In conclusion I congratulate you, my fellow-citizens, upon the high state of prosperity to which the goodness of Divine Providence has conducted our common country.  Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care which has led us from small beginnings to the eminence we this day occupy, and let us seek to deserve that continuance by prudence and moderation in our councils, by well-directed attempts to assuage the bitterness which too often marks unavoidable differences of opinion, by the promulgation and practice of just and liberal principles, and by an enlarged patriotism, which shall acknowledge no limits but those of our own widespread Republic.

March 5, 1849.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

Washington, March 13, 1849.

To the Senate of the United States:

I herewith communicate to the Senate, in confidence, a report and accompanying papers[1a] from the Secretary of State, in answer to its resolution of the 12th instant.

[Footnote 1a:  Instructions to United States minister at London relative to further extension of reciprocity and equality in the laws of navigation, and contemplating the opening of the coasting trade of the United States to the vessels of other nations.]

Z. Taylor.

Washington, March 20, 1849.

To the Senate of the United States:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of yesterday, passed in executive session, requesting a communication of certain papers relative to the amendments made by the Senate to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was accompanied.  It is desirable that the latter should be returned to the Department of State.

Z. Taylor.

Washington, March 22, 1849.

To the Senate of the United States:

In compliance with the request contained in the resolution of the Senate yesterday, adopted in executive session, calling for certain papers in relation to the amendments made by the Senate in the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was accompanied.

Z. Taylor.

PROCLAMATION.

By the President of the united states.

A proclamation.

There is reason to believe that an armed expedition is about to be fitted out in the United States with an intention to invade the island of Cuba or some of the Provinces of Mexico.  The best information which the Executive has been able to obtain points to the island of Cuba as the object of this expedition.  It is the duty of this Government to observe the faith of treaties and to prevent any aggression by our citizens