VERMONT GAZETTE, Bennington, Dec. 11, 1838  Part of page 1, all of page 2, and extending onto page 3 are devoted to the complete printing of the "MESSAGE of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress," signed in type by President Martin Van Buren. This extensive State of the Union address delivers a thorough primary-source recap of the major national, financial, and political developments of 1838.

The historical significance of this address centers on the Van Buren administration's ongoing efforts to navigate the economic fallout of the Panic of 1837—one of the most severe financial crises in early American history. In this address, Van Buren continues his forceful defense of the Independent Treasury system (or "Sub-Treasury"), advocating for the complete separation of federal finances from private banking institutions. The message also addresses pressing border tensions along the Canadian frontier following the Caroline Affair and Patriot War, as well as ongoing Indian Removal policies. As an annual executive address printed in a prominent New England paper, this issue serves as a vital record of Jacksonian Democracy grappling with economic depression and foreign affairs.

Other regional Vermont news, local notices, legal announcements, and period advertisements of the day are found throughout.

Complete in 4 pages. Rejoined at the spine, featuring various clear tape mends throughout applied to flatten structural creases rather than repair tears, otherwise in good condition for the era.