Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-06-02
PART ".
Messages and addresses.

sheSsUBeS ara IuuTeSSeS'
In the first years ofthe new government, the
President 8 communications at the opening Of
| tho sessions of Congress were called speeches,
and those transmitted afterwards, till the end Of
the session were denomina,ed messages. All
these will come into this fourth part, together
with proclamatons. and a selection of some Of
the best addresses, or rather replies to addresses,
that were made to Washington at different Pc
RODS of his life.
To this parl free additions will be contributed
| By way of notes. In the characie er of Wash
| ngon there was not more predominant prac
ticai trait, than his extreme care to possess HIM
self of the views of persons in whom he had con-
fdcnce, respecting any public measure, before
he proceeded to act. This was his uniform
practice in the army, and one to which he af.
hered more rigdy, if possible, after he was
placed at the head Of the Government. A
| Speech or message, was rarely composed be-
| fore he had consulted the members ofthe Cabi-
net, and solicited their opinions separately IN
writing, both as to the points suitable 10 be IN
troduced, and the manner Of introducing them.
When these opinions had been compared, de-
| hberately examined, a ID weighed, he would
construct his message according TO the dictates
! of his judgnt 1t, thus enlightened, sometimes
making free use of wha, had been furnished, at
others choosing in preference the suggestions
ever, TO adopt what he deemed the best
thoughts, words, and expressions, from what
ever quarter they might come. Several Of these
elements Of messages are preserved, and are
curious as showing the steps 10y which mind
like WashIngton's was gradually led to results
on subjects of dclicacy and magnitude, and the
invariable caut on with which he submitted his
views to the public. ,mong the persons whom
he appears TO have consulted with special conf
dence, Aere Hamilton, Jefferson, Randolph,
and Pickering, of the cabinet, and also jay and
Madison. Even after Hamilton had retired
from the cabinet, he was applied to with scarce
ly less freedom and frequency, than while In
public station.
The opinions Of the members Of the Cabinet,
commonly written out with care and labor, on
various important subjects brought up from time
to time for discussion, possess much value as
connected with the history of the events that
day. II was period when some Of the most
interesting points relating TO the intercourse be-
tween the United States and other countries
had not been settled, and when our infant re-
public was not of an age 10 have gained wis
dom and character by experience. On the
question whether a Minister from France, du-
ring the distracted state of that country, should
be received without qualification, il is well
known the Cabinet were divided Hamilton and
Knox being on one side, and Jefferson and
Randolph on the other. This involved another
question, whether the treaty with France was
binding on the United States, or whether the
dissolution of the old French Government had
made it null. This question was argued with
great ability by Hamilton and Jefferson, on OPP
posite sides. Other important opinions OF the
respective members of the Cabinet, were these
relative TO the ratification of the treaty with
Grca, Britain; also, the recall Of he American
Minister from France; and a series of opinions
! on the resolution Of the House Of Representa-
lives requesting papers from the President,
! which he refused to grant. In these sub jects,
and others Of similar kind, the public took a
deep concern, and the papers in question afford
the fullest testimony, that they were not acted
upon by the President without earnest inquiry
and deliberatoD, and the use of all the means
that could be obtained for informing and guiding
his judgment These papers will be freely con-
suited as occasion may require.
PARTY.
| Miscellaneous Private Letters.
Compared with the other materials, the nrsi-
Der of letters strictly private, and suited for
publication, is not large. 1t is presumed that
letters of this sort, being deemed less important,
were not copied with so much scrupulous care
as others Taking in the whole series, how
ever, there will be found not few which are,
! in all respects, worthy of the writer, and will
add to the value and dignity of the work. The
bcnevoence ana kindness of his nature, which
could hardly BE manifested in the correspon-
dence of public man, sent out from camp or
the highest office Of state, will here be disclosed,
His remarks on human life in its connexions
with retirement and the social principle, his IL
| tcrchange of feelings and sentiments with rola-
tions, friends, and neighbors, his advice to the
| young, counsols to the Imprudont consultations
| to the afflicted, his reflections and practical
| hints on the proper economy Of time and means
| all these have attractions which will make
his private letters highly valued. They present
| his character as private man in an engaging
light, and ono which will not be eclpsed by his
public virtues.
PART VI.
Agricultural Papers.
| There was no station in which Washington
| took more delight. or ,he duties of which be
discharged with more zeal and activity, than
in his walk were prodgous. II may be fairly
| questioned, whether any other individual IN tho
country, not excepting tho most industrious ana
enerprising, who has bccn devoted to this par
suit alone, has ever accomplished so much. lie
was commander Of an army, and at the head ol
a nation, for a few years only at time, but a
| day never passed in which his farm was out OF
his mind. During the whole war he was plan-
ming Improvements, directing them, and oitcn
| writing letters of minute instructions To ms
J manager. While Presidolt of the United States
| il was his standing custom 20 write weekly ahd
to receive wecnly returns, in which hc required