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THE
,
" .
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
UNITED STATES OF A~IERICA,
WITH AN ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS;
TIIE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE;
THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION;
TilE PROMINENT POLITICAL ACTS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON;
ELECTORAL VOTES FOR ALL TilE
PRESIDENTS AND VICE-PRESIDENTS;
THE HIGH AUTHORITIES AKD CIVIL OFFICERS OF GOVERNl\fENT,
F R o M M A R e H 4, 1 7 B 9, T o M A R e H 3, 1 B 4 i ;
([l)ronologiral N arralivc of l~e Several 6tates;
AND OTIIER INTERESTING MATTER;
WITH A DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OP THE
STA TE P APERS, PlJBLIC DOCUMENTS,
AND OTIlER SOURCES OP
POLITICAL AND STATISTICAL IKFORlVIATION
AT THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
BY
W. HICKEY.
S E V E N T H E D 1 TI O N.
P HILADELPHIA:
185-1.
•
Entered accordlng to act oC Congress, In the year 1833, by
W. HIC KE Y,
•
• ÍI
In the Clerk's Ofllce oC the Dlstrlct Court oC the United States for the Eastern Dlstrlct ot
Penns)'lvunia.
:--.~
~~~-----------------------------
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHXSOX & co.
PH[LADl:LPHIA.
PRINTED BY T. K. & P. G. rOLLIXS.
1'0
T II E P E O P L E,
THE CONGRESS,
THE PRESIDENT,
AND TlIE
TIIIS SrxTII EDITION OF TIlE CONSTITUTION
18 DEDICATED BY
w. HICKEY.
"The Conslitutlon In ¡ts words is plain and intelligible, and it is meant (or the
homebred, unsophistieated understandings of our Cellow-eitizens."
"The people alone are the absolute owners and uneontrollable moveT8 oC 8ueh
Bovereignty as human beings can claim to exercise; 8ubjeet to the eternal and
unchangeable rules of justiee, of truth, and of good Faith. The moral law is out
of its reaeh; sovereignty cannot violate that, and be more justified than the
humbiest individual."
"Yield aWlly the Constitution and the Union, and where are we? Frittered
jnto fraRments, and not able to claim one portion oC the past as {Jeculiar!y our
own! vur Union is not merely a blessíng; it is a polítical necesslty. 'Ve can-
not exist without it. 1 mean, that al! of existence which is worth having must
dcpart with it. Our liberties could not endure the ineessant confliets oC civil and
r.ollterminous strife; our independenc6 would be an unrea! moekery, our very
memories would turn to bitterness."
(11fT. Dallas in defence of the Constitution.)
iii
TUE provision nnder which TRIS BOOK MAY BE TRANRMITTED BY MAIL
FREE OF POS'l'AGE, by persons having the privilege of üanking pub-
lic documents, is contained in ".!1n act to establish certain post-routes,
and for other purposes," approved 3d March, 1847, in the followÍl1g
words:-
"Such publications or books as huye been or may be pub-
lished, procured, or purchased by order of either House
of Congress, or a joint resolution of the two Houses, shall
be considered as public documents, and entitled to be
franked as such."
Iv
Jr7 • /b
Resolved, ~Ji~Ld; t.fue ~W'( dC!.:, 11, Ce J.~', c('t-:~J lo !t '< .~,rl~" e D" (,
~. e í r J,) (' .1" , I
r:¡,C II"e l'~ LL'C;' ·¿:Pella.te tw,O' L'LO'l\"lliL~ (',c'le1e" 0~ tlU0 C(.[IC¡U IllLe. c'i"J
~ r ({" " , r f ' (l' '\ '\ ' r ' (.' tlw \!JlJÍ1~lltlltll'I1', IlHllv al]" cUln 'ILlC(L~ IlltlCX. CULU (Wmlll,ü.tu'lv J ; I
(.~ d:~c:ú ¡\llt¡'~C ;LCllIJl,CII,b, tCCCIÜ[';y !1't;ILGcJ ClIlJ ¡lrCV~'cJ ;IU li~c
flcl,LJ" íJI- tí;(~ IIlClli~C(:), Il'<L'I'~JC~ tlve Iv't~Ce. ~r~Lll'C Itú~ cxcC/CJ U~c
:".l<1L I~ lllC ;)·[l'll.'", (\'11.:'1 ttLcClltll.í\"C cCilh ¡le'u C('¡IT'
:. 'l I 0-2 " ,J . 1 "D' () l\.es i) ve", j Il';\ r, tel]" tIV.'ll~(vll;J (VJ;}ltlÜ'lv(L~ l'.o-¡11C~ ct tlle (tll-
" . ' r e ( frJ " , e r ' n, \
t.LCILClCo ('.c-'lllJ (T [ILC \c;"ll~ttl'lt.I.'l., Il"",v (t.lv nIL(lltJtl.l'Cl~ lILU-C~, c~('."
L,,,, 1"'CCCll'CCJ fu '''' trl0 II"e (f~ ti'ICo [Pc;trllc, ¡¡llLC~J.~J tr,c~f II~JC ~c
~ll'''L~,,¡~cJ (lit (V JCJlld~('iv uf- tte,c1LL1J' ¡LC'u cm~. cm t:~c ¡l,'~~~e Ct~~LCe.
:.tAtled,
GIl' '\ r l 'C 0'<'1 ¡(I?II~ v [·11', ~«lIJ' ""; '¡¡'el ,:, 1, t_~L,
Resolz'ed, ~rl't t t.~.e ~c('\ ctní ti' l' r trt(~ DJ (;1 rt re. r. C n-lt' !V}-(; ::e~
'\ '\. '\ r r \" '\ ' ['~.' í (,'" o , Y'
lt11ll (~t(~{·tcd Ir llltC,l:l:)('./ ('11,(, 11[llt'_ {(',I e:·:; L( ~ ('1' ,,-)~,l('k(~¡,.) cu-Ltt(l~b
o ., (t?1 " r r (' n , '1 ",! I '\ ), r f'
C'f t~ce ~C>,tólL~i! ifJll lT l;vs \J(bL<.f CC ~)LLl!C'. ".1" tr· ('[ó[}c\.. G.Le
V
· VI RESOL lJ'HO:t\S.
M1A11C, UV tlvc Iwmc o~ tfec gcn~u-tc c.~ tfvc GlG'II;te~ gtu-[:,c~, t:.o
~h. C2kCexu-'e~e'u OÜattwLu-lc, ('~ Q:Pll:';~, to Gc ~;~t'¡;~ltte~ ~l
rv~v ;Iv ff.'HULCC, u-cco'(,~; IL~ to rv;~ ;,~ :>1;Cl1v of II-CLt;OII-LLf exv!~a,I¡'~c;,
(}f ~(}O~.
ff.(';~CLIJ" \.Q¿,{kCL·LcFlI 2, 1SJ¡,9.
Resolved, 2TfllU-t tfl-c :.eC'LetCL'Llj' ~e ~~'Lcctcd to ~ltlLlL;;,fv CG;cflJ
mcm~c'¡, of trLc !V'LC:'CILt gelwtc, wKo [VCL:> Iwt clL'LCCtJt,!' 'wcc;Llcd tlOLcm,
()-fVC CO!Ilj' of tfl0 C(80IL:J,;tltt;OIIl Clflld otfve'u ~oor~~ o',:\cí cd to ~c tlt"o
IL;.Svcd to t~c [feILu-to'L~ ~\J' t[ve 'Le;')úfILt;OII-~ úf ~C~'<lt{L'<IJ' 18tÍ't,
1SJ¡,7, CLt\;d to tFvc [fC!wtú'¡;, ~'LOI1V QfoHJ.ct;, cllLd aU);;'C(Hl;';IV, tfllc
:.o,111-C ILltm~c'¡, of tfve (<tOIL;,t;tlvt~(}11I M fllU-Lle ~ecl1' CLC't.Cll~IJ' ~;LlCIIl til
(}t~'¡, mel'tL~C'L;' of t[Le [f ClLa,te.
Q;{~(}IL~CLlJ" [p c¡üeme'e'L 23, 1830.
* Resolved, 2ffLClt t[te ;'CC'LdCL'Llj Ge ~~'wctcd to !l'lOCl\/W ~'LOIlL
tfvc r lo¡II'L;do'L, ~O'L t[L0 lt;,C of t[1I0 2Ycltu-le, klv t!~Ull;'(lIl~ COll ;e~
of ~&~FLClcr';, c~;tWIIl of t[LC ((201l:J,;ttlt~oll, lt};lft; Clll ufllfl;(lGd;nlf ((1I(ú·
ftJ;'~;" 0\R1 ((Jv;ll~tOll';' ~11CLlt;CJlt't.(lC ulvd ~Cl'(Clt}C[C u-~J.'(e;,;,c;" C1It.~ dl'leo",
;mllO-ÜCLllt :>1;CLt~;,t~c{lC I1lCLtte'¡, ;f[ll;,t(Ctt;~0 ú~ Lrte ~Cit;ll;' úf tl~c
Q/kme'l.~CLlv <J'0l~e'LILI1l ellt u-ILd ll'le ~WC[(;ll cm en,!; (. ~ ;l;, 11"; IVC;¡1 fe;, :
Provided, <Zj"fLCLt tfvClJ' Gc tlL'm;;,fLCd nt &0 ,>(U11e Il'c;{:e CL,> LfLlt~
~;,t 1¡''uYcU/l,.cd fo'¡, tfvc lt;,C ú~ ~f~0 [YCIL{ÚC.
<2TfLlVl~;).(tIJ' JCULlICV'<lj :22, 1852.
Resolved, 2fftctt eu-Cr1l0~ trvc ILel!)- IlWlL~el~ c'l- Lfvc [YCilute ~e,
Mlillle~ed w·;tfil tf~e ~u-ll1e ILlLIl1~e'¡, Clltd ~c;,c''¡;ld~;('lv (·1: C,ltl·k~ u-~ l~e(e
rIL'LIII~:.fved to cClcFv Ü'~ tr],e I11.CI1l~eL~ ü f trLe [Y~ILll.te c'f trte Pu-;,b C(BOIL~'ue;,~ •
* N. B.-A resolution similar to ihis was l'ul'scd by thc 8enrrte the ~th January, 1%3.
PREFAOE.
'J'HF: Consti tution, as the fireside eompanion of the Al11friean
citizen, preserves in full freshness and vigor the recollection of
the patriotic virtues and persevering eoumge of those gallant spirits
of the Hevolution \vho aehieved the national independence, and
t11e intelligence and fidelity of those fathers of the republic who
secured, by this noble charter, the fruits and the blessings of inde-
pendonee. The juugment of the Senate of the U nited 8tates has
deelared the importance of familiarizing American citizens, more
extensiveJy, with this fundamental law of their country, and has
approved it8 assoeiation with the examples of republiean virtue and
tile paternal adviee of the "Father of his eountry," joined to other
kinctred matter, eonstituting the body of this work. To this honor-
able body ís due the eredít of having provided for the first general
promuJgation of tho Constitution, the continued dissemination of
whose wise injunctions a11(1 conservative principIes among the
people, can alone preserve their fraternal union and the precious
inheritance of freedom.
That braneh of the government which is clothed by the Consti-
tution with legislative, executive and judicial powers, and thus
invested with three separate authorities to preserve, protect, and
defend this venerated instrument, has oeen pleased to take thp initi-
atíve in a measure calculated so pO\Verflllly to support the Consti-
tiüion~ as that of gh'ing 1't, in its simplicity and purity, to the peo-
pIe, who possess, themt;elves, tlle sovereign power to judge of the
manner in which it may be executed, to rebukfl its infraction, and
to defend its integrity, and who therefore require every legítimate
vii
Ylll pnl:F.A~'L:.
aid to ennhle them to perform this vit:l11y import;mt duty in jU3ti,:;e,
truth, C1nd :,road J:lith, fur "TllE' C"n"titlltioll ia ít::; w,)rus i5 plain
amI illtelli;.;·ible, ,llld il i8 lIl~l!nl fUi" t!!l~ h(llllchrd, ulisoplJi",til?;lted
nndcrsLllll:infLS of our fi,]1<lw-eit;zcl:.,." "It is addrcsseJ to tlte com-
J~lOn selise of the pOP}lIt:."
Sevf'ral djst;n~uished <H1thoritic:s :111(1 illdivlrlll:11s having, in t1!e
plenitucle of theÍr liberality, honored tite anthor and eompiler witll
tlleir scntiments on the s\lhjpet-matter of the work, he claims the
Índlllg-ence of t1](" fricllds ol' the Cr);lstitllÜon in givillg- them plaee
in this edition, lwlievili<],', that a s:dllt:~ry etTc:ct may be prouuced by
tile sanction 01' tbeir Sllt:eial ,ljljHull¡1tion, and tIJe exprcssion oi' their
severíjl views of the impOrLll1Ce of an cxtemled Jissemination of that
instrumento 'l'bese may impress, in terms more unexceptionable,
the obligation incumbent on every intelligent citizen to make him-
self acquainted \\"ith its provisions, restrictions, and limitations,
and of ímparting, so far as the ability may extend, a kno\vledge
of this paramount law of our country to t11e minds of the rising
generation.
The Jength of time rcquircd in tlle ordinary cnurse of business,
for obtüining a pra~tical knowledge of tlle operations nf govem-
ment, by Fersons entcrilJg into }Juhlie Jife, anJ their cmbarrassments
for the \Vant of a convenient mode of rcfmenee 10 the varioHs
sources of infurm;)tion, have sllggesteo the utility of preparing', as a
part of this \York, and (lS gcrlllún to its o()sign, a mcans of eol1ect-
ing and rcnc;cring availaole to the pubJic intere:::t the cxpericnce
aml informatiDn acquireJ in this r('spect, in tite progress of time,
by attention to the business of legislation in the public service.
The five new cbapters in this eai tion rnay therefore be consiJered
an essay, to be imprond and extended here~fter, with a vicw, not
on1y to add to the intrinsic matter proper to be read and studied by
the great body of American citizens, but to render it peculi~riy a
t'ade mecum to the statesman and lf'gisla t or, the ministering to
1,yhose individual convenience must, neccssarily, result in facilitat-
ing the performance of arduous pllblic out y, ano in promoting~ in
no inconsiJerable degree, the public intcrests,
CO:MMUNICATIONS.
FROi\T 'filE VICE PRESTDENT OF TIIE UNITED STATES AND
PRESIDENT OF THE SEN A TE.
11 0TI (O OW'Clá-g,~IL~tOlv, 18 tfe~. 18)¡'7.
Wl\IJt [l,c,a,'(, G ;,i-,
2TrLC u-úCltl11C Olv "2TrLC C(510ILá-t,~tllt~oIV o~ truc ól~,v~~C~ gt,cv!;c~,"
lu-fv~~,fu ~,Olu w-e/"c f{'~'L~ elvoltAJTv lo :'CIL~ m,e, J fvcLu-e ccv'"e~'LCf'k ex<IJ.
111,~L-c ~, CVlv~ l111t~~ IvO ll)- ~c:r lJOl!; to cveee¡ lt 11l1J' II)-CV'l,llv ~fuev,vl~~ ~o'(, ~fu~,
Co-l1'Vll f~nve,tt o ~ ~t-;, d-c;),~CC¡,t~olv * ClIL~ ro'" &c. cvd-m~i-Cl'~CC. c!uev'(,(Vcte'v O~
~~ CG-iLlclut~. JI; ~o, tl)-~t,lLOl\;t I'/Xcejl t~OI\;, tlw ~e~ ;),C~~;rlve?ll ~l!;ree:.t,
IvCCV!;C:.t, cv'ud mo-:.t CVCCI\;'"cvte nW4wu,f cv'vd ~'l\;~d-e ~v 'veeott~o-Iv [O tfve
fWLt ~IL;,r)utll1(W,~ of ll)-rL;(~rv ;l, ex(~~I¡);VfJ~, t'l,COlt~, trLCV~ dI ~u-e ~et;.
:.ce:\;,. cfh ;),cá-e'wc;" aiL~ J ftü-IL0 ~t tl)-~[e '(,we~vc, LLlv~U-Ci-:'[Le (',~i-.
C[(('Clh O'lv.
2TfLe C{2(}IIá-t~tltt~Olv ;~ CVlv ú-~j,ect to Ll,cfu~efv I'VO C2k:nwl-;-ccv\v m;IV~
CCll'V ~C to-o CltteILt~lle, CVIL~ Il-O Qfkme'l,~ca'lv [ve,a.iJ:. to-o d-euctc~. (D ....
11 Cl'Lb, ¡L'''(}U-;;'~Ol~, 0'1- I&~c~, ~t ~{) :,t~l'e ClAvd CVrll)-(UJI.> LI)-~re ~c ¡Lo-:>.
>~~Ce ~o-i- ~IVJ'ClLl\;~~' to l-cv~:'c COlv;,tuLCt~l)-e d-OlV~t,~: ~llt, Olv tr~ Lu-lwle,
al.> tfve o-'(~'(¡'IV~' eluev'Lt o-~ cv C~m~tc?l cOlv~ed-e'l,([;tc?l 'ito-u-e'dVllvelvt, (XI
¡Li-(Wt,~([;e !;",;([;e o-~ IWCV', ClJ' :.;xtlJ' ~eak{) LI)-O,lCd :,cel1'V to ¡¡,Ccvce ~t~ w-~.
d-o-nv ClIV~ 4~~~C'H"j ~elJ'0Il,?l d-~~Imte o'v '¡,~cvr,,,~,. <2klv~, cvrtlwLl~r"
~ ~ l'VOt l[;lVll,Mueve to lve,a!" ~ :.CV~~, ([;t I1wmclvt:> o~ rvea,!; Cl4v~ d-~ll,.r-.
Ilo-~lul1ven~, tfvc¡,t, ~Iv true CIt·([;etl1~cn,t o'u CVd-I11.;IL~~i-(lt~Olv o~ Olt.'v fed-el-CVe
ra'l~, tfvc Ú-~C~~(ut~O\l':' ú-~ tfue ((3lY\l,:.-l;;ttvt~OIÜ cv'ue d-~:,~cv'¡,d-e?l, CVlv o~
~e'¡,u-M~olv cvlvd CX-il,c/,,~elv('e ()~ 111 o't,c, t~,a,lv tl~; 'uht IJCcv'¡,~ COIW~I\;Ce 11'Ve.
o-f &oe. '"eu-c:,,:.e; CVIV~ dI UIlV :.-cvt;;,~~e~ t[w,;t ~b rüoc~ l~VOlü tlve COlv
.e;'C.ltce rLlL~ tfve. o¡lm~olv o f t fue COlllÜ "'j' Clt fcv" ~c ~ COl~:.t-CVIUr¡t
" Tlw fírst an,l ser'nl},1 ,'llitiOIlR.
f ''':-
x CO:lIMli~ICATIONS.
COMMUNICATIONS. Xl
FHO¡\i 'I'HE SPEAKER OF TIlE HOü:SE OF RE:'RESE:\'TATIVES OF
TtlE ü:.\lTLiJ ST,\1';;8.
FR0:.1[ 'rIlE ClHEF JL"STICE OF 'rBE SUPRE:\IE COURT OF TlIE
{;XITED STATES.
fg:~,(, att!Mrl~'v~tcr,v, úGlhüc~ 3, 1847.
QJ (Vlrv ~~'(.,e~tc~ f}r trl,e Jll{)t~CC~ ('f trve [fl\;lvLCI1J.,e (@'crll/¡J to
tfuCLltfv IJcrlll fL' 'ú IJOllJ't, CJ;.t~Olv crf lflJe. (<Pcrlv;,t~tl~~crl1l crf tft,c ól~¡v~tc~
,CJ\cüc:), ll,lv;d"v IJCW !V(VI'C ~CClv ~,ocr~ clwll~fll te :,clvd tfllenv, C(;lvd te
e :-:,l\Ac:'-~ tCllC~'v a'lll\iu.P,([.t~Olll cr~ tfuc¿ IlHLlvlvC'!, ~Iv Il'fl~efll tlve. ll'cr'vPt- fUl!')
C.CClv C-XCCILtC/d. 2Tfllc. w'vc ll'~tlll Il'fll~cfv ~t IvM ~celv CCYITQ1CLtcd ll'~tlt,
tl~c cr(~2'~IVC(;C, ([Ivd tJlIC elJ~Jclvcc tOllJ IW'1'0 ~ll/<lv~;'lvcd crf ~L) Ivc'+:.ctí
. ro 1" f D r' r '\ . . p .
evCCIL'(H'Clj' ll'l"~ l11(lJ v0 l,t l}C'vIJ l}([ ILHlJ-L.e UV [,1.<0 c!-l;,.(llJ:'-:'-Lcrlv crr eVlJC;,tlOiV.>
(l¡(;~;Il~ ItlWI'V tIlle Co-ll,;,t.(,IL{'t~l'lv O~ d~c (ólÜ'll:.-t;hlJt~crlv; C(;lvd, Uv (Y't,¿C'r,
ti)LLlJt, crlv ;'lLC!1I (yC(,ClJ:'-~('IV;', ~t nl,evLj C(;Pll'c(;;!!,) ~ U}~tft,;lv tfllc 't,CC(;(;1t, o-t
1 :)LI~ IlLCIll f}ú:> o-~ tfllc C(}ll/¡t, (l,~d o-f tl1.<c e-u/'!, C'T'fcd ~Iv tlve C(;'t,'flll-
I1LCAvt, QT .,llAt(f ~;,LCCt tfve .S!2;~·ÚW'v~IV to Illll'u',fw..:.e hI'Clvt\l'''~lll't.
C('¡lI.c;, fU'(' trll(,¿ ct?Ctll' .sill;~·(CV·ilr'
!}'lO\" r ( rr
UW t[lv r,cnt I(C:'-¡tC\"t, Q) a,m"
Xll COMMU~ICATIONS.
FRO:\J JUDGE 'VAYNE, A:"SOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREl\IE
COURT OF TIIE lTNITED STATES.
cfJ (\;111, o-e'<AJ' 111,~V('J¡, O~e~~ed to ~0lA; f"'':' ~Olt!,:, Ct\~t~(}I], (}~ tfte (6011,.
~~t:.tÚOI¡', ~Itd Lo-~ff I¡'Ot, fte!,:,wfGe'':', !.~e alllJ' ot!~e'¡". Q)Ut: of ~ u,.'¡"e.
l1'HwF¡, ~I\;;).e~ted to 'j'0th
C;P0'L1l",~t me. to m,~Fve ~ Mt~,~,caÚOIJ;. * cfJt~, tfu~t lj0!''' Lo-cmed
a,;).d to tite €,;).~!;~Ol\;, ~lttclld-cd ~()'¡, ~~ at'L~G'LLt~OI\; ~'j' tIte. g Clw,te, ~ at~te.
meltli of tFtc t~me~ lo-[1;CI¡' tl1;C C(6(Htat.~,tlt.!;~OI\; [.\}M ~d-0IÜed ~;r tf",e.
:ltatca, ~I\;d 100Ive'l1; IlCll} :.t~te~ fvJ,uc ~CCI1; ~;).l1L~tted; IL~',ÚClLI (\;·¡,f;r
~€a~~I\;Clt~IL~', ~11; tl1;e ~at, MwI\; of tr¡,eH\; M fJ;(lue eCClv (td-l1L~ttcd
LIIrVOI1; e.oll.at~[\t~l1;a f-O'Lmcd e,C~O'Le. tlvc'I,e. [vc\;:'I ~CCI\; ctlllj O'L~~'~lt~e ~e..
t,~OI1; ~\l' ce()I1;~,'Leaa ~G''¡" ~dlll~tt~lUJ' tltwJ;. ¿]i(}'¡" '¡,efc'cC'tce. ~t wCr!.tE;)
~C l,¡,acfltf ~I¡' t1"'~I\;;r d-~aClt,a~~Olta, ~Il,;) !'w.;, IVOt ~CCI\; IllLVdC, ao f.(l¡'L M
cfJ eCLI\; f~l\;d, ~;r ~I\;~r O'I1;C.
cfJ ~n1;, ;).CC(/,:, g~.(" l[}~Lfv ~~ C(lo!; " C1'fV'cd,
0lJOll.!t o~('¿d'li ae,', 0-\,
/aJJZCÓ vft. ~}lJ2e.
cur. ~&~cfvr;r, a:~q¡., OUJ(I,;}r[¡~I1;~,t01\;'
FROM TIIE CIflEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPRE;\IE COURT OF PENN·
SYLVANIA.
cfJ fl.<~o-e. ~tliCl1;t~[}ee;r rveitlL{)Cd ~ '':'CCCI1;t cd~t~o-Iv o-f tlvc ~0dc· ... ~e
«(2o-l1;M,~tlA;t~o-l1;, Ll}~tfv ~ tt}eCe.;).~~Mtcd ~1J;(tr~:.~~ ~¡vd Otl1;C'¡,. I1'L-ClttC'¡, a'I\;.
11.Clvd-ed, "~\l' ~ e~t~CI\; ;"t ~Ivd, ~t ~;l}e~ mc 11.e(,,~tt'LC to :.~~t, !if\;c
comit~CLVt~O'\; ~:>, Iwt ol1;f;r ~ eo-ll,t}el1;~CIl.t ~oofv (}~ 't-cfC'LCtWC, ~~~t ~Iv
... In compliance with this friendly suggestioll of Juclge 'Vayne, the author has
dcrived mueh satisfaction in devoting to it the entire 10tl¡ chapter of this edition.
t The first edition of this iJook.
COMMUNIC.\ TIONS. Xlll
~IHo\-(loriw-Gee C,Om¡leH,J;lul~ 0r poP;t;mC :>t(l;t~;,[;;('~ ~''v e~e\lj d.(I;t~'~ [,!,M ••
<ZJfvc CVHCVI~Cm.CHt ¿;, CVI" ex~clTelt~ C>lvC. cfflV tfvc Ul{~t,~' e.~ gt(t-lc~,
~t ~ tfvc dlVhj' C>~ we,tJ' IllCVIt- to- I;(vl~ cv ILCV'tt ;Iv tl¡,e IWC;t.;ccvC IlW~
Y¡¡,C1¡,t;, l' ~ tlvc dn\l" CVIl.:;) tlve ~"t: Ir, ("lu/vl; LI~e'( e r't.e to ~e ~I¡' tlve .. (VClAv;).;,
c·f dve I1tCVá-á-e;,: ~I; QJíClLIVá-~ Cll-(I;IL~, ;x, Oli;¡K~ ro ~e CV I;cxt"~o-c>fr, ~Iv
ti~e CC>t1VHWII; :'Cfl;c>(r~~. <J'Cvc Mm\v~Ce'v ~:. Iletá-C>lvcll'flj lwlUvoU)'lv t.o
m,e, ~ltt ,ff C\Al~ fVCV\l\llJ' 1;0 '.t~u.e l'I11t te:.I;;"J1,(}\ V1t ~Iv rHJ-C>l.\I'v o-f I;Fw
me'v~I;:, (¡~ fv~~ 1¡''vc>d.lld~{Hv.
OU1~tI~ 'JLCOX ~cá-Iu,cl;, [P~'v,
ú'~L%'v (j~eJ~cl¡,1; ;,e'1,¡}'CVIL[,
C(8¡;e. V&~efl;c1' ¿;lfrt gJ §;,1,;07Z.
FRO:\{ TITE JUDGE OF TTlE DISTRICT COURT OF TllE lJ'NITED
STATES FOR TlIE EAS'l'ER~ DlSTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.
(rl) (1)-~e{l;'v Ü lo'v,
QJ fl{we r(:t:f:.c~ tf¡)V(lII~rV lrLe f;ltfe l,('fllme a,rL~cfv ~{l;' GCClt. 111e-
,V(ü.L-~, M cff "luvJ c., "t«'lvJ, [tlLde'v ~C>llk ('i~« 'jC" CVILJ cff t~ve 'LwCft,t
&C0I1; á-lv"ll''v;á-CJ to FIl';") , ;Iv :'0 0omllcl;e!; (1; ~Ü'tm" :'0 mCl;lvlj u1vll;Ü"vl;o.<lvIi
~¡,e'ic('~o e-~ ce-Il ;"!'Cll¡'!; ~ e f<' '<.('Ivec.
¿') l~e. CVI1CVrIJ!~CClC ~IL~CX, o~ t(oll~(,~ el11ecccvced ~Iv tf¡,c V'edc\&e
(G0;L;"c~tllt~'lv ~;, llI'cCC ~Cll~~C'J, CluJ, :>0 feo'v cv" QT rLCVl~C tc;,tc~ ;.1;;,
(lt'm'(Cvclj" ~CCl'(~ IV'«'c[)o ('~ ('.(Lte (llv~ á-IrJC. <2J!~c :,wC'l~lf' dC>{'IV-
'\ rr ". r \) f' P i' r r . ~.. f l1l¿ílJ" tl'vt! [C[\>lC;', IlCiLiA'"v ,o<ll¡' toLe 'Le;,!:, el l ve Lcc>c>It-, cv'tc J-ltClCW-ll;)ly
:.c~e,et.eJ ~(Oll~ 1Vl!IllC'WLL;' lH)[¡lIl1.Cél, ll}rL~e!~ Cl'lC ILO·I; ~rAlc,<(\Jll~ (t0N'.;"~
.. , r '\ r . ¡i r r e C(B . . ;)~~'i.c, (l11() flVAj' Iv'«(';"Civt cv :.che;, l', ClII;IHL~ tl Lve "Ü'lvá-~ltlltl{Hv,
p r p' ,'\ . r . .,{ Y'" \ 6
r'l0-ll1' tite. tl',;,t 111 ()1},CI1LCIL[ blll-tl;(ll;, lb ¡{l,mn!-t,eYll', 1.lvl ,8 .
Q[ (!.1lJ, (LJ~;lcJ to lJ('ll fo'" lfve c.c'111j' llCfv;Av fLM ~CC;l; ;,elvt to m,e,
(UlJ ;,fl(lCr, 110 ~01Lr}r" 1'!{l.lJe f' C1!It.w.t l1;'C ~(J'<, ;1;.
OÜc't'J' \e;)llcct-fllWLJ" IJOIIH,
/. ,-Yil. Jifa/u.
XIV COMl\IUNICATIONS.
FROM TlIE nOXORADLE STDXEY nnEE:"F, "'E~ATOR OF THE
UXITEO :-;TA'l'ES.
\JWHD,t ~ca/v g~'L"
QJ rHW'e. Cx(yI11;lt,C~, ~IJ-~iru <J/te~t ca/vc, ~o-Ll/V c~~t;{Hv l~ trw C(BOIJ.,.
bt;tltt;Olt o~ tlw ól~,J.,;te~ g!;,atc~, (UU~ QJ mLl~ ~e. ¡te'Lm~(·tc~ te 0:-.
I"'\,c:,:, IlHj a,¡t¡u'LO-Lca,e O~ tl1.-C ¡tfalv al1.-~ o-~ tf¡"c mc'!,;t;:, o~ tKc uw'Jv.
dI ~o fvolle. ~ lt,C;Ce ft(l,\J-c (\¡ \J-C'LIJ' C-x.tclJ.,á~\J-C ~cl1talt~--d~¡,t, tfve :,!;,Q,te.
fe¡r;ár{~tllkC~. 1I};ce I\~t,<~,v;zc ~" (ll,l~ t.Ita!;, ~t.:, (,~'~ClIe(l,t;Olv l11.at ~C co.
C-x.tCltá~IJ-C lIJ-vl ft .. tltc Cll1llt:. o-p 011& ÓlQlIlOIL-. QJt v;' (v fltl1lc,vta~[c ~acr,
t(vat tfue, C(Sl"n .~~{vt;Olv o~ tfve- 0l~lt;te~ 2ftak:.-tIHU!;, mo-:.t fvoIL0(,e~
~o-'Lfv o-~ tlLe, 11<11;,< ~{Jt:, alt~ :,a ~e:, op tfue, 0'léWú lltt; o-lv-ILa:, Ivot ~et,
rt(l,~ (\¡ ~c.¡Wi.ltC c;'¡ Cllf'{l t;OI¡". Q[ ¡~C'lle, ;1; l11CllJ' C,e, ;lIl&ú~ltc.C~ ;ILto
o-lIk :.eJwo-e;" aC(l,~ell1;c;" alu~ ClfC Olt& :,cm~lwk;c:, o~ Ce{l,.i.IL;lt~" alt~
:.tll,~;C~ to- ~c l¡'IL~. 'L;,tood. qf()LI-', á;'¡, a'LE> ClLt;tfc~ to fwctl; c'vC;).;'~
to-'!, tlw cct!i..e (m~ Cl ~;C;t;r lJO!" r;,~\J-C ;,luOl\J-lv ;Iv Iv"<clw' ;11:1' trvc Il'v€;,e,~
'\. . JT r '\ r . el) p' () •
co-vtL{J-Ih ()} Il/CIIC ~ Olv U,ltU L,uc COUI!t:,~, l\J-l , It'U!rlt lJ.;r lt.
ólJ~'(;" lJe"~ .. t'wr~"
(,/. / /J7f <!~f t(.tJl(JI OJzeeóe.
FRO)I THE CHIEF JUSTIl 'E OF TTlE ClRClTJT COURT OF TIJE
Ul'\lTED STATES FOl:\ TllE DISTlUCT OF COLUMBIA.
t'\l O'r' 0.((0· o (D
""'W 111.-. V\D uel{,c'J', (!;;).1f'
(i) 0\1 r' c:-K C{?) 1 ) '. 7
VW (táll/! 11 <J.!',OI¡", '!.:v. \Q., QJ-::lv, 8, 184 .
'f0[, ro·
"'-Licclk o ~'(,o,
QJ al1v '(CCjH,Cák~ ~;r 1111,)' ~(,ctIV'LClv 01v tfl/c
e.mefl/ o ~ tfvc C&L'VCl,,~t ~Otlkt o ~ tfl/e ®~"t'(;ct 0 ~ CG0rllll1~~, to- tfva"tFv
IJ,C1U ~ú'" lJo-ll!Ú Il/ClU- alLd co-Vwet.ed cd.;t,~{!·lv o-~ tF¡,.c C@o-l¡"á!;,~t-Ltt~lv o~
tfvf ól~'v~te~ gtatc:" tlJfl/~cr¡" tJOl\J F1.-(l,\J-c f{,~v~C;r áClvt to trvcm, (l,1¡,.d
fo-'¡, t~c \J-aE!l{l,.f,Cc :.tat;át~ ~lt~o-'!,I11,{l,.t~OIV CVllolH'xcd to ;t; (l,tJ,~ cálcc,
c~re\l' fo-'u tlw r,{Ue.o-'V~o-lu:. au,d IJ-C~;r ll,.(u'tt'~lvCCl/(¡ 'lo11.-(l,C;rá;:' ,u-f¡,.~rv '¡t0'Ul
~ l1l,.{l,.d-e o~ t~e C&o-ILáÚtLvt;G-I¡", ClII,~ f(}'¡,· t.fLC co-H-ecÚo-l1 .. o-f· tfw
COl\1MUNICATIONS. xv
&~ko-~ \;1), Il-LMt-cttwk~o-'l-, al.> w-cCC (1,~ ~I)' [!ve, [€/.>V[, w.rV~C!J¡ to-IAJ IJ¡(1,1.)-€,
~~áoCo-l}CW~ ~i)' [ft,c, ~o-'UYLC/V Cd.~t~IJ¡~.
V'fw j'l\;d-lJ'C~ luw-e, IW!i rll(1¡~ t~t11;C Iio ~I1'L~IJ¡C tfJ¡c t€/.>V!i l}C'LlJ'
~l\;f~t; ~lvt, ~'vo-IlV lilw 1J;(\!Lt~(1¡e e--xc\;l1v~I\¡(J¡Ii~o-lv tlIlC\!, 1\;(1¡l}C fJ¡(l;~ r~mc
f.o 1YLC1;te" (1¡1l-~ 1i!J¡c lj''vCC1;!i (';(l;'vC 1U-~rv lU-rv~rv ljOH!V Cü-It \!' IJ¡(L~ ~Cell- co-m·
ILa-W w-~trll L~ o-'v~~It-(1¡e ~v t,rvc @~va 'vbne¡\;!i o-~ gli(1,!ic, rft-ClJ' ~Ce~Cl}e.
~. ~ ~c fifvc IlVO-M, co-'v'vccfi co-t"t €/.>V~Il-fi, (1,1l-d. t,(:¡,et fuvu-e Il-O d.o-¡'L~ ~t
LlHte ~e l\I:"C~lJ to (1,EE cb:"c.~ úr :"o-ClIcttj'
OW~tfv ~LCtl;!i 'LC~I10cf¡, J[ (1;/1'11, ~\ g~'v,
C!lJú-[\;'v ()-~C~\ :"CL L>-'t ,
CYP 7iza12C¿'
FRO;\I TITE IIO:\'ORABJ.E SILAS WIUGITT, LATE GOVER:\'OR Ol<'
NEW YORK-FORl\IERLY SENATOR IN CO:\'GRESS.
ro C(0'tLILrOIl-, 9 ak¡L 'v~e, 18l¡,7.
\ .. Q2,{~lJ' d-C(l, 'v u ~ 'v,
cff tlv(l'Itk, \!,o-lll I~'v ¡;file N'il1j ú~ lJü-ll;'v cJ~t~()-11I o-~ t[ve- (~()-IL:"f¡~ttLt;OIIl
o-~ !ifllC ó'&¡J¡~c~ [PttLte~, 1L>-~tI~ ljOll;'v co-II ;'ü-W~ ~1l-JcX-. 81~e d-C;';~,II',
tLl\;~ ¡¡fve ITL(1¡I¡'¡J¡e'v o-~ ~b e--xCCl\;t~o-IV, (1¡'ve (l;r~fve C'Lc;).~t{L~~e- to -~y('ll;) (l;1¡'~
QJ (l;1¡,t~;lt(l;f¡e (l; 1L>-~;).C C~Lcltr{tÚo-llI o-~ Ii(ve e~f¡f¡ee- l}o-lttmc, (l;1¡'~ fLC(¡'¡;
¡,¡,~e~vrl¡,e~~ to o-ll!v ~'vce ~IL·:"t~b¡,f¡;(}lv~ ~'''o-llV ~Ii.
1...@{!vtl;ILIJ' o-~ rfw c~;t~o-I¡'~ o-~ d~c ({6o-l¡,;,t~blt~o-llI o~ tfue Ol~'L.;f¡c~
gtnkc~, ;111 nw:>t Co-11vnV011l C~'LCllf{ü~OIV, (1¡'vC L>-CLlJ' (';(!/LCCC;,;,-ClJ' 1¡''<~lute~,
W-;tfil f'vcClfLCI1J; e'v'<OlileO-lll~ ILluvctl!.-tÜ~01l-, (,fec'l- ;IW(~;1l-1 tf~c d-[)ll;~t;,
M to Lfvc Ii'uve, COl¡,;,t/LlWt~OI1, o-~ &e It((;((l;'j'~ Ul&~' Qibll C;).~t~o-II"
tf¡,e,'l.C~l"·üC, r~lI,o-W-lv to ~C C(}'(k(,ctflj Itlt~f;~f¡,c~, ~~ O~ 'j''L0l't L>-(l;Ctvc.
Ól]o-l\k COlt';OIL~ (Lli1Ur~!,t;CelC ~ILJCX-, fvowwc'v, COIL;,t;tll;te,~ t[ve ' ... e{l;~
l}(1¡ft\JC o-~ IjO-lIk ~o-o-Fv. QTt; ~tll ~~cJ ~(I;~tr¡'~ILfftj, tLIL~ ~lj (t,n, lmf~~(l;';'C~
m~;t,~, ~Ii 1u-;fE ee(l;~ ~Ii lio 'wrtJ &e- (@(YIL~t;tHA:~úfv ¡L'L(l;ct~e(J¡fflj, Cllv~ ro
¡'¡'ILd-C'l.:>ttVlL~ ~Ii al.> ~t ;':'. QPl0c.~e·(k;II'j', (1,~ lifw tLll;ClrtJ;'~) ;).o-c;" WC\'~
t\f,<-(}l}-~:,~o-l1' (l'fL~ CfUlVo>C to ~t;, \L'«wt~we (l;\Llt C;WÚC,lv ~Il- tfvc el f~(l;~'<~ o-~
t~~.e, <J'o-l}c'wmclvt, ~ C(l,iLIl;út f(l;~C to ft{L:;-e (l; ILCVlil\¡'(,(l;C (1¡ILJ !LOIL>-e.i.fLLe
XVI Cü:rIDIl'XICATIOXS.
telt,~eIWlJ' tOltHtA~;' Q, ~tL;('t eé'll<,>t'([lct~('It, ('~ tlle, ~IL;,bl~i1leILt tIlo &~
m~It,J O~ tlt,e. ~f~oCcv'¡ ,-tft,e. OILr~, COlt;,hl\Á'~~OIL ('f d~e l{2(;n;,t~t"t~OI1I
Ml,fe to ow'v fLCC ;11;,t~tIÜ~OIl';' ClltJ to t!~e c&l.rlt;,titllt~OIL ;berf.
0;\')0 OILe, fctm;C;o/¡, !\}-itfv trLe. Clffu.;,¡;, of Olv'~ ~,Ol'e'dWICltt, C{tl~
fLCW'e. ~¡,~feJ to lHyt~e. fLOII>- CQ,'L~e. Q, jLh'jHYÜ;OIL of OIL'v ~taLtc;'llteIL·
Q,j11'Lect/¡, Il,.e·\}-e'u to fLQ,\}-e. 't.eaLJ tfL0 C(íOMt;tlÜ~OIL ('f trte ólG,L;tcd 8Ji;.(¡,tc;,
W·;,trL Q, cCL't.elILf '~rC'LelLee to ib jüec;;,e. r(tIl~lw<Je aLlt,J Cx.cLct 1¡10-
l};;';OIl,.;', ~ltt 'LaLlG.e'¡, Cl;' oeca;,iCYIL I¡'¡C;'Cltl.;" :>CCII'L to (-x,c'¡c;;,e t¡ve;'u
~lt~CltlL;hJ) 1111~CrÜLtILUtcr~l too (tren.' Ill'L[}e"faC aLl!J ¡IC'l[}C,fllll';¡ e-x,eHeJ,
to :>t'¡etl'f~ G,l.rtl~ to tlLe rilLe (;f LVI~Clt trLCIJ' ut LI~c I1lC'meILt, COI!;,;Jct
('-x,llc~;clI,t. Qlb 'CCfCLCI1.ee. to Q, ('aL'L cfa,c, Ilc"lcet., ClltO flLtT aL,L(tl'~;,i~
of LG.u).:, ;1I;'!\I\I1lCltl, Ultd of liLe ~r'wltt;, 0f l'O I\J.c'u '¡Cun\J fl.rltlLJ il\'
. jl '1) "\ r . ('r f, tt., ('CUIILl'!; rCI'lv to exc'tt Q, ~'cOlt~, Ultú ;'C, ilt{\'¡~. lItl,llCltC0 l~jL01L ;'ll<: 11
millo;);'.
dJt. ;;" ltOl[}CL'C't, HI10'l,. &c 111;lld 0f tfte ~hl~CIl~ rtll?1 r~c ";~;Ilcy
. r r, (T •• i" \ f' \ '\ ~e.ILC~cttIOIV 01' N~L COlllth~j t,wr, QJ (\11I1('li\([k l.te, lL'lUC"J .,xtC}UJcu
[' e . r,,' p ,) ¡, 1 f" l' l'l' 1'.( ¡n • I\¡).(' 'll lllfl\\CiLCe ('1' l,jUII'v L'l.rOlv. Q I l~ ~Il(l , L'e, (1;' QJ lC'110 lt.
ntaLlJ' ~llL,c'~ll('CJ (~;, Lv CrCl;,~,.G,H,r~ ~Il.' OltL ~cI~úcL, ~t C'Cl!lILOt ~[(;e
;"CHHL lo Il'<L.dlH'e u· n¡.(,'ce, ~('llll.?i UILJ CÚ',(<;ct ClIlO lllt.;fO'<lll. lIIlJC'''.
~taLl1~~It.~ c.~ ll~c ((6{Jlt~t~ttt.t;úlv M ~ ~~, t!~ClIL ~~uo !'¡.;LI'lC'do ll'(wu;fcd
~Il/ NtIv COlllLt/~\r.
dJt IvM lCrill ~celr,. u' r{\,[}C,'¡~tc w;;,fv úr \11;IL0, a~ to tri;;' ~rcttc, tftn!;
ro' o ( V • ¡). l' o ((o· r
o-u.:¡/ ¡ll\ULle LIlll'l) 0r lLllll<C'¡;,{lv lilJc'¡C;,r. 1I1l1IJ !J.c, !J.IJ Ül!'v =C~'l:>!n,.
ht'Lc, d.;:.b~~lltcd to Úll'v 00111111011, :.:,llI,(.l;, ilv (L' re"on, to G,e. I1lC1J0 ct
O('(L~;,.~¡,ofv f0í.. tfte tl10~C (lJL'CHwcJ ;,e!~0f(lb, tflllt tite clLV~eld:, Cca;;,.
faLtiC{jL Crf tt~c ;,taLtc I1!CllJ' ~c m't!\~ aLlLJ t~U'(l.rll~IIC;r li<llJC'L;,too~/ ~t
tfvo;)c tl,l~o u,'te. to ~0 tI~c [}C'lc'(;' r'r d~e ;,tIÜe .•
ú1JÜll'L ~Ol.rfv ál[(J~Cát;, trl0 cLJJitiolL ('f t\¡.e. c&Ollát;tttt;OIl,. (·r tflC
[:Prate, tt,;¡tJL C¡, ltlfe ;IL~C'X, ;,tlelL el' lltUt IJOl¡' fllwe lücILQ,i.eJ fl.r( &e.
~e~e'wC q¿)'c'lt:.t;ttlt~OI¡', aL;' (l' jlC'(lllC'A1Wt cl'n;'l,.\}[)ufv to Il,i.eCe~e tr;e
~ttLd.I~ oP trL0 Cl¡'(,~elvt. r{tl[)~; elll J, ~e qou/¡, ((2(}Il;,t~hltiCYIl/ C¡¡¡.O tf¡,e. (} r I \J r(l:l\}-~ (Yr le-~Ol\r¡c:.;, (. f e¡, ~r¡!C, (S "~ (t', (\ de '¡, ([11.0 1\1\ iD e '¡ ~(\ e !lllC'[;(}
~ILte'Le;,t. COHe.~ ~c COIWC.c:LLJ IV~~rl lCce ('L'll',óC- if :LII~IJ" {J dc' iwt
COM:\lUNICATIONS. xvú
~j;Oltl- C11HJ' trV~ll'~ truvt lIJ-OlttCJ ~() :'0 ~(I/" :'O'ULdl'j tÚ' 111«,['; h Olv'¡,
,) r '\ '\ (' [' '\. P JWI-IUJ' I1LClv to U-CCOJ1H:' r,Ul1vClv, CVILO ro d,:.c,v(l 'L~C t ve, (kvtle~ Ü'r
f'L(,C,jJVfAV c:vt trvc, ILOCC~ ul~ Olv(, e,l'cct~olv~ ~ :,a~GC\r to Lrve,~(, COlvllL'Llj'
CV1ld c'vCd~tOl~L~, [o t[~rl]L;)CCl'C~.
dI :'~lvcC(,CllJ' rvolte t;I~e, Itll~l~c.cvt;olv uf
k {J f ~' " " '\' . llel1'lj' w :'OI1Le, MlClv IJ-U lvellJ-le, Ola ÚltlOlv
~'Ol\.o't, ~od~, I1VCVIJ CmJ
to t.lve. edlWcvt.~OI¡' o~
IF'lVII<J' mc.lv Ü'~ tfvc ',-,c\ll\ ~l~(',.
v IJiAhy Cc~:'LI;(e fLoet:, ILOt I\c,( 111; t~cJ me [O C.XoClI11 ;IVC. IJ01V'¡, ~Ildcx ;IV
ne . r ['" l' 1" '\ '\',.c .
U Ll. lt;, ¡¡.Ol', t:, Cv:' cn:( ( : l ¡ IJ (l.:, Ll C :'ll L'JCC t ()CIll C(lvU-~, lí-Ilt; trl-C C'X·OlJ1Lv·
IHtt~lflv:, cfJ I'lCVI'C Illll:L, té'2C~rLG'" lIJ-;tI~ 111\)' f,vltolllCcd~C 0f lJ0'll(,
(l CCI t:'~ OI11CO U.CClt,', (( (' lJ' UIIO ~ILlJ-Cl,;n I~f€o ~~ JcC; llJ' 0-f ~ILtCILt~Ü'IV, ~I tdlLC('_
me. to :'1\ eOllv LV ;t:v t!~c COIl \:~ d€olvcc dI do 0-r· ti~€o lLei~(yf e. lI)-o'l..[v. '¿J¡~e.
r '\ . r [' ,1 [" • r (' (f?J . ll11tUc'l.. ltUl IvOllJC CUHlvccJe() Wl~lv L ve. ¡llllí- ICClholv 0r tlve \001v"tvtlll.
t;tJlV ~:, ILCÜ;Il.CIlX, cwO :'lld'v u:, trve ~Ollllo~ :.tlldc.!vG O'f tlve, ;'II,~t"lvl1le,IL't,
0111 ¡Lt [o ~e. muOc ~(VI11~ f;Ol'l.. lI}~t.fl" IIJ-('¡,; fe, d've fc;,:,ol¡'~ o f lIJ~:'~OI1V f '('(;11v
¡' c¡; r p r' (ro .[,) r r [' r . bee, t.:}'(lt.ILC~, 0r Ilov;' \D0ltlvt'l.;r UH ~ COlvácci.ut.e tlve, w-IVlJ -e, to ¡Lv:,
'\ (" r .
IlLcl11 H ir (lll () Ill~ I LC{(· '/.t .•
0'Lf)'kl~ llw '<,C¡\ctdlUIV o~ 111~ tLCI"&;' ~(y'v tfloc coll~' o~ tf,;;, ll'("&'
o r' OH' n ce '\ r lJ-LllC·{}C IILC, 0 C'<lJ 'LC~ltcütl,llt ~" CI.oIV() t,'(l\.: !J' LJC"{I/'.",
(,'/'¡Í ú'IJO· l' u t!a,J I/' ¿7 f ¿(.
FRO~I TílE 1l0XOIU HLE .TOlf~ l\TACI'lmr:.S()~ DERRIEX, SEX"\.TOH
OF T¡jl~ L XITED S'l'ATES.
(í/¡ (1)@10u-cfv;IL<JJw,nv,28tlv¿Je¡\t.,18)¡'7 •
.:J;cct/t> Ü ~'l.., ({ . '\ r. p 71r (f?J . . " r' r
Q) e·XCL-IHLH.ell L.uc, Co-Il\)' PI' "u Ive, \Dú-Il;,h,t.lI.hOlv 1tl-,Hc,lv IJC"IV
:'"Ilt to 1110 011' ;t.~ r;',:.t. l\llt~i';c,(lIt;()}V; «(lvd tlvclv e~iti.c.;,~cO to ~IHv t.Í~.e.
r(Wo'IC\~Cc, Ü'il~ll;I':V LIJ-Iv;('Tv QJ ClltC.<tU';IVCO o~ tl~0 lIJ-()'c.fv, f'c.Ü'tlV ~t;, ItCOlt..
11 e;,;,; ;b CL-~CIV'L((~IJ' ClIVO ;,t:, COI11IL',crleIL:'~~-CIlC:':'. Cf ti ve, ;mj\O'<tclotvC0
vf ~[;;, ~;:,Li.;f}l{t;Olv (1lllo-ll,~' (vfC CCM;'e,:, o~ ()-tI/v c~t;ze.n;" JI tf~'~'ví~ 110
'\ () q." ro - n
1"lC ('.(Vlv U-li-lll<t. <JJ tI·;' LiVC r1lolVr) (1A1LCIl.tct,[. [([lle, tivClll L1Hh~l,[) C,O¡Iot(oú-L
(tiC ()tflo0b-d~e crvcv'd~c(. u~ Olt'l.. C;~e,·(t~co, ll'rv~Jv C.lCe,(,~, c;t~::;c;v fw.{)
(1; \lC·(.;,o'HS ;.vtci.c:.t ~I¡' lllvJc' .... ).t:.(VILJ~tl;r tl~,AUl\~f~l~¡.. dI tI.Hrl\)C~ ~e
2
XVlIl COl\fMUNlCATlONS.
Ij''vat+c~, tlvc'tctü-~,c, to F",WW- tlva,t el'e'''t c~t~'::Clv W-{l!~ Ilo~M:'~c~ c·f (V
0(rIHJ' ú~ ;x, , (vlvd fva~ I1v(1~c fv~lll:.cf~ f(ul1~f~a/v Lu-~trv ~b COlvtCllh, c,:t
~í.,ec~II.<Clvt (1lv~ 0(1lC~l\,e IvclLl,:>n,r~ o~ ~Ii. 2Tlv~{) W-OILf~ I1'L(1Fw t'L~m.
/1l;O-'<..e. ILC'tfc.ctf;r MIllIL'tcfvClvd ft~~ OlU-lv lw~~t,;,o-,v (tI,) (V c~t~ZC'v ('f tf1.~i>
~,'vC(vt cg\<)cIHl;~e~0; ~t uJ-o-l\,fd c'La,~fc I¡,~nv t{) 'tea,C;,ze /1l;o-'"e C(}'lJ~(LfrlJ'
trve. ~I¡,t~m(vte 'ter(Lt~o-,v ~Iv u>fv~fv fve :.taILJ:> to eU-CllJ' otl¡,c'¡, 0~t~Civ i
(1lv~ tl¡,¡¡,:> ~t{) tCILJCILC~' UJ-ol\;fd ~C to d (,alt>- eElr:.c'v t~e t'vutc't'v(1f ~Q-IJ,~
t\S¡,~t 1\;iJ,;tCi> l¡':> a.i> OILe IlCOltEc. V~C tu-oL\;f~ ~ccol11e :,c'1.:.;e,Ec rvow-
l11.lwfv tlJ,e ~'vtcfC~~ClLce (liVd LJ~Ül\e of ea"elv ~ILJ~L'~~lvaC I1W'lJ' ll'to,note
t~e 11/(1111; IvC:'i> of Iv;i> fC,[fO,U-i>, (1lvd (' f ¡JLC co'(kci>¡vO11 J; Itlj' altJ LlILlwll11 'J'
~n,fel¡"CiJ,CC of ~<JIW't,a.ILCC a.IL~ lJ;CC; (11¡'~ tfv;~ Co-ILlJ;Ct;Olv LU-OlLe~ tCIl,~C'¡.
Iv~l11; tlve a,Ju-Ü'cate Ü't (tf~ Iv'wllC'v mCMI\,lei> liD C'Lfa.l!J'e &e ;;ttcfr~.
~,CJt,(',C, a.n,d ~/1l;I1.!WU-C tl¡,c 1Jl;Ü''t,c¡,fi>, Ü't tlvo:.e ll>-;tf¡, II>-IVOITh fve ;i> I'LOC; t;.
ecvCflJ' M:.(}c;a.ted. QJ\o ft,¡vott>-eed~ (}~ trve Cf§Ü'Li>t~tLlÚOJl" Lu-Il~cfv ~
fQ-t trvc I1W:.t 11(111i Ivf(1;'V c¡,11J- :'~t1'1'ILPC ;;v ~ti> IVl,Ü'l';,~;O'¡':>, tU-OLtr~ ü-ftc,v
CiV(1~~:' Iv; 111; to :.11;[\/'(,11; ;IL,J-~<JIHVlvtf \Y tlv~ er~l.'th O r- Jel1ta~r':lltC:' to
1Jl;;i>rC(1~ rv~nv, (lIV~ (W"C&Clv 1\;1Jl; to (v Jce¡lC'" :.-ell-~e o-t ~'¡(1t;tLLJC~o-'¡,
~fvP'll'(;u-;fc~e~ ll>-fL;efv lte ;:. Ile/~I1L~ltcJ to ell~(\lJ"
'Q[~ lU-Oll[~, ;11; 11L\y (}11;IL~o-IV, ~C dC:';'w~fe t!'vett ált.Clv a. 0o-¡l\y (ir tite
c&OIL;,t~bt~Olv (\,{) tfHvt lLClv;elv ~o-l\; flCLlJe t~'(elt(1't,e.J, árvOtl.<fd ~('/ ~Iv IH·i>.
~Cái>~Olv 0f ca.cfv ~llJ-~e~ar t;'t~~lMLlle t,fV't,Ü-¡l~.rl'Ol\;t tlve [¡\;Ivd, cv., a. :.tllUd.
(I/(J to w-Iu;,clv '"c~e'tClt,ce 11L(1!j ~C fv({;J I~~trv LULJ(jll~r;IV:r c(}IL~; Jmcc,
~Iv C(t~C:' lu-fu;Av ;llLJ(\elJC ~lvei>t~(}IL~ 0f (6o-lv~t;hvt~úIL(1C CUll>-. 0Jltt ,{f
It'(\II"r~ e;,lvCC;u,rf\!' dCi>;,'vc t.o áCC ;t ;ILt't,úJ-lLecd a.~ a. tCx.t.~o¡yfv ~Iv Oll/v
;,(Jl(}(\f~ (1lvd cu r~~,c'~, tluCLt (}l"'¡, \y(\ltIL~ I1'1.CI1" 1YI,(1lJ' ~c tCLl\~rvli ro ~IV(' ll>-
trvc;'¡, '¡,~~,rvt)~, (14v~ to ~CC(}I1l-C (1(,~lLc¡,~;vk~ U),;trv trve~'v J-lLt;ei>, a.~ c~t~.
ZClvá, ~c,ro've trvelJ' Cil~a~e, ~IL trve emllCl'~rme'l-t:. (,f ud~¡}e, e;fc.
QÁ<y~ a. C,;ÚZClv 0f tlve, ól~'L;te~ gl:(1tCi>, QJ tfHLlvfv lj0("\' fo-'v trte
e'(',Il,ef~t l~fu;efv 1J'Ü'll.< fV(1!re 0Ü',\fC't,l ed LV110'v tfue 0Ü'111 m!uJ,~tt.t ~IJ trI ~a
(',(}l1llv~e(vt~o.v, (1lv~ \yO\\, ~(1LJC nHA' ~e;,t tt>-;i>fvCi> tll/(1t \yCCllk e¡:~()-·(;, motj
~c (111l1"flJ' '¡,eml\;lve't,CLte~. QJ a.I'YV, J-C(1í, ;,;~)' u-c<~, ',c:'iv'tJ'¡ !Se.
(2¡yC. V&~erLe\y, ¡;w. vltacjtlfez.Jon f!iJczztén.
COMMUNICATIONS. xix
ti
FROM TITE HON. HENRY CLAY, SENATOR OF THE UNITED STATES.
óUlJtv~e:¡,:.tu,f"~;""CJ' tF"u,t lJ'<H" ~1"tClv~ 1;0 1'-'t,,~e~:.Fv C\¡ foWLtFv c~~t~o-Iv o-f
tfvc U-D-~IA1VC, co-ml'V~ec~ (uv~ l"'t,~"a/t,C~ ~I¡j' I¡j'()1,t" Co-l"tU,;",,;"vCJ' t,h,c C(Bo-l".
:>t~uvt~o-I'-' o-~ tr.,c ót~I\'~C~ gtu,tC:', (l,lv~ ()t~'v fV~CJ'r.,CLj \M)-C~J (l,lv~
;I¡,te'vc:.t~~ m(l,ttc'v, dI tCIIFvc l'teC(1;:.tv~A> ~I\' C%lv'uC:':'~lv~ I;f"c :.CIIt~:'~CÚo-llI
dI fv(l,u-c ~c'L~u-c~ ~WI1V 01111 C%(1;f1t~lt(l,t~o-l" o ~ tfw w-o-'(~. ~ll; fV(l,u-e
~~;'ll~iJ'~ ¡l"~,I1W/vt ~I¡" tfw I1vu,tct~e;, Lll-r.,~cfv ~ em~()~~c:" (l,1"~ ~t¡,. tFt,e
o-t,dct Lll-~&' w-Ft,~f¡,. tFt,clJ' be ~CCI" C\¡'v1,(l,IV<J'C~ • qfo-lII'v 've:'~~ClvCC (l,t t~
c;'t1t o-f OW (1,Jv~I1'CJ'to-lv, (l,1"~ ~Iv o-f"C o-f ¡j"c !VLV~e~C o-ff~c:" ftM C\¡f·
~t~c~ lj'o-lII OIIv ~¡,I¡,.o-ttllllV~LJ' of CllCCC:':' to tfw o-t~;"'lICLf te-xt o-f tF¡,.e
c&D-lv;,t~t;I;~o-l", (1,lv~ 1;0 tfvc o-tf¡,.c'v ~OClllmCI1J,:, (1,11I~ 'uceo-1,~;' Co-lvt(l,~lvC~
~i" LJ'o-lII'v u-o-Ewmc, o-f Lll-rv~rv lj'o-lII (l,!"lve(l,'v to fllCLu-e M:'~~III()-L1;JI¡j' (W-(L~eC~
LJ'D-lI/.,:.cEf. ólJD-¡,t;t Lll-D-tfv, tFw'icefo-t,c, ~c:.c'¡,u-e;, Ive'ufect co-,"f~~e¡we ;"v
~t;, enÚ'¡,e C\¡¡,¡,t,FvetVt~c~t"J"
2f~cte C\¡te :.o m(l,lv\!' a~,,~ :.tNcFt, o-~U-~o-l¡";' 'vC(1,:.G1v;, ~Iv ~\}o-'t" o-f tFt,~
~D-D-~ ~e~ltt e-xtc,v:.~u-cflj' c~'¡,c¡,t;ra,te~, (l,1"~ ;"'v t;fw ~f"~;' o-f Cl}Ó'1j' c~t~elv
wfw C(l,lv C~¡"¡}€'IV~cl"tCtj (1,f~D-t~ to ~LI/icCr¡,.(l,:,.C~, t~ cff CC\!tt4¡,.o-t ~o-l¡,.~t
tfw e-x~tclwe" o-f C\¡ COM·t(l,11It (l,lv~ ~t<J'e" ~1',nt,CIIIV~ fo'v~. <2k1"~
f,~~ZCIv;, Lll-Fvo (l,te" <J'o-~'IlAj' (1,~'¡'D-(l,~, 0IIt,~ r've~\'c'v;, Lll-fvo C\¡te" Co-l1'L~I\'<J'
(l,1nD-1Lc.r ¡¡,.;" lu-o-J:~ tL-Ce ~o Lll-eC~ 1;0 D-~tCII~IV !vo-:.:.e;,:,~o-IV o-f 01 ~o-oFv Lll-fv~Fv
C~1"tvt~:.e;" Lll-~tfv~1'-' C\¡ ;,mU,ee COnvll(l,:';', tfw tcC()t~ o-~ :'0 11VC11IVIj' ~mlvo-'u·
Wnt oN' (l,t~'vu,f CU-Clvt;, c\¡lv~ ~"at~lv(1,e ttc\¡l~t~OI\';'.
dI t ~;, :.ctL-'vecC\!, ¡ve"cc:':'(l,'t\!' to (1,~~ (l,1V e-xjl've:,:,~o'IV o-f mlj' Lll-~:'Ft,c;,
Uwt lj()-Ll; nV(l,ll ott(l,~lv C\¡ e~~ct(l,E 11IU,t'v~w~ ftom tFve" IVlll~e~, :.o
1,~fvftJ' me'vi.tc~ ~o-'v ~o-¡,t;'v fa,~ot;,.
dI (l,m 've;,I"cctfll;cr~,
ólJD-ll!'v o-~e~'t.
xx CO:\1:\11;XTCATTO~S.
...
FRO:\I TlIE IIOX. LEWIS C.\.3:", SEX,\TOTl 01<' TIrE l:Xrrl:D ST .\.TCS.
@ (O-~'e(t'(, Ul:V,
e/Ll; lJÜ'IV'V (C(VIC~t Q) rW!CC CCl'(Clllll'IJ CX:!lIl:llcJ. rtltJ ~ü Illlt fl(,'>~-
, '. r r [' p ~' . r r U'
tctbc to 1lLJC IlllJ ('lll'LI0Iv ('r lltc l}(l llC l r' IJ Otl'v C¡JdLC'IV (JI ~ ,le ~c'lt.
:.:~tllt~0IL, ti~(yll~Jt ~~ ~;, a" lll-lf'CP~ l[}í~~(Ofv Juc;, ILÚ't Ileed CLlllJ' tc:"t~1l10.
Il~CvC O~ 11l~ltC to ~[,;, llLeL~t;" IW'L LO~lT tl~c eé\t'~O~~(YIV (.~ Il'Hj jllJ~I11Cllt
OÜ'I1\1lLClld ~t tlv;. 11lÜ"cc to 11lI~L~0 flWO'". Q]t ~;, (¡, 111 (:llIIIHCllt cf ea,tC,
(\'IV~ ell~Ú'I¡" a"llJ a"CC1\,'LClC;!', Cvll,J I1lCI~J' :"(lfcf;r JCjlCllJ uIH'IV ~t;, ülll-IV
~'LtL~IL:"~O or{\,,~I1l~, 1U-~!;rvÜ'llt OClú'~lt;r to ~.t.;, a,,~d tllt;!' ClJl>Cl1t;t~(H\,,;' c~".
Oltm ~t(¡'I1 .. CC;' lll-floCltwcl¡,. <¿J1~c 1~Ü'~(,C Ü'f tl¡,o C,(,llltf,( \r ClILJ trle 'Le..
ItcCl.teJ (Y,<Jc't;, (}~ tKc UC!LClte fe.'v ~t;, ltlleCr~l'(d~(,lv cwJ J;;,[,(~ecld~('IV,
ClAc C9J'IW[t\y IV('IW"ClU'¡" to tfvc eIW''LClc!-,C'(, ü~ tI~c lll-Ú'.I:, clILJ to t¡'IC
a~~f~~'J cvlt,d FJef~t;!' (·r t[vc eVlülw'" Qfb :"C'('llilllful;' CICW\ltC~l' ;!;,
(lIWClJl~C(lC ~IWCM;:!(lt;(}IVJ, CtlLJ L!~c C(I11¡l'tc;,;,~(¡[¡, ('f l:¡,c ;mit(}Ü([ll~
rl.~~t(l·',~ectC ~lICt;, 1u-1~~Cr¡, IltCCCJCJ (lilJ nl.tCllJcJ lfuJ It",('CCC;\;ll~~ (,r
[' C(8 . '\ ('. l' r ~ r r r ~ . tve 'l'ILlyCILtlOIl', (lILcJ [ll-lLW v IllCL',,{(.() tlLe II'(O;\'(C~;' ú, tllc CI().c'lltlolv
cl ~rl.e C{6Cr1L~t~~lt t~t'IV, tfví C<{13t (llC titc átcti}'C;) ú f JÜ'tt~~ (lll,~ ClIlX; c:~J'
t;LC tlLC f;IUCIC CVH~ (HLIIlllj OÜI1.o~ILllllnut~L'llo, Iw[}e CLL<.ca.Jlj' tccc~.[}lJ
tl¡,c a'ltll,'tÚ'~lLt~(HV ür :'ClCC(llC CI1l;ItCIIl:. IlIClv, !ll-rlÚ~C tcUc,;, (l'(C e(,II,·
• ~. n r ~' , Ó 1) • r r. . '\
tüll¡C( ll¡' tl:..c ,OLIllCI¡, ecJLl;!elh LJJ,t:, Ir el'c'v l,¡,cl.e W((;, (lo lle(!('¡J
• l' r .' r··' ¡'" '\ [' í' l' ~ llv lit,c 111;,teí1J (,r Ü'IV'v CC'lllt.t.(~" W·iLlc!¡' (,(lLlea IlltOlv tt;, to lJ'Ú 1, .!C[o(,L
r {' ". r' (' r (('1 . . r l' r '\
n¡LÜ'lv toLC [}lC~;'lIlCl';' Il"llll:lv liLe \cl'IL~llttlttC'jv lvCl;' [}'C(,<ll(llvt, Cllla 1111011,
r ~ . rn' r' .,J '\ r' . . [' ,) . ) ~lloC ().l¡ ¡.lell LlC;' l~ cILe0IUÜC'(Ca [}c,¡O'Le lt 'Lcc.cl(}cd t ¡,C ~Clltctl(:lv ('~
tlloC QiLl11e'L~eCVIV [jltcvteJ CVILJ ItCC'IILc, trw~ Ilc:( ~(:~ ~J 1I¡IOIV IIJ. cJf
lU-C w,cle IloOllJ- :"cltcv'tcvtcJ, el;, 1[}0 LOCLC ;I¡' 17~7, ILO 1ll0"tllC ItC'll'.¡o'¡,
r;') r . r 01 r'J" r . l' fl' r. . ()
rOllle [}'<llllll;' t'('1ct1vC'v. Lv' ¡tdIIC(" WtllL C! L l.loe c'"'ilC'tl(!Il:C l'~
(o\\,,, J(lILJCL;' al¡'~' Oll'v ~fC;,;,~,t1;" 1ll·0 C(lIV ~0 I{.(II~ tO~ldrl,c'v, 1111'~~
JcII(110 IlltC'IV tlloe :'IL~L~t 1ll-;tf1.o w.r~,;('lv IIJ-C ('elllc I¡IV to lite, lll-;''''¡;,.
0'Jl1¡~ctrJ¡e,I¡, &c/ fCCe~IL:I;' of eOILCc~;';Ü'lv (tlLd C('llllll0111;;'C !IJ-rt~eí't, (lll~.
ma"tc,;') Oll/v f.(ltrtc(~ l[}~cr cC"¡Ü;.ILlle to n'I¡';Il!(l{C tftC~'v ~l"¡L~, (\o'i' el¡"()luJI~
CO:MMUNICATIONS. xxi
(r~ tft,cm, t<Y tL'tC~("l}C (VlL~ ILCI 11 dLULtc trL~~ Il'LCe~()II~ fVC( ;tCl~,C, o,C-
~,tL~lcd ~;r :.e'w~e:, ClIL~ :'IAWC'¡ ~II ~';' ll}ft,~fv o,'¡,e Ll}( ~ttelv llv <fU/v ILo,;,1i
f¡l:.ter'¡'lj, ClII~ nwlJ' f~IL~ ~H(lE CXClITlILEe;, <Yf IL,o,t~IVClE CClrClm~tlJ' ;Iv
d~c fM.tU/VC, :.rLOL"C~ teL;;" CCrIl~de'c.ClÚOlv ~e ~'v()~CI1) L~¡v, ;;, &e ~/<cClIi
el \\ c,atlolL <Yf tfIJe dCl~', Ll}fv~ef\) wellt:. o,w fCl:.G FLCl:.GCILl'IL«t to o, :,ofttt;crIL,
lW d,"/I, C~'tCLtnL:.t,(lILeC;' UI.> ; m\vo:'~I~«t 0,;' th..~ Cl'¡,e IL<YÜeILtcr¡¡,;,.
qr <YLVv '¡,c~e'¡,cILce to tft,e \],w,cúcc, of ~crme ClIL~ 10 tFl<o,li 0f tfLe
l11e~~o,Cl}(Le a~,c;, ;IL a'1l~r(Ln~, Lv-fLc'te tFLe ~;,r~Lla;oIL <Yf tfvc fUL(YlV-fcd~
0\: tfvc;'v "'c~tccl;l}e C(8Ü'IL~t;tltÚOIL~, C:'11CC;o,Cf:r amolL~ t~ :rNvtfL.
!lHl~ <YILC of tlLc CCltc~ of tfLe ~,<Yl/C(ILI11 CILt, fLl:<lL; :,f¡,e;, Cllv i m 1 L<YÜ a lIt
fC~:,oH', Lv-fulefL ca~Vll,út ~c too :.G'¡OIL~flt C<YnlAllC1Ld,c~ to &e tUl~r~c
at[:,e¡Lt;{}iL. V"fLC (GÚlvat~tllt;('IL ~fLÚltEJ ~e (L :,crw<Y[.~ocfv, mo,~e fo,-
m ;[;u/v to lL;' f'vOt1L <YLL'v C(L (el c;,t ljCo,'I;'. dJt;, ILí; ILe ;/1 rc~, ;t;, Il/LO-
l}t;,;om, ;t;, [;m~t(lÚOIL;', ;,rvOlt,[~ ~c ;,tLtJ;C~ o,tv~ LtlLdeí:,tO{J~, o,IL~ trLe
m<Yte &€Lj Cl'¡,C atLld ;ed tfve ~cttc'v Ll}lCe &clJ' ~e (LIl !lkCClo,ted (LiLd &e
J(;{V,¡c'v tf\)elj lV-;Ce ~cc<Yl1Le. {! ;,fL<Y1Lf~ ~C ~rcLd to aee lJDtL'v cd;t~1V
o~ tfLC ~Ü'ILat~tLLÚVIL ;IL el/C"~' :'CfLCi'OC.fw1ÜC ti\) di~ ól~'LWlv, o,¡¡,d t11 \l'
e(JCca~!Le (L1I'~ m~,:.cfr aíe ;'0 ;I11IL'(C;';'C~ Ll};di, tf¡,e ;m!WÜaIH>,e of
ll~ l;' ~ll~~C:,t;(rlV, ~rLat Ll}e ilLtmd to d;;,t'tiE'\lte arC trte Colt~e~ Ll}e, '<,e.
CC;l'e, ((I1'Wfl~ tru:, :.eflúúC el~'vM~C~ G~ úD..Á~;efl;~o"L.
dJ a 11l< , decLí, :'~'L,
~C1"cct~LLCr*, ~(rUk Ci'~ed\ ~("l}\,
SéeWtd Y6aM.
2*
..
XXll CO:\Il\1UNICATIONS.
Fno~ TIIE HO~. DA.:\'IEL WEBSTER, 8ECRETAltY OF STATE OF TIIE
D.'\ITED 81'A1'ES.
,c,. ú'lVu:>ft;ILj[01l, <1J\e,CIllGC:¡' 11tfll, 1850.
(rl'CCL'¡, [PL'¡"
O) () '\ '\ . r '0 o r' (l p r "''\. . l\.0" (~C~:.tCLltU-lIt1' tlt'(vt ~{}l\; eLLC (vL"'ltt to \H\U-ll:'!\; el rC'l\;Ülll QUlttOlll
r r ()¡) (' 'p r (f(1 ., CT l' r. . . 0r [I¡,e b)JO'¡" 0r tlt e \CÍl'll;"lltlltVÜ'llI, Q) tu te \1 CC,eL:'tt~,e UlI e·xll!LC~;'lIl;r
m \r ~cl~('f tiHlt tlve extCIL:'~l}e ~;;,t'('~~llt~OI\; Ü'f tl¡,ctt lH,flVllle ~~ l'~
Im~['; e eLlt~ <yclte'wC ;1ll11 Ü'ÜnIH'('"
V"'llIc ((Bül¡,:.t~tl\;l~Olll {·f &e 0l~iL;tC~ gtCltC~ ~~ el [{)-~;ttm dJll;'['nI!'
111m!;; (I! ·"ecÜ''t.~ed rlllt~(\'I1'LelvtuX 9[l\l{)-; ;t;~ [,l\;e Bond, CLIL~ [fu:-
Ü'ldt,t Bond, üf [Ive l/Jlton 01- lr~c .. c.8\(\;tc:>; ~t~:> cv[C tf¡'eLt ~;l}e:.
w:. a J\Tational ef¡'(l'!.cvcte'¡,.
Q;kfllw;,!; Wc1lj tlHll\; ;I\; &e COlllÜ'¡[j ;;, CCl¡lCl~fe of 'LCCl~;ll<y ;t;
CLllId tll;ctt l{)-fL~cfll.,O Jec¡lllj CÜ'ILCC'¡ll~ Clrp, ;,f¡'IJIJ'2l ~e IllctJe ecv:>;lIJ ue.
ce:.~;Gfe to are. ~Oll'~' illt~l\cu.t;Olll, ,ff [1[;111:.., ;., Gc.t.tc'¡, CClLeLlflltc.d
t-o CLccom¡lf;:>!~ trt;;, md, tI~(vlL ClII:y wí~;crll Itu:> ¡t'(cecJc'2l ;1;.
ÚlJü,v~:> ltJ.~tfu l}e<.~, t'!.He<.c.'] u¡(:~,
flZfamúl úJf9¿ter.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
JAMES MADISO:'\, Prcsident of the Unitcd Shtes, on cntcring
uron the duties of tlle office, decbred, t11at "to support the Consti-
tution, which is t11e coment oC the U nion, as \vell in its limitations
as in its authorities, anJ lo favor the advancement (1 science and t he
rlijJusion of information, 3S tlle bcst aliment to true liberty," with
other salutary scntiments and intentions, would be a resource which
could not faíl him; and added, " but the source to which 1 look for
the aio which alone can supply my deficiencies, is the well-tried
inlelligence and virtuc of my fcllow-citizens, and in thc counsels of
those rcprescnting them in the other departments associated in the
care of the national intcrests."
"Tú Sltpport the Constitution" by his ta1ents, by his best ser-
vices, and wi th his life, if req uircd, is the firm and irre vocab le de-
termination of every true patriot; but the " support" presupposes
a knowledge of that valued instrument; and the knowledge can
alone be expected to follow a careful reading and study of its letter
and its spirit. To afforo an opportunity to every American citizen
to do this, is the objcct in tho publication of the present editioll.
If, as Cicero informs us, in ancient Rome the very boys were
obliged to leam the twelve tables by heart, as a carmen necessarium,
or indispensable les son, to imprint on their tender rninds an early
knowledge of the laws and constitution of their country,
" N ücturna versate manu, vcrsate diurna:'
If it was deemed important to the preservation of British liberty,
in the earIier and better days of that country, that .ftlagna Charla.
xxiii
xxiv INTR mUCTORY REMARKS.
should be authoritatively promulgated anu read to tllf) people-it
is no 1ess important to the preservation of American liberty, that
every inte1ligent citizen should, by ltis own wm and authorily,
aided by the liberality of the Government, possess a copy of tbis
great clwrter if ./lmerican lióerfy.
There appears to have been no formal provision made by the
Government of the United States for the promulgation of the Con-
stitution, except by a concurrent resolution of the two IIouses of
Congress, made during the first Congress, (6th July, 1 ¡89,) whereby
it was "Resolved, that there be prefixed to the publication of the
acts of the present session of Congress a correct copy of the Con-
stitution of Government for the U nited States." This, however,
\Vas sufficient to show the intention and the judgment of the Patres
Patrim upon tho subject.
Every gaad citizen, capable of reading and understanding its
meanil1g, is bound by duty to his coul1try, if in his power, to pos-
sess a copy of the Constitution. The compiler of this publication
has added the Dec1aration of Independence, with il1valuable matter
claiming paternity of the " Father of his country," and other inte-
resting information, and has so limited the cost of this Cansti-
lulianal bauquet, as to enable the Government, should such be its
pleasure, by a judicious and liberal investment in this proviuel1t
stock-to lay up, for a time of need,a vast fund of available trea-
sure in the minds and the hearts of the people, for the defence of
their liberties and the perpetuity of their institutíons-to sow the
good seed in virgin soíl, which might otherwise be occupied by
noxious weeds. With diffidence it is submitted, that this national
object may be practieally effected by the distribution of barely so
many copies as may place one in each village or neighborhood,
which would introduce it to the knowIedge of the people, who
wouId then seek by their own means to possess it; and thus as a
mustard seed would it multiply, and its salutary principIes be ex-
tended. N or could any means more convenicnt be proposed, than
to intrust to t110 hands of the guardians of tho Constitution in Con-
gress the distribution, or the sowing of this good seed. It would
appear from the tables of tho 1ast ccnsus, that there are, in the
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. xxv
UnÍted States, np\vards of thrce and a half ruillions of filen, ov('r
twenty years of 8~e, capable of reading; and shoulJ thero be 0111y
one copy furnished by t11e Government to every hundred men, a
large portian of t11c other ninety-nine wou1d, probably, hy tlteir OWIl
means, obtain it.
Víewing the immense diífusion of printed political mattpr through
a11 the villages and hamlets of the Republic, as t11e ahundance of
material provided by the generosity of the Government and zeal of
private enterprise, as política1 food for the mind, this compilation
may be consiúcred as salt for the prescrvation of such as may be
whoIesome, or as lime to neutralize and destroy such as may be
cariaus. It \vould be a test by which to separate tbe wheat from
the tares and cock1c-a crucible by whieh to separate the gold
from t118 dross and hn8e metal, or t11e cupe! by which to try the
current cain of politics, and a hxt boo!,; by wltich lo jwlge if the
ol'lnoJoxy rf poli/leal disquisitions.
By the Dritish statute, "cnnjirmatio cartamm," the great charter
\Vas directea "to be allowea as t11e common law; all judgments
contrary to it are dcclared voia; copies (1 it are orrlered to úe sent lo
alt w/ludral c1wrcltes, ami read lwice ayear to t!te people;" whercby
it was intenued that tile sanctity of the place shou1d inspire a pecu-
liar veneration for that noble structure of fundamental law-sacred
to human liborty, civil and reJigious.
According to Plato una Aristotle, "Le:c est mens sine l'Jj'ecftl, et
quasi DCllS,"-tiíc law is mind tuillwHt passion, and lherefore lilte
God. Or, accorcling to Grotins, "God apprnved and ratifled the
salutHY constitutions of govcrnment made by men;" while De-
mosthenes declares, that "tite design and object of laws is to ascer-
taio what is just, honorable, and expedient; and when that is dis-
cnvered, it is procbimcd as a general ordinance, equal and impartial
to all. 'l'his is tho origin of law, which, for various reasons, all
are under an oblig'ation to obey, but especial]y because aH law is
the invention and gilt of lIeaven, the resolution of wise men, th8
eorrection of every ofTenee, amI the general comp:lct of the State.
to live in confOflnity \vith which is t11e duty of every individual iu
society."
XXVI INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Bossuet remarks, that "If tl13 Roman laws have appcared SO
saered, that their majesty still subsists, notwithstanding the ruin
of the empire, it is because good sense, which controls human life,
reigns throughout the wholc, and that there is nowhere to be found
a finer application of the principIes of natural cquity."
Algernon Sidney adds, that "The Israelitcs, Spartans, Romans,
and others, who framed their governments according to their own
will, did it not by any peculiar privilege, but by a universal right
conferred upon them by God and nature. They were made of no
better clay than others; they had no right that does not as well
belong to other nations; that is to say, tlle Constitution of every
govcrnment is referred to those who are concemed in it, and no
other has any thing to do with it."-
" Salus populi est lex suprema."
Judge Blackstone remarles, that "every man, when he enters
into society, gives up a part of his nn.tural liberty, as 6e price of
SI) valuable a purchase; and, in consideration of rcceiving the ad-
vantages of mutual commerce, oblig-es himself to conform to those
laws which the community has thought proper to establish. And
this species of legal obedience and conformity is infiniteIy more
desirable than that wild and savage liberty which is sacrificed to
obtain it. For no man, that considers a moment, would wish to
retain the absolute and uncontrolled power of doing whatever he
pIcases; the consequence of which is, tbat every other man \Vould
also have the same power, and then there would be no security to
individuals in any of the enjoyments of Jife. Political, therefore,
or civil liberty, ."hieh is that of a member of society, is no other
than natural liberty, so far restrained by human laws (and no far-
ther) as is neeessaryand expedient for the general advantage of tho
publico Rence, we may co1leet that the law, which restrains a
man from doing mischief to his fe1low-eitizens, though it dimi-
nishes the natural, increases the civil liberty of mankind. And
Loeke has we1l observed, "where tltere is no law there is no free-
dom."
Socrates made a promise, with himself, to observe the laws of
INTRODUCTORY RElVIARKS. XXYll
his country; but this is nothing more than what every good man
ought both to promise and to perform: and he ought to promise
still further, that he will exert a11 his power, when constitntiomlly
called upon, to compel other8 to obey them.
The compiler of this edition of our own venerated Constitution,
to which he has with anxious labor prefixed a copious, and, he trnsts,
a faithful analytical index, believes that there are among his fellow-
citizens many thousands of intelligent men capable of reading amI
understanding the great American eharter of liberty, but who, with-
out seeing and jndging for themselves of " its limitations and its
authorities," have, wíth a passive credulity, (which in other mat-
ters of comparative insignificance, would have been indignantly
spurned,) reposed their faith, their birthright, and their safety, 00
the opinions of others, whose impassioned, and sometimes vi tupe-
rative tones have appealed rather to the prejudices of the heart than
to the integrity of the understanding.
1\1r. Dallas has well said, that "the Constitution in its words is
plain and t~ntelligible, and it is mean! jar the hamebred, unsaphisti-
cated understandings rf (mr jellaw-citizens." To this sentiment, the
compiler is indebted for suggesting to his mind the idea of publish-
ing thiR edition of the Constitution, with its accompaniments ; and
he thererore believed that the1'e would be propriety and justice in
toe dedlCation of it to this d istinguished statesmall, and through
him to the American people. *
The compiler, diílident of his own ability to do adequate justice
to the subject, has called to his aid some of the most eminent
authorities to sustain the inviolable sanctity of the law, and to im-
press upon Americans a reverential attachment to the Constitution,
as in the highest sense the palbdium of American liberty; so that
their judgment, as well as their affections, may be enlisted on the
side of the Constitution, as the truest security of the Uníon, anrl
the only salid basis on which to rest the prívate rights, the public
liberties. and the substantial prosperity of the people composing
the American Republic.
He will next have wcourse to the authority 1)f the universal1y
esteemed alld lamented .J ustiee 8tory, as to the high responsibilities
of the pcople, allu thp proper [llI)ans of gllarding the irlPstiruahlc
---------~------ -" - --~- ----~--------------
* The 1st mlll 2J ü,[itiun, "ere c[odiuatcd to J\lr. DJ.llas, ami tilo ~u auu t:ulis(:'luCllt O(litioue,
with hi~ pcr:ui,óioll, tu tilo 1'001'le, &e.
XXVili INTRODUCTORY RE~\IARKS.
rights they now enjoyo In referon~e to the Constitution of govGrn~
ment he says: "lt must perish, if t110re be not that vital spirit in
the poop18, which alone can nourish, sustain, ana direct all íts
movemcnts. It is in vain that statesmen shall form plans of go~
vcrnment, in whieh the beauty and harmony of a republic shall be
embodicd in visible order, sha11 be built up on solid sulJstrnetiolls,
and adorned by eV8ry useful ornament, if the inhabitants sulTer the
silcnt po,yer of time to dilapia::tte its wa11s, or cTl1mble its massy
supporters into uust; if the assaults from without are never resistcd,
aIld t11e rottenneslil ana mining from witbin are mover guarded
against. \Vho can preserve thc rights and ]ibertics of the pcople,
,yhcn they s11a11 be abanllonca by thC1ll8dvcs 1 \Vho sln11 kecp
w0.tch in the temple, when the \\":l1chmcn sleep at their p08tS 1
\Ybo sha11 call upon the people to redccm their possessíons, amI
revive t!18 rC'pub1ic, when tliCir o\\"n kllla~ llave delibcratelyand
corruptly surrendercd them to the oppressor, an(1 haye Luilt tlw
prisons or dug tl18 grayss of theÍr C\Hl fá('!l(ls 1 Tltís d~ll'k pidnre,
it is to be llopod, wiD m;vsr be applkablc to thp RepnlJlil: of Ame~
rica. And yet it aiTc]'(L:J a warning, wllic]¡, likc ,dI tlJe lesson8 uf
P,1st expcrienr-e, \Ve are not permittcJ to Jisregara. AlllE:rica, free,
lmppy, auJ cnlightelJ8U as she is, must rest tho preservation of her
r¡¿'llts and liberties upon tbo virtu8, indcpendence, justice, and
s;cg<lcity of t11e people. lf either faíl, tho rf'public is gone. Its
slmdow may renmin \Vith a11 the pomp, at:d eiwulllst:lllce, anu
trickery of government, but its vital !l0WST \villluve d"p,utcrl. In
Arncrka, th8 UGlllélg'Og'uo may c.rise as \Ye11 as elscwllC're. He i8
the natural, thol1¿h Rpurious gro,\"t11 of rcpublics; and, like the
courtier, he may, by his blandishmcnts, delude the f'~lTS ana blind
tl:e eyes of the peop]e to their own a8struction. lf e\'er the d:1J
slnll arrive, in \yhieh tbo best talcnts ana tho best virtucs shall ];e
I1rh-en from office by intrigue or corruptíon, hy tite ostr:ll:isrn of tilo
¡;r,os"" or t]¡o still moro unrelcnting persecuticfl 01' party, legislatiol1
'úll C8ase to be natioml. 1t will ue wise by acdJcnt, aEa b(ld by
system. "
"In every human soeiety," says tho cckhratcd Eecwria, "there
is an e!fort continually tellding to confer OH one part the height 01'
power alld happincss, anJ tu reduce the othcr to the extreme of
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XXIX
wealmess ano misery. Tite intent of gooo bws is to oppose this
effort, and to dilfllSC thcir influrmee universally amI c(lllally;" and
l\1ontesqllieu declares t11'1t, "In a free state, every man, who is sup-
posed a free agent, ought to be concerned in his own government;
therefore the legisla/ive power should reside in the \,,"hole body of
the people, or their representat.ives. The polítical liberty of the
citizen is a tranquillity of mind, arising from the opinion each per-
son has of his safety. In order to have this liberty, it is requisite
the gO'iernment be so constituted, as t11at one man need not be
afraid of another. TIte enjoyment rf liber!y, and even iis support
and preserva/ion, con.,isls in e¿'cry man' s being alluwed to q;eak his
thoughts, and ¡ay open llis sentimen!8."
The compiler wiU next propose to his fellow-citizcns t11e ad vice
of a profound philosopher, as to the proper mode of preserving the
independence of the mind, which is alike applicable to every free-
born American citizen, ano points out the means by which the na-
tive talent, the integrity oí' heart, and the indomitable spirit of the
people, guided by patriotism, will be renaered available in the pre-
servation of the Pllrity of tbe govcrnment, and of their own líber-
tif:s. It is suhmitted, tll:1t a copy of this edition of the Constitu-
t10n he in tILe posspssioll oC ew:ry eitiZf~n capable oC reading ano
llnoerstanding tlle meaning of langllage, be1'ol'é wl10m tile followillg
instru<:tiotls (Jf Lockc would tl¡('n be placeJ :
"Reading is for the irnprovement of the ullderstanding."
"Tite improvement 01' the understanding is for two ewls: first,
for our own illcrmse of k n()\vledge ; secondly, to enable liS to de·
livor ami mal¡e out that knowlerlgc to othcrs."
" I hope it \Vill not be thought arrogance to say, that perhaps \Ve
should make greatcr progress in the discovery of rational anJ con-
templative kncl\vledge, if \Ve soug'ht it in the fountain-in the con-
sideration of things thcmsel ves-anrl maJe use rather of our own
thoughts than other men's to find it; for 1 think we mayas ration-
ally hope to see witil otber men's c,Y.es, as to lmow by other men's
undcrstandings. So mllch as we ourselves consider and compre-
heno of trutb and rcason, so much \Ve possess of real and true
knowledge. Tlle floating of otber men's opinlons in our brains
makes us not one jot the more knowing, thOllgh they happen to he
;{
xxx l~TIWDUCTUHY HEMARKS.
true. vVhat in them was science, is in us but opiniatrety; whilst
we give np our assent only to reverend names, and do not, as they
did, employ our own reason to understand those trnths which gave
them reputation. Aristotle was certainly a knowing man, but no-
body ever thought him so, because he blindly embraced, or cOllfi-
dently vented, the opinions of another. And ir the taking up ano-
ther's principIes, without examining them, made not him a phi loso-
pher, 1 suppose it will hardly make anybody else so. In tite
sciences, every ane has so mllch as he really knows and compre-
hellds; what he believes anly, and takes upon trust, are but shreds,
which, however well in the whale picce, make no considf)rable
addition to his stock who gathers them. Such borrowed wealth,
like fairy money, though it were gold in the hand from which he
received it, will be but leaves and dust when it comes to use."
.. How many men have no other ground for their tcnets than tIJe
supposed honesty, or learning, or number, of those of the same pro-
fession. As if honest or bookish men could not err, or truth \vere
to be established by the vote of the multitude; yet this, with most
men, serves the turn."
"All men are liable to error, and most men are, in rnany points,
by passion or interest, umlcr temptation to it. Ir \Ve could hut see
the secret motives that influenced tile llIcn of name and learning in
the world, and the leauers of parties, ,ve should not al ways filld
that it. was the embracing of truth, for its own sal,e, that made
them cspouse the doctrines thpy oWllcd and maitltained. Tbis at
least is certain, there is not an opillion so ausuru whieh aman may
not receive upon this ground. 'fhere is no error to be named,
which has not had its professors; and aman shall never want
crooked paths to \Valle in, if he thinks that he is in the right way
wherever he has the footsteps of others to follow."
Jt is not hence to be inferred, however, tllat the opinions and the
Judgment of the wise and the good are to be uisregardcd, and more
especially are we not permitted to treat with irreverence the politi-
cal ¡oetrines and maxims of the fatbers of tbe republie, whose wis-
dom and counsel, and devoted patriotism, gave being to the Decla-
ration of our independence and tbe Constitution of our country.
In t118 fundamental principIes of our Government, on w1lat can tlle
INTRODUCTORY RKMARKS. XXXI
American mind and faith repose with as much confidence and
safety as the expositions contained in the "Federalist, an incom-
parable commentary of three of the greatest statesmen of theÍf age,"
in the extraordinary judgments of the supreme judicial tribunal,
and the solid wisdom embodied in the constitutional commentaries
oí' those who have imparted dignity and purity to the moral ermine
which ornaments that august tribunal 1
Nor can the American people look to any source more entitled
to their confidence, for an exposition of the essential principIes of
our Government, and, consequently, those which ought to shape its
administration, than to the farewell address of the "Father of his
country," (contained in this compilation,) and to the principIes
proclaimed by the "Fathers" of the memorable Declaration and of
the immortal Constitution, when respectively "called upon to un-
dertake the duties of t11e first executive office of our country."
Thomas Jefferson declared those principIes to be-" Equal and
exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious
or political; for having banished from our land that religious intole-
rance under which mankind so long bleo and sutfered, we have yet
gained little, if we countenance a polítical intolerance, as despotic,
as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions ; peace,
commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alli-
ances with none; the support of the State governments in a11 their
rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic con-
cprns, and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendcncies;
th8 preservation of the General Government in its wlwle constitu-
tional vigor, as the sheet-anchor of our peace at home and safety
abroad; a jealous care of tile right of election by the people; a
mild and safe corrective of abuses which are Jopped by the sword
of revolution, where peaceful remedies are unprovided; absolute
acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principle of
republics, from which is no appeal but to force, the vital principIe
and immediate parent of despotism; a weIl-disciplinen militia, our
best reliance in pea ce and for the first moments of war, till regulars
may relieve them; the supremacy of the civil over the milItary
autbority: economy in the Pllblic expense, that labor may be
lightly burthened; the honest payment of our dchts, an\l sacred
XXXll INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
!Jrcservation of tlle puLlic [litll; encourag-mnent of agriculture, and
of commerce as its handmaid; the diHu:,;ion of information, and
arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the public reason; frerdom
01' rcligion; freedom of tlle press; and freedom of pcrson under the
protcction of the habeas corpus; and trial by jllries impartially
selected. These principIes form the bright constellation whieh
has gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of revolu-
tion and reformation. The wisdom of our sages, and blood of our
heroes, have been devoted to their attainment: they should be the
creed of our political faith; th8 text of civic instruction; the touch-
stone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should
we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us has-
ten to retrace our steps, and to regain the road which alone leads
to peace, liberty, and safety."
