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The rights, which had been by violence usurped, and laying the foundation of civil liberty and national prosperity in the tears and blood of the brave and god, we behold in this country a people prosperous in their industry and happy under rulers of their own choice, and laws of their own making and in the midst of present tranquility gladdened with the prospect of a lengthened period of happiness and repose: That while other nations, and some of our sister States, have been during the present year visited with distressing and desolating sickness, to the people of this State, it has been a season of general health: That the treasures of the great deep have rewarded the diligence of our fishermen; That commerce, left free to the enterprise of our merchants, and wisely regulated as it relates to foreign nations, has been prosecuted with increasing success; and that the labors of the husbandman have, by a fruitful and salubrious season, been crowned with plenty.

And while our grateful recollections dwell on the undeserved mercies which we have received, may we not forget that all human virtue, like all human happiness is imperfect; may humble ourselves before the perfections of that Being, whom we have so often offended, and with praises for his manifold kindness, join our fervent supplications that we may in future so live as to be more worthy of his favor; and that by uniting to the virtues good citizens, the Christian graces of meekness, faith and charity, the people of this State may continue to bring down on themselves the blessings of that Providence, which has hitherto distinguished them among the nations of the world by such peculiar mercies.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Portland, this second day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty; and of the forty fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America. William King

By the Governor,

Ashur Ware, Secretary of State