Classic Book Reader
Cover of State of the Union Addresses

State of the Union Addresses

by Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

  • Free to read
  • 1 hour to read
  • 7 chapters
  • Reading level: College-level

"State of the Union Addresses" by Thomas Jefferson is a collection of significant speeches delivered by the third President of the United States during the early 19th century. This compilation captures the essence of Jefferson's presidential terms, reflecting the political climate, concerns, and priorities of the young nation from 1801 to 1809. It details the issues of peace, war, domestic policies, and relations with foreign powers such as France, Britain, and the Barbary States, showcasing Jefferson's vision for America. The beginning of the addresses introduces Jefferson's dedication to maintaining peace and order for his nation during tumultuous times in Europe. He expresses gratitude for the period of peace that America enjoyed, highlighted his administration's efforts to promote commerce, and addressed challenges posed by foreign nations, emphasizing the need for a robust defense without compromising American principles. As he lays the groundwork for economic and military policies, he advocates for a smaller government, adherence to constitutional principles, and responsible fiscal management, all while fostering relationships with Indigenous tribes and addressing territorial expansions.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • Presidents · United States · Messages
  • United States · Politics and government · Sources

Read the opening

Th. Jefferson

State of the Union Address
Thomas Jefferson
October 17, 1803

To The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:

In calling you together, fellow citizens, at an earlier day than was contemplated by the act of the last session of Congress, I have not been insensible to the personal inconveniences necessarily resulting from an unexpected change in your arrangements, but matters of great public concernment have rendered this call necessary, and the interests you feel in these will supersede in your minds all private considerations.

Congress witnessed at their late session the extraordinary agitation produced in the public mind by the suspension of our right of deposit at the port of New Orleans, no assignment of another place having been made according to treaty. They were sensible that the continuance of that privation would be more injurious to our nation than any consequences which could flow from any mode of redress, but reposing just confidence in the good faith of the Government whose officer had committed the wrong, friendly and reasonable representations were resorted to, and the right of deposit was restored.

Keep reading State of the Union Addresses →

Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. Th. Jefferson
  3. Th. Jefferson
  4. Th. Jefferson
  5. Th. Jefferson
  6. Th. Jefferson
  7. Th. Jefferson

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of State of the Union Addresses by Thomas Jefferson comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #5012, released 2004-02-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Essays, Letters & Speeches, American Literature, History - American, Politics.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

More by Thomas Jefferson