James Madison, eqllally pursuing the principIes of the Constitu-
tíon, declared the purposes of Government to be:
"To cherish peaee and friendly intercourse wíth all nations
having correspondent dispositions; to maintain sincere neutrality
towards belligerent nations; to prefer, in all cases, amicable discus-
Rion and rcasonable accornmodation of diíferences, to a decision of
them by an appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrigues, and for-
eign partialities, so degrading to all countries, and so baneful to
free ones; to foster a spirit of independénce, too just to invade the
rights of others, too proud to surrender our own, too liberal to in-
dulge unworthy prejudices omsel ves, and too elevated not to look
down upon them in otbr.rs; to hold the union of the States as the
basis of their peace and happiness; to support the Constitution,
,vhich is the cement of tlle VuÍon, as well in iis limitations as in
its authoritics; to respcct the rights and authorities reservcd to tha
Sta tes, and to the people, as equally incorporated with, and cssen-
tial to the success of, the general system; to avoid the slightest
interference wit,h tlle ri(rhts of conscience, or thc functions of reH-
o
gion, so "\visely exempted from civil jurisdiction; to preserve, in
their full cnerg')r, the otber salutary provisions in behal1' of private
and personal rights, aud of the freedom of the prcss; to observe
economy in public expendítures; to liberate the public resources
:>y an honorable discharge of the public debts; to keep within tlle
INTRODUCTORY neMA RKS. XXXlll
requisite limits a standing military force, always rCll1cmbcring- that
an armed and trained mi litia is the firmest bu 1 wark of republics-
that without standing armies their liberty can never be in danger,
nor with large olles safe; to promote, by authorized mcans, im-
provements friendly to agdculture, to manufactures, and to external
as well as in.terna1 commerce; to favor, in 1ike manner, the advance-
ment of science and tlle diffusion of information, as the best a1í-
ment to tme liberty; to carry on the benevolent plans which have
been so meritoriously applied to the conversÍon of our aboriginal
neighoors from the degradation and wrctcheclness of savage life, to
a participation of tite improvements of which the human mind and
manners are susceptible in a civilized stato. As far as sentiments
and intentions such as these can aid tlle fulfilment of my duty, they
wiH be a resource which cannot fail me. But tite source to which
1 look for the éJids which alone can supply my dcficiencies, is in
the well-tried intelligence and virtuc of my fellow-citizens, and
in the counsels of those representing them in the olher departments
associated in the care of the national interests. In these, my confi-
dence will, under every difficulty, be best placed, next to that which
we have al! been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guid-
ance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of
natiúns, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to
this rising republic, and to whom we are bound to address our de-
vout gratitud e for the past, as well as OUT fervent supplications and
best hopes foc toe future.."
The citizens of these U nited States were blessed withthe virtue,
the fortitude, and tlle perseverance to achieve their independence
as a nation; their patriotism and valor, both by sea and on land,
brought thern, with increased honor, through the "second war of
independence," and through all the trials and difficulties by which
they have, from time to time, been Bllvironed, both as respects theiI
foreign and domestic relations; and it is only necessary for them
to have " ligkt" as regards the fundamental law, and the operations
of the Government, to enable them to judge of the fidelity of those
whom they perioJical1y intrust with tlle power which alone belongs
10 themselves as a nation of freemen, the proper use and application
of which PO\,"e¡ is so vitally nccessary to the prcservation oí thpir
3"
XXXIV INTRODUCTOR Y REMAItKS.
own liberties and best intercsts, and the perpetuity of our insti-
tutions.
"Light, tme light in the mind," S:lys Locke, "is ar can be na-
thing else but the evidence of the truth of any proposition; and if
it be not a self-evídent proposition, all t11e light ít has, or can have,
is from the clearness and validity of thoso proofs upon which it is
received. To talk of any other light in the understanding, is to
put ourselves in the darle, ar in the power of the Prince of Dark-
ness, and by our own consent, to give oursclves up to delusion; for,
if strength of persuasion be the light which must guide us, 1 ask
how sha11 any ane distinguish between the ddusions of Satan and
the inspirations of the Holy Ghost 1"
Subtleties and authoritative corruscations have hcen repudiated
by pure and true-hearted sages and statesmen; the advice of some
of the most profound of wham, has bcen charaeterized by the sim-
plicity of manner and of language in which they have borne wit-
ness to tmth. Juuge Story has remarked, that "upon subjects of
Government it has always appeared to me, that metaphysical refine-
ments are out of place. A constitu1Íon of government ís address8(}
to the common sense of the people, and never was designed f01
tríals of logical skill, or visionary speculation."
Of a constitution so wisely contrived, so strongly r;¡ised, and so
highly finishcd, it is hard to speak with that praise which is jusiIy
and sevcrely its due: tIte thorough aml attpIltive eontemplation of
it wil1 f'urnislt ils best panegyric. '1'0 sllstain, to r0pair, to bca~l
tify this noble piJe, is a cltarge intrusted prineipally to the people
and their constitutional representativos, in al] tlle 1>ranches of tlle
Government.
If honor and confidence, in a pre-eminent degree, are, with a
portion of their power, eonferred by the peop1e upon the Chief
Executive Magistrate, the guardianship of the national honor is
in no less a degree conferred upon their representatives in the two
Houses of Congress, the intrinsic dignity of whose official ella-
rae ter, in every moral point of view, transcends that of every other
~egislative a8sembly, in so mueh as our Constitution excels that
of every otber human government; and whiJe the Constitution,
})radically animated by tIte pcoplo, thus confers honor and dignity
INTRODUCTORY RE1\IARKS. xxxv
upon Congress, to them it is given to stand by the Constitution,
in spirit and in truth, inflexibIy maintaining its principIes-tha
principIes of union, of libprty, of justice, of domestic tranquillity,
of common defence, and oí .he general welfare. The Constitution
and the Government, thus reciprocally animating and being ani-
mated, illustrates the beau ideal of good government-one of the
choicest gifts of God to mano
The protection of the liberty of the U nited States of America is
a duty which they owe to themselves, who enjoy it; to their ances-
tors, who transmitted it dOlVil; and to their posterity, who will
claim at their hands this, the best birthright, the nobIest il1herit-
ance of mankind.
To concIude, in the language of Judge Story-
"If, upon a closer survey of all the powers given by the Consti-
tution, and all the guards upon their exercise, we shall perceive
still strongAr inducements to fortify this conclusion, and to increase
our confidence in the Constitution, may we not justly hope, that
every honest American \',-ill coneur in the dying expression of Fa.
ther Paul, 'may it be perpetual !' "
ESTO PEHPETUA!!!
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CONTENTS .
.A ~ AN AL YTICAL INDEX OF TIIE CO~STITUTION AND AMENDME:\'TS WILI~ BE
SEE:\' AT PAGE 38, A!'ID AN INDEX TO TRE RESIDUE OF TlIE MATTER CO:STAl:\'ED IN
TRIS VOLUME WILL BE FOU:\'D AT THE CO;o.¡CLUSWN OF THE BOOK.
CHAPTER 1.
1. TIJE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ••••. •••••. ...... 1
2. The dates of raofication of thc Constitution by lhe Thirleen original States 24
3. THE ARTICLES OF Al\IEND:\IENT TO THE COXSTITUTIO:'l".... 25
4. The vcrification of the Constitution and amendments by lhe Secrclary of
State· ... ·•• .••••..••••.......•...•.•••••••.•...•.•••.•..••..••••...•• 31
ti. The Hcadings and dales of ratification of lhe amendmenls of lhe COllsliln-
tion .................................................................. 33
6. AN ANALYTICAL INDEX OF THE CONSTITUTION as amended 38
CHAPTER 2.
Introductory remarks to this Chapler ....................................... 129
OFFICIAL PROCEEDIXGS, AXD TIfE CAUSES WHICH LED TO
THE ADOI'TIO:'l" AND RATIFICATION OF TUE CONSTITU-
TIOX OF TIIE UNITED STATES,viz: .... · ....................... 130
1. REPORT OF A CO;\I:\IlTTEE OF TIlE CONGRESS OF TIlE CON·
FEDERATION, on lhe ohjeclions of one of the States to confer cerlaill
powers on Congrcss "vith regard lo revenue and commerce. 16th De-
cember, 17."2· ............................... · ......................... 131
2. ADDRESS OF COXGRESS '1'0 TI-IE STATES, ealling upon their jus-
tice amI plighted faith, and r('Jlre~enting the consequences of a failure
on thcir par! to sustain the Government and provide for ils wants. 26th
April, 17S3· ............ ·· ..... · ....................................... 139
3. PREA:\TBLE AND RESOLU'1'IOXS OF CONGRESS, presenling lhe
exposcd condilion of thc lrade allll commerce with foreign eountries,
alld lhe destructi ve eff",cl of foreign policy, and recommending lhat
Jlower for their protection he vested in Congress. 30th April, 1784···. 110
4. REPORT OF A CO:\Ti\IlTTEE OF COXGRESS, with a stalement oflhe
reasons why the States should confer upon Congress Ihe powers therein
enumcrated. 13th .Tulr, 17:'5- ........................................ • 142
5. REPOR'l' OF A CO:\1l\IlTTEE OF COXGRESS, sbowing the failure
of Ihe Statcs to comply with the requisitiolls of Congress, and the neces·
sily for a complete accession of al! the States to the Revenue System.
15th February, litl6····· ........ ·• .......... •• .. •· .......... -_ ........ 146
xxxvü
xxxviii CONTENTS.
6. REPORT OF A COl\Il\IITTEE OF COXGRESS, reJating to the con-
tinued non-compliance of sorne of the States with the requisitiollS of COIl-
gress, ane! recommending the subject agaill to their consideration.
3d l\rarch, 1786 .•••.•••...•...•...•.....•••.•••••..••...•...•.•.•..••• 150
7. REPOR'l' OF A COi\Il\lIT'l'EE OF CONGRE:-38 again earnestlyrecom-
mending the subject to the consideration of the States. 2:Jll October,
1786··· •.......•...•.......•.•......••.......•...........•..••...•..•• 151
8. BRIEF HlSTORICAL VIEW OF THE ACTS Ol" TlIE STATES
which led to the formation ane! adoption of the Constitutioll of the [) nited
States ...•.•..••..•............•.......•..••.•••..••...•...•..•...••.• 153
9. RESOLUTIO~ OF CO~GRESS appointing committees to repair to the
States, to make such representatiolls as might induce them to carry the
rcquisitions of Congress illtO effect with the greatest e!cspatch. 2'2d i\Iay,
1782 ...•...............•.••.••...•.•••.•••...•...•...•.......•..••.•.• 155
10. RESOLUTIONS OF TIIE LEGISLATURE OF NEW YORK,on the
critica! condition of affairs,-that the existing system exposed the com-
mon cause to a precarious issue,-that the defects of the Contederation
shonld be speedily repaired, and recommending a General Convention
of the States for that pUTpose. 21st July, 1782 .....•.......•.....••••• 155
11. RESOLUTIONS OF 'l'llE LEGISLATURE OF VIRGINIA, recom-
mending to the States to empower Congress to regulate the trade and
commeree ofthe conntry. 30th November, 1785 .......•..••...•.....• 158
12. RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE OF VIRGINIA, appointing
commissi~ncrs to meet others to be appointed by the several States, to
take into consideration the tralle and commeree, allll to empower Con-
gress effectualIy to provide for the same. 21st Januar)', 1786········ •• 160
13. PROCEEDINGS A;\ D REPORT Ol" TIlE COMl\USSIO~ERS FRO:\I
SEVERAL OF THE STA TES, AT ANNAPOLIS, recomrnenc1ing a
Convention to meet at PhiladelJlhia, with limpie powcrs to adopt a Con-
stitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union. 11-14th Scptember,
1786· .. ····•·······················•·······•··············••····· ....• 161
14. PROCEEDIXGS A:'\D RESOLUTIO~ OF CO:\'GRESS Ol" TIIE
CUXl"EDERATIOX, calling a Convention at l'hila,lelphia, to reneler
¡he Constilution adequate to the exigcncies of the Govermncnt and tItc
preservatioll of the Union. 21st l"ebruary, 17Q7 .....................• 161
15. ACTS OF TIlE SEVEHAL STATES FOR TIIE APPOINT:\1ENT OF
DEPUTIES TO MEET IN CONVENTION WITII POWER '1'0
FORl\1 A CONSTITUTIO~ OF GOVERNl\IENT, viz.:
VIRUIXIA. 16th Oetober, 1786 ...•...•..•.........•..•...•.....•.• 167
NKW JERSEY. 23d November, 1786········· .. ··· .... ·•· ... ·· .•.• 1,0
PENXSYLVANIA. 30th Deccmber, 17tc6· ..• · ..................... 172
l\'ORTH CAROLIXA. 6th January, 17~7· ... · .. •· ................. i71
DEL A 'VARE. 3d Feuruary, 17:'07 ...••..••.....•••..••.•.•.•.•...• 177
GEORGIA. 10th l"ebruary, J 7S7· .. •··•••·•·•• .. ·.· .••..••..••..... 179
NE\V YORK. 2Sth l"ebruary, 1787··········.········· .•••.•••.•.• 181
SOUTIl CAROLIl'\A. 8th l\Iarch, 1787 .... •··•••··· •.••••••••••••• 182
MAf'SAClIUSETTS. 10th l\Iarch, 1787 ............................ 183
COi\TEi\TS. XXXIX
CONNECTICUT. 10th JUay, 1787····························· .•••. 184
l\lARYLA;'I¡D. 26th May, 1/87.···································· 1S5
NE\V 11 Ai\Il'SI1IIlE. 27th June. 17d7 ............................. 186
16. LETTER OF GEORGE ". ASIlINGTON, lhe President, with Resolu-
tions of the Conventioll, laying the Constitution before Congress, to be
transrnitted to the several States to be submitted to Conventions thereof
for ratification. 17th September, 1787· .. ··· .. · ...... • ........ · ........ 187
17. RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS, transmitting the same to the States ac-
cordingly. 2dth September, 17.67· .... •· ... · .. •· .... ··•· .. •· .. •· ...... • 189
18. PREAMBLE AND RE80LUTlON ÓF 'rIlE CONGRESS OF TIlE
CONFEDERATION, III pursuance of the resolution of the Convention,
fixing a day for the appointrnent of electors, a day for thcm to vote tor
Prc~ident and Vice l're~ident, and the time alld place for commcncing
procccdings under the Constitutioll'" ................................. 190
19. BHIEF HIRTOHICAL VIEW OF THE MANI\"ER IN WIIICII TIIE
GOVERNl\IENT CO:\IMEl\'CED ITS PROCEEDINGS Ul\"DER TIlE
CONSTl'l'UTlON .................................................... 191
CHAPTER 3.
1. PROCEEDINGS IN TIJE CONGRE8S OF THE UNITED COLONIES
rcspecting Independence· ............................................. 193
2. RESOLUTION OF CO:\'GIlE8S DECLARING TIJE UNITED COLO-
NIES FREE AND lNDEl'ENDENT STA TES. 2d July, 1776······ 195
3. A DECLARATION BY TIlE REPnESE;\TATIVES OF TIJE Ul\"I·
TED STATE8 OF AMEUICA, IN COl\"GRE88 ASSE:\lBLED.
July 4. 1776 .. •• ....................................................... 195
CHAPTER 4.
1. APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON TO BE GENERAL
AND COMMANDER·Pi·CJlIEF OF THE ARMY, BY THE CON·
GRESS OF THE UlXITED COLO:\'lES, on the 15th June, 1775 ...... 201
2. ADDRESS OF GEORGE \VASHINGTON, accepting .tbe appointment
16tb June, 1775· ...................................................... 201
3. COMi\IISSlON OF GEORGE \VASHI.'\GTON for the 8ame. 17th June,
1775··· ...................•........•................•....•.•.•.•.•••.• 202
4. RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS tbat tbey wOllld maintain and assist
George \Vashington, and adhere to him in the rnaintenance and preser-
vallon of American liberty, witb their lives allll fortunes. 17lh JUlle,
1775·· .•... ······· .• · ..• ···········•··••·•················••·········· 203
5. ADDRESS OF TlJE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS of the Confedera-
tion to George \Vashington, on the termination of the war. 26th A ugust,
1783········· - ........................................................ 203
6. REPLY OF GEORGE \V ASIlll'\GTON to tbe 8ame. 26th August, 1783 204
7. Il'iSCRIPTIO:\' AND REMARKS COI\"CERNII\"G HOUDON'S STATUE
OF \Y ASHII\GTON ................................................ · 20:;
xl CONTENTS.
B. RESIG~ATION BY GEORGE \V ASIIINGTON of the office of com-
mander-in·chief oflhe army lo Congress. 23d December, 1783· .• •···• 209
9. ANS'IVER OF TROMAS l\llFFLIN, Presidenlof Congress, lo the same.
2.'3d Decemucr, 178.'3· ..................•.......•...•.. , •..••...•..•..•• 209
10. ELECTION OF GEORGE WASIIINGTON, as President ofthe United
Statcs, and his inaugural address. 30th April, 1789··················· 210
11. FARE\VELL ADDRESS OF GEORGE \Y ASRINGTON, President, to
the people ofthe United States. 17th September, 1796· .•• ••••••·•••••· 215
12. APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON TO BE LIEUTE·
NANT·GENERAL AND COMI\1ANDER·IN·CHIEF OF ALL TBE
ARI\1IES RAISED OR 1'0 BE RAISED IN TIIE UNITED STATES.
3d July, 1798····· •..••.••.•••••....•...•.......•...•.•••.•••..••..•••• 231
13. ro THE MEl\IORY OF GEORGE \VASHINGTON. Proceedings of
the national authorities on the death of Gcorge \Vashington. 14th De-
cember, 1799·······.················································· 240
CHAPTER 5.
1 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS TO TI118 CHAPTER ................ 269
2 Inaugural address ofGEORGE \V ASHINGTON. (Vide Charter 4, Arti-
ele 9.) 30th April, 17b9············.··························· •• ··· .. 211
3 Inaugural address of JOHN ADAl\IS. 4th March, 1797· ... ···•· .... ·· .. 270
4 Inaugural address, first terlll of THOl\IAS JEFFERSON. 4th March,
1801 .................................................................. 275
5 Inaugural atldress, sceond term ofTIlO.MAS "EFFERSON. 4th March,
1805 ..••..••...•..••...•........ · .........•....••...•...•............ 279
6 Inaugural address, fiest tcrm of JAME::> l\lADISON. 4th l\Jaech, 1S09·· 2b3
CIIAPTER 6.
__ EN ERAL LA \VS relating lo the continued orgaIllzatlOn of the Government,
and provitling the authoeities and mealls of executillg ¡he Constitution
in certain contingencies, and ror olher puTposes······················· 287
1. AN ACT to rcgulate the time and manner of adlllinistering certain oaths.
This act prescribes the form oC the oath to support the Constitution, and
the officers and persons by WllOlIl it shall be taken. 1st June, 1789···. 287
2. AN ACT for the punishment of certain cr imes. Scctions 25,26,27, and 28,
provide for the r,rotection of foreign AlIluassadors and other public i\Iin-
isters and dOlllestics. 30th April, 1790· ............................... 20'9
'3. AN ACT to prescribe the mode in which the pulilic acts, TecoTds, and
judicial proceedings, in eacll State, shall be authenticated so as to take
elfect in every other State. 26th May, 1790··· ........................ 290
4. A~ ACT suppJl.'mental to the act establishing the Treasllry Departmenl,
ane! fOT a tarther compensation to ccrtain oíficeu. Scc. 2 requires
every officcr and clerk in the several Departments oftlle Ul1lted States
to take an oatll to ~upport thc Constitution. 3d March, 1791············ 290
CONTENTS.
6. AN ACT relative to the election of a President and Vice President of the
United States, and declaring the officer who shall act as President in case
of vacancies in the offie8s both of President and Vice President. 1st ~Iarch,
xli
1792 .......•..••.......•......••...•...•...............•....•...•...• 291
6. AN ACT providing compensation to the President and Vice President of the
Unitcd States. 18th February, 1793.
'1. AN ACT to authorize certain offieers and other persons to administer oathe.
3d May, 1798· . . • . . . • . . . . . . • • . . . .. . . •. . • • . • . • . .• • • • . . • .. . . •. . . • . . . . . . .. 294
8. AN ACT eupp\ementary to the act, entitled An act to prescribe the mode in
whieh the public aets, r8cords, andjudicia\ proceedings in each State shaIl
be authenticated so as to take effect in every other State. 27th March,
lil04·· •• ·.·•···•··••···············•·········· .• ···············•···•·· 294
9. AN ACT to extend the pro.isions of the act to authorize certain officers and
other persons to administer oath .• , approvcd l\lay 3, Jj9S. 8th February,
1817········· .................. " ..........•..••...•....••......••.... 295
10. AN ACT to provide for the publicRtion of the laws of the United States, and
for other purp.)ses. 20th April, 1818· .............•............•...••• 295
11. AN ACT in addition to the " Aet for the punishment of eertain crimes against
the United St:ltcs," and to repeal the acts therein mentioned. 20th April,
lR18 .•••...•...•...•...•...•..••..•...•.•.•.......•...•...••..••..•• 296
12. AN ACT making compcnsation (o the persons appointcd by the electors to
deliver thp, votes for l'resident and Vice President. 11th February, 1825·· 300
13. AN ACT for the apportionment of Representatives among the several States
according to tbe sixth ccnsus. Seco 2 pro.ides for the election of Repre-
sentatives by Districts. 25th June, 1842· ......•.......•.......•...•.... 300
14. AN ACT to pro vide further remedial justice in the courts of tho United
States. 29th A ugust, 1842· . . . . . . . • . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . • . . . . . . . • . . .• 301
15. AN ACT to establish a uniform time for holding elections for electors of
President and Vice Presidellt in all the States of the Union. 23d January,
1845·····················································.·.· .•• · ..•.• 302
16. AN ACT to provide for the distribution of the edition of the Laws and Trea-
ties of the United States, published by Little & llrown, under the provisious
oC the resolutions of Congress, approved l\1arch 3, 1845, and for other pur-
poses. 8th August, 1846 ...•...•...•...•.•.•...•...•...•...•...•..••.. 302
U. AN ACT for giving effect to certain treaty stipulations between this and fo-
reign governments, for the apprehension and delivering up of certain
offenders. 12 August. 1848.· ..........•.......•.......•.......•.•.•...• 305
18 .• \N AOT providing for the taking of the seventh aud subsequent censuses of
the United StateR, and to fix the number of members of the Rouse of Re-
pre~entatives, and to provide for their future apportionment among the
severa\ States. 23d May, 1850 ....•.......•..••..•....•.......•..••..•. 305
19. An Ret to authorize Notaries Public to take aneI certify oaths, affirmatIons, and
Bcknowledgmpnts in ceríain cases. 16th September, 1850.· .....••....•.. 306
20. A R~:S::lT,UTroN relatillg to tlle publication of the Laws of the United States.
26th Séptembcr, 1850· .......................•...........•....•...•.... 307
4
xlii CONTENTS.
CIIAPTER 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE FOLLOWING TATILES ........... 309
1. TABLES OF ELECTORAL VOTES FOR PRESIDENT Al\D VICE
PRE:-3IDENT of the Unitea States, from March 4, 17bO, to March 3,
1849· ..•...•..• •·•·•·.·•···•· ..• · •.•..•• ·· ••... ···••·········•········ 315
2. TABLE OF TER~IS OF OFFICE, AND LENGTH OF SERVICE, IN
TIlE SENATE, OF TRE VICE PRESIDENTS AND l'RESI-
DENTS PRO TEi\IPORE; amI of the commenccmcnt, termination,
and numoer of aays in each ses~ion of Congress, and speeial session of
the 8enate, from i\Iarch 4, 1739, to March 3, 1851····· .. •····· .. •···· .• 336
3. T ABLES OF THE N AM ES OF TIIE SEN A TORS OF TIlE UNITED
STATES, froll1 i\Iarch 4, 17::9, to March 3,1851, with the commence-
ment and terminatioll oftheir service, respectiveIy, ana the cIasses ¡nto
which they are dividea under the Constitution ........................ 346
4. TABLE OF TIlE l'\A1\IES OF THE SECRETAIUES OF THE SEl\ATE
OF THE UNITED STA TES, from i\i',lfch 4, 1789, with the Iellgth of
their service respectivel)' ........................................ " ... 385
5. TABLE OF THE NAl\IE~ OF REPRF.SENTATIVES IN CONGRESS
WHO H AVE BEEN ELECTED SPEAKER S OF TIIE II01l8E OF
REPRESENTATIVES, from Mareh 4,17::9, to March 3, 1851, wilh the
commencement and terminat!on of thcir service as such, and the Stales
ofwhieh they were Represcntatives ................................. 386
6. TABLE OF THE l'\A:\IE8 OF TlIE CLERKS OF Tim HOUSE
OF REPRESE'\;TATIVES OF TllE UNITED STATES, froll1 March
4, 17S9, with lhe lenglh oftheir servicc, respectively .................. 388
CHAPTER 8.
THE NA:\IES, APPOINTl\IENT, AND SERVTCE OF THE .mTlGES
AND OFFICER8 OF TBE SUI'RE~IE COUIl.T OF TIrE lJ~ITED
ST A TES, from Mareh 4,1780, viz.·· .................................. 389
1. THE CITlEF JUSTlCES OF TlfE SlJPREl\IE COüIlT OF TllE
UNITED 8T A TES .... · .. · ........................ , .................. 389
2. TIIE A~SOCIATg JUSTICES OF TIlE SUPRE:'IE COURT OF 'rIlE
UNITED STATES·········································· ........ 390
3. TIlE CLERKS. RE.PORTERS OF DECISJO~S. AND l\IARSHALS OF
'l'HE SUPREl\IE COURT OF THE UNITED STATES .. · .. ·· ..... :l93
CHAPTER 9.
THE NAMES, APPOINTMENT, AND SERVICE OF TrIE SEYERAL
HlGR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF TiLE GOVERNl\IEi\'T, from
M a reh 4, 17"0, viz ..................................................... 395
1. SECRETARIES OF STATE· .. · ...................................... 3»5
2. SECRE.T A Rl ES OF TI!E TREASGRY ............................... 396
3. S~,~RETARJES OF 'VAR· ............................................ 398
CONTENTS. xliii
4. SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY· ........................................ 399
6. POSTMASTER GENERALS· .. •· .. ·• .......... ·· ...... ·· .......... ·· .. ·•• 401
6. ATTORNEY GENERALS···········.···································· 402
CHAPTER 10.
BRIEF CHRONOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF TIIE FomIATION OF THE GO·
VEltN~IENTS OF THE SEVERAL STATES AND TERRITORIES OF
TIlE UN1TED STATES· ........ •· ..................................... 405
1. NEW HAMPSlIlRE· .......... 407 20. MISSISSIPPI ................. 430
2. MASSACIIUSETTS ...... · .... • 407 21. ILLINOIS .................... 431
3. RIIODE ISLAND ........ • .. ••• 407
4. CO~NECTICUT .. · ........ • .. • 407
6. NEW YORK· .' ............. '" 407
6. NEW JERSEY· ............... 407
7. PENNSYLVANB ..... · ........ 408
8. DELA W ARE .......... · ...... 408
9. MARYLAND .. - ............. 408
10. VIRGINIA· .................. 408
11. NORTH CAROLINA·· ........ 408
12. SOUTII CAROLINA ........... 408
13. GEORGIA .................... 408
14. VERMONT ................... 412
15. KENTUCKY .................. 412
16. TENNESSEE ................. 413
17. OHIO·· .......... • .... • ...... • 413
18. LOUISIANA ........ ••· ....... 429
19. INDIANA .. • ................. 430
22. ALABAMA ................... 431
23. MAINE ....................... 432
2!. lUISSOURI ................... 433
25. ARKANSAS .................. 434
26. 1I1ICIlIGAN ................... 436
27. FLORIDA.···· ...... · ........ • 436
28. TEXAS· .••...•...••.••••••• ,. 439
29. WISCONSIN·.·.· .••.••. ···•·• 441
30. IOW· A .......... , ............. 443
31. CALIFORNIA .. · .............. 445
32. OREGON TERRITORY ••••.••• 447
33. lIIINESOTA TERRITORY······ 447
3-1. NEW l\IEXICO TERRITORY •• 448
35. UTAII TERRITORY· ..... • •••• 448
36. NlmRASKA TERRITORY···.· 448
37. DISTRICT OF COLmIBIA .. · .. 4-19
CHAPTER 11.
SOURCES OF IlISTORICAL, POLITICAL, STATISTICAL, AND OTHER INFOR·
MATION REGARDING TIlE LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE, AND JU-
DICIAL ACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMl'mICA, IN POSSESSION OF THE PUBLIO OFFIOES AT TIIE SEAT
OF GOVERNMENT ..••..• " ..•...•...•.•••... " ... • .••••..•••..•.••• 451
CLASS No 1. TlIE COLONIAL IIISTORY of the United States, and doeumen·
tary History ofthe Revolution· ........ ·• .............................. 452
CLASS No. 2. I,EGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS and aets of the Congress of the
Confederation from the eornmeneement of the Revolution to the eommence-
ment of the Government under the Constitution •....•...•.....•..••.... 453
CLASS No. 3. TIlE .JOURNAL, Acts, and Proceedings of the Convention which
farmpd the Constitution of the United States, from May 14 to September
17, 17~7 .............................................................. 453
CLASS No. 4. TIIE JOURNAL of the House of Uepresentatives of the United
State~, from ~rarrh 4, 17il\l, to l\Iarch 3, 1851 ............................ 45-t-
CLASS No. 5. TIlE LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL of the Senate of the United States,
from l\farch 4, 1ísa, to March 3,1851· .................................. 455
xliv CONTENTS.
CLASS No. 6. THE EXECUTIVE JOURNAL of the Scnate of the United States,
from March 4,1789, to March 3, 1851. (A part only of which, as explained,
has been made public.) ................................................ 455
CLASS No. 7. TIIE JOURNAL orRecordofthe Senate on trialsofimpeachment,
from ~Iarch 4, 1789, to March 3, 1851· ................................. , 456
DESCRIPTION of thfl LegisJative Journals of the Senate and HOURe of Represen·
tatives of the United States· ...... •· .. · ................................ 456
CLASS No. 8. DOC{;~IEN'rS ordered to be printed by the two Houses of Congresa
since March 4, 1789, embraced in 21 volumes folio State Papu11, printed by
Gales and Seaton . . • • . . . •. . • • . . . . . . . . . . . •• . . . . . . . . . .. ................ 457
CLASS No. 9. DOCUMENTS printed in octavo form by order ofthe Senate, dur-
ing each Session, from March 4, 1789, to ~larch 3, 1851··················· 458
CLASS No. 10. DOCU~IENTS printed in octavo form by order of the House
of Representatives, during each session, from March 4, 1789, to March 3,
1851 ..•••••...•.•.•.•.•...........•..••..••.......•..••..••••..••••• 458
CLASS No. 11. SPEECHES AND DEBATES in the two 1I0uaes of the Congresa
of the United States, from March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1851 .•••..••• _ ...• 459
CLASS No. 12, TIlE LA WS of the United States, including the Treaties, &c., as
embraced in the several editions heretofore published, up to March 3,
1851 .... • ........ • .... · .... •••· .. •· .. • .. ••• .......................... 461
CLASS No. 13. ABRIDGMENTS and Digests of the Laws of the United States,
to March, 1851····· .......... ·· ................................. , •..•• 465
CLASS No. 14. INDEXES prepared in conformity with orders 01' rcsolutions of
the Senate and Ilouse of Representativea of the United StateR, to March 3,
1851·· ..•• ·· ....••..••••..••••...•...•...•.•••.•••• _ ••....•.••••••...• 465
CLASS No. 15. REPORTS of the Decisions of the Supreme Court of the United
States, to the January term, 1851· ...... ··•· .... ·· ............. • ....... 466
CLASS No. 16. PUBLICATIONS on the subject of the Public Lands and Private
Land Claims, under the authority of the United States, to March 3,1851 • 466
CLASS No. 17. REVENUE LAWS, Commercial Regulations, Digests of Tarilf
Laws, &c., to l\Iarch 3, 1851 ............................................ 461
CLASS No. 18. MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS printed or published under the au-
thority 01' patronage ofthe United States and not noticed undpr particular
heads, to March 3, 1851 ...•..••••••••....•..•••.......•••.•••.•••..... 468
CLASS No. 19. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS containing useful political,
statistical, and other information, to l\Iarch 3, 1851· .••.•••..••..•••••••• 471
CLASS No. 20. THE BOOKS contained in the Congres8 01' National Library, to
March 3, 1851· ........................ ~ ............................... 472
CLASS No. 21. THE BOOKS contained in the Library of the Department of
State, to March 3, 1851··· •.•••.•••.•••.•••.•••.•...•••••••••••••..•••• 479
CHAPTER 12.
TIlE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION .................................... 483
TilE ~IE)IBERS OF THE THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS ...................... 490
CHAPTER 1.
'I'HE CONSTITUTION,
As here presented and authenticated by the certificate of tha
Secretary of State, after a continued correction of proof copies
until every deviation from the original Constitution, however smaIl,
was completely removed, may with confidence be used as a true copy.
The necessity for a clase and continued attention to the execution
of a copy of this important instrument, became manifest by the use
of a printed copy (considered as correct) to print from, which, on
being eompared with the original, was found to eontain several
errors in the words, and sixty-five in the punctuation. This cir·
cumstanee led to a further eomparison of copies, in several editions
of the laws, printed by different individuals, and it was found, that
one edition eontained 204 and another 176 errors in the punctuation
of the Constitution! Many of these are material in the construc-
tion of the sentenees in whieh they oecur.
lt was also discovered, that, in the original manuscript, capital
letters were used at the bgginlling of substantives, or nouns, as is
understood to have been the practice generally in writing and
rrinting at the time the Constitution was written. These appear
to have been altogether di:iregarded in the editions aboye referred
to, except in words at the beginning of sentences.
As the construction of important clauses mayo sometimes, tum
UP0n the pllnctuation, or the natnre of a word, it is important that
xlv
xlvi THE CO~STITUTION.
the former be of the right measure, and that the proper value of the
latter be manifest, before the mind can decide upon the true mean-
ing, as intended by the wise and learned framers of that master-
piecc of composition, which bears the impress of the most minute
and laborious attention to the construction of evcry particlc of mat-
ter constituting this noble fabric, the preservation of whose sim-
plicity is the only safeguard to its integríty.
These facts induced the determination to produce a true copy rf
the Constitution in texto orthography, letter, and punctuation, and
the rigid examination, and subsequent verification of the Depart-
ment having the care and custody of the venerated original, attest
the success of the undcrtaking in the production of the following
authentic Constitution.
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CONSTITUTION
OF 'fUE
UNITED STATES OF A~IERICA.
\V E the People of the V nited States, in order to form
a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domes-
tic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Bless-
ings of Liberty to ourselves anJo our Posterity, do
ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the U nited
States of America.
ARTICLE. I.
SECTION. 1. AH legislative Powers herein granted
shaIl be vested in a Congress of the Uniteu States,
which shaIl consist of a Senate anu House of Represen-
tatives.
SECTION. 2. lThe House of Representatives shall
be composed of lVlembers chosen every second Year by
the People of the several States, and the Electors in each
State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors
of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
2 CONSTlTUTION.
2No Person sha11 be a Representative who sha11 not
have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been
seven Years a Citizen of the U nited States, and who sha11
not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in whir h
he shall be chosen.
3 Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned
among the several States which may be included within
this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which
shall be determined by adding to the who1e Number of
free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Tenn
of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths
of a11 other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be
made within three Years after the first Meeting of the
Congress of the United States, and within every subse-
quent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they sha11
by Law direct. The Number of Representatives sha11
not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each
State sha11 have at Least one Representative; and
until such enumeration shall be made, the State of N ew
Hampshire sha11 be entitled to chuse three, Massachu-
setts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations
one, Connecticut five, N ew-York six, N ew Jersey
four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six,
CONSTITUTlON. 3
Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five,
and Georgia three.
4 \Vhen vacancies happen In the Rcpresentation from
any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue
"r rits of Election to fill such Vacancies.
''fhe Rouse of Representatives shall chuse their
Speaker and other Officers; and shaIl ha ve the sole
Power of Impeachment.
SECTION. 3. 1 The Senate of the U nited States shall
be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by
the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator
shall have one Vote.
2Immediately after they shall be assembled in Conse-
quence of the first Election, they shall be divided as
equallyas may be into three Classes. The Seats of the
Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Ex-
piration of the second Y ear, of the second Class at the
Expiration of the fourth Y ear, and of the third Class at the
Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one-third may be
chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen
by Resignation, 01' otherwise, during the Recess of the
Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may
make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting
of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.
4 CONSTITUTION.
3 No Person shall be a Senator who shall not haye at-
tained to the Age of thirty Years, and be en nine Years a
Citizen of the U nited States, and who shall not, when
elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall
be chosen.
4 The Vice President of the U nited States shall be Pre-
sident of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they
be equally divided.
5 The Senate shall chuse their otIler Ofncers, and also
a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice Pre-
sident, or when he shall exercise the Office of President
of the U nited States.
6 The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all I m-
peachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall
be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the
United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside:
And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence
of two thirds of the lVlembers presento
7 Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend
further than to removal from Office, and Disqllalification
to hold and enjoy any Office of honour, Trust or Profit
under the U nited States: but the Party convicted shall
nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Tria],
Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
CONSTITUTION.
SECTION. 4. 1 The Times, PIaces and Manner ofhoId-
ing Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be
prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but
the Congress mayat any time by Law make or alter such
Regulations, except as to the places of chusing Senators.
2 The Congress shall assemble at least once in every
Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first :Monday
in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a differ-
ent Day.
SECTION. 5. lEach House shall be the Judge of
the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own
Members, amI a Majority of each shall constitute a
Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may
adjourn fromday to day, anu may be authorized to
compel the Attendance of absent lVlembers, in such
Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may
provide.
2 Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceed-
ings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and,
with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
3 Each House shall keep a J ournal of its Proc~ed
ings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting
sllch Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy;
and the Yeas and Nays of the 2\fembers of either House
6 CONSTITUTION.
on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those
Present, be entered on the J ournal.
4 N either House, during the Session of Congress, shall,
without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than
three days, nor to any other Place than that in whieh the
two Houses shall be sitting.
SECTION. 6. 1 The Senators and Representatives shall
receive a Compensation for their Services, to be as·
certained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of
the U nited States. They shall in an Cases, except
Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privi.
leged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Ses·
sion of their respective Houses, and in going to and
returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate
in either House, they shall not be questioned in any
other Place.
2No Senator or Representative shall, during the
Time for ,vhieh he was eleeted, be appointed to any
ci vil OfEee under the A uthority of the U nited States,
whieh shall have been ereated, or the Emoluments
whereof shall have been encreased during such time;
and no Person holding any OfEee under the U nited States,
f:hall be a Member of either House during his Continu-
anee in OfEce.
CONSTITUTION. 7
SECTION. 7. 1 All Bills for raising Revenue shall ori-
ginate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate
may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
2 Every Bill which shall have passed the House of
Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become
a Law, be presented to the President of the United
States; If he approve he shaIl sign it, but if not he
shaIl return it, with his Objections to that House in
which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Ob-
jections at large on their Journal, and proceed to re con-
sider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that
House shall agree to pass the BiIl, it shall be sent, to-
gether with the Objections, to the other House, by which
it shaIl likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by
two thirds of that House, it shall beco me a Law. But'
in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shaIl be de-
termined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Per-
sons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on
t}le Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill
shall not be returned by the President within ten Days
(Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to
him, the Same shall be a law, in like Manner as if he
had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment
prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law
5
8 CONSTITUTIO~.
BEvery Onler, Resolution, or Yote to which the Con·
cnrrence of the Senate and House of Representatives mar
be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment)
shcll be presented to the President of the United States;
and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved
by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed
by t"\\'o thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives,
at.:eording to the Rules and Limitations preseribed in the
Case of a Bill.
SECTION. 8. The Congress shall have PO\ver
1 To lay and colleet Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Ex-
cises, to pay the Debts and provide for the eommon De-
fenee and general vVelfare of the U nited States; but all
Duties, Imposts and Exeises shall be uniform throughout
the U nited States ;
2 To borrow Money on the eredit of the U nited States ;
3 To regulate Commeree with foreign Nations, and
among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes ;
4 To establish aTl uniform Rule of N aturalization, and
uniform Laws on the subject of Bankrupteies throughout
the U nited States ;
5 To coi n Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of
foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and
Measures;
CO~STlTUTION. 9
eTo provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the
Securities and current Coin of the U nited States ;
7 To establish Post Offices and post Roads ;
81'0 pro mote the progress of Science and useful Arts, by
sec1uing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the ex-
".lusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries ;
'To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court ;
W To define and punish Piracies and Felonies com-
mitted on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law
of Nations;
llTo declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Re-
prisal,. and make Rules concerning Captures on Land
and Water;
12 To raise and support Armies, but no A ppropriation
of Money to that U se shall be for a longer Term than
two Years;
13 To provide and maintain a N avy ;
uTo make Rules for the Government and Regulation
of the land and naval Forces ;
15 To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute
the Laws of the Uníon, supprel5s Insurrections and repel
Invasions;
161'0 provide for org'amzmg, arming, and disci-
!llining, the Militia, and for governing sllch Part of
10 CONSTITUTION.
them as may be employeu in the Service of the Uniteu
States, reserving to the States respectively, the Ap-
pointment of the Officers, anu the Authority of training
the Militia according to the Discipline presl'ribed by
Congress;
17 To exercise exclusive Legislation in an Cases
whatsoever, over such District (not e~ceeuing ten Miles
square) as may, by Cession of particular States, anu
the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the
Government of the U niteu States, anu to exerCIse
like Authority over an PIaces purchaseu by the Con-
sent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same
shall be, for the Erection of Forts, 1\1" agazines, Arse-
nals, Dock-Y arus, and other neeuful Buildings ;-And
18 To make all Laws which shall be necessary and
proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers,
and all other Powers vesteu by this Constitution in the
Government of the U nited States, or in any Department
01' Officer thereof.
SECTION. 9. 1The Migration or Importation of such
Persons as any of the States now existing shall think
proper to aumit, shall not be prohibiteu by the Con-
gress prior to the Year one thousanu eight hundred
anu eight, but a Tax or Dnty may be imposed Oll
CONSTlTVTlON. 11
such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each
Persono
2 The PriviIege of the "\Yrit of Habeas Corpus sha11
not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion
or Invasion the pubIic Safety may require it.
a No BilI of Attainder or ex post facto Law sha11 be passed.
No Capitation, or other· direct, Tax sha11 be laid,
unIess in Proportion to the Census 01' Enumeration
herein before directed to be taken.
5 No Tax or Duty sha11 be laid on Articles exported
from any State.
6No Preference shall be gwen by any Regulation of
Commerce 01' Revenue to the Ports of one State over those
of another: nor 8ha11 Ve8seI8 bound to, or from, one State,
be obliged to enter, cIear, or pay Duties in another.
7No Money 8ha11 be drawn from the Treasury, but
in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law;
and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts
and Expenditures of all public Money shall be pub.
lished from time to time.
SNo TiGe of Núbility 8ha11 be granted by the United
States: And no Person holding any OtEce of Profit or
Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the
Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office,
5""
12 CONSTITUTION.
or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince,
or foreign State.
SECTION. 10. 1 No State shall enter into any Treaty,
Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque
and Reprisal; coin lVloney; emit Bills of Credit;
make any Thing but gold and silver Coi n a Tender
in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex
post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of
Contracts; or grant any Title of Nobility.
2No State shall, without the consent of the Con-
gress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports,
except what may be absolutely necessary for execut-
ing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all
Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or
Exports, shall be for the U se of the Treasury of the
United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to
the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
3No State shall, without the Consent of Congress,
lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of
'Var in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or
Compact with another State, or with a foreign Po\ver,
or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such
imminent Danger as will not admit ofDelay.
CONSTITUTION. 13
ARTICLE. n.
SECTION. 1. 1 The executive Power shall be vested
ln a President of the U nited States of America. He
shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years,
and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the
same Term, be elected, as follows
2 Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the
Legislature thereof may direct, a N umber of Elec-
tors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and
Representatives to which the State may be entitled
in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative,
or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under
the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
[" The EIcctors shaIl meet in their respective States, and vote by BaIlot
for two Persons, of whom one at Ieast shalI not be an Inhabitant of the
same Statc with themseIves. And thcy shaIl make a List of aIl the Per-
sons voted for, and of the N umber of Votes for each; which List they
shaIl sign and certify, and transmit seaIed to the Seat of the Government
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pre-
sident of the 8enate shaIl, in the Presence of the Senate and House
of Representatives, open aIl the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be
counted. 'fhe Person having the greatest N umber of Votes shaIl be the
President, if sllch N umber be a Majority of the whole N umber of EIee-
tors appointed; and if there be more than one who have sueh Majority,
and have an equal N umber of Votes, then the House of Representatives
shalI immediately ehuse by BaIlot one of them for Presidenf; and if no
• This clause within brackets has been superceded and annullcd by the 12tl1
amendment, on page 28.
14 CONSTITUTlON.
Person ha ve a Majority, then fram the five bighest on the List the said
Housc shall in like Manner chuse the PresiJent. But in chusing the
PresiJent, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from
each State having one Vote; A Quorum for this Purpose shall consíst
of a Member or Members from twothirds of the States, and a Majority
of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the
Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest N umber of Votes
of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain
two or more who have eq ual Votes, the Sena te shall chuse from them by
Ballot the Vice President.]
3The Congress may determine the Time of chusing
the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give
their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the
U nited States.
'No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen
of the U nited States, at the time of the Adoption of this
Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President ;
neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who
shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years,
and been fourteen Years a Resident within the U nited
States.
5 In Case of the Removal of the President from Office,
or of his Death, Resignation, 01' Inability to dis-
charge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the
same shall derolve on the Vice President, and the Con-
gress may by Law provide fol' the Case of Re-
CONSTITUTION. 15
moval, Death, Resignation, or Inability, both of the
President and Vice PI'esident, declaI'ing what Officer
shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act
accordingly, until the Disability be removed, 01' a Pre-
ident shall be elected.
6 The President shall, at stated Times, recelve for
his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be
encreased nor diminished during the Period for which
he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive
within that Period any other Emolument from the U nited
States, or any of them.
7Before he enteI' on the Execution of his Office, he shall
take the :fi)llowing Oath or Affirmation :-
. ,,1 do solemnl y swear (or affirm) that 1 will faithfully
" execute the Office of President of the U nited States, and
"wiII to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and
" defend the Constitution of the United States.
SECTION. 2. 1 The President shall be Commander
in Chief of the Army and N avy of the U nited States,
and of the Militia of the several States, when called
into the actual Service of the United States; he may
require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Of
ficer in each of the executi ve Departments, upan any
Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offi-
16 CONSTlTUTlON.
ces, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Par-
dons for Offences against the United States, except in
Cases of Impeachment.
2He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Con-
sent 01' the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds
of the Senators present COllcur; and he shall nominate, and
by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall
appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Con-
suIs, Judges ofthe supreme Court, and all other Officers of
the U nited States, whose A ppointments are not herein other-
wise provided for, and which shall be established'by Law :
but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such
inferior Officers, as theythink proper, in the President alone,
ill the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
3 The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacan-
cies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate,
by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End
of their next Session.
St:CTION. 3. He shall from time to time give to the
Congress Information of the State of the U nion, and
recommend to their Consideration such lVleasures as he
shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on ex-
traordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either
of thr.m, and in Case of Disagrecment between them,
CO~STITUTIOX. 17
with Respect to the Time .of A djournment, he may ad-
journ them to such Time as he shall think proper; he
shall receive Ambassadors and other pu blic Ministers;
he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executeu,
and shall Commission all the officers of the U nited
States.
SECTION. 4. The President, Vice President and all
ci vil Officers of the U nited States, shall be removed from
Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason,
Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
ARTICLE IIl.
SECTION. 1. The judicial Power of the United
States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in
such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to
time ordain and establish. The Juelges, both of the
sllpreme and inferior Courts, shall holel their Offices
during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, re-
céive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not
be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
SECTION. 2. IThe judicial Power shall extend to all
Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Consti-
tlltion, the Laws of the U nited States, and Treaties
made, or whieh shall be made, under their Authol'i-
18 CONSTITUTION.
ty ;--to all Cases affecting. Ambassadors, other public
Ministers, and Consuls ;-to an Cases of admiralty and
maritime Jurisdiction ;-to Controyersies to which the
U nited States shall be a Party ;-to Controyersies be-
tween two or more States ;-between a State and Citizens
of another State ;-between Citizens oí different States,-
between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under
Grants of different States, and between a State, or the
Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
2 In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public
Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State
shall be Party, the supreme Court shall haye original
Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned,
the supreme Court shall haye appellate Jurisdiction,
both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and
under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
3 The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Im-
peachment, shall be by J ury; and such TriaI shall
be held in the State where the said Crimes shall haye
been committed; but when not committed within any
State, the TriaI shall be at such Place 9r Places as the
Congress may by Law haye directed.
SECTION. 3. 1 Treason against the U nited States,
shall consist only in leyying War against them, or in
CONSTITUTION. 19
adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and
Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason
unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the
same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
2 The Congress shall have Power to dedare the
Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Trea-
son shall work Corruption of BIood, or Forfeiture except
during the Life of the Person attainted.
ARTICLE. IV.
SECTION. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be glven
in each State to the public Acts, Reconls, and judi-
cial Pmceedings of every other State. And the Con-
gress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in
which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be
proveu, and the EtTect thereof.
SECTION. 2. 1 The Citizens of each State shall be
entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in
the several States.
2 A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony,
or other Crime, who shall flee fmm J ustice, and be found
in another State, shall on Dcmand of the executive Au-
thority of the State fmm which he Red, be delivered up, to
be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
ti
20 CONSTITUTION.
aNo Person held to Serviee or Labour In one State,
Ilnder the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shal1,
in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be
discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be
delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service
or Labour may be due.
SECTION.3. lNew States may be admitted bythe Con-
gress into this U nion; but no new State shall be formed or
erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State ; nor any
State be formed by the J unction of two or more States, or
Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures
of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
2 The Congress shall have Power to di~pose of and
make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the
Territory or other Property belonging to the U nited
States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so
construed as to Prejudiee any Claims of the U nited
States, or of any particular State.
SECTION. 4. The U nited States shall guarantee to
every State In this Union a Republican Form of Go-
vernment, and shall protect each of them against In-
•
vasion, and on Application of the Legislature, or of
the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be con-
"Pl1f'd) against domestic Violence.
CONSTITUTION. 21
ART1CLE. V.
The Congress, whenever two thirds ofboth Houses shall
deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Con·
stitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two
thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for
proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be
valid to all 1ntents and Purposes, as Part of this Con·
stitution, when ratified by the Legislatures ofthree fourths
of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths
thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be
proposed by the Congress ; Provided that no Amendment
which may be made prior to the Year one thousand eight
hundred and eight shall in any .Manner affect the first
and fOUl'th Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article ;
and that no State, wiihout its Consent, shall be depriveu
of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
ARTICLE. VI.
1 All Deuts contracted and Engagements entered
into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall
be as valid against 1he United States under this Con-
stitution, as under the Confederation .
...
2 This Constitution, and the Laws of the U nited
States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and
all Treaties maele, or which shall be made, under the
22 CON STITUTION.
authority of the U nited States, shall be the supreme
Law of the Land; and the J udges in every State shall
be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws
of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
3 The Senators and Representatives before mentioned,
and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and
all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United
States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath
or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no re·
ligious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to
any Office or public Trust under the United States.
AR TICLE. VII.
The Ratification of the Conventions of mne States,
shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Consti-
tution between the States so ratifying the Same.
DONE in Convention by the U nanimous Consent
of the States present the Seventeenth Day of Sep-
tember in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independance
of the U nited States of America the Twelfth In
"\Vitness whereof We have hereunto subscribeJ
our Names,
GEO W ASHINGTON-
Presidt and deputy from Virginia
CONSTlTUTION.
NEW HAMPSH1H E.
JOHN LANGDON, NICHOLAS GIL;\IAN.
MASSACHUSETTS.
NATHANIEL GORHAM, RUF'US KING.
CONNECTICUT.
WM. SAML. JOHNSON, ROGER SHERl\1AN.
NE"V YORK.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
\VIL: LIVINGSTON,
\VlU. PATEHSON,
B. FRANKLIN,
ROBT. MORRIS,
THO: FITZSIMONS,
JAMES WILSON,
CEO: READ,
JOHN DICKINSON,
JACO: BROOM.
JAMES M'HENRV
DANL. CARROLL.
NEW JERSEY.
DAVID DHEARLF:Y,
JONA. DAYTON.
PENNSYL V ANIA.
THO~,fAS l\hFFLIN,
Grw: CL'iIlIER,
JARED INGERSOLL,
Gouv: MORRIS.
DELA "VARE.
GUNNING BEDFORD, Jun'r,
RICHARD BASSETT,
MARYLAND.
DAN: OF STo TIlos. JENIFER,
VIRGINIA.
JOHN BLAIR, JAMES MADI SON, Jr.,
NORTH CAROLINA.
"V:lf. BLOUNT, RICH'D DOBBS SPAIGHT,
Hu. WILLIAMSON.
SOUTI-I CAROLINA.
23
J. RUTJ.EDGE,
CHARLES PlNCKNEV,
CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNll:V
PIERCE BUTLER.
WILLIAM FEW,
Attest:
GEORGIA.
ABR. BALDWIN.
'VILLIA~I JACKSON, Sccrefary.
6;¡'
2·1 CO~STITUT1UN.
The Constitution was adopted on the 17th September, 1787, by
the Convention appointed in pursuance of the resolution of the Con-
gress of the Confederation, of the 21st February, 1787, and was
ratified by the Conventions ofthe several States, as follows, viz.:
Dy Convention of Dela\vare, on the 7th December, 1787.
" "
Pennsy 1 vania, " 12th December, 1787.
" "
New Jersey, " 18th December, 1787.
" "
Georgia, " 2d January, 1788.
" "
Connecticut,
"
9th January, 1788.
" "
M assachusetts, " 6th February, 1788.
" "
l\Iary land,
"
28th A pril, 1788.
"
. , South Carolina, " 23d May, 1788 .
" "
New Hampshire, " 21st June, 1788.
" "
Virginia, " 26th June, 1788.
" "
New York, " 26th JuIy, 1788.
" "
N orth Caro] ina, " 21st November, 1780.
" "
Rhode IsIand, " 20th May, 17!:10.
ARTICLES
IN ADDITION TO, AND Al\1ENDMENT OF,
THE CONSTITUTION
01<' THE
UNITED STATES OF A~IERICA_,
Proposed by Congress, and 1"atijied by the Legislatures
of the several States, pursuant to the fifth article of the
original Constitution.
(ARTICLE 1.)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establish-
ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there-
of; or abriJging the freeuom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the peopIe peaceabIy to assem-
ble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
gneYances.
(AR TICLE 2.)
A well reguIated Militia, being necessary to the se-
curity of a free State, the right of the peopIe to keep and
bear Arms, ~hall not be infringed.
26 CONSTITUTlON.
(ARTICLE IIl.)
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartereJ III
tny house, without the consent of the Owner, nor III
time of war, but in a manner to be prescribeJ by law.
(ARTICLE IV.)
The right of the people to be secure in their per~
sons, houses, papers, ancl eífects, against unreasonable
searches and seizures, shall not be violatecl, and no \Var~
rants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supporteJ by
Oath or affirmation, anJ particularly describing the place
to be searcheJ, and the persons or things to be seized.
(ARTICLE V.)
No person shall be held to ans\ver for a capital, or
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or
indictment of a Grand J LUY, except in cases arising III
the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in ac-
tual service in time of War or public danger; nor
shall any person be subject for the same offence to be
twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be com-
pelled in any Criminal Case to be a witness against
himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property,
,vithout due process of law; nor shall private proper-
ty be taken for public use, without just compensation.
CONSTITUTION. 27
(ARTICLE VI.)
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy
the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impar-
tial jury of the State and district wherein the crime
shall have been committed, which district shall have
been previously ascertained by law, and to be in-
formed of the nature and cause of the accusation;
to be confronted with the witnesses against him;
to have Compulsory process for obtaining Witnesses
In his favour, and to have the Assistance of Counsel
for his defence.
(ARTICLE VII.)
In Suits at common law, where the value in con-
troversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial
by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury
shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the
U nited States, than according to the rules of the com-
mon law.
(ARTICLE VIII.)
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor exceSSlve
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments in-
flicted.
28 CO~:;TITUTION •
(ARTICLE IX.)
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage
others retained by the people.
(ARTICLE X.)
The powers not delegated to the U nited States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States,
are reserved to the States respectiveIy, or to the
people.
ARTICLE XI.
The Judicial power of the United States shall not
be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity,
commenced or prosecuted against one of the United
States by Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or
Subjects of any Foreign State.
ARTICLE XII.
The Electors shall meet in their respective states,
and vote by ballot for President and Vice President,
(lne of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of
the same state with themselves; they shall name In
their ballots the person voted for as President, and In
ltistinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-Prcsident,
CONSTITUTION. 29
,and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for
. as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-Presi-
dent, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they
&hall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat
of the government of the United States, directed to
the President of the Senate ;-The President of the
Senate shaI1, in presence of the Senate and House
of Representatives, open aH the certificates and the votes
shall then be counted;-The person having the great-
est number of votes for President, shall be the Presi-
dent, if such number be a majority of the whole numbeI
of Electors appointed; and if no person have such
majority, then from the persons having the highest
numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted
for as President, the House of Representatives shall
choose immediate1y, by ballot, the President. But in
choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states,
the representation from each state having one vote; a
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or
members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority
of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. Ancl
if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Pre-
siclent whenever the right of choice shall devo1ve
llpon them, before the fourth day of March next fo1-
30 CONSTITUTION.
lowing, then the Vice-President shall act as President,
as in the case oí the death or other constitutional dis-
ability oí the President. The person having the great-
est number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-
President, if such number be a majority of the whole
number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a
majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list,
the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum
íor the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole
number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person consti-
tutional1y ineligible to the office of President shall. be
tligible to that of Vice-President of the U nited States.
31.
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CONSTITUTION. 33
The following ~s prefixed to the first ten* of the pre·
ceding amendments.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,
Begun and held at the City of New York,on Wednesday, the fourth
of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
The Conventions of a number of the States, having
at the time of thcir aclopting the Constitution, expressecl
a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of
its powers, that further cleclaratory and restrictive clauses
shoulcl be added: And as extending the grouncl of public
confidence in the Government, will best insure the bene-
fieent ends of its institution ;
Resolved by the Senate and Jlouse of Representatives
'" 1t may be proper here to state that 12 articles of amendment were
proposed by the first Congress, of which but 10 were ratified by the
States-the first and second in order not having been ratified by the re-
quisite number of States.
These two were as follows:
Article the first.. .. After the first enumeration required by the first Article
of the Constitution, there shall be one Representative for every thirty thou-
sand, until the number sha11 amount to one hUllllred, after which, the pro-
portion shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall not be less than
one hundred Represelltatives, nor less than one Representative for every
forty thousand persons, until the number of Representatives shall amount
to two hundred, aner which the proportion shall be so regulated by Con-
gre;,'S, that there shall not be less than two hundred Representatives, nor
more than one Representative for every fifty thousano persons.
Article second .... N o law, varying the compensation for the services
of the Senators and Representatives, shall take eftect, until an election
of Rlilpresentatives shall have intervened.
. 7
31 CONSTITUTION.
of the United Sta tes of .Ilmerica, in Congress assembled,
two thirds of both Houses concurring, 1'hat the follo\ving
Anicles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several
Stat2s, as amendments to the Constitution of the Uniteu
States, all, or any of which articles, when ratified by three-
fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents
Que! purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.
Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the Consti-
tution of the U nited States of America, proposed by Con-
gress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States
pursUant to the fifth article of the original Constitution.
The first ten amenclments of the Constitution were
ratified by the States as follows, viz. :
By New Jersey, 20th November, 1789.
By Maryland, 19th December, 1789.
By North Carolina, 22d December, 1789.
By South Carolina, 19th January, 1790.
By New Hampshire, 25th January, 1790.
By Delaware, 28th January, 1790.
By Pennsylvania, 10th March, 1790.
By New York, 27th March, 1790.
By Rhode Island, 15th June, 1790.
By Vermont, 3 November, 1791.
By Virginia, 15 December, 1791.
CONSTITUTION. 35
The follow'tng is prejixed to the eleventh of the precedi71g
amendments :
TIlIRD CONGRESS OF TIIE UNITED STA TES:
.lit the first session, begun and held at the cily of P/¿i-
ladelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, on Jlfonday the
second of December, one thousand seven hundred and
ninety-three.
Resolved by the Senate and IIouse of Representatives
of the United States of .I1merica, in Congress assembled,
two thirds of both Houses concurring, 'I'hat the follo\ving
Article be proposed to the Legislatures of the several
• States, as an amendment to the Constitution of the U niteJ
Sta tes; whieh when ratified by three-fourths of the saiJ
I.Jegislatures shall be valid as part of the said Consti·
tution, viz:
Thefollowi7lg is prejixed to the twelflh of the preceding
amendments :
EIGIl'L'lI CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STA TES :
.lit the first session, begun and held at the city of JVash.
ington, in the Territory of Columb'ia, on .A-fonday the
seventeenth of October, one thousand eight hundred and
three.
Resolved by the Senate and Jlouse of Representatiz'es
01 the United States of .I1merica, in Congress assembled,
1'wo thirds of both Houses concurring, that in lieu of the
thírd paragraph of the first section of t11e second article
36 CONSTITUTION.
of the Constitution of the U niteJ States, the following be
proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the
U niteJ States, which, when ratifieJ by three-fourths of
the legislatures of the several states, shall be valiJ to all
intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution, to
wit:
The ten 11rst of the preceding amendments were pro-
poseJ at the first session of the first Congress, of the
United States, 25 September, 1789, and were finally
ratified by the constitutional number of States, on the 15th
day of December, 1791. The eleventh amenJment was
pro¡osed at the first session ofthe third Congress, 5 March,
1794, and was declared in a message from the Presi-
dent of the U nited States to both houses of Congress,
dated 8th January, 1798, to have been adopted by the
constitutional number of States. The twelfth amenJment
was proposed at the first session of the eighth Congress,
12 December, 1803, and was adopted by the constitu-
tional number of States in 1804, according to a pu blic
notice thereof by the Secretary of State, dateJ 25th Sep-
tember, of the same year.
DESIGN OF TIlE ANAL YSIS.
1. EVEIl.V substantive matter, or point, contained in each articlc,
section, or clausc, embraeing every subject, name and dciinitiün
in t]¡e Constitution, has bccn arrangcd in alphabetical ordcr. Tito
entire clause in which each word so arranged occurs, beillg gi vell.
2. AH similar words, names, ur terms used in the Constitution
being thus brought together, saves the time and tronble of ·reading
over that instrument in search of sllpposed terms or provisions,
whieh, if they cannot be found in this Al phahetical Anal ysis, v .. ill
not he found in the Constitution. Undor tbe head of caeh bral1ch
of the Government, as Congress, Senate, Rouse of Hepresentatives,
Executive or PrPsident, Judiciary, &e., will be found every power,
duty, privilege, and restrietion helonging to each, and joint or con-
current power with thc otber branches. J n like manner, all provi-
sions, regarding S tates, lpgislatllres, persons, people, citizcns,
powers, omees, la'\vs, eleetions, army, militia, navy, and every
other subjcct eontaincd in the Constitution, will a11 respectively,
be found nnder one hcad.
3. By tbis arrangement the ('ntire instrument is resolved into its
clements, while aH clauses eontaining like terms or provisions am
dra\vn tow-:ther in close contact, by the strictlyalphabetical posi-
tion of the similar terms or words in each, which proximity brings
tlle wbole into one view, to be seen at a glance, and bcing ¡hus
presented to tbe mind at once, the eonneetion is more casily im-
pressed upon and retained in the memory.
37
A~ ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS OF TIlE CO~STITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. AND OF THE
AMENDMENTS THERETO .
.
Art. seco el. page.
ABSENCE. In the absence ofthe Vice President the Senate shall choose a President pro temo
ABSENT mcmbers. A smaller number than a majority of either House of Congress may com-
pel J¡t;; attendance of absellt members, in such manner, and under such penallies, as
each House may provide ••...•..••...•..•••.•••.•••.••..•...•••.•••.•••.•••.••...•.•
ACCEPT. No person holding ally office of profit 01' trust under ~he United States, shall, withont
lhe consent of Congress, u<:cept of any presellt, emolument, office, or title, of any kind
whatever, from any kiJ,g, prince, or foreign slaleo; ................ ·• .................. .
ACCOUNT. A regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public
money shall be published from time to time ......................................... .
ACCUSA'l'ION. 111 all criminalprosecutions, the accust,d to be informedofthe nature andcau:-e
01' the accusation ••. , ...•.......••...•...•..........•...•........•..•.......•...•...
ACTS, records, and judicial proceedings. Fui! faith and crcdit shall be given in each State to the
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the Congre"s
lIlay, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and judicial pro-
ceedillgs shall be proved, and the efiect thereof ...................................... .
ACT as President. In case of the renlOval. death, resignation, 01' inabilit y, of bot h the Fresident
and Vice President, the Congress shall, by Iaw, declare wllat oflicer shalll hen <let as Pre-
slden!, and sneh offieer shall aet aceordingly until the disability be removed, ur a Presi-
dellt ;;hall ue elected ............••....•......................•......•.•..•..•••..•..
ADJOURN from day to day. A slllaller Ilumber than a llllljority of eaeh IIouse 01' Congress Illay
adjourll from day to day ........................................................... .
ADJOURX. Neither House. dllrill" the scssion 01' COlwress, shall, witllOut the eOlJ,;Pllt of the
other, adjourn far more than tluee days, nor to an), otlrer place llwn that in whieh the t\Vo
HOllses Illay he sitting ............................................................. .
ADJOURN1"18N'l'. Ifany !Jill shaU not be retnrned hy tbe Pre;;idt:nt within ten day" (Sundays
cxcepted) after it shall have been prescllted to him. t!Je same shall be a law, ill like man-
1 3 5 4
1 5 1 5
1 9 8 11
1 9 7 ' 1 1,
6th umend. ')"":' ~J
4 1 1 l~
2 1 5 1!
1 5 1 5
1 5 4 6
w
00
> ~~
-..
t-<
~:
"Cl]
.. ,
:.n
>
ner as if he had signed lt, unlp-ss the Congress by their adjournmcnt prevent lts retum, m
which case it shall nol be a law ..•..•.... ; ........................................ .
ADJOURNMENT. Everyorder: resolution, or vote, to which the concur~ence. of the Senate
and House of Representatlves may be necessary, (except on a questlOll of adjournment,)
shall be presented to the President of the United States. (For proceedings, see resolution.)
ADJ OURN MENT. In case of disagreement between the two Houses of Congress with respect
to the time of adjournment, the President mayadjourn them to such time as he shall
think proper .•. , ........•.......•.......•....•......••. , •.......•.......•...•••...•
ADMIRALTY and maritime jurisdiction. 'rhe judicial power shall extend to al! cases of admi-
ralty and JIlaritilne jurisdiction ....•..•......••...•...••..•....•.•.......•••..••.•.••
ADMITTED. New ~tates may be admitted by the COlIgress into this UniQTl ................. .
ADOPTION of this Constitution. All debts contracted or engagements entered into before the
adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this COll-
sti! utiOll as under lhe Confederation ......••.•••...•.•••. , •••••..••• " .•.•.•.••••••••
ADVICE and consent of the Senate. (;:Jce Senate.)
AFFIRMATION. (See Oath or affirrnation.)
AGE of qualification for a Representative in Congress, 25 years .............................. .
AGE of qualification fúr a Senator in Congref's, 30 years .................................... .
A GE of qualificat!on for P~esident .of the Ullited ~tates, 3:) years .. •· ....•......•..••...••.••••
AGf<~ ofqualificatlOn for VIce Presld;mt ofthe Urnted States, 35 years.: ................ : ..... .
AG REE ~IENT or compacto N o Stale shall, WItbout the consent of Cungress, en ter mto any
agreement or compaet with another State or a fúreign power ........................ .
ALLIANCE. No State sha!! ellter illto any alliance ....................................... .
ALIEN~t~:~~~~~~~ .u.f. f.~r.e!~~l. ~~I:t ~1: .r.l~: ~.l:~i:).l~ .~~ ~r.e.s.i~~~: .~~ ~i~.e. ~.r.e.s~~~~l~ .~f. ~~~. ~.~i:~~ {
AMBASSADORS. The President shal! nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate, appoint anlhassador;;, l'll,C .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
AMBASSADORS. 'rhe President shall receive amhassadors and other public ministers ....... .
A.:vlBASSADORS. The judicial power shall extend to al! cases affect.ing ambassadors, other
public nlinisters, and consuls ..•...••.•••.•.•..•••••••••••••......••••••...••.••..••.•
AMBASSADORS. In al! cases afiecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, the
Snpreme Court shall have original jllrisdiction ....................................... .
AMENDMENTS, as on other bills. AH bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of
1 7 2 > 7
1 ~ 3 8 ,
2 3 1 16
3 2 1 18
4 3 1 20
6 1 1 21
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1 2 2 2 > t"'
1 3 3 4 ~
2 1 4 le! 7Jl I-l
12th amend. 30 CfJ
1 10 3 12
1 10 1 1:';
2 1 4 J.1
12th amend. 30
2 2 :2 16
2 3 1 17
3 2 1 18
9 2 2 18
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¡.¡::... /s.. ' ... rHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
Art. see. el. page. O
RepresentatIves; but the Senate may propose, or concur with, amendments as on other
bilis .... , . . .. • . .• • • .. . . .. • . .. • . .• . . .. • . .. . . .. . . .• . . .. . . .• • . .. . . .. • . .• • . .• • . .• • . .. . 1 7 1 7
Al\1END.MENTS to the Constitution. The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall
deem it necessary, shall propase amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application
of the legislatures oi' two-thinls of the severa! Slates, shall call a convention fór proposing
amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of
this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of tilree-fourths of the several Stutes,
or by conventions in tbree-fourths thereof, as tile one or the other mode of ratification
may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment, which may be made
prior to the year 1808, shall, iu any manner, af1eet the first and fourth clauses in the ninth
sec1 ion of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived oi' its
equal suffrage in the Senate .•........•.....••...••.••..••...•............•..••..•••.
APPELLATE jurisdiction. (See Supreme Court.) ..•............. , •...............••.•....•
APPOINTED. N o Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he \Vas elected,
be appointed to any civil ofIice uuder tile aU1hority of the United States, which shall have
been created, or the e1l10111lIlents of which "hall have been increased during such time ..•
AP P OINTED. N o Senator or H rpresentative, or person holding an office of trust or profit
under the United Stutes, shall be appoiuted an Elector ............................... .
APPOINTMEKTS. The Executives 01' States may make temporary appointments of Senators
in the recess of t he legis!atures t hereof to fill vacancies ............................... .
APPOINTl\IE~T al' officers of the militia reserved 10 the States respectively ............... ..
APPOINTMENT 01" Electors oi' President and Vice President of the Unitcd States. (See ~
APPOI~!f~ioÉN\'~i.· . Tl;(; 'P;'~~id'e'n't' ;l~;j¡' ~~~~i'n'a't~', '~;ld . b~' ~I~d' ~i;l~ 'the' ~d'v'i~~ '~~d 'C'O'l;~~~t' ot
5 1 1 21
3 2 2 18
1 6 2 6
2 1 2 13
1 3 2 3
1 8 16 10
2 1 2 13
12th amelld. 8
t11e Senate, sha!! appoint 1I11lbas:"adors, other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the
Supreme Comt, and al! olher oflicers of the United States whose appointments are not
herein otherwisc provided for, and which shal! be established by law. But the Congress
may by law vest the appointment of such inferior oflicers, as they think proper, in the
President alone, in the C01lfts of law, 01' in the heads of departmcnts . . • .. • • .. • . .. . . .• . • 2 2 2 16
APPOINTME.N TS. The President shall have power to fill up aH vacancies that may happen
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during the reeess of the Senate, by granting eommlssions, (or appoIntments,) whieh shall
expire at [he elld of their next session .•.••. , .•••.••..••..•••.•.•.••. " ...•....•.. , ...
APP O R'l'I () N ED. Representatives and direet taxes to be apportioned among the several States
acrordlllg to thclr respectIve numbers, &e ................................... , •.•.•...
APPROPRIATION of money to the use of armies sha11 not be for a longcr period tha9 two
years ........•••.•••.....••..••..•••••••.•••.•.•.•••..•...••.••...•.....•.••.••••.
APiROPRIATIONS. No money sha11 be drawn from the Treasury but in eonsequence of
appropriations made by law, and a regular statemcnt and aceollnt of the receipts and ex-
penditures of a1l public money sha11 be publishcd from time to time ••...•..••..••..••..
APPROVED. Every bill, resolution, or vote to which the concurren ce of the Senate and House
of Represt:'lltatives may be necessary, (cxeept on a question of adjournment,) sha11 be
presented 10 ¡he President ofthe United States to be approved or disapproved by him •. ··
APPROVED. AlIy bill returned by the President with objeetion, may becorne a law if approved
by two-¡hirds ol both Houses of Congress ........................................... .
ARMIES. Congress shall have power to raise and support armies, but no appropriation ol' money
to that use shall be l'or a longer term than two years ................................. .
ARMING: .. Congress sha1l have power to provide for organiziJlg, arming, and disciplining the
mllltw ......•..•.............•..•......•...•.• " ....•..•.......••..•.•.••..•••.•••.
A RMS. The rigltt of the people to keep and bear arms sha11 not be infringed .•..•.•...•.•••.•.
ARMY. Congress sha11 have power to make rules for the government and regulation of the land
and naval torces ••...........•...•..•••.•...•.....•..••.•••.••..•••.•••.•••.••..••••
ARMY. The President shall be Commander-in-Chief of ¡he army ..... ··· ................... .
ARMY. N o soldier sha1l, in time of peaee, be quartered in any house without the eonsent of ¡he
owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law .................... .
ARMY or N avy. N o person sha11 be held to answer foro a capital or otherwise infamous crime,
unless on a presentment or indietment of a grand jury, exeept in cases arising in the land
or naval forees, or in the militia, when in actual servi(;e, in time of war or public danger ..
ARREST. Senators and Representatives shall, in a1l cases except treason, felony, and breacllof
the peace, be privileged from arrest dlll"illg their artt'lldance at the sessions of their re-
spe(:ive Houses, and in going to and relllrning hOlll f llP same ••..••..•...••..••..••...•
ARSEN ALS, &c. Congress sha11 have power ;" excrcise ex,'!II"ive legislatlOll over arsenals, &c.
A R TS. Congress sha11 have power to promote ¡he progr'css uf science and useful arts, by se-
2 2 3 16
1 2 3 2
1 8 12 9
1 9 7 11
1 7 2-3 7-8
1 7 2 7
1 8 12 9
1 8 16 9
zd amend. 25
1 8]4 9
2 2 1 15
3d amend. 21,)
5th amend. 26
1 6 1 6
1 8 17 10
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL Y SIS-Continued.
Art. see. el. page.
curing, for limited times, to authors and invcntors, the exclusive right to their respective
writings anJ discovcries ........••• " ....•....•..•...•......•••.••...•...•...•....••
ASSEMBLE. COlIgress sha11 assemble at least once in every year, on the first Monday in De-
cember, unless they sha11 by law appoint a different day .•..••..•••.••...•..•.•.•••..•
ASSEMBLE. Congress s11a11 make no law abridging the right ofthe people peaceably to assem-
ble amI to petition the Government for a redress of gricvances .•...•••••..•••..••.•••.••
A 1'1' AINDER. N o bill of attainder or ex post facto law sha11 be passed ••••••.••••..••.••..••
ATTAI NDER. N o State sha11 pass any bi11 of attainder ....••...••..••..••..••.•••.•....•..
ATTAINDER of treason. The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of trea~on,
but no attainder of treason sha11 work corruption of blood or forfeiture, cxcept during the
life of the person attaintcd ....•.......•.•..........•...•..••..•••.....•.. " .......••
A TTENDA NCE. Less than a quorum of either House may compel the attendance of absent
lnen1bers •••..•..••...•...•...••..•.••••..•......••...•...•....•..•. " ••..••.•••..•
A TTENDA N e E. Members of Congress privileged from arrest d uring their attendance at ses-
sions. &c. (See Arrest.) ..•..••..•.•••.......••.......•.......•.•.•.......•••••••.•
AUTHENTICATION ofrecords, aets, and judicial proceedings of States ..•.•••.•••....••••.
A UTHO RS may se cure exclusive rights to their writings for a limited time ••...•••••..••..••••
1 8 8
1 4 2
1st amend.
1 9 3
1 10 1
3 3 2
1 5 1
1 6 1
4 1 1
1 8 8
BAIL. Excessive bail shall no! be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punislllnents inflicted.. . . .. • . .. . . .. • . .. • • .. • . .. . • .. • • .. • • .. . . .. • . .. . . .. . • .. . . .• . . ..• 8th amena.
BALDvVIN, deputy fi'om Georgia, signed this Constitution. Abraham ...•.•.......•......••..
13ALLOT. The electors shall vote by ballot for President and Vice President of the United States.
Thc)' sha11 name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and, in distinct ballots,
the person voted for as Vice President ••••..•••....•••.•.....•••......•...•...•...... 12th amend.
BAmOT. If no person have a majority of the electoral votes, the House of Representatives sha11
choose, immediately, by ballot, the President ••...•..•••......••.•••.••...•..•....... 12th amend.
BANKRUPTCIES. Congress shall have power to establish uniform laws on the subject of
bnnkruptcies throughout the U nited States •.••••.•••••••. , •..•••.•••.•.•.•••• ~ • • •• • • • 1 8 4
BASSETT, depllty from Deiaware, signed this Constitution. Richard .•.••••..•••••••••..••••
BEDFO RD, jr., deputy from Delaware, signed this Constitution. GunninO" .•••••...••..••.••••
BILL of attainder. N o bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. • ••• • • •• • . .. • • .•• • • 1 9 3
9
5
25
11
12
19
5
6
]9
9
27
t3
28
29
8
23
23
11
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B 1 LLS. All bills ti)r ralsmg rcv('nnc "hall ongll1ate ill t he Hou"e of. Representat Íves, bUI the
Senate may propURU ur COllCIH with nlllf'lldllICtlts HR oH (lther lJllts .................... .
BILL. En~ry hill whi(:h sltall hnve pas:ócu lhe HUll~c ot' T{epre¡.;e1l1:l1ives anu the ~enate "lHlll,
before it become a law, be presented lo t llC Presid'ont of t he U nited 81 ates; if he approve,
he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that House in which
it shall have origil1ated, who shall enter the objections at large on their JOllrna¡', and pro-
ceed to recollsider it. If. after sueh reconsideratioll, two-thirds of lllat House shall agree
to pass the hil!, it shall be sent, together witll the objections, to (he 01 her I-Iouse, by which
it tihall likewise be recollsidered, ulIa if appruveJ bv two-thirds of that IIouse, it "hall be-
come a law. But in al! such cases, the votes of both Houses shall be dctermined by yeas
and nays, alla ¡he nalllPS of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be ente red on
the J ournal of each House respectively ... , ......................................... .
BILL. If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted)
after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he
had signed it, unle~s the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its rcturn, in which
case it shall no! be a law .................•..•..... . ! ................... ......... , ..
BILL. Every order, resolution, or vote to whieh the eoncurrence of the Se11ate and House of
Representativos !llay be neeessary, (execpt 011 a question of adjournment,) sha!! be pre-
sented to the President of the United States; and, befare the same shall take cflcet, shall
be approved hy him. or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passea by two-thiras oi" (he
Senate ana Houtie of Representatives, according to the rules and limitutions prescribed in
the case of a bill .................•..............•...•••..••.........••..•••.....•.•
13 ILLS of eredit. N o State "hall ernit bilIs of credit ....................................... ..
BLAIR, depuly from Virginia, signea this Constitution. John .............................. .
BLOOD. No attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood or farfeiture, exeept during the
life of the person attainted .........•...............•..•.•......•...••......••....•••
BLOUNT, deputy frorn North Carolina, signed this Constitution. \Villiam .................. .
BORRO\V money. Congress shall have power to borrow money on the credit of the United
States ....•....•..•.•......•••.•...••..•....•..•...••..•...•..•••.••.......•..••.•
BOUND. Persons bouna to service for a term ofyeanl, included in representative numbers .....
BREACH of the peaee. For a breaeh of the peaee, a Senator or Representativo may be arrested.
BREARLEY, deputy from New Jersey, signed this Constitution. David ................... ..
1 7
1 7
1 7
1 7
1 10
3 3
1 8
1 2
1 6
1
2
2
3
1
2
2
3
1
7
7
i
8
1:2
23
i9
23
8
2
fi
23
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ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continuedo
RRIBER Y o AH civil officers shall be removed from oflice on impeachment for, and conviction of,
bribery, &c. o o o o o o o . o o o o o o . o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o • o, • o o, ••.•••••• o .•••.••• o .•• o, ••.••
BROOM, deputy hom Delaware, signed this Constitution. Jacob ............ o .............. .
BUILDINGS. Congress shall have power to exercise exclusive legislation over needful lmild-
ings in places purchased by the consent of the Legi,datures of the States .•..•••.....•.•
BUSINESS. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business ••......••..••
BUTLER, deputy from South Carolina, signed t\m Constilutíon. Pierce .................... .
CAPITAL crime. No person shall be he Id to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime,
unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land
or uaval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger .•
CAPIT A TIO N tax. N o capitation, or other direct, tax Hhall be laid, unless in proportion 10 the
census or enumeration hereinbefore directed 10 be taken .........•...•...•...••.......•
CAPIT ATI O N tax. N o amendment shall be made prior to 1808 to affect the preceding clause .•
CAPTURES. Congress shall have power to declare war, to grant letters of marque and reprisal,
and make rules concerning captures on land and water. o ......•••.•...•... o •..•••.....
CARE. 'l'he President shall take care that the laws be fiúthflil1y executed o .................. .
CA RROLL, deputy fmm Maryland, signed this Constitutiol1. Daniel ..................... o.'
CASES to which the judicial power shall extend. (See Judicial Power.) ....................... .
CAUSE. No warrant shall issue bm UpOl1 probable cause ......... o o ....... o ........... o .... .
CENSUS to be taken within three years aner first meeting of Congress, and every ten years
thereafter, in l3uch manner as they shall by law directo .......... o o ........ o o ...... o • o.
CENSUS. N o capitation, or olher direct, tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or
enumeration hereinbef(¡re directed to be takeno ..... o ........... o ... o .. o ... o o ...... o •.
CENSUS. N o amendment shall be made prior to 1808 to affect the preceding clause ......... .
CESSIONo On the cession by particular States of a district, (not exceeding ten miles square,)
and the acceptance of Congress, it may become the seat of Government of the United
States .••• oo ••.•••..•• o 0 •• 00 •• o •••.• o o o. o o oo. o o o .............. o, o o o .••.•••.••• o ••• o
CRARG E of treason. A person charged in any Statc with treason, &c., who may fiy from jus-
tiee, to be delivered up amI rellloved to the State having jurisdü.:tion of the crime ....... .
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Art. seco el. page. ¡¡:.
2 4 1 17
23
1 8 17 10
1 5 1 5
23
5th amend. 26
1 9 4 11 :> Z
5 O O 21 ...
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1 8 11
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2 3 1 17 :n
23
3 2 1 17
4th amend. 26
1 2 3 2
1 9 4 11
5 O O 21
1 8 17 10
4 2 2 19
O
CHIEF JUSTICE shall preside when the President of the United States is tried on an impeach-
ment by the Senate. The ....•.•.••..••. " '.' .• . . .. • • .• . . .• . . .• . • .• . . .. • . .• • . .• • • .•• 1 3 6
CHOSEN. (See Elected, &c.)
CHUSE. (See Elect.)
CITIZEN of U nited States. N o person shalI be a Representative in Congress who has not been
seven ye~rs a citizen 01 the United Stale.~ ........... : ................................ .
CITIZEN of Umted States. No person shaIl be a Senator m Congress who has Ilot been nme
years a citizen of the United States .................................................. .
CITIZEN. No person exccpt a natural bom citizen, or a citizen ofthe United States at thetime
of the adoption of t he Constil \ltion, shaIl be eligible to the oflice of President .•......•.•
CITIZENS. The judicial power shall extend to controversies between a State and citizens of
another State; between citizens of diílerent States; between citizens of tbe same State
claiming lands under grants nf difierent States; and between a State, or the citizens
tbereof, and foreign Statcs, citizens, or subjects ........ , .................. " ........ .
CITIZENS. The citizens of each State shaIl be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citi-
zens in the several States .•.......•..........•.......••..•••..•..•.•.•.......••..•••
CITIZENS. The judicial power of the United States sball not be constrlled to extend to any
1 2 2
1 3 3
2 1 5
3 2 1
4 2 1
00 suit in }aw or equity commen~e.d 01' prosecl~ted against one. of the U nited States by citi-
zens oí another State, or by cltlzens or subJects of any forelgn State •••.••..•...•••.••.• 11th amend.
CIVIL oflice. (See Oflice.)
CIVIL officers. All civil officers of the U nited States shall be removed from office on impeachment
for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other hig-h crirnes and misdemeanors......... 2 4 1
CLAIM. Fugitive slaves shaIl be delivered up on claim of the party to whom they belong, &c.. • 4 2 3
CLAIMS. The Congress shaIl have power to dispose of and rnake aIl needful rules and regula-
tions respecting the territory or orher property belonging to the United States ; and nothing
in this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the U nited States,
or of any particular State •...•........••.....•...••..•...••...••.•••.•••.•.. " • • .• • • • 4 3 2
CLASSES. The Senators shaIl be divided as equally as may be into three classes. (See Senators.) 1 3 2
CLEAR. Vessels bound to or from one State shall not be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties
in another .•..••..••......••..•.•.........•...••...•.......•..•.•......•...•••••..•
e LYMER, Deputy from Pennsylvania, signed this Constitution, George •....••.••...•..•••.••
CülN money. Congress shall have power to coin money, regulate the value thercof, and of
foreign coin ....•••..•..•••.••..•••.••..•••.••••••••.••.••.••.•••••.••...••.•..••••
1
1
9 6
8 5
4
2
4
14
18
19
28
17
20
20
3
11
23
8
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ALPHABETICAL ANALYSlS-Continued.
e 01~. (See Counterfeíting.) .............................................................. .
C o J N money. N o State shall coi n money ................................................. .
COIN. No State shall make any thing hut gold and si!ver coin a tender in payment of debts ..•
COLLECT duties. Congress ¡¡hall have power to lay and colleet duties, taxes, imposts, and ex-
cises .•.••••.••..•...••..•••..•...••.••...•......••......••...••.•.......•.•.•••.••
COl\:1::\1ANDE~.IN .CF~:rEF. 'fhe President s~~l.l be Commander~in.Chief of the Army and
N avy of the Umted States, and of the mIlltla of the several States, when ca!led into the
actual service of the U rlited States ................................................. .
C O l\IME RC E. Congress shall have power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among
the several Statcs, and with the Indian tribes ....................................... .
CO::YI:\'IERCE. No preference "hall be given by any regulations of eommeree or revenue to the
ports of one 8tate over thof'e of another; no1' shall ve¡.;sels, bound to or hom one 8tate, be
obliged to enter, elear, or pay dutlCS m anothcr ...................................... .
CO:.vlMI88IONS. The President shall llave power to fill up all vacaneies that lDay happen
during the recess of 1he Senate, by granting eommissions whieh shall expire at tlle end of
thr;ir Ilext se¡.;sion ............•....................•...•..•.........................
e 0:\1 :\1JSSI o N S. 'rhe President "hall cornmission all the officers of the U ni1ed Sta tes ...... .
CCnnION detence, &c. The COllstitution established to provide for the eummon defence, &c .•
CO':\DION defcllce. Congress shall have power to provide for the common defence ........... .
C01H1VION law. In sllits at common law, where tlle vallle in controversy shall exceed twenty
dollars, the right of trial lJy jury "hall be prcserved: and no Ütet tried by a jury shall be
otherwise re-examined in any eourt of the United States, than aeeording to the rules of
the eommon law .•..... " .................. " .............................. " .....•
C O:UP ACT. N o State shall, withOllt the eonsent of Congress, enter into any agreement or com-
paet with another State ur a foreign power ........................... " ............. .
CO::\IPEL the attendanee of absent memhers. A smaller number than a quornm of eaeh House
may compe! the attendan('e of absent members, in slleh manner and under slleh penalties
as eaeh 110use ¡nay provide .............................•...•.......•.......•......•
CO;vrPEN SA Tl O N. 'rhe Scnators and Rcpre"entatives shaU rpceive a eompensation for theír
services to he aseertainecl by law and paíd out of the Treasury of the United States .....
COMPENSA 1'10 N uf the President of the Uniteu States. 'fhe President shall, at stated times,
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Art. see. el. page. O)
1 8 6 9
1 10 1 12
1 10 1 12
1 8 1 8
2 2 1 15
1 8 3 8
1 9 6 11 :>
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'2 ::1 1 17 ~
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1 tl 1 1:3
7th arnend. '27
1 10 3 12
1 5 1 5
1 6 1 6
e
recelVe for hlS services a compensation which shall be IleJt hel" lllcrem;ed nor diminished
during tile period ror which he ¡;hall have oeen elected, and he shall not receive withill
that period any other emolument hom the United States, or any 01 them ............... .
e OMPENSATIO N. The judges ooth of the Supreme and Inferior eourts shall hold their offiecs
during good oehaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their scrvicps a compensa-
tion which shall not be diminisheJ during their continuance in ofilce ..............••....
COMPENSATION. Nor shall p.rivate property be ta'ken for publie use without just eompensa-
tion .....•...................•.................•.................•.......••.....•..
COMPULSORY process. In all criminal prosecutions the accused to have compulsorv process
lur obraining witnesses in his úlvour ........................................ : ...... ..
CONCllR. 'l'he 8enate may propuse and concur in amendl11ents to r!:'vellue bilis, &c ......... .
CONCllRRENCE. No pcrson shal! be convicted on an il11peachl11ent witllOut the concurrence
oi' two-thirds ol' the Scnators present ............................................... ..
CONCURRBNCE. Every order, resolution, or vote, to whieh the concurrence of the two
Houses l11ay be necessary, shall be presented to the President, except, &c .............. .
CONFEDERA'l'ION. No State shall enter into any confederation ......................... .
c.:üNFEDERA1'ION. Al! deots contral'ted or engagements entered into belore the adoption of
this Constitution, shal! be as valid against (he United States under this Constitution as
under (he Confederation ........................................................... .
C O NFESSI O N in open court. N o per80n shall be convicted of treason unless Oll lhe testimony
of two witnesses to the same overt act, or Oll confession in open court •.• " ....••..••...
CONFRONTED. In all eriminal prosecutiolls, the aeeused shall enjoy tlle right to be eon-
fronted with the witnesses against him ............................... " ............. .
CONGRESS United States. Alllegislative puwers hcrcin granted shall be vested in Congress ..
CONGRESS United States shall consist of a Scnate and House of Representatives •.•.••.••.•••
e o NG RESS, members of. (See Senators.) (See Representatives.)
~ O N G RESS shall by law direct the manner in which the census or enumeratlOl1 of t11e people
shalt be nlade ..................................................................... .
CONGRESS. 1'he first Congress to consist of 65 memuers from the several Stales, as me n-
tioned hereín. (See Representativcs.) •••.••...••..•..••...•...•..•.. " .......•••....
CONGRESS. 'rhe time, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representa-
tives, shall bfi preseribed in eaeh State by tlle Legislature thereof¡ but the Congress may,
(~
2 1 7 15
3 1 1 17
5th amend. 26
6th amend. 27
1 7 1 7
1 3 6 4
1 7 3 8 >
1 10 1 U ~ >
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3 3 1 19
6th amend. 27
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 2 3 2
1 2 3 2
.;:..
....¡
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continuedo ~
Art. &el! el. pageo 00
at any tIme, by law, make or alter such reguIations, except as to the place s of choosing
::)ellators o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 1 4 1
CONGREt>S ",hall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the fin,t
MOllday in Dccember, utlless they shall by law appoint a diflerent day o o o o o o o o o o o 00 o o o o 1 4 2
CONGRESt> of the Ullited Slates;-
Each House shall be tlw judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own
members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but 11
smaller number llIay adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compe! the
attendance of ab¡;ent members, in such manner and under such penaltics as each
Hou:;e may provide o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 1 5 1
Each House lIlay determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disoTllerly
behavior, alld, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expeI a membero o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 1 5 2
Each House shall keep a J ournal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the
same, excepting snch parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy j ami the
yeas and nays of the lllembers of either House, on any question, shall, at the desire
of one-lifth of those prcsent, be entered on the J ournalo o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 1 5 3
N either House, dUl :llg 1he session úf Congress, shall, without the consent of the other,
adjourn far more Ü:an three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two
Hou~es shall be sittíng o . o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o . o • o o o o • o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o • 1 5 4
All bii!s for raising revcnue shall originate in the House of Representatives j but the
Senate may propuse, or concur with, amendments, as on otl:er bil!so o o . o o o .. o o .. o o . 1 7 1
Every biJl which shdl bave passed the House of Representatives alld the Senate. shall,
befóre it becorr,e a law, be preseIlted to the Pff~sident of the t;'lli13d t>tates j if he ap-
prove, he shall sign it, but if not, he shall re! urn it, with hit": ohjections, to that
House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objectlOns at large on
their J oumal, and proceed to reconsider it o o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o o • o o o .. o o .. o o o 1 7 2
If, after Sll(;)¡ reconsiderar ion, two-thirds 01' that lIouse shall agree to pass the !Jill, it ¡;:hall
be sent, togetber with the objections, to the other lIo\lse, by which it shall likewise
be reconsidered, and ifapproved by two-thirds ofthat HO\lse, it shall become a lawo o 1 7 2
But. in all such cases, the vot-es 01' both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays,
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ami the names of the persnns yoting for and agaillst the bill, shall be entcred on the
.T ournal of each IIouse respectlVely ..... '.' " ....•..••..••....•. , ...•.....•.•.••.•
If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays exceptedl
after it shaH have been presented to hirn, Ihe same shall be a law, in like manner as
if he had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in
, .. hich case it ehall not be a la\v .•.................••••..•.......•.•.......•.•...
Evcry ord·)!·, resolutioJ\, or vote, to which the COlleurrence ol' the Senate and House of
Representatives Dluy be necessary, (exeept on a question of adjournment,l shall be
presenled to the President ol' the United States, and, before tite same shall take
efI'tct, sha1l be approved by him, or, bcing disapproved by him, sltall be repassed by
two-thirds oI' the 8enate and HOl1se of Representatives, acconling to the rules and
limitatlOns preseribed in the case oI' a bill. ..••••. , ..••..•...•.•.•.••.....•...••.•
CONGRESS sha11 have power
'1'0 lay and colleet taxes, duties, imposts, and exeises, to pay the debts and provide for
the cO.umon deft:)J1ee and general welI'are ol' the U nited States; but all duties, imposts
aud excises sha11 be uniI'orm throughout the Unired Slates ........................ .
