Thursday, November 30.
Several other members, to wit: from New Hampshire, William Hale; from Massachusetts, Gideon Gardner and Ezekiel Whitman; and from New York, Vincent Matthews, appeared, and took their seats in the House.
The Speaker laid before the House the following letter, which was read:
Respect for the House.
To the Speaker of the House of Representatives:
Sir: An occurrence having recently taken place between a member of the House of Representatives and myself, produced by circumstances not at all connected with his official duties or opinions, which from the time and place may be considered disrespectful to the House of Representatives, I take the liberty of tendering through you my most respectful declarations, that I am the last who would wilfully manifest a deficiency of that reverence which is due to the Representatives of my country, or that sacred regard which is also due to their privileges.
To yourself, sir, personally, I tender the assurances of my very great respect.
I. A. COLES.[9]
November 29, 1809.
[No order having been taken on it, the letter lies on the table of course.]