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349 Governor's Message Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives In meeting together for the first time on this occasion, it would be ungrateful as unusual, to forbear to acknowledge the innumerable privileges and blessings conferred upon us as a people by the beneficence of a kind and bountiful Providence. During the past year, the seasons have been unusually productive, health and peace have continued to prevail throughout the land, and the labours and industry of every class o our fellow citizens have in general received an abundant reward. While other nations of the world have been suffering under the oppression on arbitrary power, the barborous relic of former ages, or struggling with an inspiring energy for the unalienable rights of freedom and self-government, we have continued in the undisturbed possession and enjoyment of all those civil and religious privileges, which were bequeathed to us by the valor and exertions of our forefathers, without any event having occurred to diminish our confidence that they will be transmitted unimpaired to future generations. In view of these distinguishing realities, it may well be doubted, if we ever have had more abundant cause, than at present, to be satisfied with our condition as a people , and for heartfelt thankfulness towards that Being, who regulates the seasons, and controls the destinies of men and nations.

    Agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution, we have been designated by the suffrages of our fellow citizens, as their agents and are now assembled to perform the sacred duties devolved upon us by that Constitution, and the nature of the trusts we have accepted, to consult and deliberate together for the public weal, to guard the civil and religious liberties of the citizens, and generally by good and