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SENATE.]

Address to the President.

[DECEMBER, 1796.

A message from the House of Representatives | the negative; and, having agreed to amend the informed the Senate that they are now ready to report, the further consideration thereof was meet the Senate in the Chamber of that House, postponed. to receive such communications as the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES shall be pleased to make to them.

Whereupon, the Senate repaired to the Chamber of the House of Representatives, for the purpose above expressed.

The Senate returned to their own Chamber, and a copy of the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, this day addressed to both Houses of Congress, was read. [For which, see the proceedings in the House of Representatives of December 7, post.]

Ordered, That Messrs. READ, TRACY, and BINGHAM, be a committee to report the draft of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to his Speech this day to both Houses of Congress.

It was further ordered that the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, this day communicated to both Houses, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Resolved, That each Senator be supplied, during the present session, with copies of three such newspapers printed in any of the States as he may choose, provided that the same are furnished at the rate of the usual annual charge for

such papers.

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Resolved, That they do concur therein, and that the Right Reverend Bishop WHITE be Chaplain on the part of the Senate.

Mr. READ, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported the draft of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress, at the opening of the session; which was read. On motion that it be printed for the use of the Senate, it passed in the negative.

SATURDAY, December 10.

Address to the President.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the

report of the committee in answer to the Address of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to both Houses of Congress; and, after further amendments, it was unanimously adopted, as follows:

We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country;

and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an public prosperity and private happiness which the overruling Providence for the distinguished share of people of the United States so peculiarly enjoy.

We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization, amongst the Indian tribes on the Western frontiers; feelings of humanity, and the most solid political interests, equally encourage the continuance of this system.

We observe, with pleasure, that the delivery of the military posts, lately occupied by the British forces, within the territory of the United States, was made with cordiality and promptitude, as soon as circum

stances would admit; and that the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain and Spain, that were objects of eventual arrangement, are about being carried into effect, with entire harmony and good faith.

The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine Treaty, are much to be lamented; as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages to be derived from a solid peace with that power, and a perfect security from its predatory warfare; at the same time, the lively impressions that affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive fellow-citizens, afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions to remove the remaining obstacles.

We perfectly coincide with you in opinion, that the importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always proportionate to its magnitude.

The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful manufactures, by the intervention of the Legislative aid and protection, and the encouragement due to agriculture by the creation of Boards, (composed of intelligent individuals,) to patronize this primary pursuit of society, are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention.

A National University may be converted to the most useful purposes; the science of legislation being so essentially dependent on the endowments of the from the general diffusion of knowledge; and the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid United States will assume a more dignified station among the nations of the earth, by the successful cultivation of the higher branches of literature. A Military Academy may be likewise rendered On motion, it was agreed to consider the re-equally important. To aid and direct the physical port in paragraphs; and, after debate, a motion force of the nation, by cherishing a military spirit, was made for recommitment, which passed in enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating

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a scientific system of tactics, is consonant to the soundest maxims of public policy. Connected with, and supported by such an establishment, a well regulated militia, constituting the natural defence of the country, would prove the most effectual, as well as economical, preservative of peace.

We cannot but consider, with serious apprehensions, the inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operation, and so destructive in its consequences, that we trust it will receive the most pointed Legislative attention.

We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United Sates has been uniformly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and love of peace, in the maintenance of all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic of France, throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies.

Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists that could authorize an interruption of our tranquillity or disengage that Republic from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of treaties, we cannot but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been made to you, indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice, and a consideration of our mutual interests, will moderate their councils, we are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that system of conduct, which, compatible with the dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue.

We cordially acquiesce in the reflection, that the United States, under the operation of the Federal Government, have experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity, as well political as commercial.

Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this suspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system, and the wisdom of the Legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in gratitude and justice did we not attribute a great portion of these advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your Administration -which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying times, and on the most critical occasions. It is, therefore, with the sincerest regret that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to retire from the public employment of your country. When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military, as well during the struggles of the American Revolution, as the convulsive periods of a recent date; we cannot look forward to your retirement without our warmest affections and most anxious regards accompanying you, and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large in the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility and attachment can express.

The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about to sustain, arises from the animating reflection, that the influence of your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic Administration.

JOHN ADAMS,

Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate.

[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.

they had waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE Mr. READ reported from the committee, that UNITED STATES, and that he would receive the Address of the Senate on Monday next, at twelve o'clock, at his own house. Whereupon,

Resolved, That the Senate will, on Monday next, at twelve o'clock, wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES accordingly.

MONDAY, December 12.

THEODORE FOSTER, from the State of Rhode Island; JOHN BROWN, from the State of Kentucky; and HENRY TAZEWELL, from the State of Virginia, severally attended.

Address to the President.

Agreeably to the resolution of the 10th instant, the Senate waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and the VICE PRESIDENT, in their name, presented the Address then agreed to.

To which the PRESIDENT made the following reply:

GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find in your Address a concurrence in sentiment with me on the various topics which I presented for your information and deliberation; and that the latter will receive from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance.

For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and greater, had I possessed ability to render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country, and its approbation is my abundant reward.

When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw virtuous and enlightened men, among whom I relied on the discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens to make the proper choice of a successor; men who would require no influential example to ensure to the United States "an able, upright, and energetic Administration." To such men I shall cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our common country; but, at the same time, I hope I may be indulged in expressing the consoling reflection, (which consciousness suggests,) and to bear it with me to my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than I have done, or with a more disinterested zeal.

G. WASHINGTON.

The Senate returned to their own Chamber, and then adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 21.

THEODORE SEDGWICK, appointed a Senator by the State of Massachusetts, in place of CALEB STRONG, resigned, attended, produced his credentials, and the oath required by law being administered to him, he took his seat in the Senate.

SENATE.]

TUESDAY, December 27.

Proceedings.

JOHN EAGER HOWARD, appointed a Senator by the State of Maryland, in place of RICHARD POTTS, resigned, produced his credentials, and the oath required by law being administered, he took his seat in the Senate.

JOSIAH TATTNALL, from the State of Georgia, attended.

WEDNESDAY, December 28. JAMES Ross, from the State of Pennsylvania, attended.

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 1797. JOHN VINING, from the State of Delaware, attended.

THURSDAY, January 12.

AARON BURR, from the State of New York, and STEVENS THOMSON MASON, from the State of Virginia, attended.

FRIDAY, January 27.

JOHN HUNTER, appointed a Senator by the State of South Carolina, in place of PIERCE BUTLER, resigned, attended, produced his credentials, and the oath required by law, being administered to him, he took his seat in the Senate.

THURSDAY, February 2.

Mr. SEDGWICK reported, from the joint committee appointed on the part of the Senate, on the subject of the election of PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT, that, in their opinion, the following resolution ought to be adopted, viz:

"That the two Houses shall assemble in the

Chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, at twelve o'clock; that one person be appointed a teller on the part of the Senate, to make a list of the votes as they shall be declared: That the result shall be delivered to the President of the Senate, who shall announce the state of the vote and the persons elected, to the two Houses assembled as aforesaid; which shall be deemed a declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President, and, to

gether with a list of votes, be entered on the journals

of the two Houses."

WEDNESDAY, February 8.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they are ready to meet the Senate in the Chamber of that House, agreeably to the report of the joint committee, to attend the opening and examining the votes of the Electors for PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, as the constitution provides.

