Washington responds to an address from the members of a prominent Philadelphia Lutheran congregation, likely written from New York City in the first two weeks of his Presidency. This exceptional letter shows that Washington believed the Revolution was guided by Providence, but also that human virtues would be necessary to build a successful nation. He offers hope of “a wise and efficient government” for the United States, and is confident that his new position will offer ample opportunity to encourage “the domestic and public virtues of Industry, Oeconomy, Patriotism, Philanthropy, and that Righteousness which exalteth a Nation.” Washington closes by thanking the ministers for their pledge to continue praying for him at the “Throne of Grace.”

Unless granted permission by Congress, the Constitution forbade States from collecting duties on imports, exports, or vessel tonnage. However, Congress regularly granted permission for individual states to levy imposts or duties to be used for the improvement of their harbors and waterways. These permissions were regularly renewed, sometimes for decades. Here, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson certifies a copy of the Congressional Act that was constitutionally required for individual states to levy tonnage duties.

Congressional Act authorizing tribute payments to the Barbary Pirates, which would be paid for through funds from the infamous Excise or “Whiskey” Tax.

Unless granted permission by Congress, the Constitution forbade States from collecting duties on imports, exports, or vessel tonnage. However, Congress regularly granted permission for individual states to levy imposts or duties to be used for the improvement of their harbors and waterways. These permissions were regularly renewed, sometimes for decades. Here, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson certifies a copy of the Congressional Act that was constitutionally required for individual states to levy tonnage duties.

John Adams offers this detailed report of the progress made by a board of commissioners charged with purchasing and paying the public debt. Through agent Samuel Meredith, the commissioners discharged almost $140,000 in debt for the fiscal year 1794.

“It would be very consistent with the present professed Principles to destroy every Type and Press as Engines of Aristocracy, and murder every Pen and Ink Man as aiming at superiority. I hope in all Events that Religion and Learning will find an Asylum in America.”

John Adams worries over the survival of civilization in the wake of the French Revolution.

“The General Assembly doth particularly protest against the palpable and alarming infractions of the Constitution, in the two late cases of the Alien and Sedition Acts…the first of which exercises a power no where delegated to the Federal Government.”

On December 24, 1798, the General Assembly of Virginia printed and distributed James Madison’s resolution in protest of the Alien and Sedition Acts, a significant development in the establishment of states’ rights. An equally rare letter, written and signed by the Governor of Virginia, accompanies the resolution as it is delivered to another fledgling state. Unwilling to accept what they view as a trampling of rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the members of the Virginia legislature, under Madison’s guiding hand, formalize and distribute their protest in the form of this resolution.

Includes a full printing of Adams’s March 12 order regarding John Fries’s Pennsylvania revolt over taxes levied to fight France, as well as an update on an annual New Haven medical convention.

The first-day printing of Jefferson’s third State of the Union message to Congress, in its entirety on page three.