To borrow money on the credit oI' the United States ............. ·· .................. .
'1'0 regulate comrnerce with foreign nations, and alUong the several States, and with the
Indian tribes.· ..•••..•..........••..............••...•...•...........•..•••.••..
To establish an uniI'orm rule oI' natnralization, and uniI'orm laws on the subject oI' bank-
ruptcies throughout the United States .......................................... .
To coin money, regulare the value thereof, and of I'oreign coi n ; and fix the standard oI'
weights and llleasures ..•.....•....•• " ...••...•...•..•.•..........•. " ...•••.••
To provide ¡ór the punishmeut oI' counterfeiting the securities and current coin oI' the
United States ......•..•.......•..••• " ...•....••..••..•......•....•..•...•••.••
'I'Q establish post offices and post roads ............................................. .
1'0 promote the progress of science and useful a¡ts, by securing, I'or lirniteJ. tillles, to au-
thors aud inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries ••
1'0 constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ....••...•.......•............• "
To define and punish piracies and I'elonies committed on the high seas, and oBences
arrainst the law oI' nations .••...•..•.......•..•••..•.••••.....••............. " .•
To d;ciare war, grant letters oI' marque anJ. reprisal. and make rules concerning captures
on land and water ............................................................. .
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL Y SIS-Continued.
To raise and support armies: but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a
longer tenll tha.n t\yo years .....••.....•••...•.••...••.•••••••..••••••.•.•.••...•
To provide and mmntmn a navy ......................... ·· .. ·, .. •• .. · .............. .
'1'0 make rules far the government a. d regula l ion oí" the land and naval forces ••.•....•
T.o provide far calling 10rth the militia to eXeCllte the laws of the Union, suppress insur-
reetions, and repel invasions .............................. • .. •• .. •• ............ .
To provide for orgallizillg, arming, and disciplining lhe militia, and for governing such part
of them as may be employed in the service of the U nited 8tates, reserving to the
States, respect ively, the appointment of the oHieers, and the authority of truining the
militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress .••.••..••..••..••...••..
To exercise exclusive legislation in a1l cases whatsoever, over su eh district (not exceeding
ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular Statcs, and the acceptance of Con-
gress, beCOlllC t he seat of t he Government of the United States, alld lO exercise like
authority over al! pIaees pnrchased by lhe consent of the Legislature of tlle State in
which the same "hall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenaL" dock-yards,
and other needfu! buiIdinrrs' aud ......................... •• .. ·· ................ .
To make alllaws which shan be necessaryalld proper for carrying into execution the
foregoing powers, and al! other powers vested by this COllstitlltion in the Govern-
ment of the Unitcd ::3tates, or in any department or ofliee thereof .................. .
CONGRESS. The migration or importatíon of such persons as uny of the States nowexititing
shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited bythe Congress prior to the year 1 HOS, bu!
a tax or duty may be imposed on such importatlOn, not exceedJllg ten dolJars tór eaeh
person .••...........•......•••.•••.•.•..••...•.••••••......•••.•...•....•......••.•
CONGRE::3S. No title ofnobility shall be granted by the United States; aJll! no persoll holding
any office of profit or trust ander then. shall, wit hout the consent of Congress, accept 01"
any present, emolument, offiee, or title oi" any kind whutever, hom ally king, prince, or
tóreign State •.•.•••..••.....••......••..................••..•...•...•...••...••.•••
C O N G RESS. N o State shall, without the cOllsent of COllgress, lay any imposts or duties on
imports or exports, except what may be absoluteiy nece~sary for exeellting Íls in:;;pection
laws: and the nett produce of aU duties and impo8ts, bid by any Statc 011 imports or
O'l
Art. seco cl. page. O
1 8 12 9
1 8 13 9
1 8 1<1 9
1 8 15 9
1 8 16 9
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1 9 1 10
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exports, shall be for the use of the Treasury of the United States; and aH such laws a
"hall be subject to the revision and control of the Conaress .....••.••••..•.••..•••.•••• 1 10 2 12
CONGRESS. No State shall, without the consent of Cong~ess, by ally duty of tonllage, keep
troops or ships of war, in time of peace-ellter into anyagreement or compact with another
State, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless aetually invaded, or in such im-
1 10 3 12 minent danger as will not admit of delay ....•••.......•..•...•..•...•.•.....•...•••.•
CONGRESS. Each State shall appoint, in sueh manner as the Legislature thereor may direct, a
number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which
¡he State may be entitled in the Congress ............................................ 2 1 2 13
C O N G RESS. The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on
whieh they shall give their votes; which day shall be the same throughout the U nited
1 3 14 States .••..••.•.•..••.•.•..••...•......••..•.••••..••.•••.••..•.....•......••.•••.• 2
C O N G RESS. The Congress may, by law, provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or
inability, both of the President and Vice President, dedaring what officer shall ¡hen act
:> as President, and such officer sha11 act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a
1 5 14 Z President shall be elected .....•......••..••••.....•..•••..•..•••..•..•...•••.•••.••• 2 :>
CONGRE8S. The Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they t"'
think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of Depart- ...; 00
ments .••..••..••.•••..•..••.••.•..•..•••.•••.....••.••.•.•••..•..•.......•••.••••. 2 2 2 16 ......
CONGRESS. The President shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information of the ~
state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or
either of them, and, in case of disagreement between them with respeet to the time of
16 adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ••..••..•••.•••• 2 3 1
CONGRESS. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court,
and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain alld establish •• 3 1 1 17
C O N G RESS. In certain cases the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to
law and fuct, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as the Congress shall
18 make •••..••..••••••.•••.•••..••.•••.••........•..•..•••.•••..•......••...•..•.•.. 3 2 2
CONGRESS. When crimes are not committed within any 8tate, the trial shall be at such place
3 18 or places as the Congress may by law have directed .................................. 3 2
CONGRE88 shall have power to declare the pUllishment oftrea~on; hut no attainder of treaSOI1 01
¡¡hall work corruption of blood or forfeiture. except durill~ the life of the perSOI1 attainted. 3 3 2 19 .....
\
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
CONGRE8S. FuI! fnith and credit shnll be given in each 8tate, to the puhlic acts, records, and
judicial proceedings of every other 8tate. And the Congress may, by general laws, pre-
scribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the
('freet thereof ..••..•..••.....••• " ...•....•..••...••.•••..••..••.••......•...••..••
CONGRESS. New States may be admitted by the Congress ioto this Union; but no new State
sha!! be formed or erected within the jumdiction of aoy other State; nor any Statc be
formed by the junction of two or more States, ar parts of States, without the consent of
the Legislatures of the Statcs eoncerned, as we!! as of the Congress .................. .
CONGRESS. The Congress shall have power to dif'pose of and make al! needflll rules and regu-
lations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States; and
nothing in this Constitution Rhall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United
8tntes, or of any particular State ................................................... .
CONGRESS. The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses sha!! deem it necessary,
sha!! propose amendments to this Constitution; or, an the application of the Legislatures
of two-thirds of the several States. sha!! ca!! a convention for proposing amendments,
which, in either case, shall be valíd to al! intents and purposes, as part of this Constitu-
tion, when ratified by the Legislatures of three·fourths of the several 8tates, or by con-
ventions in three-fourths thereaf, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be pro-
posed by the Congress: Provided. t hat no amendment which may be made prior to the
year 1808, sha!!, in any manner, afrect the first and fourth elauses in the nintb scetion of
the first article; and that no 8tate, without its conseut, shall be deprived oí' its eq nal suf-
frnge in the Senate .•..................•... , .•..•...••. , .......•....•..••..•••..•..•
CO~GRESS. The Senators and ReprPsrntatives in Congress shall be bound by an oath or
affirmation, to support this Constitution .......................................... ; .. .
CONGRESS sha!! make no law respeeting an establishment of religion, or prohihiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of ¡;:peeeh or of the preS8; or the right of the
people peaceably to assemiJle nnd to petition t he Government for a redre;::s of grievanees.
CONGRRSS. The certificates of the eleetorn\ votes for President and Vice President of the
United States shall be opened by the Pref'ident of the Senate, in the presenee of the
Senate and House of Representatives, and the vutes shall then be ~ounted ............. .
CONNECTICUT elltitlcd to 5 Representatives in the first Congress ........................ .
O't
Art. seco el. pagll. t.:J
4 1 1 19
4 3 1 20
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6 O 3 2Z
1st amend. 25
12th amend. 29
1 2 3 2 a
e o NSEN'!' of Congresso N o person holding any office of profit or trust under Ihe United StatcH
shall, without the consent of Congrcss, accept of any present, emolumcnt, oHice, or litle
of any killd whatever, frOIll any king, prince, or fóreign State ......................... .
CONSEN'!' of either Houseo N either House, during the session of Congress, shall, without Ihe
consent of Ihe olher, adjourn foro ~ore than three days, nor to any other place than that in
whlch ¡he two Houses shall be slttlng. o o o. o o .. o. o. o o 00 o, .. 0 •• 0 o 0.0 o o oo. o ... o .• o O". o o
CONSEN'!' of Cong~ess. No State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any illlpo.sts
?r ~\IIICS ~n Imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executmg
lIs II1SpectlOn laws o •... o . " ••.............. o ..•. o . o o .. o •......•••.....•...•• o . o •..•
CONSENT of Congresso No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty ofton-
nage; keep troops or ships of war in time of peace; enter into any agreement or cOlllpact
~i¡h an<;Jther. State. or with a foreign po~er, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or
111 such IInnlll1ent dan gel' as wIlI not admlt of delay ...... O" ........ o ........... o o ... o o
CONSEN'!' of the Legislatureso No State shall be formed by the junction of two or more
States, or parts of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned,
as well as of the Congress •. o ......•..•.. " o •.....•• o .• o ..•.•..••.... " o ..•• o .• o •.• o
CONSENT. No State, without its consent, shall be deprivedofits equal suffrage in the Senate
CONSENT. This Constitution adopted or done in convention by the unanimous consent of the
States present . o . o .... o • o o. o o ..•......• o ..••..••... o •. , .•..•....•.•...•.•.... o o ••..
e ONSENT o N o soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of
the owner. nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by lawo ........ o ..... ..
CONSTITUTION ordained and established in order to form a more per.[ect Union; establish
justice; ensure domestic tranquillity; provide for the common defence ; promote the gene-
ral welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty .• o .. o ........... o ................... .
CONSTITUTION. Congress shall have power to make alllaws which shall be necessary and
proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by
this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or office
thereof .•• o. o o', o 0'0 o o, .• 0.0 ••• 0 ••••• o 00 o 0'0 o o 00 o ...... 0 o 0.0 •• o ......•..•..• o 0.0. o o
CONSTITUTIONo No person except a natural born citi7.en. or a citizen at the time of the
adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President of the U nited
States .• o o .• o o '0 o o . o o •. o o o . o •• '0 o o '0 • o . o .•.•• o '0 ••• o ••. o •......••. " ••. o ••. o • o . o o o •
CONSTITUTION ofthe United Stateso The President shall. before he enter on the execution
a
1 9 8 11
1 5 4 6
1 10 2 12
1 10 3 12
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3d amend. 26
Preamble. 1
1 8 18 10
2 1 4 14
01
W
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
Art. see. el. page.
of his office, take an oath that he will, to the best of his ability, "preserve, protect, and
defend the Cohstitution of the U nited States". • . .. • • .. • . .• • • .• • • .• . • .. • • .• . . .• • • .• • • . 2
CONSTITUTION. The Judicial power shall extend to all cases, in lawand equity, arising
under the Constitution. • • •• • • .• • . •• • • •• • . •. . . .. . • .. • • .. • • .• . • .. . . .• • • .• • • .. • . .• • . • . . 3
CONSTI'l'UTION. Nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to pl'ejudice any
claims of the United States, or of any particular State, respecting the territory or other
pl'operty thereof .••.••••.•...•. " ••..........•• " • • .. • . .. • . .• • • .. • • .• • . . . . . . . • . . • . • 4
CONSTITUTION. 1'he Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it neces-
sary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application ofthe Legisla-
tures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a convention fol' proposing amend-
ments, which, in either case, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of this
Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or
bv conventionsin three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mqde of ratification may be
proposed by tile ~ongress; provided that no amemlment which may be made prior to the
year 1808, shall, m any manner, affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of
the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived 01' its equal
suffrage in the Senate.............................................................. 5
CONSTITUTIO~. AH debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of
this Constltution, shall be as vaJid against the United States under this Constitution, as
under the Confederation ... " ...•••..••..•••••. " • . .. • . .• • • .• • • .• . . .• • • .. . . .• . . .• • . • 6
CONSTITUTION. This Constitution, and the laws of lhe United States which shall be made
in pursuance thereof, and al! treaties made, or which shalI be mude, under the authority
01' the U nited States, shall be the Sllpreme law of the land; and the judges in every State
shall be bOllnd thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary
nol wil hRtanding. . . .• . . .. • . . . • . .. • • .. . • .. • . . . . . . . • . . . • • .• • • .• • . .• . . .. . . .. • . .. • . .• • . . 6
CONSTITUTION or laws of any State. The judges in every State shall be uound by the Con-
slitution, law8, and treaties 01' the United States, any thing in the Constitution or laws of
any State to the contrary notwithstanding. • . .. • . .. . . .. . • .. . . .. • . ... . .. • . .. . . .. • • .. . . . 6
CONSTITUTION. The Senatol's alld ReprcRentatives before mentioned, and the membel's of
the scveral State Lcgislatures, and all exeeutive and judicial officers, both of the U nited
Stal,es and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or uffirmation to support this Con-
1 7
2 1
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stIlutlOn; out no rertglOus test shall cver be required as a qualification to any oflice of
public trust under the United 8ta1es ............................................... ..
CONSTITUTION. The ratification of the convenlions of nine Sta tes shall be sufficient for the
establishmnnt of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same ..•..••.••..•
CONSTITUTION. The adoption of the Constitulion, done in convention by the unanimous
consent of the States present, the 17th day oi" September, A. D. 1787. and of the inde-
pendence of ¡he United States the twelfth .....................•................•.....
CONSTITUTION. The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights sltall not be con-
strned to deny or disparage others retained by the people •.............. '. o ••••••••••••
CONSTITUTION. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor
prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people ..
CON8TRUCTION. Nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any
claims of the U nited 8tates, or of any particular State .••..•..••..........•.•...•.•.. "
CON8TRUED. The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to
deny or disparage others retained by the people ..•..•...•....•. , ........•........•.•.•
C O N 8TR UED. The judicial power of the United States sha11 not be construed to extend to any
suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United 81ates by citi-
zens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State .•. '" ..••••••••••••
CON8ULS. (See Appointments.)
CONSULS. The judicial power shall extend to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public
ministers, and consuls, in which the Supreme Court sha11 have original jurisdiction •.•.••
e ONTRACTS. N o State shall pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts ......•...••.
CONTRACTED. All debts contraeted, alld engagcmcnts entered into before the adoption of
this Constitution, sha11 be as valid 'igainst the U nited Sta tes under this Constitution as
under the Confederation .....••..••.......• " ......•••..•.......•••..••.•...•...•••.
CONTROVERSIES. 'rhe judicial power sha11 extend to controversies to which the United
States shall be a party; 10 controversies between two or more States; between a State
and citizens of another State; between citizens of different States; b6tWee'n citizens of
the same State claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State or the
citizens thereof and foreign States, citizens, or subjects ••• " .••••...••..•...•...••.•••
CONTROVERSY. In suÍts at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
6 o 3 22
7 o 1 22
7 o 1 22
9th amend. 28
] Oth amend. 28
4 3 2 20
9th amend. 28
11th amend. 28
3 2 1-2 18
1 10 1 12
6 1 1 21
3 2 1 18
7th amend. 27
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
CONVENE CONGRESS. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both
HouRes, or either of thenl ..•......••.•....••...•.•.......••••.••••••.••...••••.•...•
C O NVEN ED. 'rhe United Stales shall, on application of the Executive of a State, when the
legislature cannot be convened, protect su eh State from domes tic violence ..•..••..•.. , •
CONVENTION. The adoption of the Constitution, done in convention by the unanimous con-
sent ofthe States present, the 17th Septemher, A. D. 1787 ....... · •.•..•......•...••••
CONVENTIONS for proposing and ratifying amendments of the Constitution. (See Constitu-
tion.) .•...........•.......•......••.....•........•...•....•..••..•...•..•.•..••.•
CONVENTIONS of States. The ratification ofthe conventions ofnine States shall be sufficient
for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same ••...•
CONVICTED. No person shall be convicted on an impeachment, without the concurrence of
two-thirds of the Senators presento ................................................. .
CONVICTED. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two wit-
nesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court ••..•.•..•••.••.•.•...••..••
CORRUPTION ofblood. No attainder of treason shall work corruptioll of blood or forfeiture,
except during the life of the person attainted ....................................... ..
COUNSEL. In all criminal prosecutions the accused to have the assistance of counsel for his
defence ..................•......•...••...•.••..••......••..•.......•....•...••.•.•
COUNTERFEITING. Congress shall have power to provide for the punishment of counter-
feiting the securities and current coin of the U nited States ........................... .
COURT of impeachment. (Se e Impeachment.)
C O URT. (See A ppointment of J udges of the Supreme Court.) •.•.•••..••.•.•...•..••.•••••••
COUR T. N o person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testilllony of two witnesses to
the same overt act, or on confession in open court ................................... .
COURT ofthe United States. In suits at comlllon law, where the value in controversy shall ex-
ceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no fact tried by a
jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according te
the ru les of the COllllllon la w ....•.•.••...•......•.•..•..•.•.••••....••••••..•...•••
COURTS. Congress shall have power to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court •..•
COURTS of law. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointlllent of such inferior officers as
Art. see. el. page.
2 3 1 16
4 4 1 20
7 O 1 22
5 O O 21
7 O 1 q'J ~...,
1 3 6 4
3 3 1 19
3 3 2 19
6th amend. 27
1 8 6 9
2 2 2 16
3 3 1 19
7th amenn. 27
1 8 9 9
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they think proper in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of depart
nwuts .•.............•....••..•............. ,., ...•..........•...........•...•..•.•
COURTS. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and
in such inferior courts as the Congress may, from time to time, ordain and establish. (See
Judicial power.) ........•••..•...•......•.•••.•... , .•••.•••..... , .•.....•••.. ; ...•.•
CREDIT of the United States. Congress shall have power to borrow mane y on the credit.uf the
United States ..•......•..•.....•..••..••.••.•.•.••••.•••..••.......•..•...•••.•..•
CREDIT. No State shall emit bilIs of credit .............................................. .
CREDIT. Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records, and judi-
cial proceedings of every other State .............................................. , •
CRIME. A person charged with treasan, felony, or other crime, and fleeing hom justice, to be
delivered up to the State having jurisdiction of the crime ............................. .
CRIME. N o person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on
a presentment or indictment 01' a grand jury .................. , ...................... .
CRIMES. (See Removal of Civil Officers.l ............................................... oo
CRIMES. The trial of al! crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shaIl be by jury ........... .
\O CRIlVIIN AL <¡ase. N or shall any pe'rson be compelled in any criminal case to be a witl).ess against
hirllself ................••..•.......•....••..•........•.....•.•..•...•...••.......•.
CRIMIN AL prosecutions. In aIl criminal prosecutions the accused shaIl enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime
shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,
and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusatian; to be confranted with the
2 2 2 16
3 1-2 O 17
1 8 2 8
1 10 1 12
4 1 1 19
4 2 2 19
5th amend. 26
:2 4 1 17
:J 2 3 18
5th amend. 26
witnesses against him; to have compulsory p(Ocess for obtawing wÍtnesses in his favor;
and to have the assistance of counsel for his defenceoo................................. 6th amend. 27
CRUEL and unusual punishment. Excessive bai! shall not be required, nar excessive fines im-
posed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. • • .. •• .. •• .. • • .. • ... • • .. • • ... . .. • •• 8th amend. 27
DANGER. (See Public Danger.)
DA YTON, deputy from New Jersey, signed this Constitution. Jonathan.oo .............. oo.. 23
DEA TU. In case of the de-ath of the President, lhe duties of that office shall devolve on the Vice
Preúdent, and in case of the death of both President and Vice President, Congress shall
by law declare what officer ¡¡¡hall then aet as President.. • .. •• ... • .. • • ... • .. • • ... • ... .• 2 1 5 14
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ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
Art. seco el. page.
DEBA TE. Senators and RepreRontatives, for any speech or debate in either Rouse, shall not be
questioned in any other place .••.•.•.........•...•••.....•••.•••.....................
DEBTS of the United States. Congress shall have powor to pay the debts of the United States
DEBTS. No State shall make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ..
DEBTS. All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adoption of this Consli-
tution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution as under the
Confederation •••.•...•...••.•••.•.••..•......••. " ••.••..•...•••..•...•..........•
DEFENCE. Constitution established to provide for the common defence .................... .
1
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Preamble.
1 8 1 DEFENCE. Congress shall have power to provide for the commoIWlefence ....•..............
DEFEN C E. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shaU enjoy th!!' right to have the assistance
of counsel for his defenC!e........................................................... 6th an1end.
DEFEND the Constitution. The President of the United States shall swear or affirm to preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of tlle United States. . . .. .. • • ... • .• • • .. . . .. •. .. . . . 2 1 7
DELA \V ARE entitled to one Representative in first Congress. • . .. • . .. . • .. . . .. . . .. . • .. . . .. . . . l. 2 3
DELEG A TED. The powers not delegated to the U nited States by the Constitution nor pro-
hihitea. by it to the States, ~re reserved to the States respectively or to the people ...... , 10th amend.
DELEGA TES or members of State Legislatures shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support
t his Constitution .•...••......•...•...................•............................. 6 o 3
DELIVERED up. Fugitives from justice to be delivered up to be removed to the State having
jurisdiction of the crime .....•...•..•..•. " •...•..•....•...... , . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . 4 2 2
DELIVERED up. Persons held to service or labor (or slaves) eseaping into another State shall
be delivered up on claim of the party to whom su eh service or labor may be due. • . .. . . .. 4 2 3
DEMAND. A fugitive from justice shall, on demand of the Exeeutive authority of the State
from which he fled, be delivered up to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the
erime............................................................................. 4 2 2
DEP AR TMENT of the Government. Congress shall have power to make alllaws whieh shall
be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and aH other
powers vested hy this Constitution in the Government of t11e United States, or in any
department or oflice thereof ................•............•...........................
DEP AR TMENTS. The President may require the opinion in writing of the principal oflicer in
each of the Executive departn1ents •• . .. • .. • •..•.......••..•...••..•...•......••..••
1
2
8 18
2 1
6
8
12
21
1
8
27
15
2
28
22
19
20
19
10
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DEI' AR TMENTS. The Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior oflicers as ~
they think proper in the President alone, in the courts of law or in the heads of depart-
2 2 2 16 ments .. ·· .•. · •.. ·····•·•·•····•··········· .•......•• ··········•··· ....••......•..•
DEPRIVED. No State without its consent shall Le deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 5 21
DEV OL VE. In case of the removal of the President fi-om oflice, or 01' his death, resignation, or
inaLility to discharge the powers and duties of the said oflice, the same shall devolve on
the Vice President ••.......••..•......... " ....••..••.•••..••...• " •..•.....•.•...• 2 1 5 14
DICKINSON, deputy from Delaware, signed this Constitution. John ....•........•...•..••.. 23
DIREC T tax. Representatives and direct taxes to be apportioned among the States according to
3 2 their respective numbers, &c. (See Representatives.) .........•................•..... 1 2
DIRECT tax. N o capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census
or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken .....................•.......•..••... 1 9 4 11
DISCRARGED from servictl or labor. N o person held to sen"ice or labor in one State shall
be discharged from such service or labor in another .••..........•................••... 4 2 3 20
DISCIPLINI'NG the militia. Congress shall have power to provide for organizing, arming, and > z disciplining the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be em ployed in the ;¡..
service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively the appointment of the
~ oflicers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by [h
Congress •••......••..•..........•........................••..................•.... 1 8 16 9 '"'" (rl
DISCOVERIES. Exclusive right to discoveries may be secured by inventors for a limited time. 1 8 8 9
DISORDERLY behavior. Each. Rouse may punish its members for disorderly behavior .......• 1 5 2 ;)
DISTRICT not exceeding ten miles square. Congress shall have power to exercise exclusive
legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as
may, by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Congress, Le come the seat of
the Government of the United States ........... " ....•.......•...•..............•... 1 S 17 10
DISTRICT. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a specdy and puLlic
trial by an impartial jurh of the State and District wherein the crime shall have Leen com- 6th amend. ",., mitted, which district s all have been previously ascertained by law .................... ...
DISQUALIFICATION. Judgment on impeachment a disqualification to hold and enjoy any
4 oflice, &c., under the UnÍted States ................................................. 1 3 7
DIVIDED. The Vice President shall have no vote unless the Senate be equally divided ........ 1 3 4. 4
DOCK yards, &c. Congress shall have power to exercise exclusive legislation over dock yards,
17 10 Ot &c ................................................................................ 8 c.c
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued. o
A rt. see. el. page. O
DOMESTIC tranquillity. The Constitution established to ensure domestic tranquillity ........ Preamble. 1
DOMESTIC violence. The United States shaIl, on application of the Legislature, or of the
Executive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) protect each State against domes-
tic violence .•• o •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 4 1 20
DURING good behavior. The Judges, both of the Supreme and Inferior courts, shall hold their
17 oflices during-good behavior ......................................................... 3 1 1
DUTIES. Congress shall have power to lay duties .......................................... 1 8 1 8
DUTIES. AH dúties, imposts, and excises shaIl be uniform throughout the United States •••..• 1 8 1 8
DUTIES. N o preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports
of one State over those of another ; nor shaU vessels bound to or from one State be obliged
to enter, clear, or pay duties in another ••....•.•.•.•.•.............•.•.••..•...•..... 1 9 6 11
DUTIES on imports. N o State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or > duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its Z inspection laws: and the nett produce of aIl duties and imposts laid by any State on im- >-
ports or exports shaIl be for the use of the Treasury of the United States, and aIl such t"'
-< laws shaU be subject to the revision and control of the Congress .••......•.•.••........ 1 10 2 12 V1
DUTIES. III case of the death, removal, resignation, or inability of the President to discharge .....
the powers and duties of that oflice, the same shaIl devolve on the Vice President, &c ..• 2 1 5 14 ~
DUTIES. The President may require the opinion in writing of the principal oflicer in each of
the Executive departments, upon any Bubject relating to the duties of their respective
oflices .....••.•....•........•..•.....•.•.......•............•...........•.•........ 2 2 1 15
DUTY or tax might have been imposed on imported persons (or slaves) up to 1808 ....••...•...• 1 9 1 10
DUTY. N o tax or duty shaIl be lui,l on articles exported from any State ...................... 1 9 5 11
DUTY of tonnage. N o State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage ..• 1 10 3 12
EFFECT of proceedings of States. Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the effect of the
public acts, records, and proceedings of States ....................................... 4 1 1 19
EFFECTS. The right of the people to be secure in their effects against unreasonable searches
4th amend. and seizures shaIl not be violated .................................................... 26
ELECTED. Representatives in Congress shaIl be chosen or elected every second year by the
people of the severa! States •••.••••••••••••••...•......•....••••••.••..••••.••.•••.• 1 2 1 1 M
'" •
ELECTED. Two Senators from ear::h Statc shall be chosen or elceted by t'ne Legislature
thereof fOI" six years .•.. o o o o o ...•.........•.•........... , •.......•...•...•......•...
ELECT. The Senate shall elect or choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore,
in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise lhe oflice of Prelúdent of
the U nited States .•.......••....•....• o ... " •.•.....••. , ••.•...•••.....••....•.•...
ELECTION. When vaeancies happen in the representation from a State, the Executive thereof
shall issue writs of election to fill them ............................................. .
ELECTION of President and Viee President United States. 1'he President shall hold his office
during the term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, choscn for the same
term, be elected as follows: .••.........•.•..•..•.•..••.•••.•••••••.•••.•••••••.•••.•
ELECTION. President and Vice President United States-
Each State shall appoint. in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a numo
ber of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the
State muy be entitled in the Congress; but no Senator or Representative, or person hold-
ing an office of trust or profit under the U nited States, shall be appointed an elector .•..•
The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for Pre¡,;ident and
Vice President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with
themselves. They shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and, in
distinct ballots, the person voted for as Vice President; and they shall make distinct lists
of al! persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice President, and
of the number of votes for each; whieh liSIs they shall sign and certify, and transmit
sealed to the seat of Government of the United States, directed to the Presidem of the
Senate. The President of the Sencte shall, in presence of the Senate and Rouse of
Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be countcd: the person
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, if such number
be a majority of the whole number of eleetors appointed; and if no perstm have such ma-
jority, then, from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding tluee, on the list
of those voted for as President, the Rouse of Representatives shall choose, immediately,
by ballot, the President. But, in choosillg the President, the votes shall be taken by
States, the representation from eaeh State having one vote: a quorum for this purpose
Rhall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all
the States shall be neeessary to a choice. And if the Rouso of Represontatives shall not
choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
2
1
1
1
5
4
1
2
3
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
Art. see. el. page.
day oí March next foliowing, then the Vice President shall act as President, as in the
case of the death, or other constitutional disability of the President .••......•...••..•..• 12th amend. 28
, The person having the greatest, number of votes as Vice President sha11 be the Vice
President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of "alectors appointed; and
if no perr;on have a majority. then trom the two highest numbers on the list the Senate
shall choose the Vice Presldent: a quorum for the purpose shall eonsist of two-thirds of
the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shaIl be necessary to
a choice .••..••.••.•.••. , ....••..•.•.••..•...........•...•...••..•..•.•..•...•..... 12th amend.
But no person constitutiona11y ineligible to the oflice of President, sha11 be eligible to
that of Vice President of the United States ........................................... 12th amend.
Congress may determine the time oí" choosing the elecwrs, and the day on which they
ahaIl give their votes; whic:h day sh~ll be the same throug~0':lt the United, States. . . .... . • 2 1 4
In case of the removal of the Presldent from oflice, or oí hls death, reslgnatlOn, or ma.
hility to diseharge the powers and duties of the said oflice, the same shall devolve on the
Vice President, and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death,
resignation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer
shall then act as President, and such oflicer shall fict acconlingly, until the disability be
removed, or a President shaIl be elected ..... Oo, •••••••••••••••••••• " •• " •••••• " • • •• 2 1 5
ELECTIONS. The times, plac'es, and manner of holding elections fúr Senators and Represen-
tatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof, but the Congress
may, ~t any time, by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of
chooslng Senators ........•..••••............................. _..................... 1 4 1
ELECTIONS. Each House shal! be the judge of the tlections, returns, and qualifications of
its own members................................................................... 1 5 1
ELECTOR. No Senator or Representative, or person holding an ol1ice 01' trust or profit under
the United States. shall be appointed an elector of President or Vice President 01' the
United States ..............•..•• ·•. .......•........................ ..•............• 2 1 2
ELECTO RS. The qualifications of eledors of Representatives in Congress to be the saIlle as iúr
elpctors of the most numerousbranch 01 the Srate LPlpsluture......................... 1 :J O
ELECTORS of President and'Vice President 01' the Uniled ~tatps. Appointment, qualifica- 5 2 1 2
tion. time of choosing. and duties oi' electurs. (Seo Election.) ••...•••.••.•••.••..•••• ( 12th amend.
30
30
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ELIGIBILITY ofa Representative in Congress. No person shall be a Representativewho shal1
not have attained to the age oi" twenty-five years, and been se ven years a citizen of the
United States, and who shall not when elected be an inhabitant of that State in which he
shall be chosen ..•... ; ............. __ ••..••..••••.......... -- .. -- .•........ __ • • .. . . • 1 2 2
ELIGIBILITY of a Senator in Congress. N o person shall be a Senator who shall not have
attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the U nited States,
and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he shall be
chosen............................................................................ 1 3 3
ELIGIBILIT Y of electors of President and Vice President of the United States. N o Senator or
Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the U nited States, shall
be appointed an elector. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . • .. . . .. . • .. • . .. .• • • .. . . .. . . .. .. • • .• . • .. 2 1 4
ELIGIBILITY of lhe President of the United States. N o person, except a natural born citizen,
or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be
eligible to the oHice of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who
shall not have attained to the age of thirty-fi ve years, and been fourteen years a resident
within the United States............................................................ 2 1 4
ELIGIBILITY of the Vice President of the United States. N o person constitutionally ineli.
gible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United
~ltateR ..•.•.....•.•.....••..••......••••........•..•.•.••......•.•..•......•..••.•. 12th amend.
EMOLUMENTS. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was
elected, be appointed to any civil office under tht authority of the United States, which
shall have Leen created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased, during
su eh time.. . .• • • •• . . .. • . .. . • . . . . . . . • • . .. • • .. • . .. • • . . • . .. . • .. • . •. • . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . 1 6 2
EMOLUMENT. No person holding any offiee of profit or trust under the United States, shall,
without the consent of Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any
kind whatever from ally King, Prince, or foreign State ...........................•... 1 9 8
E::\IOLUMENT of the President of the United States. The President shall receive a stated
compensation, but no other emolument from the United States, or either of them........ 2 1 6
EN EMIES. Treason against the United States shall consist only in le'l'ying war against them,
or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort........................... 3 3 1
ENGAGEMENTS entered into. All debts contracted or engagements entered into before the
adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Con.
stitution as under the Confederation • • • •• • • .• • • •• • • •• • • •• • • •• • • .• • • •• • • .• • . .• • • •• • • •• 6 O 1
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30 .... ~
6
11
15
18
21
O)
e;.,
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
ENSURE domestic tranquillity. The Constitution established in order to ensure domestic tran-
quillity,&c .•••• " ••••••••.....•....•.......•...........•..•..•••.••..•...•...•....••
E NTER. Vessels bound to or from one State shall not be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties
in another ........... •••• .. ·· ... •······•··· •• ·· .. · ... · •• ··•·•··•···••···•· ..• · ....•
ENTITLED. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States ....................................................... .
ENUMERA TION of the people to be made within three years after first meeting of Congress,
and every ten years thereafter, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The ....... .
ENUMERATION. No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the
census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken ••••.••.•.•..•••.••......•.••.•
ENUMERATION ofrights. The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retaincd by the people .••.•••.•••..••..•..•....••
EQUAL suffrage. No State without its consent shall be deprived of its equal suf1rage in the
Senate .............................. · .. ·· ............... · .. ·· .. ·· .. ·· ............ .
EQ UITY. The Judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this
Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made or which shall be made
under their authority ..................................................•..•....... , •
EQUITY. The Judicial power ofthe UnÍ1ed States shall not be cOllst,rucd to extend to any suit
in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of
anot her State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State ...•....••.•.•....•..•....•
ESCAPING. Persons held to scrvice or labor (or slaves) escaping into another State shall be
delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due .....•..•••
EST ABLISH justice. The Constitution formed ID arder to establish justice, &c .............. .
EST ABLISH. The Judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court
and in such Inferior conrts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and estublish ••
ESTABLISHMENT of the Constitution. "Ve, the people of the United States, in order to form
a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for the com-
mon defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves
a.nd our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the UnÍted States of Ame-
rIca ............... Q •••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
EST ABLISHlVIENT of this Constitution. The ratification of the cOllventions of nine States
~
Art. seco el. page. ~
Preamble. 1
1 9 6 11
4 2 1 19
1 2 3 2
1 9 4 11
9th amend. 28
:>
5 21 Z :>
r
~
3 2 1 17 Ul ....
U".I.
11th amend. 28
4 2 3 20
Prcamole. 1
3 1 1 17
Preamble. 1
tr:1
shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constltution between the States so ratify- ~
il1 c.r tlle san1e ....................................... IP ................................. 7 O 1 22
EST ABLISHMENT of religion. 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
1st amend. 25 reli~.,.ion ......... , •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
EXCESSI V~E bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punish-
8th amend. 27 ents inflictcd .•......•....••.•••.•••.•••••••.•••.••••.••.•••••••.••..••..••..•••..
EXCISES. Congress shall have power to lay excises ........................................ 1 8 1 8
EXCISES. Al! duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States ..••• 1 8 1 8
EXCL USIVE rights to writings and discoveries in science and the useful arts may be secured to
8 8 9 authors and inventors for a limited time •••..•..•.•.•••••...•••.••..... " •...••..••..• 1
EXCL USIVE legislatíon in al! cases whatsoever shall be exercised by Congress over such dis-
trict (not éxceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular States' and the
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the Government of the United States •••..•• 1 8 17 10
EXECUTE. The militia may be called forth to execute the laws of the Union ................ 1 8 15 9 > EXECUTE. The President is required to take an oath faithfully to execute the office of Presi- Z
dent ofthe United States ........................................................... 2 1 8 15 >
EXECUTED. The President shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed ......•.....•• 2 3 1 17 t"' ~
EXEC UTI O N of the powers of the Government. Congress shall have power to make alllaws en
....
which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the forel{Jing powers and rn
all other powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the nited States, or
8 18 10 anl department or office thereof •.•••.•.••..•.. o o o o o, o o o' o • o' o o o o o' • o • o o' ••••• o o, •••• 1
EXECUT ON. Before the President enters upon the execution of his office, he shall take the
following oath or affirmation. (See Oath.) .................... o" •• o ••• o ........ o ••••• 2 1 7 15
EXECUTIVE authority of any State shall issue writs of election to fill vacancies that may happen
~ 4 3 in the representation of such State. The •.• o •••••••••••• , •••••• o, • o ••••••• o •• o •••••• 1
EXECUTIVE of any State may make temporary appointments to fill vacancies in seats of Sena-
tors until the next meeting of the Legislature of such State, which shall then fill such
3 vacancies. The •••.•••.•.. o' •• o ••• o' ••••••• o •• o' ••••• o ••• o ••• o ••••••• o • o o • o, •••••• 1 3 2
EXECUTIVE power. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States
1 13 ot" America ... ",e ................................................................... 2 1
EXECUTIVE departments. The President m:->v rer¡uire ¡he opinion in writing of the principal
officer in each of the Executive departmeJ,lS Hpon ally subject relating to the duties of their
1 15 O) respective 9ffices •.•..•.......•......... " .......................................... 2 2 01
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Conl ¡nl1cd.
EXEC UTIVE authority of a State. On demand of the Executive authority uf a State, fugitives
from justiee shall be delivered up, &c ............................. " .....• " .........•
EXECUTIVE of a State. 1'he United States shall, on applieation of the Legislature, or of the
Exeeutive of any State when the Legislature eannot be convened, proteet eaeh of them
acrainst domestic violence .•...••..•....•.•..•..........•.•.•••..............•...••..
EXECU'rIVE offieers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath
or affirmation to support this Constitution ......•.•.•.••••••..••..•....••.•....•..••..
EXPEDIENT. The President shall, from time to time, recommend to.Congress such measures
as he sh:tll j udge necessary and expediento ....•...•.••••.••••••..•....••..•..•.•.••.•
EXPEL a member. Either House of Congress may, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a
me,mber ••.•••...••.•••..••..••......••..........••.••••.•• : •••.••..••..•.•.•.....
EXPENDITURES. A regúlar statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all
public money shall be published from time to time ................................... .
EXPORTS. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State ................. .
EXPORTS, &c. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on imports or
exports .•••.••.•••.•••..••..••.....•.•...........•.•.•...•.••....•..•...•......••••
EX POST facto law. N o bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall·be passed.: .............. .
EX POST facto law. No State shall pass any ex post facto law ....... · ..................... .
EXTRAORDIN ARY occasions. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, eonvene both
Houses of Congress, or either of them •••..•..••..•••..•..••..•••.•••.••..•••..•••.•••
FACT and law. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction both as to law and fact, &c.
F AITH and credit to be given to public acts, records, and proeeedings of States, &c .•..•••..•.•
FELO NIES. Congress shall have power to define and punish piraeies and felonies committed on
the high seas, and offences against the law of nations ................................ .
FELONY. For felony a Senator or Representative may be arrested ......................... .
FELONY. A person charged with felony, and fleeing from one State to another, to be delivered
up on demand of the State having j urisdict ion ....................................... .
FEW, depllty from Georgia, signed lhis Constitution. William .............................. .
FINES. Exeessive buil shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel und unusual
PUllishments inflicted ........................ , ..................................... .
Art. see. el. page.
4 2 2 19
4 4 1 ZO
6 O 3 22
2 3 1 16
1 5 2 5
1 9 7 11
1 9 5 11
1 10 2 12
1 9 3 11
1 10 1 1:2
2 3 1 1G
3 2 2 18
4 1 1 El
1 8 10 9
1 G 1 6
4 2 2 1!)
23
8th amend. 2i
Col
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FT'I'7;STMONS, deputv from Pennsylvania. Si!!lwr! this COllstitution. Thomas ............... .
FOREIGN nations. Congress shall have powcr to regnlate eamnwrce wi¡h f(lreigll nations ..... .
FOREIGN cain. Congress shull have power to cüin money, reg1l1ate the valne ¡hercor, and oí
foreign coin .....•...........•.•...................................................•
FOREIGN State. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United Statcs, and no person
holding any oflice of profit or trust undo, thorn, shall, without the consent of the Con-
g:css, a~('ept of ~ny: pre~cllt, emolument, afEen, or title, of any kind whatevcr, from any
lung, pnnce, 01' forelgn Statc ................................•.......•..............•
FOREIG¡'¡- power. No :::)t~te shall, without thc consent of Congress, enter into any ao-rcement
or compact with anc,her Slatc, or with any fórcign pawer ..................... "' ....... .
FOREIG N St1ltes, citizcns, or subjects. The Judicial pawer shall extend to controversies be-
twcen a Stnte. ar the citizens thereaL and íoreis;n States, citizens or suhjects .......... .
FOREIGN State. Tho Judicial pawer of the Unitcd Rtatcs shall not be constrned to extcnd to
any suit, in law or equity, commenced or prosecutcd against one of the United States by
citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State ................ .
FORFEITURE. N o attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood or íorfciture, except
during the life of the person attriintcd ............................................... .
FOR}f a more perfeet union. The Constitution established in order to form a more perfcct unian.
F O R TS, &c. Congress s,!lall have power to exercise exclusive legislation over forts, &c .•....•
FRANKLIN, deputy from Pennsylvania, signed this Constitution. Benjamin ..•...•...•..••..
FREE State. A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right
of the people to keep aud bear arrns shall not be infringed ••••••.•••... ' ............... .
FREEDO IVI of speech and of the press. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or
of the press •••.••••••••.•••••••.•.••••••.•.•.•..••••••••••.•••.••..••..•••.•••.••••
FUGITIVES from justice. A person charged in any Statewith treason, felony, or other crime,
who shall tlee from justice, and be found in another State, shall, on demand of the Execu-
tive authority of the State from which he tled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State
having jurisdiction of the crime ..................................................... .
FUGITIVE slaves. N o person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, es-
caping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged
from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such
service or labor may be due .••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
23 .. ~
8 3 8
1 8 5 8
1 9 8 11
1 10 3 12
3 2 1 18
>-
11 th nmcnd. 28 ~ ;.-
3 3 2
t"
19 "'"!
Preamble. 1 'fJ
1 8 17 10 CJ;
23
2d amend. 25
1st amend. 25
4 2 2 19
4 2 3 20 ~
-l
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
&ENEltAL we.lfare. 1'he Constuunon estaonsnea tu promote the general welfare ........... .
G EN ERAL welfare. Congress shall have power to provide for the general welfare ........... .
GENERAL laws. Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which the public
acts, records, and judicial proceedings of States suall be proved, and the effect thereof ..•
GEORGIA entitled to three Representatives in the urst Congress •••.•• ~ .................... ..
GILMAN, deputy from New Hampshire, signed tuis Constitution .. Nicholas ............... ..
GOLD and silver coin. No State shall make any tllmg but goid and silver coin a tender in pay-
ment of debts .•••.•...••.•••..•...•••••..•....•....•..•....•......•...............•
GOOD behavior. The Judges, both of the Supreme and Inferior courts, sha1l hold their offices
during good behavior .............................................................. .
GORHAM, deputy from Massachusetts, signed this Constitution. Nathaniel .•...........•..•
GOVERNING the militia. Congress shall have power to provide for governing such part of the
militia as may be employed in the service of the United States ....................... .
GOVERNMENT. Congress shall have power to make rules for the government and regulation
of the land and naval forces .••........•••...••.......•.•••.•...•••......•...•..•.•.•
GOVERNMENT. Seat of Government established ....................................... .
GOVERNMENT of the United States. Congress shall have power to make alllaws which shall
be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and a11 other
powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of this United States, or in any de-
partment or office thereof ....••..••...••..••..•...•.......••.••......•••..••..•..•••
GOVERNMENT. The United States shall guaranty to every State in the Union a Republican
form of government •.. " ....•...••.•....••......•....•..••......•...•..•...•...••••
GOVERNMENT. Congress shall make no law abridging the right of th€' people peaceably to
assemble and to petition (he GovArnment for a redress of grievances ..•...•..••..••...••
G RAND jury. N o person shall be he Id to answer fúr a capital or otherwise infamous crime,
unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, &c ............................ .
G RANT. N o State sha11 grant any title of nobility ......................................... .
GRANT. The President shall have powerto grant reprieves and pardüns for offences against the
United States, except in cases of impeachment ...................................... .
GRANTED powers. Alllegislative powers granted sha11 be vested in a Congress of the United
State.s .............................................................................. .
~
Art. see. el. page. \Xi
Preamble. 1
1 8 1 8
4 1 1 19
1 2 3 3
23
1 10 1 12
3 1 1 17
23
1 8 16 9 :> Z
1 8 14 9 > t"
1 8 17 10 ~
rJl
..... ;n
1 8 18 10
4 4 1 20
1st amend. 25
5th amend. 26
1 10 1 12
2 2 1 16
1 1 1 1 O
GRANTING commissions. The President shaIl have power to fi11 up al! vacancies that may
== happen during the recess of the Senate, by grantirJO" commíssions whi¡;h shali expire at the
end of their next session .................•. " .. ~ ....•...•......................•..• 2 2 3 16
G RANTS of States. The Judicial power shail extend to cases between citizens of the same
State claiming lands under grants of different States .•......••..•............•.......• 3 2 1 18
GRIEVANCES. Congress shail make no law abridging the right oi" the people peaceably to
1st amend. assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances ...................• 25
GUARANTY. The United States shali guaranty to I.)very State in this Union a Republican form
4 4 1 of government ......•.•.•.•.•.•.•..•... '.' ..•...••..•.•.•...•....•.............•...• 20
HABEAS corpus. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shali not be suspended, unless
when. in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it ... " .........•.• 1 9 2 11
HAMILTON, deputy from N ew York, signed this Constitution. Alexander ................. 23
HAPPEN. When vacancies happen in the represcntation from any State, the Executi-ve autho-
> rity thereof shail issue writs of election to fiil such vacancies ..•.....••...............•• 1 2 4 3 z HAPPEN. When vacancies happen, by resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legis- >
:::: lature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments, &c ......• 1 3. 2 3 t'" ~ HAPPEN. The President shail have power to fiil up al! vacancies that may happen during the rn
recess of the Senate, &c .......•........... , ..... , ....... , ••. , ......•...........•.•• 2 2 3 16 ....
HEADS of Departments. The President may require the opinion, in writ.ing, of the principal ~
officer in each of the Executive departments, upon any subject relatmg to the duties of
their respective offices ....•.•.........•........•....•....... ·.•.·.·•· ..........•..• 2 2 1 15
HEADS of Departments. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of such inferior
officers as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads
of departments •...•...•..••...•..•.•...•.•...•....•.••.••.•..•..•...........•..•.• 2 2 2 16
HIGH crimes and misdemeanors. The President, Vice President, and aH civil officers of the
United States, shail be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason,
bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors .•....•........•....••••........•...•• 2 4 1 17
HONOR. J udgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office,
and disqualification to hold and enjoy any oflice of honor, trust, or profit, under the United
1 3 4 States ..••..•.•••...•...•.•.........•...•.•.•.........•..•........•.........••••.•• 7
HOUSE of Reps. Congress shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives •.••.••••••• 1 1 1 O)
(.O
ALPHABETICAL AN AL YSIS-Continued.
HOUSE of Repe. MemLers of the House of Representatives chosen every second year by the
people .....................................................•... , .......•........•
HOUSE of Reps., members ofthe. (See Representatives.) .
HOUSE of Reps. Qualifications of electors of members of the House of Reps., the same as for
electors of the most numerous branch ot the State Legislature •••••••••••••••••••.•.•••
HOUSE of Reps .• shall thoose their Speaker and other officers. The ••••••••••..••••••••••••••
HOUSE of Reps. shall have the sole power of impeachment. The .••••••••••••.•••.••••••.•••
lIOUSE of Representatives. The-
Shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members. and a
majority shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller nu,?ber mayadjourn
from day to day, and may be authorized to campel the attendance of absent members
in such manller and under such penalties as that House may provide •.••..•.......•
May determine the rules of its proceedi~gs, punish its members for disorderly behavior,
and, wlth the conCurrence of tWO-thll'ds, expel a member ..•••. , •.....•••.... , ., ., •
Shall keep a J ournal of its proceedings, and trom time to time publish the same, except-
ing su eh parts as may, in thei!' judgment, reqllire secrecy; and the yeas and nays of
the members of either House, on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of
those present, be entered on lhe J ournal ........•...••..•..•...........•........•
Shallnot, during lhe session of Congress, without the consent of the Senale. adjourn for
more rhan three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall
be sitting ...........•...••.•••••.•••.•...•.•••...•..••....••..•.•.......•...••
HOUSE of Reps. All bills tor raising revenue shall originate in the HOllse of Representatives,
but the Senate may propose, or concur with, amendments, as on other bilis ..•.•... , ..•
HOUSE of Reps. and Senate. Every bill which sha~l have passed the House of Representatives
and the Senate shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United
States; if he approve, he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objections,
to that Hous.; in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on
their journal, and proceed to recansider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that
Honse shall agree to pass the bitl, it shall be sent, togcther with the objections, to the
other Ho,use, lq whICh it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of
that House, it shall Lecome a law. But in all such cases the votes of both Houses shall
-':.~
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Art. seco el. pnge. O
1 2 1
1 2 1
1 2 5 3
1 2 5 3
1 5 1 5
>
1 5 2 5 Z >-
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....
1 5 3 5 ~
1 5 4. 6
1 7 1 7
::c
be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons votiI,1g for and ngamst the
bill shall be entered on the J ournal of each House respectlvely.. I~ any bIll shall not be
returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after It shall have been pre-
sented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the
Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it shall not be a law ••
HOUSE of Reps. and Senate. Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the
Senate and House of Representative~ may b.e necessary, (except on a ql!estion of adjourn-
ment,) shall be presented to the Presldent oi the United States, and, beiore the same shall
take efrect, sha11 be approved by him; or., being disapproved by hi!ll' shnll be repassed
by two-thirds of the Senate and Honse of Representativcs, accordlllg to the rules and
limitations prescribed in the case of a bill ........................................... .
HOUSE of Representatives and Senate. (See Congress.)
HO USES of Congress. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses
of Congress, or either of them .....•.....•............••...•....•..•..........••••..•
H O USES of Congress. The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it neces-
sary, shall propose amend¡nents to this Constitution ..•.•.•.•••...•.•...•••.•••.••..••
nOUSE. N o soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in anyhouse without the consent of the'
owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by la w ..••..•• " .. " ..•••••
HOUSES. The right of the people to be se cure in their houses against unreasonable searches
and seizures, shall not be violated .....•••....•.• '" ..................... " ......... .
HOUSE of Reps. If no person have a majority, (of the electoral votes as President of the United
States,) then, from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the
list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose, immedi-
ately, by ballot, the President. But, in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken
by States, the representatives from each State having one vote: a quorum for this purpose
shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of aH
the States sha11 be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Reps. shall not choose a
President whenever the right of choice sha11 devolve upon them, before the 4th day of
March next foHowing, then the Vice President shall act as President, as in the case of the
death or other constitutional disability of the President •••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•
172
1 7 3
2 3 1
5
3d amend.
..,
I
8
16
21
26
4th amend. 26
12th amend. 29
ThL'\1UNITIES. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to aH privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . ... . .•. ... . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . 4 2 1 19
-
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.
-:}
..-
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
1M PEACHMENT. The House of Reps. shall have the sole power of impeachment .......... .
IMPEACILVIENTS. The Senate ofthe United States shall have the sole power to tryall im-
peaehments .•••••.•......• " ..•••...•••..•..•••..•..••.•••.. " .•••••. , •...••.••••.••
I.MPEACHMENT. When sitting to try an impeachlllent, the Senate shall be on oath or affirma-
tion •••.•••..••••••..••...••••........•..•...•........••••••••..••..•...•...••••••
"\Vhen the President is tried, the Chief J ustice shall preside •.•.••.•.••...........•••.•
N o person shal! be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the melllbers pre-
sent ...•...• ···••······•···•·· •• · ..•... · ....•••... · ••• ··••··••···•·· •......•••.
Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than removal from office, and
disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United
8tates •••..•••.•••....•.•.••..••..•••......•......••.••••..•••••••••..••..••.•
But the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judg-
rnent, and punishment, according to law ........................................ .
IMPEACHMENT. The President shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offimces
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment .•...••..•.•.•...•...••.....•
IMPEACH.:vIENT. All cívil otlicers of the United States shall be removed from oflice on im-
peachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes alld misde-
meanors ..••.....................••.....•.•..........••••...•••..•..•.. " ........•
DIPEACR:\IENT. The trial of al! crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jllry ..•
IMPORTATION ofpersons. (8Iaves.) The migration or importation ofsuch persons as a/ly of
the States now existing shall ¡hink proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by Congress
prior to the year eighteen hllndred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such
importatíon, not exceeding ten dol!ars for each person ••...•• ··•··· ....•......•....•••.
D1PORTATION. No amendment made prior to 1808 shall affect the preceding clause •.•.•..
n'¡POSTS. Congress shall have power to lay imposts ..................................... ..
DIPOSTS. AIl duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States •..•
I.MP OSTS. N o State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or duties on im-
ports or exports, &c. (See Duties.) ............................................... ..
IN ABILITY. In case of the inability of the President to discharge the powers and duties of that
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President; and in case of the inability of both
.....:¡
Art. seco el. page. ~
1 2 5 3
1 3 6 4
1 3 6 4
1 3 6 4
1 3 6 4
1 3 6 4
1 3 6 4 > Z
2 2 1 ]6 :> t-<
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2 4 1 17 'fJ
3 2 3 18
1 9 1 10
5 :¿l
1 8 1 8
1 8 1 8
1 10 2 12
•
Pre~ident and Vice Pre~ident, Congre~s shall by Iaw declare what officer shall then aet as
President ..••..•.......•..................•.•..•..••..•..•...••....•..•..••..••...
INDI ANS not taxed, excluded from representativo numbers ..... ••·•••···· .. •··• .......... ·••
INDIAN tribe~. Congress shall have power to regulate commerce among the several States,
and with the Indian tribes .•.......•.•.•. " .............••....••• " .•...••.••••...••
INDIC1'MEN1'. Persons convicted on an impeachment, shall nevertheless be subject to indict-
ment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law .•. ··•··•·•· .•.......•..••...•
INDIC1'MEN1'. N o person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime,
unless on a prescntment or indictment of a grand jury, &c ............................ .
INFERIOR officers. (See AppointInent.) .................................................. .
INFERIOR courts. The judicial power of lhe United States shall be vcsted in one Supreme
Court, and in such Inferior COUTtS as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.
1'he judges, both of the Supreme and Inferior courts, shall hold their ofRces during good
behavior •••.•.•.•••..••....•.•••••.••.••...•...••.•.•••••.••• o .•. o .....•.••••.••••
INFERIOR courts. (See Judicial power.) ................................................. .
INGERSOLL, deputy from Pennsylvania, signed this Constitution. Jared ..... o o ...... o .... .
o INHABI1' AN1'. A Representative in Congress shall be an inhabitant of the State in 'which he
.. shall be chosen o o o •. ' o o • o o •• o • o •••• o • o o •• o o o o o o o •.• o •. o o ••. o • o • o •• o o o o o . o o o . o • o o o o •
INHABI1' AN1'o A Senator in Congress shall be an inhabitant of the State in which he shall
be chosen • o •••.••••• o" o. o o o •.•.. o .• o' o' o o. o .. o o. o o o o •••. o o o O" o o o o o O" o o o. o •• o o.
INHABI1' AN1'. 1'he electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for Presi:
dent and Vice President, one of whom, at leasl, shall not be an inhabitant of the same
State with themselves o. o ••• o ••••.•.•• o O' o •• o o o o o .••.••••• o ..• o •.•... o o • o O' •• O' ••••
INSPEC1'ION laws. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or
duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its
inspection laws •.••••• o • o ..••• o o •••• o o •• o . o o •••• o o .•• o ••••••• o ••. o .•. o o . o .•.. o ..•••
INSURRECTIONSo Congress shall have power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute
the laws of the U nion, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. o •••• o 0-' o o o . o •. o •.• o •
INSURRECTIONo The United States shall, on application ofthe Legislature, or ofthe Execu-
tive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) protect each State against domestic vio-
lence or insurrection ••. o o .••• o • o o ••.•••• o .••.••. o • o •• o ••••• o o . o ... o • o o o • o o o o .•.••••
INV ADED. N o State shall, without the consent of Congress, engage in war unless actually in-
vaded, or in su eh imminent danger as wiU not admit of del ay ••••••••••••••••••••••••••
~
2 1 5 14
1 2 3 2
1 8 3 8
1 3 7 4
5th amend. 26
2 2 2 16
3 1 1 17
3 1&2 17 >
23 Z >
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1 2 2 2 ~ m
.....
m
1 3 3 4 .
12th amend. 28
1 10 2· 12
1 8 15 9
4 4 1 20
1 10 3 12 '1 ti.)
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continucd.
INV A31 O NS. Congress shall have power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the
laws of the lJ nion, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions •••.•••.•••. ' •. , .••.•••.•
INV ASI O N. 'rhe privilcge of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when,
in cases ofrebellion or invasion, the public satety may require it ...•..•..•..•.......•.•
IN V ASI O N. 'rhe United States shall protect each State against invasion •••..••••••.•••.•.••
JNVgNTORS may secure exclusive rights to their discoveries for a limite u time •••••••••••.•••
JENIFER, deputy from Maryland, signed this Constitution. Daniel of Sto Thomas •.••.••••••
J E O P ARDY. N or shall any person be subject, for the same offence, to be twice put in jeopardy
of lite or limb .•••.•••.••.••.••••.•••...•....•.••.......•••.•...•..•..••••.•••.•••••
JOHNSON, deputy [rom Connecticut, signed this Constitution. '\Villiam Samuel ........... .
J OURN AL. Each House of Congress shall keep a J ournal of its proceedings, and [rom time to
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy;
and the yeas and nays of the members of either House, on any question, shall, at the de·
sire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the J ournal .••..•.......• o .. o 0.0 o o • o o • o o
JO URN AL. When the President shall return a bill, wit h his objections, to the House in which
it originated, those objections shall be entered at large on their J ournal, and t he votes, by
yeas and nays, on the reconsideration of such bill, shall be entered Oil the Journal of each
House respectivelyo (See Bil!.) o. o .. o ... o o ... o .. o o .. o o" o o" o o .. o o .. o o .. o o ........ o.
JUDGES of the Supreme Court. 'rhe President shallnominate, and by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, appoint the judges oí' the Supreme Court of the U nited Stateso •• o
J UDGES of the Supreme and Inferior eourts shall hold their oflices during good bchavior, and
shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation which shall not be dimi.
nished during their continuance in oflice o o o o o o o o o ; o o o o o o •• o o. o o . o o o . o o o o. o o o o • o o o o • o •
J UDG ES. 'rhe judges in every State shall be bound by tbe Constitution, laws, and treaties-
any thing in the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding •••••••
J UDGMEN T, in cases 01' impeachment, shall not extend farther than to removal from oflice, and
disqualification to hold and enjoy any oflice of honor, trust, or profit under the United
States; but the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment,
trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law ................................ 0 •••
JUDICIAL power. The judicial power of the LJnited States shall be vested in one Supreme
-t
Art. seeo el. page. ~
1 8 15 9
1 9 2 11
4 4 1 20
1 8 8 9
23
5th amendo 26
23
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1 7 2 7
2 2 2 16
3 1 1 17
6 2 22
1 3 7 4
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Court, and in such Inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and esta- '-4
blish. The judges, both of the Sup~eme and Inferior courts, sh~ll huid their offices during
good behavio~, ap~ shall, a~ stated. times! receive. for their serVlces a compensation which
ahall not be dlmlmshed dunng thelr contmuance In office •••.•••.•.. " . . .• • • .• • • .• • . .• • 3 1 1 17
JUDICIAL power: The judicial power sha.ll extend to all cases in l~w and equity arising under
this ConstltutlOn, the laws of the Umted States, and the treatles made, Of which shall be
made, under their authority j to an cases aIfecting ambassadors, other public ·ministers,
and consuls; to an cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies to
which the United Statcs shall be a party; to controversies between two or more States;
between a State and the citizens of another State; between citizens of diIferent States;
between citizens of the same State, claiming lands under grants of diIferent States; and
between a State, or the citizens thereof, and foreign States, ~itizens, or subjects ••••••••
In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, and those in
which a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court shan have original jurisdiction. In all
the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction,
both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as the Con-
gress shall n1ake .••.••..•••.•••.••..•.•..•••.•...••. ' .••.•.•..•..•••...•.•••••••...•
The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shan be by jury, and such trial
shall be held in the State w¡",ere the said crimes shall have been committed; but when not
committed within any St1Le, the trial shall be at such place orplaces as the Congress may
by law have directed •.•••••.•••.••••••..•.•..•...•••.••••••.••.••••...•...•.•••.• , •
JUDICIAL proceedings. F_dl faith, credit, proof, and effect to be given in each State to the acts,
records, and judicial proceedings of every other State ................................ .
JUDIGIAL officers, both of the United Stales, and of the several States, shall be bound by oath
or affirmation to support this Constitution .......................................... .
JUDICIAL power. The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to
any suit, in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, b"y
citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State .•.....••...•••.•
JURISDI.CTION. The judicial power shall extend to all cases of admiralty and maritime juris-
dlCtlOn ............................................................................ .
ERISDICTION. Original and appellate jurisdiction in the Supreme Court ................. .
'lJ{RISDICTION. A person charged in any State with treason, felonv, or other crime. and
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3 2 1 17
3 2 2 18
3 2 3 18
4 1 1 19
6 O 3 22
11th amend. 28
3 2 1 18
3 2 2 18
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ALPHABETICAL AN AL YSlS-Continued.
fl~eing from justice, to be delivered up and removed to the State having jurisdj~tJOn of the
cnnle ... ··•·••••··••···•·•·•·••·····••··•···•····•··········••·•···•··••··••••••• • JCRISDICTION. No new State shall be erccted within the jurisdiction of any other State .•••
J U R Y. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachmcnt, shall be by jury ...•......•••.•
J U R Y. N o person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless 011
a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, &c ...................................... .
JURY. In al! criminal prosecutions, the accused shal1 enjoy the right to a specdy and public trial,
_ by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed,
which district shall have be en previously ascertaincd by law .•...••..•.....•....•...•.•
JURY. In suits at common law, where the value in eontroversy shall exeeed twenty dollars, the
right of trial ~y jury "hall be preserved; and no fuet tried by a jury shull be otherwise re-
examined in any eourt cf the United States, than aeeording to the rules of the common
law .•..•....••.••••..••••••..•.••...•••.......•.••..•.•.••..•....•......•....•.••
JFSTICE. Constitution ordained in order to establish justice .•...••.••..•.....•..........•••
J USTICE. The Chief Justice shall preside when the President is tried on an impeaehment ..••
JUSTICE. Fugitives from justice lO be delivered up and removed to the State having jurisdiction
ofthe cnme ••• ·••• ••.••..••.•.•..••••.•••••••.•••..••..•••••...••...•...•.••••.•••
KING, prince, or foreign State. No title of nobílíty shall be granted by the United States, and
no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the
Congress, accept ofany present, emoluments, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from
any king, prince, or foreign State .•.... , ............•.......•............•.....•....•
KING, deputy from Massachusetts, signed this Constitution. Rufus ......................... .
LABOR. No person he Id to service or labor in one State, shall be discharged from such service
Art. see. el. puge.
4 2 2 ]9
4 3 1 20
3 2 3 18
5th amend. 26
6th amend. 27
7th amend. e¡-.. 1
Preamule. 1
1 3 6 4
4 2 2 19
1 9 8 11
23
or labor in another State ........•..........•........ , • . .. • . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. • . • 4 2 3 20
LAND and naval forces. Congress shall have power to make rules for the government and regu-
latíon of the land and naval forces .•......... " ••..........•...••..••.......•.••• " . • 1 8 14 9
LA ND ceded to or purchased by the U nited States. Congress shall have power to exercise exclu-
sive legislation, in aH cases whatsoever, over aH places purchased by the consent of the
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Legislature of the State in which th~ sam~ shall be, for the erection oí forts, magazines, ~
U1senals, dock yards, and other needful bulld1ngs .••••••..•. •• •. ··•·· ••..••••••••••••• 1 8 17 10
LAND forces. (See Army-~Iilitia.) ..
LANDS. The judicial power shall extend to controversies between c1tlzens of the same State,
2 1 18 claiming lands under grants oi" different States ........................................ 3
LAN G DO N, deputy from N ew Hampshire, signed this Constitution. J ohn ....••..••..••••..• 23
LA W. 'fhe actual enumeration oí" the people, or cenSllS, shall be made within three years after
the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term
2 3 2 of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct ............................... 1
LA W. A person convicted on an impeachment, sha11 nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial,
3 7 4 judgment, and punishment, according to law ......................................... 1
LA ,Y. 'fhe times, places, and manner, of holding elections for Senators and Representatives
shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may, at
any time, by law. make or alter such regulations, except as to the place s of choosing Sena-
1 4 1 5 > torso •.......•....•..........•..••....•..•...•......••..••..••.......•......•••...• Z LAW. 'fhe Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on tbe >
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a d1fferent day .....•..••••• 1 4 2 5 t'"
>< LAW. 'fhe Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be
'" ascertained by law, and paid out ofthe Treasury of tbe United States .................. 1 6 1 6 ....
'" LAW. Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, o
before it become a law. be presented to the President of the U nited Sta tes; if he approve
he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it with his objections to th~t House in which it
shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on the1r Journal, and pro-
ceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that House shall agree
to pass the bill. it shall be sent, together with the o~ections, to the other House, by
which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approve by two-thirds of that House, it
1 7 2 7 shall beco me a law .................................................................
LAW. If any bi11 shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after
it shall have beenpresented to hirn, the same sha11 be a law, in like manner as if he had
signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it
1 7 2 7 sball not be a law ••.•.•.....•.•.•.....•••.••..•••••••.....•...••..••••.••.•••••••••
LAW. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of tbe Senate and House of
-1 Representatives may be necessary, (except on a question of adjournment,) shall be pre- ~
4LPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS- ~ 4..!tinued.
sented to the President of the U nited States; and before the same shaIl take efrect shall
be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two·thirds of the
Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in
the case of a bill .••.•••.••...••.••••••.••••.••..•••.•••.••....••....•...•.....•...•
LA W of nations. Congress shall have power to define and punish piracies and felonies committed
on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations .•..•••••.•••.•.•.•••.•••.••.••
LA W. N o bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed .............................. .
LA W. N o money shall be drawn hom the Treasury, but in consequencc of appropriations made
LAW.
LAW.
LAW.
by law ....... ·············· .. ·· .. ················ .. ··.················.· .. ·· ..... .
N o State shall pass any ex post facto law .....•..........•...••••.•••.•••••••.•••.•••
N o State shal1 pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts ..................... .
In case of the removal, death, resignation, or inability, of both President and Vice Presi-
dent, Congress shall, by law, declare what officer shall then act as President ..•••.•..•.•
LA W. The President shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to
appoint officers not provided for in the Constitution, and whose offices shaIl be established
by law; but the Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of such inferior officers as
they think proper in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of depart-
nlents .................. , ., ., ., ................. , ................................ .
LA W and equity. The judicial power shaIl extend to aIl cases in law and equityarising under
this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and the treaties made, or which shaIl
Art. see. el. page.
173
1 8 10
193
197
1 10 1
1 10 1
215
222
8
9
11
11
12
12
14
16
be made, under their authority, &c. (See Judicial power.) •.•• ·.·.· ... 000 ...... o 0.0. o 3 21,2,3 17
LA W and fact. 'fhe Supreme Court shall have appeIlate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact,
with such exceptions, and under such regulations. as the Congress shaIl make ••• '0 • • .. • 3 2 2 18
LA W. \Vhen crimes shaIl not have been committed within any State, the trial shall be at such
place or place s as tlw Congress may by law have directed .... o ••• o ••••••••••• o • • •• •• • • 3 2 3 18
LA \Vo N o person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into
another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged [rom such
service or labor, but shaIl be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or
labor may be due •...•........•... o ••••• • •••••••••••••• • •••••••• o ••••••••••••••••• 4 2 3 20
4
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LA W. This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shaIl be made in pursuance
thereof, and aIl treaties made, 01' which shall be made, undel' the authol'ity of the United t"'4
~
LAW.
States, shaIl be the supreme law of t he land; and the judges in every State shall be bound
therelJy, any thing in the COllstitution. or laws of any State to the c.ontrary notwithstanding
Congress. shall ma~e no la~ r~spectm~ an establishment of rehglOn, or prohibiting the
free exercIse thereof ; or abndgmg the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of
the people peacealJly to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of griev-
ances .........•......••..•••.. o o o o o o. o o' o •. o. o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o. o o o o o o o
LA Wo N o soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the
owner, nor in time ofwar, but in a manner to be prescribed by law .. o ... o o .. o O" o O" o o o
LA W. Nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process oflawo
LA W. In all.criminyl ~rosecntions the accus.ed ~hall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial,
by an nupartlUl Jury of the State and dlstnct wherein the cnme shall have been committed;
which district shall have been previously ascertained by lawo o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o ... o o .. O'
LA W. In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the
right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise
re-examined in any court of the United States than according to the rules of the common
law. 0 •• 0 o, .... o. o o ..•• o. 0 •• 0 0.00 o 0.0 o 0'0 o 0.0. 0.0. O" o o •• o o 00 0.00 o 0'0 o. oo. O" o o o. o o
LA W or equity. The Judicial power of the United States shall not be eonstrued to extend to any
Sllit in law or eqllity, commenced or prosecllted against one of the United States by citi-
zens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign Stateo o o .. o o ... o .. o o .. o o o
LA WS. Congress shall have power to establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws
on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United States o 0.00 ••• 0 o o. o o ... o 0'0 o o 00 o
LA WS of the Union. Congress shall have power to provide for calling forth the militia io exe-
cut e the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions .••.•• 0'0 o 0'0 o O' o
LA \VS. Congress shall have power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper far
carrying into execlltion the faregoing .powers, and aH other powers vested by this Con-
stitution in the Governmem of the Umted States, or in any department or office thereof. o
LA WS. N o State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or duties on im-
ports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for execllting its inspection
laws ............... ···.·················· .............. ··········.· .............. .
LA WS. AH such State laws shall be sllbject to the revision and control of the Congress. o o o o o o o
LA 'VS. The President shall take care that the laws be fitithflllly executed. o o . o .. " o •... o . o o o o
LA WS of the. United States. The Jud\eial power shaH extend to aH cases in law and equity
arising under the laws of 111e Umted States, &c. o o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o o .. o .... o .. o o o. o o o.
6 O 2 21 ~
1st amend. 25
3d amend. 26
5th amend. 26
6th amend. 27
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7th amend. 27 Z >
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11 th amend. 28 lJl ..... ?l
1 8 4 8
1 8 15 9
1 8 18 10
1 10 2 12
1 10 2 12
2 3 1 17
3 2 1 17 ....¡ (.O
.4.LPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued. 00
Arl. seco el. page. O
LA WS. Congress may, by generallaws, prescribe the manner in which the public acts, records,
4 1 1 19 and judicial proceedings of States shall be proved, and the etfect thereof ................
LA WS of any State subordinate to the Constitution, laws. and treaties of the United States .••.• 6 O 2 21
LA Y and c<;>llect duties. Congress shall have power to lay and collect duties, taxes, imposts, and
1 8 1 8 eXClses· ••........•••..•••.•••••••.•.•.•........••..••..••.•••..••••.•..••..•••••••
LEGISLATION, exclusive. COligress shall have power to exercise exelusive legislation in all
cases what.soever, over such districl (nol exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession
of particular States and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of Government of
the United States, and toexercise like aUlhority over all places purchased by the consent
of the Legislature of the State in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, maga·
8 17 10 zines, arsenals, dock yards, and otber needful buildings •••.••••.••.•••.•••.•••.•••..•• 1
LEGISLA TI VE powers vested in Congress. All ........................................... 1 1 1
LEGISLATURE. Electors of Representatives in Congress shall have qualifications same as for >
electors of most-numerous branch of the State Legislature .••.•••..••..•• " ••.•••••••.• 1 2 1 1 Z ti-
LEGISLATURE of each State shall choose two Senators for six years. 'fhe .................. 1 3 1 3 t<
LEGISLA TURE. If vacancies happen by resignation or otherwise in the seats of Senators, -< ín
during the recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temo .....
porary appointments to fill such vacancies, until the next meeting of the Legislature, :n
which shall then fill such vacancies .•••.•.•.•...••..••.••••••••.••..••..••...•....• , • 1 3 2 3
LEGISLA TURE. 'fhe times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Repre.
sentatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress
may, at any time, by law make or alter such regulations, exeept as to the places of
1 4 1 5 choosing Senators ••••.....•••..•..•••••........•.•••.••...••••••.•.•.•••..•...•...•
LEGISLA'f U RE. The U nited States shall, on the application of the Legislature, or of the Exe·
cutive, (when the Legislature cannot be convened,) protect each State against domestic
4 4 1 20 violence ..•..•••.•..••••..•..••..•.••••..••••.•.•••••••••••.•••••••.•••.....•••••••
LEGISLATURES of States. Congress shall exercise exelusive legislation over úll places puro
chased by the consent of the Legislature of the State in which the same shall he, for the
1 8 17 10 erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful buildings •••.•...••
I .. EG ISLATU RES of States may direct the manner of appointing electors of President and Vice
2 1 2 13 t,"'4 President of the U nited States ••••.•••••••.••.••••••••.••.•••.•••••.•••.••••••••••••
LE\;I~<L\TURES o[States. Ko nf'W State "hall loe fornH'cl wíthin "notbcr ~i:!t(., r;¡;' al~yS:ate
~\C /,)I·11H'd hy tite junetioll 01 two <Jr more Statcs, witbollt the consellt uf lite Lt·'iíslatll¡,es n
01 ttIC State::> CIln(TrneU and uf COllgrc~s .•. ............ ............... . .............. 4 ;) 1
LE( aSLAT U RB;-;. Tj¡e Congress, whcnc·ver two-tJurus of bolh Hou!:'es fihall dcelll it necce!:'ary,
shali pro pose alltelldments to thie ConstitutioIl, or, on the applicarioll of ¡he LcgisJatures
ol" two-thirds of the several States, shall cal! R. convention for propo:3ing alllclldnlents,
which, in ei¡her case, :3hall he valid 10 all intents and purposl'S, as part nI" tLis COllslitu-
I ion, when ral ified bv t he Lcgi,datures of three-follrl hs oí" the several S; a:t'~. 01' Lv cnn
~.cnt!OllS in three-Ioll'rt hs thereuf, as one 01" the other mode of ratiti.calion may be propo:3ed
l1y CO:lgress .................................................. : ••.•.........•......•
LEGISL.\. TU RES. 'rIJe melld)(']'s 01 the several State LcgisJatures shalllJe bOlllld l,y uadl or
afiirnlHtioll to support lhl:3 COllsrÍtutiotl ............................................. .
LETTER:::; .of marr¡lIe alld reprisal. COllgre~s "hall have power to grant lelter:- uf ilJarq'lC alld
repnl"al ........................................................................... .
LETTE [(::) al marque aTICI repri~al. No Slale ",hall gran! l"tters of marque aud repn::'al ........ .
LlliERTY. 'file Constlwtion cSlalJli"l¡ed to sel'ure the hl"""illg;:; ofliberty, &c ............... .
- Lr[)~RTY. Nor shall atly pertiun be deprived uf lil8, lil,enr, O[ property without due prol'c;:s of
l¡¡w .•.••••...•.•.•.•••..••...•.....••.••.•.......••• · .•••.•••••••.•••.......•...•.•
~JIFE. No attall1der 01 trcason :,;ha11 work eOlTuption oí bluod~r !ürfeiture, except dllrín::; ¡he Jife
of t he peri:ion alt ¡¡int eu ........................... " ......................... : ...... .
LIFE or limbo Nor shall ally person be suhject, for the ~ame otfence, to be lwice pUL in jeopardy
of lite or lúnb •.•..••.•.••.•••.••••.•.•.•..•...•.••.•••..•••.•..••..••••••...••.••••
LIFE, liberty, or property. Nor shall any per~on be depri\"ed of life, lilierty, or prupt·rty ",i¡hout
fine proeess of law .•...•••.••..••...•..••.•....••.•••••••.••• : .•.••.•.........•...•
Ll~TS of electoral votes I(,r President alld Vice President of lhe United :::;tatcs 10 l.-e malle ...•.•
1.,1 VIXGSl'ON, deputy frol1l New Jersey, signed this COlIstitution. William ............... ..
;\f:\.DISCrX, ir., deputy frorrt Vir!';inia. ~ii!'nf'd this Constitution. Jame" ..................... ..
j\I.·\.G.\.ZL~ E~. &c. Congress slmll llave Jh)Wer to cxcrc!::<e exclusive legislation uver ¡elrb, m:J!,ia-
:l, i1lCfi. ,'\c.c ..••••••.••••••.•....•••••••••.•.•••..•••••••.••..••.....•••••......••••.•
. ',r Al O R LT Y o{ cadl House of C()n¡!:n'~~ "hall cOl1stitllte a quorum 10 do bllSinl'~·". c\ ... " .....•
1\1:\ JOIUTY oftilC \VilOle 1111m\¡er 01 e!celor;.; nccessary to eleet the Presidcnt alld Y.,:,. l'r":':t1e::t
OJ· í he l: nitcu ::)¡ att:s. /1 .•• ' •••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• " ••••••.•.•...••••••
5
G 3
1 8 11
1 10 1
Preamble.
5,11 amcnd.
3 3 2
5th mnend.
5¡h fl!1ll'lld.
12 r h lllll <.: m!.
1 8 li
1 D 1
}:.21 h a!1lend.
20
Zl
22
9
1'2
1
0~
_D
1 ~)
~G
::6
:.2 ~¡
:.23
::'3
10
;)
::'9
~
....
>
Z
~
.....
~
VJ.
.....
:r.
'l)
ALPHABETICAL ANAL Y SIS-Continued.
;\lAJORITY of all the ~tates ~hall be nccessary to a choice of President when the eleet;on "hrrll
devolve on ¡he Honse oi' Eepref'clltatives. A .•..•....•.......• -...••.................
}lAJ O RITY of the whole numbcr of ~ellators shall be nccessary to a choice of Vice Presidt'lI\,
when the eleetion of that oiReer dcvolves upon the Senate. A ... · ... · ................ .
MARIT IME jurisdiction. The judicial power shall extend to al! cases of admiralty and lll,mt;lllC
jurisdiction •.....•...••.......•.....••...•..•••.•.....•..•........................
:'líA R QUE and rf'prisa!. Congress shall have power to grant letters of marq ue amI reprisal .... .
\L\J-U~ UE and reprisa!. N o ::5tate shall grant letters of marque and reprisal .................. .
1\1 A R Y LA N D entitled to six Representatives in the first Congress ........................... .
'VIASS,\.CHUSET'l'S entitled to eight Representatives in the first Congress .................. .
1\1 eHE::-'¡ RY, deputy fi:om Maryland, signed tbis Constitution. J anl'~s ..•.....•.•............ "
~IEASU RES. Congress shall have power to fix the standard of weights and mensures ........•
l\fEASURES. The President shall, hum time to time. recommend to the consideration of Con-
gress sueh measurcs as he ~hall j udge necessary and expediento ....•....•......•.......
MEETING oí' Congress. The census to lJé taken within lhree years of the tirst meeting of e on-
grefS ..............••.........•................•.......•.•.•••....•. " ............ .
.'.IEETING. The Congrcss shall asO'cmble at lea"t once III evcry year, and such ll1eetinfl" shall be
on the hrst .\Iol1cIny in Deccmhcr, unless they shall by law' appoint a difierent daY ...... .
"1E:\I13ER8 of House of Represclltatives. (Sce Represcntatives.)
:\IE'VIBERS of the 8enate. (::ice Senatars.)
:\1IFFLIN, depmv ti-Olll Pennsylvania, signed this Constitution. Thoma,s ................... .
'\nC-RATION ofpcrsons. (See Impf)rtat~ioll.) ............................................. .
-'IlLITIA. Congress shall have power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws
oí' the Uníon, snppress insurrections, aml rC¡ll'l inv¡¡sions .....•...•. · ...•..............
-,nL ITIA. Congrciis shall have power to providc t;¡r organizing, arming, ami disciplining ¡he
militia, and fur govcrning sueh part of tlWlfl as may he employed in the service oí' lile
United Stales, n~serving to the Stateó', re,,;H;ctively, the appointment oí' the ofTicers, and
the authority of training lhe militia accordin~ 10 [he disciplille preseribed by Congress '"
.\IILITIA. The Pn",ident shali be cOlllmander-in-chief of the arllly and navy of the U nited Stal e:-;.
and nf ¡he lllilitia of the several States, when called into the actual service oi' lhe United
Statcs.. . ........ ~ ................................................................ .
ce
"\r1. seco cl. pnge. (~
l:2th al1lend. 20
12th rllllCl1d. 30
3 ~ 1 18
1 8 11 9
1 10 1 1:2
1 :2 ') :2 Ll
1 :2 3 :2
'l')
~.)
1 8 5 8
>-
2 3 1 16 z >
r-'
1 2 3 2 >< ~
[fl
1 4 2 5
23
1 9 1 10
1 8 15 9
1 8 16 9
2 2 1 15 ~
:\IlLITIA. A wdl-regulated militia !)('1l1g Ilcccssary lo tJ¡n sCl;mily of a free Statc, tne right of
the Jluuple to kee!1 and bear anllS sltall llol he infringed ......• " ...................... .
:i\llLITIA. N o pcrSOll shall be hcld 10 an"wer t()r a capital or otherwisc inLllllollS erimc, unlcss
on a pre!:ie,Hment 01' indietlllent oi" a grand jllry, except in cases arising in lhe land or Haval
torees, or in lhe militia when in aetual scrviee, in time of war or public dangor ......... .
l\IINIS'l'ERS, pub lie. (Se e Appointment>i-Ambassadors.) ................................. .
lVIlNISTERS, publico The President shall rcccive ambassadors and other fJllblic ministers .•• ·•
l\IlSDEMEAN O RS. All civil oflieers shall be remoyed b'om office on irnpeaehment tor, and con-
viction oí", misdemeanors, &c .•.....• ~ .••.... " ••..••.••.......•..............•.•..•
1\10NEY. Congrcss i::'hall llave powcr 10 borrow money Oll the credit ofthe Ullited States •••..•
MONEY .. Congre,;s shall have power to coin money, rcgulate the value thereof, and 01' foreign
e011l ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
lVI0NEY. Congress sha11 have power to raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money
to that use sha11 be for a longcr term than t",o years ................................. .
MONEY. N o mOlley shall be drawn frOlll the Trcasury, but in eonscquenC'e of appropriations
mude by law; and a regular statement and aeeount of the receipts and cxpenditures of ail
public money shall be published frOlll time to time ................................... .
1VI O NEY. N o State sha11 coin money ..................................................... .
MORRIS, dcputy Ü'OIll Penn3ylvania, signed this Constitution. Robert ....................... .
MORRIS, d'cputy from Pennsylvania, signed lhis COllstitution. Gouverneur ................. .
N AMES of the members. The yeas and nays of the members of either House, 011 any question,
sha11, at the desire of one-fifth oi' those present, be entered 011 the J oumal ••.••.•.•••.••
N A TURAL bom citizcn. N o person, exceJlt a natural born citizen, 01' a citizen of the U nited
States at the time oI' the adoption of this Constitution, shall be cligible to the office of
President ..•.....•.•..•..•••......••..••..•....•..••..•......•••.••..•....•...••.•
N A TURALIZATI O N. Congress shall have power to establish a uniform rule of naturaliza-
tion .•••.•.••••..•..•...•••.••....•.•••.•...••.•.••..•.•••• " ...•••..••..••.••..•.•
N A VAL forces. Congress shall have power to make rules for the govcmment and regulation of
the land and naval forces .••.••....• " •..•.....•.•••.•.•...•.•....•................••
N A VAL forees. N o person 8ha11 be held to answer tor a capital 01' otherwise infarnous crime,
unless 011 a presentment oI' a grand jury, exeept in cases ari>iing in the land or naval
forces, &c ............. , ... ' ... , .. 11 •• 11 ••• , •• 1, •••••• 11 •• 11 ••• , ••• , •• l •••• ' •• 11 •••
2d amend.
5th amcl1d.
2 2 :2
2 3 1
2 4 1
1 8 2
1 8 5
1 8 12
1 9 7
1 10
1 5 0 oJ
2 1 4
1 8 4
1 8 14
5th amcll<.L
25 Z
2G
IG
17
17
S
8
9
>-
:/
; ...
---:
.'
J.
4
"J.
f:~
11
Q
L
(,
:26 ro w
ALPIL\.BETICAL ANALYSIS-Continucd.
!\AVY. Congress shnll havo !,OWi;; to provide nnd maintain a n"vy ..•.•.• · ••...•...•...••...•
N.\. VY. The President s¡mll be cIJlllllJandcr·ill·cbief of the navy .•..••....•..••..•........•..•
N ECESSARY. The Pre"illellt "iiall, hom timo to time, reeomrnend to Congress sueh measures
as he shall juJge neceO'sary ami expedient ........................................... .
NECESSAR Y. The Con~re~". whclwH'r two·thirds of both Houses shall deem it ncecssary,
shall propose arneI1l1l!lellt.- to ¡his ConstitutiuTI. l'le .................................. .
N E CESSA R Y. A well.rcg\llar ul III ¡lit ia bt!itlg necessary t o t he securi¡y of á free State, the right
of the people to kccp ltl1U IJear arms shalluot be iufringed ...•••••..•••..••.••..••..••..
N E\V Hampshire entitled to three H,eprc:"entatives in the lirst Congress ....................... .
N E \V Jersey entitled to taur Rt'plTsentatives in tirst e ollgress ..•••.•.•.•••..•..••..•••..•...•
N E\V ::ltares lllav be admittcd by th,! Concrres,; into this uuio:! ............................... .
N E \V York entiíled to i:lix Rqn·,:,selltativc; in tirst Congress ................................. .
N OBILITY. N o tirie 01' nobility shall be granted by the Unitod States ...................... .
NOBILI'I'Y. No State sh,ul grant any title ofnobility ................. ~ ................... .
K u.\IIK ATE. The President sllaU nominate, alld. by and wirh the advlee and consent of the
Senate, "hall appoiut alllba,,~adon:. other public ministers and consuls, judges of (he Su·
preme Court, and al! 01 her ofiicers oI' the U nited States, whose appointments are !lot
herein otherwise proyid,d fol'. and whieh shall be established by law .................. .
NORTIl Carolina entitlod to uve Representatives in first Congres:; ........................... .
O A TH or affirmation. Senators whon sitting to tr)' impoaehments shall be on oath or affirmation
OA TH of the President United States. Bofare he enter OH the executÍon of his offiee, he ~hall
tako the following oath or atlirmation: "1 do solemnly swear or affirm, that 1 will tilith.
fullyexecute the offiee of President of the U nited State~, and will, to the best of my abilit y,
preserve, proteet, and defend ¡he e onstitution of the U nitcd States" .................. .
OATH or affirmation. The Senatars and Representatives befare mentioned, and the rnembers of
the several State Legi,:latures, and al! executive and judicial ofTicers, both of the United
States and of the several States. shall be bound by oath or afErmation to support ¡his COll.
stitution, but no religious test shal! ever be required as a qualitication to anyofIice orpub.
ArL ~cc, el. pagil.
1 S 13 9
2 :2 1 15
2 3 1 1tí
5 1 1 21
2d ame ud. ~.:Y
1 :2 3 :2
1 2 ,., q
"
4 :l 1 :::\J
1 :2 3 :2
1 !I 8 11
1 10 1 12
2 2 2 1 i,
1 :! 3 :3
1 3 6 4
2 1 I 15
lie trUi¡¡t under the U llited Btutes ....... ............................................ 6 3 22
(f)
~
..
>-
~
>
-
,
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U':
.....
(J'J
o
OATII or afIinnation. N o warrants shall issue Lut upon' prolmLle causn, s\ll'Portcd Ly outh or
aflinnatiol1 ......••............... " .....•......•..•••......•. " ............•..••.•
OBJECTIONS ofthe Presiden! f.o bills. (Sce BilIs.) .•.......•...••.•.....•...... o ••••••••••
O:H,IGATION of contraets. No State shall pass un)' bill impairing the obligation oi' contracts .•
OCCASIONS. 'rhe President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both lIollses of Con-
gress, 01' either of thenl ............ , ........•. " ....••.••...•..•...... " ...•••.•••.•
OFFENCES against the luw of nations may be delincu and punished by Congress ............. .
OFFENCES. The President shaU have power to grant reprieves and pardolls for oflences against
the U nited States .•...•. " .....•...•...•.....•.....•...•...•..... " ........•.. , ...•
O FFE~ CE. N or shall any person be subject for the sume ofTence to be twice put in jeopardy of
life or limb ..............• " ....••.••..•.•..•• " .•.••...••. , ... , •. " .. " ........•••
OFFICE. J udgment in cases of impeaehment shall not extend further than to removal írom oflice,
and disqualification to hold and enjoy any ofliee of honor, trust, or profit, under the
United States ..•.•.••..•..•••.••........•..••..•....•..••.•....••.............••..•
OFFICE. N o Senator or Representative shall, dnring the time for which he was elected, be ap-
pointed to any civil oflice under the authority of t he U nitec! States which shall have been
..... creatcd, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time ....•...•
>-; OFFICE. N o person holding any ofliee nnder the U nited Stiltes shall be a member of either
House of Congresa during his continuance in office .•....•..••. , ••..•. : .•....•...•••..•
OFFICE of the Government. Congress shall have power to make alllaws whlCh shall be neces-
sary and proper for earrying into execution the foregoing powers, and aU other powers
vested by this Constitution in the Government o1'the United States, or in any department
or oflicer t hereof ... " ....•...............•...••...•..........••. , ••.........•••••••
OFFICE. N o person holding any oflice of profit or trust under tl1e United States, shaU, without
the consent oi' the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, oflice, or titIe, of any killd
whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign State ................................... .
OFFICE. The President shall hold his office during the term of four years, and (he Vice Presi-
dent cltosen far the same time ..• " ...••....• " ....... , ...••....•......•..•..... , ••.•
OFFICE. N o person holding an oflice of trust or profit under the United States shall be ap-
pointed an elector of President or Vice President of the U nited States ...........•••••.•
OFFICE of President United States. Eligibility of a person to the oflice of President of the
United States. (See Eligibility.) ..................................................... .
OFFICE. In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation, or in-
4th amcnd. 26 O
1 7 :2 7
1 1C 1 12
2 3 1 16
1 8 10 9
2 2 1 16
5th amena. 26
1 3 '7 4
>-
2:
>-1 6 2 6 t-< ~
lJl
1 6 2 G ..... w
•
1 8 18 10
1 9 8 11
2 1 1 13
2 1 2 13
2 1 4 14 ro
CJ'
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
ability to discharge the powers find duties of the said office, the smne sha11 devolve on the
Vice President, and the Congre::ó3 mar, by law, provide for the cuse of removul, d8uth,
resignation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what otlicer
slw.ll then act as President; and such officer shall act accordingly until the disability be
rel110veJ or a President shall be eleeted •.•..••.••..•••..••.•...•••..•..••.•..•.••..••
OFF'ICE. Oath of office of the President of the United States ............................... .
OFFICERS. The House of Represcmatives shall choose their Speakt;r and olher aflicer:'l ....••
OFFICERS. '1'ho Senate shall choose their othor olficers, and also a president pro tempore, in
the absence of the Vice President ................................................... .
OFFICERS of militia. The appointrnent of ofncers of the militia reserveu to the States respec·
tively ..•..•....•..•.................••......................• · .• · •••..•...•...•...
OFFICERS of ¡he United States. (See Appointrr;ents of.) .................................. .
OFFIC ERS. The President shall cOllllllission al! the ofl1cel'l; of the United Slates ............ .
OFFICEH.S. Al! civilofticers oí" the United States shall be removed from ofnce on impeachment
Jor, and conviction of, treason, brihery. or other high rril1les anu misdemeanors ........ .
01,_ '1 C E RS. Al! the executive and judicial officers, both af t he l: nited Stat es ane! oí" the several
States. shnll be bound by oat 11 or affirmation to support t!lis Constitution .............. .
OFFICES. The President may require the opinioll, in wnting, of lhe; prillcipal onicer in each of
the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties af t!leir re"peclive
oHices .........................••...••................•...........................
OFFICES. The jndges, both of lhe Supreme and Inferior courts, ~hall l!<lld thcir ütTiees dllrin~
good behavior, aneI shal!. at stated times, recoive ¡ór lheir services a cOlllpensatioll, which
shall n01 be dimini"heu ullrin(~ t!teir eont inualJee in oflice ............................. .
OXE-FIF'l'H of the members prcse~t. '1'he yeas une! na)"s of ¡he llll'llll,prs uf eitl]('r BOllse. OH
any questioll, shal!. at the ue"ire of one·lllt h 01" those present, be elllcn-el OH t he J (jumal ..
OPINIO.'.'. The Pre"ident may reljuire the opinion, in ,vriting, of tÍle principal o!licer iB each
nf the eXl'cutive dl'jmrtlllents ....•.. ; ............................................... '.
ORDAI~ and establish this COllstitution rOl' the UniteJ States of Alllcrica, &c. \Ve tIte pel)·
pIe do .........••..................•...........•.......•......... · .........•..... ·.
Ol~DAI.N ana establi;;h. The judicial powcr of tlle Unitcd States slmll oc ve:Sted in one ~u]Jn;lIle
Art. seco el. page.
2 1 ;) 14
2 1 '7 15
1 :z 5 "> ~,
1 3 5 <1
• 1 8 ] 1; In
2 :2 ~-~ 1 ti
2 3 1 17
2 <1 17
6 ., .;).) ...
2 " 1 1;) '"
3 1 1 17
1 5 3 5
2 2 1 15
l'r''''.tHiLk. 1
00
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Court, and in such Inferior courts as the Congress may, from time ti) time, ordain and
establish .••.••.•••••.••.....••.•..•. o o •• o .•.•••.•••• , o •.• o •...• " ••. o ••...•..••. o •
O RDER, resolution, or vote, to which the ctl!lClIrrence oí" the Senate and Hou~e uf Representa-
tives may be necessary, except un questlOns of adjournment, .. hall be presented to the
Presiclento (See Resolution.) ....... o •.. o, o o .• o o .......... o •.•••.•.• o. o o o ••..•••••••.
