The Second, Sober Thought Of

We Remain At Peace With All Nations, And No Efforts On My Part Consistent With The Preservation Of Our Rights And The Honor Of The Country Shall Be Spared To Maintain A Position So Consonant To Our Institutions.

I Shall Tread In The Footsteps Of My Illustrious Predecessor.

Every Proper Exertion Has Been Made And Will Be Continued To Carry Out The Wishes Of Congress In Relation To The Tobacco Trade, As Indicated In The Several Resolutions Of The House Of Representatives And The Legislation Of The Two Branches.

As To The Presidency, The Two Happiest Days Of My Life Were Those Of My Entrance Upon The Office And My Surrender Of It.

In Receiving From The People The Sacred Trust Twice Confided To My Illustrious Predecessor, And Which He Has Discharged So Faithfully And So Well, I Know That I Can Not Expect To Perform The Arduous Task With Equal Ability And Success.