The two Houses of Congress accordingly assembled in the Representatives' Chamber, and the certificates of the Electors of sixteen States were, by the VICE PRESIDENT, opened and delivered to the tellers, appointed for the purpose,

[FEBRUARY, 1797 who, having examined and ascertained the num ber of votes, presented a list thereof to the VICE PRESIDENT, which was read as follows:

For John Adams, 71 votes; for Thomas Jefferson, 68; for Thomas Pinckney, 59; for Aaron Burr, 30; for Samuel Adams, 15; for Oliver Ellsworth, 11; for George Clinton, 7; for John Jay, 5; for James Iredell 2; for George Washington, 2; for John Henry, 2; for Samuel Johnson, 2; for Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 1;

Whereupon the VICE PRESIDENT addressed the two Houses of Congress as follows:

In obedience to the Constitution and law of the United States, and to the commands of both Houses of Congress, expressed in their resolution passed in the present session, I now declare that

JOHN ADAMS is elected President of the United States, for four years, to commence with the fourth day of March next; and that

THOMAS JEFFERSON is elected Vice President of the United States, for four years, to commence with the fourth day of March next. And may the Sovereign of the Universe, the ordainer of civil government on earth, for the preservation of liberty, justice, and peace among men, enable both to discharge the duties of these offices conformably to the Constitution of the United States, with conscientious diligence, punctuality, and perseverance.

The VICE PRESIDENT then delivered the votes of the Electors to the Secretary of the Senate, the two Houses of Congress separated, and the Senate returned to their own Chamber, and soon after adjourned.

THURSDAY, February 9.

The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate the following communication: Gentlemen of the Senate:

In consequence of the declaration made yesterday in the Chamber of the House of Representatives of United States, the record of which has just now been read from your journal by your Secretary, I have judged it proper to give notice that, on the 4th of March next at 12 o'clock I propose, to attend again in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, in of the United States to be taken by the President, order to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution to be administered by the Chief Justice or such other Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States as can most conveniently attend; and, in case none of those Judges can attend, by the Judge of the District of Pennsylvania, before such Senators and Representatives of the United States as may find it convenient to honor the transaction with their presence.

the election of a President and Vice President of the

Ordered, That the Secretary carry an attested copy of this communication to the House of Representatives.

Ordered, That Messrs. SEDGWICK, TAZEWELL, and READ, be a joint committee, with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, to consider whether any, and if any, what measures ought to be adopted for the further accommodation of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, for the

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next.

FRIDAY, February 10.

[SENATE.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the

Ordered, That the Secretary desire the con- motion made yesterday, that the Secretary of currence of the House of Representatives in the the Senate wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE

appointment of a joint committee on their part. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have agreed to the report of the joint committee appointed to ascertain and report a mode of examining the Votes for PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and of notifying the persons

elected of their election.

UNITED STATES, and notify him of the election of PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, to commence with the 4th day of March next.

of "the Secretary," it passed in the negative. On motion, to insert "a committee" in place And the motion being amended, was adopted as

follows:

Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate a copy of the journal of the 8th instant, relative lay before the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to the opening and counting the votes for PRESI

Mr. SEDGWICK, from the joint committee to whom it was referred to join such committee as might be appointed by the House of Representatives to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for PRESIDENT and VICE DENT and VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and of noSTATES, and the declaration of the PRESIDENT tifying the persons elected of their election, of the Senate consequent thereon; and, also a reported that, having further concurred with the committee appointed by the House of Rep-elect of the time, place, and manner of qualifycopy of the notification given by the PRESIDENT resentatives, that, in their opinion, the following resolution ought to be adopted by the

Senate:

"Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to give, by letter, to the Vice President elect, a notification of his election.”

On motion, it was agreed to insert the PRESIDENT of the Senate instead of the Secretary; and,

On motion, it was agreed to reconsider the resolution, and to recommit the report from the joint committee.

Mr. SEDGWICK reported, from the joint committee last mentioned, that the committee on the part of the House of Representatives considered themselves discharged from their com

mission.

ing to execute the duties of his office.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they agree to the report of the joint committee appointed by the two Houses to confer on a proper mode of notifying the VICE PRESIDENT elect of his election.

