorted 
 more from the government, I respectfully ask Congress to consider 
 whether something more cannot be given voluntarily with general 
 advantage. 
 
 Annual reports exhibiting the condition of our agriculture, com- 
 merce and manufactures would present a fund of information of great 
 practical value to the country. While I make no suggestion as to 
 details, I venture the opinion that an agricultural and statistical bu- 
 reau might profitably be organi/-ed. 
 
 The execution of the laws for the suppression of the African slave 
 trade has been confided to the Department of the Interior. It is a 
 subject of gratnlation that the efibrts which have been made for the 
 sunpression of this inhuman traffic liave been recently attended with 
 unusual suet CSS. Five vessels being fitted out for the slave trade 
 have been sei/,ed and condemned. Two mates of vessels engaged in 
 the trade, and one person in e(|uipping a vessel as a slaver, have been 
 convicted and subjected to the penalty of line and imprisonment, and 
 one eaplain, (aken with a i-iirgo of Africans on board his vessel, has 
 been convictecl of the highest grade of oifeiicc under our law8, the 
 punishment of which is dealli. 
 
 The Territories of Colorado, Dukotah and Nevada, created by the 
 
12 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 last Congress, have been organized, and civil administration has been 
 inaugurated therein under auspices especially gratifying, when it is 
 considered that the leaven of treason was found existing in some of 
 these new countries when the federal oflicers arrived there. 
 
 The abundant natural resources of these Territories, with the se- 
 curity and protection alforded by organized government, will doubt- 
 less invite to them a large immigration when peace shall restore the 
 business of the country to its accustomed ciianncls. I submit the 
 resolutions of the legislature of Colorado, which evidence the patriotic 
 spirit of the people of the Territory. So far the authority of tho 
 United States has been upheld in all the Territories, as it is hoped it 
 will be in tlie future. I commend their interests and defence to the 
 eulightened and generous care of Congress. 
 
 I recommend to the favorable consideration of Congress the interests 
 of the District of Columbia. Tiie insurrection has been the cause ot 
 much suffering and sacrifice to its iidiabitants, and as they have no 
 representative in Congress, that body should not overlook their just 
 claims upon the government. 
 
 At your late session a joint resolution was adopted authorizing the 
 President to take measures for facilitating a proper representation 
 of the industrial interests of the United States at the exliibition of 
 the industry of all nations to bo holden at London in the year 18G2. 
 I regret to say 1 have been unabhi to give personal attention to this 
 subject — a subject at once so interesting in itself, and so extensively 
 and intimately connected with the matcsrial prosperity of the world. 
 Through the Secretaries of State and of the Interior a [)ian, or sys- 
 tem, has been devised, and partly matured, and which will be laid 
 before you. 
 
 Under and by virtue of the act of Congress entitled "An act to 
 confiscate property used for insurrcctiojuiry purposes," approved 
 August G, 1801, the legal claims of certain persons to tlu; labor and 
 service of certain other persons have become forfeited ; and lunnbers 
 of the hitter, thus liberated, are already dependent on the United 
 States, and must be provided lor in some way. Besides this, it is 
 not impossible that some of the States will |»as8 similar enactments 
 for their own benefit respectively, and by operation of which, persons 
 of the same class will be thrown upon them for disposal. In such 
 case I recommend that C»»ngress |)rovide for accepting such ])ersons 
 from such States, according to st)me mode of valuation, in lieu, pro 
 ianto, ul direct taxes, or upon some otln^r plan to be agreed on with 
 
 V 
 
 o 
 
 Ol 
 
ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 13 
 
 has been 
 
 hen it is 
 
 some of 
 
 h the se- 
 ll doubt- 
 store the 
 ibmit the 
 patriotic 
 ty of the 
 I hoped it 
 ice to the 
 
 ! interests 
 3 cause of 
 y have no 
 their just 
 
 rizing the 
 cpentation 
 libition of 
 rear 18G2. 
 on to this 
 xtonaively 
 the world, 
 in, or sys- 
 11 be laid 
 
 An act to 
 ii])proved 
 labor and 
 1 numbers 
 he United 
 this, it is 
 nactments 
 h, persons 
 fn such 
 •h persons 
 n lieu, pro 
 I'd on with 
 
 i 
 
 such States respectively ; that such persons,on such acceptance by the 
 general government, be at once deemed free ; and that, in any event, 
 steps be taken for coloniijing both classes, (or the one first mentioned, 
 if the c'her shall not be brought into existence,) at some place, or 
 placcfj. : a climate congenial to them. It might be well to consider, 
 too, whether the free colored people already in the United States 
 could not, so far as individuals may desire, be included in such colo- 
 nization. 
 
