Should the support which I have received from the Senate, in the performance of my duties here, attend me into the new station to which the public will has transferred me, I shall consider it as commencing under the happiest auspices.
With these expressions of my dutiful regard to the Senate as a body, I ask leave to mingle my particular wishes for the health and happiness of the individuals who compose it, and to tender them my cordial and respectful adieu.
After which the Vice President retired.
Whereupon the Senate proceeded to the election of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides; and James Hillhouse was duly elected.
Ordered, That the Address of the Vice President, made this day, taking leave of the Senate, be referred to a committee, with instruction to prepare and report the draft of an Address in answer thereto; and that Messrs. Morris, J. Mason, and Dayton, be the committee.
Monday, March 2.
Answer to the Vice President's Valedictory.
Mr. Morris, from the committee appointed the 28th ultimo, on the Address of the Vice President, made, on his taking leave of the Senate, reported an answer thereto, which was read, as follows:
Sir: While we congratulate you on those expressions of the public will, which called you to the first office in the United States, we cannot but lament the loss of that intelligence, attention, and impartiality, with which you have presided over our deliberations. The Senate feel themselves much gratified by the sense you have been pleased to express of their support in the performance of your late duties. Be persuaded that it will never be withheld from a Chief Magistrate, who, in the exercise of his office, shall be influenced by a due regard to the honor and interests of our country.
In the confidence that your official conduct will be directed to these great objects, a confidence derived from past events, we repeat to you, sir, the assurance of our constitutional support in your future administration.