_Resolved_, That they do concur therein, and that the Right Reverend
Bishop WHITE be Chaplain on the part of the Senate.
Mr. READ, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported the
draft of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to
his Speech to both Houses of Congress, at the opening of the session;
which was read.
On motion that it be printed for the use of the Senate, it passed in the
negative.
On motion, it was agreed to consider the report in paragraphs; and,
after debate, a motion was made for recommitment, which passed in the
negative; and, having agreed to amend the report, the further
consideration thereof was postponed.
SATURDAY, December 10.
_Address to the President._
The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the committee in
answer to the Address of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to both
Houses of Congress; and, after further amendments, it was unanimously
adopted, as follows:
We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure
of the existing situation of our country; and we sincerely
join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence
for the distinguished share of public prosperity and
private happiness which the people of the United States so
peculiarly enjoy.
We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted
from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully
carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate
friendship, and promote civilization, amongst the Indian
tribes on the Western frontiers; feelings of humanity, and
the most solid political interests, equally encourage the
continuance of this system.
We observe, with pleasure, that the delivery of the
military posts, lately occupied by the British forces,
within the territory of the United States, was made with
cordiality and promptitude, as soon as circumstances would
admit; and that the other provisions of our treaties with
Great Britain and Spain, that were objects of eventual
arrangement, are about being carried into effect, with
entire harmony and good faith.
The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a
timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine Treaty,
are much to be lamented; as they may occasion a temporary
suspension of the advantages to be derived from a solid
peace with that power, and a perfect security from its
predatory warfare; at the same time, the lively impressions
that affected the public mind on the redemption of our
captive fellow-citizens, afford the most laudable incentive
to our exertions to remove the remaining obstacles.
We perfectly coincide with you in opinion, that the
importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its
protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our
solicitude to attain that object will be always
proportionate to its magnitude.
The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain
useful manufactures, by the intervention of the Legislative
aid and protection, and the encouragement due to
agriculture by the creation of Boards, (composed of
intelligent individuals,) to patronize this primary pursuit
of society, are subjects which will readily engage our most
serious attention.
A National University may be converted to the most useful
purposes; the science of legislation being so essentially
dependent on the endowments of the mind, the public
interests must receive effectual aid from the general
diffusion of knowledge; and the United States will assume a
more dignified station among the nations of the earth, by
the successful cultivation of the higher branches of
literature.
A Military Academy may be likewise rendered equally
important. To aid and direct the physical force of the
nation, by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper
sense of discipline, and inculcating a scientific system
of tactics, is consonant to the soundest maxims of public
policy. Connected with, and supported by such an
establishment, a well regulated militia, constituting the
natural defence of the country, would prove the most
effectual, as well as economical, preservative of peace.
We cannot but consider, with serious apprehensions, the
inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially
of those in the more important stations. It is not only a
violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an
evil so extensive in its operation, and so destructive in
its consequences, that we trust it will receive the most
pointed Legislative attention.
We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United
Sates has been uniformly impressed with the character of
equity, moderation, and love of peace, in the maintenance
of all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so
harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic of
France, throughout the extensive departments of the West
Indies.
Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists
that could authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or
disengage that Republic from the bonds of amity, cemented
by the faith of treaties, we cannot but express our deepest
regrets that official communications have been made to you,
indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce.
Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of
justice, and a consideration of our mutual interests, will
moderate their councils, we are not unmindful of the
situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to
adopt that system of conduct, which, compatible with the
dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to
pursue.
We cordially acquiesce in the reflection, that the United
States, under the operation of the Federal Government, have
experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity, as
well political as commercial.
Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this
auspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of
the constitutional system, and the wisdom of the
Legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in
gratitude and justice did we not attribute a great portion
of these advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of
your Administration--which have been conspicuously
displayed in the most trying times, and on the most
critical occasions. It is, therefore, with the sincerest
regret that we now receive an official notification of your
intentions to retire from the public employment of your
country.
When we review the various scenes of your public life, so
long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous
services, civil and military, as well during the struggles
of the American Revolution, as the convulsive periods of a
recent date; we cannot look forward to your retirement
without our warmest affections and most anxious regards
accompanying you, and without mingling with our
fellow-citizens at large in the sincerest wishes for your
personal happiness that sensibility and attachment can
express.
The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss
we are about to sustain, arises from the animating
reflection, that the influence of your example will extend
to your successors, and the United States thus continue to
enjoy an able, upright, and energetic Administration.
JOHN ADAMS,
_Vice President of the United States,
and President of the Senate._
_Ordered_, That the committee who prepared the Address, wait on the
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and desire him to acquaint the Senate at
what time and place it will be most convenient for him that it should be
presented.
Mr. READ reported from the committee, that they had waited on the
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and that he would receive the Address of
the Senate on Monday next, at twelve o'clock, at his own house.
Whereupon,
_Resolved_, That the Senate will, on Monday next, at twelve o'clock,
wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES accordingly.
MONDAY, December 12.
THEODORE FOSTER, from the State of Rhode Island; JOHN BROWN, from the
State of Kentucky; and HENRY TAZEWELL, from the State of Virginia,
severally attended.
_Address to the President._
Agreeably to the resolution of the 10th instant, the Senate waited on
the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and the VICE PRESIDENT, in their
name, presented the Address then agreed to.
To which the PRESIDENT made the following reply:
GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your
Address a concurrence in sentiment with me on the various
topics which I presented for your information and
deliberation; and that the latter will receive from you an
attention proportioned to their respective importance.
For the notice you take of my public services, civil and
military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I
beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and
greater, had I possessed ability to render them, were due
to the unanimous calls of my country, and its approbation
is my abundant reward.
When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw
virtuous and enlightened men, among whom I relied on the
discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens to make
the proper choice of a successor; men who would require no
influential example to ensure to the United States "an
able, upright, and energetic Administration." To such men I
shall cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to
serve our common country; but, at the same time, I hope I
may be indulged in expressing the consoling reflection,
(which consciousness suggests,) and to bear it with me to
my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than
I have done, or with a more disinterested zeal.