.MTUzNw.MTUwMjA

324

There is already a continued chain of water communication, with the exception of two miles, from Bangor on the Penobscot through the interior in a northwardly direction to the St. John's, through which boats have been repeatedly conducted. If a system of internal improvement should ever be matured by the General Government, and the national funds be appropriated for that purpose, it is believed that a portion of such appropriation might be judiciously expended within this State. In addition to the roads before mentioned, each of which will communicate directly with foreign territory, and be of important advantage for military purpose, the improvement of the navigation of our rivers by clearing them of natural obstructions, and the opening of canals and water courses in different parts of the state, are objects to which the attention of the General Government might be properly invited. It will be recollected that on a former occasion, I expressed a wish, for reasons then assigned, not to be a candidate for reelection, but to be permitted to retire from this office, at the close of the last year. Circumstances arising from that intimation seemed however, to require that I should so far yield my wishes as not, at that time, absolutely to withdraw from the service of the State. Since then the whole people have had ample opportunity to interchange opinions in relation to a successor, and the present seems to me a favorable time for making a change in the Supreme Executive of the State. Hoping that the further good will be promoted, and believing that the public tranquility will not be disturbed by the measure. I have determined