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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 ^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. ' ' ■ ■ ^^ , :" ■'-^- sed fix be ■ ' m / nty ght * lose We - X JOV- haa i, it 0, if and • ^y the y - ems ► 4 >■ ^ ^ 1. )i0U8 )itals V rietv •• ) law that uties - 1 * atiou ed. rsouB • e, ■ ■"^--':, . ;- .!y,',^_ f > X N