The occasional interruption experienced by our fellow-citizens engaged in the fisheries on the neighboring coast of Nova Scotia has not failed to claim the attention of the Executive.

Since the last adjournment of Congress the Executive has relaxed no effort to render indestructible the relations of amity which so happily exist between the United States and other countries.

I shall be permitted to exchange congratulations with you, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, on these auspicious circumstances.

As preparatory, therefore, to entering once more upon the high duties of legislation, it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence upon Him as our guide and protector.

Confidence between man and man is in a great measure restored and the credit of this Government fully and perfectly reestablished.

I can not, however, withhold the remark that its advantages contrasted with a bank of the United States, apart from the fact that a bank was esteemed as obnoxious to the public sentiment.

The war which has existed for so long a time between Mexico and Texas has since the battle of San Jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions.

It can not be too often repeated that the prominent interest of every important pursuit of life requires for success permanency and stability in legislation.

I have much pleasure in saying that the Government of Brazil has adjusted the claim upon that Government in the case of the schooner John S. Bryan.

While, therefore, the Executive would deplore any collision with Mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations which exist between the two countries, it can not permit that Government to control its policy.

It is by such acts of good will by one to another of the family of nations that fraternal feelings are nourished and the blessings of permanent peace secured.

Our own interests are involved in the matter, since, however neutral may be our course of policy, we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers.

The United States would be at all times indisposed to aggrandize itself at the expense of any other nation.

I recommend that at your present session you adopt such measures in order to carry into effect the Smithsonian bequest.

The copy of the report which was transmitted to the House of Representatives is missing from the files of the House.

I feel it, therefore, to be my duty to renominate him.

I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives copies of the final report and appendices of the joint commission appointed to explore and survey the boundary line between the States of Maine and New Hampshire and the adjoining British…

I was led to do so by considerations of his high talent, his exalted character, and great moral worth.