ORGA.NIZ[NG the militia. Congress shal! have power to provide for organizing, arming, and
disciplinin!! the nlÍlitia .•.. o o . o o o .. o o o .••..• o •.••..•••..•..••• o ••..• " o .•...•..•••. ,.
ORIG L~ AL jmislliction. In al! cases afrecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and con-
suls, and those in which a State shali be a party, the Supreme Court shall have original
jnriscliction o o •••..•• 0 •••••••• 0 o o o .•...•• o ••• o .••••••. 0 •• o •..•.• ~ ..••..•..••..•••.••
ORIUT;-; ATE. All bilis fo! raising revenne shall originate in the House oí Representatives •• o'
ORIGINATED. Every bill. resolution, order. or vote, not approved, shall be returned by the
Presiclent, with his objections, to thar House in which it shall have originated ......... .
OVER'!' ud. No persan sha11 be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses
ro the SalDe overt act ..••.••• o' ••......••.••• " ••.•••••••.•••.•••.•••.•••..••.•••.•.
O \YN ER. N o soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered iD any honse y,ithont the cor.sent of
t he owner ••.•.•••••••.••••••••••• o ....•.••• " •.•••••••••••• o' ••.•••.••.•••••.•••••
O"VNERS ofslaves. No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof,
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulatioll therein, be discharged
frolll sueh service or labor, but shall be Jelivered up on claim of the party to whom such
service or labor nlUy be dne •.•.•••.•••.••••••••.•.••••••••.••••.•••.••.••.••••••••••
P APErrS. The right of tbe people 10 be secure in their el1ects against unreasonable sparches or
seizures shallnot be vio1atecl .•.... o o ..•.•••.•••.....•••••••.•...••..••.••••.••••••••
P ARDO~S. The President.shall have power to grant pardons •••.••..••..•.••..•.•••.••••.•.
P ASSED lhe Honse of Representatives and Senate. Every bill, resolut~on. &c., passed by the
HOllse of Representatives and Sena'e, shall be presented to the President, &c ..••••••••
P ASSED. Bills, resolntions, &c., returned by the President, may be passed by twt)-thirds of
ooth Houses .•••.•••.••.•••...•. o .••..•••.••.••••••••••..••.• o ••.••....••.•••••••••
PASS any bills. No State shall pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, 01 law impairing the
obligatíon 01' contracts •....••... o .. o o : ............................................. .
P ATEN'!' rights. Congress shall huve power to promote the progress of science and useful art8,
ro
3 1 1 17
1 7 3 8
1 8 16 9
3 2 2 18
1 7 1 7
1 7 2 7
3 3 1 19 > Z
>-
Su amenu. 26 r ~
w.
.....
'fl
4 2 3 20
4th nmendo 26
2 2 1 16
1 7 2 7
1 .., 2 8 I
1 10 1 12
00
~
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continueu.
by secnring for limited tu:nes to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respect-
ive \vritincrs and discovenes .....•..••. " •...•..•...•... , ••.•••..•...•.....•.•..••.••
PATERSON, deputy froID New Jen:ey, signed this Constitution. William ••...•...••..••..••
P A Y the debts Ullited States. Congress shall have power to pay the debts of the UJ1Iited States
P A YMENTS 01' debts. N o State sha11 make any thing Imt gold and silver coin a tender in pay-
ment of debts ..•.......•........ ':; .•..•................•••..• ' ••.. , •...•...•..•.....•
PEACK For a breach ofthe peace a Senator or Representative may be arrested .............. .
PEACE. No State shall, without the contlent oi" Congress, keep troops or ships of war in time
of peace ... , ........ :.·:··· ....... · •..•••.•••.•• : .•.•.•.•••••. : .................... .
PEACE. N () soldlCr tlhall, 111 time of peace, be quartered 111 any house wlthout the consent of the
owner ..........•..•............................•.......................••.....•.•
PEN ALTIES. Each House may be authorized to cornpel the attendance of absent mcmbers, in
Ruch manner and under such penalties as eaeh House may provide ...... , .....••.•.. , .••
PENNSYLVANIA entitlcd to eight Represcntatives in tirst Congress ........•.....••.....•••
PEOPLE Ullited States ordain and eslablish this COllstitution ..............................••
PEOPLE. l\Iernhers of House Representatives to be chosen every second rear by the people of
the several States .......................................•••... , .................•..
PEOPLE rcprcsented are-al! free. persons, tIlose bound for a term of years, Indialls taxcd, and
three-tifths of al! other persons. The ............................................••.
PEOPLK The enumeratilln of the people to be !.TIade within three years afier fi,rst meeting of
Congress, alld every ten years thereafter, 111 such manner as they may by Inw direct ....•
PEOPLE.Congress shalllilake no law alJridging the rights ofthe people peaeeably to assemble
and to petition the "overnrnent for a redress uf grievances ............................ .
PEOPLE. The right of tl~e people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed ....•••...•....•
PEOPLE. 1'he right of the people to be se cure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,
arrainst unreasonablc searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrants shall is~ue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affinnation, and partieularly describirJO'
the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized ..•.•.•...•. , ... , .•• , ., ~
PEOPLE. 'fhe enullleration in the Constitution of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny
or disparage olhers retained by lhe people .•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••
.JI>
00
Art. seco el. puge. 00
1 8 8 9
23
1 8 1 8
1 10 1 12
1 6 1 6
1 10 3 12
3d arncnd. 26
1 5 1 5 >-
1 :¿ <) 2 Z e' >-Prcamble. 1 t:'"
~
1 2 1 1 rr. >-
u;.
1 2 3 2
1 2 3 2
1 f't alllcnd. 'r
-:)
2J ame nd. 25
4th amend. 26
9th amend. 28
""O
PEOPLE. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited
by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people •••••••••••••
PERSONo Qualification of a person to be a Representative in Congress ..................... .
PE RSO N. Qualification of a person to be a Senator in Congress ••.••••••••••••.•••••••••••.•
PE RS O N. N o person shall be convicted on an impeachment without the concurrence of two-
thirds of the Senators present ..•••••••••.••. " •••... , ••.•••..•.••...•••.•••••• ••••••
PERSONo No person holding any ofliee under the United States shall be a member of either
House during his continuance in oflice •••• •.••. .••••••••••..•••...••.....•....•••...•
PERSONo No person holding any oflice of profit or trust under the United States, shall, wirh·
out the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, ofliee, or titIe, of any
kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign State .••.•••...•••••..•••••••••••••••
PERSONo No person, holding an oflice of trust or profit under the United States, shall be ap·
pointed an elector ol' President and Vice President •••••• ••••• ...•••.••..••...••.•••.•.
P ERS O ~Íi{Yi~Ni~~~~l:t:. ~~. ~. ~~l:S.O.~ .t~ .~~ ~~~s.i~~~: .~~ ~i.c~. :.r~~~~~~: ~~·.t~.e. ~.l~i.t~~ . ~~~t.e.s: .• ~~~~ {
PERSON." No person shall be convicted oftreason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to
the same overt act, 01' on confession in open court ................................... .
PERSONo No attainder ofheason shall work corruption ofblood or forfeiture except during tlle
life of the person áttainted ..••••...•....•.•••.•••.•.•.••.••....••..•. " •..•••.•••.••
PERSONo A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall fiee
from justice and be found in another State, shall, on demand of the executive authority of
the State from which he fied, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdic-
tion of the crime .••..••.••••.••..•..•••...•.••..•.•.•••.••....•.•••.•..•.••.•••••.•
PERSON. N (l person held to service or labor in one State under the laws thereof, escaping into
another, shall, in consequence of ally law or regulation therein, be discharged from such
service or labor, bUl shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or
labor may be due •••..••.••...•••••••..•••••..••...•••...•...•••••••.•••.•••..•.•••
PERSONo No person shall be held to answer for a capital or ~)therwise infamous cQme, unless
on a presentment or imlictIlJem of a grand j llry, except in cases arising in t he l!rnd or naval
forces, or in the militia when in actual ;.:crvice, in tiliJe of war or public dangcr j nor shall
any person be subject, fDr the same oil'e¡,"c, to bc tw J('t' put in jeopardy 01' lite or limb:
nor s~all be compelled, in auv criminal <.: .... ,,0, LO be 11 wnlless against himselfj nor be de-
10th arncnd. 28
1 :2 2 1
1 3 3 4
1 3 6 4
1 6 2 6
1 9 8 11
2 1 2 13
2 1 4 14
l:2th amend. 30
3 3 1 19
3 3 2 10
4 2 2 19
4 2 3 20
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ALPlIABETICAL AN ALYSIS-C:ml inl1(;d.
priveu of lile, liberty, ?r property, without dIle pro:ess of law j JJ\Jr "hall pnvate pro-
perty be taken fur ¡mbhc use wlthout Just compensatlOn •••.•...................•••...•
PEkSO~AL privilege. '1'h<: privilege of~he ,'.'rit oí" habeas corpus shal! Jlot bl' sIlsEenJeu, un-
less when, in cases of rebell1011 or ll1VaSIOI1, tbe IJllbhe satety may reqUlre It .• 1t ........ .
PERSONS or people of the United States ordail1 ami eHablish this Constitntioll. Tlle ........ .
PER::30XS or people of the several States c!lOose members of House oi" Representatives every
second year ••....•..••..•..•••...•.....................•••.............•.•..••..••
PERSONS or people to be enumerated every ten years, in such manner as Congress may by law
direet .....•..•••..........•...............•.......•..•••.••......•••.....•••..••.•
PERSONS constituting representative númbers to be ernbraced in census are, ai! free persons,
thoEe bound for a term oi' years, Indians taxeJ, aud three-fifths of all other perS011S,
(slaves.) ...... ····· .. · ............................................................ .
PERSONS convicted on an impeachment sha11, llevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment,
trial, judgnlent, and punishment ••.......•...............•...•...•......••. oc •••••••
PERSONS. \"/he11 the yeas and nays are ordercd the names of persons (members) voting sha11
be entered on the J ournal ••. " ••...•..........................•..•.. " .........•..•
PERSONS. 1'he migralion or importation oi' persons (slaves) sha11 not be prohibitcd prior to
1808, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such irnportation not exceeding ten Jollars for
each persono .•... : ..•...•......•........................•................•......••.
PERSONS or citizcns. '1'0 what citizens or persons the judicial power shall extend ........... .
PERSO NS. '1'he citizens of each State shall be entitled to al! privileges and irnmunities of citi-
zens in the sey'eral States .........................•...•......••...•...............••
PERSONS or people. Congress shall make no lawabridging the right of the peuple peaceably
to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of gnevances .........••..•..•
PERSONS or people. The right of ¡he people to keep and bear a!ms shall not be infringed ..•.
PERSONS or people. The right ofthe people lo be secure in lhelr persons. houses, papers and
effects, against unreasonable ::;parches and seizures, sha11 not be violated ; and no warrants
shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly
describing the place to be searched, ana the persons or things to be seized .•..••...•...•
PERSONS. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right fo a speedy andpublic
trial, by an impartial jury of the State and aistrict wherein the crime shall have been com-
'''"'
--Art. see. el. page. e
5th amend. 26
1 9 2 11
Preamble. 1
1 2 1 1
1 2 3 2
1 2 3 2
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1 3 7 4 ~
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1 7 2 6 IJ:
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1 9 1 10
3 2 1 18
4 2 1 19
1st amend. 2.j
2d amend. .' ~ _J
4th amend. 26
~
mítted, whích district 8h:111 have bcrn previou~ly nR('crtaincd by law; al1(1 to hr illform,'d of
the llature anel rnuse 01' lhe aecuf'ation; to be cOllfrontcd with tbe witJH'"~(''' ~l'r:liJlst hili\ ;
10 have com¡llllf'ory process túr obtaining witnesses ill his favor; ane! 10 [¡ave~ ¡he a"~i,,t·
ance ol" cC)unscl lór hj::; defénce. . . ... . ... . .. . ... . .......... ... . .... ... ..... ....... ..... (jt1¡ a:nr':~l.
I'ERSO.:\S vOled ¡()J' as Pref'ident and Vice President to be !lamed in tbe bailo!;;................ l:2::~ a:::,'::,I.
i' E 1'1'1'1 O;-¡. COllgress shall make no law abridglllg t be rigll1 of tllC people to )Jet it ion t be "overn·
llH'llt fór a redre!'s of grievallees .............................................. ~... . .. ht :1TI1:'n J.
?I?\CI(~F;Y, deputy i'rm!1 South Carolina, sigTled tbis ('ollstitution. Charle::: e .............. .
j'l1\' C1\.-'\' EY, deputy hOll! SOlltb Carolina, si:pwJ thi" ConstitutioIl. Charles ............... ..
L'lRACIES. Congrcss slH!llll<wt' Jlower 10 cl"lÍne <1IHl pUlIish piracies and felonil's cUIIlll1itted Oll
the hi"h seHS, and ol]'cllces against tbe law 01 lIatiollS ...... , ........... " ............ .
PORTS. Xo"prelcrence shall be given by any rl'gnlatioll ofrommerce or reyel1l1f;, lo the ports ut'
one State ov('r thos!) of another: 1I0r shall ves~els bound to, or fi-OD1, 01le St:tre, be oblj"ed
to enter, c!par, or p:!y dnties in anolhf'r ........................................... ~ ..
~'OSTERl'l'Y. 'fhe Con,otitulioll e::;tablisbed in order to se cure the blessiugs oí" liberty lO our·
~e!\'e,:; a:ld to Ollr posterity ............................ ~ ............................ .
POST Otfil·CS and Pust Roacls. Congress shall huye po\\'er to establislt post otEce,; aud post
roads ................................................•.................... " .....•
F O \VE R el' impcachment. The House of Rcprescntatives sha11 have the sole powcr 01' impeach.
¡llent .........................................•...............................•..•
PO',YER. COJlgress 611a11 have power. (See Congrcss.) ................................... ..
PO \VER. 'l'hcSenate shall have the sole powcr to trv all impeachments " .................. .
PO \\TER. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of Americu
PO \VER. The President shall have power to grant reprie"cs and pardons for of]imccs against the
U nited States, except in -cases oi' impeachmcnt ............•............. , ......... , .•
PO \VER. 'fhe power of the P resident in making treaties, appointments, &c. (Sec President.) .•
PO\VER. (See Judicial power.) .......................................................... .
PO\VER. The judicial power ol" the Unitetl Statcs shall not be construed to extend to any suit, in
law or equity, commenced or prosccuted against one of the United States by~itizens of
another State, or by eitizens or !;ubjeets of any fóreign State ........ , ., ....•.......•. "
POWEHS herein granted vested in Congress. Alllegislative .......... ": .................... .
POWERS. Congress shall have power to makc allluws which shall be necessary and proper [or
corrying into execution the foregoillg powers, and all other powcrs vested by this Consti.
'"
1 ,} ~'
1 ') Ij
l'rcilmiJle.
1 8 7
1 :2 ;í
1 H
1 :~ ()
2 1 1
2 2 1
2 2 2&3
3 1-2
11th amend.
1 1
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11
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16
1(;
17
28
1
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.....
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
mtion in tbe Govl)rnment of tbe United States, or any department..,or officer thereaf. (See
Cangress.) •••••••••..••.••.•.....•...••.... " .........•.•••••••.••....•..•.•.••...•
P O\VERS. In case of the inability of the President to discharge the powers and duties oí" the
office, the same shall devolve on the V lee President •••.•••••••••.•..•••.•••.•••.•••.•
PO\VER8. The powers not delegated to the United 8tat8s by the Constitution, nor prohibited
by it to the States, are re~ervee! to the States respeetively, or to the people ............ .
PREFE REN CE regarding ports of Stales. N o prefereJl(:e shall be given by any regulation of
cornmerce or revenue to the ports of one State over those 01' another; nor shall vessels
hound to or from one State be obliged to enter, dear, or pay duties in another ......... .
PREJUDICE of Claims. Nothing ill this COllstitution slUlll be so construed as to prejudice any
clairns ofthe United States, or of any particular 8tate ........... ·••··•· .............. .
PRESENT. N o person shall be eOllvicted on an irnpeachment without the concurrence of two-
thirds of the Senators pre¡.ent .•••.•...••...•...•....•...•...••.•••.•.. " ••.•.. '" ..•
PRESENT. 'l'he yeas ane! nays 01 tite members of either House on any question shall, at the
desire oi" one-fift h oflhose pre:-ent, be entered on 1 he J ournal .•••.••. " ....•..••......•
P RESES'!'. N o tit le 01' nohility shall be granted by the Unitcd States; and no person holding
any omee of protit or trust under them, shall. wilhuut t he consent 01" the Cungre¡<s. accept
of any present, emolulllent, olliee, or títle, of alIy kind whatever, from any king, prince, or
foreilfll :::3tate •............ , .•......••.•.•.••.•..••.....••..•••.••..........••..•.•. PRESEN'l'I~D. Every bill, order, resolution, or vote, to whieh the concurren ce 01' lhe Senate and
IIou>,e of Represelltatives may he neeessaty, &c., shall be presented to the President ...
PRESENTMENT of a gralld jury. No person shall be beld to answer for a capital or otherwise
infamous crime, unless Oll a presentment or iudiettllent oi" a gralld jury, except in cases
arising in the land or naval f()I'ces, or in the militia when in actual serviee in time of war
01' public danger .....••.......•.•........••.............•.•.....•..............••.•
fRESERVE the Constitution. 'fhe President ofthe Unitcd States shnJl take an oath, or affirma-
tion, to preserve, ¡¡rotect, and delCnd the Cullstitution ........... ••••·• .............. .
PRESIDE~T 01' theSenate. (Sce :::3enate of lhe Unitcd 8tates.)
PRESI D~~NT pro tempore. (See Sellale of the Uniled States.)
l' í~BS ¡Df~N T of the United SI ates. 'file Sellate shall clwose a President pro tempore whcn the
V ice 'p residf;nt "hall aet as ..•.•••...•.•••.....•• ' .•.•.....••...•••.••...•...•...•..••
e,:)
Art. ~ec. el. ruge. ~
1 8 18 10
2 1 6 14
10th amend. 28
1 9 6 11
4 3 2 20
1 3 6 4 > Z
1 5 3 6
;»
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~
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-:n
1 9 8 11
1 7 2-3 7
5th arncnd. 26
2 1 7 15
1 3 5 4 r-o
•
PRESIDEN T of the United States is tried by the Senate on an impeachment, the Chief Justice
shall preside. When the ..•........................•...................•...••.••..•
PRESIDEN'l' ofthe United States. Every bill which shall have passed the H()U~e 01' Represen-
tatives and the Senate, shall, befóre it beeorne a law, be present ed to the President of the
United States; ifhe approve he shall sign it, but ifnot, he shall rcturn it, with his objec-
tions, to that Honse in whieh it shall have originated, who shall en ter the oojeetiolls at
large on ¡heir Jonrnal, and proceed to reeon"idcr it. (See Bill.) ..................••...•
PRESIDENT of the United Slates. If any bill shall not oe returned by the President within ten
days (Sundays exeepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a
law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, pre-
vent its return; in whieh cat:ie it shall not be a law. (See Bill.) ....................... .
PRESIDENT oI' the United States. Every order, resolution, or vote, to whieh the coneurrenee
of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary, (except on a question of
adjourmnent,) shall be presented to the President ofthe United States, and, before the same
shall take efieet. shall oe approved by him; or, being disapproved by !tim, s!tall be re-
passed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives. (See Resolution.) ••.•
~ PRESIDENT of the United States. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of the
United States of Ameriea. He shall hold his ofilee during the term of four years, and
together with the Viee President, chosen lor the same term, be elected as follows: •••..•
Electors appointed. Eaeh State shall appoillt. in such manner as the Legislature thereof
may direct, a number of electors equal to the '.vhole number of Senators and Representa-
tives to )Vhich the Slate may be entitled in the Congress; but no Senator or Representa-
tive, or person holding an office uf trust or profit under the United States, shall be ap-
pointed an elector ...• , •..•.......••...•• " .• " ., ••..•..•••.•••.•••...••.••.•...••.•
Electors' proceedings. The electors shall meet in their respective States and vote by
ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom, at leasl, shall not be an inhabitant
ofthe same State with themselves. They shall name in their ballots the person voted for
as President, and, in distinct ballots, the person voted for as Vice President; and they
shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of al! persons voted for
as Vice President, and of the number of votes ¡ór each, which lists they shall sign and
certify, and transmit sealed to the sea! of the Government of the U nited States, directed
to the President of the Senate ..... , .•.••......•....••.••..••......••...•.......••••.
Electoral votes opened and counted. The President of the Senate shall, in presence of
1 3 6 4
1 7 2 7
1 7 2 7
1 7 3 8
2 1 1 13
2 1 2 13
12th amend. 28
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Contmued.
the Sena te and House of Representatives, open al! the certificates, and the votes shal! then
he counted; the person having the greatest lIumber of votes for Presid.ent, shall be tllC
President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ••...•
Election by Rouse of Representatives. And if no person have such majority, then
fmm the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those
voted for as President, the Rouse of Representatives shall choose, immediately, by ballot,
the President. But, in choosing the President, the votes shall be tali:en by Stntes, the
representation from eaeh State having one vote: a quorum far this purpose shall consist of
a membe~ or mel11her~ frorn two-thirus of the States, and a majority 01" a11 the States shall
be Ilccessary to a chOIce .•• '" ...•........••••........•.....•.•••....••...•.....•.•.
Eleetion failing lhe Viee President shall net. And if the I-Iouse of Representat ives shall
not ehoose a President whenever t he right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the
faurth of l\1an;h next following, then the Viee President shall aet as President, as in the
case of the dealh or other constitutional disabilitv of the President .....••..•......•..••.
PRESIDENT of the United Slates. N o person exeept a natural born citizen, or a eitizen of the
United States at the time of the adoption of tbis Constitution, shall be eligible to the office
of President; neit her shall any person be eligible to the oflice who shall not have attained
to the age of 35 years, and been 14 years a resident within the United Srates ....•.•....•
PRESIDENT of the United Stntcf'. In case of the removal of the President from oflice, or of bis
death, resignation, 01' inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said ofilce, t he
same shall devolve OH the Vice President; and the Congl'ess may, by law. provide for (he
case of removed, death, resigncttion, or illability, both 01" the President amI Vice President,
declaring what otEcer shall t hen ael as President, and such ofTIcer shall act accordingJy,
until the di"ability be removed, or a President shall be eleeted ..•.•. : ............•.....
PRESIDENT oi' the United States. The President sha11 , at staled times, reeeive fol' his services
a compensation, which shall neither be inereased nor diminished during (he period for
which he shall have been electcd, and he shall not receive within that period any orber
emolument from the Ullited Stcttes, or any of them •...•...........•..................
PRESIDENT of the Ullited Slntes. Bdare he enter on the exeeution of his offiee, he shal! take
the following oath or afIirmation: "1 do solemnly swear, (or affirm,) that 1 wi11 faithfully
Art. seco el. page.
12th amend. 29
12th amend. 29
12th amend. 29
2 1 4 14
2 1 5 14
2 1 6 15
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execute the olhce of President of the United States and wilI, to the best of my ability, "'C
preserve, protect, and detend the Cunstitutiol1 of the 'United States" ..•..........•...••. 2 1 7 15
PRESIDEN T of the U nited States. 'l'he Presidellt shall be commander-in-ehief of the army aud
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States; when called into the
actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion in writing of the principal
ofTIcer in each of the executive departlllellts, upon any suoject relating to the duties of
their respective oflices; and he shall have power to grant reprieves aud pardons fi)f
ofIences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment .................... 2 2 1 15
PRESIDENT 01' the United States. He shall have power, by and wirh the advice and consent
of the Sellate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and
he shall nominate, amI, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint
amoassadors, other ¡mohc ministers, and consuis, judges of the Supreme Court, and al!
other otncers of the United States, wllOse appointmcnts are not herein otherwise provided
for, and which shall be estaolished by iaw: but the Congress may by law vest the appoint-
:> ment of such intCrior oflicers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts Z uf law, or in the head,s oí' departnwnts .......... " .•.•.•.•••.••..••..••. " •...••..... 2 2 2 16 ::.-
PRESIDENT ofthe United States. 1'he President shall have power to fiU up aU vacancies that t"'
may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which sha11 expire ...., CJl
at the end 01' their next session .....•...........•. " •..•••.• , ••...••...•..•..•..•...• 2 2 3 16 -
PRESIDENT of the United States. He shall, from tillle to time, give to the Congress informa-
rn
tion of the state of the U nion, and recoInlllend to their consideration such measures as he
shall judge necessary and expedient; he may,on extraordinary occasions, convene ooth
Houses, or either of them, aud, in case 01' disagreement between them, with respect to the
time of adjournlllent, he may adjuurn thelll to such time as he shall think proper; he shal1
receive ambassadors and other pubiic ministers; he sha11 take care that the laws be faith-
fully executed, ami sha11 commissioll al1 the oilicers of the United States .•....•.•.•••..• 2 3 1 16
PRESIDENT of the United States. The Prcsident, Vice President, and all civil otEcers of the
United States, shall be removed from oflice on impeachment for, alld eonviction of, trea-
son, bribery, or other high crirnes and misdemeallors ......••..........••...•.•••.••.. 2 4 1 17
PRESS. Congress shall make no law abridging lhe ireedom of speech and of the press .••. , •••• 1st amelld. 25
P RIN CE. N o person holding any oflice 01' proiit or trust under the U nited States, shall, without
the consent of the Congress, aecept oí' any present, emolument, oflice, or title, of any kind c.c
whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign State •••.••••••••••••••.•••••••••••. , ••.• 1 9 8 1] 01
ALPHA13ETICAL AN ALYSIS-Continued.
PRIN CIP AL officer. The Pre;,;ident may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer
in each of the exeeutive depart ments .........................•.•....•................
PRIV ATE property. N or shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensa-
tiun ..................................................••..••..••..•............•...
PRIVILEGE al' the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases al' rebel-
liol! or invasion, Ihe publie satcty may require it ............•••..•....................
PRIVILECa:D. Senators and H.cpresentatives shall, in all cases, except treason, fdolly, and
breach of ¡he peace, be privilcged from arrest during their attendance at the session of
their respective lIollses, and in going 10 and returning from the same .................. .
PRIVILEGES and immunities. 'l'he eltizells of each State shall be entitled to al! the privileges
and illllllullities oí citizens in ¡he several States .........•..••....•..•...•........•....
P ROCEEDI ~ <.;'S. Each IIouse lllay determine the rules of its proceedings ................... .
PROCEEDIN<;'S. Eaeh House shall keep a Jourllal 01 ilS proeeedings ...................... .
PROCEEDINUS. Credit. proof, ,1Ild etl'ect ofjlldicial proceedillgs 01 ::llates .................. .
p H. O C BSS of law. N 01' shall any person be de¡lrlved oí' lite, liberty, or propert y, wit llOut due
proce",,,, of la w ••••.•.........••••••.•••..•..•••••••••••..•••••••..•••...••.•.•.•.••
PROCESS. In al! criminal prosecutiollS the accu,,;ed to have cOlllpulsory process for oblainillg
witlles:,es i¡¡ liis favor ....... " ......... , ...... " ....................•..............
PROFIT. J\lJglllent, in cases of illlpeachlllPnt, "hall flol extcnd larther than to removal hom
offi"e. alld disCjnalilicat iOll (o huId alld clJjoy any oilice of hOllar, trust, 01' prolit under the
Unlted :)tates ..................................................................... .
PROFIT .. No perSOl1 holding un otllce al' trust or protit under the United Stales shall be up-
pOll1tcd an elector .................................•.... , •..............•...........
PROHIBITED power". 'rile powers llol ddegated to the United StatE's by the CO]1stitlltiolJ, nor
prohlblteJ by it lo tlw ~talC:-i, arE' reserved (o ¡he ~talcs re:o'pectively, ur to (he püuple ...
l' R O ~H O T E the general wellúre. 'rhe Constit ntion est ablislled in order (o pwmote ¡ he general
weltúre, ~\:'c ..•....•.•••.•••.•••.•. .................................................
PROOF. COllgre,-;s may, hy generallaws, prescribe (Iw manner in which the aets, reeords, and
judicial proccedlllgs of Slates ¡;;[¡all be proved,'alld lhe etleet ¡hefenf ................... .
PROPER'l'Y of the Ullited States. 'rile Congres8 shall huye power to dispmiC of alld mak~ all
(.O
Art. see. el. page. 0':1
2 2 1 15
5th arncnu. 2G
1 9 2 11
1 6 1 6
4 2 1 El
1 5 2 5
1 5 3 5 >
4 1 1 1~ ~ >
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5th alllfclld. 213 ~
en
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6th amenu. 27 en
1 3 7 4
2 1 2 13
lO~h alllend. 28
Preamble. 1
4 1 1 19
~
needllll rules and regulations respeeting the territory, or other property belonging to the
Uníted States ..................................................................... .
PRO PERTY or ,efll~cts. . The rí~ht of tiJe people to'be secure in theír efi"ccts agaínst unreasona-
ble searclles or selzures sllaU not be vJOlated ......................................... .
PROPERTY. Nor shal! any person he depríved oi" lif"c, liberty, or property, without due pro-
cess of la\v ................•.•..........•..... " ., •••.................••... , •...•••
PROPERTY. Nor shall private property be taken for puhlic use, without just compensation .••
PRO POSE amendments. The Congress, whenever t wo·thirds of both Houses shall deem it ne-
ce"sary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the applicution of the
Legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall caU a convention for proposing
an1endn1l'nts, &c ........•.•.....•....•..••.... " ...•••. , •...•..... " ...........•.••
PROSECUTIONS. Criminal prosecutions against persons. (See Criminal.) ................ .
PR08ECUTED. The judicial power of the Uníted States shall not be construed to extend to
any suit in law or equity, cOIl1menced or prosecuted against one of the United Stat.es by
cítizens of another State, or by citizens or subjccts of any foreign State ................ .
..... PROTECT the Constitution. The President of the United States shall take an oath or affirma-l-; tion to preserve, protect, and defend, the Constitution . : ............. " .•........•..••
PROTECT. 'fhe UnÍted States shall protect each State against invasion ................... ..
PRO VIDE for the ~ommon defence. The Constitution establishecl in order to provide for the
cOlnmon defence, &c .•••..••..••..•...•..............•.•..•.•....•.•........•....•.
PUBLIC acts, records, and judicial proceedings of StateR, to have full faith and credít, &c ..•.••
PUELlC danger. No State shall, without tlle consent of Congress, engage in war, ullless actu-
ally invaded. or in snch immincnt danger as wil! not admit of delay .................•.•
PUELIC danger. (See '\Var.) ............................................................. .
PUELIC ministers. (See Appoíntments-Ambassadors.) ................................... .
PUELIC ministers. 'fhe President shall receive alllbassadors and other public ministers ..•.•••
PUBLIC 111Oney. (See Money.) ........................................................... .
PUELlC safet)'. The privilege of the writ Dí' habeas corpus shallnot be suspended, ullless when
in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it • '.' ....................•
PUBLIC trust. No religious test shall ever be requirod as a qualification to any ofRee or public
trust under the United States .•....•.••..••..••...••.••..•••.••••.•.•.••.....••....•
PtTBLIC use. N or shall private property be takell for public use without just comp(·nsation .•••
4 3 2
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20
4th amend. 26
5th amend. 26
5th amond. 26
5 1 1 21
6th amona. 27
11 th amcnd. 28 > Z
> 2 1 7 1;) t-<
4 4 1 20 ><: [fJ
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4 1 1 ]!)
1 10 3 12
5th arncnd. 26
2 :2 " Hi ""
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:'1 1 17
1 9 7 11
1 9 2 11
G 3 22
5th amond. 26 ~
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ALPHABETICAL ANALYSI8-ContÍnued
PI' BLISH. The J oumal of each House sha11 be published from time to time, except snch parts
as may in t }¡eir juugment require secreey .•...........•..••..•••.••..••..•...••..•...
PUBLlSIU:D. A regular slatement and aeCOUlJI of the receipts amI expenditures of al! public
money slmll be pllblisheu hom time to time .............•..... , •..••..•...•...•.••...
PUNTSH. Each I-Iouse of COIlgress lIIay punish its members for disorderly behavior ••..••...••
l' UN V:i IDIENT. Persons cOllvieteu Oll an impeachlllent shall, nevenheless, be liable anu sub-
ject to inuictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according lo law ••..••..•...•••..•
PUNISHMENT. Congress s}¡all llave power lo proviuc fúr Ihe pllllishment of countcrfeiting the
securities anu current ..:oin oi" the U niteu States .•..•.......••.. ' .•.••..•...•••.••...••
PUNISHlH ENT. 'l'he Congress shall llave power to ueclare the punishment ol' treason ....... .
P U N ISIUIENTS. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor exce8sive fines imposeu, 110r cruel
anu ul1usual punishlnents inliictcu •..•••.......••..•....•.•••..•..••...•..•...••..•••
.
QUALIF'ICATION of a Representative in Congress shall be 25 years of uge, seven years a citi-
zell of the U niten Stat es, alld whell elected all inhabitant of same State .•..•...••...•..•
Q U ALIFI C ATI O N of a Sellalor in COllgress shall be 30 years oi' age, nine years a citizen of t he
United States, and when elecLed all inhabitant oi' same State ••..•.....•....•..••..•...
QUALIFICATION lo oifi(:e. 'rhe Seuators and Represcntatives belore lllontiolled, and the
me:nbers oí' t he several State Legislatures, aud al! executive and judicial oJljt'ers, both 01'
the UnÍted States alld of the sevcral States, shall be bound by oat h or allirmal ion lo sup-
port this Constitution; but llO relig-ious tf;,;t shall ever Le requireu as a qualilication to
ATt. sec. eJ. page.
1 5 3 5
1 9 7 11
1 5 2 5
1 3 7 4
1 8 6 ~
3 3 2 19
8th amend. 27
1 2 2 2
1 3 3 4
any office or public trust lInder lhe United Slutes .....•....••..... ··.. ..•......•.....• 6 3 2Z
QUALIFICATIONS tal' electors of Representatives in Congress the samo as for electors of the
most numcrous branch of tbe S:ate Leglslatnre................ .••. .... ......• ........ 1 2 1 1
QUALIFICATIONS of ils own lIlembers. Eaeh lIouse 01' Congress shall lJe the judge of the
elections, retums, una qllaliticatiollS 01' its own mefllbers .•...........•...•..... ..•..•• 1 5 1 5
QUALIFICATIONS of President United Swtes. No porson excepl a naturnl bom cltizeu, ar a
eitizen of the United States at ¡he time of the adoption 01' this COllstitutioIl, shall be eli-
gible to the olliee oi" President; neither shall any per;;OJl be t'ligible to tlmt offi(:e who
¡;hall not have at tained to the age of 35 year;;, und Leen l-! years a resident within the
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United States .•••.••.••••.••.••.•••..••.. ; . • .••• •••.•••..•..•...•••.•••.•.•••••••• 2 l' 4 14 ¡:)
Q U ALIFICATIONS of Vice President the same as that of PresÍ'dent of the United States •••••
Q U ARTEH.ED. N o soldier shall, in time oI' peace, be quartered in any house without the con-
sent of the owner; nor in time 01' war, but in a manner to be prescnbed by law ••..•...••
QUESTION. The yeas and nays oI' the membcrs of either Houso on ally qucstion shall, at the
desire of one-fifth of t hose present, be ente red on the J ournal •••.....•.. " ••.•. , ••.....
1Zth artH~nd. 30
3d amend. 26
QUESTION. On question of adjourmnent oí" the two Houses, the approbation of the President
is not necessary .••••••..••..•.•......•..•....•••.•.•...•...•.•••.......••••••.••••
QUESTIONED. For any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be qllestioned in any
other place .••..••.......••.••...•...•...• " .• " •...•••••••••...•••.....••••..•...•
QUORUM. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller
number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance
of absent members, in such manner, alld under such penalties as each House may pro-
vide ••••.•. " •... , .•.••..•••..•....•••••. , ...• '" .. , .•••.•••.••.........••.••.•.••
1
1
1
1
5 3 5
7 :3 8
6 1 6
5 .. 5
QUORUM of the House of Representatives. A quorum (for the election of President by the
House of Representatives) shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the
States, and a majority of all the States 8ha11 be necessary to a choice •.••....•.•.••••.••
Q U O R UM of the Senate. A quorum (for the election of Vice President by the Sena te) shall con-
sist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number
12th amend. 29
shall be necessary to a choice ••••••••...•.•.•...••••.••••••• , ••••••••.••••.••••••.•• 12th amelld. 30
RATIFICATION. The ratifications of the conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for the
establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same............. 7 O
RA TIFICA 1'10 N of amendments to the COllstitution. (See Constitution.) .• • .. • . .• • • .. • . .• •• 5 O
REBELLION. The privilege of the writ oi' habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when,
in cases of rebellion or invasiol1, the public safety may require it ••••••...••.•••.•.•.•.• 9
RECEIPTS and expenditures. A rcgular slatement and account of the receipts and expenditures
of all public money shall be published ¡rorn timc to time .................... " • . ... • ••• 1 9
RECESS of the Senate. 'rhe President shall have power to fill up all vacrmclCS that may happen
during the recess of the Serwte, by gral1ting commissiolls, which shall expire at the end oi'
their next session •••.•••..•................•.....•••• , •..•••.••..••. " • . .. • • .. • . .. • 2 2
REC OMl\1END to Congress. 1'he President shall frorn time to time recornrnend to the considera-
tion of Congress such measures as he shall judge necessary ami expediento .. '" . .•• . .••• 2 0
RECONSIDERED. Bills returned with objectious by the President of the United States tv be
1 22
O 21
2 11
7 11
3 lF
1 16
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ALPHABETICAL AN ALYSIS~Continued.
reconsidered by the two Houses of Congress, and if approved by two-tJlirds of both
lIouses, shall become a law .••.•••.•••.•.•.••..•.•.•••.•••..••.•••.••..•••...•.•••.•
RECON SJDERED. Any order, resolution, or vote, returned with objections by the President,
may be reconsidered, and repassed by two-thirds of both Houses .••.•••.•••.••..•••.•.•
REC ORDS. Full faith and c1'edit shall be given in each Stute to the public acts, reco1'ds, and
judicial p1'oceedings, of every othe1' State; and the Congress may, by generallaws, pre-
scribe the manne1' in which such acts, 1'ecords, and proeeedings, shall be proved, and the
eirect thereof .••• , .••.•.•.••.•••.••..•••.•.•.•....•....••.••.•••.••..•••.•••..•••••
REDRESS of grievances. Congr~ss shall make no la\\: abridging the. ri&ht of the people peaceably
to assemble, and to petltlOn the Government for a redl'ess of gnevances ••..•••.•••.•.••
READ, deputy from Delawal'e, signed this .Constitution. George ..•..•••......••.•••.•••.••••
REGULATION. No person held to sel'vICe or labor, escaping into another State, sha11, in con-
sequence of any ]aw or regulation of sueh State, be disehal'ged from sueh service or labor
REGULATIONS for the eleetion of Senators and Representatives. (See Senators.) •••...••..•
REG ULA TI O N S. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdietion in eertain cases, both
as to law and faet, with sueh exeeptions, and undel' such regulations, as the Congress shall
make •••..••..•••....•..•...••.••••.....••..•...•..•....••.••...•..••..••...•..•.•
REGULA TIONS. The Congress shall have power to dispose of, and make, a11 needful rules
and regulations respccting the territory and othe1' property belonging to the United States
RELIGION. Congress sha11 make no law respeeting an establishment ofreligion, 01' prohibiting
the free exercise thereof ••.....• , .••....... " .....•. , ••.••••..•.....••..•....•...•.•
RELIGIOUS test. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualifieation to any offiee or pub-
líe trust under the U nited Statcs ••...•...•.............••.....•••.•....••..•.....•••
REMOVAL. Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to removal from
office, and disqualification to llOld und enjoy any üflice of honor, trust, or profit, under the
United States ..•..•..••••.....•...•.......•...•.......•..•••...........•.•••.....•
RE::.\10V AL. In case oi' the removal of the President from office, it shall devolve on the Vice
President •••.••..••..•....••.. , ..••..•....•...•.......••.•••.••...•..••••.•••.•••.
REMOVAL. Iu case ofremoval, both ofthe President and Vice Presideut, the Congress mayby
In\\' provide, declaring what ofTlcer sha11 then act as President •••..•..••........ , •.••.•
REM O VED from ofiiee. A11 civil ofiicers oi" the U nited States sha11 be removed from office Oll
~
Art. seco el ruge. o
o
1 7 2 7
1 7 3 8
4 1 1 19
1st amend. 25
23
4 2 3 20 ::..-
1 4 1 5 ~ >-
t"'
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3 2 2 ]8 [fj H en
4 3 2 20
l .. t am )ud. ')-_J
6 O 3 22
1 3 7 4
2 1 5 14
2 1 5 15
::c
ímpeachlllent foro and conviction of, treason, brihery, or othor high crimes and rnlsde-
llJeU 110[", ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
REPRESENTA'l'IUN. When vacalleies haprea in the representativa Ú'om ally State, the Ex-
OCul1ve ¡hereo! shalllssue wnts of elecllOn to fill them ••.•.•••.•.........••.••..•.•• ·•
REPRESENTA'l'IVE. No persoll shaU be a Representative unless 25 years old, been 7 years a
ci:i;Wll uflhe Uniteu 8tates, anu, when eleeted, an inhabitant ofthe same State •.....•.•
REPRESENTATIVE numbers include aU free persollS those bound to service fDr a term of
years, l'lldians taxed. and three-fitths of all other 'persons, (slaves,) all to be enumerated
every ten years, &c ............................................................... .
REPRESEN'l'ATIVE. No Senator or-shall, during the time for which he was elected, be ap-
poillled to any civil office under the authority oí" the United States, which shall have been
crealed, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time: and no
person hulding uny oUice under the United States shall be a member of either House
during his COlltinuance in offiee ..................................................... .
REPRE;:;ENTATIVE. N o Representative shaU be appointed an elector of President or Vice
Prel::>ident uf the U nited ::ltales ••..••..•.....•......•...••.•••.••..••. " .••.••.. , ••.•
REPRESE~~TATl V ES. Congress shall consist oí' a Senate and House of Representatives ..••
REPRESENTA'l'IVES. Mernbers of the House of Representatives to be chol::>cn every second
year by lhe people .' .•.•••.•••••••.....••• " •. " ................................... .
REPRESEN'l'A'l'IVES in Congress. Qualifications of electors of Representatives in Congress
the same as for electors of the most numeraus branch uf the State Legislature •••.••..••
REPRESEN'l'A'l'IVES and direet taxes to be apportioned among the States according to their
respective nuu1bers •••.•••.•••.••..•.•......•. " .•....•.. , ...•••.••............•••..•.•
REPRESENTA'l'IVES shall not exceeJ one for every 30,000, but each Statel::>hall have at least
one Represelltutive. The ......................................................... .
REPRESENTATIV ES allowed in first Congress were-
'1'0 New IIampshire •••..•...•...••.••••.•.••••••. 3 ............................... .
Massachusetts •••.•••..••.••..••..•••.•.•..••. 8 .••.•••.•• •.••..•••..•...••.••••
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations •.•.••. 1. .............................. .
Connecticut ........................... " .•.••. 5 ............................... .
N ew York ..................................... 6 ............................... .
t, New Jersey ................................... 4-. .- .... -.- •..••.•••.••• , •.•.••• , ••••
2 4
1 2
1 2
1 2
1 6
2, 1
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
')
"" 2
2
2
2
1
4
2
3
2
2
O
1
1
3
3
:1
3
3
3
3
3
17
3
2
2
6
13
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
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rn
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O
¡....t.
ALPHABETICAL AN ALYSIS-Continucd.
Pennsylvania .. " .. "" .. "" .. "" .. " .. " ... """""""" .8."" .,." .. "" .... "" .. "" .. "" .. """""
Delaware •••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••. 1 .••.•••••••.••••••••••••••••••••
Maryland •••••••••.•••..•••••••••••.•••.•••••. 6 .••••••.•••..••.••••••••••••••••
Virginia •.••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••.••••. 10 .••.•••. ~ ••.•••.•••••••.•••.••.•
N orth Carolina •••.•••••.••.•••••••....•••••••• 5 •••.•••.•••.•••.•••••••••••.•••.
South Carolina ••••.••••••••••••••••.••..•••••. 5 .••.•••.•••••••••••••••••••.••••
Georgia """,," "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" ,," ,," "" "" "" "" "" .3. " " .. " " .. " " .. " """ "" "" "" """ " """ " "
-65.
REPRESENT ATIVES. The House of Representativ~s shall choose their Speaker and other
officers •..•••...•••.•••.....••.•.....•.••.....••.••.••••••••••••.••..••.•.•.••..••
REPRESENT A TIVES. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeach-
lnent .•. , ., ., .•• , •..•• , •..•• , •••••.••. , .••.. , ....••••• , ••••.•••••••••••.••••••••••
REPRESENT A TIVES. The times, places, and manner of holding elections fur Senators and
Representatives shall be prescribed in each Srate by the Legislature thereof; but t he Con-
gress may, at any time, by law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of
ehoosing Senators .•...•..•••.••..•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••
REPRESEN'I'ATIVES. 'fhe House of~
Shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members .•••.••
A majority thereuf shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may
adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent
members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as that House may provide •.••
May determine the rules of ite proceedings, punish its members far disorderly behavior,
and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member .•..•.•..••.•••.•••.••..••
Shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and frol1l time to time publish the same, except-
ing such parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of
the members on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be en-
tered on t he J ournal ..•......•••.•...•...••.•. , ••.••••.••.•.•.•••..•..••..•••.••
Shall not, during the seesion of Congress, without the consent of the Senate, adjourn for
more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall
be sittillg. " " "" " " "" " " "" " " ,," "" " " "" " " "" " " " .. " " "" " " "" " " "" "" " " "" " " "" " " "" " " "" " " "" " " ,," "
'""" Art. see. el. page. O
1 2 3 2 ~
1 2 3 2
1 2 :~ 2
1 2 3 2
1 2 3 3
1 2 3 3
1 2 3 3
1 2 5 3
1 2 5 3
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1 5 1 5
rp
1 5 1 5
1 5 2 5
1 5 3 5
1 5 4 6
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REPRESENTA TIVES. The Scnators and-
Shall receive a compensalion for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of
the Treasury of the Ulliled States .............................................. .
The):' sha11, in all ?ases e.xcept treason, felony, and breach. of the P?ace, be privileg~d
from arrest dunng thelr attendance at the sesslOn of thCJr respectIve Houses, and m
going to and returning fi'om ¡he same; and for any speech or debate in either House,
they shall not be questioned in any other place ..................... '" .......... .
REPRESENTATIVES. All bilis for raising revenue shall originate in the Honse of Represen-
tatives; hut thc Senate may propose, or concur Wilh, amendments, as Oll other bills ..•.•
REPRESE~T ATIVES. Every bill, order, resolutioll, ol' vote, (except OIl a quei'lion of adjourn-
ment,) 01 iginating in either Eouse of COllgress, shall be presented to the President of the
United Staw;<. (For proceedings see Bi11-Resolution.) .............................. .
REPRESENT A 'l~IVES in Congre~s, and ~en~bers of State Legislatures, sha11 be bound by oath
01' aflinnatlOn, to support tllls ConstltutlOn ............................ " ...••...... , •
REPRIEVES. The President shall have power to grant reprieves ........... '" ............. .
REPRISAL. Congress shall have power to grant letters ol" marque and reprisal. ..•.....•.••••
RE PRISA L. N o State shall grant letters ol" marque and reprisal ........................... ..
REPUBLICAN. 'rhe United States shall guaranty to every State in this Union a republican
form of government ..••..••.....•••..•........•......••. , ••.••...•• " .. " .•..••...••
RESERVED rights. (See Retained rights.) ............................................... ..
RESERVED powers. 'rhe powers not delegated to the United States. by the Constitution, nor
prohibited by it to Ihe Slates, are reserved to the States respectlvely, al' to the people .•.
RESER VIN G to the States. Congress shall have power to provide for organizing, armina, and
disciplining the militia, and governing such part as may be in the servicc of the United
States, reserving to the States the appointment of thc officers, and the authority of train.
inO" the militia according to the discipline prcscribed by Congress .....•..........••...•
RESIDENCE of 14 years within the Uniled States requisite in eligibility of a person to the oflice
of President or Vice President of the United States .................................. .
RESIG N A TI O N. Vacancies by resignation of Senators may be filled by the Executive of a State
in reces s of Legislature •.......•.........•............•..•• " .•......•.....• " ....•
RESIG N A 1'10 N. In case of the resignation of t he President, the oflice shall devolve on the Vice
President, &c ..•••••...•...........•.•.••...•...••..••..•..•••.•.........•..•••..•
RESOLU'rION. Every order. resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the Senate and
::o
1 6 1 6
1 6 1 6
1 - 1 7 I
1 7 2-3 7
6 O 3 22
2 2 1 16 >-
1 8 11 9 Z >-1 10 1 1:2 t"'
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4 4 1 24, if. .....
'J1 9th amend. 28
10th amend. 28
1 8 16 9
2 1 4 14
1 3 2 3
2 1 5 14 1-" O
W
ALPRABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
House Qf Representatives may be necessary, (except on a questíon of adjournment,) shall
be presented to the Pre,;ident uf the United 8tates, and, betfJl'e the same shall take efrect,
shal! ue approvo.d by him; or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds
oí" the Senare and Hout;c of H qlresentatives, according to the rules and limitations pre-
scribed in the case of a bill. (:-lee Bill!:'.) .. , ...............•..........•............•.•
RET AIN ED rights. The elllul1cration, in the COllstitution, of cerlain rights, shall not be con-
strued to deny or disparage uthcrs retained by the people .. , ... , .........•...........••
RETURNED. Bilis, resulntiutls, &e., 110t approved, to be returned by the President to the Rouse
in which they originatcd .....•........ , ..... " ..• , ................................. .
RETURNED. Bilis, resolutiolls, &c., Tlot returned within ten days, Sundays excepted, to be-
conte laws unless Congre"s adjourn ..................................... " ....••..•.•
RETURN8. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications uf its
own nlelnbers ... " .....•......•....................• " ••.•••.•...... " .•. ' .•.••..•
REVEl\ UE. Al! bills for raising revenue shall originate in the Rouse of Representatives; but
the Senate may propose, or concur with, anlendments, as on other bills .•. " ....••..•.•
REVENUE. No preferellce shall be given, by any regulation of commerce or revenue, to the
ports of one State over those of another .....................•...•.......••..•...•...•
RHODE Island and Proyidence Plantatiuns entitled to one Representative in first Congress •••.•
RI G HT of consciel)ce. (See Religion.)
RIGHT of the people. COllgress ¡;hall make no law abridging the right of the people peaceably to
assemble and to petition the Guvemment jor a redress ol' grievances .................. .
RIGIIT of the people. A well-regnlated militia being necessary to the se~urity of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed .................... .
RIGHT of ¡he people. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
eifects, against unreasollah!f' searches and ¡;;eizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrants
shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmatioI?' and particularly de-
scribing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be selzed ............... .
RIGHT 01'. (See Life-Libcrty-Property.)
Rl G lIT 01' evidencc alld ddcnce in criminal prosecutions. ;See Criminal.)
RIGHT of trial by jnry. In enits al comfllon law, where the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preservcd, and no fact tried by a jury
Art. seco el. page.
1 7 3 8
9th amend. 28
1 7 2 7
1 7 2 7
1 5 1 5
1 7 1 7
1 9 G 11
1 2 3 2
1st amend. 25
2d amend. '26
4th amend. 26
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shnll be otherwise re-exnmined in nny comt of the United Stntes, than according to the
rules of the COrnl110n law .......................••..••..•...........•....•..•••.••..•
RIGHTS. Exclusive rights to writings and discovcries may be secured to thcir authors and in-
ventors for a IÍlnited tÍlne ... '" ........•..... '" ...••. , •...•..........•.......•••..•
RIGHTS (lf domestic security. N o soldicr shall, in time of peaee, be qunrtered in nny house with-
out the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a mnnncr to he prcscribed by law
RIGHTS. Tile enumeration. in the Constitution, of certain riahts, shall not be construed to deny
or disparage 01 hers retnincd by lhe people •••.....••• :': •.. , ., .............•.•..•....•
ROADS. Congrei's shall have poweJ¡ to estnhlish post offices and post roads ................... .
RULES of proceedings. Each H<Juse of Congrcss may determine the rules of ¡ts procepdings .•••
RULES cOllcerning captures. COllgress shall ha ve power to make rules concerning captures on
land and waler .••...........................••.•.•.••..••......••. " ............•..
RULES alld articles of war. Congrcss shall have power to make rules for the government and
rcgulation of the land and naval forces •................... , ...•••.•........•..•.••.••
RULES of the common law. No tact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court
of the U nited States, than according to the ru les of the common law .••...•............•
~ R UN A \V A y slavcs, or perSOllS held lO service or laiJor, ulld fugitives from justice, shall be de-
livered \lp, &c .•.•.•....•..••.............. , ...............•....•.......••........•
RUTLEDGE, dcputy from SOllth Carolina, signed this Con;;titution. John .•..•...••..•••..•••
SCIENCE and useful arts. Congress shall have power to promote the progress of science and
useful arts, by securing, fur lirnited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusiye right to
t h~ir respective writings and discoveries .. , ••..•..•...•... , ....•..•.................•
SEARCHBS and seizures. 'file right of the people to be secure in their persons, honses, prrpers,
and efrects against ullTeasonable scarches and seizures shall not be violated, anO. no war-
rant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmatioll, and particu-
larly describing the place to be searched: and the persons or things to be Reized ........•
;.'lEA T of Government. N either Honse, during the session oí" CongreRs, shall, wilbout (he con-
sent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in
which the two HOLlses sha!! be silling .....•......•••.••.. , ...•.................. " .•
SEAT of Government. Congress shall have power 10 exercise exclusive legifllatjon in al! cases
whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by c{'~"i()n ofpar-
tlcular States, and lhe acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the GovenUllellt of lhe
rJl
7th amend. 27
1 8 8 9
3d amend. 26
9th amend. 28
1 8 7 9
1 5 2 5
1 8 11 9
1 8 14 9 :>
7th amend. 26 Z >-
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4 2 2t03 19 ~ r.n
23 H
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1 8 8 9
4th amend. 26
1 5 4 6
.......
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
United Stntes, and to exercise like authority O\'pr al! place s purchased by consent of the
Legislature of the State in which tlw sarne ~hall be, fúr the ercction oi' forts, nwgazines,
arsenals, dock-yards, and other needtul bUlldlllgs ................ - ................... .
:::lEA T of Governl1lcnt of the U nited States. The list oi" electoral votesfor President and Vice
President shall be transmitted, sealed, to the seat of the Government of the U nitcu States,
directed to the President of the ~enate ... " ........................•...•. " ......... .
,< EA. 1'8 of Senators. Terms at whieh the seats of the "everal classes of Senators sha11 he vacnted
:.:t;CRECY. Each Howie of COllgre::;s shall keep a Journal of Íts proceedings, and ÍÍ'om time to
time publish the smne, execpting such parts as nmy in their judgment require secrecy ...
":ECURE the blessings of liberty. ,'file Constilution established to secure the blessings of líberty
to ourselves and our postenty, &c .................................................. .
,":EC U RE. 'l'he right oi' the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and efTects,
agninst unreasonable senrches and seizures, shnll not be violated ..•...................•
.C; EC U RITl ES. Congress shall llave power to proviue fur the pUllishment of coullterfeiting the
securities and currellt coin of the U niteu State8 ............... , ..................... .
;-;ECCRITY of a free 8tate. A wdl regulntPd militia being necessary to the E'ccurity of a free
State, the righ! of (he peoplp to keep and bear arms "hall not be infringed .•............
SEIZURES. The right of the peoJlle 1.0 be secure against unreasonable seizures shall not be vio-
lated. (See Senrchcs.) .........................................................•...
;-iEXATE and House of RcpreE'entatives. The Congress of the United 8tates shall cansist of a
Senate alld IIonse uf Representatives ...........................•••..................
:-;E~ A TE and HOllsc of Representative.". (See CongreE's.)
:-;E~ ATE. 'fhe Senate shall be composed of two Senaturs fram each State, ch08en by the Legis-
lature tór six y¡;nrs, nnd each !:3l'nfltor shall have one vote .• ······ ................. '" ..
_";ENATE. The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shaU
have no vote unlc~" they be eqllally dividcd ................... : ...•..................
";E~ ATE. Tbe Senate "hall choose their 01he1' oilicers, and also a Presldent pro tempore, in the
absence of the Viee President, or whell he shall exercise the office of President of the
Unitecl fitates ....................................................................•
SE N A TE. The SClInte ",hall have (he sole puwcr to trv a II imp'eachnIents: w heu sitting for that
purpose they shall be O!1 oath or at'llrmation. \Vhell the Presluent of the Cnited States is
Art. see. el. page. O c:
8 17 10
12th amend. 29
1 3 2 3
1 5 3 5
Preamble. 1
4th anIend. 26 > Z
1 8 6 9 > ~
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2d nmend. 25
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4th am.end. 26
1 1
1 3 1 3
1 3 4 4
1 3 5 4
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trie~, the Chief Jnstlce "hall preside; and no pertion shall be eonvietcd without the con-
currence of two-tbirds uf the llwlI1bers prescllt .........•............. ..... ........... 1
Sl~N ATE. The ju(kment uf the ~cnaW, in eafie:s of impeachment, shallnot ext,md ¡¡¡rther than
to removal fr~tll olIice, and disqualiliC'atioll to hold and enjoyan ofiiee of honor. trust, or
profit under the United ~tates, but the party cOllvieted shall, nev!Jrtlteless be ¡'¡able and
subjeet to indietment, trial, judgment and punishment, aeeording to law .. .'.. . • .. • . .. • . • 1
SEN ATE of the United States. The I::'enate shall ue the judge of tite eleetions returns, and
qualifications of its own member:s; a maJol'ity shall constitute a quorum to' do business,
but a smaller number may adjourn frorn day tu day, and may be authorized to eompel the
attendance of absent members, in sueh mauner, and under sueh penalties, as that House
may provide .•. " .•.........•..••......•. " ••..••..••..•........• " .• " ••..•...•.••
SEN A TE. The Senate may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for dis-
orderly behavior, and, with the concurrence oi' two thil'ds, expel a me muer .....•...••.•
SEN A TE. 'l'he Senate shall keep a J oumal of its pl'oceedings, and hom time to time puulish the
same, excepting such parts as may! in theil' judgmr:nt, require secr~eY;r and the yeas and
nays of the members, on any questlOll, shall. at the desire of one-fitth 01 those present, be
entered on the J ournal .••..•.........•.... " .• " ...•••.•• , •......•. " .......••..••••
SEN A T K The ~enate shall not, during the seSSlOn of Congress, without the consent of the
House of Representatives, adjollru fol' more than three days, nor to any other place than
that in which the two Houses shallue silting ....................................... ..
SEN ATE. All bills fo.r raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the
Senate may propose, or eOllcur with, amendments, as on other bilb. (See Bilis.) •.•..••
SEN ATE. Every bill, order, reRolution, and vote, (except on a question of adjourlllnent,) origi-
nating in either House oí' Congress, 8hall be pWt5ented tu the President of the United
States. (For proeeedings, see Bill-Resollltioll.) .................................... .
SEN A TE. Aetion of Senate on bills, resolutions, ordel's, and votes. (See Bilis. &c.)
SEN A TE. The President shall have power, by and wil h the advice alld consent of the Senate.
to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nomi~
nate, and, by and with the advice and coment of the Senate, shall appoint amlJassadors,
other public rninisters, and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other offieers
of t he U nited States, whose appointments are not he re in otherwise provided fol', and which
shall be cstabiished by law. But the Congress muy, by law, vest the appointment of such
1
1
1
1
1
3 6
3 7
5 1
5 2
5 3
5 4
7 1
7 2-3
4
4
5
5
5
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7
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
mferior officers, as they think proper; in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in
the heads of departments ......•..••.••...•.......••..••..•..•••.••.••..........•...
SEN A TE. The President shall have power to fill up all vacencies that may happen during the
recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next
session .•.•••..•••..••...• " .......•.•.••.••...••..•....•.•••..•..••...•. " ...•...•
SEN A T E. The President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses of Congress, or
either of them ••....•.....•.•..••......... " .....•....••.•••.•...... " .•..•....•.•.
SENATE. No State, without its consent, shal! be dcprived ofits equal suffrage in the Senate ..
SEN A TE. The lists of votes of electors of President and Vice President shall be directed to the
President of the Senate ........••...••.•.........•....•.••......•.•..•..••••.....•..
SEN A TE. The President of t he Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and Honse of Re-
presentatives, open al! the certificates of the electors of President and Vice President of
the United States .••..•...•..........•..•...•..•.••..•.•.•..•......••...••..••.•.•.
SEN A TE. If no person have a majority of the electoral votes as Vice President, then, from the
. two highest numbers on the list the Senate shall choose the Vice President j a quorum
for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the ~hole number of Senators, and a majority
of the whote number "hall he necessary to a chOIce .................................. .
SENATOR. Each Senator shall have one·vote ............................................ .
SEN A TOR. N o person shall be a Senator who shallnot have attained the age of 30 years-been
9 years a citizen of the United States, and, when elected, an inhabitant of the State for
which he shall be chosen . , •.•••..•..••..•...••..•....••.••..•••.....••.•••......•.•
SEN A TOR or Representative. N o Senator or Representative shall, during the time [or which
he was eleeted, be appointed to any civil oflice under the au~hority of the UnÍted States
which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased
A rt. lIec. el. page.
2 2 2 16
2 2 3 16
2 3 1 16
5 21
12th arrend. 29
12th amend. 29
12th amend. 30
1 3 1 3
1 3 3 4
during such time j and no person holding any office under the United States shall be a
member of either Rouse during his continuance in oflice. • . .. • . .. . . .. • . .. . . .. . • .. • • .. . • 1 6 2 6
SENATOR. No Senator shall be appointed an elector of President or Vice President United
States. • • .. • . .• • . •. • • .. . . .. • . .• . • •• • . .• . . .. . . .• . • .. . . .. . . .. • . .• . • .• • . .. . • .. . • .• . . . . 2 1 2 13-
SEN ATO RS. The Senate of the U nited States shall be composed of two Senators ffom each
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flEN ATO RS. Two Senators shall be chosen by the Lej!'islature of each State for six years. • • . . 1 3 1 3 00
SEi{ATORS dlVidcd as Ilcarly as may be into three dasses attcr the tirst elc('tion: The seats of
the first clu,.:s vacated at expirat ion nf tIte sccond year. The seat" of (he second class
vacatcd at expiration of the í;)llrth year. The seats of the thirrl claRs vacatcd at expira-
(ion of the sixth year; so that one-third mny be chosen every seeonrl year. .... , ., •...•..
SEN A TO RS. If vacancies happen in scats of Scnators. by resignation 01' othcrwise, during the
recess of the Legislatnre of any State, the Executivc thereof may make tell1porary appoint.
mcnts until next mecting of the Leglslaturc. which shall thcn fill suc}¡ \"acancies ...•...•
SEi{ ATO RS. Thc times, places, and manller of holdil1g elcctions for ~ellators and Representa-
tives, shall be prescribed in eaeh State by the Legislature thereot j but the Congress may,
a! any time, by law, make or alter such regulatiuns, except as to the pbees of ehoosing
Senators ..•................... " ...................••...••..••.............•....•.
SEN ATO RS and Representatives shall reeeive a eomptmsation for their services, to be ascer-
tained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the U nited States ....... " .............•
'fhey shall, in all cases except treason, felony, anrl hreach ofth.e peaCI), be privileaed fram
arrest during thcir altendance at t he session oí" their respectl~e HOllses, and in Cgoing to
...... and returning from the same; and tor any speech ol" debate m eaher IIouse, they shall
~ not ue questioned in any other place ....... " ....... , •. ',' ...•...... '" ..........•
SEN ATORS of the Llnited States shall be bound by oath or affirmatlOl1 to support the Constitu-
tion of the United States ....•....•.............. , ............•......................
SER VI C E. Persons boul1l1 to servicl) for a t erm of ycars included in represr'ntative numhers •..•
SER VIC E of the United States. The Congress shall have power to provide for goyernina such
parts of the militia as may be empluyed in tllP sen,ice of the U,nited. States ........ ~ ..•..
SER VIC E of the U nited States. 'fhe PresH]cnt shall be commander-JII.clllef of the mili tia of the
several States, when called inlO the actual service of lhe United States ................ .
SERVICE or labor. (See Slaves.) ........................................................•
SERVICE. No person shall be held lO answcr for a capital or otherwi!:'e infamous crime, unless
OH a presentmcnt or inuictment of a grand jmy, except in c~scs arising in Ihe land or
naval forces, or in the militia when in actual servicc. in time ot war or public danger ..••.
SER VI CES. 'fhe Senators and Representatives "hall rcceive a compensat iOJl fur their services,
TO be ascf'rtaint'd by law, and paid out of the Trcawry of 1 he UnÍtf'u States ........•...•
SERVICES. The President shall, at stated times. rcceivo ror his servieos a COHlpCI1Ration, &c.
SER V ICES. 'fhe judges, ooth of the Suprcmc and IllÍerior courts, shall hold their otl1ces during
rn
1 3 2 3
1 3 2 3
1 4 1 5
1 6 1 6
> Z
1 6 1
:>
6 t"'
><:!
ro 6 3 22 .....
1 2 3 2 'fJ
1 8 16 9
2 2 1 15
4 2 3 20
5th arncnd. Z6
1 6 1 6
2 1 6 15
t-I
O
ce
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
good behavlOf, and shall, at stated times, rcccive fOf their services a compensation which
shall not be diminished during their continuance in ofTIce ••..•••.•••.•••.•••.•••.•••.••
SESSIO N of Congress. (See Meeting.) .
SESSIO N. The Congress shall assemble at least once in evcry year, and such meeting or ses-
sion shall be on the first Monday in Decernber, unless they shall by law appoint a different
day •.•..•••......•.......•.......•...•........•...............••....•......•......
SESSION. Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without (he consent of the
other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two
Houses shall be sitting .•................••.......•....•.................. , •.......•
SESSIO N. Senators and Representatives shall, in al! cases exc~pt treason, fdony, and breach of
the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attenaance at the session of their respect-
ive Houses, ana in going to and returnillg from 1 he sal1le .... , .....................•..•.
SESSION oflhe Senate. The President shal! haye power to fillllp al! vacancies that mayhappen
during the re¡;ess of the Senate, by granting ¡;omlllissioJls which shall expire at the ena of
t!leir llext session ...........................................................•....•.
Snr:lL\L\N. dcputy froll1 Connecticllt, siglled tlti;; Con;.:litlltion. Rl'~er ..................... .
SHIPS of war. N o State shal!, without the COllsent uf COI;gress, l.cep ship=, of war in time of
peaee .........•.....................•.......................................•...•.
SIGNED. Every !Jil!, rcsoIlltioIl. order, or vote, appruvcd. shall be sigtlcc. by IIw Presidcll! .....
SIGNED. Any biU, resolutioll, &c., not retunwd within ten days, to hecol1le a law as if it had
bccn signed by the President .....•. ·· .............................. '" ............. .
SIGNERS of rhe COI1Stitutiol1 ..................... -.............................•......•••.
Geo. \Vashington, President and dCpllty ¡mm Yirginia ............................... .
John Langdon, Nicholas Gdman, N ew Halll]loihirc .................................. .
Nalhallicl Gurhulll, RuJus Killg, }lassadlUsutts ............. ·· .. ·· .................. .
William Samuel JOhll,'OI1, Roger ShCl'lUall, CUllllecticut ............................. .
Alexallder Hallliltoll, Ncw york ........................ ········· ................. .
\Villiam Llvillgston, David Brearley, VJilliall1 Pat~~r"on. J'JIlathall Daytoll, Ncw Jérscy
Benjamin Franklin, Tholllas :\liflLn, Robert :\lorri,.;. Ceorgl' Clynler, Tholllas FitzsilllOllS,
Jared Ingcrsoll, Jalllc~ \ViJ,;Oll, Guuveflluur :Ylorris, l'cLEI:;ylvallia. ~ ............. ..
,...
Art. see. el. page. ~ O
3 1 1 17
1 4 2 5
1 5 4 6
1 6 1 6 > Z
~
2 2 3 ]5 t"' >< 23 Ul ,...
'fl
1 10 3 12
1 7 2 7
1 7 2 7
23
:2:-)
2:1
2:~
23
52,l
23
23
\I'J
Georgc Reed, Gllnning Bedford, jun'r, J ohli Dickinson, Richard Bassett, J acob Broom,
Delaware ....................................••...................••.••••.•...
James McHenry, Daniel of Sto Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, Maryland ............. .
John Blair. James Madi",on. jun'r. Virginia ......................................... .
\Villiam Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight. Hugh \Villiamson, N orth Carolina ........... .
.T ohn Rutledge, Charles C. Pinekllcy, Charles Pinckney, Pierce BUller, South Carolina
William Few, Abraham Baldwin, Georgia .......................................... .
Attest: William J aekson, Seeretary ....................................... .
SIL VER. No State shall make any thing but .gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts .•
SLA VES. 'l'hree-fifths of all slaves included 111 representative numbers ...................... .
SLA V ES. The migration or importation of suchyersons as any of the S.tates now existing shall
think proper to admit, shall not be prohlbned by the Congress pnor to the year 18.08, but
a tax or duty may be imposed on snch importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each
peftwn .•..••• -.......................•..........•..•...............•......•..•••.•
SLA VES. N o amendment of the Constitution. made prior lo 1808, s,hall affect the preceding
clause ••.•.......•...............•...•..........•••.•.•......••..••...•.•.•.•..••.
SLA VES. N o person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into
another, shall, in consequence of any \aw or regulation therein, be discharged from such
service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whorrl Buch service or
labor lnay be due .•.....•.••........•.....•..•...•.•.. , ••...•...•.............••••••
SLA VES. N o amendment made prior to 1808 shall prohibit the importatlOn of persons (or slaves)
SOLDIER. No soldier shall, in time of peaee, be quartered in any honse withont the consent of
the owner, nor in time of war, but in a mmmer to be prescribed by law .•..•.•..•..•.•••
SOUTH Carolina entitled to five Representatives in fin;t Congress ....................•.•..•••
SPAIGIIT, deputy ¡rom North Carolina, signed this Constitution. Richard Dohbs ........... .
SPEAKER and other oflicers. The IIouse of Representatives shal1 choose their Speaker and
ot her officers ............................... " ••................. , ........•.•.••.••
SPEECH. Senators and Representatives, for any speech or debate in either House, shall not be
questioned in any other plar,e .....•...... , ......••..•.••.....•..••....•.•..••..•••••
~PEECH. Congress shall make no law abridging lhe freedom ofspeech ..................... .
STANDARD. Congress shall have power to fix the standard ofweights and measures ....... ..
ST ATE of the Uniof1. The President shall. frorn time to time, give to the Congress informatiol1
rn
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
1 10 1 12
1 2 3 2
1 9 1 10 > Z
5 21 ~ t-<
>< en
....
?J
4 2 3 20
5 21
3d amend. 26
1 2 3 3
23
1 2 5 3
1 6 1 6
l:3t arnend. 25
1 8 5 8
....
....
....
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
ofthe State ofthe Uníon. and recommend to th"ir consíderation such measures as he shall
judae necessary and expedient .....•.............. , .......•.................... , ••..
ST ATE. A Representative in Congress shall be an illhabitant oí the State in which he shall be
cho~en ..........................................•......... ' ...................•..•
ST A TE. Each State shall have at least one Represcntative in Congress .................. , •••
ST A TE. When vaeancies happen in the representation fi'om a State, the Execulive thereof sha11
issue writs of election lo fill t hem .................... , .............................•
8T A TE. The Senate of the U nited States shall be composed of two Senators from eaeh State,
chosen by t he Legislature thereof ..................................................•
ST ATE. Jf vacallcies happen in seats of Senators, hy resianation or otherwise, durin(.T the re-
cess of the Lcgislature of any State, the ExeeutIve th~re()f may make temporary ~lppoillt
ments, until the next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill sueh vaeancies ...•
STA TE. A Sellator in Congre,;s s 11<1 11 be an inhaÍJital¡t of the State for which he shall ue chosen
STATE. The times, places, and manuer of holding elc<.:tions for Senators and Representatives
shall ue prescriued in each Stale by the Legislature thereor; but lhe CÜIl!!ress may, at
any time, by law, make or alter such regulat ions. exC'ept as to the places of ehoosing Sena-
toril·.················ .• ················•·················•····•················• • STATE. No tax or duty "hall be laid on artieles exportcd from any State .................•..•
STATE. No preference shall he givcn, by any rcgulatioll 01' commerce or rcvcnue, to the ports
of one State over those (If another; nor "hall vessels bound to or fmm one State be
obliged to erlter, dear. or pay d\lties in another ...................................... .
STA TE. No State shall enter into any tre,ity. alliallce, or confederatioll; grant ¡etters ofmarqne
and reprisal; coin monev; emit bills oí' C!'("clit : lIlake any 1hing bllt !!old and silver coi n a
tender in p:lyment 01' dclits: pass any bill of attainder. ex post facto law, al' law impairiil a
the obligation of contracls. or grant any title uf nobility .... , ..................... , ., . ~
STATE. No State shall. without the con~ent of (he Con!!rcss. lay any imposls or duties on im-
ports or exports. except what may b~ absolutely llecessary for executing its inspection
laws; and the nett produce of al! duttes anel imposts, bid by auy State 011 imports or ex-
ports, shall be for the use of the Treasury of the United States; and al! snch Jaws sha.ll be
subiect to 1he revision and control of t he COll.QTei'S ................................... .
8T ATE. .N o State shall, without the consent of Cungress, lay any duty of tonnage, kecp troops
Art. seco el. page.
2 3 1 16
1 2 2 2
1 2 3 2
1 2 4 3
1 3 1 3
1 3 2 3
1 3 3 4
141 5
1 9 5 11
1 9 6 11
1 10 1 12
1 10 2 12
¡....a
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>-
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>
t"
-<
rr.
.....
1Jl
rIl
or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any arrreement or compact with another State, rIl
or witll a foreign power, or engage in war, unles~ actually invaded, or in such immment
1 10 3 12 danger as will not adrnit of delay ....................................... " ...........
81' A TE. Each State sha11 appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, the
2 1 2 13 electors oi" President and Vice President oi' the United States. (See Electiun.) ..........
STATE. The judicial power shall extend to controv'ersies to which the United States shal1 be a
party; ro controversies between two ur more States j bet ween a State and citizens of an-
other State; between citizens oi' difIerent States j between citizens of the same State
claiming lands under grants of difierent States j and between a State, ur the citizens
1 18 thereo1', aud foreign States, citizens, or subjects ...................................... 3 2
ST A TE. In all cases in which a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have original
18 jurisdiction ........•...•......•••.••••. , •. " .•..••.•••.•••..•.••.....••. " ...••..•• 3 2 2
81' A TE. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such
trial shall be held in the State where t he said crimes sha11 have been cormnitl ed j but when
:> not committed within any State, the trial shall be at such place 01' places as the Congress Z
may by law have directed .•..•••.....•••.•.....•.••...•••... , .•.••• " ...•••..•..•••• 3 2 3 18 ~
8T A TE. Full faith aud credit shaU be given in each State lo the public acts, records, and judi- t"
cial proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may, by generallaws, prescribe -< rn
the manner in which such aCls, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the efrect .....
thereof •••.••.••.••..••...•......••..•...•..••......•.•.•••...•.......•..••..•..•• 4 1 1 19 ~
81' A TE. The citizens of each State sha11 be entitled to aU privileges and immunities of citizens
in the tleveral States ..•••..•..............••....•..••...•......•............. , •..•• 4 2 1 19
ST ATE. A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crirne, who shall flee fi'om
justice, and be found in anuther State, shall, on demand of the Executive uuthurity 01' the
State from which he fled, be delivered up to be removed to the State having jurisdietion
oi' t he crime ••...••.••......•....................•..••..••................•..•..... 4 2 2 19
8T A TE. N o person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereor, escaping into
another, shall, in cOllsequence of any law ur regulation therein, be discharged from such
service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom í:iuch service or
8T ATE~ab1~h~lCo~~r~~: ~h~ii '1;;;; ~~\~~~'t'o' di~;~~~ ~'f: ~~;(i ~l:;k~'~ir' ~~~~ú~i' ;l;l~'s' ~~d 'r~'~;l~: 4 2 3 20
~ tlOns respecting the territory or other pr,)perty belullgWg to the United States; and no- ~
Col)
ALPIIABETICAL A::-i ALYSTS--C"ll'inued.
thil1fT in this Constitution shall be so cOllstrued as to prejudil't' i\W,' claim of lhe United
b - 1 -, States, or of auy partIcu ur ~tate •.......................•..... -............•........
STATE. 'L'he United Slates sha1l guaranty lo evcry ::-ltate in this Uliiun a rcpublican form of
government, und sha1l proteet euch uf thcm H!.!;Hillst invasion, and, Oll upplication oí ¡he
Legislature or of ¡he Exeeutive, (when ¡he Legislature canllot be cOllvelled,) against do-
luestie violence ..........•.......•........................•.......................•
STATE. No State, without its consent, shall be deprivcd of its equal sufli-age in the Senate ..•
STA'l'K The judges in every State shall oe oOllnd by ¡he Constitution, laws, and treaties oí ¡he
United States, any thing in the eonstitutiull ur laws of any State to the contrary notwith·
standing ..........•.........••..•.......... : ................................••....
ST ATE Legislatures. The members of the several ::-lta¡e Legislatures, and all exccutive alld
judicial ofTicers, ooth of the United Statcs alld oí ¡he several States, shall be bound by
oath or affinnation to support this COllstitution ...................................... .
ST ATE. A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a fi-ee State, the right of the
people to keep and bear arms sha1l not be intrillged ........ , ....•..........•.........•
81' ATE. In al! criminal prosecutiolls, the accused tshall Clljuy the right to a specdy alld Pllblic
trial, by an impartial jury of the Slate alld district wher,'in the cnme shall have been como
mitted; whieh distriet shall have been previollSly aseertained by law .................. .
ST ATE. In ehoosing the President, (by the House of n.eps.,) lhe vote shall be taken by States,
the Representatives froIU eaeh State having one vote: a quorum for this purpose shall
consist of a mcmLer or mcmbers from two-thirds oi" the States, and a majority of aH the
States shall be neeessary to a ehoiee .•...•. " ........ , ........ , •.....................
ST A TE. The eleetors o:hall mee! in their respeetive States and vote, by ballot, t"or Pre~ident
and V iee President, one of whom at least shall not Le an inhabitant of the same State with
themselves .................••.•....•.......•........•.••••.....••..•. " .........••
ST A TES. Representatives in Congress to be ehosen every two years by the people of the States
~TA TES. Reprcsentatives and direet taxes to be apportiolled among the several States aeeord·
ing to their respeetive Ilumbers .••......•......•••...•...•••••..••.•..•••.... , ••...••
ST ATES-entitlcd to representatives in (he first COllgress wcre. '1'he ........................ .
New Hampo:hire, 3; Massachusetts, 8; Rlwde Island and Providenee Plalltatiolls, 1;
Conneeticut, 5; New York, 6; New Jensey, 4; Pennsylvunia, 8; Delaware, 1;
1-1
Art. see. el. pagp-. ...... ~
4 3 Z 20
4 4 1 20
5 21
6 Z 22
6 3 22 >-~
2d amend. 25 >-t"'
~
r.r.
....
6th amend. 27 r.r.
12th amend. 29
12th amend. 28
1 2 1 1
1 2 3 2
1 2 3 2
r/l
~Tnry1and, (); Virginia, 10; North Carolirm, 5; South Carolina, 5; Gcorgi::,::l. 'Vllole
nUlllber, (i;; .•......•. '" .••••••.•••.....•. " ••.•.•.••.•..••..•••••...••.•••.••. " 1 2 3
STATES. Congrci's shall have powcr 10 regnIatc l'Ulllll1erce among the several Stutes and wilh
rhe Indiall trihes................................................................... 1 8 3
STA TES, Congrc"s shal! have powcr to provide íor orcranizing, arming, and di"eiplining the
rnilitia, ¡¡ud fur govcrnillg snch part of tlwm n" m~y be employed in the scrvice of the
Unitcd S¡ates, re"crving to the States res!ll'c¡in,ly lhe appoiJltment oí" lhe officers, and
the alllllOrity 01' trainillg the militia according 10 tlH' di"ciplille prcscribed by Congress .,. 1 8 16
STATES, COIIgrcs8 shall hase power to exereise l'.\l'II1~ive lcaislarion ID al! cases whatsoever,
oyer "l1c11 distrir:t (llor l'x"f'cdiJ:g ten miles sq;¡;uc) as ma;, bv et'~sion of particular States,
and the acccpl an<,e of e ongfl's": becollle the s;'at (Jf t he (;overmnent 01' t he U nited Srates ;
and to exc]'(,isl, like autllor-ity over all plaees ¡mrchascd by the COllscnt of the Lco"islature
oi" the Slate in which the tiaIDe shall be, fór the erection oi" forts, magazines, ~rsenals,
dock-yardR, and 01 her net,dflll huildings. . . .. . . .. . . .. • . .. • . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. . . . 1 8 17
STATES .. ,'fhe migratioll or importatio!l 01' i:3U(Jl pcrsolJ~ as any of.the Statcs now existing shall
thll1l{ proper 10 adllllt, 811all no! be prohllJl1ed by COlIgress pnor to the year 180M, bUl a tax
or duty !llay he illlpmwd 011 such in1j)()]'tatioll /lut exceeding ten dollars túr cadl person... 1 9 1
ST ATES. 'rhe Presiden! "hallllot receiye, dllring the timo for which he shall have been eleelcd,
any emo!umellt from any of the Stales............................................... 2 1 6
STA TES. 'rhe President shall be COl1lmander·in-Chief 01' the militia of the several States when
called into the ael ua! service oí" the U nited SI ates. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. • . .. 2 2 1
ST ATES. N ew States may be admitled by the Congress into this Un ion ; but no new State shall
be farmed or erected withill lhe jLuisdidion oi" liny other State; nor any State be farmed
by the jllnctioll of two or more Statcs, or parts of States, without the consent 01" the Legis-
latures of the States eoneerned, as we!! as of the Congress............................. 4 3 1
ST A TES. 'J'he Congress, whenever two-thirds 01" both Houses sha!! deem it necessary, shall
propose amen¿¡ments lo lhis Constitution, or, on the application of the Legislatures of two-
thirds of the sevewl States, shall cal! a cOllvention far proposing arnendments, which, in
eilher case, shall be valid to al! intellls and purposes as part of this Constitution, when
ratified Ly the Legislatures of three-fourths oí" the several States, or by conventions in
three-fourth,;, t hereof .....••.•.....•............• " ..••.....•••..••........... , • . .. . 5
ST ATES. The ratificarian of the cOllventions of nine Statcs shall be sut1icient for the establish-
ment of 1his Constitution between the States so ratifying the same..................... 7 1
2
8
9
10
10
15
15
20
21
22
00
>-Z
>-
...
~
'll
......
'll
....
.......
1...<1
ALPHABETICAL ANALYSIS-Continued.
STA TES. The Constitution adopted in Convention by the unanimous consent of the dcputies
from all the States present, the 17th day 01' September, A. D. 1787, auJ of the lndepen-
dence of the Vuited States of Ameriea the twelfth. T11e following States being repre-
sented: N ew Hampshire, l\Iassadmsetts, Connectieut, N ew York, N ew Jersey, Pellll-
sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia ......
ST ATES. The powers not delegated to the United State;; by the Constitution, nor prohibited by
it to the Stales, are reserved to the States respec:tively, or lO the people ..•.............•
81' A TES. The judicial powcr of the Vnited States shall not be construed lo extend to any suít in
law or equity, eommenced or pro8ecuted agaiust olle of the Vnited States by citizeus of
another State, or by citizens or subjects of auy íoreign State ••...••..•..••....•.•...•••
SVBJECTS. The judicial power shall extend to aH c:ases betweell a Stale, or the citizens thereof,
and toreigll States, citÍl:ens or subjects .••.••. " ........••......••..•......••.•••...••
SlJBJECTS of any foreign State. The judicial power of the United Slales shall not be eonstrued
to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the Vníted
States by eitizens of another State, or by eitizells or subjeets of any foreign State ••....•
SVFFRAGE. N o State, without its consent, shall be deprived of ¡ts equal suífrage in the Senate
8VlTS. In suits at COtnllWl1 law, where the value in c:olltroversy 8hall exceed twenty dollars,
the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no faet tried by a jury shall be otherwise
re-examined in any eourt of the United States than according to the rules of the common
law ..•...................................•.......•...••..••..............••.....••
SVITS. 'fhe judicial power of the Vnited States shall not be construed to extenu to any suit in
law or equity, commenl'ed 01' prosecuted ngainst one of the Vnited States by citizens of
another State, 01' by eitizens or subjeets of any foreicrn State ..••.......•......••..••..•
SVNDA YS exeepted. Ten davs allowed the Pn'sident to r~turn a biU, resolutioll, &e ........ ..
S UP POR l' the COllstitution. '1'he Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem-
bers of the several State Legislaturcs, and al! Exeeutive and judicial officers, both of the
Unitef States.and of tile several Siates, shall be bOUlld by oath or aftirmation to support
tlllS ConstItutlOl1, &c ............................................................. ..
SVPREME Court. COllgress shall have power lo cOllstiLute tribunals inferior to the Supreme
Court ......•................•........ , ., ........•.....•......••...........•...•..•
SVPREl\1E Court. (Se e appoilltment of J udges of, &c.) .................................... .
Art. see. el. page.
22
10th amend. 28
11th amend. 28
3 2 1 18
11th amend. 28
5 ~l
7th amend. 27
11th amend. 28
1 7 :2 7
6 1 3 22
1 8 9 9
2 2 2 16
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SUPREME Court. 1'he judicial power of the United States shall he ,:"csted in one Supreme
Court, and in such Inferior courts as the COlwress may frum tIme tu time ordam and
establish. The judges, both of the Supreme U1~u Inferior courts, shall huId their oflices
during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their sLrvices a compensation
which shall not be diminished during their continuance in ufnce. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. • . .. .. • 3
SUPREl\IE Court. In all cases atlecting ambassadors, other public rninisten;, and consuls, and
those in which a State shall be parly, the ~u]lreme Court shall have original jurisdiction.
In al! (he other cases before mentioned, (he Snpreme Court shall havc appcllate jurisdic-
tion, hoth as to law and fact, with such excepliolls, and under such regulations, as the
Congress shall rnake .........•......•...... " ........•...•................ _ ..••..••
SUPRKVIE law of the land. (See Constitution-Laws-Treaties.) ........................... .
TAX. A tax or duty on imported persons ("laves) might have heen imposed up to 1808 ........ .
T AX. N o capitation or 01 her direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enu-
rneration hereinbetare directed to be takcn ............•. , ., ....•..... " ......... , .•.•
T AX. No amendmcllt made prior to 1808, shall in any manneratfect the preceding clause .•...•
:;::TAX. Nu tax or uUly ::-hall be ¡aid Oll artides exported hum any State ..•................••..•
T AXED. Indians nol taxed exc!uded from representaTive numbers ............... o .. o .... o o o o •
T AXESo Representatives and direct taxes to be apportioned among the States according to theiI
respective numberso o o o .. 0.0. o 00 o o .• o. o .... o .......• o ••...•. o ...... o oo. o o .••.•••.•.•
T AXES. Congress shall have power to lay alld collect taxes .•...•. o •. o o .... o .. o o •...•• o ..• o.
TEN DER. N o State shall ruake any thillg but gold and silver coin a tender in paymellt of debts
TERM of election of Representatives in COllgress-to be chosen every two years. o. o o o ...•.• o ••
T ERM of ten yearso 1'he cellSUS shall be taken within every term of ten years subsequent to the
first o.' ••.•.•...•. o o . o . o o . o o ... o •••...• o .••.••• o .•...... o o • o .• o o o o .•. o . o o . o o ...•. o .•••
TER M of citizenship as qualification far a Representative in Congress-seven years • o ......... .
TERM of yearso Representative numbers in dude tllose persons bound to service for a term of
years o ••• o' ..•. o o o, •... o. o. o o •..•. o .. o •..••• oo .. 0 •••••••••••• 0 •••••• o •...•.• o .••.•
TER M of oflice of Senators in Congress-to be chosen far six years o .....•...•... o ...•••••••••
TERM of citizenship as qualificatioll for a Senator in Congress-Iline years o o o ...... o o ........ ..
TERM of office. 'rhe President shall hold his oflice during the ter m of iour years, and the Vice
PI esident chosen for the same tenn ••••••••.•••....•••••••••.•.••.••..•••••••..•••••
3
6
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
9
9
9
Z
2
8
10
2
2
2
2
3
3
1
1
2
2
1
4
5
3
3
1
1
1
3
2
3
1
3
1
17
18
21
10
11
21
11
2
2
8
12
1
2
2
2
3
4
13
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
TE RRITO R Y. Congress shall exerClse exclusive legislation over al! place s (or territory) acquired
fúr public purposes by cession oí" particular States ................................... "
TERRITORY. The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make aIl needful rules and
regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States ..•.•
TEST. N o religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust
under the lJnited States .........•...•.......................••................•...•
TESTIM O NY. N o person shall be con victed of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses
to the same overt act, or on cOllfession in open court .............................. , ..•
'l'HINGS. N o warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation,
and particularly describillg the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be
seized .••..•...•••...........................•.•..................•..•.......•...•
THREE-fifths of all other persons (slaves) included in representativc numbers ..•......••.......
THREE-fourths. Amcndments lo the Constitution must be ratified by the Legislatures or Con-
ventions of three-l"ourths of the States .... , .......•.•..••..•. , ..... , ...•......•......
TIME of ehoosing eleetors may be determined by Congress ... , ......... , .................... .
TITLE ofnobility. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States; fwd no person
holding any oflice 01' protlt or trust under them, shall, without the consen: of tbe Congress,
accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whateve)", from any king,
prince, or foreign State ...................... , ....•................................•
TITLE of nobility. N o State shall grant any title of nobility ................................ .
TONNAGE. No State shall, witl:Ollt the eonsent ofCongress, lay any duty oftonnage ...... .
TRAINING the militia. Tlle authority of trainin¡;- the miritia reserved t? ~he States .......... .
TRANQUILLITY. Constitution established to ll1sure domestic tranqUllltty ............... ..
TREASON. For treaSOll a Senator or RepresentatIve may be arrested ...................... .
TREASON. Al! civil officers shal! be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction
of treason, &c .......•........•....•.......•.......................................
TREASON against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adher-
ing to tbeir enemies, giving tbem aid and eornfort. N o peniOn shall be eonvieted of
treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession
in open eourt .....•.............•..............................••..................
fhe Congress shal! have power to declare lhe punishment of treason, but no attainder
......
Art. seco cl. page;
'"""'"' 00
1 8 17 10
4 3 2 20
6 3 22
3 3 1 19
4th amend. 26
1 2 3 2 ;>
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5 21 ;>
2 1 3 14 t"' >-<
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1 9 8 11
1 10 1 12
1 10 3 12
1 8 1(; 10
Preamble. 1
1 G 1 (5
2 4 1 17
3 3 1 1&
~
of treason "hall work corruption of blood or forlmture, except dunng the life of the
person attainted ........... , •.....•.......••..••......................••..•....
TREASO N. A person charged witl~ treason. an~ fleei.ng. from one State to another, to be dcli-
vered up, on demaud, to the State havlIlg JunsdICtlOn ..•...•..........................
TREASUR Y. The Senators and Representativts shall receive a compensation for their ser-
vices, to be ascertained by law, and paid out oí" the Treasury of the United States .•....•
TREASUR Y. N o money shal! be drawIl Ü-Oll1 lhe Treasury but in consequence oí" nppropria-
tions made by law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts aud expenditures
of al! pubilc money shall be pubilshed Jrom tline to time ......•....... " ........•......
TREASURY of the United States. The nett produce of all duties and imposts.laid by any
Sulte on import El or exports, shall be for the use of the Treasury of the U nited States ....
TREA TIES. The President shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
to make treaties, provided two·thirds oí' the Senators present eoneur .................. ".
TREA TIEtl. The Judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this
Constitution, the laws of the Ullited tltates, and the treaties made, or which shall be
n1ade, under their authority ..............................•..........................
TREA TIEtl. All treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United
States. shall be the supremc law of the land ......................................... .
TREA TY. N o State shall enter into any treaty ........................................... .
TRIAL. A party cOl1victed on an impeachment shall nevertheless be liable and subject to in-
. dictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, aceording to law .......................... .
TRIAL by jury. The trial of all crimes, except in cases oi" impeachment, shall be by jury, and
such trial shall be held in the State where the said erimes shall have been committed;
but whell not committed within any State, the trial shall be at such place or places as the
Cono-ress may by law direct ..•..•..................•. , ....•........................
TRIAL. Il~ aH criminal prosecutiolls, the accused t'hall enjoy the right to a specdy and public
trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shal! have been com-
mitted, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law ................... .
TRIAL by jury. In suits at common law, where the value in eontroversy shall exceed twenty
dollara. the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no faet tried by a jury shall be
otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States ............................. .
TRIBUN ALS. Congress shall have power to eonstitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court
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3 3 2 19
4 2 2 19
1 6 1 6
1 9 7 11
1 10 2 12
2 2 2 16
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3 2 3 18
6th amend. 27
7th amend. 27
1 8 9 9 ~ ~
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ALPHABETICAL AN AL YSIS-Continued.
TRIED. \Vhen lhe President of the United States is tried on an impeachment, the Chief Justice
shall pre:,;idc .••.••.................. , .. " ........•........•...••.......•...• " .•...•
TRO O PS. N o ::)tale shall, wil hout the consent oI' Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops
or ships of war, in tiUlC of peace .....•.......................•..••..................•
TRUST. J utlrrrnent, in cases of ill1peachment, shall not 8xteud furt her than removal from offiee,
and disqualificatiou to hold and enjoy any office oI'.honor, trust, or profit, under the Ullited
States ...............•.....................................•............•...••..••
TR U ST. N o persoll holding al1 oftice oI' trust 01' profit under t he U nited States shall be appointed
an elector ...................•• " ••........•...•......••• " ••.••...•...••..•..•••••
TRUST. No religious test shall ever be required '1S a qualifieatiol1 to any ofliee or pubJic trust
under the United States ...................••..........•••.•••..••...•..•••..•...•••
T R Y all impeachll1eniS. 'fhe Sellate shall have the soJe power to try all impeachments •••..•••
TWENTY dollars. In suits at comll1on law, when lhe value in controversy shall exceed twenty
doll,tr¡;;. the right 01' trial by jury shall he prcserved .................................. .
TWO-thirds. No person shall be eonvicted by the Senate 011 an impeaehmellt without the con-
eurrenee of t wo- thirds (Jf the tnembcrs presellt ....................................... .
T\VO-thinls. Each HOllse of COllgress may, by the eoncurrence of two-thirds, expel a memlwr.
