And we are equally happy in possessing an entire confidence in your abilities and exertions in your station to maintain untarnished the honor, preserve the peace, and support the independence of our country; to acquire and establish which, in connection with your fellow-citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life.

To aid you in these arduous and honorable exertions, as it is our duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavor. And we flatter ourselves, sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that, although the United States love peace, they will be independent. That they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French, and all other nations, and expect the same in return.

If a sense of justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall influence their councils, which we sincerely hope, we shall have just grounds to expect peace and amity between the United States and all nations will be preserved.

But if we are so unfortunate as to experience injuries from any foreign power, and the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably adjusted between nations shall be rejected, the determination "not to surrender in any manner the rights of the Government" being so inseparably connected with the dignity, interest, and independence of our country, shall by us be steadily and inviolably supported.

THOMAS JEFFERSON,
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. Tracy 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 to-morrow, at 12 o'clock, at his own house.

Resolved, That the Senate will, to-morrow, at 12 o'clock, wait on the President of the United States accordingly.

Wednesday, May 24.

Elijah Paine, from the State of Vermont, attended.