When it is considered how greatly the Happiness of of every Nation depends on the Wisdom with which their Government is administered, the occasion which has called you together at this early Season, cannot but be regarded as unusually important.1

The Period fixed for the Election of a President of the United States is approaching, and the Measures preparatory to it in this State, are now to be taken. In every possible Situation of our National affairs—whether of Peace or War, of Tranquility or Ferment, of Prosperity or Misfortune, this object will not cease to demand the utmost Care and Circumspection.

Hitherto the Embarrassments arising from Competitions, and from the Influences incident to them, have not been experienced. They have been excluded by the uniform and universal Confidence reposed in that illustrious Patriot, who, being distinguished as the Father and Ornament of his Country by a Series of great & disinterested Services, was also eminently qualified, by an uncommon assemblage of Virtues and Talents, for that important and exalted Station.

But that extraordinary Man, having with admirable Wisdom & Fortitude conducted the Nation thro various Vicissitudes and unpropitious Circumstances, to an unexampled Degree of Prosperity, is now about to retire— Mankind has not been accustomed to see the highest Military & Civil Powers of a Nation so recieved, used and resigned, as they have been in this glorious Instance. Every Reflection and Sentiment connected with this interesting Subject, will naturally arise in your Minds— May the same benevolent, wise, and over-ruling Providence which has so constantly and remarkably sustained and protected us, preside over the Public Deliberations and Suffrages.

It gives me Pleasure to inform you, that at a Treaty, held in this City, under the authority of the United States, a final agreement has been concluded between this State, and the Indian Tribes who call themselves the Seven Nations of Canada.2 Altho their Title to the Territory they claimed, was not unquestionable; yet it was judged more consistent with Sound Policy, to extinguish their claims and consequently their Animosities, by a satisfactory Settlement, than leave the State exposed to the Inconveniences which allways result from Disputes with Indian Tribes. Besides, considering our Strength and their comparative Weakness, every appearance of taking advantage of that Weakness, was to be avoided.

The Claims of the Mohawks to certain other Lands still remain to be adjusted,3 but there is Reason to expect that these may ^also be^ amicably settled; and that the Period is not far distant, when the Indians on our Borders, having convincing Proofs of our Justice and Moderation, will by good offices and a Friendly Intercourse, be led to rely on our Benevolence and Protection, and to view our Prosperity as connected with their own.

I submit to your Consideration whether the Payments to be annually made to the different Tribes who are entitled to them by Contracts with the State, should not be so ordered, as that they may be punctually paid in a uniform manner, and at a fixed Expence.4

Difficulties were experienced in executing the benevolent Intentions of the Legislature respecting a Lazaretto in the vicinity of this City. Ground conveniently situated, could not be purchased; and the placing it on Governors Island, where it could not have been erected at a proper distance from the Garrison, was liable to strong objections. These Difficulties have been removed by the Liberality of the Corporation of the City. They have gratuitously conveyed Bedlows Island to the State, for this & such other Public uses as the Legislature may from time to time direct. Certain Buildings, erected there by the French Republic, have been purchased; and prepared to serve the purpose of a Lazaretto for the present— but as additions & alterations will be necessary, and as Precautions should be taken to prevent that Island from being further Diminished by Encroachments of the Water, the appropriation of some money for these objects will be requisite.

The measures prescribed by Law to prevent the bringing and spreading of infectious diseases in this State, have been taken and faithfully executed. It is however to be lamented, that Cases of the like Fever, with that which in the last Year proved so fatal to this City, have occurred, and there is at present very little Reason to doubt whether that Disease may be generated here. The Subject of Nuisances therefore, having become important to the Safety as well as ^to^ the Comfort of our Fellow Citizens, well deserves the Notice and Interposition of the Legislature.5

Precarious is the Peace & Security of that People who are not prepared to defend themselves. Permit me to observe that this State has but one Port, & that, important as it is to the whole State, its Situation cannot yet be deemed Secure. The Fortifications that were begun are still unfinished, and it appears to me to merit Consideration, whether this Port can otherwise be secured, than by skilfully fortifying the Passage at the Narrows.6 It cannot be too frequently recollected that seasons of Peace & Prosperity are the most favorable for Measures & Works of this kind.

Considering the Funds which the State possesses—the appropriations which have been and will be made for various Public uses—the Accounts consequent to such Appropriations—and the evident utility of so arranging and conducting our Fiscal affairs, as that the Funds may be advantageously managed, Accounts with Individuals regularly settled, and the Ballances due to or from them punctually paid—I think it my Duty to suggest whether more adequate Provision for these Objects should not be made.

Altho our Taxes have for Years past been inconsiderable, and altho there is at present no Prospect of our being pressed by any necessity to encrease them, yet it is to be presumed from the Vicissitudes which attend human affairs, that at some future Period, more ample Contributions may become indispensable:— Would it not therefore be prudent, at this calm & tranquil Season, to adopt & establish such Rules & Regulations for Taxation, as being perfectly consistent with the Principles of Justice and rational Liberty, and gradually acquiring the advantages of Experience & usage, may relieve this delicate Subject from many of the perplexing Questions about Principles, Mode & Manner, which at all Times are difficult, & which are particularly embarrassing in Times of Anxiety & Agitation — ?

The distressed Situation in which the french Refugees from St. Domingo arrived here, induced the Legislature to provide for them in a very beneficent manner. The Sums allotted for their support have been expended, and the accounts audited and settled— Many of those unfortunate Persons have left the State; but it is represented to me that a Number of Old Persons and Children are still here, & in a Situation so destitute & wretched, that I cannot forbear mentioning it to you. They cannot with Propriety be considered as the Poor of any particular District— their fate is peculiar, as well as distressing; and they appear to me as having become by the Dispensations of Providence the Poor of the State.7

It often happens that Persons not urged by Circumstances equally pressing, come into the State from distant Parts, and in many Instances become burthensome to it. This Subject seems to call for some Regulations, especially as the Law heretofore passed relative to it, has ceased to operate.

I ought not to omit informing you, that the Hon’ble Mr. King having been appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain, & accepted that Place, his Seat in the Senate of the United States has become Vacant.8

In the Course of your Deliberations on the Affairs of the State, and the means of preserving & encreasing the Public Welfare, many interesting Subjects will rise into View— such as these among others: The Manner in which the Salt Springs may be rendered the most useful, and the Woods in the Neighbourhood of them best preserved—9 the Facilities & Encouragement that may be proper towards obtaining an accurate Map of the whole State—10 The Necessity of rendering the Laws respecting Roads & Bridges more effectual—11 and of revising & amending those which relate to the militia,12 & which direct the Inspection of certain of our Staple Commodities—13 as these & various other objects derive Importance from their Relations to the General Welfare, they will I am persuaded recieve a proportionate Degree of your Attention: And I assure you that it is no less my Desire, than it is my Duty, to cooperate with you in guarding & promoting the Prosperity & Happiness of our Fellow-Citizens.