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[III]


the harmony and good understanding, which have heretofore existed hetween the national and State authorities. The relative and corresponding rights and obligations of each are prescribed and defined in the federal constitution, or are necessarily inferred from the nature and intent of that original compact. While the general government shall keep within the strict limits of their constitutional power, shall preserve inviolate the rights and sovereignty of the States, and impartially consult and promote the general welfare of the nation, this State, as a constituent member of the American confederation, is bound by constitutional duty, as well as by interest, to contribute, according to its means, to sustain the respectability, and support the legitimate authority of that government. So, on the other hand, the United States are under obligations to regard and enforce our just claims, to guarantee our republican institutions, and to protect our territory from the encroachments of foreign invasion.
In pursuance of these obligations, as I apprehend them, an inquiry has recently been instituted, under the authority of the general government, into the boundary between this State and the British Province of New Brunswick. In adopting this measure, it is not contended by the United States, that they have the power to alienate, by negotiation or otherwise, from the jurisdiction of a sovereign State of the Union, any portion of its territorial limits. And though this State has never assented to a compromise of her rights by arbitration, yet it is hoped that no occasion will arise for future discussion in relation to this subject, as it cannot be otherwise than expected, that the result will be in conformity to the stipulations of treaties, and the incontrovertible justice of our claim.
I regret that it is not in my power to