While we regret the occasion which has induced your Excellency to convene the Legislature at this unusual season, we cannot but consider the measure as resulting from the menacing aspect of our public concerns, and dictated by a just conception of the crisis, and a solicitude on the part of your Excellency for the dearest interests of our common country.

The communications from the Executive of the United States, referred to by your Excellency have produced just alarm to every patriotic American; and beholding, as we do, in the conduct of the Executive Directory of France towards these United States, the most painful proofs of a dereliction of every principle of justice and rectitude, and of settled hostility to this country, we do not hesitate in declaring the measures of defence adopted by the General Government, in our opinion to have become indispensably necessary, and entitled to our warmest approbation.

The faithful page of history will record, the early recognition of the French Republic by our government, while the issue of her struggles was dubious; our friendship in an anticipated payment of our national debt, and our sacred observance of the great land marks of political justice, in the discharge of the various duties imposed by our neutral situation— a conduct on which the early declaration of France invited our Government to repose itself, for the preservation of peace and security.

While we view this crisis as pregnant with danger, and demanding the union of all who cherish a love of country in a patriotic display of the virtues and talents of America, we cannot believe, that in a cause so just, with resources so abundant, under the military auspices of a character alike distinguished in the cabinet and in the field, with a reliance on the great Dispenser of all earthly blessings, the republic is to be despaired of. Nor do we conceive the period to have arrived, when the annals of the United States are to be sullied forever, by the inglorious purchase of peace, in a compliance with the mercenary demands of the French government.

While history presents us, on one hand, with the successful struggles of many inconsiderable but united republics for their liberties, against the most formidable powers—and on the other, with the overthrow and subjugation of States much more considerable, but divided, we accord with your Excellency in the sentiment, that the great source of danger to be apprehended to the United States may be found in the disunion of our citizens, under the influence of foreign councils.

While a disposition on the part of France to interfere in the political concerns of other nations, is evinced by multiplied proofs, painful to humanity, in Europe as well as America, we repose ourselves with confidence on the virtue of our fellow-citizens of all classes, that they will repel with all the ardor of patriotism, those unhallowed reproaches, so fatal to our peace and independence.

On the subject of defence, and the other interesting objects recommended by your Excellency, we shall bestow all that consideration, which a regard to the protection and safety of every part of the State, and the important crisis may demand. By Order of the Senate