Percieving the various Objections which opposed the holding a special Session of the Legislature, and particularly at this Season of the Year, it was not until after very mature Reflection, that I became convinced that it was my Duty to convene you.1 The Reasons on which the opinion was founded, have been made known; and subsequent Events have not diminished their Force. Our national Affairs in Relation to France, had since the last Session assumed an aspect so serious and alarming, as to enduce the Government of the united States to communicate to the Public, the Information contained in the State Papers which will be laid before You; and thereby to apprize the Nation of the Dangers which demanded immediate Attention to their Defence and Security.2 Altho’ aware that this great Business belonged to the national Government, yet how far the Safety and essential Interests of this State required that auxiliary and correspondent measures on her Part should be taken without Delay, was a question more proper for You than for me to consider and decide; and that it might without Loss of Time be submitted to your Consideration, a special Session was indispensable—

From the disinterested and friendly Attentions early and repeatedly paid to the Government of the french Republic; and particularly in not only recognizing Its Independence and Authority at a delicate crisis; but also in paying to it, before all the stipulated periods had arrived, the whole Debt contracted under the monarchy,3 the United States had Reason to expect that the most scrupulous Regard would have been shewn by that Republic, to all the Rights which belonged to their independent pacific and neutral Situation. But these Expectations however rational proved to be delusive. The Rulers of that Republic immediately endeavoured to take undue advantage of this friendly Disposition, and did not hesitate to practice improper arts, and to make overbearing Attempts to envolve us in their Wars and for their objects; and that without any Regard to the State of Peace and Tranquility with which Providence had blessed us, and which it was not less our Duty than our Interest to preserve and maintain, until Reasons the most cogent and indispensable should render a Recurrence to arms necessary and justifiable.—4

It is remarkable that from the arrival of the first Minister sent here by that Republic,5 their Conduct towards us has been constantly becoming more and more disrespectful offensive and inimical; notwithstanding the sincere and conciliatory overtures made to them by the United States. Two Legations sent to them with ample powers and Instructions to propose and even to request an amicable Discussion and Settlement of Differences, have been treated and repelled in a manner repugnant to Justice and Decorum; and the late very reprehensible and disgusting Demands which have been made, leave no Room for us to believe or hope that peace with the United States is among the Objects of the present Directory.6 The Intrigues and Violence by which several European Republics have been subjugated and empoverished, and by which the Peace and neutral Rights of other unoffending nations continue to be disturbed and violated, cast Light on the Designs and Views of France in their Treatment of this Country— they unite in admonishing us to guard against that System of Deception Domination and Rapine which, embracing both Europe and America, will with Respect to the latter, be still more decidedly manifested, in Case the Directory should acquire a Preponderancy on the Ocean.—

Very wisely therefore has the Government of the United States called upon the nation to prepare for Defence; and very incumbent it is on every ^State^ and on every Citizen to co-operate in providing for the general Security. Whether any and what measures conducive to that End, should now be adopted by this State, is a subject which deserves your serious Consideration. It is a question which comprehends several interesting Objects. The Defence of our Port, respecting which some papers will be laid before you— the Defects of the militia Laws, the want of Arsenals, ^and of sundry articles of military Stores^ and of appropriated Funds for contingent military Services, are with others of the like kind worthy of Attention.—7

While Security is in question, the Expense of providing for it is a secondary Consideration. The Objects before mentioned cannot be accomplished without more Expense than the United States can seasonably and fully provide for. I am apprized of the State of our Treasury, and that it has been greatly exhausted by appropriations heretofore made by the Legislature; but as on the one hand no money can be taken from it without legislative authority, so on the other, it can only be replenished by such means as may be prescribed by Law. It is to be regretted that too many of our Citizens seem to have inadvertently flattered themselves, that unlike all other People past and present, they were to live exempt from Taxes. To the Influence of this Error it is owing, that the State is at this moment in Debt, and paying Interest for money, which in my opinion, it would have been ^more^ wise to have collected by a Tax, than to have obtained on Loan. To me it appears to be for the Interest of the State, that the Principal of our Funds, unless on great and urgent occasions, should remain untouched, and that whenever our necessary Expenses exceed our Income, the Deficiency should be supplied by Taxes judiciously and impartially emposed. The Confidence I have in the good Sense of our constituents persuades me, that every Tax adopted on proper occasions, and for necessary Purposes, and on an equitable Plan, will meet with their approbation; especially when they reflect that all the officers of the Government, and every member of the Legislature must partake in its Inconveniences.—8

But whatever Difficulties or Differences in opinion may exist or occur relative to our domestic Expenses, it certainly becomes us unanimously and firmly to resolve, that they shall not be encreased by Tribute & Contributions to any foreign nation. The Great Sovereign of the Universe has given us Independence, and to that inestimable Gift has annexed the Duty of defending it. We may be envolved in a severe Contest, but we have no Reason to despair of Success. The United States cannot be conquered but by civil Discord under foreign Direction; and it is useful to recollect, that to this Cause all fallen Republics have owed their Destruction. History will declare to future ages, that the United States were as kind as a neutral nation could with Justice be, to the Republic of France in the Day when her Destiny was doubtful. It is to be hoped that History will also declare that when in the Day of her Power, France became tyrannical as well as triumphant, and had indecently required us to descend and take a Place among her Tributaries, the United States with great magnanimity, and not with less wisdom, spurned her Requisitions and maintained their Dignity—

Permit me to conclude by assuring you, that I shall most cordially cooperate with you in cherishing a Spirit of Union and of Patriotism; and in encouraging and enabling the Citizens of this State to take, not only a due and necessary, but a distinguished part in preserving and transmitting to Posterity our national Honor unsullied, and our national ^Rights and^ Sovereignty undiminished.—