Special Message
03/28/1796
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States.
Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.
I lay before you for your consideration a treaty which has been negotiated and concluded on the 29th day of June last by...