Not to contend for such a stake is to surrender our equality with other powers on the element common to all.

These resources are amply sufficient to bring the war to an honorable issue.

The impressions on me are strengthened by such an evidence that my faithful endeavors to discharge my arduous duties have been favorably estimated.

Already have the gallant exploits of our naval heroes proved to the world our inherent capacity to maintain our rights on one element.

How little has been the effect of this example on the conduct of the enemy!

The war has been waged on our part with scrupulous regard to all these obligations, and in a spirit of liberality which was never surpassed.

It was not declared on the part of the United States until it had been long made on them, in reality though not in name.

Conformably to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 27th of January last, I transmit \rolls of the persons having office or employment of a public nature under the United States.\

The better to guard, nevertheless, against the effect of individual cupidity and treachery and to turn the corrupt projects of the enemy against himself, I recommend to the consideration of Congress the expediency of an effectual…

The insulting attempt on the virtue, the honor, the patriotism, and the fidelity of our brethren of the Eastern States will not fail to call forth all their indignation and resentment.

The policy now proclaimed to the world introduces into her modes of warfare a system equally distinguished by the deformity of its features and the depravity of its character.

The general tendency of these demoralizing and disorganizing contrivances will be reprobated by the civilized and Christian world.

I recommend to the consideration of Congress the equity and propriety of a general provision allowing in such cases, both past and future, a fair proportion of the value which would accrue to the captors on the safe arrival and sale of the…

The circumstances and the issue of this combat afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit which prevail in our naval service.

The signal display of both by Captain Bainbridge, his officers and crew, commands the highest praise.

I transmit, for the like purpose, copies of a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy

I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American prisoners of war at Halifax, and the British admiral commanding at that station.

A nation feeling what it owes to itself and to its citizens could never abandon to arbitrary violence on the ocean a class of them which give such examples of capacity and courage in defending their rights on that element.