TVvO-thirds.. l3il!:': returned with ohjeetions by the President, may be passed by two-thirds of
bOl h HO\lsCS of Congresi:' and beeome a law ....... " .......................••.......•
TWO-third~. Al1y order, resolution, or vote, to which the COllcurrence of the Senate and House
oí' !{epresclltatives may be necessary, (execpt on a question of adjoufllml~lIt.) alld ret llrncJ
wi: [¡ objections Ly the President, may be re-passed by two-thirds of bOl h lIou¡,es of Con-
grcss .........•...............•....... " ..........•...•..........•.•......•......•
T\V O-thirds. 'fhe President sh~ll have power. by and with the advice and conseJlt of the Senate,
to make treatics, provided two thirds oflhe Scnators present cOllcur .................. .
T\V O-thirds. 'fhe Congress, whenever two- t hirds of both Houses shall decm it neeessary, shall
prnpose amendment~ to.t his ~ollstituti.on ....... : ....... .' .... : ...................... .
TW"O-thirds. 011 the apphcatLOIl of lhe Leglslatures of two-thlrds of the several Statcs, Con-
grcss shall cal! a convention for proposing amcndments to the Constitutiol1 ....•••...•.•
TW O-thirds. A quorum (or the House of Representatives ror the electioll of President) shall con-
....
Art. see. el. page. t-::l O
1 3 6 4
1 10 3 12
1 3 7 4
2 1 2 13
6 3 22
1 3 6 4
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7th amend. 27 Z
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1 7 2 7
1 7 8 3
2 2 2 16
5 21
5 2!
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~nst of a memher or members fr~ml two-thirds of the StatGs, nnd a mnjority of aH the
States shall be necessary to a chOIce ................. , ., ........... " ... , ....••...•••
TWO-thirds. A quorum (for the election of Vice President by the Senate) shall consist of two-
thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be ne-
cessary to a choice •.•.•••.•••...•.......... " •...•••.••.......•.........•..••••••••
UNIFORM. All duties, imports, and excises, shall be uniform throughout the United States ..•
UNIFORM. Congress shall have power to establish a uniform rule ofnaturalization, and uniform
laws on the suhject of bankruptcies, thronghout the United States ..................... .
UNION. 'fhe Constitution established in order to form a more perfeet Union ................. .
UNION. Representatives and direet taxes shall be apportioned among the several States whieh
may be inclllded within this Union aceording to their respective numbers, &c .•..... ···.
UNION. 'fhe President shall, from time to time, give to the Congress illformation of the State
of the U nion, and recommend to their consideration sueh measures as he shall judge ne-
cessary and expedient ..•....••..•...............•....•...............•..•......••.•
UNION. New States may be admitted by the Congress intothis Union ...............•.•....
:¡;: UNION. The United Stales shall guaranty to every State in the Union a republican form of
*' O'overnment ...................•......•..........••.....•.............•..........••
UNITED States, or Government of the United States. We the people of the U nited States, &c.,
do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America ............. .
UNITED States. All legislative powers herein granted shall he vested in a Congress of the
U nited States •....•...•.••......•........................•..•..................•...••.
UNITED States. N o person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained lo the age of
25 years, and been seven ycars a citizen of the U nited States ...............•.......•••
UNITED States. The Senate of the United States "hall be composed of two Senators from each
State .•.•••.••.•••..••..........••..•..........•••..•..•........•..... " .....••...
UNITED States. Judgment in cases of impeachment 8hall not exlend further than to removal
from office, and disqualification to hold und enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit,
nnder the United States ......••..•..•••.....•....•...•..•.•.•...•...•........•..•••
UNl'fED States. The Senators and Representatives 8hall receive a compensation far their ser-
vices, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the U nited States •....••
UNITED States. N o Senator or Representative shall. during the time for which he was elected,
be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have
12th amend. 29 c::::
12th amend. 30
1 8 1 8
1 8 4 8
Preamble. 1
1 2 3 2
2 3 1 16 :>
4 3 1 20 Z :>
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-Preamble. 1 00
1 1 1 1
1 2 2 2
1 3 1 3
1 3 7 4
1 6 1 6
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-t::ontmued.
been created. or the ernoluments whercof Rhnll have been increased, during such time:
and no persvn holding any office under the United States shall be a member oi' eitner
House du:-illg his contilluance in oftice ............................................... .
UNITED States.. Congress shall have power to provide for the common detence and general wel-
f!ue of the United States ..•...•..•....••......•...•••.........••...•........•••...•
UNITED States. AH duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout (he United States
U NI'l'ED States. Congress shalJ have power to establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and
uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies t hrouf§hout the U nited Stat es •.......•••..•
UNITED States. Congress shalJ have power to provide tor the punishment 01 counterfeiting the
securities and current coin oí' t.he United States ...................................... .
UNITED States. Establishment ol' the seat of Government of the United States ............. .
U 1\ lTED States. Congress shall have power to make al! laws which shall be necessary and
proper far carrying- into execution the faregoing powers, and aH other powers vested by
this Constitution m the Government of the Onited States, or in any department or ofrice
thereof ••..••......•........•..••...•...•......••..............•...••....••..•••..•
UNITED STA TES. N o title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ......••..••••••
U NITED States Treasury. (See Treasury.)
UNITEpStates. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any irnposts or duties on
lmports or exports, except wl11.1 may be abó'olutely necessary jor eXeelltÍilg ilR insJleclion
laws, and the l1et produce oi' al! duties and imposls luid by any State on illlports orexporTs
shal! be tor the use of t he 'l'reasury oí' tlle U llited Stales, and a11 sucll la\Vs shall be sub-
j"ct to the revision and control oí ¡he COllgrc-,;s ...................................... .
VNITED States. 'fhe Exeoutive puwor shal! be vested in u President oí the U nited Stutes of
Amenca .•..•••..•......•...•................•••..••..••..•.....•..•...•.•...•....
UNITED States. N o Senator or Representativo, or porson holding an onj(:e of trust Of prof1t
under lhe United 81at08, shall be appOitllOd au elector oí' President alld Viee Prp"idont ..•
UNITED States. 'fhe time of choosing electors shall be 1he same throughont lhe l}nited ,stales
UNI'l'ED States. No person except a uLttmal boro citizen, or citizen 01" the United States at the
time of the adoption of the Constitution. nor unless he shall have at1ained the age oí 35
years, and been 14 years a resident of the {J nited SI ates, shall be President oí' the U nited
8tates •.•.••••.••..••.••.•.•...••••••••.••..••..•••.••.•••••••..•••••••••••.••••••
1-'
Art. seco el. page. t-O t-.o
1 6 2 6
1 8 1 8
1 8 1 8
1 8 4 8
1 8 6 9
1 8 17 10
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1 9 8 11 ~ g:
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1 10 2 12
2 1 13
2 1 n /. 13
2 1 3 14
2 1 4 14 c::
UNITED States. The President shall be Commander-in-Chief of the arrny and navy of the
United States, and oi' lhe militia of the several States, when called illto actual service of
the UnÍted S1.ates ••••.... , .•..•• " •..•.. " ••.•••.••..•.•.•... , .. " . . .. • . ... • .•• • .• • 2 2 1 15
UNITED States. The President shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for otltmces
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. • • ... . .• .•.. •• •• • . .•• • .•• • .• 2 2 1 16
UNITED States. The President shall nominate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, appoint officers of the United States, whose appointments are not hereín otherwise
provided for, and which shall be established by law .................................. , 2 2 2 16
UNITED States. The President shall comrnission al! officers of the United States ............ 2 3 1 17
UNITED STATES.· The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States,
shall be removed from office on irnpeachment ior, and conviction of, treason, bribery, 01'
01 her high crimes and misdemeanors •••....••..•..•••..•........•...... " . . . • • . .• . . • 2 4 1 17
UNITED States. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme
Court, and in such Inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and esta-
blish.............................................................................. 3 1 1 ]7
UNITED Slates. The judicial power shall extend to all controversies to which the United States
shall be a party.......................... .....•.....••.••...•.... ..•......•...•.•... 3 2 1 18
UNITED States. The judicial power shal! extend to al! cases in law and equity arising under this
Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made 01' which shall be made
under their authority • • . .. • • •• • . .. . . .. • . .. .• • . .. • . .• • . .• . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . .• . . .• • . .. . • 3 2 1 17
UNITED States. Treason agaiost the United States shall consist only in levying war against
them, 01' in adhering to lheir enemies, giving thern aid and comfort. • . .. . . .• • . .. • . .. .• . • 3 3 1 18
UNITED States. The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and
regulations respecting the territory or olher property belonging to the U nited States ; and
nothíng in this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the UnÍted
Stat.es, or of any particular State.................................................... 4 3 2 20
UNITED States. The United States shall guaranty to every State in this Union a republican
form of government, and shall protect eaeh of them against invasíon; alld on application
of the Legislature, or of lhe Executive, (when lhe Legislature caHIlot be cOIlvened,)
aaainst domestic violence. . . .• • . .. . . .. • • .. . . .. • . .• • . .• • . .. . . .• • . .. . . .. • • .• • . .. . . .. . . 4 4 1 20
UNITEV"' States. N o person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty
years, and been nille years a citlzen of the United States................ .............. 1 3 3 4
UNITED States. Al! debts contracted, alld engagements ente red into. befare tile adoption of
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continued.
this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution as
under the Confederation .....•••......•..............•..• , .•..•.•.....•.•.•.•......•
UNITED States. This Constitution, and the Laws of lhe United Slates, which sha11 be made
in pursuance thereof, and a11 treaties made, or which sha11 be made, under the allthority
of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land •••.••..•.......••..•••.••.•
UNITED States. The Senators and Representatives befare mel1tioned, and the memuers of the
several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, bOlh of the United
States and of the several Sta tes, shall be bound by oath or aflirmation, to support this
Constitution; but no relig-ious test shall ever be required as a qualification, to any oflice
or public trust under the United States ........••......•........•.......•...•..••...•
UNITED States court. In suits at common law, where the value in controvcrsy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved: and no fact tried by a jury
shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the
rules of the comnl0n law •....•..........................•••..•......••......••.....•
UNITED States. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constilution, nor pro-
hibited by it to the 81ates, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the pcople .....•
UNITED States. The Judicial power oftbe United States sha11 not be constrned 10 extend to
any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by
citizens of another State, or by citizens or sllhjects of any foreign State .•..............•
UNITED States. The lists of votes for President and Vice President sha11 be transmitted to the
seat of the Government of the United States ......................................... .
UNUSUAL punishments. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor
cruel and unusual punishments inflicted .........•........•..••..•......•.••.•.......•
V ACANCIES happen in the representation from any State, the Executive thereof shall issue
writs of election to fill thcm. \Vhen ....... " ........••...•............•..........••
V ACANCIES happen, by resignation or otherwi"e, in the seats of Senators, during the recess of
the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporaryappointments,
until the next meeting ofthe Legislature, which shall then fill such vaeancies. If ...... .
V A CANCIES. The President shall have power to fi11 up al! vacancies that may happen during
Art. seco el. page.
6 1 21
6 2 21
6 3 22
7th amend. 27
10th amend. 23
11th amend. 28
12th amend. '29
8th nmcnd. 27
1 2 4 3
1 3 2 3
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the reces!'! of the Senate, bj' granting eommissions whieh shall expire at ¡he end of thClr
IlPxt sceOilUll ..........•..•.........•...•.•........•..••..•.......• " ••...•• , •...•••
VALIDIT y of cOlltracts or engagements. All debts contrncted, and engagements entered ¡nto.
be/ore the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the U nited States under
this Constitution, as under the ConJederation ........................................ .
V A.L VE. . Congress shall have power to eoin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign
cOln .........••...•......•..•••..... · •........•..••••••.•• •······ •...•...•.• ·••·• .
VALVE in controversy. In suits at eoÍnmon law, when the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, &c ....................... .
VESSELS. N o preferenee sha11 be given by any regulation of COlllmerce or revenue to tbe ports
of one State over those of another; nor shall vessels bound to or from one State be
obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another ...................................... .
VEST. Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior offices as they think proper
ir> the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments ............ .
VESTED in the Government. Congrei'ci shall huye power to make alllaws which shall be neces-
sary and proper jor carryillg into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers
vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department
or office thereof .........•...............•..•.•..•.•••••......••.• " ........•..•.•.•
VESTED in a President. The Executive power shall be vested in a President.(Jf the United States
of Arnerica .•......•••..••...•. , ...••..••....•...•••..••. , .•••..•..•••...••..•••..•
VESTED in one Supreme Court. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one
Supreme Court, and in such Inferior courts as the Congress may Üom time to time ordain
and estabhsh ..................................................................... .
VESTED in a COllgress. A11legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of
the United States, which shall cOllsist of a Sellate and House of Represelltatives •••.•..•
VETO power oí' the President. (See President.) ..................... ; ..................... ..
VICE President shall have no vote in the Senate unIess they be equally divided. 1'he ......... .
VICE President, or when he shalI exercise the ofrlce of President of the United States. 1'he
Senate shall choose a President pro tempore in the absence of the •.•........••.•.•••.•.
VICP. President. 'rhe President shall hold his offiee during the term of four years, alld, together
with the Vice Presldent, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows: (See Election
of President and Vice President of the United States.) ............................... .
2 2 3 < 16
6 1 1 21
1 8 5 8
7th amend. 27
1 9 6 11
2 22 16
> Z
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1 8 18 10 o< if1
....
2 1 1 13 ~
3 1 1 17
1 1 1 1
1 7 2 7
1 3 4 4
1 3 5 4
2 1 1 13
12th umend. 28 ..... ~
c:.'"
ALPHABETICAL ANAL YSIS-Continueri.
VICE President ofthe United States. Qualification required as Vice President same as [or Pre-
sident of the U nited States ..•••..•••••..•••.•••••••..••.•••..•...•...•..•••..•..••••
VICE President. In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation,
or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on
the Vice President; and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death,
resignation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer
shall I hen act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be
relnoved, or a President shall be elected ............................................ .
VICE President shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason,
bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The .••.••• ··•••··•···· ..•.•••..•..
VICE President of the United States. Election of Vice President of the United States. (See
Election.) •...•.....•..•..••....•.•••.••...•....••..•...•.••...••.......•.....••..•
VICE President. The lists of votes of electors of President and Vice President shall be directed
to the President of thc Senale .•••.•.•.•••..•...•......•...•..• , .•.........•....•....
VICE President. The President of the Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Repre-
senl atives, open all thc certifieates of the elcetors of President and Vice President of the
U nil ed Sta tes .•...•..•.....•...•..••.••...•...•••.•.•••..••..•...•..•••..•....••.•
VICE President. If the House of Representatives shall not ehoose a President whenever the right
of choice shall devolve upon them, befare the 4th day of March next following, then the
Vice President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional
disability of the President .••..•..•.......•••...••...•..••...•.......•...........•..
VICE President: The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice President shalJ be the
Vice President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of eleetors appointed ;
and if no person have a majority. then, from the two highest numbers on the list, Ihe
Senate shall choose the Vice Président: a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-
thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be ne-
cessary to a choice. But no person, constitutionally ineligible to the oflice of President,
shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States ........................ .
VIOLATED. The rigllt of the people to be se cure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,
against unreasonable searehcs and seizures, shall not be violated .••.•.•...••...••.....•
VIRGINIA entitled to ten Representatives in the first Gongress •••••••••••••.•••••••.••....••
Art. see. el. page.
12th amend. 3u
2 1 5 14
2 4 1 17
12th amend. 28
12th amend. 29
12th umend. 29
]2th amend. 29
12th amend. 30
4th amend. 26
1 2 3 2
....
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O')
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.....
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VOTE. Errch Senator shnll have one .•. · •...•...•....•...•••.•..... •···· ••......••••••. ·.·• 1 3 1
3 4 VUTE. The Vice President f:ihall have no vote unle~s the Senate be equally dividcd..... ...... 1
VOTE. Every vote 10 whieh ¡he eoncurrcnce of the Senate und House 01' Represelltatives may
be neceSi"ary, (except Oll a question of adjournment,) shall be presented to the President.
(Se e Resolution.) .. , ...........................•••. , ., .•..........•.........•.. , • . . 1 7 3
7 2-3
VOTES in the two HOllses of Congress. on passage of any bill, order, resolution or vote, returned
wi~ h objeetiOl:s by ~he Pre~ident, sha1l. be taken by yeas and nays : . .'.,' .........•.•. : .• 1
V O TES of eleetors of Pre'lldent and V lee Pres¡dent. Place and manner of glVlllg t he votes; hsts
01' yutes to be fuade, signed, certified, transmitted sealed to the seat of Guvernment,
direeted to the President of the Sellate, to be opened und counted by that officer in the
presence uf the Senate and Huuse of Representatives: the number neeessary to a choice;
the day on w hich electoral votes shall be given throuO'hout the U nited States. (See Elcc-
tion.) ...............•........................... ~ .••...........................•..
VOTES taken by States. In choosing the President by the House of Representatives, the votes
shall be taken by States, the represcntation from euch State having one vote .•.••••••.••
\V AR. Congress shall have power to dedare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make
rules concerning captures on land and water ......................................... .
\V AR. Congress shall have power to make rules (" rules and articles of war") for the government
of the land and naval forees .........................•.•.. , •......•••.•.....•....•••.
\V AR. N o Slate shatl, without the consent of Congre>,s, enO"age in war unless actuatly invaded,
or in such irrnninent danger as witl not admit of delav~ ...•..•.•. , ... , ...........•... , •
\Y AR. Treason against the U nited States 8hall consist only in levying war against them, or in
adhering to their enemies, giving them uid and comfort •••.•. , ., ............... , ...... .
\VAR. N o soldier shall be quartered in any house in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed
bv law .••.... ·· .....................................•..•••.......•........•.....•.
\V AR. Ñ o person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a
presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval
forces, or in the militiu when in actual service, in time of war or public danger ........••
\V AR RANTS. N o warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirma-
tion, and particularly describíng the place 10 be searched, and the persons or things to be
seized ..................................................•..........•.............•
W A SHIN GT O N, President and deputy from Virginia, signed this Constitution. George ••••••
12th amend.
12th amend.
1 8 11
1 8 14
1 10 3
3 3 1
3d amend.
5th amend.
4th amend.
~
4
8
...
I
29
29
9
9
12
18
26
26
26
22
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....
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ALPHABETICAL ANAL Y SIS-Contmued.
'VE the people establish this Constitution .. , .•.••......••.. : ...•.••..•.•.•. , .. " ..••••••••••••
'VElG HT8 and measures. Congress shall have power to fix the standard of welghts and mea-
sures ...... , ..... , .............. , ., .................•...•.. ; •••.•••..•.••.••.••••
WELF A RE. Constitution established lO promote the general welfare .••.••....••.•. ' ••••••••
WELFARE. Congress shall have power to promote tlie general welfare ..................... .
'VILLIA;V180N, deputy frulll North Carolina, signcd thi" Constitution. Hugh .............. .
\VIL;-;ON, deputy from Pennsylvania, signed tl~is Cunstitution. James .. : .....•. : ........... ..
WITNESSES. N o person shall be eonvleted of treason, unless on the testlmony oi two wltnesses
to the same uvert aet, ur on cunfession in open court ......•.•. , •..•.........•.•.•.•••.
WITNESS against himself. N or shall any person be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a
witness acraillst hÍlnself ......•.••............. " ................................•.••
WITNESSE8 against him. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused to be confronted with the
wilnesses against hirn .•.......... , •..•.. " ............. , .••...•. " .•............•••
WITNESSES in his favor. In all criminal proseculions, the accused to have compulsory process
for obtaining witnesses in his favor ................................................. .
WRITINGS. Exclusive righr to writings may be secnred by authors for a limited time ....... .
W RIT of habeas corpus. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unles9
when in cases of rebelliun or invasion the public safety may require it ................. .
YEAS and nays of the membf'rs of either House of Congress. on any question, shall, at the desire
of one·fifth of those present, be entered on the J ourna!. The .••.•........••..••...•••
YEAS and nays. Votes in lhe two Houses of Congrcss, on passage of any bill, order, resolution,
or vote, returnttd with objectiolls by the President, shall Le taken by yeas and nays •••••
......
Art. seco el. page. tv
Preamble. 1 00
1 8 5 8
Preamble. 1
1 8 1 8
23
23
3 3 1 19
5th amend. 26
6th amend. 27 :> Z
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6th amend. 27 t" ~ 1 8 8 9 r:Il
....
Ul
1 9 2 11
1 5 3 5
1 7 2-3 7
CIIAPTEIl 2.
TIm Confcc!cratiilil lIavitJg g'ivcn phce to tIlo. AL:cricall ti nion,
uwlcr lile CIJll5titution of tbe U nitcd States, lt \Yas C'onsidercd un~
ncecs:3<lfy to insert, in thc first an;Z sccond ediliom of thi~ boo!", t]-.Q
A nicles of Confederation, wJ¡ich were agneed to by the Delf'i!;:lt('S
of the thirteen Orig'in;JI St,ltes, in C01'1,'.;TCS5 asseDlIJ1,'(], 011 tllC 15th
November, 17ii'; riltificu 1y eig':lt St:l~CS, on thc ~~h July, 1~'¡3;
Cino llnally ratiJ1ed by aH tLc S"at8s, on tile. 1st ;Uareh, 1731;
lit on flll'lhcr cOili,idcl'ation, tl«nc m','ic!cs lw"c !,cen iusertel¡ al pa';c
,1 ¡ 1, 7ilut"';1J (l,~ TrwtfU' l?f l¿¡'sto!'?!. as it \Vere out of place to miJlglc
t]¡;t inem(~i"\lt form of U(;V(,rnlld:mt with the present approved
1.:](1 success:'ul sy::item, wllieh h;ts stood the test of more than half
a cClltury, and wLich is rjpst!nPI1, llnder Divine Providence, not
flll i Y t.o pCr¡)('tll~ltl" T he h:! [' pi!w,,:,s nnd s,\fety of th8 people
:,;f ¡he L'llit(d ~';t:tks, but to !JI' tl!e Creat Exelllplar of Kations,
','.!:rn gOVCfllil!(,ld,; ,,!t :1/, by tI:e nlturalllnd just powcr of man, hu
h)Cll~'!;t to t!iíir kgitilll,¡[u 1'1Il'f!')[i"S RnJ uses-to cstahlish justi,:c,
ikiure dOlllt:stic: tr:tnqllillity, proviJe for tIte common defence, PiO-
(Hote tite gelleral \n~lElfe, and SéWllre tbe blessings of liherty to t1¿e
pco,.'le
The ffiat.ter cl)ntaInt:i1 1T! thIS ehapter exhibits tlle deplorable con-
d j lton of tj¡f~ tí] ,a l1(~t~S ami f;reu i t of the govemment unoer tlle olu
fonn, and tite il1(~owjJetl'llcy oí' the Congress of the Confedcration
lo mise a rCVCllue, support tlle public credit, regulate trade or com-
merce, or to proviJc fur the wants and safety of the country; and
it i" iritt;ndd thercby to show tlle immediate and prominent causes
that lcd to tile abandonmcnt of t11at inefficient form, and the adop~
tion of tlle prescnt system of government; and, a180, to show tite
official proc('cdill[~S by ,,,hieh the change ,vas effected and the pre-
sent ConstitutiOll fst!olisheu.
These facts and proceetlings IY12y prov8 a warning against the
trc(isoJ1<ible sug¡.{cstiuns 01' the evil spirit, whm,:8 ÍnsidiollS alld
ullUlillg tewrtaÜvl1::i are, not lInfrPiluelltly, diredcd tow,H,ls tho
, ,'> 1~9
130
most ard@nt and honest citizens, whose zeal in the defence of the
supposed interests of a part of the U nion Inight induce them even
to go so far as to calculate the value of tho U nion itself, and of th8
Constitution. By exhibiting the impotency of the measures adopted
by the Old Confederation to provide for the wants and to secure
the independence and safety of the people, the perusal of these
proceedings will induce a due appreciation of the value of our
inestimable Union, so firmly bound together by the conservative
and protective principIes of our noble Constitution, and will banish
from the mind the least idea of a disorganizing tendeney, or of
relapsing into the enfeebled condition of the General Government
befare the adoption of the Constitution. The dangor of extracting
from the edifice one particle of the material whieh serves to sup-
port its magnificent superstructure, is here practically made mani-
fest, and every true-hearted American citizen will firmly resol ve,
with heart and hand, and sleepless vigilance, to guard tIte U Ilion,
fortified by the Constitution, as the citadel of our liberties-the
object of our greatest care, and tlle eonsummation of our earthly
hopeo
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS, AND 'fIlE CAUSES WHICII
LED TO THE ADOPTION AND RATIFICATION OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
It was early discovercd by the p:.ttriots amI statesmen of the RevoJu-
tion, that a bond of union, to connect the powers allllrncalls of the colo-
nies for the common ddence, was a measure of aLsolute nccessity; and
hence the assemblage of a nuruber of delegates, chosen ana appointed
by the several colonies and provinccs in N orth America, to mect and
hold a Congress in Philadelphia, at the Carpenter' s Hall, 011 I\!ond:.ty,
fue 5th September, 1774. This Congress continued to act under tha
powers separately couferred upan the delegates by the respective colo-
nies, until the time arrived whcn, from their patriotic ardor, the delicacy
of their position, and the force of circumstances, a total separation from
t11e mother country became necessary, and they \Vere obliged to assu!ne
a noble stand among the nations of the earlh. Simultaneously with and
consequent upon the Declaration of Independcnce, a provision for un
131
adequate national government became so manifestly indispensable, that,
on the 11 th J une, 1776, it "vas ref'olvcd that a comrnittee be appointed
to prepare and digest the form of a confedcration to be entered into be-
tween the colonies. After due deliueration, the Articles of Confedera-
tion were agreed to, in Congress, 011 15th Novernber, 1777, subject to
the ratificatiol1 of the several States. The ratification by eight States
>ras annoul1ced 011 the 9th J uIy, 1778; but many objections were urged
to these articles, and so reluctantly did sorne of the States part with a
portion of their powers, that it was not until the 1st March, 1781, that
tllese articles were fully ratificd; and no sooner were they ratified than
(indeed before their final ratification) it was found that the powers con-
ft'rred by them upon Congress were totally inadequate to the indispen-
8'11)1e rurposes of a nafional government. The defects first became ap-
parent in the \Vant of the necessary means of raising a revenue, and
ne}~t in the nbscnce of power to regulate or control the foreign trade and
commeree of the country; and on the 3d February, 1781, a member
ffOm N ew Jersey movAd a recornmendntion to the States that Congress
be vested \Vith additional powers to provide means for paying the public
debt, and proseenting the existing war, by laying duties on imports and
prize goods. Olle of the States having rofused to eomply with this re-
commendation, the subjcct was rrfcrred to a committee, by whom the
iüllowing report was mmle :
1. IN THE CONGRESS OF TIrE CONFEDERATION.
MOXDAY, DEcE~,mER 16, 1782.
Tte committee, eonsisting of 1\1r. Hamilton, Mr. Madison, and Mr.
Fitzi"immons, to whom was refcrred the letter of 30th N ovember, from
the honorable 'Villiam TIradfaro, speaker of the lower house of Assem-
bly of the State of Rhode Island, eontaining, under three heads, the
reaSOllS of that State for rcfusing their eompliance with the recommenda-
tion of Congress for a duty on imports and prize goods; report,
That they flatter themselves the State, on a reeonsideration oi the
objeetions they have offercd, with a cundid attention to the arguments
whieh st:md in opposit ion to them, \Vill be indnced to retraet their dis-
sent, convineed that the mensure is supporled on the most solid grounds
01' equal justice, poliey, and general ut'Ílity. The following observa-
tions, eontrasted with eaeh head of the objections, successively, wil!
fllrnish a satisfactory answer to the w hole.
First ohjection. "That the proposed duty would be unequal in Ha
operatíon, bearing hardest upon the mast commcrciul States, ana so
13:2
would press peculmr!y hanl UpOI1 that State which draws its chief sup-
port from commerce."
'I'he 1110st common experícnce, joir!cd 10 llw concurrent opinions of
the aulest commereüll :md polítical ol,~cr'icrs, llave es¡¡,]!li,.;Jv'u l!'-'yon(j
controversy this gCll,-'ral princil'lc, ":llflt every d:lly 011 Ü!1]1orts is incO!"-
porated with tLe price oI' the comll:í,dity, alJ(l \\lti!l1<tlt1r p::id ¡,y ¡Le
consumer, with a profit 011 the duty itself, as a compem;ation to ¡he ¡m:r-
('hant for the advance of his moncy."
The merchant considers the duty demandec1 by the State on the im-
ported article, in the sarne light ""ith freíght, or any similar charge, anu,
auding it fo the original cost, calculates his profit on the ¡lggregate sumo
It may happen that at porticubr conjllllctllres, "'ihere the markets are
overstocked, and there is a competition among the sellcrs, this may not
be practicable; but in the general course of trade (he demand fur con-
sumption. preponderates, and the merchant can with ea8e indemnify him-
self, and even obtain a profit on the advance. As a consumer, he pays
his share of the duty; but it is no further a burden upon him. TIJe COll-
sequence of the principIe laid down is, that every class of the commu-
nity bears its share of the duty in proportion to its consumption, which
last is regulated by the eomparative wealLh of the respective classes, in
conjunction with t!leir Iwbits oI' expense or Ji-ugality. 'rile rieh and
Iuxlll'ious par in proportion to their riches and 11lxlll'y; the pOOl' a:ld par-
simonious, in proportion to their poverty alld parsimony. A chief excd.
lem:e of this mode of revenue is, that it preserves a just measure to ¡he
abilities of individuals, promotes frugality, and taxes extravagance. Tlle
same reasoning in our situation applies ¡o the intercourse between t \\0
States; if one imports and ¡he other does not, the latter mUSí be f'Up-
piied by the funuer. 'rhe duty, beillg tral1sferred to the price of ¡he
commodity, is no more a charge on the importing !::)¡ate fór what is con-
sumed in the other, than it is a charge on ¡he merchant for what is con-
sumed by the farmer 01' artificer. Either State wil! only feel the bunlen
in a ratio to its consumption, alld this will be in a ratio to its population
and wealth. '\Vhat happens bet ween the difTerent ebsses oi" the same
community, internally, happens bet\Veen the t\Yo Statcs; and as the
merchant, in the first case, so far ffom losing the dllty himself, has a
profit oa the money he advances for that purpose, so the importiJ1g
State, "1h;eh, in tbe secoml qse, is ¡he ]Jl('rcllLlnt Wilh reqwc:t to tll.~
other, is not ociy reiI1l1;llr~ed by the non-impvrting State, but has a likt,
bcnefit on the tluty nuvanced. lt is, lherefore, the reverse of a just po-
sition, that the duty proposed \Vil! bear hardest on lhe !l1ost cornmercial
Staies: it wiIl, if any ,hing, have Q. ccntrary cf1i;ct, though 1I0t in a suf·
133
ficient degree to justify an objection on (he part of the non-importing
States j for it is as reasonable they should allow an advance on the duty
paid as on the first cost, freight, or any incidental charge. They have
also other advantages in the measure fully equivalent to this disadvan-
tage. Over-nice and minute calculations in matters of this nature are
inconsistent with national measures, and, in the imperfect state of hu·
man afrairs, would stagnate al! the operations of government. Absolute
cquality is not to be obtaineu: to aim at it, is pursuing a shadow at the
expense of the substance, and, in the event, we should find ourselves
v;ider of the mark than if, ,in the first instance, we were content to ap-
proach it with moderation.
Sccond objection. "That the recommendation proposes to introduce
into that and the othcr States oíliceFS unknown and unaccountable to
th2m, and so is against the const itution of the State."
It is not to be presumed that the constitution of any State conld mean
to define und fix lhe precise nUJ;lllbers and descriptions of aU officers to
be permitted in the State, excluding the creation of uny new ones, what·
ever might be the ncccssity derived from thut variety of circumstances
i'lcident to al! political institutions. 1'he legislature must ulways have
u discretionary power of appoiltting officers not expressly known to the
cODstitu¡ion, and this powcr wiII illelude that of authorizing lhe federal
¡::oi'ernment fo make IlIC appointments, in cases where the general wel.
fúre mal' require i1. Tlte dcnial of this would prave too much j to wit,
tllflt the power given by the COJlfederation to Congress to appoint al!
officers in the post-office was illegal and unconstitutionul.
The do<:trine advanced by Rhode Island would perhaps prove, also,
that the Federal Government ought to have the appointment of no inter-
nal officcrs whalever-a posilion ¡hat would defeat aU the provisions of
the Confedcration, und all the purposes of the Union. The truth is,
thut no federal eOllstilntion can exist WithOllt powers that in their exer-
cise aITect the internal poli ce of the component members. Jt is equally
tme, that 110 goverllTlIent can exist withont a right to appoint officers for
¡hose purpOf'es which proceecl from und concentre in itselfj and there-
f; )re tbe Conft'derat ion has exprc""ly dcclared that Congress shaU have
ullthority to appoil1t all such "civil oflicers as may be necessary for
rmmaging the general uf}'airs of the UJlited Statea under their diree.
ti<ín." AU that can be required í", that the Federal Government
r'~;]lfine its appointments to such as it is empowered to make by the
original act of union, or by the subsequcnt consent of the partíes; un·
leos there should be express w!)rds of exclnsinn in the constitntion of él
13-1
State, thero can be no renson to doubt thnt it is within the compass 01
legislative diseretil)!l to communicnte that n1l1hority.
The pro¡;riety of doing it upon ¡he present occa"ion is foundeJ 011 sub·
stantial reasons.
The measure propoEcd is a measnre of nece1';;ily. TIcpcatcd expcri-
ments have shown that the revemICs to be raiscd within thef'e Sta tes is
altogcther inadequatc to the pubJic wants. Thc ddieieney can onIr be
8upplied by loans. Our applications to the foreign powers on whose
friendship we depend have had a suecess far short of our necessitios.
The next resouree is, to borrow [rom individuals. These wil! neitllor be
actuated by gencrosit y nor rcasons of state. 'Tis to their interest alone
we must appen!. 1'0 conciliate t!Ji", we must llot only stipulato a
proper compensation for ",hat tlley lcml, but we I1m!'r givc sccurity for
the performance. ,y e must pledge an a:"certaiued f\lIlJ, simple anJ pro-
ductive in its nature, general in its principIe, amI ,tt the disposal of o.
single will. There can be little confidenee in a f;ccnrity under the con-
stant revisal of thirteen Jiíferent deliberutives. It must, once for all, be
defined and established on the faith of the Stutes, soJemnly plcdgcd to
eaeh other, and not revocable by any withont a breadl of the gener:!l
compacto
'Tis by such expedients that nations 'who~e rrSOllrcrs are llndrrstood,
whose reputations and govermnellts are erectrd on die J(Jllllt];¡tion oi"
ages, are enubled to obtain a solid anJ exl cllsi"e cred it. "\Vuuld it hu
reasonable in us to hope for more ea"y terms, wlJO have so recent ly
assnmed our rank among the nations? ls it not to be expe(:tell that iJ~
dividuals wíll be cautious in lending their mOlle)' to R pcople in onr c;r.
cumstancos, and that thoy will at least require the best seeurity we can
give?
'Ve have un enemy vigilant, intriguing, \Vel! ucr¡uainted wilh our de-
fects and emburrassments. 'Ve ~11ay expect that he will make cvery
effort to instil difIiJences ¡nto individual:,; j aml, in lhe rresent poslurc
of our internal affairs, he will have too plauf'ible ground on which to
tread. Our necessities have obliged us to ell1bracc mea!'llres \yith re·
spect to our public credit ca1culated to inspire distrust. The prrpo,"sr",·
8ions 011 this artiele must naturally be ngailist us, and it j,:; tbcl'eJóre Íi1-
dispensable we should endeavor to remove thcm, by such mcans a" ,\,;'1
be the mast obvious and striking.
lt was with those vicws Cangre~s determined on a general fllnd; r,nd
the one they have recommended must, upon a thorough examinatioIl,
&ppear to have fewer inconveniences than any other.
1t has been remarked, as an essentiul part of the plan, that the fund
135
1'hOl1 Id depend on a single ""il!. This \Vil! not be the case unless the
collection, as well as the appropriation, is under the control 01' the U nited
Siate:::; for it is evident tlmt, aner the duty is agreed upon, it may, in a
great mensure, he defcatcd by an inefl'ectual mode oI' levyilJg it. Tlle
U nited States have a eommon inlerest in an uniform and equally ener-
gel ic ealleet ion; and not only palicy, but j ustice to ai! the parts of the
Luioo, designates tbe utility of lodging the power of making it where
the interest is common. Without this it might in reality operate as a
very unequal laxo
Third objection. "That by granting to Congress a power to collect
moneys from the commerce 01' thl'!"e States, inddillitely as to time amI
qnantity, and for the expendi! ure of which they would lJot be aecount-
alJle to the i:ltates, they would ueeome indeJlendent oi' their eonstituents,
alld so the proposed impost is repugnant to the liberty of the U lJited
States.' ,
Admitting the principIe of this objection to be true, still it ought to
have no weight in the present case, because there is no analogy between
the principIe and the facr.
First. The fund proposed is sufficiently definite as to time, because it
is only co-extensive with the existence of the debt cOlltracted and to be
contracted in the cour~e of the war. Congress are persuaded that it is
as remote fi-om 1he illtemion of their constitucnts to perpetnate lhat
d"bt, as to extinguish it at oncc by a faithless Ileglect of providing the
ll1eans to fulfil the public engagements. Their ability to discharge it in
a moderate time can as little be doubted as their inclination; and the
lI10rnent that debt ceases, the duty, so far as rcspects the present pro-
vision, ceases with it.
The resolution recommen(lillg the duty spccifies the object of it to he
the dis('harge of the principal and illtere,,! of the dchts already cOlltracted,
or which may be contracted, on the faith of the United Slates for sup-
porting the present war.
Secolldly. 'rIJe rate per cent. is fi:;ed, and it is not at the optíon of the
l'nited States 10 increase it. Thongh the product \Vil! vary according
lO ¡he variations in tradc, yet, as there is this limitation of the rale, il
C:11l110t be properIy said to be indefillite as to quantJty.
By the Confrdcration, Congress have an absolute discretion in deter-
rnirling (he qUilntum 0(' revenl1e requisite for the national expenditure.
Wlten this is done, nothing rcmains for the States, separately, but thc
mode of raising. N o State can dispute lhe obligation to pay (he sum
dl'lilUnderl, without a hreach oi" the Confeueration; and when the ll1uney
cumes into the tn:a::;ury, the appropriation is the exclusive province of
136
the Federal Governmcnt. This provision of the Confederation (without
which it would be an empty form) comprehends in it the principie, in its
fullest latitude, which the objection under cOllsideration treats as repug-
nant to the liberty of the United States-to wit, an indefinite power of
prescribing the quantity of money to Le raised, and of appropriating it
when raised.
If it be said that the States, individllally, having the collection in their
o'wn hands, may refuse a eomplianee with exorhitant demands, the Con-
federation wiU answer that tliÍs is a point of whieh they have no consti-
tutionalliberty to judge. Such a reful'al would be an exertion oi' power,
not of right; and the same power which could disregard a requisition
made on the authority oi' the Confederation, might at any time arrest
the eollection of the duty.
The same kind oi' responsibility which exists ,yith respect to the ex-
penditure of tbe mOlley furnished in t he forrm; hitl18rto praetised, would
be equa11y applicable to (he revenue fram the irnpurts.
The truth is, the security intendcd to the generalliberty in the Con-
fecleration consists in tbe frequent election atid in the rotation oI' the
members oI' Congress, by which there is a constant and an effeetual
check upon tbem. 'Ihis is the securit y w hieh ¡!le people in every St ate
enjoy against the usurpatiolls of their interllul goyermnents, and it is the
true source of security in a representatiye republic. The Government,
so cOllstituted, únght to have the mealls lleccf;sary to answer the end of
its institution. By weakening ils hamls t·jO Illueh, it mal' be rendereu
incapable oI' providing far the interior hannony or the exterior defence
of the State. '
The measnre in question, if not wilhin (he letter; is within the spirit,
of the Confe'deration. Congress, by that, are empowl'fed to Lorrow
money for the use of the Uniwu Statcs, amI, by iJllplicatil)n, to concert
the rneans necessary to aceomplish the cnd. Dut, wit]¡out insisting upon
this argument, if the Confederation has not ma<le proper provision for
the exigencies of the States, it wil! be at a11 times the <luty oI' Congress
to suggest further provisions; and, when their propo,;als are suumitted
to the unanimous consent of the Statef', they can never be charged wlth
cxceeding the bounds of theír trust. Such a consent is the Lasis and
sanction oI' the Confederation, which expressly, in the 13th article, em-
powers Congress to agree to and propose such additional provisiol1s.
The remarks hirherto made have had rcference principa11y to the fu-
t ure prosecution of the war. There still remains an interesting light in
which the subject ought to be viewed.
The United Statef' have already contracted a rlebt in F.t1rnpp, and in
137
this country, for which ¡heir faith is plcuged. The capital of this debt
can onIy be discharged by dcgrees; 1mt a fund for this purpose, ana for
Pilying the interest annllally, on eH:ry principIe of policy anJ justice,
ought to Le providcd. The omi~~ion \Vil! be t he deepcst ingratitude a!ld
eruelty to a large numher uf meritorious individuals, who, in the most
I"ril lcal ]lcriods of (he war, have advcnt ured their fortuncs in support of
é'¡li' illdepcndénce. It would stamp (he national character with indelible
tli::;;;grace.
An annual provision for tlle purpose will be too precarjous. If its con-
I il1uanee and application were certain, it would not afiord complete re-
licf. \Vith many, the regular payment of interest, Ly oecllsional grants,
would suffice; but wil h !llally 1110re it would !l0t. Tllese want the use
of Ihe princirml itself, alld Ihey have a right to it; but, sillce it is not in
our power to pay off the principal, the next expedient is to fUlld the debt
and l'cnder the evidences of it Ilegotiable.
Desilies the advanlage to individuals from this arrangcment, the active
stock of tlle nation would be increased by the whole amount of the do-
mestic debt, and of course the abilities of lile community to contribute
tu Ihe public wants ; the national credit would revive alld stand hereafter
on a secare basis.
This was anothcr objcct of the propnsed duty.
If it be conceded Ihat a similar {imd is ncccssary, it can hardly he dis-
ruteu that the one recommended is the most eligible. It has been
aIready shown that it a11i~cls al! parts of the community in proportion to
thcir consumption, and has thcrefore 1he best pretensions to equality. 1t
i" the m08t agrecable tax to the people ¡hat can be imposed, because it
is paid illsensibly, and 8eems to be voluntary.
lt may pcrhaps he imngillcd t hat it is unfavoralJle to commercG; but
the conlrary can ea~iIy ue demollstrated. It has been se en that it does
no! diminish t}¡e prúfit of tbe mcrchant, and, of course, can be no dimi.
Dlltíon of his inducements to trnde. It is too mouernte in its amount to
di::,courage the consumption of imported goods, and cannot on that ae-
eount abridge the extent of imfJortations. If it even had this effect, it
would be an advantage to comll1erce, by lessening the proporlion of OUT
imports to our exports, and inclining the balance in favor of this
eOllntry.
'l'he principal thl1lg to be eonsulted for the nrlvnneement of commeree
i~ to promote cxp0rls. Al! impec!iments to 1hese, eidlCr by way of pro-
Lihition ol' by ilJcrca"in~ the priccs of native commodities, decreasing by
t¡:al i11f'ans I heir sale and eon"umption al foreign markets, are injurious.
Vu:je~ on C'xrorts have this opcr<ltion. Fur the ec:.me reason, taxes vn
138
possessions and the articles of our own growth or manufacture, whether
in the form úf a land tax, excise, or any otl1l'r, are more hurtful to trade
than impost duties. The tende:lcy of all such taxes is to increase tite
prices of thosc al'ticlcs vvhich are the objccts of exportation, and to 01111-
ble others to undersell us abroad. The farmer, ir ho pays a heavy land
tax, nmst endeavor to get more for tho products of his farm: the me-
chanic and laborer, if they find the necessaries of life grow dearer by an
excise, must endeavor to exact higher wages; a!ld these causes will pro-
duce an increase of prices within, and operato against foreign com-
merce.
lt is not,' howevor, to be inforred th11t tho whole revenue ought to be
drawn fÍ'om imports: all extremes are to be rejeeted. Theehief thing
to be a(tonded to is, that the weight of the taxes fal! not too heavily, in
the first instance, npon particu lar parts of the comn11lnity. A judicious
distribution to all kinds of taxabIo prop.erty is a first principIe in taxa-
tion. Th'e tendeney of these observations is onIy to 8how tltat taxes on
possession::,-on articles of our own growlh and manufacture-are more
prejudicial to trade than duties on imports.
The observations, which conclude the letter on which those remarks
are made, natura!!y lead to reflections thrtt deserve the sorious attention
of every member of the Union. Therc is a lwppy mean betweon too
mueh confidellce and exeessive jcalousy, in which the herrIth and pros-
perity of a State consisto Eithcr extreme is a dangorous viee: the first
is a temptation to mcn in power to arrogate more than they have a right
to; the latter enervates government, 'prevents system in the administra-
tion, defeats the most salutary measuuo", breeds confusion in the State,
disgusts and discontents among tho peoplo, and may evelltualIy provo as
fatal to liberty as t Le opposite tempero
It is certainly pernicious to leave an)' governmcnt in a sitllation of re-
sponsibility disproportioned to ils power.
The conduct of the war is intrusted to Congress, and the public ex-
pectation turned- upon them, witbout any competent mean s at their corn-
mand to satisfy the important tru~:. After the most fuU and solemn
deliberation, under a colIective view of a11 the public difficlllties, they
recommend a measure which appears to them the corner-stone of the
puhlic safety: they see this measure suspended for near two years; par-
tia!!y complicd with by somo of the States; rejectod by one of them,
and in danger on that account to bo frustrateu; tho public embarrass-
ments every day increasing; the dissatisfaction of the army growing
more serious; the other creditors of (he public clamoring for justice ;
both irritated by the delay of measures far their present relief or future
139
security; the hopes of our enemies encouraged to protract the war; the
zeal of our friends depressed by an appearance of remissness and want
of exertion on our part; Congress harassed; the national character suf-
fering, and the national safety at the mercy of events.
This state of things cannot lmt b€ extremely painful to Congress, and
appear to your committee to make it their duty to be urgent to obviate
the evils with which it is pregnant.
Resolved, That Congress agree to the said reporto
2. INTHE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION.
FRmA Y, ArRIL 18, 1783.
Resolutions were passed recommending to the several States to invest
the Congress with certain specified powcrs for raising revenue to restore
and maintain the public credit, &c. These resolutions were transmitted
to the several States, with an address, prepared by a committee consist-
ing of Mr. Madison, lVIr. Ellsworth, and 1\1r. Hamilton, and adopted by
Congress on the 26th April, 1783. The resolutions, as weH as the ad.
dress, consist, for the most part, of propositions and recommendatiolls
cOllcerning the fiscal measures necessary to be adopted; from the latter,
hO'Never, it is considcrcd proper to malee the following extracts:
" The plan thus communicated and explained by Congress must now
receive its Ülte from thcir constituents. All the objects comprised in it are
conceived to be of great importance to tho happiness of this confoderated
republic, are necessary to render the fruits of the Revolution a full re-
ward for the blood, the toils, the cares, and the cabmities which have
purchased it. But the object of which the necessity wíll be peculiarly
feIt, and whích it ís peculiarly the duty of Congress to inculcate, is the
provision recommended for the national debt. Although this dCbt is
greater than coulu have been wíshed, it is still less on the whole than
could have been expected, and, when referreu to the cause in which it
has been incurred, and compared wilh the buruens which wars of ambi-
tion and of vain-glory have entailed on other nations, ought to be borne,
not only with cheerfulness, but with pride. But the magnitude of the
debt makes no part of the questlon. It is sufficient that the debt has
been fairly contracted, and that justice and good faith demand that it
!'llOuld be fully discharged. Congress had no option but between dif-
ferent modes of discharging it. The same option is the only one that
can exist with the States. The mode which has, after long anu elabo-
rate discussion, been preferred, is, we are persuaded, the least objection-
able of any thut would have been equal to the purpose. Undcr this per-
140
suasion, we cali uron the jnstice and plighted Cút]¡ of the several States,
to give it its proper effect, to reflect on the eOll~cqucn('cs of rejecting it,
and to remember that Congress will not be Ullswerable for thom.
" Let it be remembered, finally, that it has cver been the prido and
boast of America that the rights for whieh sho contended were the right,;
of human nature. By the blcssings oi" the Anthor of these rights on
the means exerted for their defence, they have prevailed against al! op-
position, and form the basis oí' lhirteen independent States. N o instance
has heretofore occurred, nor can any instance be expected hercafter to
occur, in y\·hich the unadnlternted forms of republican goyemment can
preter:d to so fair an opportllnity of justifying tllOlllSclvcs by thcir fruits.
In this yiew, the cÍtizens uf the cnilcd Statcs are respollsible for the
greatest trust ever confided to a polítical socicty. H jl1stieo, good faith,
honor, gratitude. and all the otller qualit ies whieh ennoble Ihe chnraeter
of a nation, and fulftl the ends of government, be the ÍÍ"uits of onr osla-
blishmcnt"s, the cause of libert,y will acqnire a dignity and lustro which lt
has never yet enjoyed, and an example will be set which cannot llljf
have the Illost favorable'inflnellce on the rights of manlund. lf, 011 lht:
other side, onr gOYl'rnmcnts shlJuld be unf'ortunare[y lJlofteu vn:J¡ lhe le
verse of tbese cardinal and c:c"c!1tlal vlrt~les. tJH~ é':reat cnll,'e WllldJ Wt
have e!l::::;l~;('d to Yl!idicr:le will be di,3JlO:¡o!"ed nnJ lHrr,lyerL ILc In,,: IlIID
birest l'XpCrilllcllt in I';'\,or of ¡he rights 01' hUlll:lil na) ure v,'ill l,,! lllrfJed
against ¡llem, and tiJeir patwlls amI fi·iends exp'Jf;cd lO [le ill~'ulted and
siIenced by the Yot'lr:cc; uf tyranny amI usurpation.
"By order of the United States in Congress ai:isembled."
3. IN THE CONGRESS OF 'fIlE CONFEDERA'l'ION.
\VEDNE:>DAY, APRIL 30, 1784
Congrcss assembkd. Prc~cnt: N ow Hampshlre. j~la~sn('hu"erts
Rhode Island, C0l111ccticut, Kc',v York, Kew Jersey. PeIlIlsylval11a,
Maryland, Virginia, N orth C,lrolina, and SOLlll! Caroll1la.
Congrcss took into eOllsidpration the report of u cOl!1mittee, consisting
()f MI'. Gorry, l\Ir. Roed, 1\1r. \Villiarmon, l\Ir. Chase, alld .Mr. Jeflcr-
80n, to whom Viere referred f'll'lJry lctters and ]lQpers rclativc to com-
mercial matters; and the same, being alllendcd, was agrocd to as
folhws:
" The trust rep0ó'cd in Congrc8s rcnrlers it their eluty to oe attentive to
the conduet of forcign nations, antl to prevent or r('~¡nin, as litr as may
be, aU such procecdillgs as mi,;"!tt pruve ilJjllriol1s fo f!Je [Tnitrd States.
'fhe situation of comlllercc al l!Ji:; timL cLliIm: t]¡e ,llícuioll 01' tite 6cve.
141
ral States; and few ohjects of greater importance can present 1hcm.
selves to their notice. Thc fortune of cvcry citizen is interested in the
success thercor, for it is the constant source of wealth and incentive to
industry; and the value of our produce and our land must ever rise or
fal! in proportion to the prosperous or adverse state of trade.
"Already has Grcat Britain adopted regulations destructive of our como
merce with her West India Islands. There was reason to expect that
measures so unequal and so littlc calculated to promote mercantile inter·
course, would not be persevered in by an enlightened nation. But these
mcasurcs are growing into system. It would be the duty of COllgress,
as it is their wi~h, to mcet tbe attempts of Great Britain with similar
rcstrictions on her conunerce: but thcir powers on this head are not ex-
plicit, llnd the pl'opositions maue by the lcgislatures of the several States
render it neeessary to takc the general sense of the U nion on tllis
subject.
"Unless the United States in Congress assembled sha11 be vested with
powers competent to the protection of commerce, they can never com-
mand reciprocal advantages in trade; and, without these, our foreigll
commerce must decline, and eventually be annihilated. Hence it is neo
ccssary that the States shoulJ be explieit, and fix on sorne effcetual
mode by whieh forcign commcrce not fouJl(led on principIes of equaliu.
may be restraincd.
"That the UnÍted States .. may be enabled to secure snch termEi. ¡he"
have
"Resolved, That it be, and it hereby is, recommended to the ieglsla
tures of the several States to ve sI, the Omted States in Congress a:33Cm
b!ed, for the tenn of fifteen years, with power to prohlbtt any goods
wares, 01' merchandise, Ü'om being imported into or exported Úom ally
of the States, in vessels bclonging to or navigated by 1he subjecLs al" any
power with whom these States 811a11 not have formed treaties of com
merce.
"RE8oh'ed, That it be, and it hereby is, recommended Oto the legIsla
tures of ¡he severa! 8tates to vest the United States m Congress a:;sem
b led, for the term uf fifteen years, with the power of prohibJtmg ¡he sub
jects of any foreign state, klllgdom, or empire, nnless authorized by
treaty, fram imporLillg Ínto the Unitcd States any goods, wares, or mer
chandise, which are no1; the produce 01' manufacture of the dominions 01
rIJe sovcreign whose subjects thcy are.
"Pravidcd, Tllat to al! aets uf the United States in Congress assem
oled, in pursuance uf 1he above powers, the assent of nille States shal:
¡'0 llecessary."
16
142
4. IN THE CONGRESS OF 1'IIE CONFEDERATION.
\VEDNESDAY, JL'"LY 13, 1785.
Congress took mto consideration the report of a committee, con~isting
of Mr. Monroe, Mr. Spaight, Mr. I-Ioustoun, Mr. J ohnsoll, and .:\1r.
King, on a motion of Mr . .Monroe, for vesting the United States in Cnn-
gress assembled with the power of regubting trade i and, the same
being read,
Ordered, That it be referred to a coml11ittee of ¡he whole.
Congress was then resolved inlo a c0111mittee of the whole.
1\1r. Holten was ekcted to the chair.
1'he P.esident resul11ed the chair; alld .'\Ir. Holten reportcd (hat the
eommittee of the w hole have had under cOll"ioeraf iOi! t hc 8ul¡ject re-
ferred to thel11, but, not having C0111e to a conelusiolJ, desire lcave to sÍt
again tO·l110rrow. •
Resolvéd, That leave be granted.
[The following is the report rpferred too 1t was aftcrwards farther ronsi(lcre(l ;
but COllgress did not come to any final determination with reSpl'et to lh,; eon81i-
tutional altcration which it proposcd. It was declllcd llIOst advisable, <Jt lile
time. that any propositioll for per(cctillg the aet of confedcration shouJd orig:llate
witl. the Sta te legislatures.]
The eommittee, consisting of .Mr. l\Ionroe, Mr. 8paigllt, ]\Ir. IIous-
toun, ::\1r. J ohnson, and Jlr. King, to w 110m was re[erreu t}¡e lllolÍon of
lVIr. Monroc, submit the following report : .,
That the first paragraph of the ninth of the Articlcs of Confederation
be altered, so as to rcad thus, viz:
" The United Statcs in COllgress assemblcd sh[l1l have the f'ole and
exclusive right and power of determining on peace alld war, cx('cpt in
the cases mcntioned in the sixth article-of sel](ling alld reccivillg cm-
bassadors-entering into treatics and alliances-of rcgulating 1 he tJ'ade
of the States, as well with foreign nations as with eac.:h olhcr, alJd of
laying such impost and duties upon imports and expor!s as may be ne-
cessary for the purpose j provided, that the citizcns of (he States 8]¡all
in no case be subjected to pay higher impos!s and dutics than those in¡-
posed on the subjects of forcign powcrs; provided, also, that the l0;;is-
lative powcr of the several States shall noí be rcstraincd frorn prohibit-
ing the importation or exportation of any speeics oi' gouos or comlllodi.
tl(;S whatsoever; provided, also, that a11 such duties as may be illlpo;,;t:d
shall be co¡]ccted under (he authority, and aCCrHe to the use, of ¡he
State in which thc smne sball be payable j anrl provided, la;,;tly, thal
everyact uf Cúngress for the above purpuse sl:all havc tlIe a::;sunt ut
143
nine States in Congress as·sembled-of establishing ruJes for deciding in
aH cases what captures on land or water sha11 be legal, and in what
manner prizcs taken by land or naval forces in the service of the United
States sha11 be dividcd or appropriated-of granting Jetters of marque
and reprisal in time of pcace-appointing courts for the trial of piracies
and felonics committed on the high seas, and estabhshing courts for re-
cciving and determining finally appeals in a11 cases of captures; providea
that no mcmber of Cougress shall be appointed judge of any of the said
courts.' ,
That the folIowing Jetter be addressed to the Jegislature of the several
States, showing the principies on which the aboye alteratíon is pro-
posed:
1'he United 8tates having formed treaties of commerce with the most
Christian king the King of Sweden, and the atates-general ofthe United
N ctherlands ; and having appointed ministers with full authority to emer
into treaties with other powers, upon such principIes of reciprocity as
may promote their peace, harmony, and respective interests,-it be.
comes necessary that such internal arrangements should be made as may
strictly camport with the faith of those treaties, and insure success to
their future ncgotiations. But, in the pursuit of the means necessary
for the attainment of these ends, considerable difficulties arise. If tne
lcgislature of each 8tatc adopts its own measures, many and very emi-
nent disadvantages must, in thcir opinion, necessarily result therefrom.
Thcy apprchcnd it wiU be difficult for thirteen difrerent legislatures, act-
ing separately and distinctly, to agree in the same interpretation of a
treaty, to take the same measurcs for carrying it into efrect, and to con-
duct their several opcrations upon su eh principIes as to satisfy those
powcrs, and at the same time preserve the harmony and interests of the
Union, or to concur in those measures which may be necessary to coun-
teract the policy.of those powers with whom they sha11 not be able to
form commcrcial trcaties, and who avoid it merely from an opinion of
thcir imbecility and indecision. And if the several States levy difrerent
duties upon thcir particular produce exported to the ports of those
powers, or upon the produce and manufactures of those powers imported
inta each 8tate, eil her in ves seIs navigated by and belonging to the citi.
7.ens of these States or the subjects of those powers, it wilI, they appre-
hend, induce on their part similar discriminations in the duties upon the
commercial intercourse with each 8tate, and thereby defeat the abject
of those treaties, and promote the designs of those who wish to profit
from their embarrassment. Unlcss the United 8tates in Congress as-
sembled are authorized to make those arrangements which become ne·
144
cessary under their troaties, and aro cnableJro carry thom into efreet,
they cannot complain of a violation of thrm on the part of other PO\V01'8.
And unless they aet in COllcert in tlw sys t0m of pulicy w hit:h nHly Le
necessary to frustrate the dcsigns 01' t1wt'c powors w 110 lay illj uriolls re-
straints on their trade, they must necessarily become tlw victims of
theír own indiscrotion.
The common principIe upon which a friendly commorcial intercourse is
conducted between independent nations, is that of reciprocal advantages ;
and if this is not obtained, it becomes the duty of the losillg par!y to
make such farther regulations, consistently with the faith of treaties, as
will remedy the evil, and se cure its interests. If, then, the commercial
regulations of any foreign power contravene the intorcsts of any partic~
lar State.-if they refuse admittance to its produce into its ports upon the
same terms that the State admits its manuülctures here,-what course
will it talte to remedy the evil? If it makes similar rcgulations to coun-
ternct those of that power, by reciprocating the disadvantages which it
feels, by impost or otherwise, will it produce the desired effect? What
operation will it have upon the neighboring States? vVill they entor
Ínto similar regulations, and make it a common cause 1 On the con-
trary, will they not, in pursuit of the same 10031 policy, avail themselves
of this circumstance to turn it to thoir particular advantage? Thus,
then, we behold the several States taking separate measures in pursuit
of their particular interests in opposition to fhe rcgulations of foreign
powers, and separately aiding thosc' powers to defeat the regulatiolls of
each other; for, unless the States act together, thore is no plan of policy
into which they can separately enter, whicl! they will nnt ue separately
interested to defeat, and of course all their measures must prove vaill
amI abortive.
The policy of each nation, in its commercial intercourse with other
powers, is to obtain, if possiblc, the principal shate 01' the carriage of
the materials of either party; and this can only be effected by laying
higher duties upon imports and exports in foreign vessels, navignted by
the subjects of foreign powers, than in those which belong to and are
navigatcd by those of its own dominions. This principIe prcvails, in a
greater or less degree, in the regulations of the oldest and wisest com-
mercial natiolls, with respect to each other, and will, of course, be ex-
tended to these States. Unless, therefore, they possess a reciprocal
power, its operation must produce the most mischievous eflccts. Unable
to counteract the restrictions of those powcrs by similar restrictions
here, or to support the interests of theír citizens by discriminations in
their favor, their system wiU prevail. Posscssing no advantages in the
145
ports of his own country, and suhjected to much higher duties and re·
strictions in those of other powers, it will necessarily become the interest
of the American merchant to ship his produce in foreign bottoms: of
coU!'se their prospects of national conseq uenee must decline, their mer-
e]¡ants beeome only the agents and retailers of those foreign powers,
thcir extensive forests be hevm down alld laid waste to add to their
3trength and national resources, and the American flag be rarely seen
upon the face of the seas.
But if they act as a nation, the prospeet is more favorable to them.
1'he particular interests of every State will then be brought forward,
and receive a federal sllpport. Happily tor them, no measures can be
taken to promole the interests of eilher which will not equally promote
¡hat of the who!e. If their commerce is laid under injurious restrietions
in f()reign ports, by going hand in hand in eonfidence together, by wise
and er¡uitable regulations, they wi11 the more easily sustain the inconve-
lllence or remedy the evil. If they wi"h to cement the Union by the
strongest ties of interest and affection; if they wish to promote its
strength and grande ur , founded upon that of each individual State,-
cvery consideration of local as well as of federal policy urge them to
adopt the following rccotumendation. *
The situation 01' the cOllll1lercial affairs of the Uníon requires that the
severa! legi~latures should come to the earliest decision on the subject,
which thay now SUlllllÍt to their consideration. They have weighed it
wtth that profound atlentioll 'which is due to so important un object, and
are fully convinccd of its expedience. A further delay must be produc-
tive of inconvenicnce. The interests which wil! vest in every part of
the U nion must soon take root and have their influence. The produce
rai~ed upon the banks of those great rivers and lakes w hieh have their
sources high up in the interior parts of the continent wil! empty itself
into the Atlantic in different directions; and, of course, as the States
rearing to the westward attain malurity, and get admission ¡nto the Con-
fcderation, wil! thcir government become more eomplicated. Whether
this wil! be a source of strength and wealth to the Union, must, there-
fore, in a great dcgree, depend upon the measures which may be now
adopted.
A temporary power would not, in their opinion, enable the U nited
f'tates to establish the interests, nor attuin the saIutary object, which
they propose: the cxpeetation that it will revert to the States. and re-
main with them for the future, wouId lessen its weight with foreign
>lFAlluding to the alteration propose<1. See p. 142.
In"
14G
powers; and, ",hile tho intercstR of cneh Slato nnd of 1he Foderal Gov.
ernment continue to be the samo, the same evils will always require the
same eorreetion, und of eourse the neC'essary powers should al ways be
lodged in the same hands. They have t11erefore thought proper to pro~
pose an effieient and perpetual remedy.
[The suhject was afterwards brought forward in the Honse of Delc'iates oC the
C'ommollwealth of Virginia, by Alr. l\Iadi~ol1, whose proposed resolution alld the
proeeedillgs thereoa follow these proceediag$ in Congrcss.]
5. IN TUE CONGRESS OF TUE CONFEDERATION.
\VEDXESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1786.
Congress assembled. Present: N ew IInmpshire, Mnssnehusetts,
Conneetieut, New Jersey, Pennsylv:lnia, Virginia, l\Iaryland, and South
Carolina.
The eommittee, consisting of 1\1r. King, l\Tr. Pinckney, ]VIr. Kean,
Mr. 1\1onroe, and Mr. Pettit, to whom were referred several roports and
doeuments coneerning the system of general revenue, reeommended by
Congress on the 18th of April, 1í'83, report :
"That, in pursuance of the aboye referenee, they have carefulIy ex·
amined the aets of the several States, "relative to the general system of
revenne rceommcnded by Congress on tbe 1S1h of l\pril, 17t-J3, and filld
that the States of Delaware nnd N orth Carolina have passerl rwts in fun
conformity with the several parts thereof; the former of which States
has inserted a proviso in their aet, restraining the operation thereof ulJtil
each of the other States shall have made a l¡ke and equally extensive
grant; that the States of N ew Hampshire, l\Iassachllsetts, Conneeticut,
N ew Jersey, Virginia, and South Cardlina, have each passed aets como
plying with that part of the system w hi(~h reeommends a general im-
post, but have come to no dccision 011 the other part, whieh proposes the
establishment of funds, supplementary to and in aid of the general im-
post; that the Statc of PcnnsylvHnia hns passed an aet complying with
the reeommendation of the general illlpost, and in the same aet has de·
clared that thcir proportion 01' q uota of the supplementary fllnds shalI be
raised and levied 011 the perS011S amI estates of the inhabitnnts of that
Stafe, in such manner as the legislature thereof shall from time to time
direet; with tbis proviso, that if any of the annual proportio11 of the
snpplementary funds shall be otherwise raised and paid to the United
í::ltates, then such annnal leyy or tax shall be discontinued. The com '
mittee conceive that this clanse is rather an ellgagement that Pennsyl-
vania wil! provide adcqnate supplcmentary fl1nds, tllan nn actual esta-
147
biishmcnt thoreof; n!!yertheless, the act contains a proviso rostraining
its operation' until each of the othor State~ shall have passed laws in full
conformity with the whole of the revenue system aforesaid. The com-
mittee further find, that the State of Rhode Island has passed an act on
this subject, but so difTerent from the plan recommended, and so wholly
insufficient, that it cannot be considered as a compliance with any part
of the system submitted fol' theil' adoption j that the State of Maryland
passed an act in 1782, and a supplement thereto in 1784, complying with
the recommendation of Congress of the 3d of February, 1781, which re-
commendation is not compatible with, and was relinquished by, the,re-
solves of Congress of the 18th of April, 1783; but that neither the
State of Maryland, N ew York, nor Georgia, has passed any act in pOlr-
suance of the system of the 18th of A pril, 1783.
" From thi8 statement it appears that seven States-viz: N ew Hamp-
shirc, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, North Caro-
lina, and South Carolina-have granted the impost in such manner that,
if the other six States had made similar grants, the plan of the general
impost might immediately begin to operate j that two other States--
viz: Pennsylvania and Dclaware-have also granted the impost, but
have connected their grants with provisoes, which will suspend their ope-
ratioll ulltil all the other States shull have pussed laws in full conformity
, ... ith the whoIe of the revenue system aforesaid; that two onIy of these
nine States-viz: Delaware and N orth Carolina-have fuIIy acceded to
that system in al! its parts; and that the four 0lher States-viz: Rhodlil
hJand, N ew York, lYbryIand, and Georgia-have not decided in favor
of uny part of the system of revenue aforesaid, so long since and so re-
peatedly presented by Congress for their adoption.
"The committee have thought it their duty candidly to examine the
principIes of this system, and to discover, if possible, the reasons which
have prevented its adoption. They cannot learn that auy member of the
Confederacy has stated or brought forward any objeetions against it;
and the result of their impartial inquiries into the nature and operation
of the plan, has been a clear and decided opinion that the system itself
is more free from well·founded exceptions, and is better ealculated to
receiye (he approbation of the several States, than any other that the
wisdom of Congress can devise.
" In the course of this inquiry, it most clearly appeared that the re-
quisitions of Congress, for eight years past, have been so irregular in
their operation, so uncertain in theír coIlection, and so evidentIy unpro-
ductive, that a reliance on them in future, as a source from whence moneV8
148
are to be drawn to d¡scharge the engagemenls of the Confederacy, defi.
uite as they are in time alld amount, would be not less dishonorable to
the understandings of those who entertain such confidence, than it wonld
be dangerous to the welfare and peace of the Union. The committee
are therefore seriously impressed with the indispensaLle obligation that
Congress are under of representing to lhe immediate and impartial con-
sideration of the several States the utter impossiLility of mail1taining
nnd preserving the faith of the Federal Government by tempornry requi-
sitions on the States, al1d the consequent necessity of an early and com-
plete accession of al! the States to the revenue system of the 18th of
Apri\, 1783.
"Although, in a business of this magnitude and importan ce fo the re-
spLctIve States, it was natural to expect a due dcgrce of emItion, nnd a
thorough investigation of the system recommended, yet the committee
canllot forbear to remarlt that this plan has Leen under reference for
net..dy three years j that, during that period, numerous changes have
talten place in the delegations of every State, but that this system has
reccived the repeated approLation of each successive Congress, and that
the urgency of the public engagements at this time renders it the un-
qULstionable duty of the several States to adopt, without further delay,
those measures which alone, in the judgment of the committee, can pre
serve the sacred faith of the Confederaey."
"Thus it is evident that the sum of 2,4.'íi, 987 25-90ths dolIars on Iy
was received in the spa~ of more than four years, when the requisitions,
in the most forciLle manner, pressed on the States the payment of much
larger sums, and for purposes of the highest national importance. It
should be he re observed, that the receipts of the last fourteen monlhs of
the aboye pcriod amount only to 432,897 81-90ths doIlars, which is at
the rate of 371,052 dollars per annum-a sum short of what is essentially
necessary for the bare maintenance of the Federal Governmcnt on the
most economical establishment, and in time of profound peace.
" The committee observe, with great concern, that the security of the
navigation and commerce of the citizens of these States from the Bar-
bary powers, the protection of the frontier inhabitants from the savages,
the immediate establishment oI' mili¡ary magazines in differcnt parts of
lhe Union, rendered indispensable by the principIes of public safety, ¡he
maintenance of the Federal Government at home, and the support of the
public servants abroad, each and all, dopond upon the contributions of
lhe States under the annual requisitions of Congrcss. The moneys
essentially necessary for these important objects will so far exceed the
eums formeriy collected from the States by laxes, that no hope can La
•
149
indulged of bcing abIe, from that source, to make any remittances fOl
the discharge of foreigll cngagr:ments.
"Thus circumstanccd, arter the most solcmn deliberation, and under
t11e fullest conviction that the public cmbarrassments are such as aboye
rcpresented, and that they are daily increasing, the committee are of
the opinion that it has become the duty of Congress to declare, most ex-
plicitly, that the crisis has arrived when the people of these U nited States,
by whose will and for whose benefit the Federal Government was insti-
tuted, must decide whether they will support their rank as a nation, by
maintaining the public faith at home and abroad, or whcther, for want
of a timely exertion in establishing a general revenue, and thereby giv-
ing strength to tile Confederacy, they will hazard not only the existence
of the Unían, but of those great and invaluable privilcges for which they
lnve so arduously and so honorably contended."
Resolved, That Congress agree to the said reporto
And, to the end that Congress may remain wholly acquitted from
every imputation of a want of attention to the interest and welfare of
t110se whom they represent,
Resolved, That the requisitions of Congress of the 27th of April,
1784, and the 27th of September, 1785, cannot be considered as the esta-
blishment of a systelll of general revenue, in opposition to that recom-
mendcd to thc several States by the resol ves of Congress of the 18th of
April, 1783.
R( solved, Thatthe resolves of Congress of the 18th of A pril, 1783,
recommcnding a system of general revenue, be again presented to the
con"ideration of the legislatures of the several States which have not
flllly complicd with the same. 1'hat it be earnestly recommended to
the Legislatures of N ew IIampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, N ew
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina, which have com-
plied only in part with the said systern, completely to adopt the same,
tllid to the Legislaturcs of che Statcs of Rhode Island, N ew York, Ma-
ryland, and Georgia, whieh have not adopted the said system, either in
whole al' in part, to pass laws, without fllrther delay, in full conformity
with tlJe same. But, as it is highly necessary that every possible f!.id
should, in tbe most expeditious manner, be obtained to the revenue of
the U nited States, it is therefore recommended to the several States,
that, in adopting the said system, they enable the United States in Con-
gress assembled, to carry into effect that part whieh relates to the im-
post, so soon as it shall be acceded to.
Resolved, That, whilst Congress are denied the means of satisfying
those engagements whieh they have constitutionally entered into for t1m
150
common benefit of the Union, they hold it the:!" duty to warn their con-
I3tituents that the most fatal evils will inevitabIy flow from a breaeh
of publie faith, pledged by solemn contraet, aEd a violation of those
principIes of justice which are the only so lid basis of the honor and
prosperity of nations.
6. IN THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1786.
The committee, consisting of Mr. Kean, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Pinckney,
1\:1r. Smith, and Mr. Grayson, to whom were reeommitted sundry papers
and doeuments relative to eommerce, and the aets passed by the States
in consequenee of the recommendations of Congrcss of the 30th April,
1784, report-
That, in examiming the laws passed by the States in consequence
of the aetof 30th April, 1784, they find that four States-namely, Mas-
saehusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia-have enaeted laws
eonformable to the reeommendations contained in the aet, but have re-
strained their operation until the other States shall have substantially
eomplied.
That three States-namely, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Mary-
land-have passed laws conforming to the same, but have determined
the time from which they are to commence-the first from the time
of passing their aet, in May, 1785; and the two latter from the 30lh
April, 1784.
That N ew Hampshire, by an aet paslled the 23d J une, 1785, has
granted full powers to regulate their trade, by restrictions or duties, for
fifteen years, with a proviso that the law shall be suspended until the
other States have substantially done the same.
That Rhade Island, by aets passed in Februaryand Octoher, 1785,
has granted power for the term of twenty-five years to regulate trade
between the respective States; and of prohibiting, restraining, or regu-
lating, the importation only of all foreign goods in any ships or vessels
01her than those owned by citizens of the Unitcd States, and navigated
by a certain proportion of citizens; and also with a proviso restrictive
of its operation until 1he other States shall have substantially complied.
That N orth Carolina, by an aet passed the 2d J une, 1784, has granted
powers similar to those grantod by Rhode Island, relative to foreign
commeree, but unrestrained in duration, and clogged with a clause that
wllPn aH the States shall have substantially complied therewith, it shall
become an article of confederatlOn and perpetual union.
151
That they cannot find tbat the three other Statcs-namely, Delaware,
South Carolina, and Georgia-have passed any laws in consequence of
the recommendations.
The result is, that four States have fully complied; three others have
also complied, but have determined the time of commencement, so that
there wiII be a dissimilarity in the duration of the power granted; that
three other Statcs have passed laws in pursuance of the recommenda-
tions, but so inconsonant to them, both in letter and spirit, that they
cannot be deemed compliances; and that three other States have passed
no acts whatever.
That, although lhe powers to be vcsted by the recommendations do
not embrace every objeet which may be necessary in a well-formed sys-
tem, yet, as many beneficial etIccts may be expected from them, the
cOIl1mittee think it the duty of Congress again to call the atteution of
the States to this subject, the longer delay of which must be attended
with very great evils. vVhereupon,
Resolved, That the recommendations of the 30th April, 1784, be again
presented to the view of the States of Delaware, South Carolina, and
Georgia, and that they be most earnestly called upon to grant powers
conformable thereto.
Resolved, That tho Slatos of N ew Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
N orth Carolina, be solicited to recolIsider their acls, and to make thl¡m
agreeable to the re90mmondations of the 36th April, 1784.
Resolved, That the timo for which the power under the rocommenda-
tions of tho 30th April, 1784, is to continue, ought to cornmence on the
day that Congress shall begin to exercise it; and that it be recommonded
to the States of Pennsy!vania. Connecticut, and .Mary!alld, to amend
thcir aets accordingly.
7. IN TIlE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION.
MO:-¡DAY, OeToBEn. 23, 1786.
The committee, consisting of Mr. Pinckney, Mr. Smith, and Mr.
Hcnry, to whom was referred an act of the Legis!ature of the State of
Georgia, passed in eonsequence of the rosolutions of the 30th April,
1781, respecting commerce, and the subject of the said recomrnendation,
having reported-
" That it appears, by tbe said resolutions, the United State.'l iD Con-
grcss as~cmbled recommenued to the legis!atures of tlle severa! States
to \"t:;st t11e111, for the tcrm oi" fiftecn years, with powers to prohibít any
~uud", wares, or merehanuisc, from being imported into, or exported
152
from, any of the States, in vessels belonging to, or navigatvd by, the
subjeets of any power with whom these States shall not have formed
treatics of eommeree; that they al so reeommended to the legislatures
of the said States to vest lhe U nited States in Congress assembled, for
the term of fifteen years, with the power of prohibiting t1:e subjects of
any foreigll state, kingdom, or empire, unless authorized by treaty, from
importing into the United States any goods, "'ares, or merehandise,
whieh are not the produce or manufacture of the dominions of the sove-
reign whose subjeets they are: provided, that to all aets of the U nited
Statos in Congress assembled, in pnrsuanee of the aboye powers, the
assent of nine States shall be necessary. The eormnittee have earefully
examined the aets passed by the several Slates, in pursuance of the
aboye recommendation, and find that the Stale af Dclaware has passeri
an aet in full eompliance with the same; that the aets of the States of
Massaehusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and
Georgia, are in conformity to the said recommendation, but restraillocl
in their operatioll ulltil the other States should have granted powcrs
equally extensive; that tho States of Conllectieut, Penllsylvallia, and
Maryland, have passed laws agreeable to the saiel rcsolution, but have
fixed the time at whieh the powers thereby illvested shall begin to ope-
rate, and not left the same to eommenee at the time at whieh Congress
shjlll begill to excreÍse it, which your eommittee conceive to have bcen
the intention of the same; that Soulh Carolina, by an aet passed the
11th ::.\Iareh, 1786, has invested the United States in Congrl'ss assem-
bled with the power of regulating the trade of the U nited States Wil h
the 'Vest Indies, and aU other external or foreign trade of tho saiel
States, for the term of fifteen years from the passing of the said aet ;
that N ew Hampsj¡ire, by their aet of the 23d of J une, 1785, invested
tIle United :)tates in Congress asscmblcd with the filll power of regu-
lating trade for fifteen years, by rcstrietions or du1 íes, with a pro\-i"o
suspending its operation until aU the other States shaU have done the
same; that N orth Carolina, by their aet of the 2d of J une, 1784, has
authorízed their delegates to agree to and ratify an urticle or articles by
whieh Congress shaU be empowered to prohibit the importation of al!
foreign goods, in any other than vessels oWlled by citizens of the Uniled
States, or navigated by sueh a proportion of seamen, citízens of the
United States, as may be agreed to by Congrcss, whieh, whe11 agreea
t o by aU the State8, shall be eonsidered as a part of the Artielos of Con-
federatíon and perpetual Unían. From the above review of the aets
p:lEse:d by the several States in eonsequenee of the said reeommonda-
lían, it ajljlcars 1llilt, though, in order to makc 1he duration of the
153
powers equal, it will be necessary for the States of Connecticut, Penno
sylvania, Maryland, and South Carolina, so far to amend their aets as
to permit the authorities therein granted to commence their operatíon at
the time Congress shall uegill to exercise them; yet sti1l the powers
grallted by them and by lhe States 01 Massachusetts, Rhode Islam],
New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and Georgia, are other-
wise in sllch cOlllpliance with the recommendation, that, if lhe Statcs
of N ew Hampshire and N orth Carolina had conformed their uds to the
said resolution, agreeable to the urgent recommendation of Congress of
the 3d of March last, the powers therein requested might inullediately
begin to operate. The committee, however, are 01' opinion that the ncts
of the Statcs of N ew Hampshire and N orth Carolina mallifest so liLeral
a disposition to grant lhe necessary [lowers upoa this suLject, that their
not having cOI1lplied with the recoinrnendatioll oi' .'Iarch last must Le at-
tribllted to olher reasons than a disincliuation in the,m to adopt measures
similar to those of their sister States. The committee, therefore, con-
ceive it unllecessary 10 detail to them the situation of our cornmerce,
languishing under the most ruinous restrictions in foreign porls. or the
benefils which must arise fi·om the due and eqt;al use ol" powcrs campe-
tent 10 its protcetion andO support, by that body which can alone Lene-
ficially, safely, alld etr.3ctually exercise the same." \Vhereupon,
Resolved, Tha¡ it be aguin earnestly rccollll1l¿ndcd to the Legislaturcs
of lhe Stutcs of N ew IIampshire and N orth Carolina, al ¡lleir next ses-
8ion, to recollsider their /lcts, alld pass them in su eh conformity with ¡he
resolutions of lhe 30th April, liSo!, as to enable, on ¡heir part, the
United States in Congress assembled to exercise the powers thcreby
investcd, as soon as possible.
Resolved, That, as the extent and duration of lhe powers 10 be exer-
cised by lhe Uniled Statcs in Congre:3s assemLlcd, undpr Ihe reCOJll-
mendation aboye rnenlioned, ought to be er¡ual, it be recollllllcndcd la
the LegÍf;!atures of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, l\Iaryland, and South
Carolina, so far 10 alIlcnd their acts as la vest ¡he powers therein con-
taincd for the terll1 of fifteen years ¡¡'om the day on which Congress shall
begill to exercise the same.
8. REMARK8 ON PROCEEDINGS \VHICH DL'\1EDL\TELY
LED 1'0 TIlE FORMATION OF TIrE CONSTITUTION UF
THE UNITED STATES.
Thcse extrarts show Ihe final efforts 111'\(]e hy the Con,gress of the Cun-
fcdcration to obtain from the States an increase of power for the purposes
N 17
15·4
apparent in these proceeoings. These exertions of the friends of liberty
and . tbe UlJian havitlg' proved unsuccC'ssful, and having completely dis-
c1oseo the incompetellC'y of the C()nft~deration to provide for the credit
and the wallLs of the country, or to fulfil the duties and obli¡;ations of a
general goWrnll1ellt, manifesteo the necessity for that radical challge in the
system, under whose powerful and bcnign influenee the U niteo Fltates haye
arrived at tlwir present condition of streugth, prosperity, and happiness.
The active mC<Ísllres whieh immediately led to the accompli,;hment of
this mOlllentous objeet, appear to have cornmenceo unoer the leao of the.
Commonwealth 01' Virginia, and through the patriotic zcal ano sagacity
01' her eminent statesmen ; justice, however, to the great State of N ew
y ork, amI to the oistingllisheu ¡noi viouals who, at that uay, gllided her
couIH.:ils, delllands the iJiscrtion of the proceedings, which, it will oe per-
ceived, tnok place more thall three years befure those in Virginia, alHl
puint more elé'arly and dir('ctly lo lhe necessity for aJoptilJ~ the present
form of governmcnt than the resollltiollS of Virginia. 'fhe o~tellsible
object ol' tbe lalter appearing to have been, to vest the Congress of the
Confederation with the power of regulating the general traJe and com-
meree of the country. 'fhe act of Virginia, however, leu to the meeting
of the commissioners of several States at Annapolis, who, being thus as-
semblcJ, availed themsel ves of thé idea adopted by the Sta te of N ew Jersey,
and incorporated in the eOllllnissiollS to her deputies inserted in tbis chap-
ter, "ex kmlillg the pow"r" of their deputies to other objects than those
of eOll1nwrce," J¡('illg "an imprOVl'lllcnt on the origillal plan, ami wiU
ueserve to he i!lc<Jrporated ¡nto that of a [uture conventiün," &c.
'fhese f,¡ets prove, that the credit of prod ueÍllg the vital change in the
governulPnt, whieh gave being to our glorious Constitution, uoes not
belong to any particular State or individual, but resulted frorn lhe wide-
spreaJ eOllvidÍon 01' the \Vise and honest men, anJ tfUe patriots with
whom the c'Juntry was blessed at that critical and eventful perioJ in its
history, \vhÍeh will, no donot, become more apparent Oll the completilm
of the ülih amI sixth series of Colonel Force's uocumentary history 01' the
Revolutiol1.
The proceedings in N ew York, appearing to have been consequent
upon the condition of aflairs as indicated in a prevíous resolntion of COll-
gress, and res pon si ve to it, the ínsertion of that resolutÍon previous to
those procecdings, appears necessary to its proper understanding.
9. IN THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1782.
On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Madison, Mr. Root,
}\:Ir. Lowell, 1\!r. Rutledge, and Mr. Clymer, to whom was referred a
lctter of the 17th, fi'om the superintendent of finance, and who were 111-
stmcted to con1'(;r with the said supcrintendent ;
155
Resolved, That Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Clymer be appointed to repair
forthwith to the sev~al States southward of this, and 1\1r. Montgomery
and Mr. Root to the States eastward; and that they be, and hereby are
instructcd to make such represcntations to the several :::ítates, as are best
adapted to their respective circumstances and the present situatian of
public alfairs, and as may induce them to carry lhe requisitions of Con-
gre:"s into etrect with the greatest despatch: that tncy make ¡he like
l'f'presentations to the State oí" Penllsylvania, befol'e l11ey lcave this city,
(Philadelphia:) that previous to their departure, they confcr wi! h the
superintendent of [¡nance, the secretary of ,var, and the secretary for
forcign affilÍrs, who are hereby dirccted to COIlllllunicate to them su eh
information from thcir resjJ€ctive deparlmcnts as may be most conducive
to the end proposed.
10. IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMDLY OF TIrE ST ATE OF
NEW YORK.
SU~'mAY, JULY 21,1782.
George. Clinton, esq., Govr.rnor.
A copy of certain resoIutions of the honorable the Senatc, delivered
by 1\1r. Paine, were rcad, and committed to a committee of the whole
hOllse, to be taken into considcration with the m€ssagc of th€ honorable
the Senate, of the 19th inst., on the state of the nation.
1'h8 house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole House,
on ¡he said resolutions,and the subject of the said messuge; and after
some time spent thereon, Mr. Speaker resumcd the chair, and Mr. Clark,
fi'om the said committee, reportcd, that the committee had gone through
the said rcsolutions without amendment, which he ,"u::: dirccted to report
to ¡he I-Iousc; and he delivered the said resoIut-ions in al ¡he table, whcre
the sume were agaill read, and in the words follo\ving, to _wit, viz :
Resolved, That it appears to this Legislature, after full and solemn
consideration of the severaI matters communicated by the hon. the com-
mitlee of Congress, reIating to the _present posture of our affairs, fOl'eign
and domestic, and contained in a letter from the secretary for forcign
afTairs respecting the former, as wcll as of the representations from time
to time made hy the Ruperintcndent of the finances of the United Stales,
relative to !lis particular dcpartment-that the situation of these S:ates
1" in a peculiar manner critical. anel afTords the strongest reason to appre-
hend, from a continuance of the present Constitution of the ,-:;on:inental
Govermnent, a suhversion of puhlic credit, and conscr¡uences h;5h1y
dangcrous to lhe safety and il1dcpcndence of these Statcs.
156
Resolved, 1'hat while thís Legislature are convinced by the before-men-
tioned communícatíons, that notwíthstanding the generous íntentÍons of
an ally from whom we haye experíenced, and doubt less sha11 still ex-
periencc, al! possible support, exigencies may arise to prevcnt our rcceiv-
ing pecuniary succours hereafter, in any dcgrec proporliolled to our
necessltles. Th8y are also convinced, ¡rom faets wit hin tbeir OWll kno\\'-
ledge, that the provísions made by the respective States for carrying on
the war, are not only inadequate to the end, but must continue to be so,
whiIe there is an adherence to the principIes which now direct the opera-
tion of pubIic measures.
Resolved, Tllat it is al so the opinion of this Legislature, that the present
plan in"tituted by Congress fi)r the administratíon of their finances, is
founded in wisdom and sound policy. Tl1at the salutary eficets of it
have already been felt in an extensive degree; and tha! after so many
viulent shocks sustaíned by the pubEc credit, a faiIure in tbis system, for
wam of the support which the States are abIe to give, would be produc-
tive of evils too pernicious to be haz arded.
Resolved, That it appcars to this Legislature, that the present Britibh
ministry, \vith a di8position not lcss llOstile than that of their prcdcces-
sors, taught by rxpl'riellce to nvoid thcir errors, and aSRuming th~ appear-
¡¡nce of moderatioJl, are purf'uing a scheme calculated to conciliate in
Europe, and seduce in America. That the eeonornical arrangements
thry appear to oe adopting, are ac10pted to enlarging the crcdit of thrir
governrnent, and multiplying its resources, at the same time tlmt t!ley
sef"e to confinn ¡he prcpossessions andconfidenee of ¡he people; and
that the plan of a defensive war on this continent, whiJe they direet all
their attcn:ion and resources to the angmentation of thcil' navy, is thut
whieh may be productive of consequcnccs ultimately uangerous to the
Unilcd States.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Legielature, that the present
syslem of these States exposes tlJe common cause to a precarious isslle ;
und lcaves us at the mercyof events over which we have no influenee:
a conduet extremely unwise in uny nalion, and at aH times, and to a
clwr:ge (JI' ,-yhich wc are impcllcd at this juneture, by reasons of peculiar
'md irrc:;;i~!ible weight; and tha! it is the natural tendency of the weak-
Ill'''" ane! disordcrs in our national measures, to spread diffidence and
.Ji,,'¡-¡¡s' all1ung Ihc people. and prepare their minds to receive the ¡m-
prc""iolls t he l'llemy wish to make.
E, salud, Tltat (he gr;neral state of Enropean affairs, as far as they
have come to the knowlcdge of this Legislature, affords, in their opinion,
Jeasonablc ground of confidcnce, and assures us, thu! with judicious and
157
vigorous cxertion on our part, we may rely 011 the final attainment of onr
oLject; but, far from justifying indífIC'rence and security, calls npon us by
every motiv~ of honor,.good faith, and patriotism, without dclay, to unile
in sorne system more eftectnal, for producing energy, harmony, and con-
sistency of measures, than that which now exists, and more capable of
putting the common cause out of the reach of contingencies.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Legislature, the radical source of
most of our embarrassments, is the want of sufficiellt power in Congress,
to et1ectuate that ready and perrect ca-operation of the different States, on
which thcir immediate safety and future happiness dependo That ex-
perience has demonstrated the Confcderation to be defective in several
cssential pOillts, partieularly in not vesting the Federal Governmcnt cither
\vit h o power of providing revcnue tor itselt~ or with ascertained and pro-
dnctive funds, secured by a sanction so solemn ond general, as wonld
inspire the fullest eonfidence in them, and make them a substantial basis
of ercdít. That these defects ought to be without los s of time repaired;
the powers of Congress extended, a solid security established for the
payment of debts already incurred, and competent means provided far
future eredit, and for supplying the fnture demands of the war.
Resolved, That it appears evidently to this Lcgislature, that the annual
income oftliese States, admitting ¡he best Jl1eans \Yere adopted for draw-
ill~ ont their resomces, would faH tar short of the annual expendít ure ;
and Ihat thero wouW be a large deficiency to bc supplied on the credit
of these Sta/es, which, if it should be inconvenient far those powers to
ítfr,)rd, on whose friendship we justly rely, must be sought for from indi-
vidllals, to engage whom to ~end, satisfactory securities must be pledged
fur t11e punctual payment of interest, and the final redemption of the
principal.
Rl'sohed, That it appears to this LegisIature, that the aforegoing im-
por:ant ends can never be nttained by partial dcliberations of the Statcs
scparately; but that it is essential to the common welfare, that thero
should be, as soon as possible, a conference of the whole on the subject;
and that it would be advisable for this purpose-, to propose to Congress
to recommend, and to each State to adopt the measure of assembling a
general con ve ni ion of the States, specially authorizcd to revise and amend
the Confederation, reserving a right to the respective legislatures to rati{y
tlH?ir dcterminations.
Resolved unanimously, That this House do concur with the honorable
tho Senate, in t~e said resolutions.
[Introduced and passed in Senate, on Saturday morning, J uIy '20,
17(:12.j
17*
158
STATE OF Nnv YORK, ~
Secretary' 8 Oifiee. 5
1 certify the preceding to be troe copies of certain concurrent resolu-
tions of the Senate and Assembly oi" this State, copicd from the printed
journal of the asscmbly in this office.
AReH'D. CAMPBELL, Drp. See. oJ Slate.
Albany, July 30,1847.
11. IN THE HOUSE 01" DELEGATES OF TIIE STATE OF
VIRGINIA.
\VEDNESDAY, ::lOTIr N OYDIBER, 1785.
Mr. Alexander White reported, llccorJing to arder, ;¡ resolutioll agrecd
to by the committee of the whole house on MonJay last, respecting com-
meree; and he read (he same in his pluce, and afierwards deJivered it in
at the clerk's table, where the same \Vas again read, and is as fol.
10weth:
\Vhereas the relativc situation of the U nited States has been found on
trial to require ulliformity in their commercial rcgnlations, as (he only
effectual palie)' [or obtainillg in the ports of foreign natioJls a stipulation
of privileges reciprocal ro llJOse enjoyeJ by 1he subjects of such nations
in the ports of ¡he U nitca Srates, for prevcnting allimosities whieh can·
no( fail to U!·ise among the scyernl States from tlJe interference of partial
und scparatc regulations; and wbereas such uniformity can be best con·
certcd and carricd into efTect by tbe federal councils, which, having Leen
instituted for the purpose of managing t;;e inlerests of the States in
cases \vhich cannot so wcll be provided for by measures individually
pursucd, ol1ght to be invested with authority in this case, as being \vithin
the rcason and policy of their instlt ut ion:
RfWlvcd, Tllat it is the opinion of tllis committce, tha! the delegates
representing this Commonwealth in Congress be instruded to propOf'e
in Congress u recommendation lo (he States in union lo authorize that
assembly to regulate their trade, on the following principIes, and undcr
the following qllulifications:
li"t. That the United States in Congress assembled be authorized to
prohibit ycsseli" belonging to uny foreign nation from entering any of lhe
por:ó:' thereor, or to impose any duties on such vesscls and theír cargoes
\\!;il'h Illny Le judgcd necessary; aH s11ch prohibitions und duties to be
'J. li;urm íhroughout tLe Unitcd States, and the proceeqs of the latter to
nt canJed into the treasury of the State within which they shall accrue.
2d. That no State be ut libcrty to impose duties O!J any goods, wurcs,
159
or merehandise, importcd by land or by water [rom nny other State, but
may alrogether prohibit the importation f[om any State of any particular
speeies or description of goods, Wares, or merchandise, of which the
importation is at the same time prohibited ffom al! other places what11o-
€ver.
3d. That no aet of Congress that may be authorized, as hereby pro-
posed, sha!l be entered into by less than two-thirds of the confederatcd
States, nor be in force longar than thirteen years.
A motion was made, and, the question being put to amend the reso-
lution, by adding to the end thereof the following \\'ords, to wit: "un-
less continued by a like proportion of votes wilhin one year immediately
precedillg lhe expimtion of the said period, or be revived in like manner
after the expiratian thereof," it passed in the negative: ayes, 28;
noes, 79.
On a mol ion made by Mr. Turberville, and seconded by Mr. Wat.
kins,
Ordercd, That the names of the ayes and noes, on the question to
agree to the said amendment, be inserted in the journal. '
And then the said rcsolution, being aguin re!d, was, on the question
put thereupon, agreed to by IllC lIoltse.
