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I.

Appendix.

Message of the Governor. 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 well as unusual, to forbear to acknowledge the innumerable blessings, conferred upon us as a people by the benificence [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 of our fellow citizens have in general received an abundant reward. While other nations of the world have been suffering under the oppression of arbitrary power, the barbarous 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 valour and exertions of our fathers, without any event having occurred to diminish our confidence that they will be transmitted unimpaired to future generations. In view of these distinguished 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