Thursday, February 23.
Mr. Sedgwick reported, from the committee, that, agreeably to order, they had waited on the Vice President of the United States, with the answer to his Address, on retiring from the Senate—to which the Vice President was pleased to make the following Reply:
An Address so respectful and affectionate as this, from gentlemen of such experience and established character in public affairs, high stations in the Government of their country, and great consideration, in their several States, as Senators of the United States, will do me great honor, and afford me a firm support, wherever it shall be known, both at home and abroad. Their generous approbation of my conduct, in general, and liberal testimony to the undeviating impartiality of it, in my peculiar relation to their body, a character which, in every scene and employment of life, I should wish above all others to cultivate and merit, has a tendency to soften asperities, and conciliate animosities, wherever such may unhappily exist; an effect at all times to be desired, and in the present situation of our country, ardently to be promoted by all good citizens.
I pray the Senate to accept my sincere thanks.
JOHN ADAMS.