Ordered, Tha! 1\1r. Alcxrltlder \Yhite do carry ¡he resolution to the
Senatc, alld desire []¡eír COllcurrcnce.
THt'RSDAY, 1ST DECt:l1BER, 1785.
On a motian mude to the following effect: that the rcsolntions reported
from a committee of the whole house, und agreed to by the House on
yesterday, containing instructions to the drlegates of this Common-
wealth in COlIgress, re:o:pccting commcrce, does not, from a mistake,
contain the sellse of the majority of this House that voted for the said
resolutian;;; ;
Orderfd, t"enjare, That the direction to send the said resolution to
the Senate for their concurrenee be rescinded, and that this Honse do
immediately resolve i!self into a committee of the whole house, to re.
consider the said resolution.
1t was resolved in the affirmative: ayes, 60 j noes, 33.
The House then accordingly resolved itself into a committee of the
",hole house on the said resolution; and, after some time spent therein,
Mr. Speaker resunll'd lhe e!wir, anu Mr. Matthews reported that the said
committee had, according to order, had the suid resolution nnder their
consideration, and had made several amcndments thercto, which they
160
bd directed him to report when the House should think proper to re.
"eive the same.
Ordered, That the said report do lie on the tuhIe.
['Vith the ~ame nhjeet in view, Ihe GenFrlll A~~emblr of Virginia evenlually
/Ursued a different course lo ll11ain it, as wilJ be seen by the suhjoined resolution.]
~2. IN TliE IIOUSE OF DELEGATES OF THE ST ATE OF
VIRGINIA.
21sT JA~UARY, 1786.
Resolved, Tbat Edmund Randolph, James Mndison, junior, "Valter
Tones, Saint fieorge Tuckcr, l\Jcriwcther Smith, David Rass, \Villinm
Rona!d, and George Mason, esquires, be appoilltcd commii"siollcrs, who,
or any fivp- of whom, shall meet such commisc3ioners !lS may be appointed
uy the ot~erStates in the U nion, at a time and place to be !lgrced on, to
tak/3 into consideration the trade of the U nited States j to examine the
relative situations and trade of the said Slates; to consider how fur an
uniform system in thiir commercial regulations may be necessary to
their common interest and their pcrmancnt harmony; and to report to
the several Stales sucll an aet relative lO this great ohjcct, as, when
unanimousIy ratified by them, wilI enahle the Ullitcu Statcs in Congress
assembIed effcctua!ly to provide far the saHle: that the said commis-
sioners shaIl immediately transmit to the severul Stütes copies of the
preceding resoIution, with a circular letter requesting thelr concurrence
therein, and proposing a time and place for the meeting aforesaid.
Test: JOHN BECKLEY, C. H. D.
1786, January 21st.
Agreed to by the Senate.
II. BROOKE, C. S.
By his excelIoncy, Patrick Henry, esquire, Governor of the Common.
wealth of Virginia, it is hereby ccrtified that J olm Beckley, the
person subscribing the above resolvo, is clerk of the House of
'J .. s.] DeIegatos, and that due faith and credit i5, and ought to be,
paid to al! things done by him by virtue of his oflice. Given
under my hand as Governor, and under the soal of the Com-
monweülth, at Richmond, the 61h day of J uIy, 1786.
P. HENRY.
[Cerlain other oC the States came readily jllto the measure proposed, all(l a
meeting of commissioners look place al Allnapolis, whoge proccedings are stal¡;d
in the following repor!']
161
13. ANNAPOLIS, IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.
SErTE:\1BER 11, 1786.
At a meeting of rommissioOlers from the States of N ew York, N ew
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delawure, und Virginia:
NEW YORK.
Alexandcr Hamilton,
Eghert Bensol1.
NEW JERSEY.
Abraham Clarke,
\Villiam C. IIou~ton,
James Schllreman.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Tench Coxe.
PHESENT:
DELAWARE.
George Read,
J ohn Dickinson,
Richard Bassett.
VIRGINIA.
Edmund Randolph,
James lHadison, jun.,
Sto George Tucker.
Mr. Dickinson was unanimou¡:,ly elected chairman.
The commissioners produced their credentials from theír respective
States,. which were read.
After a full eommunieation ofsentiments, and *liberate eonsideratíon
of what would be proper to be done by the commissioners now assem-
bled, it was unanimcusly agreed that a commiltee be appointed to pre-
pare a drallght of a report to be made to the States having commission-
ers attending at this meeting.
Adjourned tiU Wednesday morning.
\V EDNESDA Y, SEPTE:\IBER 13, 1786.
Met agreeable to adjournment.
The eommittee appointed for that purpose reported the draught of the
report; whieh being read, the meeting proceedcd to the cOllsideration
thereof, an~, afler so me time spent thereín, adjourned tiU to-morrow
morning.
TmJRSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1786.
Met agreeable to adjournment.
The meeting resumcd the eonsíderation of the draught of the report,
and, after sorne time spent therein, and amendments made, the samo
was unanimously agreed to, and is as follows, to wit:
To the honorable the Leg-islatures of Virginia, DeIaware, Pennsylvama,
Kew Jersey, and New York, lhe commissioners from the said States,
respectively, assombled at Annapolis, humbly beg leave 10 report:
Tllat, pursnant to their severaI appointments, they met at Annapolis,
in the State of Maryland, on the 11th day of Scptember instant, and
162
baving proceeded to a communication of their powers, they found that
the States of N ew York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, had, in substance,
and nearly in the same terms, authorized their respective commissioners
"to meet such commissioners as were or might be appointcd by the
other States in the U nion, at such time and place as should be agreed
upon by the said commissioners, to take into consideration the trade and
COll1merce of the United States, to consider how far an uniform system
in their commercial intercourse and regulations might be nceessary to
their common inlerest and permanent harmony, and to report to the
Reveral States sueh an aet relative to this great object, as, when unani-
mously ratiíied by them, would enable the United States in Congress
asscmbled effectually to provide for the same."
That the State of Dclaware had given similar powers to their com-
missioners, with this difference only, that the aet to be frnrned in virtue
of these powers is required to be reported "to the United States in Con-
gress assembled, to be agreed to by them, and confirmed by the legisla-
iures of every Stnte."
That the State of N ew Jersey had enlarged the ohjcet of their ap-
pointment, ernpowcri~ their commissioncrs "to consider how far an
uniform system in their commercial regulations and olher imporiani mat-
icr.~ might be necessary to the common inlerest and permanent harmony
of the several States j" and to report such an aet on the sllbject as,
when ratified by them, "would enable the Unitcd States in Congress
a¡;sembled effectually to provide for the exigencies of the U nion."
TIJat appointments of commissionershave also been made by the
States of N ew lfrtmpshire, I\Iassachusctts, Rhode Island, and N orth
Carolina, none of whom, however, have attendcd j but that no informa-
tion has been rcceivcd by your commissioners of any appoilltment having
been made by the States of Conneeticut, Marylalld, South·Carolina, or
Georgia.
Tllat, the express terms of the powers to your commissioners ~llp
posing a deputation from al! lhe States, and having for ohject the trade
am! commerce of the United States, your commissioners did not con.
ccive it advisable to proceed on the bminess of their mission under the
ClrCUl1lstancc of so partial and defcctive a representation.
Dceply imprcssed, however, with lhe magnirudc and irnportance of rhe
ohject confided to them on this occu"ion, your commissioners cannot for-
oear 10 illdlllge an expression of their earnest ana unanimous wish that
l"peedy mensures may be taken to eflect a general m0et ing of 1 he States,
in a future eonvention for the ¡;ame and such othcr purposes as the situa-
'IOn of publie affairs may be found to require.
163
If, in expressing this wish, or in intimating any other sentiment, your
commissioners should seem to exceed the striet bounds of theír appoint-
ment, they entertain a ful! confiJence that a conduct díetated by an anx-
iety tor the wel/ill'e oi' the United States will not faíl to receive an in-
dulgent eonstruetion.
In this persuasion, your commissioners submit an opinion, that the
idea of extending the powers of their deputies to other objects than
ose of eommerce, which has been adopted by the State of N ew Jersey,
was an improvement on the original plan, and will deserve to be incor-
poratedinto that of a future convcntion. They are the more naturalIy
Jed to this conclu;,;ion, as, in the course of their refiections on the sub-
ject, they have been indueed to think that ¡he power of regulating trade
is of such comprehensive extent, and will enter so tur into the general
system of the Federal Govefllment, that to give it efficacy, and to ob-
viate questions and duubts concerning ilS precise nature and limits, may
reljuíre a corresponden! adjustment of other parts of the federal system.
That there are important defects in the system of the Federal Govern-
ment, is aL:kllOwledged by the acts of an those States which have con-
curred in the present meeting; thal the defects, ~on a closer examina-
tion, may be found grcater and more numerous than even these aets im-
ply, is al least so lú probablc, trolll the embarrassments which charac-
'eril.c Ihe present state of our national afbirs, foreign and domestic, as
may reasonab!y be suppo,",ed to mcrit a deliberate and candid discussion,
In some mode which \vil! unite the senlÍments and councils of all the
Statcs. In the choice of the mode, your commissioners are of opinion
that a convention of depuries from the difierent States, for the >'pecial
and sole purpose of elltering into this invesTigation, an.d digesting a plan
for supplying such defects as may be discovered to exist, will be entitlea
to a preference, from considerations which will occur without ueing par-
ticularil.cd.
y our commissiohers decline an enumeration of those national circum-
stances on which their opinion rcspecting the propriety of a future con·
vention, with more enlarged powers, is founded, as it would be an use-
less intrusion of facts and observations, most of which have been fre-
quently the subject of public diseussion, and non e of whieh can have
escaped the penetration of those to whom they would in this instan ce be
addressed. They are, however, of a nature so serious, as, in the view
of your commissioners, to render the situation of the United States deli-
cate and eritical, cal!ing for an exertion of the united virtue and wisdolU
of al! the members of the Confederacy.
Under tbis impression, your commissioners, with the most respectflll
164
deferenee, beg leave fo suggest their unanimous conviction, that it may
essentially tend lo advance the interests of t he U nion, if lhe SI ates, by
whom they have been respectivcly delcgated, would themsclves eoneur,
and use their endeavors to procure Ihe concurrcnce of t he other States in
the appointmcnt of commissioners, to meet al Philadelphia on the second
Monday in May next, to take into consideration the situation of the
United States, to devise such further provisions as shall appear to thcm
necessary to render (he Constitution of the Federal Governmenl adequate
to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose
to the United States in Congress asscmbled, as, when agreed to by them,
and afterwards connrmed by the legislatures of evcry State, wiU effeetu-
ally provide for the same.
1'hough your commissioncrs eould not wilh propriety address these
observations and sentiments to any but the States they have the honor
to represent, they have nevertheless eoneluded, from motives of respeet, to
transmit copies of this report to the U nited States in Congress assembled,
and to the executives of the other States.
By order of (he eommissioners.
Dated at Annapoli~ September 14, 1786.
Resolved, That the chairman sign the aforegoing report in hehalf of
the eommissioJ1l'rs.
1'hen adjourned \vithout day.
NEW YORK.
Egbert Benson,
Alexander Hamilton.
NEW JERSEY.
Abra. Clark,
'Vm. Ch. IIollston,
James Schuremun.
PENNSYLVANIA.
1'ench Coxe.
DEI.AWARE.
George Read,
John Dickinson,
Richard flassett.
VIRGINIA.
Edmnnd Randulph,
James l\1udif;Oll, jun.
St. George Tucker.
14. IN 1'HE CONGRESS OF 1'IIE CONFEDERATION.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21,1787.
Congress assemblcd: Present, 1\1assachusetts, Rhode Island, Con.
neeticut, N cw York, N ew J crsey, Pcnnsylvania, Delaware, Virginia,
Maryland, N orlh Carolina, Son! h Carolina, and Georgia.
1'he rcport of a Grand Committee, consisting of Mr. Dane, I\1r. Varo
num, 1\'1r. S. J\L l\1itchell, Mr. Smith, Mr. Cadwallader, l\Ir. Jrvine,
1\1r. N. l\1itchcll. I\Ir. Forrest, !\Ir. Grayson, 1\1r. Blounl. !\1r. B'JI!. and
165
Mr. Few, lo whom was referred a lerter of 14th Scpfember, 1786, from
J. Dic:kinson, written at the request of commissioners from the States of
Virginia, Delaware., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, as-
8embled at the city of Annapolis, together with a copy of the report of
(he said commissioners to the legi::datures of the Slrrtes by whom they
were appointed, being an order of the day, was called up, and which is
contained in (he following resolution, vi;" :
" fongress having had under consideration the letter of J ohn Dickin-
son, esq., chairman of the commissioners who assembled at Annapolis
during the last year; abo Ihe proceedings of (he said commissioners;
and entirely coinciding wilh them, as to [he inefficiency of the Federal
Government, and the necessily of devising such farlher provisions as
~hall render the same adequate to the exigencies of the Unjan, do strongly
recommend lo the difIerent legislatures to send forward delegates, to meet
the proposed cOllvention, on the second Monday in May next, at the city
of Philadelphia."
The delega:es for the State of N ew York thereupon laid before Con-
gress instructions which they had received {rom their constituents, and,
in pursuance of the said instructions, moved to post pone the funher con-
sideration of the report, in arder to take up the foliowing propositions, viz:
"That it be recommended to the States composing the Union that a
convention of representatives fram the said States respectively, be he Id
at , on , fol' the pllrpose of revising the Articles of Con-
feJeration and perpetualunÍon between the United States of Ameriea,
and reporting to the United States in Congress assembled, and to the
States respeetively, sueh alterations and amendments of lhe said Artíeles
of Confederation, as the representatives met in su eh eonvention shal1
jndge proper and neeessary to render them adequate to 1he preservation
and support oftbe UnÍon."
0n the question to postpone, for the purpose aboye mentioned, the ye~s
and nays being required by the delegates for N ew York,
J,lIassac1wsetls •••• - ..... 1\1r. King, ay ~
Dane, ay 5 ay
C01l7lecticut ............ . Mr. Jobnson, ay l d'
S. l\1itebelI, no 5 IV.
New York • ............. Mr. Smith, ay l
Benson, ay 5 ay
New Jasey ............ . Mr. Cadwallader,
Clarke,
Sehllreman,
Pen7tsylvania .......... Mr. Irvine,
l\'Ieredith,
Bin.ghum,
18
ay} no no
nu
no} ay no
no
164
deference, beg leave fo suggest their unanimous conviction, that it may
essentially tend to advanee the interests of the Union, if the SI ates, by
whom they ha ve been respectively delegated, would themsclves concur,
and use their endeavors to procure the concurren ce of I he other States in
the appointment of commissioners, to meet al Philadelphia on the secand
Monday in May next, to take into consideration the situatian of the
U nited States, to devise such further provisions as shall appear to them
necessary to render the Conslitution of the Federal Government adequate
to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act far that purpose
to lhe United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed 10 by them,
and afterwards connrmed by the legislatures of every State, wiU effectu.
ally provide for the same.
Though your commissioners could not with propriety address fhese
observations and sentiments to any but the Slates they have the honor
to represent, they have nevertheless concluded, from motives of respect, lO
transmit copies of this report to the U nited States in Congress assembled,
and to the exccutives of t he other States.
By order of the commissioners.
Dated at Annapali"" September 14, 1786.
Resolved, 1'hat the chairman sign the aforegoing report in behalf of
the commissioners.
Then adjourned \vithaut day.
NEW YORK.
Egbert Benson,
Alexander Hamilton.
NEW JERSEY.
Abra. Clark,
"\Vm. Ch. Housfon,
J allles Schurcman.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Teneh Coxe.
DELAWARE.
George Read,
John Dickinson,
Richard Rassett.
VIRGINIA.
Edmund Randolph,
J ames Madi~olJ, jun.
St. George Tucker.
14. IN THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATION.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21,1787.
Congress assembled: Present, Massachusetts, Rhode IsJand, Con.
nedicut, Ne\\' York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia,
MaryJand, North Carolina, Soulh Carolina, and Georgia.
The report of a Grand Commitlee, consisting of Mr. Dane, :\ifr. Varo
num, Mr. S. M. Mitchell, Mr. Smith, Mr. Cadwallader, l\Jr. Irvine,
Mr. N. l\1itchell. ::'tIr. Forrest, :\fr. Grayson, Mr. B1ounT. 1\1r. B'lll. and
165
Mr. Few, to whom was rcfcrred a letter of Blh Sepfember, 1i86, [rom
J. Dickinson, written al the request of commissioners irom the States of
Virginia, Delaware., Pennsylvania, N ew Jersey, and N ew York, as-
sembled at the city of Annapolis, together with a copy of the report of
the said cOffimissioncrs to the legislatures of the Stutes by whom they
were appointed, being an arder of the day, was called up, and which is
contained in the following resolution, viz :
"8ongress having had under consideration the letter of John Dickin-
son, esq., chairman of the commissioners who assembled at Annapolis
during ,he last year j al50 the proceedings of the said commissioners;
and entirely coinciding with them, as to lhe inefficiency of the Federal
Governmcnt, and lhe necessi:y of devising such farther provisions as
Ehall render the same adequate to tbe exigencies of tbe Union, do strongly
rccommend to the difIerent lcgislatures to send forward delegates, to meet
the proposed cOllvention, on (he second Monday in May next, at the city
of Philadelphia."
'fhe dclega:es for the State of N ew York thereupon laid before Con-
gress instructions which they had received from their constituents, and,
in pursuance of the said instructions, moved to postpone the further con-
sideration of the report, in order to take up the tollowing propositions, viz:
"That it be recommendcd to the States composing lhe Union that a
convention of representatives [rom (he said States respectively, be he Id
at , on , for the purpose of revising the Articles of Con-
federation and perpetual union between the United States of America,
and rcporting to the U nited States in Congress assemblcd, and to the
States respectively, such alterations and amendments of lhe said Articles
of Confederation, as the representatives met in such convention shaU
jndge proper and necessary to render them adequate to the preservation
and support ofthe Union."
0n the question to postpone, for the purpose aboye mentioned, the ye'lS
and nays being required by the delegates for N ew York,
ll[ússacltusetls • ......... 1\1r. King, ay ~
Dane, ay 5 ay
Co1tllecticut ............ • Mr. Johnson, ay ~ d·
S. Mitchell, no 5 IV.
New York .. ............ Mr. Smith, ay ~
Bensol1, ay 5 ay
New Jersey ............ . Mr. Cadwallader,
Clarke,
Schureman,
Pennsylvania ......... • Mr. Irvine,
I\1eredith,
Bingham,
18
ay} no no
nu
no} ay no
no
..
166
Delaware •••.••..•..•.. Mr. N. Mitehell,
llIaryland •.. ' .......... Mr. Forrest,
Virginia • ............. lUr. Grayson,
Madisol1,
N. Carolina ........... . lUr. Blount,
Hawkins,
S. Carolina •• .......... 1\1r. Bull,
Kean,
Ruger,
Parker,
Georgia .............. • Mr. Frw,
Pierce,
no >*
no > *
ay {
ay 5 ay
no}
no
no
no} o
no no
no
~~} divo
So the question was lost. .
A m.otion was tiJen made by the delegates for Mnssachusetts, lo post.
pone the further consideratíon of the report, in order to take into eon.
sideration a motion which they read in their place j this being agreed to,
the motion of the delegates far Massachusetts was taken up, and, being
amended, was agreed to, as follows :
Whereas there is provision in the Articles of Confederation and pero
petual U nion, for making alterations therein, by the assent of a Congress
of the U nited States, and of (he legislatures of the several States; and
whereas experienee hath evinced lhat there are defccts in the preseat
Coafederation, as a mean to remedy which several of the States, and par-
ticularly the State of N ew York, by express instructions lO ¡heír delegates
in Congress, have suggesled a conventioll for lhe purpO::5es exples;;ed in
the following resolution; and such convention appearing 10 be the most
probable mean oI' establishing in these States a urm N ational Govcrn-
ment:
Resolved, That, in the opinion of Congress, it is expedient, that, on
the second Monday in May next, a conveation of deJc.ga!es, who shall
have been appointed by the several States, be held at Philaclelphia,. for
the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of ConfCderation,
and reporting to Congrcss, and the several legislalurcs, such altcrations
and provisions therein as shall, when agrced to in Congress, nnd con-
firmed by the States, render the Federal Constitlltion adcquate tu lhe
exigencies of Governlllent, and (he preservation of the U llion.
167
15 . .Jlcts cf tlte several States jor tite appointment cf Deputies ta meet
in Convention,jor the purpose cf jurlJlir~g a Constitutiall cf Govern-
ment, viz ..
CO:\IMON"\VEALTH OF VIRGINIA.
General Assembly, begun and ldd at the Pllblic buildings in the city of
Richmond, on .ftIonday, t!te 16th day of October, in tite year of OUT
Lord 1786. •
AN ACT for appointing DrputiesJrom tbis Commonwealth to a Conven-
tIOn proposcd to be he Id in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for
the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution .
• Whereas the eommissiuners who acsembled at Annapolis, on the 14th
day of September last, far the purpuse uf devi5ing and reporting the
means of enabling Congress to provide effectually for the commercial
illterests of the U nited States, have represented the necessity of extem!ing
the revision of the Federal systern to aH its defects, and have recom-
mended that deputies for that purpose be appointed by the several legis-
latmes, to meet in convention, in the city of Philadelphia, on the second
day of May neXI, a provision which was preferable to a discussion of the
subject in Congress, where it might be too much interrupted by the ordi.
nary business before them, alld where it would, besides, be deprived of
t!Je valuable counsels of sUlldry individuals who are disqualified by the
Constitution, or laws of particular States, or restruincd by peculiar cir-
eumstanect', fi'om a seat in that assembly: And whereas the General
As,crrnbly of this Commonwealth, taking into view the actual ~ituation
of ¡he Confederacy, as \Vell as rcflecting on tite alarming represenrations
made, fmm time to time, by the Ullited S¡ates in Congress, par¡icularly
in tlteir act of the 15th day of Fcbruary last, can no longer doubt that the
cri"is is arrivcd al which the good people al' America are to decide the
solemn qucstion, whether they \vill, by wise and magnanimous efforts,
reap the just fruits of that independence which they have so glo"riously
acquircd, alld of that U nion which they ha ve cemented with so much of
thcir common binad, or whether, by giving way io unmanly jealousies
and prejudices, or to partial and transitory intcrests, 1hey wil! renounce
the auspicious blessings prcpared for them by the Revolution, and furnish
to its enemies an eventual triumph over 1hose by whose virtue and valor
it has been accomplished: And whercas the same noble and extended
poliey, and the sallle fra.,ternal and affectionate sentiments which origino
aJly determined the citizens of this Commonwcalth to unite with the;r
brethren al' tbe other States in establishing a Federal Government, can-
not but be fdt wilh equal force now as motives to lay asid e every inferior
168
consideration, and to concur in such farther concessions and prOVlSlOns
as may be necessary to se cure the great objects for which that Govern-
ment was instituted, and to render the United States as happy in peace
as they have been glorious in war:
Be it therejore enacled by the General Asscmbly of the Commonwealtlt
of Virginia, That seven commissioners be appointed by joint ballot of
• both Houses of Assembly, who, or any tluee of them, are hereby au-
thorized, as deputies from this Commonwealth, to meet such deputies
as may be appointed and authorized by other States, to assemble in con-
vention at Philadelphia, as aboye recommeTlded, and to join with thcm
in devising and discussing al! such alteration~ and farther provisions as
may be necessary to render the Federal COllstitution adequate to the exi-
gencies of the Union, and, in reporting such an act for that purpose to
the United States in Congress, as, when agreed to by them, and duly con-
Srmed by the several States, wil! effectually provide for the same.
And be it further enacted, That, in case of the death of any of the
said deputies, or of their declining their appointments, the executive are
hereby authorized to supply such vacancies; and the Governor is re-
quested to transmit forthwith a copy of this act to the United States in
Congress, and to the executives of each of the States in the Union.
(Signed) JOIIN JONES,
A true copy from the enrollment.
Speaker of the Senute.
JOSEPlI PRENTlSS,
Speaker of l/w JIouse of Ddegates.
JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk JI. D.
IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
MONDA Y, THE 4TH OF DEcEMBER, 1 i86.
The House, according to the order of the day, proceeded, by joint
ballot with the Senate, to the appointment of seven deputies fmm this
Commonwealth to a convention proposed to be held in the city of Phila-
delphia in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitu-
tion; and, the members having prepared tickets with the names of the
persons to be appointed, and deposited the same in the ballor-boxes, l\T r.
Corbin, Mr. Mal thews, Mr. David Stewart, }fr. George Nicholas, 1\1r.
Richard Lee, Mr. vVills, Mr. Thomas Smith; Mr. Goodall, and Mr.
'furberville, were nominated a committee to meet a committee from tite
8enate, in ~he conference chamber, and jointly with them to examine
tne ballot-boxes and rrport to the House on whom the majority of tho
169
votes should fal!. The commitlee tIlen withdrew, anú after sorne time
retumed into the Hou;<e, and reportecl that the committee had, accorcling
to orcler, met a committee from the Senate in the conference chamber,
ancl jointJy with t!1(!m examined the uallot-boxcs, and found a mnjority
oí" Voles in favor ol' George \Vashinglon, Patriek Henry, Edmund Ran.
dolph, John Blnir, James Madison, George Mason, and George Wythe,
esqr/!. Extraet from the journal.
JOHN BECKLEY,
elerk House Delegates.
Attest: J OHN BECKLEY, Clerk JI. D.
IN THE HOUSE OF SEN ATORS.
MONDA Y, THE 4TH OF DECE:'\IIlER, 1786.
'rhe Senafe, according fo the arder of the day, proceeded, by joint
ballot with rhe IIouse of Delcgates, to the appointment of seven depu.
lies from this Commollwealth to a convention proposed to be held in the
city of Philadelphia in May nexf, for the purpose of revising the Federal
Constitution; and, the membcrs having preparl'd tickets with the names
of the pr~rsons to be appointed, and deposited t he same in the baIlot-
boxc8, Mr. ALlderson, Mr. N clson, and Mr. Lee, were nominated a
COllllllittee to mee! a commÍttee I'rom the House oI' Delegate8, in the
collferencc ehalllhcr, and jointly with t hem to examine the baIlot- boxes,
and report lo the IIouse 011 wl10m the majority of votes should fall. The
C0l111nÍttee thell withdrew, and afier some time returned into the IIouse,
and reported that the COlllIllittee had, aecording to order, met a commit-
tee from the Honse ol' Delegates, in the conferenee chamber, and jointly
with thelll examined the LaIlot-Loxes, and found a majority of votcs in
favor of George Washington, Patrie!\. Henry, Edmund Randolph, J ohn
Blair, James Madison, George Muson, and Georgc \Vythe, esqrs., Ex-
traet from the journal.
JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk JI. D.
Attest: H. BROOK, Clerk.
[L. s.] VIRGINIA, to wit:
I do hereoy eertify and make known, to al! whom it may concern,
that John Beekley. esq., is cIerk of the House of Delegate" for this
COll1monwealth, and the proper offieer for attesting the proeeedings of
the General Assembly of tbe said CommonwcaIth, and that fuIl faith
und credit ough! to be given to aH things attestcd by the said Joha
Bcckley. csq., by virtne of his office aforcsaid.
O lb'"
•
170
Given under my band, as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
and under the seal thereof, at Richmond, this fourth day of May, 1787.
EDM. RANDOLPH.
[r .. s.) VIRGINIA, to wil:
1 do hereby certify, that Patrick Henry, esq., one of the seven com-
missioners appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly of the
Commonwealth of Virginia, authori~ed as a deputy therefrom, to meet
such deputies as might be appointed and authorized by other States, lo
assemble in Philadelphia, and to join with them in devising and discuss-
ing all such alterations and fUl'ther provisions as might be necessary to
render the Federal Constitution adequate to Ihe exigencies of the Union,
and in reporting such un act for that purpose to the United StatcB in Con-
grcsB, as, when agreed lo by them, and duly confirmed by the several
States, might effectually provide far the same, did decline his appoint-
ment aforesaid; and thereupon, in pursuance of an act of lhe General
Assembly of the said Commonwealth, entitled "An act for appoillting
deputies from this Commonwealth to a convention prop08ed to be he Id
in the city of Philadelphia in May next, for the purpose of revising the
Federal Constitution," 1 do hereby, with the advice of Ihe Councí! of
State, supply lhe said vacancy by nominating James 1\IcClurg, csq., a
deputy for t he purposes aforesaid.
Gíven under my hand, as Govcrnor of the said Commonwealíh, and
under the seal thereof, this second day of May, in lhe year of our
Lord 1787.
EDM. RANDOLPH.
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
1'0 the honorable David Brearley, vVilliam Churchill Houaton, William
Paterson, and John Neilson, esqrs., greeting:
1'he Council and Assembly, reposing especial trust and confidence in
your integrity, prudence, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed
you, lhe said David Brearley, William Churchill Houston, William Patcr-
son, and J ohn N eilson, csqrs., 01' any !Iuee of you, cornmissioners, to
meet such cornmissioners as have been Of may be appointed by the othor
Slates of the Union, at the cily of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, on the second Monday in May lIext, for the purpose
al' taking into consideration the state of the Union, as to trade and other
Important objecti'l, and of dcvising such other provisions as shall appear
10 be necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal Government
adequate to lhe exigencies thereof.
]71
In testimony wher·eof, the great scal of the State is hereunto affixed.
Witness William Livingston, esq., Governol', captain general and
commander·in-chief in and over the State of N ew Jersey, and tern-
tories thereunto belonging, chancellor and ordinary in the sume, at
Trenton, the 23d day of N ovember, in the year of our Lord 1786,
and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
By his excellency's command.
BOWES REED, Secretary.
THE STA TE OF NEW JERSEY.
To his excellency William Livingston, and the honorable Abruham
[L. s.] C111l'k, esqrs., grceting:
The Couneil and Asscmbly, reposing especial trust and confidence in
your integrity, prudcnce, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed
you, the suid William Livingston and Abraham Clark, esqrs., in con-
junction with the honorable David Brearley, William Churchill HOllston,
and William Paterson, esqrs., 01' any three of you, commissioners, to meet
such commissioners as have be en appointed by ¡he other States in the
Union, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsyl.
vania, on the seeond :Honday of this present month, for the purpose of
'taking illlo consideration the state of the Union, as to trade and other
important objccts, and of dcvising such other provisions as shall appear
to be necessary, to render the Constitution of the Federal Government
adequate to the exigencies thereof.
In testimony whereof, the great seal of the State is hereunto affixed.
Witness William Livingston, esq., Governor, captain general and
commander-in-chief in and over the State of New Jersey, and terri·
tories thereunto belonging, chancellor and ordinary in the same, at
Burlington, the 8th dr..y of May, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of
our sovereignty and ipdependence the eleventh.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
By his excellency's command.
BOWES REED, Secretary.
STA TE OF NEW JERSEY.
T~ the honorable J onathan Dayton, esq.
The Council and Assembly, re;Josing especial trust and confidence in
your integrity, prudence, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed
you, the said J onathan Dayton, esq., in conjunction with his excellency
172
William Livingston, the honorable David Brcarley, William Churchill
Houston, William Paterson, and Abraham Clark, esqrs., or any three of
you, commissioners, to meet Buch commiBsioners as have been appointed
by the other States in the Union, at the city of Philadelphia, in the Como
manwealth of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of taking into consideracion
the state of the Unían, as to trade and other important objecta, and of
devising such other l'rovision as ahaIl appear to be necessary to render
the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigenciea
thereof.
In testimony whereof, the great seal of the State is hereunto affixed.
vVitness Roben Lettice Hooper, esq., vice president, cap!ain gene-
ral and cOillmander-in-chief in and over the State of N ew Jersey,
and territories thereunto belonging, chanceIlor and ordinary in the
same, at Burlington, the fifth day ol' June, in the year ol' our Lord
1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the elcventh.
ROBERT L. HOOPER.
By his honor's command.
BOWES REED, Secretar.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
AN ACT appointing Deputies to the Convention intended to be held in
the cíty of Philadelphia, for the purpose uf revising the Federal Con-
stitution.
SECTION 1. Whereas the General Assembly of thls Commonwealth,
taking into their serious consideration the representlltions heretoiore
made to the legislatures of the several States in the Union, by the United
States in Congress assembled, and also weighing the difficulties under
whieh the confederated States now labor, are fully convineed of Ihe neo
cessity of revising the Federal Constitutioll, for the purpose of making
such alterations and amendments as the exigeneies of our public aflairs
require. And whereas the Legislature of the State of Virginia have al·
ready passed an oaet of that Commonwealth, empowering certain como
missioners to meet at the city of Philadelphia, in May next, a eonvention
ol' commissioners or deputies from the diflerent States; and the Legisla.
ture of this State are fuIly sensible of the important advantages which
may be derived to the U nited States, and every of tltm, from co-operat.
ing with the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the other States of the
Confederalion, in the said designo
SEco 2. Be it enacted, and it i,~ hereby enacted by the representatIvc,
of the [reemen of the Conimonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General As-
173
sembly met, and by the authority of the sume, that Thomas Miffiin.
Robert Morris, George C Iymer, J ared IngersoU, Thomas Fit zsimons,
James \Vilson, und Gouverneur Morris, esqrs., are hereby appointeJ
deputies from this Slate, to meet in (he convention of Ihe deputies of the
respective States of N orth Ameriea, to be heId at the eity of Philadel-
phia on the seeond day of the month of May next; and the said Thomas
l\1ittlin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, J ared Ingersoll, Thomas Fitz-
simons, James vVilson, and Gouverneur Morris, el:'qrs., or any four of
them, are hereby constituted and appointed deputies [rom this State, wilh
powers to meet sueh deputies as may be appointed and authorized by tho
other States, to assemble in lhe said convention, at the city aforesaid, and
to join with them in devising, deliberating on, and diseussing al! such
alterations, and further provisions, as may be necessary to render the
Federal Constitution fuIly adequate to the exigeneies of the Union, and
in reporting sueh aet or aets, for that purpose, to the U nited States in
Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them, and duly eonfirmcd by
the several States, wiU effectually provide f9r the same.
SEc.3. Anrl be it fllrlher enacted by lJ¡~ authorityaforesaid, That in
case any of the said deputies hereby nominated shall happen to die, or
to resign his or their said appointment or appointments, thé supreme ex-
ecutive eouneil shall be, antl hcreby are, empowered and required to
nominate and appüint olIJer person or pcrsons in lieu of him 01' thpm so
dcceascd, or who has or have so resigned, which pcrson or persons, from
and a[ter such nomination alld appointment, shalI be, and hereby are de-
clared to be, vesled with the same powers rCf'peetively, as any of the
deputies nominaled and appointed hy lhis aet is vested with by the same :
Provided alll'oys, That the eouneil are not hereby authorizcd, nor shall
they make any such nomination or appointment, exeept in vaea\;,o!1, and
during the recess of ¡he General AssembIy of this State.
[L. s.] Signed by order of the House.
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Speaker.
Enaeted into a Iawat Philadelphia, on Saturday, December the 30th,
in the year ofour Lord 1786. PETER ZACHARY LLOYD,
Clerk of tite General Assembly.
l, Mathew Irwine, esq., master of the ro11s for the State of Pennf'yl-
unia, do eertify th~ preeeding writing to be a true copy (01' exemplifica
tion) of a eertain aet of Assembly lodged in my ofliee.
In wilness whereof, 1 have hereunto set my hand and seal of oflice, the
[L. s.] 15th May, A. D. 1787.
MA THEW IR WINE N. R
174
A supplement to the aet entitled "An ae! appointing deputies to the con.
vention intended to be Iield in the eity of Philudelpliia, for the puro
pose of revising the Federal Constitution."
SECo 1st. \Vhereas by ¡he act to whieh this ae! is a supplement, eer·
tain persons were appüinted as depnties from this State to sit ill lhe snid
convention: And whereas it is the desire of the General AS8embly, 1 hrrt
his exedleney Denjamin Franklin, esq., president of this State, sholdd
olso sit in the said eonvention as a deputy from this state: Therefore,
SECo 2d. Be it c71ncted, aud it is hereoy e71acted by Ihe representat ives
of the freernen of the Cornmonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General As·
sembly met, am! by the authority of the same, thnt his exeelleney Ben.
jamín Franklin, esq., be, and he is hereby appointed and authorized to
sit in the said eonvcntion as a dcputy fi-orn this ::ltare, in addition to (he
persons heretofore appointed; and that he be, and he hereby is invested
with like powers and authorities as are invested in the said deputies or
any of thern.
Signed by order of the House.
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Speaker.
Enacted into a law at Philadelphia, 011 \V ednesday, the 28th day 01
March, in the year of our Lord 1787.
PETER ZACHARY LLOYD,
Clcrk 01 ¡lte General AssemM!!.
1, Mathew Irwine, esq., master of the rolIs for the State of Penllsyl.
vania, do ecrtify the aboye to be a true eopy (or exemplifieation) o!" a
supplemenl to a certain ael of Assembly, which ,supplement is lodged in
rny office.
In witness whercof, 1 have hereunto set rny hand and sLal of officp"
[L. s.] the 15th May, A. D. 17137.
MATHEW IRWINE, N. R.
THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
1'0 the honorable Alexander Martin, esq., greeting:
\Vhereas our General Assernbly, in their late session, holden at Fay.
etteville, hy adjournment, in the month of January last, did, by joint
baIlo! oI' the Senate and House of Comrnons, eleet Richard Caswell,
Alexander Martin, \Villiam Riehardson Davie, Rieh~rd Dobbs Spaight,
and \Villie J Orles, eeqrs., deputics to attend a eonvention of delcgates
früm Ihe several United 'States of Ameriea, proposcd to be held at the
cuy of Philadelphia in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal
Constitution,
175
We do, therefore, by these presenls, nominate, commissionate, and
appoint you, the said Alexander Martin, one of the deputies for and in
our behalf, to meet with our other depulies at Philadelphia, an the first
day of May next, and with them, or any two of them, to confer with
such deputies as may have been, or shall be appointed by the other
States, for the purposes aforesaid: To hold, exercise, and enjoy the ap-
pointment aforesaid, with al! powers, authorities, and emoluments to the
same belonging, or in any wise appertaining, you conforming, in every
instance, to the Ret of our said Assembly, under which you are ap-
pointed. _
Witness Richard Caswell, esq., our Governor, captain general and
commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, at Kingstoll,
the 24th day of Feuruary, in the eleventh year of Qur independenee,
A. D. 1787.
[L. s.] RICH. CASWELL.'
By his exeelleney's command.
WINSTON CASWELL, P. Secretary.
A commission, precisely similar to the aboye, was given " to the
honorable "\Villiam Richardson Davie, esq.," on the 24th February,
1787.
And also another, "to the honorable Richard Dobbs Spaight,
esq., on the 14th of April, 1787.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Bis excellency Richard Caswel!, esq., Governor, captain general and
eommander-in·chief, in and over the State aforesaid.
To al! to whom 1hese presents shall come, greeting:
Whereas, by an act of the General Assembly of the said State, passed
the sixth day of J afluary last, entitled "An aet for appointing deputies
from this State to a eonvention proposed to be held in the city of Phila-
delphia, in l\Iay nrxt, for lhe purpose of revising the Federal Constitu-
tion," among olher things it is enacted, "That five commissioners be
appoinled by joint bailo! of both Houses of Assembly, who, ar an)' three
of them, are hereby authorized as deputies from this State, to meet at
Philadelphia, on the first day of May ncxt, then and there to meet and
confer with such deputics as may be appointed by lhe crther States for
similar purposes, and with them to discuss and decide upon the most
efTectual means to remove the defects of our Federal Union, and to pro-
cure the cnlarged purposcs whieh it was intended to effect; and that
176
(he y report r;:uch an act to the General ARsembly oftllis State, as, when
Ilgreed to by them, wil! effectually provide for the same." And it is by
the said act further enacted, "That in case of the death or resignation
of any of the deputies, or of their declining their appointments, his ex-
ccllency the Governor, for the time being, is hereby authorized to supply
such vacancies." And whereas, in consequence of the said act, Richard
Caswell, Alexander Martín, \Villiam Richardson Davie, Richard Donbs
Spaight, and Willie Jones, esqrs., were, by joint ballot of the two
liouses of Assembly, elected deputies for the purposes aforesaid: And
whereas the said Richard Caswell has resigned his said appointment as
one of the deputies aforesaid :
~1\~ow, know ye, that 1 have appointed, and by these presents do appoint,
the honorable \Villiam Blount, esq., one of the deputies to reprLsent this
State in the convention aforesaid, in the room and stead of the aforesaid
Richard Caswel!, hereby giving and granting to the said William Blount,
the same powers, privileges, and emoluments, which the said Richard
Caswell would have be en vested with, or entitled to, had he continued
in the appointment aforesaid.
Given under my hand, and the great se al of the State, at Kingston,
the 23d day of April, A. D. 1787, and in the eleventh year of
[L. s.] American indcpendence.
RICH. CASWELL.
By his excellency's comrnand.
WINSTON CASWELL, P. Secretary.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
His excellency, Richard Caswell, esq., Governor, c!lptain-general, and
commander-in-chief, in and over the State aforesaid.
To al! to whom these presents shal! come, greeting:
vVhereas, by an act of lhe General Assembly of the said State, passed
the slxlh day oi' January last, entitled "An aet for appointing deputies
frum this State to a convention proposed to be held in lhe city of Phlla-
delphia, in May next, fOl the purpose of revising the Federal Constitu-
¡ioll," among other things it is enacted, "That five commlssioners be
appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of AssemLly, who, or any three
of t hem, are hereby authorized, as deputies from this State, to meet at
Philadelphia on the first day of May next, then and there to meet and
confer with such deputies as may be appointed Ly the other States for
I:;lmitar purposes, and with them to discuss and decide upon the most
efrectuul Illeans to remove the defects of our Federal Union, and to pro-
cure the enlarged purposes whieh it was intendeJ to effect, und thut they
177
report such an act to the General Assembly of this State, as, when
agreed to by them, will efIcctually provide for the same." And it is by
the said act further enacted, "That in case of the death or resignation
J)[ any of the deputies, or their declining their appointments, his excel-
kmcy the Governor, for the time being, is hereby authorized to supply
811Ch vacancies." And whereas, in consequence of the said act, Richard
Caswell, Alexander Martín, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs
Spaight, and Willie Jones, esqrs., were, by joint ballot ofthe two Houses
of Assembly, elected deputies for the ·purposes aforesaid. And whereas
the said \Villie J ones hath declined his appointment as one of the depu-
ties aforesaid :
Now, know ye, that 1 have appointed, and by these presents do appoint,
the honorable Hugh \Villiamson, esq., one of (he dcputies to represent
this State in (he convcntion aforesaid, in the room and stead of the afore-
said \Villie J ones, hereuy giving and granting to the said Hugh Wil-
Iüul1son the same p~wers, privileges, and emoluments, which t11e said
\Villie J ones wouId have been vested with, and entitled to, had he acted
under the appointment aforesaid.
Given under my hand, aud the great seal of the State, at Kingston, the
third day of April, A. D. 1787, and in the eleventh year of
[L. s.] American Independence.
RICII. CASWELL.
By his excellellcy's command.
DALLAM CASWELL, Pro Secretary.
DELAWARE.
His excellency Thoillns Collins, esq., President, captain-general and
comrnulIder-in-chief of the Delaware State, to aU to whom
these pres.ents shall come, greeting: Know ye, that among the
[L. s.] laws of the suid State, passed by (he General Assembly of the
same, on the 3d day of February, in the year of our Lord 1787,
it is thus enrolled :
In the eleventh year of the independence of the Delaware State:
AN ACT appointing deputies from this State to the convention proposed
to be held in the city of Philadelphia, for t11e purpose of revising the
Federal Con~titntion.
\Vhereas the General Asscmbly of this State are fully convinced of
tlw IlCCCSSlty of revising tlle Federal Constitution, and adding thereto
511Ch further provisions as may render tho samo more adequute to tha
1 !)
178
exigencies of the Union: And whereas the Legislature of Virginia have
already passed an act of that Commonwealth, appointing and authorizing
certain commissioners to meet, at the city of Philadelphia, in May next,
a convention of commissioners or deputies from the different States;
and, this State being willing and desirous of co-operating with the Com-
monwealth of Virginia and the other States in the Confederation in so
use fui a design :
Be it therejore enacted by tlte General Assembly oj Delaware, That
George Read, Gunning Bedford, J ohn Dickinson, Richard Bassett, and
J acob Broom, esqrs., are herebyappointed deputies from this State to
meet in the convention of the deputies of other States, to be held at the
city of Philadelphia, on the 2d day of May next: And the said George
Read, Gunlling Bedford, J ohn Dickinson, Richard Bassett, and J acob
Eroom, esqrs_, or any thrce of them, are hereby constituted and ap-
pointed deputies from this State, with powers to meet such deputies as
may be appointed and authorized by the other States to assemble in the
said convention at the city aforesaid, and to join with them in devising,
deliberating on, and discussing, such alterations and further provisions
as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to tho
exigencies of the U nion, and in reporting such act or acts for that puro
pose to the United States in Congress aesembled, as, when agreed to by
them, and duly confirmed by the several States, may effectually provide
for the same. So, always, and provided, that such alterations ar furo
ther provisions, or any of them, d~ not extend to that part of the [¡fth
article of the Confederation of the said Stntes, finally ratified on the tirst
day of March, in the year 17S1, which declares thnt, "In determining
questions in the United Stntes in Congress assembled, ench State shall
have one vote."
And be it enacted, That, in case any of the said deputies hereby no mÍ-
nated shall happen to die, or to rcsign his or thcir appointmcnt, the Pre-
sident or commander-in-chief, with the advice of the privy council, in
the recess of the General Assembly, is hcreby authorized to supply
such vacancies.
Signed. by order of the House of Assembly.
Passed at Dover, February 3, 17S7.
Signed by order of the Council.
JOHN COOK, Speaker.
GEO. CRAGHED, Speaker.
AH and singular which premises, by the tenor of those presents, 1
have caused to be exemplified. In testimony whcrcof, 1 huye hereunto
179
subscribed my name, and caused the great seal of the said State to be
affixed to these presents, at N cw Castle, the second day of April, in
the year of our Lord] 787, and in the eleventh year of the independence
of the Unitcd States of America.
TROMAS COLLINS.
Attest: JAl\lES BOOTH, Secretary.
GEORGIA.
By the honorable George Mathews, esq., captain-general, Governor,
and commander-in-chief, in and over t11e State aforesaid.
1'0 all to whom these presents shaIl come, greeting:
Know ye, that J ohn Milton, esq., who hath certified the annexed copy
of an ordinance, entitled "An ordinance for the appointment of deputies
from this State, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution,"
is secretary of the said State, in whose office the archives of the same
are deposited; therefore, an due faith, credit, and authority, are, and
ought to De, had and given the same.
In testimony whereuf, 1 have hereunto set my hand, and caused the
great seal of the State to be put and affixed, at Augusta, this
[L. s.] 24th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our
sovereignty and independence the eleventh.
GEO. MATI1EWS.
By his honor's command.
J. MILTON.
An ordinance for the appointment of deputies from this State, for the
purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.
Be it ordained, by the representatives of the freemen of the State of
Georgia, in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the same,
that William Few, Abraham Baldwin, William Pierce, George Walton,
"\Villiam Houston, and N athaniel Pendleton, esqrs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed commissioners, who, or any two or more of them,
are hereby authorizcd, as deputies [rom this State, to meet such deputies
as may be appointed and authorizcd by other States, to assemble in con-
vemion at Philadelphia, and to join with them in devising and discussrng
all such alterations and farther provisions as may be necessary to render
the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, and
in reporting such an act for that purpose toO the United States in Congress
180
aesembled, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the
several States, wilJ effeetually provide for the same. In case of the
dealh of any of the said deputies, or ol' tJ¡eir declining their appoint
ments, the exc~utive are hervuy authorized to supply sueh vaeaneies.
By order of the House.
(Signed) WM. GIDBONS, 8'pealier
Augusta, the 10th February, 1787.
GEORGIA, Secretary's Office.
The aboye is a true eopy from the original ordinanee deposited in my
office. J. MILTON, Secretary.
Augusta, 24th April, 1787.
The State of Georgia, by the grace of God, free, sovereign, and inde.
pendent,
To the honorable "\Villiam Few, esq.
\Vhereas you, the said "\Villiam Few, are, in and byan ordinanc60f
the General Assembly of our said State, nominated and appointed a
deputy to represent the same in a eonvention of the Ullited States, to be
assembled at Philadelphia, for the purposes of devising and diseussing
al! such alterations and far! her provisiol1s as may be neccssary to ronder
1ho Federal Constitution adequate to the exigcncies 01' the Union:
You are therefore hcreby commii:lsioncd to proeeed on the duties re-
quired of you in virtue of the said ordinanee.
Witness our trust y and well-beloved Gcorge Mathews, esq., our
captain-general, Governor, and commander-in-chief, under his
[L. s.] hand, ana our great seal, at Augusta, this 17th day of April, in
the year of our Lord 1787, ami of our sovcrcignty and inde-
pendenee the eleventh.
GEO. MA THEWS.
By his honor's command.
J. MILTON, Secretary.
Commissions precisely similar to the aboye were given, on the
sald 17th April, 1787, to-
The honorable William Pierce, esq.
The honorable William Houston, esq.
181
STATE OF NEW YORK.
By his excellency George Clinton, esq., Governor of the State of N ew
] York, general and commander-in-chief of aH the militia, and [L. s.
admiral of the navy of the same :
To all to whom these presents shaIl come.
It is by these presents certified, that John M'Kesson, who has sub-
Bcribed the annexed copies of resolutions, is clerk of the Assembly Qf
this State.
In testimony whemof, 1 have caused the privy seal of the said State
to be hcreunto affixed, this ninth day of May, in the eleventh
ycar of thc indcpcndcnce of the said State.
GEO. CLINTON.
STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ASSEMBLY, FEBRUARY 28, 1787.
A copy of u resolution of the honorable the Senate, delivered by Mr.
Williams, was read, and is in the words following, viz. :
Resolved, If the honorable the Assembly concur therein, that three
delegates be appointed, on the part of this State, to meet such delegates
as may be appointed on the part of the other States, respectively, on the
second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, for the sole and express
purpose of revising the Artic!es of Confederation, and reporting to Con-
gress, and to thc severa! legislatures, such alterations and provisions
therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the
several States, rendcr the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigen-
cies of Government, und the preservation of tile Union; and that, in
case of such concurrence, the two Houses of the legislature will, on
Tuesday next, proceed to nominate and appoint the said delegates, in
like manner as is directed by the Constitution of this State for nomi-
nating and appointing delegates to Congress.
Resolved, That this House do concur with the honorable the Senate in
the said resolution.
IN ASSE:\IBLY, MARen 6, 1787.
Resolved, That the honorable Robert Yates, esq., and Alexander
Hamilton and John Lansing, jun., esqrs., be, and they are hereby nomi·
nated by this House, delegates on the part of this State, to meet such
ddegates as may be appointed on the part of the other States, respec-
tively. on the second Monday in :May next, at Philadelphia, pursuant
to concurrent resolutions of both Houses of the legislature on the 28th
ultimo.
Rfsolvcd, That this House will meet· the honorable the Senate imme.
19'"
182
diately, at such place as they shall appoint, to compare tho lists of per-
sons nominated by the Senate and Assembly, respectively, as delegates
on the part of this State, to meet such delega tes as may be appointed on
the part of the other States, respectively, on the second Monday in May
ne)!;t, at Philadelphia, pursnant to concurrent resolutions of both Houses
of the legislature on the 28th ultimo.
Ordered, That Mr. N. Smith deliver a copy of the last preceding
resolution to the honorable the Senate.
A copy of a resolution of the honorable the Senate was delivered by
Mr. Vanderbelt, that the Senate wil.l immediately meet this Honse in
the Assembly chamber, to compare the lists of persons nominated by
the Senate and Assembly, respectively, as delegates, pursuant to the
resolution before mentioned.
The honorable the Senate accordingly attended in the Asscmbly
chamber, to compare the lists of persons nominated for delegates, as
aboye mentioned.
The list of persons nominated by the honorable the Senate, were the
honorable Robert Yates, esq., and J ohn Lansing, jun., and Alexander
Hamilton, esqrs., and on comparing the lists of the persons nominated
by the Senate and Assembly, respectively, it appeared that the same
persons were nominated in both lists; tl18roupon,
Resolved, That the honorable Robert Yates, J ohn Lansing, jun., and
Alexander Hamilton, esqrs., be, and they are hereby dcclared duly
nominated and appointed delegates, on the part of this State, to meet
8uch delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other Súttes,
respectively, on the second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, for
the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation,
and reporting to Congress, and to the several legislatures, such altera-
tions and provisions therein as shalI, when agreed to in Congross, and
confirmod by the several States, render the Federal Constit ution adequate
to the exigencies of Government, and the preservation of the Union.
True extracts from the journals of the Assembly.
JOIIN M'KESSON, Clerk.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
By his excellency Thomas Pinckney, esq., Governor, and commander
in-chief, in and over the State aforesaid.
To the honorable J ohn Rutledge, csq., greeting:
By virtue of the power and authority in me vestcd by the legislatura
nf this State, in their act passed the eighth day of March last, 1 do
183
hereby commission you, the said J ohn Rutledge, as one of the deputies
appointed from this State, to meet such deputies or commissioners as
may be appointed and authorized by other of the United States, to as-
semble in convention at the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May
next, or as soon thereafter as may be, and to join with such deputies or
commissioners (they being duly authorized and empowered) in devising
and discussing all such alterations, clauses, articles, and provisions, as
may be thought necessary to render the Federal Constitution entirely
adequate to the actual situation and future good government of the con-
federated States; and that you, together with the said deputies or com-
missioners, or a majority of them who shaIl be present, (provided the
State be not represented by 1ess than two,) do join in reporting such an
act to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when approved and
agreed to by them, and duly ratified and confirmed by the several States,
wil! effectualIy provide for the exigencies of the Union.
Given under my hand, and the great seal of the State, in the city of
Charleston, this 10th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787,
[L. s.1 and of the sovereigntyand independence of the United States
of America the eleventh.
THOMAS PINCKNEY.
By his exceIlency's command.
PETER FRENEAU, Secretar!!.
Commissions precisely similar to the aboye were given, on the
said 10th April, 1787, to-
The honorable Charles Pinckney, esq.
The honorable Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, esq.
The honorable Pierce Butler" esq.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
By his excellency James Bowdoin, esq., Governor of the Common.
wealth of Massachusetts.
To the honorable Francis Dana, Elbridge Gerry, N athaniel Gorham,
Rufus King, and Caleb Strong, esqrs., greeting:
Whereas Congress did, on the 21st day of February, A. D. 1787,
ff)solve, "That, in the opinion of Congress, it is expedient that, on the
sccond Monday in May next, a convention of delegates, who shall have
been appointcd by the several States, to be held at Philadelphia, for the
s()le and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and
184
reporting to Congress, and the several legislatures, such alteratlons and
provisions therein as sha11, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed
by the States, render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies
of Government and the preservation of the Union." And whereas the
general court have constituted and appointed you their delegates, to at-
tend and represent this Commonwealth in the said proposed convention,
and have, by a resolution of theirs of the tenth of March last, requested
me to commission you for that purpose.
N ow, therefore, know ye, that in pursuance of the resolutions afore-
said, 1 do, by these presents, commission you, the said Francis Dana,
Elbridge Gerry, N athaniel Gorham, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong,
esqrs., or any three of you, to meet such delegates as may be appointed
by the other, or any of (he other States in the Un ion, 10 meet in con-
vention at Philadelphia, at the time, and for the purposes aforesaid.
In testimony whereof, 1 have caused the public seal of the Common-
wealth aforesaid to be hereunto affixed. Given at the council
[L. s.] chamber, in Boston, the ninth day of April, A. D. 1787, and in
the eleventh year of the independence of the United States of
America. JAMES BOWDOIN.
By his exce11ency's command.
JOHN A VERY, JUN., Secretary.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
At a General Assembly ofilte State 01 Conneclicilt, in Amel'ica, lwlelen
[L. s.] at Hartford, on the second Tltul'sday 01 lira!!, A. D. 1787.
AN ACT for appointing delegates to meet in a convention of the States,
to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the second Monday of May
instant.
Whereas the Congress of the United States, by thejr act of the 21st
of February, 1787, have recornmended that, on the second Monday of
May instant, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed
by the several States, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express
purpose of revising the Artieles of Confederation)
Be it enacted by the Governor, council, and representa ti ves , in gene-
ral court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the honor-
able William Samuel J ohnson, Roger Sherman, and Oliver Ellsworth,
esqrs., be, and they hereby are, appointed delegates to attend the said
convention, and are requested to proceed to the city of Philadelphia for
that purpose, without delay; and the said delegates, and, in case of sick-
ness or accident, such one Or more of them as shall actually attend the
185
flaid convention, is, and are hcreby authorized and empowered to repre-
sent this State therein, and to confer with such delegates appointed by
the several States, for the purposes mentioned in the said aet of Con-
gress, ihat may be present and duly empowered to aet in said conven
tian, and to diseuss upon su eh alterations and provisions, agreeable to
the general principIes of republican government, as they shall think pro-
per to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of
Government and the preservation of the Union; and they are further
directed, pursuant to the said act of Congress, to report such alterations
und provisions as may be agreed to by a majority of the United States
represented in convention, to the Congress of the United States, and to
the General Assembly of this State.
A true copy of record, examined by
GEORGE WYLLYS, Sec'ry.
STATE OF MARYLAND.
AN ACT for the appointment of, and conferring powers m, deputies
from this State to the Federal Convention.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly 0111faryland, That the honor-
able James M'Henry, Daniel of Sto Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, John
Francis Mercer, and Luther Martin, esqrs., be appointed and authorized,
on behalf of this State, to meet su eh deputies as may be appointed and
autharized by any other of the UnÍted States, to assemble in convention
at Philadelphia, for thc purpose of rcvising the Federal system, and to
join with them in considering such alterations and further provisions as
may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the
exigencies of the Union; and in reporting such an aet for that purpose
to thc United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them.
and duly confirmcd by the several States, will effectually provide for the
same; and the said deputies, or sueh o.f them as shall attend the said
convention, shall have full power to represent this State for the purposes
aforesaid; and the said deputies are hcreby directed to report the pro
eeedings of the said convention, and any aet agreed to therein, to the
next session of the General Assembly of this State.
By the Hause of Delegates, May 26, 1787, read and assented too
By order: WM. HARWOOD, Clerk.
True copy from the original. WM. HARWOOD, Clerk H. D.
By the Senate, May 26, 1787, read and assented too
By order: J. DORSEY, Clerk.
Tl'llc copy from thc original. J. DORSEY, Clel'k Sena te.
W. SMALLWOOD.
186
ST A TE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
In the year of our Lord 1787.
AN ACT for appointing deputies [rom this State to the convention, pro-
posed to be holden in the eity of Philadelphia, in May, 1787, for the
purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.
Whereas, in the formation of the Federal eompact, which [rames the
bond of union of the American States, it was not possible in the infant
state of our republic to devise a system which, in the course of time and
experience, would not manifest imperfections that it would be necessary
to reformo
And whereas the limited powers, which by the Articles of Confedera-
tion are vested in the Congress of the United States, have be en found
far inadequate to the enlarged purposes which they were intended to
produce. And whereas Congress hath, by repeated and most urgent
representations, endeavored to awaken this and o.ther States of the Union
to a sense of the truly critical and alarming situation in which they may
inevitably be involved, unless timely measures be taken to enlarge the
powers of Congress, that they may be thereby enabled to avert the danger
which threaten our existence as a free apd independent people. And
whereas this State hath been ever desirous to act upon the liberal system
of the general good of lhe U nited States, without circumscribing its views
to the narrow and selfish objects of partial convenience, and has been at
al! times ready to make every concession to the safety and happiness of
the whole, which justice and sound polic]' could vindicate.
Be it therifore enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives in
general court convened, that John Langdon, John Pickering, Nicholas
Gilman, :md Benjamín "\-Vest, esqrs., be, and hereby are appointed com-
missioners; they, or uny two of them, ure herebyauthorized und cm-
powered, as deputies from· this State, to meet at Philadelphia said
convention, or any other place to which the convention may be ad-
journed, for the purposes aforesaid, there to confer with such deputies as
are, or may be, appointed by the other States for similar purposes, and
with them to discuss and decide upon the most effectual meuns to remedy
the defects of our Federal Union, and to procure and secure the enlarged
purposes which it was intendad to effect, and to report such an act to the
United States in Congress, as, when agreed to by them, and duly con-
firmed by the several States, will effectual!y provide for the same.
187
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 27, 1787.
The foregoing bill having been read a third time-voted, that it pass
to be enacted. Sent up for concurrence.
JOHN SP ARHA WK, Speaker.
In Senate, the same day: The bill having been read a third time,
voted, that the same be enacted.
JOHN SULLIVAN, President.
Copy'examined, per
JOSEPH PEARSON, Secretary. [L. s.]
16. In pursuanee of the foregoing powers, the Delegates met in
Convcntion at Philadelphia on the 14th day, being the second Mon-
day in May, A. D. 1787, and on the 17th of September, 1787,
agreed to the Constitution as contained in the preceding part of
this compilation, [from page 1 to 23,J which they transmitted to
the United States in Congress assembled, together with the fol-
lowing resolutions and letter :
IN CONVENTION, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17,1787.
Present: The Strrtcs of N cw Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Mr. Hamilton from Ncw York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, N orth Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Resolved, That the preceding Constitution be laid before the U nited
8tates in Congress assembled, and that it is the opinion of this conven-
tion that it should afterwards be submitted to a convention of delegates.
chosen in each State by the people thereof, under the recommendation
of its legislature, for their asscnt and ratification; and that each conven-
tion, assenting to and ratifying the same, should give notice thereof, to
the United States in Congress assembled.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this convention, that as soon as the
conventions of nine States shall have ratified this Constitution, the United
States in Congress assembled should fix a day on which electors should
be appointed by the Statcs which sha11 have ratified the same, and a day
on WhlCh the electors should assemble to vote for the President, und the
time and place for commencing proceedings under this Constitution,
That after such publication the clectors should be appointed, and the
Senators and Representatives elected; that the electors should meet on
the day fixed for the election of the President, and should transmit their
votes certificd, signed, sealed, and directed, as the Constitution requires
188
to the Secretary of the United States in Congress assembled; that tha
Scnators and Representativcs should convene at the time and place as-
!;ngned; that the Senators should appoint a president of the Senate, for
the sole purpose of receiving, opening, and coullting the votes for Presi-
dent; and that, after he shaU be chosen, the Congress, together with the
President, should without delay, proceed to execute this Constitution.
By the unanimous order of the convention.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, President.
W ILLIAM J ACKSON, Secretary.
IN CONVENTION, SEPTEII1BER 17, 1787.
SIR: 'Ve have now the honor to submit to tbe consideration of tbe
Pnited States in Congress assembled, that ConstÍtution which has ap-
peared to us the most advisable.
1'he friends of our country have long seen and desired that the power
of making war, peace, and treaties, that oflevying money and regulating
commerce, and the correspondent executive and judicial authorities,
should be fully and effectually vested in the General Government of the
Union; but the impropriety of delegating such extensive trust to one
body of men is evident: llence results the necessity of a different
organization.
It is obviously impracticable, in 1he Federal Government of these
States, to secure al! rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet
provide for the interest and safety of al!. Imlividuals entering ¡nto so-
ciety must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. The magni-
tude of the sacrifiee must depend as wellon situa1Íon and circumstance
as on the object to be obtained. lt is at all times difficult to draw witll
precision the line between those rights which must be surrendered and
those which mal' be reserved; and on the present occasion this difficulty
was increased by a difference among the several States as to their situa-
tion, extent, habits, and particular intercsts.
In aU our deliberations on this subjeet, we kept steadily in our view
that which appears to us the greatest interest of every true American-
the consolidation of our Union-in which is illvolvcd our prosperity,
felieity, safety, perhaps our national existenee. This important conside-
ration, seriously and deeply impressed on our mincls, led eaeh State in
the convention to be less rigicl on points of inferior magnitude than might
have been otherwise expected; and thus the Constitution which we
now present is the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual clefcr-
ellce and coneession whÍl.:h tlw pcculiarity uf our politic~l situation ren-
dered indispensablt.
189
That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every State, is
not, perhaps, to be expected j but each will doubtless consider that, had
her interest been alone consulted, the consequences might have Leen
particularly disagreeabl8 or injurious to othcrs j that it is liable to as few
cxceptions as could reasonably have been expected, we hope and Le
lieve j that it may promote the lasting welfare of that eountry so dear to
us all, and se cure her freedom and happiness, is our most ardent wish.
With great respeet, we have the honor to be, sir, your excellency's
most obedient humble servants.
By unanimous order of the convention.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, President.
His exeelIency the PRESIDE;-¡'T OF CO;-¡'GRESS.
17. Whereupon Congrcss passed the fol1owing resolution:
UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED.
FRIDA.Y, SEPTEMBER 28,1787.
Present: N ew Hampshire, Massaehusetts, Conneeticut, N ew York,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Georgia, ano [rorn MaryIand Mr. Ross.
Congress having receivcd tlIe report of the convention lately assem-
bled in PhiladelplJia-
Resolved, unanimo1tsly, That the said report, with t11e resolutions and
letter accompanying the sarne, be transmitted to the several legislatures,
in arder to be subrnitted to a convention of dolegates chosen in each
State by the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the conven-
!ion made and provided in that case.
18. The States having accordingly passed acts for scverally
calling conventions, and the Constitution having been submitted
to them, was ratified by the conventions of the several States, at
the dates respectively as stated on page 24 of this compilation.
THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED.
SATURDA Y, SEPTE:\IBER 13, 1788.
Congress assembled. Present: N ew Hampshire, Massaehusetts, Con
neeticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Caro-
lina, South Carolina, and Georgia j and frum Rhuuc IslanJ 1\1r. AnlOld.
amI froIU Dduwarc l'ilr. Keamy.
20
190
On the question to agree to the proposition which was yesterday post.
poned by the State of Delaware, the yeas and nays beillg required by
.Mr. Gilman-
New Hampshire ••• ••• •••••••••.••••••• . IV1r. Gilman,
\Vingate,
Massachusetts ' ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1\lr. Dana,
Thatcher,
Connecticut .......................... . Mr. lIuntington,
\Vadsworth,
New york ............................ ;1\1r. Hanülton,
Gansevoort,
Ncw Jersey .......................... • Mr. Clarke,
Daytoll,
Pcnnsylvania •••••••••••••••••••..••.. Mr. r rwine,
Meredith,
Armstrong,
Read,
Vi1'g,ill,ici ..••.• •••••••.••.•........••.. I\lr. Griffin,
Madison,
Carrillgton,
Lee,
Sout¡' Carolina • ....................... 1\1r. Parker,
'fucker,
Georgia .............................. . 1\lr. Fe\v,
Baldwin,
So it was resolved in the affirmative, as follows :
ay~ ay
ay 5
ay} ay ay
ay~ a
ay 5 y
ay} ay
ay
ay} ay
ay
ayl
ay
'¡Uy ay
ay
ay} ay ay
ay
ay
ay} ay
ay
ay} ay
ay
\-Yhereas the convention ussembled in Philadelphia, pursuant to the
resolution of Congress of the 21st of February, 1787, did, on the 17th
of September in the same year, report to the United States in Congrees
assembled a Constitution for the people of the United States; where-
upon Congress, on the 28th of the same September, did resolve, unani·
mously, "That the said report, with the rceolutions and letter accom-
panying the same, be transmitted to the several legislatures, in order to
be submittcd to a convention of delegates, choscn in each State by the
people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention made
Ilnd provided in that case:" And whereas the Constitution soreported
by the convention, and by Congress transmitted to the several legisla.
tures, has been ratified in the manner therein declared to be suflicient
f('f ~he establishment of the same, and Buch ratifieations, duIy authenti-
cated, have been received by Congress, and are fiIed in the office of the
Secretary; therefore-
Resolved, 'fhat the first \Vednesday in J anuary next be the day for
appointing electors in the several States, which, before the said day,
shall have ratified the said Constitution; that the first Wednesday in
191
February next be the day for the e1ectors to assemble in their respective
States, and vote for a President; and that the first Wednesday in March
next be t11e time, and the present seat of Congress (N ew York) the
place, for commencing the proceedings under the said Constitution.
19. The elections were held in the several states for Electors, in
conformity with the above resolution, and the Electors so appointed
met as therein req uired, and voted for President and Vice Presi-
dent, (the result of whose votes will be seen in the first table of
electoral votes contained in this volume,) and the several states
having, in conformity with the Constítution, elected the Senators
and Representatives to which they were respectively entitled, pro-
ceedings commenced under the Constitution on the first Wednes-
day, being the 4th day of March, 1789, by the meeting of the Sena-
tors and Representatives in Congress on that day, from the eleven
states which had then ratified the Constitution; but a quorum not
appearing in either House, the House of Representatives adjourned
from day to day until Wednesday, the 1st of April, when a quo-
rum, consisting of a majority of the whole number, appearing, they
elected a speaker and clerk and proceeded to business; the Senate
in like manner adjourned from day to day, until Monday, the 6th
of April, when a quorum, consisting of a majority of the whole
number of Senators, appearing, "the Senate proceeded, by ballot,
to the choice of a President, for the sole purpose of opening and
counting the votes for President of the United State·s." The Elec-
toral votes were accordingly opened and counted on the6th of
April, 1789, in the presence of the Senate and House of Represen-
tatives, and it appeared that George \Vashington was unanimously
elected President, and that Jo1111 Adams was duly elected Vice
President of the United States, agreeably to the Constitution. The
Senate then e1ected a President pro tempore, the Vice President
not being present, and a1so a secretary, and proceeded to business;
and having taken the proper measures to notify the individuals
elected, John Adams, Vice President, appeared and assumed the
chair as President of the Senate on Tuesday the 21st of April.
George 'Washington was introduced into the Senate Chamber, by
the cornmittee appointed for the purpose, on Thursday, April 30,
192
1789, and was attended to the gallery in front of the Senate Cham-
ber by the Vice President and Senators, the Speaker and Repre-
sentatives and other public charactcrs presento 'fhe oath rcquired
by the Constitution was then administcrcd to him by the Chancel-
lor of the State of N ew York, who proclaimed, "Long live George
Washington, President of the United States," after which the Pre-
sident retumed to the Senate Chamber and delivered his inaugural
address to the Senate and House of Representatives.
Thus commenced the proceedings of the Constitutional Govem-
ment of the U nited States of America. The Executive and Legis-
lative branches so installed, possessed from that time, under the
Constitution, the power to make laws and appoint all the officers
necessary tú constitute the Judiciary llranch, as well as all the Ex
ecutive Departments and subordinate offices, both civil and miIitary;
all of which was effected in a convenic-nt and proper time, and the
whole system, then for the first time put in motion, has continued
to operate, improve, and mature, until it has acquired a capacity,
stability, and power adequate to its own security and preservation,
and to the protection of the rights, the honor, and interest of its
citizens over the entire surface of tbe globe, as well as to the pre-
servation of the lives, the liberty, and happiness of its people at
home; illustrating an thc attributes of a good government, and
proving incontestably the vaIue and excellence oí OUT own Consti-
tution.
193
CHAPTER 3.
PROCEEDI~GS IN TIIE COi'\GRESS OF TIJE UNITED COLONIES RE-
SPECTI~G "A DECLARATION OF IN DEPENDEN CE, BY THE RI<:'
PRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF Al\IERICA, IN
CONGRESS ASSEl\IBLED."
IN TIrE CONCRESS OF THE lJNITED COLONIES.
SATURDAY, JUXE 8, 1776.
Resolved, That the resolutiolls respecting independency be referred to
a commÍttee of the whole Congress.
The Congress then resolved itself into a committee of the whole ; anJ,
after sorne time, th'3 President resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison re-
ported, that the commi.ttee haye taken into consideration the matter to
them refp.rred, but not having come to any resolution thereon, directed
him to move for ¡eave to sit again on Monday.
Resolved, That this Congress wilI, on Monday next, at 10 o'clock, re-
solve itself into a commit(ee of ¡he whole, to take into their farther con-
sideration the resolutions referreu to them.
MOXDAY, JlJNE 10,1776.
Agreeable to order, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of
the whole, to take into their further consideration the resolutions to them
referred; and, after sorne time sjlent thcreon, the President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee have had under
consideration the matters referred to them, and have come to a resolu-
tion thereon, which they directed him to reporto
The resolution agreed to in committee of the whole being read,
Resolved, That the consideration of the first resolution be postponed
to Monday, the first day of J uly next; and in the meanwhile, that no
time be lost, in case the Congress agree thereto, that a committee be
appointed to prepare a declaration to the cffeet of the said first resolution,
whieh is in these words: " That these Unlted Colonies are, and of right
ollght to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from
al! aIlegiance to the British crown: and that all polítical connexion be-
twecn thcm and the State of Creat Britain is, and ought to be, totally
dissu! ved."
194
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1776.
Resolved, That the committee, for preparing the Dec!aration, consist
of five :-The members chosen, Mr. J efferson, Mr. J ohn Adams, Mr.
Franklin, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. R. R. Livingston.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1776.
A dec!aration of the deputies of Pennsylvania, met in Provincial Con-
ference, was laid before Congress, and read, expressing their willingness
to concur in a vote of Congress, dec!aring the United Colonies free and
independent States.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1776.
"Francis Hopkinson, one ofthedelegates from New Jersey, attended,
and produced the credentials of their appointment," containing the fol-
lowing instructions :-" If you shall judge it necessary or expedient for
this purpose, we empower you to join in dec!aring the United Colonies
intlependent of Great Britam, entering into a confederation for union and
common defence," &c.
MONDAY, JULY 1, 1776.
'A resolution of the convention of l\Iaryland, passed the 28th of June,
was laid before Congress and read," cOlltaining the following instruc-
tions to their deputies in Congress :-" That the deputies of said colony,
or any tluee or more of them, be authorized and empowered to concur
with the other United Colonies, or a majority of them, in dec!aring the
United Colonies free and inclependent States; in forming such further
compact ancl confederation between them," &c.
The order of the day boing read,
Resolved, That tbs Congress will resolve itself into a committee of the
whole, to take into cOllsideration the resolutioll respecting independency.
That the dec!aration be referred to said committee.
The Congress resolved itself into a committee of t he whole. After
sorne time the President resumed the ehair, and Mr. Harrison reported,
that the committee had come to a resolution, which they desired him to
report, and to move for leave to sit again.
The resolution agreed to by the committee of the whole being read,
the determination thereof was, at the request of a colony, postponed
:.mtil to-morrow.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself into a
committee of the whole, to take into consideration the dec!aration re-
spccting independcnce.
195
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 1776.
The Congress resumed the consideration of the resolution reportea
from the committee of the whole; which was agreed to as follows :
Resolved'c!'fw..,t tFve~ ~tvite~ q&(Yfo-tv~e,:" a/w, (l¡I1,~, (Y~ 'l,~~fvl;,
o-LL~fvf:, to &e, ~'l,ee (l¡lv~ ~\V~~"CIl,~e¡vt gt<Ltv,,; ¡j~ tFvclJ' (l¡W (l¡~.
(),(Yfl.}e~ ~'l,o-m, (l¡EC (l¡e~~\we. to tl've. 03(,it~:>~ c'l,o-LI»tI, (l¡lv~ tfw..,t (l¡CC
¡V(YC~~cJ COIVlWXW-\v ~etw.cetV t~em, (l¡lv~ tl've. g~e ó-~ ~'¡,~ 03(,~.
Wt~v, v." (l¡lv~ ~rvt t.o &c, tO-(;(l;CE'J' ~~~:>o-eu.e~.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a
committee of the whole; and, after some time, the President resumed
the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee have had under
consideration the declaration to them referred ; but, not having had time
to go through the same, desired him to move for leave to sit again.
Re.~olved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into
a committee of the whole, to take into their further consideration the
declaration respecting independence.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1776.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a
committce of the whole, to takc into their farther consideration the de-
claration; and, after sorne time, the President resumed the chair, and
Mr. Harrison reported, that the committee, not having yet gone through
it, desired leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into
a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration the
Declaration of Independence.
TnURSDAY, JULY 4, 1776.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a
committee of the whole, to take into their farther con~deration the
Declaration; and after, sorne time the President resumed ~e chair, and
Mr. Harrison reported that the committee had agreed to a decIaration,
which they desired him to reporto
The DecIaration being read, was agreed to as foIlows :
.il Declaration by the Representatives qf the United States qf .I1merica,
in Congress assembled.
VVhen, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary fOl
one people to dissolve the polítical bands which have connected
196
them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth,
the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of
nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of man-
kind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them
to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men am created
cq ual; that they are endowed ~y their Creator with certain unalien-
ab1e rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. '1'hat, to secure t.hese rights, governments are insti-
tuted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of
tho governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes de-
structive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to
abolish it, and to institute a new government, Iaying its foundation
on such principIes, and organizing its powers in such forrn, as to
them sha11 seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness'
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long establishea,
should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accord
ingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed
to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right thomselves by
abolishing the forms to which thoy are accustomed. But, when a
long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same
object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism,
it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and
to provide new guards for their future security. Such has boen
the patient sufferance of these colonies, and such is now the neces-
sity which constrains them to alter their former systems of govern-
ment; '1'he history of the present king of Great Britain is a his-
tory of rep~ated injuries and usurpations, all having, in direct
object, the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States.
'1'0 prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world :
He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and
necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of immediate and
pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his
assent should be obtained; and, when so suspended, he has utterly
neglected t {) attend to them.
197
He has refused to pass other laws for the aeeommodation oí
large districts of people, unless those people would l'elinquish the
right of representation in the legislature; a right inestimable to
them, and formidable to tyrants only.
He has ealled together legislative bodies at plaees unusual, un-
comfortable, and distant from the depository of their publie records,
for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his
measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing,
with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause
others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of
annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercÍse ;
the State remaining, in the mean time, exposed to a11 the danger
of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States ; for
that purpose, obstructing the law-s for naturalization of foreigners;
refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and
raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his
assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure
of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither
swarms of ofTIcers to harass our people, and eat out their sub··
stanee.
He has kept among us, in times of peaee, standing armies, with-
out the eonsent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the military independent of, and supe-
rior to, the civil power.
He has combined, with others, to subjeet us to a jurisdietion
foreign to our eonstitution, and unaelmowledged by our laws;
gíving his assent to tbeir acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us :
For protecting them, by: a mock trial, from punishment, for any
198
mUTders which they should commít on the inhabitants of these
States:
For cutting off OUT trade with all parts of the world :
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:
For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended of
fences:
For abolishíng the free system of English laws in a neíghboring
province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarg.
ing its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit in·
strument for íntroducing the same absolute rule into these colonies :
For takíng away OUT charters, abolishing OUT most valuable
laws, and altering, fundamentally, the powers of OUT governments:
For suspending OUT own legislatUTes, and declaring themselves
invested with p~wer to legíslate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his
protection, and waging war against uso
He has plundered OUT seas, ravaged OUT coasts, burnt OUT towns,
and destroyed the lives of our people .
. He is, at thís time, transporting large armies of foreígn mer·
cenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny,
already begun, wíth circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely
paralIeled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the
head of a civilízed nation.
He has constrained OUT fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high
seas, to bear arms against thoir country, to become the executioners
of their friends and brethren, or to faH themsel ves by theír hands.
He has excited domestic ins~rrections amongst us, and has en·
deavored to bring on the inhabítants of our frontiers, the merciless
lndian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished
destructíon, of all ages, sexes, and condítíons.
In every stage of these oppressíons, we have petitioned for
redress, in the most humble terms; OUT repeated petitions have
oeen answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character
is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to
be the ruler of a free people.
199
N or have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren.
\Ve ha ve warned them, from time to time, of attempts maJe by
their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over USo
\Ve have reminded them of the cireumstanees of our emigration
and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justiee and
rnagnanimity, and we have eonjured them, by the ties of our eom-
mon kindred: to disavow these usurpations, whieh would inevitably
interrupt our conneetions and eorrespondenee. They, too, have
been deaf to the voiee of justice and eonsanguinity. We must,
therefore, aequiesee in the necessity, whieh denounces our separa-
tÍnn, and hold them, as we hold tlle rest of mankind, enemies in
war, in peace, friends.
\Ve, therefore, the representatives of the VNITED STA TES
OF AMERICA, in GENEHAL CONGRESS assembled, appeal-
ing to the Supreme Judge of the Wor1d for the reetitude of our in·
tentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people
of these eolonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these V nited
Colonies are, and of right ought to be, JltCe antJ *ntJe:pentJent
';:tates; that they are absolved from an allegianee to the British
crown, and that all political connexion between them and the state
of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally disso1ved; and that, as
FREE .flND INDEPENDENT ST.ilTES, tlley have full power
to levy war, eoncludc pcaee, eontract allianees, establish commcrce,
and to do aH other acts and things which INDEPENDENT
ST ATES may of right do. And, for the support of this declara-
tion, with a firm reliance on th8 protection of :nrrr:xn lJ1HD'"
llrlll15N~E, \Ve mutually pledge to cach other, onr lives, our
fortunes, and our saered 1lOnor.
The foregoing declaration \Vas, by order of Congress, engrossed,
and signed by the following members :
New Hampshire.
J osiah Bartlett,
William \Vhipple,
l\Iatthew Thornton.
JOHN HANCOCK.
Jllassachusetts Bay.
SamueÍ Adams,
John Adams,
Robert Treat Paine,
Elbridge Gerry.
Rlwde Island.
Stephen Hopkins,
'William Ellery.
Connecticut.
Roger Sherman,
Samuel Huntington,
vVilliam Williams,
Oliver vVolcott.
lYew Yorl.:.
vVillbm Floyd,
Philip Livingston,
Francí s Lewís,
Lewis \lorris.
~New Jersey.
Richard Stockton,
J ohn Witherspoon,
Francís Hopkínson,
John Hart,
Abraham Clark.
Pennsy lrania.
Robert Morris,
Benjamín Rush,
Benjamín I<'ranklín,
J ohn Morton,
George Clymer,
James Smíth,
George Taylor,
James Wilson,
George Ross.
200
Delaware.
Cresal' Rodney,
George Read,
Thomas ~1' Kean.
]}lary land.
Samuel Chase,
Willíam Paca, •
Thomas Stone,
Charles Carrol] ,of Carrollton
Vir:;inia.
George \V ythe,
Hichard Henry Lee,
Thomas JdTerson,
Benjamín IIarrison,
ThomasNelson, jun.
Francís Lightfoot Lee,
Carter Braxton.
l'{ortlt Carulina.
vVilIiam Hooper,
Joseph He\ves,
John Penn.
Soutlt Carolina.
Edward Rutledge,
Thomas Heyward, jun.
Thomas Lynch, jun.
Arthur Middleton.
Georgia.
Button Gwinnett,
Lyman Hall,
George Walton.
Resolved, That copies of the Declaratíon be sent to t11e several
assemblies, conventions, and committees, or councils of safety, ana
to the several commanding officers of the continental troops; that
[t be proclaímed in each of the United States, and at 1he head
the anny.
201
CIIAPTER 4.
rrW:"lL\J::'\T POLITICAL ACTS OF
G E O R G E \V A S HIN G TON.
Appointment of Geor::;c \Vashin~:ton to he commanJer-in-cbief of
the ami)', by thc COll~rcss 01' tiJe COllfl'Jel'útÍOll, OH tIlO 15th
J U¡¡C, 17/;).
/", ;2j'('ca:)le to erUt'} ~ tilc C()n[;res~ rc;:.:oh:ru itsclf into a COlnrnittcc oí
T;ji_ \V~llíJ!C:~ Hi.1U, ai"tlr scrdC Lr:lc', the ]?Ic~iJcnt re~lllned the ch:lir, allJ
~"ll, \\' éU'¿ r~'i"'l'lcd -Jlal Llll' COlllill;¡ lce lud cume Lo some [arthcl' l'c:solu-
¡lU;l~, wllidl !.te \\ as unkrl'd lu \'t']\(Jl't,
Tile rCpúit uf ¡jIU [;oll11I1iIICe lJCíllg I'cud anu considered,
l~(solv,d, '1'!wl n ~~(;Ile¡'<ll be c¡PP',;i1lcd lu L.:iJflllli'llHl al! the Continentd
;,)II,C~ j'¡¡í,;cJ, UI' lo lJ'; :'ai,l:d, fuI' tlw Ul'lL'IlCC uf l\nlCrícé1n lilJcny.
';'L~t ii\'c: llllndl ,'el JulIan,; pel' nWllllr Le uilowt:u ¡Ur tlw ¡;ay ul¡d ex-
llt-';:;:::~-'''' IJ( tIlC' gelicral.
TL<j CU",!iu:~ tllen [ll'occcd-cd to tho clwice of a go:c1'::Il, uy uaEüt, aúd
r.; l:Ur~e \V a:shil :gl Oi!, Cti(j" wus unClll;mously clectcu.
Fr,[[i.H, JUXE 16, 1775.
:\Ict llcc:;nJin;::; to ,tr:j')Urr:tll')!Jt. [TllC Dclc6a t cs from ihe C,)lúliics of
::\c.\' lL'l¡j¡j:,L:r,-', ~1.;;,,:;d;:J:¡lt('(tS L"y, COllllecti::ut, New York, New
.1Ué;CY, l'ellll>':!\',lll:a, lJclaWélr(J cuuntics, l\lurylalld, Virginia, l~orth
Carolina, anu ¡)oullt Cürolillu, boing: prc~ollt.]
Tilo President infol'lllcJ C')[Ollel Wil;:;hinglún that the Congress had
) €stcrJay uuanilllou:sly llléllle choice of him to be general and como
mamler-in-chicf 01' lhe An:ericiln rorces, and requcsted he woulcl acccpt
Oj' llwt cmpl()ymcnt; io \\hieh Co]oncl \Vc:~hj¡lgton, standing in his
r.,ll~e, UllS\\Tcrcd:
" ~\IR, Pr.r:;tDE:'iT:
.. 'fllOl!:.';h 1 am truly scn"ih]e (lf the high honor dOcle me, in this np-
]jo):¡¡I¡;¡clll, yet 1 [cd great u¡,;trl's;;, úom con:'ciOU~liJS:3 that my auihllcs
[1,,1 lj;:ji~ary c::pcriellce rnay not be cqual to tüe extensiv8 und il11port&nt
tlan: lIü\\e~,'r, as the Congrc2s desire it, 1 will biter upon the rno-
21
202
mentous duty, and exert every power I possess in tneir service, and [or
support of the glorious cause. I beg t11ey will accept my most cordial
thanks for this distinguished testimony of their approbation.
"But, lest sorne unlucky event should happen, unfavorable to my
reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every gentleman in the
room, that I, this day, declare with the utmost sincerity, Ido not think
myself equal to the command I am honored with.
"As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress, that, as no pe-
cuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this anluous
employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do
not wish to make any profit from it. I wiU keep an exact aeeount of my
expenses. Those, 1 doubt not, they wil! diseharge, and that is aIl 1
desire."
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draught a commission and
instructions for the general.
The persons chosen to compose the committee, were Mr. Lee, Mr. E.
Rutledge, and Mr. J. Adams.
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1775.
Met according to adjournment.
The committee appointed to draught a commisslOn to t)16 general re-
ported the same, whieh, beillg read by paragraphs and delJaled, was
agreed to as fo11ows :
IN CONGRESS.
The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachu-
setts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ncw York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, the counties of Newcastle, Kent, anri Sussex, on Dela.
ware, Maryland, Virginia, N orth Carolina, and South Carolina:
To GEORGE ",VASHINGTON, ESQ.
We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor,
conduct, and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you
to be general and commander-in-ehief of the army of the United Colo-
nies, and of a11 the [orces now raised, or to be raised by thcm, and of aH
others who shall voluntarily offor their sorvice, and join thc saiel army for
the defonce of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion
thereof: And you are hereby vested with fuU power and authority to
act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service.
And we do hereby strietly charge and require an officers and soldiers,
under your command, to be obedient to your ordcrs, and diligent in the
exercise of their several duties.
203
And we do also enjoin and require you, to be careful in executing tha
great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be
observed in the army, and that the soldiers be duly exercised, and pro-
vided with a11 convenicnt nccessaries.
And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules
and discipline of war, (as hcrcwith given you,) and punctua11y to observe
and fol!ow such orders and directions, fram time to time, as you shall
receive from this, or a future Congress of these United Colonies, or
committee of Congress.
This commission to continue in force until revokcd by this, or a future
COlJgress.
By order of the Congress,
Orrlcred, That (he sarr:e be lair!y transcribed, signed by the President,
attestcd by the secretary, and delivered to the general.
Reso[¡;ed unanimously, vVhereas, the delegates of a11 the Colonies,
from N ova Scotia to Georgia, in Congress assembled, have unanimously
chosen George Washington, esq., to be general and commander-in-chief
of such force s as are, or shall be, raised for t he maintenance and pre-
servation of American liberty ; this Congress doth now declare, that they
wil! maintain and assist him, and adhcre to him, the said George Wash-
ington, with tlwir lives and fortunes in the same cause.
Address of the President of Congress to George vVashington,
and his reply, 26th August, 1783:
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1783.
Congress being informed of the arrival of the commander-in-ehief in
the neíghborhood of Princeton:
Ordend, That he have an uudicnce in Congress to-morrow at twelve
o'clock.
TUESDAY, AüGUST 26,1783.
According to order, General Washington attended, and being intro-
duced by two mernbers, the President addressed him as follows :
SIR: Congrcss feel particular pleasure in seeing your exce11ency, and
in congratulating you on the succcss of a war, in which you have acted
so conspicuous a part.
It has been the singular happiness of the United States, that during a
war so long, so dangerous, and so important, Providence has been gra
ciously pleased to preserve the life of a general, who has merited and
possessed the uninterrupted confidence and affection of his fellow-citi·
zens. In other nations many have performed services, for wh¡c h they
~Q.J
have deservcJ onu r€ccivcd dio 11,:-\n\" uf tllC publico But to you, sir,
peculiar praise is due. Your se1'vlccs have been essential in uc:quirillg
amI ostablishing (he f1'C'í.;dom ,u:J ill,lpp":H]cncc of yom COil!l!r)'. 'l'licy
c1c.-::cryc thc gr:ltefnl D('kl;O\\'leJ:~:llC;1ts vi a frt~p anJ illdcllCildcnt llat idn.
'Those ackno\\'lcu6"lUeUis CULgIC.3:S Lave lhe ~atl:·j~ctioll u( cxvrl'::3::;~ng to
you1' exceden!'y. .
Hostili,ies have no\\' cra:"eJ, but your countr)' still needs yonr ser-
vices. S;w \vi",b8S tu avail hOl'self 01' )'OUI' t01e11(;; in furmiw,'; (he anange-
ments ",hic:h \vill be neCC>'~8ry tu!' he!' in (he timo 01' peaeo. For this
r'Ca30n your utt'Cnuanre at Congress has llcen rCljllcsteú. A cOlllll1ittee
is :l11poinled.to clJlIJ8r \Vil)¡ your excellel1cy, Ollrl to rcccive yonr as:::ist-
ance 111 preparing alld Jigc'::,~in~ plans rcluliYe to those Üllportant ob·
jects.
To which his excellel1cy made the following reply :
lVIR. PRESlDEXT: 1 am too sensible of (he honoralJle rcccptioñ 1 hava
now experienced, not to be penetrated "'llh lile deepest feelings of gra-
titude.
N ot\vithstanding Congrcss arpear to cstimrrte the value of my Jife
beyond any scrvices 1 l::tYC oee:¡ able to rellucr the Unileu Statcs, yet 1
must be pcrmitted 10 cOl1sid:::r the ",i"lhm "nj unailillliíy 01' Ollr national
co.1.lllcils, the fi:"m;lI',~s uf onr Ci(i¡:cnc;, al1d tllC paticnce amI brin'ory of
Ollr trunps, wl!icll have p10UllCCc! so ha]l;ly a tcrn~i:lntio!l af' lhe \\':1r, as
the mast conspicuous cJkd of the diviHe iuterpo>oilioll and [he surest
pros~ge of our future h8jl11::\888.
Highly gratified hy tLe f~l\'or::ll)le s(m1imenls wbich Congrcé's are
plcnoed to c:cpre:"s 01' IlIy jl"st conclllct, ::llld UIl1Jily rcwarclcd by (ht: COIl-
fj clellcc anj rdE''';1i<J'l of my i(·llo\\'-('iii:~('l1s, 1 calJllOt J¡es;lale to eOlltrilluíe
Jr~y best cn{lC':1vl)r~~ tO\\'~lIJS the c:-~I;¡hL: .. :J~nl('llt nf' t}¡n ll¡JfÍnr!nl ~eC'urity in
v.-lwtcH!r man:'cr (be :"C;YC;-l'jc~lJ pO'.\·(,r nli:y ¡hillk pr'¡;lI:r 10 du"cct, 11n!il
(he ratification of lhe ddinitivo (realy of ]Jcn"c, O[ tlw llllol evacLlatjoll
OfOUT countrybytbc I3ri¡i~h forces; aner eílherofwhi('J¡ f'vems, 1 shall
ask permi~sion to retire 10 ¡he pe¡¡cdúl sh;l(lc 01' prívate Ji{'c.
Pu!":;)PS, "ir, no o"Ca"i0:l mny o!Ti:'r 1111're f'llitaLlp (]¡;JI1 (he prrscnt (o
CY;;"{'~':; n~~.T l:tnn1Jle th:l11ks fo (;0(1. n~lfl n-:y ~Er(11{'fld t]('!:;.¡v,,'.'ll't!g¡f\cnt-s
to r:l~'- r'{)·t:~!r~ .. Y. C::-r 1]~n ?~'(,~lt (lr~l! 1"'~~u~'tn ~u~)p()rt I llave rc;ccivcd in
P\'ery V1r::'_:~::I:d(! nf f):-!1J1~0. fl~i{l f\~' !!a~ f!l:tny d!~tingu]?hed ho~~ors
w Lch COl;~rc::;:i h;1';8 bcen pk:¡:3eu to c01lí{,~r ul'un me in the co~trse of
1 be war.
,
205
Resignation, by George Washington, of the office oí commander
in-chief, to Congress, and answer of the President of Con~
gress, 23d December, 1783.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1783.
Congress assembled: Present, N ew Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Pellllsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, N orth Carolina,
and South Carolina.
A lelter, of t!lis day, from the commander-in-chief, was read, informo
ing Congress of his arrival in this city, with the intention of asking
Ieave to resign the conllnission he has the honor of holding in their ser·
vice, and dc:-iring to know their plcasure in ,,,hat manner it wil! be most
propcr to oilcr bis resignation; whether in writing or at an audience.
vVhereupon,
Resolved, That his exeellency, the commander.in-chief, be admitted
to a public audienee, on Tuesday next, at twelve o' clock.
Resolved, That a public entertainment be given to the commander-in-
chief on Monday next.
T¡;E~DAY, DCCE2\IBIm 23, ] 783.
Congress asscmLlcd: Present as before.