 To carry out the plan of colonization may involve the acquiring of 
 territory, and also the appropriation of money beyond that to be 
 expended in the territorial acquisition. Having practiced the acqui- 
 sition of territory for nearly sixty years, the question of constitutional 
 power to do so is no longer an open one with us. The power was 
 questioned at first by Mr. Jefferson, who, however, in the purchase 
 of Louisiana, yielded his scruples on the plea of great expediency. 
 If it be said that the only legitimate object of acquiring territory is 
 to furnish homes for white men, this measure effects that object ; 
 for the emigration of colored men leaves additional room foi white 
 men remaining or coming here. Mr. Jefferson, however, placed the 
 importance of procuring Louisiana more on political and commercial 
 grounds than on providing room for population. 
 
 On this whole proposition, including the appropriation of money 
 with the acquisition of territory, does not the expediency amount to 
 absolute necessity — that, without which the government itself can- 
 not be perpetuated? 
 
 The war continues. In com idering the policy to be adopted for 
 suppressing the insurrection, I have been anxious and carel'ul that 
 the inevitable conflict for this purpose shall not degenerate into a 
 violent and remorseless revolutionary struggle. I have, therefore, 
 in every case, thought it proper to keep the integrity of the Union 
 prominent as the primary object of the contest on otir part, leaving 
 nil (]ueslions which are not of vital military importance to the more 
 deliberate action of the legislature. 
 
 In the exercise of mv best discretion I have adhered to the blockade 
 of the ports held by the insurgents, instead of putting in force, by 
 proclamation, the law of (congress enacted at the late session for 
 ^'losing tho^e ports. 
 
 So, also, obeying the dictates of prudence, as well as the obligations 
 of law, instead of transcending, I have adhered to the act of 
 
14 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OP THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 Congress to confiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes. 
 If a new law upon the same subject shall be proposed, its propriety 
 will be duly considered. The Union must be preserved ; and hence, 
 all indispensable means must be employed. We should not be in 
 haste to determine that radical, and extreme measures, which may 
 reach the loyal as well as the disloyal, are indispensable. 
 
 The inaugural address at the beginning of the Administration, and 
 the message to Congress at the late special session, were both mainly 
 devoted to the domestic controversy out of which the insurrection 
 and consequent war have sprung. Nothing now occurs to add or 
 subtract, to or from, the principles, or general purposes, stated and 
 expressed, in those documents. 
 
 The last ray of hope for preserving the Union peaceably, expired 
 at the assault upon Fort Sumter; and a gen^id review of Avhat has 
 occurred since may not be unprofitable. What was painfully 
 uncertain then, is much better defined and more distinct now; 
 and the progress of events is plaiidy in the right direction. 
 The insurgents confidently claimed a strong support from north of 
 Mason and Dixon's line; and the friends of the Union were not free 
 from apprehension on the point. This, however, was soon settled 
 definitely, and on the right side. South of the line, noble little Dela- 
 ware led oif right from the first. Maryland was made ti).se(V/i against 
 the Union. Our soldiers were assaulted, bridges were burned, and 
 railroads torn up, within her limits; and we were many <lays, at one 
 time, without the ability to bring a single regiment nvi'r her soil 
 to the capital. Now, her l)ridgos and railroads are re))aired antl 
 c^pen to the government; she already gives seven regiments to 
 the cause of the Union and none to the enemy; and her i)eople, 
 at a regular election, hiive sustained the Union, by a larger niajority, 
 and a larger aggregate vote than they ever before gave to any candi- 
 date, or any question. Kentucky, too, for son\e time in doubt, is now 
 decidedly, and, I think, unchangeably, ranged on the side ol' the 
 Union. Missouri is comparatively (piiet; ami 1 believe cannot again 
 be overrun by the insurrectionists. These three States of Maryland, 
 Kentucky, and Missouri, neithiT of which would promise a single 
 soldier at first, have now an aggregate of not less than forty thousand 
 in the field, for the Union; while, of their citi/ens, certainlv not 
 more than a third of lliat number, and they of doubtful whereabouts, 
 and doubtful existence, are in anus against it. After a somewhat 
 
ANNUAL MESSAGP: OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 15 
 
 bloody struggle of months, winter closes on the Union people of 
 w estern Virginia, leaving tliera masters of their own country. 
 
