University of Virginia Library

1550. CONGRESS, Messages to.—[continued].

The circumstances under
which we find ourselves placed rendering
inconvenient the mode heretofore practiced
of making, by personal address, the first communications
between the Legislative and Executive
branches, I have adopted that by message,
as used on all subsequent occasions
through the session. In doing this, I have
had principal regard to the convenience of
the Legislature, to the economy of their time,
to their relief from the embarrassment of immediate
answers on subjects not yet fully
before them, and to the benefits thence resulting
to the public affairs. Trusting that a
procedure founded on these motives will meet
their approbation, I beg leave through you,
Sir, to communicate the enclosed message,
with the documents accompanying it, to the
honorable the Senate, * * *.—
To the President of the Senate. Washington ed. iv, 423. Ford ed., viii, 108.
(W. Dec. 1801)