The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House on the Speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress; and, after some time spent therein, the Chairman reported that the committee had had the said Speech under consideration, and come to a resolution thereupon; which was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as follows:
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that a respectful Address ought to be presented by the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress, at the commencement of this session, containing assurances that this House will take into consideration the various and important matters recommended to their attention.
Ordered, That Messrs. Madison, Sedgwick, Watts, Hartley, and Samuel Smith, be appointed a committee to prepare an Address pursuant to the said resolution.
Thursday, December 5.
Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented an Address to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress; which was read, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House to-morrow.
Friday, December 6.
James Hillhouse, from Connecticut, and Josiah Parker, from Virginia, appeared, and took their seats.
Mr. William Smith, from the Standing Committee of Elections, reported that the committee had, in part, examined the certificates and other credentials of the members returned to serve in this House, and had agreed upon a report; which was read, and is as follows:
"It appears to your committee, that the credentials of the following members are sufficient to entitle them to take their seats in the House, to wit:"
[After enumerating the names of the members whose credentials were examined, the report concludes:]