 An insurgent force of about fifteen hundred, for months dominating 
 the narrow peninsular region, constituting the counties of Accomac 
 and Northampton, and known as eastern shore of Virginia, together 
 with some contiguous parts of Maryland, have laid down their arms; 
 and the people there have renewed their allegiance to, and accepted 
 the protection of, the old flag. This leaves no armed insurrectionist 
 north of the Potomac, or east of the Chesapeake. 
 
 Also we have obtained a footing at each of the isolated points, on 
 the southern coast, of Hatteras, Port Royal, Tybee Island, near 
 Savannah, and Ship island; and we likewise have some general ac- 
 counts of popular movements, in behalf of the Union, in North Caro- 
 lina and Tennessee. 
 
 These things demonstrate that the cause of the Union is advancing 
 steadily and certainly southward. 
 
 Since your hist adjournment, Lieutenant General Scott has retired 
 from the head of the army. During his long life, the nation has not 
 been unmindful of his merit; yet, on calling to mind how foithfully, 
 ably, and brilliantly he has served the country, from a time far back 
 in our history, when few of the now living had been born, and thence- 
 forward continually, I cannot but think we are still his debtors. I 
 submit, therefore, for your consideration, what further mark of recog- 
 nition is duo to him, and to ourselves, as a grateful people. 
 
 With the retirement of General Scott came the executive duty of 
 appointing, in his stead, a general-in-chief of the army. It is a for- 
 tunate circumstance that neither in council nor country was there, so 
 far as I know, any diirerenco of opinion as to the proper person to be 
 selected. The retiring chief repeatedly expressed his judgment in 
 favor of General McClcllun for the position; and in this the nation 
 seemed to give a unanimous concurrence. The designation of Gene- 
 ral JMcCiellan is, therefore, in considerable degree, the selection of 
 the country, as well as of the Executive; and hence there is better 
 reason to hope there will be given him, the confidence, and cordial 
 support thus, by fair implication, promised, and without which, he 
 cannot, with so full efliciency, serve the country. 
 
 It has been said that one bad general is better than two good ones; 
 and tho saying is true, if taken to mean no more than that an army 
 
 ;. 1J 
 
 )| 
 
10 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 ' 
 
 '/) 3 a 
 
 CTi 
 
 ^' t 
 
 e- 
 
 is better directed by a single mind, though inferior, than by two 
 superior ones, at variance, and cross-purposes with each other. 
 
 And the same is true, in all joint operations wherein those engaged, 
 can have none but a common end in view, and can differ only as to 
 the choice of means. In a storm at sea, no one on board can wish 
 the ship to sink; and yet, not unfrequently, all go down together, 
 because too many will direct, and no single mind can be allowed to 
 control. 
 
 It continues to develop that the insurrection is largely, if not ex- 
 clusively, a war upon the first principle of popular government — the 
 rights of the people. Conclusive evidence of this is found in the 
 most grave and maturely considered public documents, as well as in 
 the general tone of the insurgents. In those documents we find the 
 abridgment of the existing right of suffrage, and the denial to the 
 people of all right to i)articipate in the selection of public oflicers, 
 except the legislative, boldly advocated, with labored arguments to 
 prove that large control of the people in government, is the source 
 of all political evil. Monarchy itself is sometimes hinted at as a 
 possible refuge from the power of the people. 
 
 In my present i)osition, I could scarcely be justified were I to omit 
 • raising a warning voice against this approach of returning despotism. 
 
 It is not needed, nor fitting here, that a general argument should 
 be made in fiivor of popular institutions; but there is one point, with 
 its connexions, not so hackneyed as most others, to which I ask a brief 
 attention. It is the effort to place capital on an equal footing with, 
 /if not above lahoi\ in the stxuoturoof government. It is assumed 
 that labor is available^ only in connexion with capital; that nobody 
 labors unless somebody else, owning capital, somehow by the use of 
 it, induces him to labor. This assumed, it is next considered wliether 
 it is best that capital shall hire laborers, and thus induce them to 
 work by their own consent, or huy them, and drive them to it without 
 their consent. Having preceded so far, it is naturally concluded that 
 all laborers are either hired laborers, or what wo call slaves. And 
 further, it is assumed that whoever is once u hired laborer, is fixed in 
 that condition i'or life. ., - ") 
 
 Now, there is no such relation between cajjital and labor iu 
 ivssuitMjd; nor is lliere any such thing as a free man being fixed for 
 
 , y L., 
 
th, 
 h1 
 dy 
 ot 
 ler 
 to 
 out 
 lilt 
 
 Liul 
 1 in 
 
 ail 
 ior 
 
 ."/L, 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 life in the condition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are 
 false, and all inferences from them are groundless. 
 
