His address on the occasion was comprehensive, temperate, and dignified.

In presenting a full and clear view of the situation of the United States, and in recommending those great national measures, in the utility of which he felt a confidence, no personal considerations could induce the omission of those, to which open and extensive hostility had been avowed.
After congratulating congress on the internal situation of the United States, and on the progress of that humane system which had been adopted for the preservation of peace with their Indian neighbours; after stating the measures which had been taken in execution of the treaties with Great Britain, Spain, and Algiers, and the negotiations which were pending with Tunis and Tripoli; he proceeded to say: "To an active external commerce, the protection of a naval force is indispensable--this is manifest with regard to wars in which a state is itself a party--but besides this, it is in our own experience, that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war.

To secure respect to a neutral flag, requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression--this may even prevent the necessity of going to war, by discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party, as may first or last, leave no other option.

From the best information I have been able to obtain, it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be insecure; and our citizens exposed to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved.
"These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a navy.

The increasing progress of their navigation promises them, at no distant period, the requisite supply of seamen; and their means, in other respects, favour the undertaking.