According to order, his execllcncy the eommander-in·ehief was ad-
mi'tcd to a publie audic;ce, and being seated, the President, after a
pause, informed him, that the Unitcd Stntes in Congress assembled were
prcpared to rcceivc his cOl1lllJunications: Whereupon he arose, and ad·
dresticd as fo11ows :
[To revive the recol!ection of this scene, and to renew, in the breasts of
the American people, the emotions of gratitude, affection, and veneration,
that swelled the hearts of Statesmen, Legislators, Warriors, and other
, citizens, on that ever-memorable occasion, much care has been taken to
bring here to view the living Washington as he then appeared in the
Congress Hall. Fortunately, the affectionate providence of his native
state secured, in the best manner, the means of transmitting the sem-
blance of those venerated features and forrn to posterity. The marble
sta1ue by lloudon, in the state·house at Richmond, is the most authentic
likeness of Gcorge vVashington extant ; [rorn this has be en t'lken al! that
could be obtained from marble, the rest has been derived from the best
painting,.;, anJ botl! combincd by the arti:3( who has produced this copy.
.:206
The sword is taken [rom tbe original, now in (he ratent Officc at \Vash.
ington. "\Vashington is I:crc rCprc.-clit ('ti in the manncr that he desircd
10 Le, Q.S \yill Le seen by d!" iullu\VllJg memoranda UI1U C()rrC~I'UI¡l;cll'.:e :
By TIIE LEGISLAT1:RE OF VIRGIXIA, Ol! Tuesday, tlw ~:2d .J lme, 1 ~::: 1, it was
Resoll'ed, That the exceutiye be requesteJ to take mcaSllfes (Uf l'focuring a
statue of General IVashin¡;ton, to be of the finest marLle amI ¡he UCSl workmun.
811ip, with lhe foilowing insc¡';ptioll on its peclestal :
TIIE GE::\ERAL ASSE)lJ3LY OF TrIE CO'.DIO::\WE \LTII OF VIR,~I:-;lA
HA VE CA rSED TlJIS STATl'E TO BE EllEC1'EIJ
AS A 2IIOX:::.11:';'1' OF ,H'Fr:C';:¡O::\ J.:";D cr:.\;:11TDE 1'0
UNITI::\G TO TllE EXDOW~¡EXTS OF TllE llElW 1'IlE VIHTl:ES OF 1'HE T'ATRlOT,
AND EXERTING BOTIl IN ESTABLISllIXG THE Ll'lEHTlES OF HlS C()U~TRY,
HAS REXDERED HIS XA~.IE DEAR TO !lIS n:¡'LO\V CITIZl:XS,
AXD GIVE:\' TIlE ,YORLU AX Dlc,!OItT.\I, EXA~1i'LE
OF Tr..~':s GLORY.
[Traditioll 8ays tha! this br:('ll)llt llDl,]c trib":,, \\''':' ¡wn'H'(l by J"nW'l '\Tarli.on
on his knce, in liJe lnidst of lhe lLg~:3~uture of \'lf,~;l\ii.t, (JI' \V1J:C:l jll~ \\'(1.-; tben a
member.]
AccoTlling-ly (iovcrnor Harriwl1 npplic(l to :\Tr. J,,:T,'rc,on al1,111r. Fr:1nk1jl1, th(>n
jn Paris. 10 t'¡1~:l~~(, a :,1atl1ar\~ .• '¡r. ~ fot1,l()!1 \ya;:; t·Jl':;~~'(·d. ~!!ld ('alnl' :n .. A:IH r;c:_~.
in 17t:.3. in the ~~(l\!le vcs~el ,,\~ith }}r. Fr;lld·:l:n. ¡le l'()(d~ ¡'¡U)ll ~\ll'. J~Jl~_'rS¡!ll a let~
ter 10 \Yash,llgtOll, lÍ'om ",hieh tite lull()willg is au l:xtr<Jel;
FRO~1 JEFFETISO;>i TO \YA'llIXGTOX.
" Par;", 10 Jnh', 1i~:J
"~\rr. Hou,lon ",0111rl mllch Roonpr lJnve had ti,(' honor (Jf a"(,lldin~ \'011, 1m: In]'
a sreil of's:cl.lle~,,: wh¡ch lung- ilt,lucl'd 11" to ¡j'·-:';l.r (J( ]1:'; )'l' ('()'dlr)', alld fr()[l!
which he is but rteCelJlly rccoI'ered. lk CflllW, 1l1l\V. (Ir ¡he pllrpos" of J..ll¡j;lIg-
the aid or·h¡~.; urt to trall~ll1Ít you 10 po:--:tcril). i ¡t~ lS \vil)¡Oltl r;va!;..;,lljp in 1t, lJl'ing
employerl from all P,lrl8 o( EI\rop" 111 \Y],;11I'V('r is (';I)';¡:l1, 1 le llas had a didj-
cully to witllilraw him","lf frolll an or,1('[ üf th" ElJl1'rl'"'' of TIII",,,ia; a rliiliclIll",
hO\\'c\~er~ Ibat arose froIo a (k~",!re to ~;10\V IIl'f I'1.'.";P"L't. ¡Hit \vhi(']¡ ll(~Vt'r ga\'e hinl •
a IlIO!llenl';-: }1{-~~;tatjou ahoul his IHCS(\llt YOY:I:!C 1 \Y}I;(')¡ l]t' (·o,l....:~d(·t·.;, n:-:. ]lrntil;:-:j!l~
the lHi~::tl':-:t cll;)ptPf ofhi~ hi.;;:tory. 1 Jllt\.\ :-;p(,hl'll o:' 1¡:111:1:, lIll :lr1 ~:! ,l!lly: L¡,t
J ('(,~l :~>-.,:~¡n~ a1:-:.0. l~laf, a.~ a IBall. 11'.' ;~ tl 111('1"(':--11;'.1. !2..-\'Jlt r0,) ... ·. {';l¡h:;d. ~ílHl
pantlll:[ lór )1'\-: in eVt'rv C:f(·tlIlJS1~11l('t' )TWr:l'll:2,' \ 0111' !_~',)4)\1 1} ,;¡¡ ()!1. J [1_' \\ ':1
l!·t\T\~ lll'l'd 1~) c3~'e yon 11lliC·ll \y}¡;1c ]]e ::::;.;tj] L;¡\-c t¡J~' L()¡)'\:t" td· (J{' JI:! "\X:l:1 ~ dl¡;
\.., !l:ci~ y,' 1 C(!1l 11iC' Ilion' ;rCf\~r adluit, a~ ll...~ cl!l~!lellee alld 11ll:f.'t t;"~Ye lL111 adlU~..:)·
:51)]1 111to S"L'lÜCl': ::;üe.letiC':5 hcrc."
FrrO:,I \L\ ~'Il::\GT()X 1'0 1l01'DO:<l
"111,)/(111 1'anon. 2(1 ~epleml,,'r, '17S5.
"SIR.-By a JettC'r, whieh 1 have IoteIv h~rltlw honor lo ft'l'"iyc fi'olll Ur. Frank-
,in, at PL]l;:\ll~lph;a. 1 am informetl U[ >·C"ll' <lrr:vat al t1ml p]a<;e. .\Jany letterl!
2CJ1
from verv re¡'pc('tRbJe ch~rn('tcrR in rr~]lc(,. a~ 'Nf'll as 1he Doc10r's. inform me
of 1he Opé¡ISioll; ji)]' 'whicil. thOltgh tlt,. ('ause j;; nol oí' my 's{'"king. 1 feel the most
<ltrfecal,!e aud gl'lIlcCul ';(·l\,.iUjollS. 1 >\,:.,11 tlll,' ol,jl'('! ot" yOll~ lll:,Si011 hall ueen
n;Ol'e w()l'tilY 01 ¡ite lIla,;teriy g'c11ius o: tllC lir,;t S"llüHry i11 LÜfope; tUl' tllus you
are n'rre:::I'llll'd t0 nlr~.
,·11 \\·111 g!V(' IllC I,lc(l~llr('. sir. to \.y¡,lcornc you 10 this seat of rny retirernent;
and \v]¡all;yef 1 1."\'1', el' eilll I"roe'11'11, ¡);al is Ilect'"s<ny to your ¡mrposcs. or CIJ?l-
venient and ugrt'('aL¡I~ 10 youf \.vislws. you lnu8t Ú't:ely COlnlnalHI. as inclination
10 olJlige ) O[J "'di lit) aillollg' lIle las! IlJings in 'which 1 slwll ue fOUllll tlelieiellt,
either on your arrival 01' dUl'ing your slay.
"\Vith sentiments of esteem, 1 am, sir," &e.
'J'he artist rcacherl J\Tonnt Vernon Oll the 3d of Octouer, where he spent a fort-
nigllt, del'oled to the purpo~e 011118 vi~it,
FRO"I JEFFERSO:'\ TO WASIIl:'\GTO.'<.
"l'mis, 4 Janllary. 17.S6.
"I have Leen honorcd with your lcu,'1' of ~('rtt]rnber ¡he :¿Iitlt, which \Vas d~
ji ·'ej'I'.¡ IJ!'~ ¡,y ,';1'. "",,¡JOll. ",llo :s sal, Ir rctn1'Il·"d. IIc ]¡a~ urough¡ witl! h1m the
n:(¡¡¡id 01" tll{' 1;1('(' Ollh-. haYi!1!~> lelt the (lllle1' pnrts of hi~ \vork 'Njth bis \VOrklH' 1.
S(;IJIt; ()tll~í· C()llVCyellll'C. DI'. Franklin, \VIlO was joincd wjtlt me 1"
¡;Jt' oC 1his ju:-,t lJIOnll111ellt. havillg lt:ft U~ befare \vhat 1S cul1e
the c("hln", 01' the sla!nc \Vas ¡jpcided 011. 1 canllol so wp!l satisfy myself, and 1
t"11 j)cLi'¡'Hled 1 ,;llOuld nul so \\",:1 salisl)' Illé \Vo,ld, as by consulting yon1' o\\'n
's!-h or illf>linatioll flS 10 this artide. l'crlllit me. there:url" to ask yon whcther
lhere is anv parllcnlar dress, 01' any particular attitude, which you would ralltcr
",~~~h lO Lt~ "adopte,lo 1 ~hall take a s:ngular plca;;:ure in havillg your o\tvn idea
exeeuted, ii' rou willoe so gooLl as tomake it kllOWIl to me."
FI:<)}I '" AS¡¡I:\GTO~ TO JEl'FERSO~.
"111mIl11 T"'nlon, 1 AnQ'uEt, 1786.
"In :ln,C::\YL'r to y01lf ohJ;~;jllg inqnirjc~ rcsre('t;Jl~ tlll~ drc:_;s :-l'lld atl~tudé, v~rh¡ch
WQuid wi"h 10 Ita \e g-in'll lo t!w statul' in questi(JIl, 1 ha\'e olllr lo observe, tbat,
IlÓl1J:l\~;1l.c.; SlJl1ici"1l1 j¡I:o\\'letl~'" in tlJl' ar! 01' sClllplure lo oppoi:e my ,iurlg-menl to
tLt' :aste oC COíl:10!SSl'llr~\ L dn 11(1t dcsire to (ll('¡iJtc illlhc JllaTter. ()n tlle C011-
trary. 1 ,),,1,1 llP pCl'lectly sati,fied wah whalevel' may !JI.' jlldg-ed dccent :wd
prorcr. 1 SllOIJlrl evell sl'tll'c¡cly have y'c11turl'd to i'ug-gest, that perhaps a servile
ad¡H;rcllc~ 10 lht~ garh oí' H1l1i'illity rnigltt n01 be alto~·'.;ther ~o eXredlent, as S{JIT1C
l¡lt'e ¡\'cVi:ltioll 'lit jluor nI ti" moJan rostume, ir 1 ha(1 not Jearnt from Colonel
linllll'hreys. that tbis was ti cirelllll,;tance hintcd ill eonycrsalioll by 1\Ir. \Vest to
j\¡r. I :ou<!OI1. The la"ie, \\ i¡ielt h,,, Ilelen inlrodllccd ill paiuting uy \Vest, 1 under-
sthl1l1 is rcceived with appltlu,;e, alld pl'evails extell~jvcly."
FRmI JEFl'ERSO~ TO WASIlIXGTO~.
,. Paris. 14 Angust, 1787.
"1 was Ilappy to fll1rl. 11y thA l"tter of Angnst 1 sto 17'36. w]¡ieh yon did me the
brlllor lo write 10 Tnl'. I !,al the modu n d /'fS' far !Jot{ r slat ue lJ'ould mal !Jaur npprooa-
tlnn. J íOllllll it strollédy ¡l!e ,enlnnrnt nI \\"CS1, Coplero Trllmuull, and Brown, in
LOilc!O!l; alier vv hich it would ue riLlicuious to add, that it ,"vas my own."
TiJis '\York. tlwrc!or,'. pnrports to ¡le an exact porlrait statue of'\Yashington,-
;')11 ;l\¡:]if'Jlli(' h;:-:.~()r!('Hl tllOlllPUl'llL--the rnstUJllP l)f;ing that in 1chich he u'as (tCCZlS~
t l .
'
1/U,j to uliplar as (fOUU}/{ulf/(r-in-c/¡¡if. i\o ut]¡er slatue .. vas ever rn,ule fron1 lli-s
Ijt'l',~('n. 'j hi:-: \'::¡~ fll()d1-!I~_·~! (1hout 1\\-0 ycars arter tlJE' clo~e ofh~~ Illi¡itary carecr,
i11 t¡H~ tilty-t~)Hrlh yeB!' of l!ls HlIe. a cin:u¡nstal1ce to he borne ill !Túnel in COlnpnr-
:~ >' :1 \Yl1h hltcr 1,ortra;1:.:. ¡ ,O\V \Yeil. j11 pO:lIt ol' resl'luLlance, it satj~±ied h~s
,'" )r,!ri('~ UIH.l a~~()('¡atc~. 1l1::1y be jndg-ed ÚOlll tbr: slrollg' declaraticn of
J t·, ,.:-,. "r,L,,11 111 ti", 1'(']'.-lIn (.Jnred ~¡lli.rk,,) 10 '",hum lile wOl'id ji; ill(lel,led lor
¡:t" r¡-·{'t:nn O!' \\'a~1l!1l:~101¡'~ litflnr?/ 1l.iolllUnel1L-ll1at. to a spectalor st:'ll1(ling on
ttl" fl;'!'Lt h,llld ot' the slalllf', alld t~d, 'll~r a lU1]( .. (ront vjr\v~~, ." it TPpresented tho
ol,g~l1;Ái as l)...:rrel'tJ;¡- a~í a L\'~llglliall (.;ould Le reVll:Sf..'lllcd in ru;;u!Jle."]
208
MR. PRESIDENT: The great events on which my re-
signation depended having at length taken place, 1 have
no\v the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to
Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to sur-
render into their hands the trust committed to me, anel to
claim the inclulgence of retiring from the service of my
country.
Happy in the confirmation of our independcnce anu
sovereignty, and pleased with thc opportunity afforded
the U nited States of bccoming a respectable nation, 1
resign with satisfaction the appointment 1 accepted wilh
diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities to accompli~:ill so
arduous a íask ; which however was snperseded by a con-
fidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the
supreme pO\ver ofthe Union, and the patronage ofHeaven.
The successful termination of the war has verified the
most sanguine expectations; ana my gratitude for the
interposition of Providence, anJ the assistance 1 have re-
ceived from my cOllntrymen, increases \vith every review
of the momentous contesto
While 1 repeat my obligations to the army in general,
1 should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknow-
ledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished
merits of the gentlemen \',~ho have been attached to my
person during the war. It was impossible the choice
of confidential officers to compose my family should have
been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend, in
particular, those who have continued in the service to the
present moment, as \vorthy of the favorable notice and
patronage of Congress.
] cC:lsider it an indispensable duty to close this last
aet of my oflicial life by commending the mterests (j)f our
dcarest country to the proteetion 01' Almighty God, and
•
209
those \Vho have the superilltenclcnce of them to his holy
keeping.
Huying nmv finished the \yor:{ assigned me, 1 retire
from the great theatre of action, and bidding an am~c
tionate fare"\ycll to this angust body, undel' \\'hose orders
1 llave so long acted, 1 here offer my commission, and
take my leave of all thc em,ployments of public life.
IJe ¡1¡e11 adv;mceu anJ uc1ivereJ to the Pre,<ident Lis eommission, ,yi,h
a copy oí" his auurci:'s, anu h:lving rcsumed !lis place, the President
(TlIU:\IAS .:\lIFFLIx) returncJ J¡ill1 tlw iullüwillg answer:
Sn:: T110 lJiliLeJ Slates in Cougress assemblf'u receive, wilh eroo-
f,ion" too afIecting lor uttoranco, ¡ he soleron resignation of the authorities
m,rler which yau have led thcir troops with succoss through a perilous
and doubtful \Yar. Calleu upon by your country to defond its invaded
rights, you acceptcd the sacred charge, befare it had formed alliances,
und whilst it was without fun,ls or a govornroent to support you. Y 011
have conducted the great milit ary contel:lt with wisuom and fortitude,
invariably regardillg ¡he figNs of the civil power through all disasters
and c1lUl1ges. YOIl have, by the lavo and eOlllidence of your fello\\'-
citizel1s, onabled ¡]JOm to display ¡heir martial gcnius, amI tmnsmit tlwir
fame to posterity. You havo perscvored till thcse UniteJ Statos, aiJeJ
by a magnanimous king anu !lation, havo been enableu, under a just
Providence, to close the war ín fi-ecuom, safety, and independence; on
\vhich happy event we sincercly join you in congratulations.
Having dofenued the stnnd:ml of liLerty in t!lis new world; having
t¡l'lght a 1es8011 lI~Cflll to tl!O~e W;IO i¡dIiet ¡¡¡~tl to tho¡;e who feel oppre,;-
Fíon, you retire fro111 tho gr'cat tllPatre of acrícn, w;th the blcssings of
y'iéJ]" fellow-eitizens; hut tIlO glory cf yonr virtues \vil! not termínate
wi¡h your militilry eommancl; ít \vill contillue to animate remotest ages.
'Ve {eel wí¡h yOIl our obligatiol1s to the army in general, and wiU
r'lrticularly charge omi-'clves with tho interests of those confidential
oiliccrs, who have attenued ynur person to this affecting momento
\V ce join you in commem!ing tbe intorests of our dearost country to
t11" lEO: eet ion of Allllighty God, beseeching him to dii3poSO the hearts
f:l:d Illilld" of its citizens to improve tbe opportunityaffordecl them of
¡ ll'(,Ollli!lg a ]¡appy alla respcctal,lo !latÍon. And for YOIl we 'lddress lo
Lim ()Ill" I'arnf'st pmyers, t1mt a life so beloved l1lay be fostered with aH
];i, C:1;'8; j hal y01lf days m;¡y bo l¡¡¡ppy as they havo hecn illnstrious;
:iflll 'har ¡JO \':itl 11;¡nllv gin; yóJll ¡ha! rcw:1:-rl \Yh;,~lt ({¡ii-: wo, Id (~mlJ1()( ~iVfl
210
ELECTION OF GBORGE \VASHINGTON AS PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES, AND HIS INAUGURAL AD.
DRESS.
MOXDAV, APRIL 6, 1789.
The President of tIlo Senate, elected for the purpose of counting
the votes, dcclared to the Scnate, that the Scnate and Housc of
Representatives had met, and that he, in their presencc, had opened
and countecl the votes.of the Electors for President and Vice Pre-
siden t of the U nitecl Sta tes; whereby it appears that
GEORGE vV ASIIINGTON was unanimously elected Presidcnt.
vVhereupon the following certificate and lettrr, prepared by a
committee, consisting of l\Iessrs. Paterson, J ohnson, Lee, and
Ellsworth, were adopted by t11e Scnate, and signed by their Pre-
sident.
Be it known, That the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America, beillg cOllvencd in the cíty and Btate of New
York, the sixth day of April, in the Year of our Lord one tltousand se ven
hundred and eighty-nine, the underwritten, appointed President of the
Senate, fúr tbe 80le purpose of reeeiving, opening, and counting the
votes of the Electors, did, in tite presence of the said Sena te and House
of Representatives, open all the certificates, and count all the votes of
the Electors for a President and túr a Vice Presiden!; by which it ap-
pears that GEORGE WASHIXGTON, esq., was unanimously eIected,
agreeably to the Constitution, to the office of President of the United
States of Arnerica.
In testimony whereof, 1 have hercunto set my hand and sea\.
JOIIN LANGDON.
NEW YORK, ApriI6, 1789.
SIR: 1 have the honor to transmit to your Excelleney the informatían
of your unanimous election to the office of President of the United States
of Arnerica. Suflcr me, sir, to indulge the hope, that so auspicious a
mark af public confidence will meet your approbation, and be considered
as asure pledge of the affection and support you are to expect from f}
ú'ee and enlightened peopIe.
1 am, sir, with sentiments of respect, your obedient humbIe servant,
JOHN LANGDON.
ro hls Ex' cy GEORGE WASHINGTON, esq.
•
211
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1789.
The oath of office having been administered by the Chancel10r
of tlle State of N ew York, in the presence of the Senate anJ
House of Representatives, to George Washington, President of the
U nited States, he then made the following Inaugural address :
Feflow-Citizens of the Senate, and
of the lIouse of Rcprcsentatives ..
Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event cou1d have filled
me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was
transmitted by your arder, and received on the 14th day of the pre-
sent month. On the ane hand, I was summoned by my country,
whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a
retreat which 1 had chosen witn. the fondest predilection, and, in
my fiatteTÍng hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of
my declining years; a retreat which was rendered every day more
necessary, as well as more dear to me, by the addition of habit to
inclination, and of frequent intorruptions in my health, to the gra-
dual waste committed on it by time. On tIlo other hand, the mag-
nitudo and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country
called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most expe-
riencod of her citizens a distrustful serutiny into his qualificatións,
could not but overwhelm with despondence one, who, inheriting
inferior endowments from nature, and unpractised in the duties of
civil administration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own
deficiencies. In this confiict of emotions, all I dara ayer, is, that
ít has been my faithful study to co11oct my duty from a ju¡;:t appre-
ciation of every circllmstance by whích ít might be affected. Al!
1 dare hope, is, that if, in executing this task, 1 have been too
much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or
l)y an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the con-
fidence of my fdlo\v-citizens, and have thence too little consulted
lny incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried
earts before me, my error will be palliated by the motives which
misled rne, and its consequences be judged by my country, with
sorne sharc of the partiality in which they originated.
212
Such being- the impressions unuer \vhiGll I hav~, in oocdipnce to
the puolic summons, repaired to tite IHt~sent statioll, it ,,"ould be
peculiarly improper to omit, in this iirst oifi(~ial act, my fcrvent sup-
plications to that Almighty Being who rulos over tlte ulliverse-
who presides in the councils of nations-ancl \"hose providential
aids can stlpply every human defect, that his benedietion m<ly con-
secrate to the liberties ana happiness of tho people of the lJ nitccl
States, a government institutcu by themselves for tItase essclJti,,¡
purposes: and may el1aole every instrmnent cmploy('(l in its admia-
istration to execute with success th8 fUflrtions allottcd to his charg'c.
In tenderillg ,this llOll1ago to tlw GrC,lt Author of cvcry pul)lic ;:lIld
private gooll, 1 assure rnysclf t]¡;¡t it oXl'rcsses yonr sellt;lJWllt.., not
les S than my o\Vn; nor tllose of my fellow-eitizens at larg'e, less
tllan either. N o people can be bOlllld to acknowledge ami auow
the imisible hand whieh conducts the aITcürs of mcn, more th:ln
the pC8ple of the United St<ltcS. Evcry st('p hy whieh th('y han)
é!llvaneed to t]1(' char:1der of ,m indepey:clcnt ll:,tiJ;n, s,'cms to ]:;t",E'
been distinguis!¡ed lJy somo tckrn of pnl':irlt:ntictl agf']wy; and in
t118 imjJnytliJt rcyelutioll jll,;t acco1l1nlis]¡ed in t:1O Sj'sti'lll nf thc:ir
lluÍtcd g'u\"crn:Jl(:nt, tllC trilliquil dc1i¡H~r:¡tioll", (1mi \Ttlluilt-,:ry COll-
sent of so lD<llly di::stinct COfll¡lIUi¡lti(,:s, fi'olll \\"Lidl 1Jw en'lJt lEl;;
resulted, cannot be compared \Vit!l the llleiíllS by wbieh mm;t go-
vcrnmcnts ~ave br:el1 est::lJlishcd, \",ithout sonw n,turn of pious
gratitude, along with an humhlc anticipation of the futnre hlessings
which the past seem to prC'sa2'e. These refkc:tiol1s, arising out of
the present crisis, 1::1'18 fon'e,l tlJelliS~;JvCS too strongly on my mind
to be supprcsscd. You \dll.loi1! "\vil:l ll18, 1 trtl"t, in thill!i.ins' that
t:LCre are none, undEr tbo illjhu':Ill~e of which tile proceedings 01' a
new and free g'overnmel1t can more auspicionsly COnlmcnce.
By the article establishing t!lO executive dep;utment, it is made
the duty of the President ~'tr) recowmclld to your ~o:1"ider.ltion
sl1ch measures as he shall jnclgl! neecsdary allll e,\:]lcdient." The
cirelllllstanccs uncler w11ich 1 llOW meet you will aC(lllit me from
entering into t1nt subjcct, f>rthc~' th()n to refer to the grf'Zlt consti-
tutional charter nndl'r which yUl! :m' assl'mbl('d; and wLidl, in (:8-
finiug your pO\H'rs, llc:.::i;~n;jtc;; tk.: cLJect:-: te; \",hidl your atlention
i::; to be giYt::Il. It \Vil! be ¡>lore l>,;l-;i"_'L~ \ .. i"; :i¡'hl' (:ijel¡¡n~,Lll1ces,
•
213
and far more congenial with the feelings which a ~tuate me, to sub-
stitute, in place of a recommendation of particular measnres, the
tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism,
whích adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In
these honourable qualífications I behold the snrest pledgf's that, as
en one side, no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views,
nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal
eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communi-
tíos and interests; so, on anothcr, that the foundations of onr na-
tíona1 poliey will be laíd in tilo pure and il11l11utable princíples of
prívate morality; and the prc-eminenco of free government be ex-
emplified by al1 tho attribl1tcs which can win the affections of its
citizens, and cornmand tho respect of the world. I d\veH on this
prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my coun-
try can inspire: since there is no truth more thoroughly established,
than that there exists in the economyand course of natura an indis-
soluble union between virtue and happiness-between duty and
advantage-betwecn the genuine l11élxims of an honest and magna-
lJimous poliey, and tho sol id rewards of public prosperity and foli-
city; sineo we ought to Lo no 10ss pcrsuüded thüt the propitious
smiles oí' Heaven can never Le expected on a natío n t11at disregards
the eternal rules of order and right, \vhich Heaven itse1f has or-
dained; and since the preservation of the saered fire of 1iberty, and
the destiny of the republiean moJel of governl11ent, are justly eon-
sidered as deepIy, perhaps as finaIly, staked, on the experimeIlt en-
tfLlsted to tho hands of the American peop1e.
Besides the ordinary objeéts suhrnitted to your care, it will re-
main with your judgment to decide, how far an exercise of the
ooeasional power delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution
is rendered expedient at tlle present juncture, by the nature of ob-
jections whieh have been urged against the system, or by thl3
dcgree of inqllietllde which has given birth to them. Instead of
undertaking particular rocommendations on this subject, in which
1 con1d he gllided by no 1ights derived fram official opportunitles,
1 c;h?JI again givc way to my entire confidence in your discernment
and pursuit of the publie good; for, I assure myself, that whilst
¡üU carüfnlly avoid cvery alteration whieh might cndang'ür tha
214
oenefits of an uniteo and effective govemment, or which ought to
await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the charac·
teristic rights of freemen, and a regard for the public harmony,
will sutliciently inftuence your deliberations on the question, how
far the former can be more impregnably fortifieJ, or the latter be
safely and advantageously promoted.
'1'0 the preceding observations 1 have one to adJ, which .vill be
most properIy addressed to the Honse of Hepresentatives. lt con·
cems mysc!f, and wil!, therefore, be as brief as possible. \Vlten 1
was first honored \vith a cal! into the scrvice of my conntry, t]¡en
on the eve of an ardnous struggle fer its Iibcrties, the ligltt in which
1 contemplated my duty, required that 1 shou1d renounce every
pecnniary compensation. From tltis resolutioll 1 have in no in-
stance departed; and being still under the impressions \vhich pro.
cluced it,I must decline, as inapplicable to myself, any share in tite
personal emoluments which may be indispensabIy included in a
permanent provision for the execntive departmcnt; and must ae·
cordingly pray tllat the pccuniary e"timates for the stltion in whieh
1 am placed, may, during my continuanec in it, be limitcd to such
actual cxpenditures as t110 pubJic good !llay Le tlwugltt to rC(JIlire.
Having thus imparted to yon my ti8l!timellts, as tlw}' 1m'ie 00('11
awakened by the occasion which brillgS us togcther, 1 slmll tfl.ke
my present leave; but not \vithont resorting once more to the benign
Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that, since he
has been pleased to favor the American penple with opportullitil's
for deliberating in perfect trallquillity, and dispositions for decid-
ing, with unparallcled unanimity, on a fonu 01' government for tÍíe
security of their U nion, amI tIte advancement of their happiness,
so his Divine bIessing may be equaJly conspicuous in the enlargud
views, the temperate consultations, and the \Vise measures, on
which the succe:;;s of this governmcllt must dependo
G. \VASI-lINGTON.
APRIL 30, 178~.
215
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRE
SIDENT, TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STA TES,
SEPTEM:B.F.R 17, 1796,
Fll'ends und Fellow-citizens ..
The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the Ex-
ecutive Government of the United States being not far distant, and
tlle time actually arrived when your theughts must be employed in
designating t110 person ,,,ha is to be clothed with that important
trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a
more distinct expression of the public voice, that 1 should now ap-
prize you of the resolution 1 have formed, to decline bcing con-
sidered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be
made.
1 beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured
:hat this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all
tilo considerations apportaining to the relation which binds a dutiful
citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of ser-
vice, which silence, in my situation, might imply, 1 am influenced
by no diminution of zeal for your future interest; no deficiency of
grateful respect for your past kindness; but am supported by a fun
conviction that the step is compatible with both.
The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to
which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform
sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of dnty, and to a deference
for what appeared to be your dosire. 1 constantly hoped that it
would have boen much earlier in my power, consistently with mo-
tives which 1 was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that re-
tirement frorn which 1 had been reluctantly drawn. The strength
of my inclination to do this, provI0us to the last election, had even
led to tlle preparation of un address to declare it to you; but mature
rellection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs
with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled
tI) my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.
1 rejoice that tite state of your concerns, external as well as ln-
2113
ternal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible
with the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persuaded, what-
ever partiality may be retaincd for my services, that, in t110 present
circumstances of our country, you will not Jisapprove my determi-
nation to retire.
'rile impressions with which I first undertook t1le ard non s tmst
\Vere exp1ained on tlle proper occasiol1. In the discharge of this
trust, I wi1l on1y say, that I have with good intentions contributed
towards the organization and administration of the Government
t11e best exertions of which a very fallib1e jndgment was capable.
Not unconscious in the ontset of the illferiority of my qnalifica-
tions, experience, in my own eyes-perhaps sti1l more in the cyes
of others-has strengthened the motives to diffidence of mysclf;
. and every· day the increasing weight of years admonishes me,
more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me
as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have
given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have
the conso1ation to believe tllat, while choice and prudence invite
me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid ita
In looking fonvard to tile moment which is intcnded to termínate
the career of my public life, my feeJings do not pprmit me to sus-
pend the deep acknowledgmcnt of 1hat debt af gratitude whieh 1
owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferreJ
upon me; still more for tite stcJdfast eonfidenee wi1h whieh it has
supported me; and for the opportunitics I have thence enjoyed of
manifesting my inviolable attaehment, by scrviees faithf'ul alld per-
severing, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If bcncftts
have resulted to OUT country from tilese services, Ict it always be
remembered to your praise, and as an instructivc example in our
annals, that, under eireumstanees in whieh the passions, agitated
in ev(~ry direction, ".ere liable to mislead; amidst appearanecs
sometimes dubious, vicissituues of fortunc often discouraging; in
situations in which, not unfrequently, want of sueecss has counte-
nanced the spirit of criticism,-the constancy of your support was
the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans, by
whicll t11ey were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea,
217
1 sha11 carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to un-
ceasing vows, that Heaven may continue to you the choicest to-
kens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection
may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the \York
of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administra-
tion, in every department, may be stamped with wisdom and vir-
tlle; tbat, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, un-
der the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a
preservarion and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire
to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affec-
tion, ana the adoption of cvery nation which is yet a stranger
to it.
Here, perhaps, 1 ought to stop; but a solicitude for your wel-
fare, \vhich cannot onu but with my 1ife, and the apprehension of
danger natural to that s01icitude, urge me, on an oc casio n like the
present, to offer to yonr solemn contemplation, and to recommend
to your frequent review, sorne sentiments, whieh are the result of
mnch ref1cction, of no inconsidcrable observation, and which ap-
pear to me aH-important to the permanency of your felicity as a
pcople. Thesc will be ailorJed to you with the more frecdom, as
you can only see in them tite disinterested \varnings of a parting
friend, who can possilJly have no personal motive to bias his
connsel; nor can 1 forget, as an encouragement to it, your indul-
gent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar
occasion.
lnterwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your
hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or con-
firm the attachment.
The unity of government, which constitutes you one people¡ is
<\lso now dear to you. lt is justly so; for it is a main pillar in
the edifice of your real independence-the support of your tran-
qnillity at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your pros-
pprity, of that veIy liberty which you so highly prize. But as it
jo; ea~;y to forcsee that, from different causes and from differenL
q '.nrters, mlwh pains wiII be taken, many artifices employed, to
Wt'aken in your minds thc conviction of this truth: as this is ',hQ
2:2"
218
p0Ínt in your polítical fortress agabst 'Nhich the batteries oí in-
ternal and external cnemies will be most constantly and actively
(though often covertlyand insidiously) directed,-it is of infinite
moment that you should properly estimate the immense vaIue af
your national union to your collective and individual happiness;
that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attach-
ment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as ol'
the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watcIting
for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing w hat-
ever may suggest even a suspicion that it can, in any event, be
abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning ol'
every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest,
or to enfeeble the sacred ties \vhich now link togetber the various
parts.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest.
Uitizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has
a right to concentrate your affcctions. The name of Jimerican,
which belongs to you in your national capacity, must aIways exalt
the just pride ofpatriotism, more than any appellation derivcd from
local discriminations. "Yith sligbt shadcs 01' diíl'erence, you have
the same religion, manners, habits, amI political principles. You
have, in a common cause, fought (lnd trillmphcd togethcr; the in-
dependence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels
and joint efforts, of common dangers, sllfferings, and successes.
But these considerations, howevcr pc!\vcrflllly they address them-
seIves to your sensibility, are grc:ttIy outweighed by those vvhich
apply more immediately to your interest; Itere every portion of our
country finds the most commanding motives for careflllly guarding
and preserving the union of the whole.
The N orth, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, pro-
tected by the equal laws of a common g'overnment, finds, in the
productions of the latter, great aJditional resources of rnaritime anu
commercial cnterprise, and precious ma terials of manufacturing
mdustry. Tile South, in tile same intercollrse, bencftting by th¡;
agcncy of the North, sees its agTiculture grow, and its commerce
expando T1.lrning partIy into its own channels the seamen of the
219
N orth, it finds its particular navigation invigorateQ; and while it
contributes, in different ways, to nourish and hcrease the general
mass of the natlonaI navigation, it looks forward to the protection
of a maritime strength to which itself is uneqnally adapted. The
East, in Iike intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the
progressive improvement of interior communication, by land and
water, will more and more find, a valuable vent for the commod!-
tÍes which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The
vVest derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and
comfort; and what is perhaps of still greatAr consequence, it must,
of necessity, owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for
its own prod uctions, to t11e weight, infiuence, and the future mari-
time strength of the Atlantic side of the Uníon, directed by an indís-
soluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by
which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived
from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural
connexion with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious.
While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate
and particular interest in union, all t11e parts combined cannot fail
to find, in the unÍted mass of means and efforts, greater strength,
greater resource, proportionably greater security from external dan-
ger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations;
and what is of inestimable vaIue, thoy must derive from union an
exemption from those broils and wars between themselves, which
so frequently afflict neighboring countries, not tied togother by tho
same government; which their own rivalships alone would be suf·
ficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attach-
ments, and intrigues, wouId stimulate and imbitter. Hence, like-
wise, they will avoid the necessity of those over-grown military
establishments, whicl!, under any form of government, are inaus
picious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hos-
tile to republican liberty; in this sen se it is that your union ought
to be considered as a main prop of your Iiberty, and that the Iov6
oí' the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.
These eonsiderations speak a persuasi'íe language to every reflecto
ing and virtuous mind, and exhloit the cor.ánuance of tbe O nion
as a primar)' ohject of patriotic dCf'ire. 15 there a donbt, whethcr
220
a common governmont can embrace so largo a spltcre 1 Let expc4
rience solve it. To listen to mere specuJation, in such a case,
'\Vere criminal. \V 8 are authorized to hope, t113t yroper organiza~
tion of the whole, with th8 auxiliary agr:ney of governments for
the respective subclivisions, \Vill aiford a happy iS5ue to the expe-
riment. It is well worth a fair and full experimento With such
powerful and obvious motives to U nion, affccting al! parts of onr
country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its imprac-
ticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of
thOS8, who, in any quarter, may endcmvor to wl'aken its bands.
In contempbting the canses which rrmy di"tmb our Union, it
occurs, as a matter of serious concern, tlwt any ground should haye
heen furnished for characterizing parties hy geographieal discrimi-
nations-Northern and Southern-Atlantic and vVestern: whence
designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real
difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of
party to acquire influence within particular districts, is to misre-
present the opinions and aims of other districts. Y ou cannot shield
yourselves too mnch against the jealollsies and heart-burnings
which spring from these misreprcsentations; they tend to render
aEen to each other tiloso who ought to be bound togcther by frater-
nal aifection. The inhabitants of our western country have 1ate1y
had a useful les50n on this heau; they have seen in the negotiation
by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate,
of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisflCtion at that
event throughout the U nited States, a decisive proof how nnfoundeu
\Vere the suspicions propagated among them, of a poliey in the
General Government, and in the Atlantic States, unfriendly to their
interests in regard to the Mississippi: they have been witnesses to
the formation of two treaties-that with Great Britain, and that
.\'ith Spain, which secure to them every thing they could desire in
respect to our foreign relations, towarus confirmillg their prospe-
rity. vVill it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of
these advantages on. the U nion by wl1ich they \Vere procured 1
\Víll thcy not henceforth be deaf to th05e au visers, if such there
are, who would sever thom from their brethren, ami connect them
with a1iens 1
221
To the efficacy and pcrm:moncy of your U nion, a Government
for the whole is indispensable. N o allianee, however strict be-
tween the parts,..can he an adequate suustitute; they must inoví-
tablyexperience the infractions and interruptions which aH alJi-
anees, in all time, ha ve experienced. Sensible of this momentous
truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption
of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former
for an intimate U nion, and for the efficacious management of your
common concerns. This Government, tlle offspring of our own
choice, uninlluenced and unawed, adoptcd upon fuIl investigation
and mature deliberation, complctely free in its principIes, in the
distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and con-
taining withín itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just
claim to your confidcnce and your support. Respect for its au-
thority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in íts measures,
are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty.
The bases of our political systems, ís the right of the people to
make and to al ter their eonstÍtutions of Government: but the C on-
stitution which nt ally time exists, tilI changed by an explicit and
autbentie aet of tho \vhole people, is sacredly obligatory upon al!.
The very idea ofthe power, and tlle right of the people to establish
Governmcllt, pre-supposes tho duty of every individual to obey t11e
established Governmcnt.
AH obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations
and associations, under whatever plausible character, with .the real
design to direct, control, countoract, or a\ve the regular delibera-
tlon and actÍon of the constitutcd authorities, are destructive to this
fundamental principIe, and of fat:11 tendency. They serve to or-
ganize fdction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force, to put
in the place of the delogated \ViII of the nation, the will of a party,
often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the commu-
nity; and, according to tbe alternate triumphs of different par~ies,
to make the public ad ministration the mirror of the ill-concerted
und íncongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of con-
sistent and wholesome plans, digested by common counsels, and
modified by mutual interests.
2.22
However combinations or associations of tho aboye description
may now and then answer popular ends, theyare likely, in the
course of time and things, to become potent enginos, by which
cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled mon, will be enabled to sub-
vert the power of the people, and to usurp for t,hemselves the reins
of Government; destroying, afterwards, the very engines whieh
had lifted them to unjust dominion.
Towards the preservation of your Govornment, and tho porma-
nency of your presont happy sta te, it is req uisite, not only that you
steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its aclmo\vledged
authOlity, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation
upon its principIes, lwwevcr speeious the pretcxts. One mcthod
of assClult may be to efrect, in t11e forms of the Constitution, altera-
tions whieh will impair the energy of the system, and thus to
undermine what cannot be direetly overthrown. In all the changes
to whieh you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at
least as neeessary to fix the true charaeter of govcrnments as of
otIler human institutions; that cxperienee ís the surest standard by
whieh to test the real tondeney of the existing constitution of a
country; that faeility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypo-
thesis and opiníon, exposes to perpetual chango, from the endless
variety of hypothesis and opinion; and romember, especially, that
for the efficient management of your common interests, in a coun-
try so extensive as ours, a Government of as much vigor as is
consistent with the perfect security of liherty, is indispensable.
Liberty itself will find in such a Government, wíth powers pro-
per1y distributed and adjustcd, its surnst guardizll1. It is, indced,
littlc else than a name, where the Government is too fGoble to wíth-
stand the enterprises of faction, to confine each meru ber of the society
\vithin the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain aH in tho
secure and tranquíl enjoyment of the rights of pcrson and property.
I have aIread y intimated to you the danger of parties in the State,
vdth particular reference to the founding of them on gcographical
díscriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view,
and warn you, in the most solemn manner, against tha baneful
efrects of tlle spirít of party generally.
223
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having
its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. 1t exists
under different shapes, in a11 Governments, more or 1ess stifled,
controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form it is seen
in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened
by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which, in dif·
ferent ages and countries, has perpetrated the most horrid enormi-
ties, is itself a frightful despotismo But this leads, at length, to a
more formal and permanent despotismo The disorders and miseries
which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security
and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and, sooner or
later, the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortn-
nate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of
his own elevation on the ruins of pub1ic liberty.
·Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which,
nevertheless, ought not to be en:tirely out of sight,) the common and
continua] mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the
interest and duty of a \vise people to discourage and restrain it.
1t serves always to distract the puhlic eounei1s, and enfeeble the
pubIie administration. It agitatcs the cornmunity with ill-founded
jea10usies and false alanns; kindlcs the animosity of one part
against another; foments, oecasionally, ríot and insurrection. 1t
opens the door to foreign influenee and eorrllption, whieh find a
faci1itated access to the Governll1cnt itsclf, through t11e channels
of party passions. Tllus the poliey and the \vill of one country
are subjectcd to tl18 poliey and will of another.
There is an opinion that partics, in free countries, are useful
ehecks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to
keep alive the spirit of liherty. This, within certain limits, is pro-
bably true; anu in Governments of a monarchieal cast, patriotism
may look with inuulgenec, if not with favor, upon the spirit of
party. Bllt in those of the popular eharaeter, in Governments
purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their
natural tendency, it is certain thore wí1l always be enough 01' that
¡;pirit for every salutary rurpose. And therc being eonstant danger
2.24
of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to
mitio-ate and assuao-e it. A fire not to be quencl18d, it demands a
'" C)
uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead
of warming, it should consume.
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking, in a free
conntry, should inspire caution in th080 intrnsteJ with its adminis·
tration, to confine themsclves within their respective constitutional
sp]¡eres, avoiding, in the exercise of the powcrs of one department,
to encroach upon another. 1'he spirit of encro8.chmcnt tenas to
consoliuate the powers of all the departmcnts in one, and thus to
create, \"hatever the form of Government, a real despotismo A
just estímate of that love of power, and proneness io 2huse it which
predomina tes in the human heart, is sufllcient to satisfy liS of ih0
truth of ihis position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the
excrcise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into dif·
ferent depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public
"veal, against invasions by the othcrs, has been evinceJ by experi.
ments, ancient and modern; some of them in our own country, and
u:1der our own eyes. 'fa preserve them must he as necessary as to
Ínslitute them. If, in the opinion of the peopl!', tlw clistribution
or modiftc,ition of tite constitutional powers be, in any particular,
wrong, let it be corrcctcd ,by an amendmetü· in the way which the
COllstitl1tion designates. But let thcre be no change by usurpa·
tiOll; for though this, in one instance, may be t1te iustrument of
gooel, it is the customary WCJpOIl by which free G overnments are
destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance, in
permanent evil, any partial or transient bellcfit which the use can,
at any time, yield.
Of all the dispositions and habits ,vhich lead to politica! pros·
perity, religion and moralityare indispensable supports. In vain
w01l1d that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor
to subvel't these great pillars of human happiness, t11ese firmest
props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician,
equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.
A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and
public felicity. Let it símply be asked, where is tIte security for
225
property, for repntation, for life, if tite sense of religious ouligation
desert the oaths which are t.he instrurnents of investigution in conrtl:>
of justice 1 And let us with caution inuulge the supposition, tilat
moraIity can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be
conceded to the influence of r('fined education on minds of peculiar
structure, reason and experience both forbiu us to expect that na-
tional morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principIes.
1t is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary
spring of popului" Government. TIte rule, indeed, extends with
more or less force to every species of free Government. \Vho, that
is a sincere friend to it, can 100 k with indiíference upon attempts
to shake the founuation of the fabric 1
Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions
for the general uiffusion of knowleuge. In proportion as the struc-
ture of a Government gives fon:e to public opinion, it is esscntiaJ
that public opinion should be enlightened.
As a very important source of strength and security, chcri::;h
public credit. Une rncthod 01' prcserving it is to use it as spar-
ingIyas possible; avoiding oeeasions of expense by cultivating
peace, but rell1ell1hcrillg also that timely disbursemen'ts to prepare
fOf danger, frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel
it; avoiding, likewise, the accumnlation of debt, not only by shun-
ning occasions of expense, but by vig"orous exertions in time of
peace to discharge tlle debts w!tich unavoidablc wars may have
oceasioned; not llng"(~I!('rou"l'y thrü\villg UpOll posterity the. burdel)
which we ourselves oug)¡t to rwar. The exccution of tÍlese maxi;,ls
belongs to ylJUr reprcsentatives, hut it i", lJeeessary tbat pllbJi;;
opinion shoul(l co-opcrate. '1'0 t~leilitate to them tho performance
of their du1.y, it is cssential tltat you ShOllld practically hear in
mind, that towarus tlw payment of uebts there must be reV811UC;
that to have rcvellue there must be taxcs; that no taxes can be dp-
vi sed, which are not more or lcss inconvenient and unpleasallt·
that the intrinsic cmbarrassment inseparable from the sclectiol1
')[ the proper objccts, (wlJieh is aJways a choice of diflicu!tics,)
ought to be a decisivo motive fur a candid constructioll of th(,\ GUll-
duct of 1110 Government in making it, and for a spirit of aG(luies-
23
cellce in the measures {or obtaining revenue, whieh the public
eXlgeneies may at any time dietate.
Observe good faith and justiee towards all nations; cnltivate
peace and harmony with all; religion and morality enjoin this eon-
duet; and ean it be that good poliey does not equally enjoin it 1
Jt will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period,
a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel
example of a people always guided by an exalted justiee and be-
nevolence. "\Vho can doubt that, in the course of time and things,
1he fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advan-
tages which might be lost by a steadyadl18rence to it 1 Can it be
that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a na-
tíon with its virtue 1 'fhe experiment, at least, is recommended by
every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it ren-
dered impossible by its vices 1
In the exeeution of snch a plan, nothing is more essential than
that permanent inveterate antipathies against particular nations,
and passionate attaehments for others, shoulo. be exeludeo.; anO.
that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards a1l shoulo.
be cu1tivatt~(L The natlon which indulges tO\Vard8 another an
habitual hatred,or an habitual fondncss, is, in some degrce, a slave.
Jt is a slave tu its animosity or to its aflcction; either of which is
sufficient to lcad it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy
in one nation against another, disposes eaeh more readily to offcr
insult and iJljnry, io lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to
be haughty and intractable, when accidental or triíling occasions
of dispute occur. Hence frcq ucnt collisiollS, obstínate, envenomed,
and bloody contests. The natíon, prompted by ill "\vill and re-
sentment, sOll1etimes impe:s to war the Government, eontrary to
the best calculatiuns of poliey. The Govermnent sometimes par-
ticipatcs in the national propen~'¡ty, and adopts, through passion,
w1lat reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity
of the nation subservient to projects of hostility, instigated by
lHide, amhition, and otlter sillister and pernicious motives. The
peace often, sometimes perhal)s the liberty, of nations has been thfil
vietull.
227
So, likeWISp., a passionate attaehment of one nation to anothe1
produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, fa-
cilitating the lUusion of an imaginary eommon interest, in cases
where no real eommon interest exists, and infusing into one the
enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the
quarrels and wars of the latter, withont adequate induccment or
justification. It leads also to concessions to the flworite nation of
privileges denied to others, whieh is apt doubly to injure. the na-
tion making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting v"ith what
ought to have been retained, and by exciting jcaIollsy, ill will, aud
a disposition to retaliate, in thc parties from w110m equal privilegcs
are withheId ; and it gives to amhitious, corrupted, or deIudcd citi-
zens (who devoto themseIves to the favorite nation) faciIity to be-
tray, or sacrifice the interest of their own country, without odium;
sometimes even with popularity; gilding with the appearance of a
virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public
opinion, or a laudable zeal for pubIic good, the base or foolish
compliances of arnbition, ~orruption, or infiltuation.
As avenues to foreig-n intluence in ¡rmumerab le ways, 811C11 at-
tachmcnts are parti~ularly alarming to the truly cnliglttellcd and
independent patriot. How many opportunities do they aífonl to
tamper with domestic factions, to practise the art of seJuction, to
mislead publie opinion, to influence or awe the pubIic councils!
Such an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and pow-
('rful nation, dooms the former to be tho satellite of tho latter.
Against the Ínsidious wiles of foroign inflllcnce (1 conj ure you
to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free prople oug'ht
to be constant~1f awake; sÍnce history amI experience prove that
foroign influence is one of th~ most baneful foes of republican Go-
vernment. .But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; eIsc
it becomes the instrument of the very influencc to be ayoided, in-
strad of a defence against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign
naÜon, and excessive dislikc for another, cause those \vhom they
aetuate to see dangor only on one side, and serve to veil, and even
second, the arts of iufluence on the othor. Real patriots, who may
resist tbe intrigues of the favorite, are liable to bcpome suspected
228
and odions ; while its tooIs and dupes usurp tllC appIanse and con-
fidcnce of the peopIe, to surrender their intercsts.
The great rule of conduct for us, in reg;Hd to forpign nCltiollfJ, js,
in extenJing our commercial relations, to have witll thClll as liale
polítical connexion as possible. So far as \ye llave already fOflíled
engagements, let them De fulfilled with perfect good faith. 11ere
lf!t u s stop.
Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us llave none, or
a very remote relation. Rence she must be engaged in frequent
controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to om
concerns. Rence, thercfore, it must he unwise in us to implicate
ourselves, by artificial ties, in the orJinary vicissÍtuJes of lwr poli-
tics, or the orJinary combinations amI collisions of hcr üoiendsbips
or enmities.
Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pur-
sue a different comse. lf we remain one people, ullder an efficient
Government, the pcríod is not far off when we may defy material
inj1!ry from external annoyance; when we may take snch an attí-
tude as wil] canse tlle nentrality we may at any time resolve upan,
to be SCTJlpulously respecteJ; V'.dl8n bellig-crent natiolls, lInder tbe
impossibility of making aequisitions upon IlS, wiU not lightly
J!azard tite g-iving \lS provocatiüll; when we lIlay ehoose peace OY
war, as our inturest, gouitlccl by justice, shall coullsel.
\\'hy forego tlle advantages oí" so peculiar a sitllation 1 vVhy
quit OUT own to stand llpon fOlPign gTound 1 vVhy, uy interweav-
ing our destiny with tl1at of any part of Europe, elltangle our peace
and prosperity in the toils of European alllbition, rivalship, illterest,
humor, or caprice 1
It is our tme policy to steer clear of permanent allianees with
any portion 01' the foreign world; so °far, 1 mean, as we are nowat
líberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capab1e of patron-
ising infidc1ity to existing- 8ngagmnents. 1 hold the maxim no less
applicable to puulie than ro prívate affairs, that honesty is always
me best poliey. 1 repeat it, tht:>refore, let those engagements be
observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnb-
cessary, and would be umvise to extcnd them.
229
Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establish ..
ments, on a respeetable defensive posture, we may safely trust to
temporary allianees for extraordinary emergencies.
Harmony, and a liberal intercourse with all nations, are recom-
mended by poliey, humanity, and interest. But even our COtn-
mereial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither
seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting
the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying, by gentle
means, the streams of commerce, hut forcing nothing; establish-
ing, with powers so disposed, in order to give traele a stable coursp,
to define the rights of our merehants, and to enable the Governmcnt
to support them, conventional rules of intercourse, the uest that
present circumstances and mutual opinions will permit, but tempo-
rary, anel liable to be, fmm time to time, abandoned or varied, as
experienee and circumstances s11all dietate; constantly keeping
in 1/"iew, that it i8 folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors
from another; that it must pay, with a portíon of its indepenelence,
for whatever it may accept under that character; that by such ac-
ceptance it may place itself in the condition of having gi ven cquiva-
lents for nominal favors, and yet ofbeing reproached with íngratitllde
for not giving more. Thcre can be no greater error than to expect,
or calculate upon, real favors from nation to nation. It is an illu-
sion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to di s-
can1.
In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and
affectionate friend, 1 dare not hope they wiII make the strong ancl
lasting impression 1 could wish; that they will control the usual
current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the
course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations; but ir 1
may even flatter myself that they may be productive of sorne partial
bmwfit, sorne occasional good; that they may now and then recur
to moderate tilo fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischid's
of foreign intrigues, to g uard against the impostures of pretended
patriotism; this hope will be a fuU recompense for the solicitude
for your ,,,elfare by ,vhich they have been dictated.
How far, in tIlO discharge of rny official duties, 1 have been
23*
230
guided by the principIes whicR have been delineated, the publie
meoros, and other evidences of my conduct, must witness to you
and tho world. 'fo myseIf, the assurance .of my own conscience
is, tl1at 1 have at least believed myseIf to be guidcd hy them.
ln rdation to the still subsisting war in EuroJJP, my proclama
tion of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctiolled
by your approving voice, and by that of your }{epresentatives in
both Houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually
governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me
from it.
After deliberate examination, with the aíd of the best lights 1
could obtain, 1 was weU satisfice! tbat our country, under all the
circumstances of the case, hall a rig"ht to take, and was bound in
duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Haying taken it 1
determined, as far as should depcnd upon me, to maintain it with
mocloration, persovcranee, and firmness.
'fhe considerations which respeet t110 right to hold this conduct,
it is not neeessary on this oeeasion to ddail. 1 will only observe,
that, aeeonling to my llmlerstan(ling of tlle mattcT, that right, so
far frcm being denied by a:1y of the bclli6'('wnt powers, has Leen
virtually admÍLterl by all.
'fhe dnty of holding a neutral conelnet may he infcrrcd, \vithout
:my thing more, from the oLligation which justiee and humanity
impose on evcry nation, in cases in which it is free to aet, to main-
tain Ílwiolate th8 rel::ttions of peace ami amity towards other nations.
'fhe indncemen.ts of interest, for observing t11at conduct, will
best be rcferred to your own refleetions and experienee. vVith me,
a predominant moti ve has been to enueavor to gain time to our
country to settle and mature its yet reecnt institutions, and to pro-
gress, without interruption, to that degree of strength and con-
si;,;tency '.vhieh is ne'?cssary to give it, humanly speaking, the
Co;lilndJH} of its own fortunes.
Thoug-h in rcvicwiIlg- t11e ineidnnts of my administration, 1 am
nncrJ!lsc;nus of int('oti'-'lU1 error; 1 am, nevertbeIcss, too snnsible
of my defects not to tJ¡ink it probable that 1 may have committcd
many errors. vVhatever they may be, 1 fcrvently ueseech the Al-
231
mighty to avert or mitigate the cvils to which they may tend. 1
shal1 also carry with me th8 hope, tllat my country wiII never
cease to view them with indulgence; ~md that, after forty-fivc
years of my Jife dedicatcd to its service with an upright zeal, tile
faults of íneompetcnt abilities will be eonsigncd to oblivion, as rny-
seJf must 800n be to the mansions of rest.
Relying on its kindness in this, as in other things, and actuated
by that fervent love towards it which is so natural to aman ,vho
views in ít the native soil of himself and his progenitors for seve-
ral generations, 1 anticípate, with pJeasing expcctation, that retreat
in whieh 1 promisp myself to realize, without <llIoy, the swect el1-
joyment (lf partaking, in t)¡e midst of my fellow-citizens, the henign
Íntluc[we of good laws under a free Government-tÍle cver favorite
object of my heart-and tite happy rewarJ, as 1 trust, of our mutual
eares, labors, and dangcrs.
GEORGE vYASHI~GTON.
Uniícu Slatcs, 17th Septcmber, 1 i%.
GEORGE WASIII~GTON,
APPOIXTED LIEüTEX A :'\T-GEl'\ERAL A:\'D CO;\DL\:\ mm-IX-CITIEF
OF ALL TUE AR;\IlES RAISED OR 1'0 BE RAISED IX TlIE UNITED
STATES, BY A:\D WITI¡ TIlE ADVICE A~D CONSE;'{'!' OF THE
SE~ATE.-July 3, L7!JS.
TI-IE ealm ami peaeeflll retreat whic:h the great Wash-
ington promised himself beneath his own vine and fig-tree,
in taking an affeetionate leave of his fellow-eitizens in nis
farewell address, was dcstincd to be of short duration, for,
ditlieulties having ariscn with the then existing government
uf Franee, "the opinion \Vas universally entertained, thaí
\Vashington musí be called on to take the command of
the arlllies." The weight of his name and character was
232
of the utmost importance to produce unanimity in the
leaders, and to se cure the confidence and support of the
people. His extreme aversion to enter again into public
life was known ; but it was likewise well understood, tho..
it was a principIe with him, from which he hael never
deviated, that when his services were demanded by the
general voice of his fellow-citizens, he never refused to
bestow them; under this impression, therefore, the Pre-
sident, John Adams, had maele up his mind to nominate
him to the Senate in any event, both because he \vas the
best man, and because the nation would not be satisfied
with any other course, and he therefore declared to him
iI). a letter of the 22d J une, 1798, that "\Ve must have
your name, if you will in any case permit us to use it.
There wiU be more efficacy in it than in many an army."
And the Secretary of \Var, James McHenry, on the
26th June, 1798, said to him-" You see how the storm
thickens, and that our vesse1 will 800n require its ancient
piloto \ViU you,-may \ve flatter ourse1ves, that, in a
crisis so R\vful and important, you will accept the com-
mand of all our armies? 1 hope you will, because y01.!
alone can unite all hearts and all hands. "-1'0 the Presi-
dent, \Vashington repIied on the 4th JnIy, 1798, that
"At the epoch of my retirement, an invasion of these
Siates by any European power, or even the probability
of such an event happening in my days, \vas so far from
being contemplated by me, that 1 had no conception that
that, or any other OCCllrrence would arise in so sho1't a
period, \vhich could turn my eyes fmm the shades úf
lVlount Vernon. But this seems to be the age of wonders ;
and it is reserved for intoxicated and lawless France (for
nurposes of Providence far beyolld the reach of human
233
ken) to :.laughter its own eitizens, amI to disturb the re-
pose of a11 the world besides."
" From a view of the past and the present, and fmm
the prospcct of 1hat which seems to be expeeteu, it is not
easy fOl' me to uecide, satisfactorily, on the part it might
Ue8t uecome me to act. In case of actual inz)asion by a
f()rmielable force, 1 certainly shouId not intrench mystlf
uueler the cover of age (67) anu retirement, if my Sff-
úces should be requircd by my cOLwtry to assist in n.'-
IJt:lling- it."
1'0 t11e Secretary of vVar, \Vashington replied aIso on
the 4th .IuIy, 1798,-" The sentiments, which 1 mean to
express to you in this 1etter on the subject of yours, ~hall
be frank, undisguised anq explicit; for 1 see, as you do,
that c10uds are gathering, anu that a storm may ensue ;
and 1 find, too, from a variety of hints, that my quict
under thcse <.:il'l:umstances uoes not promise to be of long
contin uanee.
" It cannot be necessary for me to premise to you, or
to othcrs, ,dlO know my sentiments as well, that, to quit
tlle tranqui1 wa]ks of retirement, and enter a boundless
fieId of rcsponsibility and trouble, would be productive
of sensations, which a better pen than 1 possess would
find it difficult to describe. NevertheIess, the principIes
by which my concluct has been actuated through life
'Voulu not sufrer me, in any great emergency, to withhold
any services 1 could render, required by my country;
especially in a case where its dearest rights are assaiIed
by lawless ambition and intoxicated power, contrary to
every principIe of justice, anu in violation of solemn com-
pacts and ]a\ys, whi<.:h govern all civilized nations; and
tbis, too, with the obvious intent to sow thick the seeds
234
of disunion, for the purpose of subjugating the govern-
ment, and destroying our independence and happiness."
"In circumstances like these, accompanied by an
actual invasion of our territorial rights, it would be diffi-
cult at any time for me to remain an idle spectator under
the pIe a of age or retirement. \Nith sorrow, it is true, 1
should quit the shades of my peaceflll abode, anu the
ease anu happiness 1 now enjoy, to encounter anew the
tnrmoils of war, to which, possibly, my strength and
pO\vers might be found incompetent. These, however,
shoulu not be stumbling-blocks in my own way."
"As my whoIe life has been ueuicateu to my country
in one shape or another, for the poor remains of it, it is
not an object to contend for ease anu quiet, when aH that
is valuable in it is at stake, further than to be satisfiecl
that the sacrifice 1 should make of these is acceptable
and uesired by my country."
Befare the reception of [hese communicaüolIs frum \Vashiugtoll, the
following proceedings too k place ;-
IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, SENATE OF 'rIlE UNITED
STATES.
MONDAY, JULY 2,1798.
Thc following written message was received from the rrcsideut of the
lTll1ted States, by Mr. MaIcom ltis secretary;-
GentIemen of the Senate :-
1 nominate George Washington, of Mount Vernon, to
be Lieutenant-general and Commander-in-chief of an the
armies raised, or to be raiseu, in the U nited States.
TJnited States, JuIy 2, 1798. JOHN ADAMs.
The message \Vas read.
Orrlcred, That it líe for consideration.
•
TVESlJAY, JULY 3,1798.
Th3 Senate took into consideration the message of the President of
the United Statcs, of the 2d instant, and the nomination contained there-
in, of George Washington, to office. vVhereupon,
Gn the question to advise and consent to the appointment, it was de-
termined in the affirmative: Yeas, 24.
The yeas and nays being required by one-fifth of the Senators present,
Those who voted in the affirmative, are-Messrs. Anderson, Bingham,
Brown, Chipman, Clayton, Foster, Goodhue, Greene, Hillhouse, How-
ard, Langdon, Latimcr, Laurance, Livermore, Martín, Mason, North,
Paine, Rúad, RUlherford, Sedgwick, Stockton, Tazewell and Tracy.
So it was,
Resolved, unanimously, That they do advise and con-
sent to the appointment, agreeabIy to the nomillation.
The following eorrespondenee then ensued:-
Extraet of a Ictter from John Adams, President of the United States,
to James McHenry, Secrctary 01' \Var :
" P kiladclpllia, J u 1 y 6, 1798.
"DEAR SIR,-It is my desire, that you embrace the
first opportunity to set out on your journey to l\Tount
Vernon, anJ wait on General vYashington with the COIll-
mission of lieutenallt-general and commander-in-chief of
the armies of the U nited States, which, by the advice
anJ consent of the Senate, has becn SigllCJ by me.
" The reasons amI moti ves, which prevaileJ \vith me
to venture on such a step as the nomination of this great
anJ illustrious tharacter, whose voIuntary resignation
aIone occasioneJ my introduction to the office 1 now
hold, were too numerOllS to be detailed in this letter, and
are too obviolls anJ important to escape the observation
of any part of America or Europe. But, as it is a move-
ment of great delicacy, it will require all yOlllr ... ·address to
commnnicate the subject in a manner that shall be inof-
236
fensi ve to his feelings, and consistent with an the respect
that is due from me to him.
"If the General should decline the appointment, aH
the world will be silent and respectfully acquiesce. If
he should accept it, aH the \"orld, except the enemies of
this country, will rejoice. If he should come to no deci-
sive determination, but take the subject into considera-
tion, 1 sha11 not appoint any other lieutenant-general till
his conclusion is known."
" His advice in the formation of a list of officers wouId
be extremely desirabIe to me." " ParticularJy 1 wish to
have his. opinion of the men most suitable for inspector-
general, adjutant-gtmeraI, and qllartermaster-general."
" Bis opinion on aH subjects wouId have great weight ;
and 1 wish you to obtain from him as much of his retlec-
tions upon the times and the service as you can."
Pltiladelphia, J uly 7, 1798.
DEAR SIR,-Mr. McHenry, the Secretary of War, will
have the honor to wait on you, in my behalf, to impart
to you a step 1 have ventured to take, and which 1 should
have been happy to have communicated in pcrson, if
such a journey had been at this time iI). my pO\ver. As
1 said in a former letter, if it had be en in my powcr to
nominate you to be Pre~i.dent of the U nited States, 1
should have done it \vith less hesitation and more pIea-
sure. My reasons for this measure will be too well
kno\vn to need any expIanation to the pllblic. En:ry
friend and every enemy of America wi11· comprehend
them at first blush. 1'0 you, sir, Iowe a11 the apologies
1 can make. 1'11e urgent neccssliy 1 am in of yo:]r
aclvice ancl assistance, imlt}ed of }our concluct ancl u.irec~
tion of the war, is aU 1 can urge, anu. that is a sufficient
justification to myself and the world. 1 hope it will be
so considere u. by yourself. Mr. McHenry wiU have the
honor to consult you upon the organization of the army,
and upon every thing relating to it.
\Vith the highest respect, 1 have the honor to be, sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
. J OHN ADAMS.
11[ount Vernon, J uly 13, 1798.
DEAR Sm,-I hau. the honor, on the evening of the
11 th instant, to receive from the hands of the Secretary
of \Var your favor of the 7th, announcing that you had,
with the au.vice anu. consent of the Senate, appointed me
lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of all the
armies raised 01' to Le raiscd for the service of the Uniteu.
States.
1 cannot exprcss how grcatly affccted 1 am at this
new proof of public confidence, anu. the highly flattering
manner in which you have been pleased to make the
communication; at the same time 1 must not conceal
from you my earnest \Vish, that the choice had fallen on
aman less declineu. in years, anu. better qualifieu. to en-
counter the usual vicissituu.es of war.
You know, sir, \\That calculations 1 hau. mau.e relative
to the urobaLle course of· events on my retiring from
office, ana the u.ctermina1Íon 1 hau. consoleu. myself with,
of closing the remnant of my days in my present peace-
fu] abou.e. You \ViII, therefore, be at no 10ss to conceive
amI appreciate the sensations 1 must have experienceu.,
to bring my mind to any conclusion that woulu. pleuge
~4
238
me, at so late a period of life, to leave se ene::; 1 sincer(1)
love, to enter upon the b~undless field of public action,
incessant trouble, and high responsibility.
1t was not possible for me to remain ignorant of, or
indifferent to, recent transactions. The conduct of the
Directory of France towards our country, their insidious
hostilities to its government, their various practices to
\vithdraw the afTections of the people from it, the evident
tendency of their arts and those of thcir agents to coun-
tenance and invigorate opposition, their disregarcl of
solemn treaties and the la\Vs of nations, their \Var upon
our defencekss commerce, their treatment of om minister
of peace, and their demands, amounting to tribute, could
not fail to excite in me corresponding sentiments with
those which my countrymen have so gene rally expresscd
in their afIectionate addresses to you. Believe me, sir,
no one can more corclially approve of the \Vise and pru-
dent measmes of your administration. They ought to
inspire universal confidence, and \ViII, no doubt, combined
with the state of things, call from Congress such la\Vs
and means as will enable you to meet the full force and
extent of the crisis.
Satisfiecl, therefore, that you have sincerely wished
and endeavoured to avert war, and exhausted to the last
drop the cup of reconciliation, we can with pure hearts
appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause, amI may
confJuentIy trust the final result to that kind Providence,
which has heretofore and so often signally favored the
peopIe of these U nited States.
Thinking in this manner, and feeling how incumbent
it is upon every person of every clescription to contribute
at aH times to his country's welfare, and especially in a
239
moment like the present, when every thing we hold dear
is so seriously threatened, I have finally determined to
accept the commission of commander-in-chief of the
armies of the United States; with the reserve only, that
1 shall not be called into the field until the army is in a
situation to require my presence, or it becomes indis-
pensable by the urgency of circumstances.
In makillg this reservatioll, 1 beg to be 'understood,
that 1 do not mean to withhold any assistance to arrange
and organize the army, which you may think 1 can
afford. 1 take the liberty also to mention, that 1 must
decline having my acceptance considered as drawing
after it any immediate charge upon the public, and that
1 cannot receive any emoluments annexed to the appoint-
ment, before entering into a situation to incur expense.
The Secretary of War being anxious to return to the
seat of governrnent, 1 have detained hirn no longer than
was necessary to a full cornrnunication upon the several
points he had in charge.
With very great respect and consideration, 1 have the
honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
240
lO IHE MEMORY OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
nORN FEERUARY 22, 1732.-DIED AT lIlOL-l'H VER::VO::V, DECE:YIEER 14, 1799.
THE illustrious \Vashington having filled the measure
of his country's glory and exalted his own polítical and
military fame and private charaeter far aboye the standard
of excellence attained by the greatest man of modern or
ancient times; and having, on every oeeasion, performed
his duty to his country, not only with that ficlelity and
devotion ·which beeame a good citizen, but \vith that
wisdom, affeetion, and paternal solicitude whieh have
obtained for him, by the unanimous voiee of mankind,
the title of "Father of his Country," was called, on
the 14th December, 1799, by the ALMIGHTY FATHER OF
HEA YEN, we hope, to tbe enjoyment of that rieh reward
which is reserved for those who act well their FaJ·t on
earth.
241
The universal gloom which pervaded the hearts of his
conntrymen on that solemn occasion, seems so far to
have comminglea with the veneration for his character
which has be en transmittea to posterity, as to inspire in
the patriot's heart an inaescribable awe in approaching
the mementos of his glory, arouna which there is a halo
so brilliant ana penetrating as to reach the inmost intel-
ligence oE man, and to purify the moral and intellectual
being, by the contemplation oE every attribute that was
excellent and noble in human nature. Jt is salutary to
remember the outpourings of affection ana sorrow on the
departure of those whose "irtues and goodness have en-
dearea them to our hearts, it elevates the finer feelings
of our nature, as the presence of innocence promotes the
contemplation of that angelical virtue.
The sons and daughters of America rnourned the loss
their country had sustained in the death of their Wash-
ington, with a cause of sorrow which no other people, in
any case, to the same extent couId pleaa; their govern-
ment, in unison with the feelings of the people, dernon-
stratea that grief in measures of respect ana veneration
worthy of a nation's affection and a nation's gratituae,
ana long-long-may the remembrance of those deep
ana sincere efILlsions of affection ana gratituae continue
to warm the hearts of the American people. There let
the memory of Washington be enshrinea, and his private
virtues and patriotic ardor wiU continue to animate this
people to the remotest generation. It is proposed to
concluae this chapter by consecrating the proceedings and
measures of the Government on that memorable occasion
10 lHE MEMORV OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
242
IN THE CONGRESS Ol<' THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENT ATIVES,
TlIURSDAY, DECE~lBER 19, 1799.
The House of Representatives of thc United States, having rcr;eived
intelligenee of the death of their highly valued fellow-citizen, George
Washington, General of the armies of the United Slates, and sharillg
the universal grief this distressing event must produce,
Unanimously resolve:
1. That this House will wait on the President of the United
States, in condolence of tbis national calamity.
2. That the Speaker's chair be shrouded with black, and that
the members and officers of the House wear mourning, during the
session.
3. That a joint committee of both Houses be appointed to report
measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive of the profound
sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the loss of a citizen
FIRST IN W AR, FIRST IN PEACE, AND FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF lBS
COUNTRYl\IEN. '"
4. That when this House adjourns, it wiII adjourn until Monda}
next.
Ordered, That Mr. Marshall and Mr. Smith be appointed a committee
to wait on the President of the United Statcs, to know when and where
he will reeeive this House for the purpose expressed in the first resol u-
tion.
Ordered, That 1\'Ir. MarshalI, Mr. Craik, :!VIr. Henry Lee, Mr. Eggles-
ton, Mr. Smith, Mr. Stone, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Abiel Foster, Mr. Muh-
lenberg, Mr. Van Cortlandt, Mr. Dwight Foster, Mr. Franklin Daven-
port, Mr. Claiborne, Mr. Morris, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Taliaferro,
be a committee, jointly with sueh committee as may be appointed on
the part of the Senate, for the purpose expressed in the third resolution.
Ordered, That the clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate there-
with.
A written message was received from the President of the United
Rtates, by Mr. Shaw, his secretary, which, togethcr with the letter Re-
'" The re~olutions were drawn by Gen. IIenry Lee and introdured by John Mar-
Ihall, Rppre~entative from Yirginia.
• 243
companying the same, was read, and referrcd to th!1 c(lmmittec Iast ap-
pointed, and is as follows :
Gentlemen of the Senate, and
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The letter herewith transmitted will inform you that it
has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this life
our excellent fellow-citizen GEORG E WASHINGTON, by the
purity of his character, and a long series of senices to
his country, rendered illustrious through the world. It
remains for an affectionate and grateful people, in whose
hearts he can never die, to pay suitable honol's to his
..
memory.
JOHN ADAMS.
United Slates, December 19, li99.
"lI-fount Vernon, Decem ber 15, 1 i99.
" SIR: It is with inexprcssible grief that I have to announce to
you the death of the great and good General "Vashington. He
died last evening, between ten and eleven o'clock, after a short ill-
ness of about twenty hours. His disorder was an inflammatory
sore throat, which proceeded from a cold, of which he made but
little complaint on Friday. On Saturday morning, about three
o'clock, he became il1: Doctor Craik attended him in the morning,
and Doctor Dick, of Alexandria, and Doctor Brown, of Port 1'0-
bacco, were soon after called in. Every medical assistance was
ofrered, but without the desired efrect. His last scene corresponded
with the whole tenor of his life: not a groan nor a complaint
escaped him in extreme distress. W"itb perfect resignation, and in
full possession of his reason, he closed his well-spent life.
"1 have tbe honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most
obedient and very bumble servant,
" TO BIAS LEAR.
"The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES."
Mr. Marshall, from the committee appointed to wait on the President
of the United Statcs, to kflow when and where it will be convenient for
244
him to receive this House, in condolence of the national calamity, re.
ported that the committee had; according to order, performed that ser-
vice, and that the President signified to them it would be conveníent for
hím to receive this House at one o'clock this afternoon, at his own
house.
A message from the Senate, by Mr. Otia, their secretary:
Mr. Speaker: The Senate have agreed to the resolution passed by the
House of Representatives for the appointment of a joint committee of
both Houscs to report measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive
of the profound sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the los s
of a citi7.en first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his
countrymen; and have appointed Mr. Dayton, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Dex-
ter, Mr. Gunn, Mr. Lawrence, and Mr. Tracey, a committee on their
parto
And then heewithdrew.
The Speaker, attenc.ed by the House, thcn withdrew to the house of
the President of the United States, when Mr. Speaker addressed the
President as follows :
SIR: The House of Representatives, penetrated with
a sense of the irreparable 1088 8ustained by the nation in
the death of that great and good fian, the illustriou8 and
beloved Washington, wait on you, sir, to express their
condolence on this melancholy and distressing evento
To which the President replied as follows:
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
1 receive, with great respect and affection, the condoG
lence of the House of Representatives, on the melan·
choly and affecting event, in the death of the most illus ..
trious and beloved personage which this country ever
producfd. 1 sympathize with yon, with the nation, and
with good men through the world, in this irreparable 108s
sustained by liS aH.
JOHN ADAMS.
United Sta tes, December 19, 1799.
•
245
MONDA y , DECEMBER 23, 1799.
Mr. Marshall, from the joint committee appointed to prepare and re-
port measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive of the profound
sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the los s of their highly
valued fellow-citizen, George Washington, General of the armies of the
U nited States, made a report, in part j which he delivered in at the
clerk's table, where the sume was twice read and considered: \Vhere-
upon,-
It was resolved, that the House do unanimously agree to the following
resolutions, to wit :
Resolved by the Scnate and House of Represcntatives of tlte llnited
States o/ .I1merica in Congress assembled, That a marble monument
be ereeted by the United States, in the Capitol, at the city of
'Washington; and that the' family of General \Vashington be re-
quested to permit his body to be deposited under it; and that tha
monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of
his military and political life.·
Jlnd be it jurllter resolved, That there be a funeral procession from
Congress Hall to the German Lutheran Chureh, in honor of tha
memory of General George "'-ashington, on Thursday, the twenty-
sixth instant, and that an oration be prepared at the request of Con-
gress, to be delivered before both Houses, on that day; and that
the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives be desired to request one of the members of Congress
to prepare and deliver the same.
And be it jurlher resolved, That it be recommended to the people
of the United States to wear erape on the left arm, as mourning,
for thirty days.
And be it jurfher resolved, That the President of the U nited
States be requested to direet a copy of these resolutions to be trans-
mitted to Mrs. \Vashington, assuring hE'r of the profound respee-t
Congress will ever bear to her person and charaeter; of their eon-
dolenee on the late afHieting dispensation of Providenee; and en-
treating her assent to the interment of the remains of General
George Washington in the manner expressed in the first resl.'
lution.
jJnrl be it jurther resolved, That the President of the U l1ited
246
• States be requestcd to issue a proclamation, notifying to tha people
throughout the U nited States the recommendation contained in the
third resolution.
Ordered, That the clerk of this House do carry the said resolutions to
the Senate, and desire their concurrence.
A message from lhe Senate, by Mr.Otis, their secretary:
Mr. Speaker: The Senate have agreed to the resolutions passcJ by lhe
House of Representatives, directing certain measures to be tnken suitable
to the oceasion, and expressive of the profound sorrow with which Con-
gress is penetrated on the loss of their highly valued fellow-citizen,
George 'Yashington, General of the armies of the U nited States.
TUESDAY, DECElI1BER 24, 1799.
:!\fr. Gray, from the joint committee for enrolled bilIs, reported that
the committee had examined the enrolled resolutions "directing eertain
measures to be taken in honor of the memory of General George Wash·
ington, and had found the same to be truly enrolled: Whereupon,-
Mr. Speaker signed the said enrolled resolutions.
Ordered, That the clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate there.
with.
Mr. Wadsworth, from the joint committee for enrolIed bills, reported
that lhe eommittee did, this day, present to the President of the United
States, for his approbation, the enrolled resolutions directing certain
measures to be taken in honor of the memory of General George Wash.
iñgton.
A message was received from the President of the United States, by
Mr. Shaw, his secret ary, notifying that the President did, this day, ap-
prove and sign the cmolled resolutions, whieh originatcd in this House,
in honor of ¡he memory of General George 'Yashington.
1'he Speaker informcd ¡he House, that, conformably to the resolution
of Congress, the President of tbe Senate and lhe Speaker of the Honse
of Representatives had requested Major General Henry Lee, one of the
Representatives from the State of Virginia, to prepare alld deliver a
funeral oration before both houses, on Thursday, the twenty-sixth instant,
in honor of the memory of George 'Yashington, late General of ¡he
m"mies of ¡he United States; und that l\1r. Lee had be en pleased to ae-
cept of ¡he nppointment.
On motiun, the lIouse adjourned until Thursday morning, half-past ten
o' clock.
247
ThURSDAY, DECElI1BER 26, 1799.
This being the day appointed by the resolution of Congress for tha
funeral procession in honor of the memory of George Washington, late
General of the armies of the Unit;d States, the Rouse proceeded to tha
German Lutheran Church, where they attended the funeral oration pre·
pared and delivered on the occasion by Major General Lee, one of the
members of this House for the State of Virginia:
FUNERAL ORATJ:ON.
IN obedience to your wiII, 1 rise your humble organ,
with the hope of executing a part of the system of public
mourning whif:h you have been pleased to adopt, com-
memorative of the death of the most illustrious and most
beloved personage this country has ever produced; and
whieh, while it transmits to posterity your sense of the
awful event, fuintly rep~esents your knowledge of the
consummate exeellenee you so cordialIy honor.
Desperate indeed is any attempt on earth to meet cor-
respondingly this dispensation of Heaven ; for, while \vith
pious resignation we s.lJbmit to the ,vill of an all-graeious
Providence, \Ve can never eease lamenting, in our finite
>"iew of Omnipotent \Visdom, the heart-rencling privation
for whieh our nation \Veeps. When the civilized world
shakes to its centre; when every moment gives birth to
strange and momentous ehanges; when our peaeeful
quarter of the globe, exempt as it happily has been from
any share in the slaughter of the human raee, may yet be
compelled to abandon her paeifie poliey, and to risk the
doleful easualties of war: What limit is there to the
extent of our ]oss ?-None within the reaeh of my words
to express; none which your feelings wil] not disavow.
248
,
The founder of our feJerate republic-our bulwark in
\\ ar, our guide in peace, is no more! Oh that this \Vere
but questionable! Hope, the .. comforter of the wretched,
wouId pour into our agonizing hearts its balmy dew.
But, alas! there is no hope for uS; our \Vashington is
removed for ever! Possessing the stoutest frame, and
purest mind, he had passed near1y to his sixty-eighth
year, in the enjoyment of high health, when, habitllated
by his care of us to neglect himself, a slight cold, dis-
regarded, beca me inconvenient on Friday, oppressive on
Saturday, and, defying every medical interposition, before
the morning of Sunday, put an end to the best of meno
An ena Jid 1 say?-his fame survives !-bounded only
by the limits of the earth, and by the extent of the human
mind. He snrvives in our hearts~ in the growing know-
ledge of our children, in the affections of the good
throughout the world; and when our monuments shall
be done away; when nations now existing shalJ be no
more; when even our young and far-spreading empire
shall have perishecl, still win our Washington 's glory un-
faded shine, ánd die not, until love of virtue cease on
earth, or earth itself sinks into ehaós.
How, my fellow-citizens, sha11 1 single to your grateful •
hearts his pre-eminent worth! Where shall 1 begin in
opening to your virw a character throughout sublime?
8ha11 1 speak of his \'farlike achievements, aH springing
from obedience to his country's will-aH directed to his
country's good?
\Vill you go with me to the banks of the Monongahela,
to see yo']r youthful Washington, supporting, in the dismal
hour of lndian victory, the ill-fated Draddock, and saving,
hy his judgment and by his valor, the remains of a de-
feated army, pressed by the conqnering savage foe? Or,
when oppresseu America, nobly resol ring to risk her al]
in uefence of he1' violateu rights, he was elevateu by the
unanimous voiee of Congress to the cümmand of her
armies :-vVill you follow him to the high grounus of
Boston, where to an unuisciplined, courageous, amI vir
tuous yeomanry, his presence gave the stability of system,
anu infused the invincibility of lo ve of country; or sha11
1 carry yon to the painful scenes of Long Islanu, York
hland and New Jersey, ,,,11en, combating superior and
g311ant a1'mies, aiued by pmverful flcets, anu led by chiefs
l1igh in the roIl of fame, he stoou, the bulwark of om .safety ;
undismayeu by uisaster; unchanged by change of for-
tune. Or will you view him in the precarious fields of
Trenton, \>.;here deep gloom unnerving every arm, reigned
triumphant through our thinned, worn clown, unaided
ranks; himself llnmovecl. Dreaclful \Vas the night. It
"'as about .this time of winter-the storm raged-the
Delaware rolling furiously wilh floating ice, foroade the
approach of mano vVashington, self-collected, viewed
the tremenuous scene-his country calleu; unappalled
by sllrrollnding u:mgers, he passec} to the hostile ~hore ;
he fOllght; he COlll¡nereJ. The morning sun cheered the
A meriean worlJ. Our country rose on the event; and
her uauntless chief, pursuing his b10w, completed in thc
lawlls of Princeton, ",hat his vast soul hacl coneeived on
the shores of Dela ware.
Thence to the strong grounds of Morristown he led his
small but gallant band; anu through an eventful wintpr,
by the high efforts of his genius, whose matcbIess force
was measuraLIe on1y by tlle gro\yth of diffieuIties, he
held in check formidable hostile legions, conducted by a
25
chief expcrienced in thc art of war, and famed for his
valor 011 the ever memorable beights of Abraham, wbere
fell \Yolfe, Montcalm, and since, our much lamentecl
Xíontgolllery-all covered with glory. In this fortllnate
intel'yal, prodllced by his masterly conduct, our fathers,
oursehe~, animateu by his resistless example, rallied
around our conntry's standard, ancl contirmed to follow
h(~r lH'lovcd chid through the various anu trying scenes
to ",ltich the dcstillies of Ollr U nion ledo
\\'ho is there t11at has Íorgotten tbe vales of Brandy-
wine-tlw ficlds of Germantown-or the lJlains of M on-
.1
mouth? Evcrywhere pre8ent, wants 01' every kinu
obstructing, numerons and valíant armies encounterings
himst:lf a host, he assuagcd our sllfferings, limited 01lI
pri \'ations, anJ uphdJ our tottering republic. Sball 1
display to yOll the spread of the flre of his soul, by
rehC'arsing the praisL's of the lIero of Saratoga, anu bis
much loyed compeer of the Carolinas? .Ko; our vVash-
ington \Years no borrowed glory: to Cates-to Creene,
he gave without reserve the applause uue to their emi-
nent meTit; and long may the dlÍefs of Saratoga, and
of Euta\ys, rt:cei\re ule grateful respect of a grateful
people.
l\Ioving in his own orLit, he imparted heat anulight to
his rnost distant satellites; and combining the physieal
and moral force of aH within his sphere, with irresistible
weight he took his course, commiserating folly, disdaining
vice, dismaying treason, and invigorating despondency;
llntil the auspicious hour arrived, when, united with the
intrepid forces of a potent and magnanimous ally, he
hrought to snbmission the since conqueror of India; thns
finishing his long career of rnilitary glory with a lustre
27)1
corresponuing to his great name, anu in this his last aet
of war affixing the sea] of fate to our nation's birth.
'1'0 the harriu din of battle sweet peace succeeded,
and om virtuous chief, minuful on1y of the comrnan good,
in él rnoment tempting personal aggrandizement, hushed
the discontents of growing secJition ; and, surrendering his
poví'er into the hancls from which he had recei\'eu it, (',011-
verted his sworu into él ploughshare, teaching an aclrniring
world that to be tru]y great, }oa must be tmIy good.
"Vas 1 to stop here, th(~ picture ,YOldJ be incomplete,
and the task imposcd nnfinished. Great as v;as our
vVashington in war, anu as much as did that greatness
contribute to produce tite American Republic, it is 110t in
war aIone his prc-eminence stands conspicuollS. His
various talenis combining all the capaeities of a states-
man with those of a soldier, fittru him alike to gnide tbe
eouncils ancI (he armirs of our natian. Scarcel.y hau he
resteu from his martial toils, "hile his im"alnabJe part'ntL1J
adrice ,vas still sounding in Ollf ears, when 11l~ ,,,ho hall
bren our shield ancl om sword, was calleu forth to aet a
less splendiu but more important parto
PoSSCS~illg a elear and pellrtraiing mind, a strong and
sounc1 judgmcnt, calmness and temper for de!iberalion,
with inrineible firmness, and perseverance in resollltions
rrwturtly formed, drawing information from all, acting
from himse]f, wilh incorruptible integrity ana unvarying
patriotism: his O\vn superiority ancl the public confiJencc
;dike markecl hilO as the man designed by Heaven to leacl
in the great polilieal as \Yell as mil i;ary events which
}l(1VC distinguished the era of bis Jife.
The finger of an overruli!1g provid{'llCe, pointin~ at
\Vashington, was Ilt'ither mi~;t(jkt'n nor ullo~servf~d;
252
when, to realize the vast hopes to which our revolution
had given birth, a change of political system became
indispensable.
How novel, how grand the spectac1e! Indepenclent
states stretched over an immense territory, and known
on]y by common difficulty, clinging to their uniun as the
rock of their safety, deciding by frank comparison of
their relative condition, to rear on that rock, under the
guidance of reason, a common government, through
whose cornmanding protection, liberty and order, wilh
their long train of bJessings, should be saJe to them-
selves, and the 8ure inheritance of their posterity.
This aruuous task devolved on citizens selected by the
people, from knowledge of their wisdom and confidence
in tbeir virtue. In this augllst assembly of sages and
patriots, \Yashington of course was found; ami, as if
acknowledgeJ to be most \Vise, \"here all were wise, with
one voice he \Vas declctred their chief. How \vell he
merited this rare clistinctil)n, how faithful were the ]abours
(lf himself ancl his compatriots, the work of their hands
and our union, strength and prosperity, the fruits of that
'work, best attest.
But to have essentially aided in presenting to his
country this consummation of h2r hopes, neither satisfied
the claims of his fellow-citizens on his talents, nor those
duties whieh the possession of those talents imposecl.
Heaven bad not infusecl into his mincl such an uncommon
share of its ethereal spirit to remain unemployed, nor
bestoweu on birn his genius unaccompanieu with the eor-
responuing cluty of cleyoting it to the common goocl. '1'0
have framed a Constitution, was showing only, without
ealizing, the general happiness. This great \York re-
253
mained to be done; and America, steadf.'1st in her prefer-
ence, \Vith one voice summoned her belovcd vVashington,
unpractised as he \Vas in the duties of civil administra-
tion, to execute this 1ast aet in the completion oI' the
national ftlicity. Obedient to her call, he assnmed the
high office with that self-distrust peculiar to his innate
moclesty, the constant attendant of pre-eminent virtue.
\Vhat \Vas the burst of joy throllgh our anxious land on
this exhilarating erent is known to lIS al1. The aged,
the young, the brave, the faÍr, ri"alee! each other in
demonstrations of their gratitLlde ; aml this high-wrought,
ddightfllI scene was heightened in i¡s effect, by the sin-
gular contest between the 7..eal of the bestowers and the
ayoidance of the recei ver uf the honors bestow(~d. Com-
mencing his administralion, what heart is not charmed
Wiih the recollection of the pure and wise principIes an-
nouneed by himself, as the basis oI' his polítieaI life. He
best llnderstood the indissolllble union between virtue and
happiness, between dllty and ad vantage, between the
genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimolls poliC'y,
and the solid rewards of Pllolic pr,)sperity and indi viduaJ
felicity; watching with an equal amI comprehensive eyl'
over this great assemblage oI' communities and interests)
he Iaid the foundations of our nationaI policy in the un-
erring, immutable principIes of morality, based on reJi-
gion, exemplifying the pre-eminence of a free govern-
ment; by al! the attributes which \Vin the affections of
its citzens, or eommand the respect of the worId.
"O fürtunatos nimium, suu si bona norint!"
Lending through the compIicated difficulties produced
by previo LIS obligations and conflicting interests, seconded
25*'
254
by sllcceeding houses of Congress, enlightened and pa-
triotic, be surmoullted a11 original obstruction, and bright-
ened the path of our national felieity.
The presidential term expiring, bis solicitud e to ex-
('hange exaltation for humility returned with a force
increased \vith increase of age; and he had prepared his
farewell address to his countrymen, proclaiming his inten-
tion, when the united interposition of all around him,
enforced by the eventful prospects of the epoch, produced
a further sacrifice of inclinatj()11 to duty. 'l'he election
of President followeo, and vVashington, hy the unani-
mous vote of the nation, was calIed to resume the Chief
lVfagistracy. \Yhat a wonclerful fixture of confidence!
\Vhich attracts most our aclmiration, a peopleso correct,
or a citizen combining 3n assemblage of ta1ents forbio-
ding rivalry, and stif1ing even envy itself? Such a nation
ollght to be happy, such a chief must be for ever revereo.
\Var, long menaced by the lndian tribeí', now broke
out; and the terrible confIict, deluging Europe wilh
blood, began to shed its baneful infIuence over our
happy land. To the first, outstretching his invincible
arm, under the orders of the gallant \Vayne, the Ameri-
can eagJe soared triumphant through distant forests.
Peace followed victory; and the melioration of the con-
dition of the enemy folIowed peace. Godlike virtue,
which uplifts even the subdued savage.
To the seeond he opposed himse]f. N ew and delicate
was the conjuncture, and great was the stake. Soon did
his penetrating mind discern and seize the only course,
continuing to us all the felicity enjoyed. He issuell bis
proe1amation of nentrality. This index to his \\"hole
f'iubsequent conduct was sanctioncd by the approbatiol1
255
of both houses of Ccngress, and by the approving "oice
of the peopIe.
To this sublime policy he inviolably adhered, unmoved
by foreign intrusion, unshaken by domestic turbulencE'.
" J ustum et tenacem propositi virum,
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instuntis tyranni,
Mente quatit folida."
MaintaÍning bis pnl'ific system at the expense of no
duty, America, faithful to hcrself, and sllstained jn her
honor, continneJ to enjoy the delights of peace, wbile
affiicted Europe mOUl'\1S in every quarter under the aceu-
mulated miseries of an u'nexampled \var; miseries in
\vhich our happy country must have shared, had not our
prc-eminent vVasbington been as firm in conneil as he
,vas bra\'c in the fie1J.
Pursuing steadfastly his course, he held safe the public
happiness, preventing foreign war, aneI quelling internal
discord, ti11 the revolring period of a third election
approachecl, \dwn he executed his interrupted but inex-
tinguisho.ble desire of returning to the humble walks of
private life. .
The promulgation of 11is fixed resolution stoppéd the
anxious wishes of an affectionate people, from adcling a
third unanimous testimonial of their unabated confidence
in the man so long enthroned in their hearts. \Vhen be,
fore W8.S affection like this exhibited on earth? Turn
oyer the records of anc:ient Greece ! Review the annals
of mighty Rome! Examine the yolumes of modern
Europe; you seareh in vain. America and her \Vash-
ington on1y affonl the tlignified exemplification. The
256
illustrious personage ca1led by the national yoice in su e ..
cession to the arduous office of guiding a free people,
had new difficuJties to enconnter. The amicab1e etrort
of sett1ing our difnculties with France, begun by "\Vash-
ington, and pursued by his successor in virtue ü.S in sta-
tion, proying abortire, America took meaSllres of self-
deffel1ce. No sooner was the public mincl rOllsccl by a
prospect of danger, than every eye was turnecl to the
~'riend of a11, though secJuded froIn puLlic view, and gray
in public serrice. The virtnolls \'rteran following his
p1ough, reccived the unexpected surnmons with mingl(~d
emotions of indignation at the unm(~rited ill-treatment of
his country, and of a determinatÍon once more te) risk
his a11 in her defenee.
The annunciation of these feelings, in his affecting
letter to the President, accepting the command of the
army, concludes his ofIleial conducto
First in war, first in peace, ano first in the hearts of his
countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and
endearing scenes of private Efe: pious, just, humane,
temperate, and sincere, uniform, dignifieo, and eom-
manding, his example was as edifying to aH around him
as were the effects of that examp]e lasting.
