The Public Record
Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. A key figure in the formation of the Democratic Party, he previously held the positions of Vice President under Andrew Jackson and Secretary of State. Van Buren was also the Governor of New York, where he began his political career. His presidency was marked by economic challenges, including the Panic of 1837, which influenced his policies and legacy.
A complete stop has been put to those operations in consequence of the island having been taken possession of by the individual claimant under the decision, in his favor, of the United States district court for the district of New Jersey.
The importance of the subject would seem to render it worthy of the early attention of Congress.
I have the honor to transmit herewith additional letters and documents embraced in the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17th instant.
I deem it proper to submit all the material facts to your consideration, with a view to procure such additional legislation as the facts of the case may appear to render proper.
I transmit the accompanying documents, marked from 1 to 5,* in reply to a resolution of yesterday's date, calling for copies of correspondence between the Executive of the General Government and the governor of Pennsylvania.
I would respectfully invite the early attention of Congress to the adoption of the legal provisions therein suggested, or such other measures as may appear more expedient, for increasing the public security against similar defalcations…
I herewith transmit a special report made to me by the Secretary of the Treasury, for your consideration, in relation to the recently discovered default of Samuel Swartwout, late collector of the customs at the port of New York.
In order to obtain such information as might serve to facilitate its attainment, the Secretary of State was directed in July last to apply to persons versed in science and familiar with the subject of public education for their views as to…
A copy of the proclamation which I have felt it my duty to issue is herewith communicated.
I regret deeply, however, to be obliged to inform you that this has not been the case.
By no country or persons have these invaluable principles of international law--principles the strict observance of which is so indispensable to the preservation of social order in the world--been more earnestly cherished or sacredly…
To this practical operation of our institutions, so evident and successful, we owe that increased attachment to them which is among the most cheering exhibitions of popular sentiment.
The close bonds of social intercourse have in no instance prevailed with such harmony over a space so vast.
But whether the interest or the honor of the United States requires that they should be made a party to any such struggle, and by inevitable consequence to the war which is waged in its support, is a question which by our Constitution is…
I can not be mistaken, I am confident, in counting on the cordial and general concurrence of our fellow-citizens in this sentiment.
The deepest recesses of the wilderness have been penetrated; yet instead of the rudeness in the social condition consequent upon such adventures elsewhere, numerous communities have sprung up, already unrivaled in prosperity, general…
I had hoped that the respect for the laws and regard for the peace and honor of their own country which have ever characterized the citizens of the United States would have prevented any portion of them from using any means to promote…
It was reserved for the American Union to test the advantages of a government entirely dependent on the continual exercise of the popular will.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: I congratulate you on the favorable circumstances in the condition of our country under which you reassemble for the performance of your official duties.
Though the anticipations of an abundant harvest have not everywhere been realized, yet on the whole the labors of the husbandman are rewarded with a bountiful return.
The present year closes the first half century of our Federal institutions.
I hereby warn all those who have engaged in these criminal enterprises, if persisted in, that, whatever may be the condition to which they may be reduced, they must not expect the interference of this Government in any form on their behalf.
Upon every officer, civil or military, and upon every citizen, by the veneration due by all freemen to the laws which they have assisted to enact for their own government, to use every effort in his power to arrest for trial and punishment…
Politicians like Martin Van Buren
