We cordially reciprocate the wishes which you express for our honor, health, and happiness; we join with yours our fervent prayers for the continuation of the virtues and liberties of our fellow-citizens, for the public prosperity and peace; and for you we implore the best reward of virtuous deeds—the grateful approbation of your constituents, and the smiles of Heaven.
WILLIAM BINGHAM,
President of the Senate pro tempore.
Ordered, That the committee who drafted the Address wait on the Vice President, with the Answer of the Senate.
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.