 Labor IS prior to, antl independent of, capital. Capital is only the 
 fruit of labor, and^^coufd never have existed if labor had not first 
 existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the 
 higher consideration. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of 
 protection as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and 
 probably always will be, a relation between labor and capital, pro- 
 ducing mutual benefits. The error is in assuming that the whole 
 labor of community exists within that relation. A few men own 
 capital, and that few avoid labor themselves, and, with their capital, 
 hire or buy another few to labor for them. A large majority belong 
 to neither class — neither work for others, nor have others working for 
 tiiem. In most of the southern States, a majority of the whole people 
 of all colors, are neither slaves nor masters; while, in the northern, 
 a large majority are neither hirers nor hired. Men with their 
 Ayfamilics — wives, sons, and daughters — work for themselves, on 
 their farms, in their houses, and in their shops, taking the whole 
 product to themselves, and asking no favors of capital on the one 
 liand, nor of hired laborers or slaves on the other. It is not forgotten 
 that a considerable number of persons mingle their own labor with 
 capital — tliat is, they labor with their own hands, and also buy or 
 hire others to labor for them; but this is only a mixed, and not a 
 distinct class. No principle stated is disturbed by the existence of 
 this mixed class. 
 
 Again: as has already been said, there is not, of necessity, any 
 such thing as the free hired laborer being fixed to that condition for 
 life. Many independent men everywhere in tlicse States, a few years 
 buck in their lives, wore hired laborers. The prudent, penniless 
 hi'ginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with 
 which to buy tools or land for himself; then labors on his own account 
 another while, and at length iiires another new beginner to help him. 
 This is the just, and generous, and prosperous system, which opens 
 tlu" way to all — gives hope to all, and consequent energy, and pro- 
 gress, and improvement of condition to all. No men living are more 
 worthy to bo trusted than those who toil up from poverty — none less 
 inclined to take, or touch, aught which they have not honestly 
 earned. Jjot them beware of surrendering a political power which 
 
 '1' 
 
18 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENTr.- 
 
 they already possess, and which, if surrendered, will surely be used 
 to close the door of advancement against such as they, and to fix 
 new disabilities and burdens upon them, till all of liberty shall be 
 lost. 
 
 Prom the first taking of our National Census to the last, are seventy 
 years; and we find our population, at the end of the period, eight 
 times as great as it was at the beginning. The increase of those 
 other things, which men deem desirable, has been even greater. We 
 thus have, at one view, what the popular principle, applied to gov- 
 ernment, through the machinery of the States and the Union, has 
 produced in a given time; and also what, if firmly maintained, it 
 promises for the future. There are already among us jJijiiosQ who, if 
 the Union be preserved, will live to see it contain two hundred and 
 fifty millions. The struggle of to-day is not altogether /jjBtp-day — 
 it is for a vast future also. With a reliance on ProvidewHtwll the 
 more firm and earnest, let us proceed in the great task which>^Wents 
 have devolved upon us. 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOl 
 
 Washington, December 3. 18G1. ^' 
 
 >^ 
 
 ' ' ' Schedule A. ' ;' 
 
 '. -'-.'i J-.'-' .■ - _ ■'.>,.•.' 
 
 „ -• -.* '..■■'■ Executive Mansion, 
 
 Wushington, D. C, ..j^l* 
 
 Rev. . 
 
 Sir: Having been solicited by Christian ministers, and other pious 
 people, to appoint suitable persons to act as chaplains at the hospitals 
 for our sick and wounded soldiers, sind feeling tiie intrinsic propriety 
 of having such persons to so act, and yet believing there is no law 
 conferring the power upon mc to appoint vhem, I think fit to say that 
 if you will voluntarily enter upon and perform the appropriate duties 
 of such position, I M'ill recommend that Congress make compensation 
 therefor at the same rate as chaplains in the army arc compensated. 
 
 The following are the names and dates, respectively, of the persons 
 and times to whom and when such letters were delivered: 
 
 Rev. G. G. Goss September 25, 1861. 
 
 Rev. John (J. Butler September 25, 1861. 
 
 :* Rev. Hcin-y Hopkins September 25, 1861. * 
 
 Rev. F. M* Magrath October 30, 1861. ' ■ ? ' 
 
 ,. ,^ Rev. F. E. Boyle October 30, 1861. ^ - 
 
 ' ' "" Rev. John C. Smith November 7, 1861. ,'"" 
 
 Rev. Wm. Y. Brown November 7, 1861. ' ' 
 
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