To meet the extended and diversified warfare adopted by the enemy, great bodies of militia have been taken into service for the public defense, and great expenses incurred.  That the defense everywhere may be both more convenient and more economical, Congress will see the necessity of immediate measures for filling the ranks of the Regular Army and of enlarging the provision for special corps, mounted and unmounted, to be engaged for longer periods of service than are due from the militia.  I earnestly renew, at the same time, a recommendation of such changes in the system of the militia as, by classing and disciplining for the most prompt and active service the portions most capable of it, will give to that great resource for the public safety all the requisite energy and efficiency.

The moneys received into the Treasury during the nine months ending on the 30th day of June last amounted to $32,000,000, of which near eleven millions were the proceeds of the public revenue and the remainder derived from loans.  The disbursements for public expenditures during the same period exceeded $34,000,000, and left in the Treasury on the 1st day of July near $5,000,000.  The demands during the remainder of the present year already authorized by Congress and the expenses incident to an extension of the operations of the war will render it necessary that large sums should be provided to meet them.

From this view of the national affairs Congress will be urged to take up without delay as well the subject of pecuniary supplies as that of military force, and on a scale commensurate with the extent and the character which the war has assumed.  It is not to be disguised that the situation of our country calls for its greatest efforts.  Our enemy is powerful in men and in money, on the land and on the water.  Availing himself of fortuitous advantages, he is aiming with his undivided force a deadly blow at our growing prosperity, perhaps at our national existence.  He has avowed his purpose of trampling on the usages of civilized warfare, and given earnests of it in the plunder and wanton destruction of private property.  In his pride of maritime dominion and in his thirst of commercial monopoly he strikes with peculiar animosity at the progress of our navigation and of our manufactures.  His barbarous policy has not even spared those monuments of the arts and models of taste with which our country had enriched and embellished its infant metropolis.  From such an adversary hostility in its greatest force and in its worst forms may be looked for.  The American people will face it with the undaunted spirit which in their revolutionary struggle defeated his unrighteous projects.  His threats and his barbarities, instead of dismay, will kindle in every bosom an indignation not to be extinguished but in the disaster and expulsion of such cruel invaders.  In providing the means necessary the National Legislature will not distrust the heroic and enlightened patriotism of its constituents.  They will cheerfully and proudly bear every burden of every kind which the safety and honor of the nation demand.  We have seen them everywhere paying their taxes, direct and indirect, with the greatest promptness and alacrity.  We see them rushing with enthusiasm to the scenes where danger and duty call.  In offering their blood they give the surest pledge that no other tribute will be withheld.