Address to the President.
The hour having arrived which the President had appointed, Mr. Speaker, attended by the members present, proceeded to the President's house, to present him their Address in answer to his Speech at the opening of the present session; and having returned, the President's reply thereto was read, as follows:
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
This very respectful address from the Representatives of the people of the United States at their first assembly, after a fresh election, under the strong impression of the public opinion and national sense, at this interesting and singular crisis of our public affairs, has excited my sensibility, and receives my sincere and grateful acknowledgments.
As long as we can maintain, with harmony and affection, the honor of our country, consistently with its peace, externally and internally, while that is attainable, or in war, when that becomes necessary, assert its real independence and sovereignty, and support the constitutional energies and dignity of its government, we may be perfectly sure, under the smiles of Divine Providence, that we shall effectually promote and extend our national interests and happiness.
The applause of the Senate and House of Representatives, so justly bestowed upon the volunteers and militia, for their zealous and active co-operation with the judicial power, which has restored order and submission to the laws, as it comes with peculiar weight and propriety from the Legislature, cannot fail to have an extensive and permanent effect, for the support of Government, upon all those ingenuous minds who receive delight from the approving and animating voice of their country.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, December 10.
And then the House adjourned till to-morrow morning, 11 o'clock.