that I should continue to receive, from time to time, regular
information from you of whatever occurs within your notice, interesting
to the United States, yet it is not in my power to acknowledge the
receipt of your letters, regularly as they come. I mention this
circumstance, that you may ascribe the delay of acknowledgment to the
real cause, and that it may not produce any relaxation on your part
in making all those communications which it is important should be
received, and which govern our proceedings, though it is not in my power
to note it to you specially.

I had hoped that Congress, at their last session, would have passed
a bill for regulating the functions of Consuls. Such an one was laid
before them, but there being a considerable difference of opinion as to
some of its parts, it was finally lost by the shortness of the session,
which the constitution had limited to the 3rd of March. It will be taken
up again at the ensuing session of October next: in the mean time, you
will be pleased to govern yourself by the instructions already given.

In general, our affairs are proceeding in a train of unparalleled
prosperity. This arises from the real improvements of our government;
from the unbounded confidence reposed in it by the people, their zeal to
support it, and their conviction that a solid union is the best rock
of their safety; from the favorable seasons which, for some years past,
have co-operated with a fertile soil and genial climate to increase the
productions of agriculture; and from the growth of industry, economy,
and domestic manufactures. So that I believe I may say, with truth, that
there is not a nation under the sun enjoying more present prosperity,
nor with more in prospect.

The Indians on our frontier, indeed, still continue to cut off