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A Collection of the Speeches of the President of the United States to Both Houses of Congress, At the Opening of Every Session, with Their Answers. Also, the Addresses to the President, with His Answers, From the Time of His Election: With An Appendix, Containing the Circular Letter of General Washington to the Governors of the Several States, and His Farewell Orders, to the Armies of America, and the Answer. First edition, Boston: Manning and Loring, 1796. 8vo., 4 1/4 x 7 in. 282 pp + terminal booksellers ad. "happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support." A remarkable collection of President Washington's speeches and letters notable for including his inaugural address and all of his annual messages to Congress (the forerunner of modern state-of-the-union addresses), as well as the response of Congress to each. It also includes letters from religious groups, state legislatures, municipal organizations, and a variety of other societies to the President and his response. Finally, it includes Washington's Circular Letter to the Governors of the Several States, (June 18, 1783) (pp. 263-175), and his Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States at the end of the Revolutionary War (Nov. 2, 1783) (275-282). Historic subscriber list at front, with Revolutionary War names of note, including Samuel Adams, General Henry Knox, and a large group of Harvard University tutors and students.Including addresses from the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, and from the Hebrew Congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond, along with Washington's responses.Historical BackgroundThe Hebrew Congregation in Newport addressed the President on Aug. 18, 1790 (227-230), welcoming him to Newport. Washington responded with his views of religious liberty in the new nation:"It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. May the children of the stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants-while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig-tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."The Hebrew congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Richmond sent a joint congratulatory letter to Washington, Dec. 13, 1790, (231-233)"The wonders which the Lord of Hosts hath worked in the days of our forefathers, have taught us to observe the greatness of his wisdom and his might, throughout the events of the late glorious revolution; and while we humble ourselves at his footstool in thanksgiving and praise for the blessing of his deliverance, we acknowledge you the Leader of the American Armies, as his chosen and beloved servant. But not to your sword alone is our present happiness to be ascribed: that, indeed, opened the way to the reign of freedom; but never was it perfectly secure, till your hand gave birth to the Federal Constitution; and you renounced the joys of retirement, to seal by your administration in peace what you had achieved in war." In response to the good wishes expressed in this address, Washington reciprocated: "The liberality of sentiment towards each other which marks every political and religious denomination of men in this country, stands unparalleled in the history of nations. May the same temporal and eternal blessings which you implore for me, rest upon your Congregations."In all, . (See website for full description).
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