Franklin Pierce: “In providing for the present you can hardly fail to avail yourselves of the light which the experience of the past casts…”

The aggressive capacity of great naval powers would be thereby augmented, while the defensive ability of others would be reduced.

We have at length reached that stage of our country's career in which the dangers to be encountered and the exertions to be made are the incidents, not of weakness, but of strength.

These results have not been attained without passing through trials and perils, by experience of which, and thus only, nations can harden into manhood.

In addressing to you my last annual message the occasion seems to me an appropriate one to express my congratulations, in view of the peace, greatness, and felicity which the United States now possess and enjoy.