salaries. It is quite uncommon that the highest officers should receive the lowest salaries. I, therefor, object to that part of the bill. To the sixth and last decree in the bill I object, for the following reasons. There is no printing press at Washington, which I deem essential to our bu~iness. The public printing has net been yet completed as contracted for, which should be superintended by your body;-nor has there been any legislative action, known to me, prescribing or defining the duties of our agents to be sent abroad. Their commissions, with authority to hypothecate the public lands, and pledge the faith of the country, to answer our present emergencies, have not been made out. Commissions granting letters of marque and reprisal have been earnestly solicited, both by our own citizens and foreigners; and, as yet, have not been acted on. These are things I deem of the most urgent and vital importance; and they should receive our prompt attention. Furthermore, I am not apprised that yourbody has made the ncessary arrangement for our comfortable location at Washington. It appears to me probable that more might be lost than gained by the move. Be that as it may, the move as contemplated and incorporated in the sixth decree, I deem premature, and calculated to produce delay and great injury; as such I feel bound to object to it. I would beg leave to suggest to your honorable body that, notwithstanding our situation here may be uncomfortable, (and none can be more so than my own,) still a sense of public duty urges me to earnestly solicit your body to submit themselves to all inconveniences for the present, until the grand and important business of necessity can be accomplished; then you will find me willing to co-operate with you in the selection of any point which you may deem best calculated to promote our own convenience, and advance the public good. With sentiments of the highest regard and consideration, I remain, gentlemen, Your obedient, Henry Smith, Governor
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