Monday, December 9.
Messrs. Stephen R. Bradley, from Vermont, Theodore Foster, from Rhode Island, and Rufus King, from New York, appeared and took their seats.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the Senate took into consideration the draft of an Address reported by the committee in answer to the Speech of the President of the United States to Congress at the opening of the session; which, being amended, and the several paragraphs of the report agreed to, it was adopted, as follows:
"To the President of the United States:
"Accept, sir, the thanks of the Senate for your Speech delivered to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the session. Your re-election to the Chief Magistracy of the United States gives us sincere pleasure. We consider it as an event every way propitious to the happiness of our country; and your compliance with the call, as a fresh instance of the patriotism which has so repeatedly led you to sacrifice private inclination to the public good. In the unanimity which a second time marks this important national act, we trace, with particular satisfaction, besides the distinguished tribute paid to the virtues and abilities which it recognizes, another proof of that just discernment and constancy of sentiments and views which have hitherto characterized the citizens of the United States.
"As the European Powers with whom the United States have the most extensive relations were involved in war, in which we had taken no part, it seemed necessary that the disposition of the nation for peace should be promulgated to the world, as well for the purpose of admonishing our citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of acts hostile to any of the belligerent parties, as to obtain, by a declaration of the existing legal state of things, an easier admission of our right to the immunities of our situation; we, therefore, contemplate with pleasure the Proclamation, by you issued, and give it our hearty approbation. We deem it a measure well-timed and wise, manifesting a watchful solicitude for the welfare of the nation, and calculated to promote it.
"The several important matters presented to our consideration will, in the course of the session, engage all the attention to which they are respectively entitled; and, as the public happiness will be the sole guide of our deliberations, we are perfectly assured of receiving your strenuous and most zealous co-operation.
"JOHN ADAMS,
"Vice President of the United States,
and President of the Senate."
Ordered, That Messrs. Ellsworth and Butler 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 the foregoing Address should be presented.