To his equals he was condescending; to his inferiors
kind; and to the dear object of his affeetions exemplarily
tender. Correet throughout, vice shuddered in his pre-
sence, and virtue ahvays felt his fostering hand; the
purity of his pri vate charaeter gave effll]gence to his
public virtnes.
His 1ast scene comported with the whole tenor of his
tife; although in extreme pain, not a sigh, not a groan
escaped him; and with undistnrbed serenity he elosed
257
his well-spent life. SlH:h \Vas the man America has lost.
such was the man for " .. hom our nation mourns! Methinks
1 see his allgust image, and hear, falling from his vener-
able lips, these clecp-sinking \'rorcls :
"Cease, sons of Amcrica, lamenting OUT separation:
go on, and confirm by your wisdom the fruits of OUT joint
councils, joint efforts, and common clangers. Reverence
religíon; cliífuse knowledge throughout your land ; patron-
ize the arts ancl sciences; let liberty and order be in-
sepcuable companions; control party-spirit, the bane of
frte gorcrnment; observe good faith to, and cultirate
peace with all natÍons; shut up every arenue to foreign
influence; contract rather than extend na~ional con-
nexion; rely on YOUTselves only; be American in thought
and deed. Thus will you give immortality to that union,
which \Vas the constant object of my terrestrial labours.
Thus will you preserve undisturbecl to the latest posterity
the felicity of a people to me most dear; and thus will
you supply (if my happiness is now aught to you) the
only vacancy in the round of pure bliss high Hearen
bestows."
_WH
FRIDA Y, DECEY.BER 27, 1799.
On a motion made and seconded that the House do come to the follow-
iug resolutiol1, to w;t:
The Honso of Representatives of the United States, highly
gratified with the manner in which Mr. Lee has performed the sor-
vice assigned to him, under the resolution desiring the President of
the Senate amI Speaker of tbe House of Representatives to request
one of the memhers of Congress to prepare and deliver a funcal
oration on the death of Georrre \Vashinrrton ,. and desirous of cum-
o o
IDlli.ic;:¡tina to thcir fellow-citizens, throurrh the medium of tha
o o
258
press, th08e sentiments of respect for the character, of gratitud",
for the services, and of grief for the death, of that illllstrious per-
sonage, which, fe1t by all, have, on this melancholy occasion, been
so weU expressed :
RC:iolved, Tbat the Speaker present the thanks of this House to
Mr. Lee, for the oration delivered by him to both Houses of Con-
gress on Thursday, the twenty-sixth instant; and request that he
will permit a copy thereof to be taken for publication :
.The question was taken that the House do agree to the same,
And unanilllously resolved in the aflirmative.
MONDA Y, DECElHBER 30, 1799.
The Speaker informed the House that, in pursuance of the resolution
of Friday l~st, he had addresscd to Major General Henry Lee, one of
the mcmbers for the State of VirgiL :a, the following lctter:
"Philadelphia, December 27, 1799.
"DEAR SIR: The encloseJ resolutions, which unanimously passed
the House of Representatives tbis day, wil! mal,e known to you
how higbly tbey have been gratified with the manner in which you
have performed the service assigned to )'011, in preparing and de-
livcring a funeral oration on the death of General 'Washington.
That our constituents may participatein the gratification we ha ve
received from your having so well expresscd those sentimcnts of
rrspect for the character, of gratitude for t11e services, and of grief
for the death, of that illustrious personage, 1 fbtter rnysclf you wil!
not hpsitate to comply with the request of the House, by furnishing
a copy of your oration, to be taken for publication.
"Allow me, while performing this pleasing task of official duty
in communicating an act of the represpntatives of the people, so
jnst to you and so honorable to themselves, to embrace the oppor-
tunity to declare tirat
"J am, personally, with grpat esteem and sillccre regard, deal
t:lr, your friend and obedient servant,
"THEODORE SEDGvVICK.
H The honorable Maj. Gen. LEE."
1'0 whieh Mr. Lee hud replicd as folloWB!
"Pranldin Cmr!, December 28, 1 i99.
" DEAR ~IR: 1 owe to the goouness of t1le Honse of Repre8enta-
tivcs th8 honor which their resolutions confer on my hnmble etIorts
to cxecnte their wish.
"1 can never disobey their will, and thercfore will fnrnish a
copy'" of the oration uelivereu on th8 late affiicting" occasion, much
as 1 had flaUered mysclf with a different disposition of it.
" Sincerely reciprocating the personal consideration with which
you hOllor me, 1 am, very respectfully, sir, your friend and obcdient
servant,
"HENRY LEE.
"The SPEAKER of the House of Representatives."
1\1r. :\lar8hall, [rom the joint committee nppointed to prepare and report
measures in honor of lhe memory of General George \Vashington, made
a further report, in part ; which was read and eonsidered: Whereupon,
It was unanimously resolved that the House do agree to the j()llowing
resolutiolls:
Resolved by lile Senale and llollse (1 Representa/hes rf the lJhited
Sta/es (1 /lll/erica ill Congress assembled, '1'hat it be recommended
to the people of tite U nited Statcs to asscmble, on the twenty-
second day of February next, in surh numbers and manner as may
be convenient, publicly tú testify their grief for the death of Gene-
ral George \Vashington, by suitable eulogies, orations, and dis-
courses, or by pub] le prayers. t
JJnd it is !tlrth¡;r resohed, That the President be requested to
isslle a proclamation, for the pllrpose of carrying the foregoing reso-
lutioll into effect.
Ordered, That (hc clerk of this House do carry the said resolution~ to
the Senate, and desirc their cOllcurrence .
• Vide the Orution, page 217.
t In cOllformily with this recommendntion, Ihe peopI!' of every C¡ly, lown, vII-
lage, amI hamIe!, whose l1urnbers were swelled by the neighhoring counlry-peopIe,
assembled, and with deep devolion rendered tbeir heartfeIt tribute of affeetionlor
the memory of the Fatlter of their Country. This outpouring of gratitude aJl(I
atfection of a nation of free citizens has never been equallcd more nearly than by
liJe spollluneous and universal delllollstratioll of this XATIOXAL VIRTUE on the oc-
caSlOIl of the visit uf Gcn"raJ Lafayette to the Unitcd Statcs, in 1824.
2GO
[These resollltiollS ,,"ere agreed to by the 8ena~c on the 31st December,
1799, and approved by lhe President of the United States on the 6th
J anuary, 1800.]
MOXDAY, JANlJARY 6: 1800.
A message \Vas received from the President of (he United States, by
Mr. Adams, notiJ:,'ing that the President did, this day, H]lprove alld sign
certain enrolled resolutions, whieh originated in this House, direeting
fur! her measures in honor of the memor)' of General George \Vashington.
Ordcrcd, That the clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate there-
with.
\VEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8,1800.
A message, in writing, was receivcd from the President of the Uuited
States, by Mr. Shaw, his secretary, as followeth :
Gentlernen rf [he Scnate, and
Gentlemen rf the House uf Reprcsentatives:
In compliance with the request in Olle of the resolutions of Con-
gr()ss of tbe twenty-first of Decemher la!'t, 1 tr;lIlsmitt()d a capy of
those resolutions, by my secretary, 1\lr. Si};)w, to I\Irs. v"Yasbing-
ton, assuring her of the profound respect Congrcss ",ill ever bear
to her person and character; of their cond 01 once in the late afilict-
ing dispensatioll of Providence; and entreating hpr assent to the
interment of the remains of Gent?ral George \Vashington, in the
manner expressed in the first resolution. As the sentirnents of
that virluolls lady, not less beloved by tllis nation tlt,m she is at
present gre:ltl y afflicted, can never be so well expressed as in her
own worus, 1 transmit to Congrcss her original lctter.
It would be an attempt of too mnch delicacy to make any com-
ments upon it; but tbere can be no douht that the nation at large,
as \nol1 as a11 the branches of tite Government, will Le higldy
gratified by any arrangemellt which.may diminish the sacrifice she
makes of her individual feelings.
JOIlN ADA1.\lS.
Fnited Sta/es, January 6, 1800.
Tho letter referreu to in the said message is as fullows:
261
".l'tfoIlnt Vernon, December 31, 17~9.
" SIR: ~Thile 1 feel, with keenest anguish, the late di s-
pensation of Divine Proviclence, 1 cannot be insensible to
the mournful tributes of respect and veneration which are
paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband; and,
as his best services and most anxious wishes were always
devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to
know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully re-
mem bereu airorus no inconsiderable consolation.
"Taught, by that great example which 1 have so long
}¡ad before me, never to oppose my private wishes to the
public will, 1 must consent to the request made by Con-
gress, which you have hau the goodness to transmit to
me; ancl, in doing this, 1 need not, 1 cannot, say what a
sacrifice of individual feeling 1 make to a sense of public
duty.
" \Vith grateful acknowledgments and unfeigneu thanks
j;Jr the personal respect and evidences of condolence ex-
pressed by Congress anu yourself, 1 remain, very respect-
fnlly, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
"MARTHA WASHINGTON."
The i"aid mes~age, and letter accompanying the same, were read, and
ord('red to be re/erred to the joint committee appointed the nineteenth
ultimo, on receipt of the intelligence of the death of General George
VY fishington, to prepare and report measures suitable to the occasion.
FRIDAY, MARcH 28,1800.
On motion,
Resolved, That all Ietters and packets to Mrs. Martha Washington,
relíet of the late General George \Vashington, shaU be received and con-
veyed by post, free from postage, for and during her life.
Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolu-
tion; and that Mr. Henry Lee, Mr. Kittera and Mr. Dennis, do prepare
and bring ín the sume.
26
262
Mr. Henry Lee, from the committee appointed, presented, according
to order, a bill to extend the privilege of franking lctters and packages
to Martha Washington; which was received, and rcad {he first time.
On motion, the said bill was read 1he second time, and ordered to be
engrossed, and read the third time on Monday next.
MONDAY, MARcH 31,1800.
An engrossed bill to extend the privilege of franking letters and pack.
ages to Martha Washington, was read the third time.
Resolved, That the said bill do pass :-
AN ACT to extend the privilege of franking letters and
packages to Martha \Vashington.
Be it enacted by the Sena te and House 01 Representa-
tives 01 the United States 01 .I1merica in Congress as-
sembled, That allletters and pa,ckages to and from Martha
Washington, sha11 be received and conveyed by post free
of postage, for and dllring her life.
[This act was passed by the Senate on the 1st of April, and approved
by the President of the United States, on the 3d April, H100.]
IN THE SEN A TE OF THE UNITED ST ATES.
THURSDAY, DECDIBER 19,1799.
The following written message was received from the President of the
United States, by Mr. Shaw, his secretary:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
The letter herewith transmitted* wi1l inform you that i1
has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this Jife
* See letter from Tobias Lear on page 2,13.
263
our excel1ent fellow-citizen George Washington; by the
purity of his character, and a long series of services to
his country rendered illustrious through the world. It
remains for an affectionate and grateful people, in whose
hearts he can never die, to pay suitable honors to his
memory. JOHN ADAMS.
Unittd States, December 19, 1799.
The messagc and lctter were read.
Ordered, That they líe for consideration.
A mes:oage fi'om the House of Representatives, by :Mr. Oswald, in the
absel1ce of tbeir clerk:
1I1r. Presidcnt: The House of Representatives having received intelli-
gence of the death of their highly-valued fellow-citizen, General George
vVa:ohington, ana sharing the universal grief this distressing event must
produce, have Resolved, That á joint committee be appointed, to report
mea:::ures suitahle to the occasion, and expressive of the profound sorrow
wil h which Congress is renetratecl on the loss of a citizen, tirst in war,
tirsl. ill peace, allcl tirst in the hearts of hi8 countrymen; and havillg ap-
pointed a cOl1l1r1ittee on their part, desire the concurrence of the Senate.
And he withdrew.
The Senate proceeded to consider the foregoing re80lution of the House
of Representalives. vVhereupon,
Resolved, 'l'hat they do concur therein, and that Messrs. Dayton, Bing-
ham, Dexter, Gunn, Laurance, Tracy, and Read, be the cOll1ll1Íttee on
the part of the Senatc.
Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives
with the concurrence.
On motion,
Resolved, That the Senate will wait on the President of the United
States, to condole with him on the distressing event of the death of Gene-
ral George \Vashington; and that a committee be appointed to prepare,
[or that occasion, an address to lhe President of the United States, ex-
pressive of the deep regret of the Senate; and that this committee con-
sist of i\1essrs. Dexter, Ross, and Read.
On motion,
Resolved, That the chairs in the Senate chamber be covered, and the
rcom hung with black, and that each member, and the officers of the
264
Senate, go mto mourning, by the usual mode of wearing a crape round
the left arm, during the session.
'fhe Senate adjourned to 11 o'clock on Monday morning.
MONDA Y, DECEMBER 23, 1799.
Mr. Dexter, from the committee, appointed for the pnrpose on the lRth
¡nst., reportedthe draught of an address to the President of the United
States,on the death of General George \Vashington; which being read
in paragraphs, was adopted, as follows :
1'0 the President of the United Sta tes :
The Senate of the U nited States respectfully take leave,
sir, to express to you their deep regret fc)!' the 10ss their
country sustains in the death of General George Wash-
ington.
1'his event, so distressing to aH our fellow-citizens,
must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been as-
sociated with him in ueeus of patriotismo Pcrmit liS, sir,
to lriingle our tears with yours; on this occasion it is
manIy to wcep. 1'0 lose such aman, at such a crisis, is
no common calamíty to the world: our cOllntry mourns
her Father. 'fhe Almighty Disposer of human events has
takcn from liS our greatest benefactor ana ornamento It
beco mes liS to submit with reverence to him who " maketh
darkness his pavilion."
\Vith patriotic pride we review the Efe of our Wash-
ington, ana compare him wi'th tbose of other countries,
who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient ana modero
names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt
have too often be en allied; but bis fame is \vhiter than it
is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at
the majesty of his virtue. It reproved the intemperance
of their ambition, anu darkenea the splenuor of victory.
The Bcene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest
265
misfortune should sully his glory; he has travelled to the
enJ of his journey, anJ carrieJ with him an increasing
weight of honor; he has JepositcJ it safely, 'where mis·
fortune cannot tarnish it, where malice cannot blast it.
FavoreJ of Heaven, he departeJ without exhibiting the
wealmess of humanity. Magnanimous in death, the Jark·
ness of the grave could not obscure his brightness.
Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God!
his glory is eOllsummated; \Vashington yet lives-on earth
in his spotless example-his spirit is in hearen.
Ld his eountrymcn eonseerate the memory of the he·
roie general, the patriotie statesman, amI the virtuons
sage; let them teal:h their children never to forget that lhe
fruit of his labors and his example are their inheritance.
S~\lVlU EL LIVERMORE,
President of tlt9f.:Senate, pro tempore.
Orr!C1"I'IZ, That lhc committcc who prepared the addrcss, wait on the
President aflhe Unitcd Slates, and desire him to acquaint ¡he Senate at
whal time und pluce it wil! Le mast eonvenient fOf him thut it ShOllld ha
prc:-:cnt ed.
Mr. Dcxtei reportcd, from the committee, that they hud waited on the
President of the United Stutes, and that be had acquainted 111em thut he
wOlllJ receive the address of the Senate immediately, at his own hOllse.
\Vhcrcupoll, the Scnute waited 011 the President of the United States,
and the Presiden! 01' the Senute, in thcir llame, presented the address
this duy agrecd too
To which the President of the United States was pleased to make the
following reply :-
Gent lemen 01 the Senate .:
1 receive, with the most respectfnl ano affectionatr.
senliments, in this impressive address, the obliging ex-
pres:--iolls of your n'gard fe)]' the 10S5 OIU' eountry has sUS4>
2U·
266
tained in the death of her most estcemed, beloved, and
admired citizen.
In the multitude of my thoughts and recollections on
this melancholy event, you will permit me only to say,
that 1 have seen hirn in the days of adversity, in sorne of
the scenes of his deepest distress and most trying per-
plexities: 1 have also attended him in his highest eleva-
tion, and most prosperous felieity, with uniform adrniration
ol' his wisdorn, rnoderation, and constancy.
Among all our original associates in that memorable
league of the continent in 1774, whiuh first exprcssed the
sovereign will of a free nation in AlIlerica, he ,vas the
only one remaining in the general government.
Although, with a eonstitution more enfeebled than bis,
at an age \vhen he thought it necessary to prepare for re-
tirement, 1 feel myself,.alone, bereaved of rny last brother;
yet 1 derive a strong eonsolation from the unanimous dis-
position whieh appears, in all ages amI classes, to mingle
their sorrows with mine, on this eommon ealamity to the
world.
The life of our Washington eannot suffer by a com-
parison \vith those of other countries who have been most
celebrated and exalted by fame. The attributes and
decorations of royalty eouId have only served to eclipse
the majesty of those virtues ,vhich made him, frorn Leing
a modest citizen, a morf' respIendent luminary. Misfor-
tune, had he Iived, eouId hereafter have sullied his gIory
onIy with those superfi'CiaI minds, who, beIieving that eha-
raeters ancl actions are marked by sueeess aIone, rarely de-
serve to enjoy it. MaIiee eouId never bIast his honor, and
envy made him a singular exeeption to her universal rule.
For himseIf, he had lived enough to life, and to glory.
267
For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could have been
answered, he would have been immortal. For me, his
departure is at a most unfortunate momento Trusting,
however, in the wise and righteous domillion of Provi-
dence over the passions of men, and the results of their
councils and actions, as well as over their lives, nothing
remains for me but humble resignation.
His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom
and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in
the present age, but in future generations, as long as our
history shall be read. If a Trajan found a Pliny, a Mar-
cus Allrelius can never want biographers, eulogists, or
historians. JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Decernber 23, 1799.
The Senate returned to their own chamber.
A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Condy, their
Clerk:
JJ:lr. President: The joint committee appointed on the part of the
Rouse of Representatives, on the 19th instant, on the reccipt of the in-
telligence of the death of General George vVashington, having made
report to that House, they have agreed to sundry resolutions thereupon,
in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. And he withdrew.
Mr. Dayton, from the joint committee, appointed the 19th instant, on
the part of the Senate, on the receipt of the intelligence of the death of
General George Washingt('n, reported in past, and the report was agreed
too Whereupon,
Resolved, unanimously, That the Senate do concur in the aforesaid
resolutions.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1799.
In conformity to the resolve of the 23d instant, the Senate went in
procession to the German Lutheran Church, where was delivered an
oration* in honor of the memory of General George \Vashington. Aftel
which, they returned to their own chamber; and
Adjourned to 11 o'clock to-morrow morning .
.. See eratioll oC flenr)' Lee, p. 247
268
FRIDAY, DECE:\lIlER 27, lí'99.
On motion,
Rfsulved, That (he thanks of the Senate be communicatcJ, throu~h
.hcir f'resid8nt, to General IIenry Lee, fur ¡he elo(4Ucnt and imprcssive
oral ion to the memory of General George \Vashington, w hieh he pre-
pared and delivered at the request of Congress.
Resolvt>rl, 1'hat Ihe Seeretary be direeted to apply to General Lee for
a eopy of the samc.
269
CHAPTER 5.
l1'{AUGURAL ADDRESSES OF TIlE PATRIOTS AND SAGES
OF TIIE REVOLUTION, WHO WERE ELEVATED BY 'THE
SUFFRAGES OF 'THEIR FELLOW-CITIZENS '1'0 'THE
OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED S'TATES.
1. In seeking, among the great mass of literary matter that has
emanated from the able and inteIligent minds and honest hearts of
the statesmen of the Revolution, for compositions or productions
which imbody more completely than any others, and within the
smallest compass, the true principIes, objects, and designs, duties
and responsibilities, of the American Government under the Con-
stitution, none can be found comparable t6 the inaugural addresses
of those wise and true patriots who brought with them to the pre-
sidential oflice, not only the cxperience they had acc¡uired in those
times wlicn the energies and resources of the stoutest hearts and
ablcst minus were constantly in requisition, but the advantages oí
the highest illtelligence, resulting from that investigation of causes,
and deliberation upon eirects, constituting the prominent cbaractcr-
istics of truly great minds. These worthy spirits had witnessed
and felt the oppression of tite colonial system of bondage; the
want of a general government for the U nited Colonies in the com-
mcncement and progress of the Revolution; the total inefficiency
of the old form of government under the Confederation; and some
had taken part in, while aH had been eye-witnesses of, the efficient
and paternal administration of government under the Constitution
by tIte grcat and good ·Washington. The sentiments and princi-
pIes emanating from such sources, upon a subject so momentous,
cannot faíl to be highly interesting and instructive to the young
statesmen and patriots of our country; while, to every American
citizen capable ')f reading and understanding, they will be an in-
valuable mcans of judging properly of the views and princi]ll~s
270
of the puh1ic men who may be candidates for their suffrag-e :md
favor; for, if their declaratlons and sentiments contradict those
contained in th8se inaugural addresses, doubts may well be fmter-
tained of tlwir soundness or sincerity, an!! evcry ll1;:¡n wiJI be jus-
tifipd, in the exercise of his birthrig"ht as an American citizC'l1, in
supporting tIte Constitution as ulloerstood and exccuted by its
fralIlers and hest fricnds.
2. TIIE INAUGURAL ADDR88S OF GEORGE WASIII:NG-
TO~, PRESIDENT Ol" TIlE UNITED STA'l'ES,
APRIL 30, 1789,
C\Vill be found with his political acts in Chaptcr '1, p. 211.)
3. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT
OF TI-IE UNITED STATES.
l\LmcH 4, 1797.
Whcn it was first perceived, in early times, that no middle
course for America remained between unlimited submission to a
foreign legislature and a tot;:¡l independence of its claill1s, Illen of
refiection were less apprebensive of dangcr from tlw forlllidable
power of fleet5 al1(1 annies they must determine to resist, than frolll
t110se coutests and dissensions which would certailllyarise COll-
cerning the forms of government tobe instituted over the vvhule
and oyer the parts of this extensive country. He1ying, howcver,
on the purity of their illtentions, the justice of their cause, ami tile
integrity ami intcllic;-ence of the people, under an overruling Pm-
vidence, which had so signally protected tllis country from tlJe
first, tlle representatives of this natíon, tbon consisting of littJe
more tllan half its present number, not only broke to pif'ces the
chains which were forging, ami the rod of iron that was liJ'tf~d up,
but frankly cut asunder the ties which had boumi them, ami
launclH'd into an ocean of uncertainty.
The zeal and ardor of the people, during the rovolutionary 'Yéir,
snpplying tlw place of govornment, cOll11lJanded a ut'g-ree oí' ordor,
su!Iicient at least for t]¡e temporary preservation of socif'ty. The
COllt'edcra1ion, ,,-hich was early felt to be necessary, was pf8paf(~d
from the models of the Batavian and He1vetic confederacie,,;-the
only exampks wbich remain, witil any detail and prccision, Ín
history, alld certaiuly tlle only ones which the people at largo had.
evcr considcred. But, ref1ectil1(r on the strikin(r ditl'ercncc, ill 50
many p:trticuJars, uetween this ~ountry and tllO~e \Vllere a coufÍer
271
may go from t11e seat of government to the frontier in a sing-le day,
it was then certainly foreseen, by sorne who assisted in Congress
at the formation of it, tbat it could not be durable.
N egligenee of ilS regulations, inattention to its recommenda-
tions, if not disobedience to its authority, not only in individuals,
but in St<:ltes, soon appearcd, witl! tbeir melancholy conseqUfmces;
uni versal lallguor; jealousies and rivalries of States; declino of
navigation and commerce; discouragement of necessary manufac-
tures; universal fall in the value of lands and their produce; con-
tempt of public and pri~,lte faith; 10ss of consideration and credit
with for~ign natiolls; Itld, at length, in discontents, anilllosities,
combinations, partial conventions, and insurrection, threatening
some great natiollal calanJity.
In this dangerous crisis, the peop1e of America were not aban-
doned by their usual good sense, presence of mino, resolution, or
illtegrity. l\lcasures were pursued to concert a plan to form a
more perfeet union, est,tb lish j ustiee, ensure domestic tranq uillity,
provide for tite common defence, promote the general welfare, and
seeure the blessings of liberty. The public disqllisitions, discus-
SiOllS, anJ deliberations, issued in the present happy constitution
::¡f government.
Emploru in thc service ()f my country abroad during the \vhole
:ourse ot these transactions, 1 Jirst saw tlle Constitution of tite
Unit(~J Stat<:'s in a fureign COllntry. Irritated by no literaryalter-
cation, aniru;¡teu by no publÍc debate, heated by no party animo-
sÍty, 1 read it with great sati:5faction, as tbe result of good heads,
prompted by good hearts-as an experiment, better adapted to the
genius, c!Jameter, sitllation, and reJations, of this natÍon and coun-
try, than any which had ever been proposed or suggested. In its
gelleral principIes and great outlines, it was confonuable to sueh a
system of government as 1 had ever most esteemed, and in some
States, rny own native State in particular, had contributed to esta-
blish. ClaÍming a right of sulfrage, in comrnon with my fellow-
citizens, in the auoption or rejection of a Constitutíon which wa~
to rule me and my posterity, as well as them and theirs, 1 did not
hesitate to express my approbation of it, on a11 occasions, in public
anu in private. It was 110t then, nor has been since, any objection
to it, in my mind, that the Executive and Senate were not more
pl'rmanent. N or have 1 ever entertail1ed a thought of promoting
ilny alteration in it, but sllch as the people themselves, in the
course of their experience, should see and fee1 to be necessary ar
expedient, and, by their representativos in Congress and the State
legislatures, aecording to t11e Constitution itself, adopt and ordain.
Hp,tuming to tlle bosom of my country, after a painful separation
fram it, for tHn years, J had the honor to be elected to a station
um!t.;r tIlO new uroer of thíngs, and 1 ha ve repeateuly laid myself
272
under the moqt serinns obligations to suppart the Constitution.
The operation af it has equalled the most sanguine expectations
of its friends; and, from an habitual attention to it, satisfaction in
its aoministration, and delight in its effects upon the peace, order,
prosperity and happiness of the nation, 1 haye acquired an habitual
attachment to it and veneratíon for it.
\Vhat other form of government, indeed, can so well deserve
our esteem and loye 1
'rhere may be little solidity in an ancient idea, that congrega-
tions of men into cities and nations are t1Jk most pleasing objects
in the sight of superior intelligences; but mis is very certain, th,,_,
to a benevolent human mind, there can be no spectacle presented
by any nation more pleasing, more noble, majestic, or august, than
an assembly like that which has so often been seen in this and the
other chamber of Congress, of a government in whieh the execu-
tive authority, as well as that of al! the branches of the legisla-
ture, are exercised by citizens selected, at ff')gular perioos, by their
neighbors, to make and execute laws for the general good. Can
any thillg essential, any thing more than mere ornament and deco-
ration, be added to this by robes and diamonds 1 Can authority be
more arniabJe and respectable when it descends from aecidents, or
institutions established in remote antiquity, tlmn when it springs
fresh frolTl the hearts and jlldtrments of an honest and enlio·htpned
people 1 For it is the people ~nly that are represented: i{is their
power and ll1(ljesty that is refiected, and on!y ror their good, in
every Jegitirnate govermnent, under whatever form it IlIay ilppear.
Tile existence of such a government as OlUS, for .any Iellgth of
time, is a fuI! proaf of a general dissemination of kn()\vledge (lnd
yirtue throllghout the whole body of the people. And what object
or consideration more pleasing than this can be presented to the
hllman milld 1 If national pride is ever justifiable, or exeusabJe,
it is when it springs, not from power or riches, grandeur or glory,
but fL/m cOllviction of lIational innocenee, illfofluation, and be-
nevolence.
In tlw mid~t of these pleasing ideas, we should be unfaithflll to
ourselves i1' \Ve sbould ever lose sig'ht of the danger to our liber-
tíes-if any thing partial or extraneous should illfect the purity of
our free, fair, virtuous, and independent electiolls. If an election
is lo be determined by a majority of a single vote, and that can be
prccured by a party, through artifice or corruption, the government
may 1)(' the choiee of a party, for its own cntis-not of the nation,
for tlle national good. If that solitary sutl'rage can be obtained by
fowign natiolls by flattery or menaees, by fraud or vioJence, by
terror, intrigue, or venality, tbe governrnent rnay not be the choice
of the American people, but of foreign nations. It may be forcign
nations who govern us, and not ,ve tlle people who govern our-
273
selves. Ano canuiJ men will ackno"w1cdge, that, in 5uch cases,
choice wou1d havo little ad v:tnta¡:;e to boast or, over 10t or chanceo
Suclt is tha amiab1e alld illterestillg" s)'stem of govcrnment (and
snoh are sorne of tlJe abuses to which it m,;y be exp0f'(;d) vd¡ich
the people of Amcrica }¡avt' exhibited to tlle admirJtion and anxicty
of the ",ise allJ virtuous of a11 natiolls, [or cight years, under tbe
administration of a oitizen, who, by a long course of great actions,
regulrltpd by prudenoe, justice, tcmperance, and fortitude, conuuct-
ilJg a people inspired with tbe sarne virtues, and animated with tho
samo ardent patriotisll1 'loa love of líberty, to indepondence 'lnJ
prace, to increasing' we:tlth and unexampleJ JHo8JH.:rity, has morited
tiJe ~Tatitllde nI' his ¡;,J]ow-citizens, cOlllJlwnu('d tho /¡ighest praises
of fOfcig"li 1J:ltioilS, aud securl'J illll[l(utai g;lurj' wüil pustuíly.
I¡¡ t)¡;¡t rctin'IlI<'nt \\J¡ic]¡ is l:i~ n;lu:¡l:u)' cl!Oiee, ll1;,Y be long-
¡in~ Lo (,lijny tl1\' dt,Jiej,,¡;s n'c<¡ll.diull uf !lis s('rúe.'s, tlIo g-r,¡ti-
tude uf lll;I!¡),illd, tl:(' ]¡:IPPY fr:Lits of thCill to hi:lJsclf and tiw
wCírld, w:¡i('!¡ ;m: cLtily illerl';I"ill~', aml tlnt s¡¡leliJid pws)lect of
tilo fuume furtulles of this cnuntry whieh is ojlenin~ i'rolll yeilr to
~,ear. llis I¡;llllt: may be stiil a rump:Ht, 'lnd the knowledge tbat
be JiVI'S a buhnrk, dg":IÍllst all open or socrot ene mies of his coun-
try's I'c'l(:e. Thi" c'\.cl!uple has 111'(:tl recommellded to the illlitltiofl
of bis SlIeeCSSI)rs, by IJlJtlt llou,:ps (Jf CO!Jgress, and by tLe voíce
uf tlle 1,,~;'isLttlirt,S :lIJd tllP ¡It'r)¡ik tlIroughout tite nation.
011 t/¡is slIhj('t't it mig'llt beeolllt3 llle bettcr to be silent, or to
sl:.l';:l, ,,"ith di:lid"lI('e; bllt, i;'; somethln¡r may be e~q)ecteJ, th3
CCC;j~i;Jll, 1 IJOpe, wdl be admitteu as an apology, if 1 venture to
sal', 1 hat-
'H a prefcrence, upon principIe, of a froe rcpuhlican governrnent,
formcJ upon long- and s¡:;rious rcJlcction, 'lfter a diligent and im-
l'~lrtial inquiry al'tcr truth; if an attachwent to the Contititution of
tile [J llilec! ~t<lt('~:, alid a COlJO'C'it'lltious dcterminatioll to support it,
untll it sb,dl be ,Iltl'rcd by tlw jlJilgllwtlts alJJ wishes of tlwjJcoJlle,
E':qll'es:';f'd in t]¡c lJlude pre;;erilll'd in it; ir a respectful attelltioil to
tilp CO!1stitUIÍOllS uf the ilidividual States, anri a constant caution
and delícaey towards the ~tatc govcrnlllents; if an egual and im-
parti,d regard to tbe rig'hts, interest, honor, and happíness, of al!
tile States in the lJ nion, without preference or regard to a northern
or southern, an eastern or western position, theír varíous polítical
c'pillions Oll u¡wssential poínts, 01" their personal attachments; if a
love of virtnous men, of all partíes and denominations; ir a love
oí' sciencc <lntl Iettc'rs, alld a \vísÍt to patrollizo every rational effort
te¡ eIlCCiur;¡g'c sellools, colle;.!!'s, utliversítics, acaJemics, amI cvery
ÍlL~titutiOll fur propagatin,g- kno\dcdg-l', virtll,', anJ rdigioll, 3nlOllg
,¡] 1 e!;¡ssps 01' tlw pcoplp, llot ouly for t]¡cir bcnign iníllwnco 011 tite
Il(1)ípilJess of lífe in al! ít::; sbges and classes, alld of society in all
irs forrns, but as the OJl]y means of preservillg OUT CoustjtutíoIl
27
274
frum its natural enemies, the spirit of sophistry, tlle spirit of party,
the spirit of intrigue, the profligacy of COfl'uption, ¡lIld the pcsti
lence of foreign influcnce, which is the angcl 01' ueslruction to
elective governments; if a love of equal la,,,"s, of justice, and hu
manity, in the interior administration; i1' an inclination to improve
agriculture, commerce, and manufactures for necessity, cOllve-
nience, and defence; if a spirit of equity anO. humanity towarrls
the aboriginal nations of America, and a disposition to me] iorate
their condition, by inclining them to be more fricmlly to us, anu
our citizens to be more friendly to them; if an inflexible detormi-
nation to maintain peace and inviolable faith with all nations, and
that system of neutrality and impartiality among the bclligerent
powers of Europe which has becn adopted by this government,
and so solemnIy sanctioned by both houscs of Congrcss, and ar-
plauded by the legislatures of the Sta tes and the public opinion,
until it shall be otberwise ordained by Congress; if a personal
esteem for the French nation, formed in a residence of seven years
chiefly among them, and a sincere desire to preserve the friendship
which has been so much for the honor and interest of both nations ;
if, while the conscious hOllor and integrity of the people of
America, and the internal sentiment of their own powcr and ener-
gies, must be preserved, an earnest endeavor to invcstigate every
just cause, and remoye every colorable pretence of complaint; if
an intention to pursue, by amicable negotiation, a rf'paration [or
the injuries that have been committcu 011 tile cowmerce of our íd-
low-citizens, by whatever natiun, and, if succes::; camwt be ob-
tained, to lay tbe facts before t11e 18gislature, tbat tiley lfI:ly COI1-
sider what further measures the honorand intcrest oC tlte Uovern-
ment and its constituents demano.; if a r~solution to uo justice, as
far as may depend upon me, at all times alld to aU nations, and
maintain peace, frienuship, and bcnevolence, with a11 the world ;
if an unshaken cOllfidence in the honor, spirit, and resources of
the American people, on wbicb 1 haye so often Imzardcu mya11,
and never been deccived; if eIevated ideas of the high destinic8
of this country, and of my o\\"n duLies towanls it, fuunded 011 a
knowledge of the moral principIes amI intellectual im¡:rovements
of the people, deeply 8ngraven on my mind in early life, and not
obscured, but exalteu, by experience ami age; and, wíth humbIe
reverence, 1 feel it to be my duty to aud, if a veneratian for the re-
ligion of a people who profess and call themsclves Chrístians, and
a fixed resolution to consider a decent re~"pect fur Christianity
among the best recommendations for tile puLlic servíce,-can eH-
able me, in any degree, to comply ,yíth your wíslws, it shall be
my strennous endeavor that this sagacíous injullction of tIte two
honsos shall not be witllOut cflect. ,
VVít~ this great example uef0re me-with ihe sCllse and spirit,
275
the faith and honor, t11e duty and interest, of t11e same American
people, pIedged to sllpport the Cr)Dstitl1tion of the United Statei:l,
1 entertaÍn no donbt of its continuance in a11 its energy, and my
mind is prepared, withont hesitation, to lay myself under the most
solemn obligations to support it to the utmost of my power.
And may that B'eing VdlO is sllpreme over all, the Patron of or-
der, the Fountain of justice, and the Protector, in all ages' of the
world, of virtuons Iiherty, continue His blessing upon this nation
and its Go,¡ernment, and give it aIl possible success and duration,
consistent ~íth the ends of his Providence!
4. INA UGURAL ADDRESS OF THOMltS JEFFERSON, PRE-
8iDE~T 01" 'rILE USITED STATES, AT HIS FIRST TERM
OF OFFICB.
MA RCll -1, 1801.
Friends and fe!low-ciHzens ..
Called upon to undertake the auties of the first executive office
of our country, 1 avail myself of the presence of that portion of
my fellow-citizens which is hem assembIed, to express my grateful
t11anks for the favor with which they have been pIeased to look
towards me, to dcdare a sincere conscionsness that the task is
ahoye my tal('nts, ;md tlmt 1 approach it with those anxious and
,;>vi'lll prcsentiments which the greatncss of the charg-e and the
wf'akness of my po\vé'rs so .i Ilstly inspire. A rising nation, spread
onr a \yide and fruitenl land; travf~rsin(r all the seas with the rich
productions of their industry; engaged in eomrnerce with nations
\\ho [Pel po,ver and ¡()rget right; auvancing rapidly to destinies
hcyond the reach of mortal eye,-when 1 contcmplate these trans-
~cndant ohjects, anO see th(' honor, the happiness, and the hopes
01' tbis heloved cOlllltry cO!1lmiUed to the iSSUA and the auspiccs of
t]¡is da)', 1 shrink fi'om the contell1plation, and humble myself be-
foro t11e rnag-nitude of the undertaking. Utterly, indeed, should 1
despair, did 110t thc presence of many whom 1 here see remind me
tbat in the oth¡;r high allthorities provided by our Constitution 1
shall find resourccs of wisJom, 01' virtue, and of zeal, on which to
rely under all diflicuItics. 1'0 you, t11en, gentlemen, who are
ch,trged \yith the sovcreig-n fu netions of lcgislation, and to those
associated with yo u, 1 look witll encouragelllent for that guidance
and support whieh lllay enable 11S to steer with safety the vessel in
which we are all embarked, amidst tlte conflicting elements of a
troubled world.
During the contest of opinion through which we have passed.
the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimCls worn
an aspect which IIlight impose on strangers, unused to think
freeIy, and to spcak and to write what they think; but, this being
now decided by t111' voice of the mtian, annolll1ccd, aeeording- to
the rules of t11e C, nstitution. ,111 \yill, nf COlm~e, arranQ.'p them-
seln's under the will of the la\':, al1(1 ullite in commOIl elforts for
the common goorl. Al), too, v. ill oe:u in minrl this sacred prin-
cipIe, that, thouglt the v'ill of t)¡e Il i ajority is in all cases to pre-
yail, that \vill, to be riQ.'lll~ul, must he reasonablc; th:lt tite minority
possess their equal rigl;ts, \,'hieh eqilal laws must protect, and to vi()·
late would be oppressicn. 1.et I1S, t}¡cn, fellow-citizenjl nnite with
011e heart and one mind; Jet us resto re to social intcrcollrse that
harmonyand arr"cticn without whieh Iibertyand even Jire itsdr are
but r1reary things. AmI let us ~'8Íleet, that, having banished from
om land that rcligious intoleral1l'e llneler which rnankind so long
bled and suffered, we have yet g'lirwd ¡ittIA, ir we count8nance a
poJitical intolerance as despotic, as wicked, al1d capable of as bitter
and bloody persecutions. During the throcs alld convulsions oi'
the aneient world; during the agonizing spasms of infllriated man,
seoking, throngh blood and slaughter, his long-Iost liborty, it was
not wonderful that the agitation of the billows should reach even
this distant and peacefuí sl1ore; that this should be more feh and
feared by sorne, and less by otbers, and should divide opinions as
to measures of safety: but every di ffercnce of opinion is not a dif-
ferenee of principIe. \Yo have eaJlcd by diífeff~nt n~mcs brotbren
of the same principIe. \Yo are all rqHlblic<llls: we are all federalists.
]f there be any among us w]¡o would ",islt to dissolve this Union,
or to ehange ¡ts republican form, let till'In stand, undisturbeJ, as
monuments of the safety \vith which error (1 opiniun m(!!I be tole-
rated, 'where reason is Irft free to combal it. 1 know, inelced, that
sorne honcst men fear that a republican government cannot be
strong-that this GovernnlPnt is n0t strong enO\lgh. But would
the honest patriot, in the fllll ticIe of sllecessfl11 expcriment, aban-
don a Government which has so far kppt I1S free and firm, on the
tbeoretic and visionary fear tbat tllis Government, the, world's best
hope, may, by possibility, want energy to preserve itself! 1 trust
noto 1 believe this, on the contrary, tbe strongest Government on
earth. 1 believe it the only one where every man, at tlle call of tite
la \1', would fiy to the standard of the la w, aud would meet j nva-
sions of the publie order as his o\Vn personal concern. Sonwtill1es
lt is said that man cannot be trnslcd \Vith tIJe g-overnment of him-
self, Can he tben be trustecl \Vit\¡ tite governlllellt of otbers 1 Or
}¡en-e \Ve found an~cls, in tbe fonn cd' king's, to govern himl Let
lJist.Jrv ans\\'81 tbis aue"tion.
Let" liS, then, \vith~ eourage and eonfidence, pursue our own fede-
ral and republican principles-our attaClll1lCllt to union and repre-
8entatíve government. Kindly scparated by ll:lture and a \Vide
ocean [rurn the exterminating lwvoc of one ql1artcr of the globe;
271
too high-minded to endure the degradations of the others; possess-
ing a chosen country, with room enough for OUT descendants to the
thousandth and thousandth generation; entertaining a due sen se
of OUT equal right to the use of OUT own faculties, too the acquisi-
tions of OUT own industry, to honor and confidence from our fellow-
citizens, rcsulting, not from birth, but from OUT actions, and their
SAnse of them; enlightened by a benign religion, professed, in-
dced, and practised, in various forms, yet a11 of them inculcating
llOnesty, truth, temperance, gratitud e, and the love of man; ac-
knowledging- and adoring an overruling Providence, \vhich, by aH
its dispéllsations, ¡HOVeS that it delights in the happiness of m,)n
here, and bis greater happiness hercafter,-with al1 thl"se blessingR,
what more is ncecssary to make us a happy and prosperous people 1
fltill one thing more, fellow-citizcns: a wise and frugal Govern-
ment, which shalI restrain rncn frorn injuring one anothpr, shall
Jea\-e Lhcm otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry
8¡¡d improvement, and sha11 not take frorn the mouth of labor the
bread it has earned. This is the surn of good government, and
this is neccssary to dose the circle of our felicities.
About to enter, fellow-citizens, on tho exercise of duties which
comprehend every thing dear and valuahle to you, it is proper you
should understand wh<1t 1 deem the essential principIes of OUT Go-
vernment, a~, conso1uel1tly, thoso which ought to shape its ad-
ministration. 1 will compre8s them within the narrowest compass
t]¡ey ",ill bear-st:lting the general principIe, but not all its limita·
tions. E(illal aml exact ju"tice to a11 rnen, of whatever state or
pers!iil.sion, religiolls or political; peace, commerce, and honest
friendship \vith al! nations, entangling alliances with none; the
sll]lport of tIJe ~tate governments in aH their rights, as the most
cowpetent admillistrations for our domestic concerns, and the
surest hulwarks against anti-rcpllblican tencloncies; t11e preserva
tion of the (;onora1 Govcrnllwllt in its whole constitutional vIgor.
as the sheet-anchor of our pnace at home and safety abroad; a.
Jcalous carc of t!l(' ri~ht of elcction by thc people; a mild and safe
correctivo of abuses whieh are loppcd by the sword of revolution~
where peaccabJe fCllledics are unprovicled; absoluto acquiescence
in the deeisions of tite majority, the vital principIe of republics,
from which is no appeal but to force, the vital principIe ancl imme-
diate parent of uespotÍsm; a well-disciplined llIilitia, OUT best re-
liance in pcace, and for the [irRt moments of war, till regulars ma)'
relieve thcm; the Ruprcllla~y oí' tlle civil over the mi!itary authority;
t',;olJomy in the Pllblie expense, that labur may be lightly bur-
df:ltcJ; tIJe bonest paylllent of our uebts, and sacre u preservation
()j' tile pubJic faith; cncouragement of agTiculture, and of com-
¡¡¡CrCL' as its handmaid; tite dilrusion of information, and arraign-
ment of al! abuses at tlle har of the p\lhli~ reason; fnoedom of re-
') - , .
.. I
ligion, freedom of the press, anu freedom of person, under the
protection of the habeas corpus; and trial by juries impartially se-
lected. Tllese principlrs form the bright constellation ,yhir:lt h0S
gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of rcvolution
and reformation. The wisdom of üur sages and bloou of our he~
roes have been devoted to their attainment. TilPy should be the
creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the tOllch-
8tone by which to try the services of those \Ve trust; and should
we wander from them in moments of error or of alarrn, let us
hasten to retrace OUT steps, and to rcgain the road whicll alone
leads to peace, libert)', and safety.
I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you h:1Ve assigned me.
vVith experience enol1gh in subordinate ofIices to have Sl'cn the
difficulties of this, the greatest of all, I have lcamt to expect that
it ,:vill rarely fal! to the lot of imperfect m:m to retire from this sta-
tion with the reputation and the favor which brought him ¡nto it.
Withoutpretensions to that high confiuence you reposeu in our
first and greatest revolutionary character, whose pre-eminent ser-
vices had entitleu him to the first plaee in his country's Jove, and
oestined for him the LlÍrest page in the volume of faithfuJ history,
I ask so much confidence only as may give firmncss anu efIi,ct to
the legal administration of )'our affairs. I shall oft(m go wrong,
tbrough dcfect of judgment. \Vbcn right, 1 shall of*en be thought
wrong by tl10se whose positions will not command a view of the
whole ground. I ask yOllT illllulgence fur l1Jy own crrors, whieh
will never be intentional, am] your sllppnrt agaillst tlJe errors of
others, ,,,ho may conuemn what they W0ll1J lwt ir soun in a11 its
parts. The approbation implied by your suffrage is a groat conso-
lation to me for the past; and my future solicitude wi11 be, to rG-
tain the good opinion of tl10se who have besto\"ed it in advance,
to conciliate that of others hy doing tbem all tho good in my
power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and frredom of al!.
Helying, t11en, on the patronage of your good \vill, 1 advanee
wit11 ooedience to tlle \~-ork, ready to retire from it \vhenever you
become sensible how much belter choiees it is in your power to
make. And may that Infinite power w]¡ich rules the destillÍes of
the universe, lead our councils to what is Iwst, and give them a
filvorable issue for your peace and prosprrity.
279
5. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF TI-IOl\1AS JEFFERSON, PRE·
SIDENT OF TlIE U~ITED STA TES, AT BIS SECOND
TERiH OF OFFICE.
l\1Ar.clI 4, ISO.).
Procecdin~, fcllo\v-citizens, to that qualification which t11e Con-
stitution requires before my entrance on the charge again conferrcd
on me, it is rny duty to express tlle deep sense 1 entertain of tbis
new proof of conftdence [rom my fellow-citizens at large, and the
zeal with which it inspires me so to conduct myself as may best
satisfy tl1f'ir just expectations.
On taking- this station, on a former occasion, 1 declared the prin-
cipIes on which 1 belicved it my duty to administer the affairs of
our commonwealth. l\Iy conscience tclls me 1 have, on every oc-
c;¡sion, :leteo up to 1hat declanttion, according to its obvious im-
port, and to the understanding of every candid mind.
In the transactioll of your foreign aITairs, we have endeavorcd
to cultivate the friendship of a11 nations, and especia11y of those
,vith which \Ve have the most important relations. \Ve have done
them justice on a11 occasions, favor where favor \vas lawful, and
cherished mutual interests and intcrcoUTse on fair and equal terms.
\Ve are firmly convinced, and \Ve act on that conviction, that with
nations, as "I¿-jth imlividuals, our intcrcsts, soundly calculated, \vill
ever be fOllnd inseparable from OUT moral duties ; and history bears
witness to tIJe f¡l(~t, tlIat a just nation is trnsted on its \vord, when
recnursp is lIad to arm'lments ana ,vars to bridle others.
At hnme, fello\v-citizens, you best know whether \ve have done
well or illo The suppression of unneccssary offices, of useless
establishments and expenses, enabled liS to discontinue OUT inter-
nal taxes. Thcse, covering our land with officers, and opening
OUT doors to tbeir intrusiolls, had already begun that process of
domiciliary yexation, which, once entered, is scarcelyto be re-
strained from rcaching, successively, every article of property and
produce. If, among tl1ese taxes, some minor ones fell, which had
not been inconvenient, it was because their amOllnt would not
llave paid tIte officcrs who collected them, and beca use, if they
had any merit, the ~tate authorities migbt adopt tbem instead of
others·less approved.
'file rcrnailling revenue, on lhe consumption of foreign articles, is
paid chiefly by tl10se who can airord to add foreign luxuries to domes-
tic cOl1lforts. Bcing collected on our seaboard and frontiers only, and
incorporatf'd with the transactions of our mercantile citizens, it
Inay be the plcasUTe and thc pride of an American to ask, what
(;Iflller, y,11at mcclt<mic, what laborer, ever sees a tax-gatherer of
liw [J nited States1 These contributions enable us to support the
curmllt expenses of the Govcrnment; to fulfil cOlltracts with fo-
280
reign nations; to extinguish the native right of soil within om
limits; to extend tbose limits; and to apply su eh a surplus to our
public Jebts as places :1t a sltort day their final redemption: and,
that redemption once effected, the revenue tbcreby liberated may,
by a just repartition of it among the States, and a corresponding
amendment of t11e Constitution, be applied, in time rif pcace, to
rtvers, canals, roads, arts, manufactures, education, and othcr great
objects, within e3ch State. In time rif war, if injustice by our-
selves or ot11ers must sometimes produce war, :ncrcased, as the
S3me revenue will be, by incrcased population and consumption,
and aided by other resourccs reserved for that crisis, it may meet,
,vitbin tlle year, a11 the expenses of the year, without encroaching
on tIte rigbts of future gellerations, by burdening tbem with tbe
debts of the past. vYar will thcn be hut a suspension of useful
works; and a return to a state of peace, a rcturn to the progress
of improvement.
1 have said, fellow-citizens, that the Íncome reserved had ena-
bled us toextend our limits; but that extension may possibly pay
for itself before we are called on, and, in the mean time, may
keep down the accruing interest: in a11 events, it will replace the
advances we sha11 have made. 1 know that the acguisition of Lou-
isiana has been disapproved by some, from a candid apprehension
that the enlargement of our territory would endrll1ger Íts union.
But who can limit the extcnt to which t11e fedcrative principIe may
operate effectively 1 Tbe larger Gur association, the less will it be
shaken by local passions; and, in any view, is it not better that
the opposite bank of the Mississippi should be scttlpu by our 0\"11
brethren and children, than by strangers oí' allotber farnily1 vVith
which should we be most likely to live in harmony and friendly
illtercourse 1
In matters of religion, 1 have consiJered that its free exercise is
placed by the Constitlltion independcnt of tlle po\vers of the Gene-
ral Government. 1 have tbcrcfore lllldertaken, on 110 occasion, to
prescribe the religious exercise·s suited to it, but have left them, as
the Constitution found them, under tIte direction and discipline of
t11e church or State authorities acknowledged by the several reli-
gious societies.
Tile aboriginal inhabitants of these countries 1 have r~arded
with the commiseration their history inspires. Endowed \vith the
faculties and the rights of men, brcatbing an ardcnt love of liberty
and indcpendence, and occupying a country which left t]¡cm no
desire but to be undisturbed, tbe strearn of overflo",ing- population
from otller regions directed itself on these slJOres. vVithout power
to divert, or habits to contend against it, they have been over-
whelmed by the current, or driven before it. N ow reduced witbin
iimits too narrow for the hunter state, hurnanity cnjoins liS to teach
281
them agriculture and the domestic arts, to encourage them to that in-
clustry which alone can enable tlwm to maintain their place in exis~
ence, and to prepare thcm, in time, for that state of socirty \vhich.
to hodily condorts adds tlle improvement of tillO mind alld morals.
'Ye have, thereforr, lilwrally furnished them witlt tillO implemcllts
of husban,lry and housdlOld use: we have placed amollg thélll in-
structors in the arts of first necessity; and they are covered with
ihe a;gis of the law against aggrcssors from among ourselves.
Hut the endeavors to enli(Thten them on the fate which awaits
thri¡: present course of Jife, to'''itlduce them to exercise their reason,
follow its dictates, and change their pursuits with tite change of
cireumstances, have powerflll obstaeles to eneounter. 'I'hey are
combated by the habits of their bodies, prejudices of their minds,
iQ.'norance, pride, and the illflllence oí' interested a11(I cmfty indi-
viduals among- thern, \vho fed themselves something in the present
order of thincTs, and fear to become nothinO" in any other. Tllese
pprsons inculcate a sanctimonious revere~ce for the customs of
their ancestors; that whatsoever they did must be done through a11
time; that reason is a false guicle, and to advance under its counsel
m their physical, moral, or political condition, is perilous innova-
tion; that their dnty is to remain as the Creator made them-igno-
rance being safet}', and knowIedge full of danger. In short, rny
friends, among tlwm, al so, is seen tlle action and counteraction of
goocl sense and oi' bigotry. Tlwy, too, haye their anti-philoso-
pbists, WllO [¡nd an intcrest in keeping thin~!s in their prcsent state,
\\'ho drcad rcformation, and exert all thcir faculties to maintain the
aseendency of ¡:ahit over the duty of írnproving our H'ason and
obeyinO" Íts rnanrla1l's.
In g,iving these outlines, 1 do not mean, fello\v-citizens, to arro-
~2'ate to myself t1le merit of t11e measures: that is due, in the first
place, to the refleeting character of our citizens at large, who, by
tlw weigllt 01' pulJlic opinion, infll1ence alld strengthf'n the puhlic
lHf'asures. It is due to the soulHI discretionwith which they sC'lect
from among tllcmselvcs thosc to whom tltey confide the legislative
duties. It· is due to the ze~ll and wisdorn of the characters thus
selected, who lay the foumbtions of public bappiness in whole-
somc la\Vs, tlle execlltion of which alone rernains for others. And
it is due to the able artd f¡¡ithful allxiliaries whose patriotisrn has
uf'snciated thern witll me in t]¡e executi ve functions.
Durill;T this eour"e of admillistratioD, and ill order to clistnrb it,
,he artillery 01' the press has bccu levelled against llS, eharged with
Iy[¡atsoever its licclltiousnC'ss could devise or (hue. Thesc abuses
(lt' an ili3titlltion so important t() freedorn and science are deeply to
he w2Tetted, inaslIluch as tltey tend to Iessen its usefllIness and t(,
~<lp iis safety. 'J'lwy might, indeed, ha ve been corrected by the
wholesome pUlIisllluents reserved to alld provided by the laws ol
282
the severa} Statcg agninst falsehood and defamation; but public
duti,'s, more urgent, press OH the timo of public S8Tyants, and the
oflenders have therefore been left to find their punishmont in the
public indignation .
.Nor was it uninteresting to the world, t11at an experiment shou1d
be fairly and fully rnade, whetber frccdom ol' discussion, nnaidecl
by power, is not sufficient for tho propagation and protection of
truth 1 vVhetber a government, eonclueting itsclf in the tme spirit
of its eonstitution, with zeal and purity, and cloing no aet which
it would be um,,-illing tha whole \vorld sllOuId witness, can be
written down by falsehood ancl dofal'llation 1 Tile expcrimcnt has
been tried. Y on have witnessed the seene. Our fellow-"itizens
lookcd on eool ancl collected. 'fhay sa", tbo latent snuree frorn
which these ontragcs proceeclrd. Tl!cy gathcred rrroul111 t]¡cir Jlub-
lie funetionaries; rrnd, whon tbe COllstÍtution e,¡llcd thelll to the
deeision by suíTrage, they pronounced their vcrdiet honorable to
those who had ser ved t11em, and consolatory to the friend o[ man,
"\"ho believes that he may be trusted with the control of his own
affairs.
N o inferenee is here intendcd that the laws provided by the
States against false and defamatory publications s11ou1d not be en-
forced. He \vho has time, renders a sen-ice to public morals and
publie tranquillity in reforming these abuses by tbú salutary eoer-
eions of tlle law. But t]¡e oxperimcnt is notcd to provo that, since
truth and reason have maintailled thcir ground against false opi-
nions, in league with [lIse flets, tho pross, eOllfincd to truth, needs
no other legal restraint. The publ ic j udgment will eorreel false
reasonings and opini()fIs, on a fuU heari;lg of aH parties; and no
ot11er definite line ean be drawn bctween tlle inestimahle liberty of
the press and its dernoralizing I icentiousness. If tllere be still
improprieties which tbis rule would not restr<lin, its supplemcllt
must be sought in the censorship of J>llhlic opillion.
Contomplatirw tIto unian of sentilllent no\\' rnanifcstcd so uen-
eraIly, as auguri~1g harmonyand h:tppiness to our futuro cour;e, 1
oirer to our eountry sineere eongratuLltions. \Vith those, too, not
yet rallied to tIte same point, the disposition to do so is gailling
strength. Faets are piereing through tlle veil drawn ovor them;
and our doubting brethren will at length see that tho mass of their
- feIlow-citizcns, with whom they cannot yet resolve to act, as to
principIes and measures, think as they think, and desire what they
\fesire; that OUT wish, as weIl as thcirs, is, that the Pllblie efforts
may be direeted honestly to the public good, tbat peaee be eulti-
vated, ,rivil and religious liberty unassai1cd, law and order pre-
<¡erved, equality of rights maintained, and that state of property,
eqnal or unequal, wbich results to every man from his own indus-
trv or that of his father's. vVhcn satisfied of tIlese views, it is
283
not in human nature that they should not approve and support
them. In the mGan time, let us cherish them vúth patient affec-
tion; let us do them justice, and more than justice, in all compe-
titions of interest,-and we need not doubt that truth, reason, and
their own intercsts, \vill at length prevail-will gather them ínto
the fold of theír country, and will complete that entire union of
opinion which gives to a nation the blessing of harmony, and tha
benefit of all its strength.
1 sha11 now enter on tha duties to which my fellow-citizens have
again called me, and sha11 proceed in the spírit of those principIes
which they have approved. .foar not that any motives of iuterest
may lead me astray. 1 am sensible of no passion which could se-
duce me, kno\,víngly, from the path of justice; but the weaknesses
of human naturo, alld tlle limits of my own understanding, will
produce errors of judgment sometimos injuriolls to your interests.
1 shall need, thorefore, aIl the indulgence w11ich 1 have heretofore
experienced from my constituents. The want of it will certainly
not lessen with increasing years. 1 shall need, too, the favor of
that Being in whose hands we.are; who led our fathers, as Israel
of old, from their native land, and planted them in a country flow-
ing with a11 the necessaries and comforts of Efe; who has covered
our infancy with Bis providonce, and our riper years with Hís
wisdom and power; and to \yhose goodness 1 ask you to join in
supplícations wíth mC', tltat Ho will so olllighten the minds of your
sen'ants, guide their councíls, and prosper their measures, that
\vhatsoever they do s]¡all resu1t in yonr good, and sha11 seoure to
you the peace, fTiendship, and approuatíon of all natiol1s.
6. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JAMES l\IADISON, PRESI-
DENT OF THE UNITED STATES, A'1' lIIS FIRS'1' 'l'ERl\:I
0F OFFICE.
:MARCI! 4, 1809.
Gentlemen 01 the Sena/e, and (1 the IJouse cf Representatives .-
TJ nwilling to depart from examples of the most revered authority,
1 avail mysclf of the OCC'-lSiOll now presented, to express tIle pro-
found impression macle on me, by tIte cáll of my country, to the
station, to the duties of whicl! 1 am about to pledge myself, by the
most solemn of sanctions. ~o distingníshed a mark of confidence,
proceeding from the deliberate and tranquil sulTrage of a free and
yirtuous natíon, wonld, under any circumstances, have cornmanded
llly gratitude and devotion, as \VeIl as filled me wíth an awfu1 sense
oi' tlle trust to be assumed. U mIel' the various circumstances which
gi ve peculiar solemnity to lhe existing perlod, 1 feel that buth tho
284
honor and the respon~ibility allotted to me, are inexpressibly en-
hanced.
The present situation of the wor1d is, indced, without a parallel ;
and that of our cOllntry full of diíliculties. The prcssure of thcse
two is the more severely felt, because they have fallen upon us at
a moment when national prosperity, being at a height not beJ"ore
attained, the contrast resulting frorn tbis change has been rendered
the more striking. U nder the benign infinence ol' onr republican
institlltions, and the maintenance of peace with all nations, whíbt
so many of them vvere engaged in bloody and wastel'ul wars, the
fruits of a just policy were enjoyod i. an unrivalled growth ol' our
facultios and reSO!lrces. Prools 01' this \Vere seen in tlle improve-
ments of acrriculture; in the successful enternrises 01' cornmerce;
in the prog"'ress of rnanuf:letures and useful art~; in the in(~rease oí'
the public revnnllC, and thc use made oí' it ill reducing thc pubJic
debt; and in the valuable works and estaulisllllJcuts cvcrywhere
multiplying over the ¡¡lCe of our !ando
lt is a prccious reflection, that the transition from this prosperous
condition of our country, to the sqene which has ror some tlllle
been distressiugo US, is not chargeable on any unwarrantaLlo vie\ys,
nor, as 1 trust, 011 any involuntiuy erruOrs in the pllb!i(~ counl'ib.
Indnlging- no Pi1ssjOl1S whieh tresl'ass 011 the riC',°J¡ts or t]jf~ wspo"e
of other ;l~ltiOlIS, it has been the true glory oí" tIle e Ilitecl ~tatl'~ tú
cultivat:.! peacp, by observing jl,stic(', ;1iIe! tu clltitlo thclllselves lo
the reS¡lf'ct oí" t]¡e Ilations at war, !i" fulfillilJU" t;lc:r llc¡¡tr;¡1 ohli",t-
tiolls with the 1II0st serupulolls ill'IP¡HLi(tlitJ~ Ir tl!(:rc be CClW[Uf
in the worlJ, tIle truth of thc~e asscrtions w ill 1lot be q uestiollcJ.
Posterity, at least, will do justice to them.
This unexceptionable course could not avail against thc illjustice
und violence of tlle belligoerent powers. In tlH;ir ragoc a~o:lillst each
other, or impelleJ by more direct motives, principIes oi" rctalú!Íon
have been introJuced, erp¡,dly cOtltrary to ulliversal reasoll anJ ac-
knowledged law. How long tlJCir arbitrJTY ediets will he con-
tinued, in spite of the c1(?lB01l3traLÍolls tlIat not eVC!l a prctcxt CUf
them has bcen gi ven by tile li nitcrl ~tttl'S, and of thc ülir and
liberal attempts to induce a revocatio!l of thClll, cannot be al1tici~
patcd. Assuring myself that, uueler every vicissi tuJe, the Jeter~
mined spirit and unitcd COllllCils 01' th(~ lJation \yill be safeguards
Lo its hOllor amI its esseritial illterests, 1 repair to the po~t assigned
me, wÍth n(' otiler díscouragement thall what spriJlg"s from my OWIl
lllader¡nacy ~0 its high dntics. lf I do not Sillk under the weight
o!' this c1t:8p COllVlction, it is bcC',111Se 1 find SUllle sup]Jort in a con-
SCiOUSIWSS of the purposcs, ami a cOll¡¡dcllce in tlIe principIes
w!líeh 1 bring with llJe into this anl\!o\!:; s(~rvic(~.
'1'0 cherish peace aIld friewlly i¡¡tcrcour~e witll a11 natiol1s, having
eorrespondent dispositiol13; tv llJaint<tin sincere neutrJlity toward:s
285
belligerent natlOns; to prefer, in a1l cases, amicable discussion ano
reasonable accommodation of diffcrences, to a decision of them by
un appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrigues and foreign par-
tial ities, so degrading to a11 countries, and so baneful to free ones ;
to foster a spirit of independence; too just to invade the rights of
others; too proud to surrender our own; too liberal to indulge un-
worthy prejudices ourselves, and too elevated not to look down
"pon tbem in others; to hold the union of the States as the basis
01' tlteir poace and happiness; to support the Constitution, which
is tile cement of the U nion, as well in its limitations as in its au-
thorities; to respect the rights and authorities reserved to the
States and to the people, as cqua11y incorporated with, and essen-
tial fo the Sllceess of the general systcm; to avoid the slightest
illterference with the rights of conseience, or the functions of reli-
giolJ, so wisely exemptcd fram civil jurisdiction; to preserve, to
tileir full energy, th~ther salutary provisions in behalf of private
and personal rights, and of the freedom of the press; to observe
economy in public expenditures; to liberate the public resourees
hy a.n honorable discharge of the publie debts; to keep within the
requisite limits a standing military force, always remembering, that
an armed and trained militia is tite firmest bul wark of republies ;
that witbout standing armics their liberty can never be in danger,
nor, with !arge oncs, safe; to promote, by allthorized means, im-
rrovements fi-icndly to agrieulture, to manufactures, and to external
as well as internal eomlllerce; to favor, in like manner, the ad-
vancern8nt of scicnce and t11e dilfusion of information, as the best
aliment to true liberty; to carry on the benevolent pIans which
have ueen so meritoriously applied to the conversion of our abori-
ginal lleighbors, from tIte degradation and wretchedness of savage
Ere, to a participation of tile improvements of which the human
llliml and manners are susceptible in a civilized state: As far as
sentiments alld illtentions such as these can aid the fulfillnent of
my allty, thcy \vill be a resource \vhich cannot fail me.
It is my good fortune, moreover, to have the path in which 1 am
to tread, lighted by examples of illustrious serviees, successfu11y
rendered in the Illost trying difJiculties, by those who have marched
befofC me. Of those of my immediate predecessor, it might Ieast
Leeome me here to speak-I may, however, be pardoned for not
sllppressing the sympathy, with which my heart is full, in the rieh
reward he elljoys in the benedictions of a beloved country, grate-
fully bestowed for exalted talents, zealollsly devoted, through a
long career, to tile advancement of its highest interest and happi
ness. But the so urce to which 1 look for the aids, which alone
(',1I1 supply my deficien~es, is in the well-tried intelligence and
virtue oí" my fellow-citizens, and in the couneils of those repre
lSeming thcm in the other departll1cnts associated in the care of the
28
286
national interests. In these my confidenee will, nndor every diffi·
culty, be best placed; next to that which we have aH br·en en-
eonraged to feel in the gnardianship and guidanep, of tbat Almighty
Being, whose power regulates the destiny of nations, \\hmw blpss-
ings have been so conspicuously dispensed to tltis risin!!, Republic,
and to whom we are bound to addrcss our devout gratitude for the
past, as \Vell as our fervent supplications and bcst hopes for tha
future.
•
287
CHAPTER 6.
GENERAL LA WS RELATING 1'0 THE CONTINUED
ORGANIZATION OF TI-IE GOVERNMENT, AND PRO-
VIDING THE AUTIIORITIES AND MEANS OF EXE-
CUTING 'fIlE CONSTITU'fION, IN CERTAIN CONTIN-
GENCIES, AND FOR OTIlER PURPOSES.
These acts and parts of acts, forming a peculiar class of general
import, being spread through the mass of laws, 'copy of which is
not always accessible, are inserted here for public convenience.
They prescribe the forms of oaths to support the Constitution, &.c. ;
authorize oaths to be administered by the presiding officers of the
two Houses, and chairmen of tIte committees of Congress; relate
to the election of President and Vice President; declare tIJe officer
who "hall act as Presidcnt in case of vacancies in oiñces, both of
President and Vice Prcsident; provide compensation to thc Presi-
dent and Vice Prcsident; to messengers to deliver electoral votes;
apportion tbe Representatives in Congress according to 1he last
census, and prescribe the distri ct election of Representati ves; esta-
blish a uniform time for holding elections for Electors, and pre-
scribe the mode in \vhich the public acts, records, and judicial pro-
eeedmgs, in each State, shall be authenticated so as to take eifect
in every other State; provide for the protection of Ambassadors and
other public ministers; for the preservation of the neutrality of the
U nited ~tates, aneI establish Litt1e & Brown's edition of the law~
and treatics of the U ni ted States competent evidence in aH the courts
and oiñces of the U nited States and of the several States, &.C.
1. AN ACT to regulate the time and munner of administeriD~ cenam
ouths.
SECo 1. Be il enacled by the Senare and JJouse of Represenlatwes oj the
Umted States oi America in COllgress assemóled, That the oath or affir-
288
mation requ:red by the sixth anide ot the Constitution of the Ullited
8tates, sha11 be administered in the form following, to wit: "J, A. B.,
do solemnly swear or a.lJ'lirm (as the case may be) that 1 v;ill sllpport the
Constitution oj the Unitcd Statcs." Tile said oath or afftrmation sha11
be administered within three days aftcr the passing of t!lis act, uy any
one member of the Senate, to the President of the Senate, and by him
to a11 the mernbers, and to the Secretary; and by the speaker of the
House of Representatives to all the membcrs who have not taken a
similar orrth, by virtue of a particular resolution of the said House, and
to the clerk: And in case of lhe auscnce of any mcmber from the ser-
vice of either House at the time prescribed far taking the said oath or
aflirmation, tho same shall be auministereu to sueh mel1lber when he
shall appear to take hi" seat.
SEc.2. And beitfnrtlter enacted, That at the first session of Con~r('ss
after every gener. election of representat ives, the oat 11 01' aHirnmtion
aforesaid ,sha11 be administered by any one member of the House of
Representatives to the speaker; and by him to a11 the rnernbers present,
and to the clerk, previous to entering OH any other business; and to the
members who shall aftenvards appear, previous to taking their seats.
The President of the Scnate for the time being, slnll abo administer the
said oath or affirrnation to each Senator who shall !wreafter be elected,
previous to his taking his seat: Alld in any future case of a President üf
the Senate, who shal! not have taken the l:iaid oa,j¡ or aflirmatiol1, ¡he
same sha11 be administered to him by any ene 01' the melllbers oí' the
Senate.
SECo 3. And be it jlll·t"el· enac!ed, That the memhers of the several
State legislatures, at the next sessions of the said lcgisbturés reS¡Jl:ct-
ively, and al! executive and judicial of!lcers of the several ~tates, who
have been heretofore ehosen or appointed, or who shall be ch08en or ap-
pointed befare the first day of Angnst next, ami who shal! ¡lien be in
oflice, shall, within one month thereafter, take the same oath or afirma-
tion, except where they shall have taken it before; w hieh may be ad·
mmistered by any per~'ún authorized by the law of the State, in which
suclJ oflice shall be holden, to administer oaths. And the rncmhcrs nf
the several State legislatures, and all cxecutive and judicial ofTicers (jf
the severa! States, \\'110 shall be cllOseIl or appointed after the said fi¡"~t
uay of August, shall, befare they proce(;d to exeeute the JUlies (Jf theír
respective offiees, take the fOl'cgoing oath or aíTirmation, which sh:.tll be
administered by the person or persons, wbo, by the law of the State,
"hall be authorized to administer 1he o~t1h of ofJice; alld the person (Jr
pcrsons so administering the oath hereby rer¡uircd to be takcll, shall
cause a record or certihcate thereof to be madc, ill the same manner as,
289
by the law of the State, he or they shall be direeted to record or certify
the oath of orrice.
SECo 4. Anrl be it fllrlhcr cnactcd, That aU officers appointed, or here-
afler to be appointed, under the authority of the United States, shall.
Lefore thoy aet in their respective offices, take the same oath or affirma-
rion, which shall be administcred by the person or persons who shall be
ant horized by law to administer to such officers their respective oaths of
oflice ; and such officcrs sha11 incur the same penalties in case of failure,
as shall Le imposed by law in case of failure in taking their respective
oaths of oíTicc.
SECo 5. Anrl be it f/triller l?nacled, That the Secretary of the Senate,
and the Clerk of the Honse of Itc[Jresentatives, far the time being, shall,
at the ti!)]e of takillg dIe oat h o[ atllrmation aforesaid, each take an oath
or affirmation in the \Voras folIowing, to wit: "1, A. B., Secretaryofthe
,";I'l/,ate, or eler" of l!tp IJollse of R'presenlalives (as the case may be) of
tJw Unil"tl Slales of AlIlerica, da solemn7y SWNlr or affirm, that 1 will trdy
anrl failhfll11y discl/CIr2e the dulies of lit Y said o[Jice, lo the test of my know-
ledge and auilities."
Approved, June 1, 1789.
2. AN ACT [or the pllnió'hment of certain crimes against the United
Stntes.
SECo 25. A nd be il farfl,('r PJlal'led, That if any writ or process 8ha11 at
any time hereafter be ,:upa f,)rt h or proEecuted by any person or persons,
in any of the courts of tbe Unitcc1 States, or in any of the courts of a
p;uticular State, or hy any jmlge or justice 1herein respectively, whereby
the person of any ambasó'ador or other public minister of any foreign
prince or Stnte, aut!Jorizcd and received as such by lhe President of the
United States, or any uOll1estic or domestic servant of any such ambas-
sador or other public ITIinister, ITIay be arrested or imprisoned, or his or
1heir goods or chattels be distrained, seized or attached, such writ or
process shall be deemed and adjuc1ged to be utterly null and void to all
intems. construetion and purposes whatsoever.
SECo 26. A nd he it fnrlher cnactal, That in case any person or persona
shall sue forth úr pl'osccute any sUl:h writ or process, such person or per-
~'ons, and al! attorneys or solicitors prosecuting or soliciting in such case,
,md al! officers execut ing any snch writ or process, being thereof con-
\icted, shall be deerned violalOrs of the la,vs of nations, and di ... turbera
of the pnhiic repose, and imprisoncJ not exceeding three years, and fined
at the disfTction of the conrt.
SECo 27. Providfd nevcrtheless, That no citizen or inhabitant of tho
Uniled States, who shall have contmcted dcbts prior to his cntering into
28*
290
the service of any ambassador or other public minister, which debts shall
be still due and unpaid, shall have, take, or recelve any benefit of this aet,
nor shall any person be proeeeded against by virtue of this act, 10r having
arrested or sued any other domestic servant of any ambassador or orner
public minister, unless the name of such servant be first registered in the
office of the Seeretary of State, and by sueh seeretary transmitted to the
marshal of the distriet in whieh Congress shall reside, who shall, upon
reeeipt thereof, affix the same in some publie place in his office, whereto
all persons may resort and take copies without fee or reward.
SECo 28. And be it furlher enacted, That if any person shall violate any
safe-conduct or passport duly obtained and issued under the authority of
the United States, or shall assault, strike, wound, imprison, or in any
other manner infract the law of nations, by offuring vioJence to thc per-
son of an ambassador or other pulJlic ministcr, such pcrson so offending,
on conviction, shall be imprisoned not exceeding thrce years, and fined at
the discretion of the court.
Approved, April 30, 1790.
3. AN ACT to prescribe the mode in which the public acts, records,
and judicial proceedings, in each State, sha11 be authenticated so as to
take effect in every other State.
Be it enacted by the Senate and 110llse of Rl'prescntativl'g of tite Uniüd
States of Ameriea in Congress assembled, That the acts of t he lcgif'laturcs
of the several States shali be authentical ed by having the sea 1 of their
respective States affixed thereto:-That the rccords and judicial pro-
ceedings of the courts of any State sha11 be proved or admitted in any
other court within the United States, by the attestation of the clerk, and
the seal ofthe court annexed, if tllere be a seal, togetller with a certill-
cate of the judge, chief justice, 01' presidillg magistrate, as the case mny
be, that the said attestatlon is in due formo And the said records and
judicial proceedings, authenticated as aforesaid, shall have such fúith
and credit given to them in every court ,,,,ithin the U nited States, as they
have by law or usage in the courts of the State froln whence lhe said
records are, or shall be taken.
Approved, JJIay 26, 1790.
4. AN ACT supplemcntal to the act "establishing the Treasury De-
partment," and for a farther eompensation 10 certain ofticers.
SECo 2. And beit further enacted, That each and every clerk, and other
officer already appointed in any of the departmcnts of the U nited States,
iand who have nOl, since their appointment, taken the oath or affirma-
291
tion hereafter mentioned,) shall, within fifteen days after the passing of
this aet, and those who shall hereafter be appointed, shall, before they
enter upon the duties of sueh appointment, take an oath or affirmation,
before one of the justiees of the Supreme Court, or one of the judges of
a distriet eourt of the United States, to support the Constitutíon of the
United States, and also an oath or affirmation, well andfaitkfully to exe-
cute the trust committed to him, whieh oaths or affirmations, subseribed
by sueh clerk, and eertified by the person administering the same, sha11
be filed in the offiee of the person employing sueh clerk.
Approved, 3 Jj[arclt, 1791.
5. AN ACT relative to the eleetion of a President and Vice President
of (he United States, and dcclaring the officer who shall aet as Presi-
dent in cases of vacaneies in the offices both of President and Vice
President.
SECo 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and IIouse of Rcpresentatives of the
United States of Amerieain Congress assembled, That except in case of
an e1ection of a President and Vice President of the United States, prior
to the ordinary period, as hereinafter specified, electors sha11 be appointed
In eaeh State for the election of a President and Vice President of the
United State8, within thirty-four days preeeding the fir8t "\Vednesday in
December, one thousand se ven hundred and ninety-two, and within
thirty-four days preceding the first "\Vednesday in December in every
fourth year succeeding the last elcction, which electors shall be equal to
the number of Spnators and Representatives to which the several States
may, by 1aw, be entitled at the time when the President and Vice Presi-
dent, thus to be chosen, should come into office. Pl'ovided always, That
where no apportionment of Representatives shall have been made after
any enumeration, at tlle time of choosing eleetors, then the number of
electors shaIl be according to the existing apportionment of Senators anlt
Representatives.
SECo 2. A nrl be it furlher enacfed, That the electors shall meet and give
their votes on tlle said first \Vednesday in December, at such pIace, in
each State, as shalI be directed by the legislature thereof; and the elee
tors in each State shall make and sign three certificates of all the vote,;
by them givcn, and shaIl seal llP the same, certifying, on each, that a list
of the votes of such State, for President and Vice President, is contained
tlwrein, and shall, by writing, under ¡heir hands, or under the hands of a
mnjority of thcm, appoint a person to take charge of, and deliver to the
President of the Senate, at the seat of Government, before the first
\Vednesday in January thel1 next el1suing, one of the saia certifica,.cs
292
and the said elcctors sha11 forthwith farward, by the post-office, to the
President of the Senate, at the seat of Gavernmcnt, one other of the said
certificates; and sha11, forth with, cause the other of the said certificates
to be delivered to' the judge of that district in which the said electors
shall assemlJle.
SECo 3. And be it fllrlher enacted, That the executive authority of each
State sha11 cause three lists of the names of the electors of such State to
be made, and certified, and to be delivered to the electors on or befare
the said first Wednesday in Deeember; and the said electors shall annex
one of the said lists to each of the lists of their votes.
SECo 4. And be it jllrther enacted, That if a list of votes from any
Btate shall not have lJeen rceciyed at the seat of gavernment, on the said
first vVednesday in J anuary, that tIJen the Beeretary of State 8haIl send
a special messenger to the distriet judge in whose custody snch list shall
have been lodged, who shaU forthwith transmit the same to the seat of
Government.
SECo 5. And be it furfher enacted, That Congress sha11 be in session
on the second Wednesday in February, one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-three, and on the second Wednesday in February succeeding
every meeting of the eIeetors, and 1he said certificates,or so many of
them as shall have been received, shall then be opened, the votes
counted, and the persons who shall fill the ofliees of President and Vice
President aseertained and declared, agreeably to the Constitution.
SECo 6. And be it further enacted, That, in case there shall be no
President of the Senate at the seat of Government on the arrival of the
persons intrusted with the lists of the votes of the electors, then su eh
pel'sons shall deliver the lists of votes in their custody into the offtco of
the Secretary of State, to be safeIy kept and delivered over, as soon as
may be, to the President of the Senate.
SECo 7. And be it furtl,er enacted, That the persons appointed by the
eIectors to deliver the lists of votes to the President of the Senate, shall
be allowed, on the delivery of the said lists, twenty-five cents for every
mile of the estimated distance, by the most usual road, from the place of
meeting of the electors to the seat of Government of the United Slales.
SECo 8. And be it furtlter enacted, That if any person, appointed to
. deliver the votes of the electors to the President of the Senate, shall,
m[ter aecepting -of his appointment, negIect to perform the services
required of him by this act, he 8ha11 forfeit the sum of one thousand
doll<'.rs.
SECo 9. And be zt fztrtlzer enacted, That in case of a removal, death,
r.;signation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President of the
293
United States, the President of the Senate pro tempore, and, In casa
there shall be no President of the Sonate, then the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, for tbe time being, shall act as President of
the United States, until the disability be removed. or a President shall
be elected.
SECo 10. And be it further enacted, That whenever the offices of Pre·
sident and Vice President shall both become vacant, the Secretary of
State shall forthwith cause a notification thereof to be made to the exe·
cutive of eV'ery State, and shall also cause the same to be published in,
at leaEt, one of the newspapers printed in each State, specifying thai
electors of the President of the United States shall be appointed 01
cbosen, in the several States, within thirty.four days preceding the first
"\Yednesday in Decem ber, then next ensuing: Provided, There shall be
the space of two months between the date of such notification and the
said first \Yednesday in December; but if there shall not be the space
of two months betwecn the date of such notification and the first "Yed·
nesday in December, and if the term for which the President and Vice
President last in office were elected shall not expire on the third day of
March next ensuing, then the Secretary of State shall specify in the
notification, that the electors shall be appointed or chosen within thirty.
four days preceding the first "\Yednesday in December in the year next
ensuing, within which time the electors sha11 accordingly be appointed
or ch06('n, and the clectors shall llleet and give their votes on the said
first "\V cdllesday in Dccelllber, and the proceedings and duties of the
said electors, and others, shall be pursu:mt to the directions prescribcd
in this nct.
SECo 11. And be it furl11er cnacted, That the only evidence of a refusal
to accept, 01' of a resignation of, the offiee of President or Vice Presi·
dent, sha11 be an instrnment in writing, declaring the same; and sub·
scribed by the person refLlsing to accept, or rc"igning, as the case may
be, and delivered ¡nto the oilice of the Sccretary of State.
SECo 12. And be it further enacted, That t11e term of four years for
which a President and Vice President sha11 be elected, sha11, in all
cases, commCllce on t11e fourth day of l\1arch next succeeding the day OH
w hieh the votes of the electors sha11 have been given.
Approved, fllarch 1, 1792.
6. AN ACT providing compensntion to the President and Vice Pres¡.,
dellt of the U nited States.
SECo 1. Be it enacled by tlte Senate and Flouse of Representatives of the
Ullited SlatC$ uf America Íl¿ Congress asscmbled, Tlmt frorn aud arter the
294
third day of March, in thc prcsent year, the compensatíon of the Presi·
dent of the Uníted States shall be at the rate of twenty-five thousand
dollars per annum, with the use of the furniture and other eftects be long-
ing to the United States, and now in posscssion of the President: And
that of the Vice Prcsident, at the rate of five thousanu dollars per
anllum; in full for their respective services; to be paid quarter yearly,
at ¡he Treasury.
Approvcd, February 18, 1793.
7. AN ACT to authorize eertain officers and other persons to admi-
nister oaths.
Be it enac/cd by the Senate and Jlouse oj Represenlativcs oj the Unítrd
Sta/es oj America in COllgress a SSUII 1J!nl, TIJat the President of ¡he
Senate, the Speaker of tlw House of HeprcsclJtut ives, a chaitlmlll of a
committee of the whole, or a chairman of a selcct cOllllllittee uf either
House, shall be empowered to admínister oaths or affinnations to wit-
nesses, in any case under their examination.
SEC. 2. And be it jurtha enactcd, That if any person sha11 wilfully,
absulutely, and falseIy swear or afIirm, touchillg any matter or thillg
material to the point in question, whereto he or she shall be tllUS e;,:a-
mineu, every person so ofI'emling, and Leing t hereuf uuly convicted, t'hall
be subjected to the pains, pell;¡!tic,"" amI di:-aiJilitics, ,,"J¡ich by law are
prescriueu lur the IJLlIlislllllCr:t of the criuw of wiltid a¡¡d COlTUpt per-
Jury. Al'provrd, .Jláy 3, 17US.
8. AN ACT supplementary to the act, entitleu " An Act to prescribe
the mode in which the puLlic acts, recorus, und judicial proceeuings
in ea eh State shall be authenticateu so as to take eil'cl:t in every other
State."
Be it enactcd by the Scnate a;¿d J[o1tse oj Repl'cscutativcs of/he United
States oj Americain Cougress assembled, Tbat from anu after tlle pas-
sage of this act, al! records and exemplifications of office books, which
are or may be kept in any puLlic office of any State, 110t appertaining tu
a court, shall be approved or admitted in any other court or ofiice in any
otller State, Ly the attestation of the keeper of the suid records or books,
and the seal of his oflice thereto annexed, if there Le a seal, together
w!tI! a certificate of the presiding j utitice of the court of the county or
distnct, as the euse may Le, in which such oflice is or may Le kept; or
01 t!Je Governor, tlw Secretary of State, the Chancellor or the keeper
of the great se al of the State, that the said attestation is in due form and
Lv the proper oilicer; ami the said certificate, if gi ven by the presiding
295
justice of a court, shall be fmther authenticated by ¡he clerk or protlJO.
nolary of lhe said court, who sha1l certify under his hand and the seal of
his oflice, that the said presiding justice is duly commissioned and qual:.
fied; or if the said certificate be given by the Governor, the Secretary
of State, the Chancellor or keeper of the great seal, it shall be under the
great seal of lhe Slate in which the said certificate is made. And the
said records and exemplifications, authenticated as aforesaid, shall have
such faith and credit given to them in every comt and office within the
United States, as they nave by law or usage in the courts or offices oi
the State from whence the same are or shall be taken.
SECo 2. Anu be ít furlher enacted, 1'hat aH 111e provisions of this act,
and the act to which this is a supplement, shall apply a", well to tila
public aets, records, oflice books, judicial proceedings, courts and olnces
oi' the respective terrÍtories of the U nited States, and countries subject
to the jurisdiction of ¡he United States, as to the public acts, records,
oflices' books, judicial proceedings, courts and oflices of the several
States.
Approved, lIIarch 27, 1804.
9. AN ACT to extend the prOVISlOns of the act to authorize eertain
ofiicers and otlwf pcrsons to administer oaths, approved May the 3d,
1798.
Be it enacted by the Spnate and ]Jo1t.~e of Rrpresentatives of the Uníted
States of America in Congress asscmbled, That the chairman of any
standing commiltee, either of the House of Representatives, or of the
Senate of the U nited States, shall be empowered to administer oaths or
affirmations to witnesses in any case under their exam.ination; and any
person who shall be gnilty of perjury before such committee· shall be
Iiahlc to the pains, penalties, and ditmbilities, prescribed for the punish-
l11ent of the crime of wilful aud corrupt perjury.
Approvcd, February 8, 1817.
10. AN ACT to provide for the Publication of the Laws of the United
States, and for other purposes.
SECo 2. And be it further enactfd, 1'hat, whenever oflicial notice shall
have been received, at the Department of State, that any amendment
\vhich heretofore has bcen, or hercafter may be, proposed to the Con-
stitution of the U nited States, has been adopted, according to the provi-
sions of the Constitution, it shall be the duty of the said Secretary of
State, forthwith to cause the said amendment to be published in tne said
newspapers authorized to promulgate the laws, with his certifidite, spe
296
cifying the States by which the same may have be en adopted, and that
the same has beeome valid, to aH intents and purposcs, as a part of the
Constitution of the Unitcd States.
Approvcd, April 20, 1818.
11. AN ACT in addition to the "Aet for (hc punishment of eertain
crimes against the Ullited States," and to repeal the aets therein mell-
tioned.
SEe. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and IJollse of Rcpresentatives of (he
United States of America in Congrcss assembled, That if any eitizen of
the U nitcd States shall, within the territory or jurisdietion thereof, ae-
cept and exercise a eommission to serve a foreign prinee, State, colony,
distriet, or people, in ''lar, by land or by sea, against any prinee, State,
colon y, distriet, al' people, with whom the United States are Dt peaee,
the person so oflfmding shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor,
and shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, and shall be im-
prisoned not execeding three years.
SEe. 2. And be it further euacted, That if any person shall, within the
territor1' or jurisdietion of the United Statcs, enlist or enter himself, al'
hire or retain another porson to enlist or enter himself, or to go beyond
the ¡imits or jurisdietion of the United States with intent to be enlisted
or entered in the serviee of any forelgn prinec, State, eolony, distriet, or
people, as a soldier, or as a marine al' seaman, on board oí" any vcsscl of
war, letter of marque, or privateer, every pcrson, so oflending, shall be
deemed guilt1' of a high misdemeanor,and shall be fined not exeeecJing
one thousanddollars, and be imprisoned 1].ot exeeeding three 1'cars:
Provided, That this aet shall not be eonstrued to extend to an1' subjeet
or eitizen of an1' foreign prinee, State, eolon1', distriet, or people, who
f'h8.11 transiently be within the United States, and shall, 011 board of any
vcsselof war, letter of marque, or privateer, whieh, at the time of its
arrival within the U nited States, was titted and equipped as such, enlist
or enter himself, or hire or retain anothcr subjeet or eitizen of the same
foreign prinee, State, colon y, distriet, or people, who is transiently
within the United States, to enlist or enter himself to serve sueh foreign
prince, State, eolon1', distriet, or people, 011 board sueh vessel of war,
lctter of marque, or privateer, if the U nited States shall then be at peaee
with sueh foreign pl'i11ce, State, colon y, distriet, or people.
SECo 3. And be it further cnacted, That if any person shall, within the
limits 01- tne U nited States, tit out and arm, or attempt to tit out and arm,
f)f procure to be fitted out and armed, or shall knowingly be eoneerned
Ir. the furnishing, fitting out, or arming, of an1' ship or vessel, with intent
297
that sueh ship or vessel shaIl be employed in the serviee of any foreign
prinee or State, or of any eolony, distriet, or people, to eruiso or oommit
hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property, of any foroign prince
or State,or of any eolony, distriet, or people, with whom the United
States are at peaee, or shall issue or deliver a eommission within the ter-
ritory or jurisdietion {lf the U nited States, for any ship or vessel, to the
intent that she may be employed as aforesaid, every person so offending
shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined n01
more than ten thousand dollars, and imprisoned not more than three
years; and every sueh ship or vessel, with her taekle, apparel, and (ur-
niture, together witb al! materials, anne, ammunition and stores, which
may have been procured for the building aud equipment thereof, shall be
forfeited, ono half tú the use of the informer, and the other haIf to the use
of the United Statos.
SECo 4. And be it further enacted, That if any citizen or cilizens of lhe
U nited States shall, wilhout the limits thoreof, fit out and arm, or attempt
to fit out and arm, or procure to be fitted out and armed, or shal! know-
ingly aid or be concerned in the furnishing, fitting out, or arming, any
private ship or vessel of war, or pri .ateer, wilh intent that such ship or
vessel shall be employed to eruise, or commit hostilities, upon the citi-
zens of the United States, or their property, or shal! take the eommand
of, or enter on board of, any sueh ship or vBssel, for the iatent aforesaid,
or shall purchase any interest in any such ship or vessel, with a view 10
share in the profits thereor, such person, so offending, shall be deemed
guilty of a high misdcmcanor, and fined not more than ten thousand uol-
lars, and imprisoned not more than ten years; and the trial for such
offenee, if committed withou! the limits of the U nited States, shall be in
the distriet in whieh the ofrender shall be apprehended or first brought.
SEC. 5. And be ilfurthe1' euacted, That ifany person sha1l, within the
territory or Jurisdiction of the United States, inerease or augment, 01'
procure to be inereased or augmented, or shall knowingly be eoneerned
in inereasing or augmenting, the force of any ship of war, eruiser, or ot her
armed vessel, which, at the time of her arrival within the U nited States,
was a ship of war, or eruiser, or armed vessel, in the serviee of any
foreign prinee or State, or of any eolony, distriet, 01' people, or belong-
ing to the subjeets or eitizens of any sueh prinee or State, colon y , dis-
triet, or people, the same being at war with any foreign prinee or state,
or of any colony, di"triet, or people, with whom the United States are at
peace, by adding to the number of the guns of sueh vessel, or by changing
those on board of her for guns of a larger calibre, or by the IldditlOIl
thereto of any equipme n.t solely applicable to war, every person, so ol
f("rJin~!, Rhall be deemcd gnilty of a high mÍsdellleanor, shall be fincd
De,t more than one thousand dollars and be imprisoned not more tnan one
year.
HEC. 6. And he il further cuarted, That if any person shall, ",itlJin the
tert"itory or jurisdiction ol' the United SUlIes, begin or set on foot, or pro-
,·;.¡c or prerare the means for, any militar)' expedition or enterprise, to
he (';¡rricd on from thenee against tl}e territory or dominions of any fareign
pri!lCC or State, or of any colony, distriet, or peop16, wilh whorn the
1111 i: cd States are [at] peaee, every person, so ofl'ellding, shall be deemed
t 11 i!! Y of a h2gh misdcmeanor, and shall be fined nol exceeding tluee
tl'dll,-;und dollars, and imprisoned not more than 1hree years.
S ':C. 7. JI wl he it fu rtller euacted, That t he disl riet cour! sha11 take
e0g,Ji"U]!('e of eomplaints, by ",homsoever instituted, in cases of euptures
11IIldc wilhin the w"16rs of the Uuited Slates, or witJ¡in a marine ¡eaglle
oí (he coasts or shores thereof.
SECo 8. AmI be it further cuacted, That In every case in which a ves-
sel ",hall be fitted out and armed, or attempted to be fitted out and armed,
or in whiel! the force ofany vessel ofwar, cruiser, or otherarmed vessel,
f.l!¡¡ II be iliereased or ungmented, or in whieh any military expeditioll or
t'¡¡lcrpri~e "hall be begun or set on foot, contrary to the provisions and
pn,¡' ihi¡ ions nf thi" Het ; nnd in every case of the capture of a ship or ves-
I3I'l wi¡J¡i¡¡ the jllrisJietion or protection of the United States as befare
d"flm·u. anel in every case in which any proeess issuing Ollt of uny enurt
ni ¡];e LJI;ited 81ates shall be disobeyed or resisted by any person or per-
1"1)118 having (he eustody of any vessel of war, emiser, or olher armed
vc~:'el, nf any foreign prinee or State, or of ally colony, district, or pea-
pie. Uf uf any suhjeets or citizens of any foreign prince or Stale, or of any
(',,1,,:,)", distriet, or peopIe, ill every sueh case it shall be lawflil for the
l':é:dent of lhe l'nited Slates, or Burh other person as he shall have
C'l'l,)\\'cred fór tbat purpose, to employ snch part of the Iand or naval
f"l'cC"~ nf lhe United States, or of the miIitia thereof, for the purpose of
tnking possession of and detaining any sueh ship or vessel, with her
prize or prizes, if any, in order to the .execution uf the prohibitions ill1d
pelH'¡¡ ins oí" this act, llnd to the restoring the prize or prizes in the cases
in whj('h restoration "hall have been adjudged, and also for the purpose
oí' preventing (he carrying OIl of any sueh expedition or enterprise from
the territories or jurisdiction of the UnÍted States against the territories
or domillions of any foreign prince or State, or of any colony, district, or
p('ople, with whcm the Unitcd States are at pea