If, however, the Secretary of the Navy should ascertain that the steamer is adapted to our service, he is authorized to purchase her.

It is deemed to comport with the public interest, in view of the unsettled condition of the relations of the United States with that Empire, that the steamer should not be allowed to proceed to Japan.

To sin by silence, when they should protest, makes cowards of men.

that commercial intercourse with those ports, except as to persons, things, and information contraband of war, may from that time be carried on, subject to the laws of the United States, to the limitations and in pursuance of the…

it is deemed advisable that they should be opened to domestic and foreign commerce:

Whereas by my proclamation of the 19th of April, 1861, it was declared that the ports of certain States, including those of Norfolk, in the State of Virginia, Fernandina and Pensacola, in the State of Florida, were, for reasons therein set…

By order of the President of the United States

It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence, in great emergencies.

May I ask those who have not differed with me, to join with me, in this same spirit towards those who have?

It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war.

While I am deeply sensible to the high compliment of a re-election; and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction…

We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.

If the loyal people, united, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralized, by a political war among themselves?

Human-nature will not change.

But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country?

But the election was a necessity.

And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen and their gallant and skilful commanders.

But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too.