Mr. SEDGWICK, from the committee of conference above mentioned, reported that the following resolution should be adopted by the House of Representatives:

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Resolved, That the notification of the election of the Vice President elect be made by such person and in such manner as the Senate may direct." On motion, that it be

"Resolved, That the President of the United States

be requested to communicate (in such manner as he shall judge most proper) to the person elected Vice President of the United States, for the term of four years, to commence 4th day of March next, informa

It passed in the negative.

Resolved, That the Senate disagree to the report of the joint committee on the mode of notifying the VICE PRESIDENT elect of his election of his said election: ” tion; and that a committee be appointed on the part of the Senate, to confer with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, on the report of the joint committee above mentioned; and that Messrs. SEDGWICK, LAURANCE and READ, be the managers at the conference on the part of the Senate.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith.

On motion, that it be

to

by the House of Representatives, relative to Ordered, That the resolution this day agreed the notification of the election of the VICE HILLHOUSE, and SEDGWICK, to consider and rePRESIDENT elect, be referred to Messrs. MASON, port thereon to the Senate.

appointed; and, the report being read, was Mr. MASON reported, from the committee last amended and adopted as follows:

Resolved, That the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES be requested to cause to be transmitted to THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esq., of Virginia, VICE PRESIDENT elect of the United States, notification of his election to that office; and that the PRESIDENT of the Senate do make out and sign a certificate in the words following:

"Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be directed, and he is hereby directed, to lay before the President of the United States a copy of the journal of yesterday, relative to the opening and counting of votes for President and Vice President of the United States, and the declaration of the President of the Senate thereon; and, also, to present to the President of the United States a copy of the notification given by the President elect of the time, place, and manner, of qualifying to execute the duties of his office." Ordered, That the motion lie until to-mor-written Vice President of the United States and row for consideration.

Be it known, that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, being convened in the city of Philadelphia, on the second Wednesday in February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, the under

President of the Senate did, in the presence of the

SENATE.]

Proceedings.

[FEBRUARY, 1797.

said Senate and House of Representatives, open all | from my seat in this House, and take my leave of the the certificates and count all the votes of the Electors members of the Senate. for a President and for a Vice President; by which it appears that THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esquire, was duly elected, agreeably to the constitution, Vice President of the United States of America.

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 10th day of February, 1797.”

Ordered, That the Secretary lay this resolution before the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

MONDAY, February 13.

On request, the VICE PRESIDENT was excused from further attendance in the Senate after Wednesday next.

WEDNESDAY, February 15. Withdrawal of the Vice-President, (now President elect of the United States,) and his Valedictory to the Senate.

After the consideration of the Executive business, a motion was made that the Senate now adjourn; when the VICE-PRESIDENT addressed them as follows:

Gentlemen of the Senate:

If, in the general apprehension of an intention to retire in that most eminent citizen, to whom all eyes had been directed, and all hearts attracted, as the centre of our Union, for so long a period, the public opinion had exhibited any clear indication of another, in whom our fellow-citizens could have generally united, as soon as I read that excellent Address, which announced the necessity of deliberation in the choice of a President, I should have imitated the example of a character with which I have co-operated, though in less conspicuous and important stations, and maintained an uninterrupted friendship for two and twenty years. But, as a number of characters appeared to stand in the general estimation so nearly on a level, as to render it difficult to conjecture on which the majority would fall; considering the relation in which I stood to the people of America, I thought it most respectful to them, and most conducive to the tranquillity of the public mind, to resign myself, with others, a silent spectator of the general deliberation, and a passive subject of public discus

sions.

Deeply penetrated with gratitude to my countrymen in general, for their long continued kindness to me, and for that steady and affecting confidence, with which those who have most intimately known me, from early life, have, on so many great occasions, intrusted to me the care of their dearest interests; since a majority of their Electors, though a very small one, have declared in my favor, and since, in a Republican Government, the majority, though ever so small, must of necessity decide, I have determined, at every hazard of a high but just responsibility, though with much anxiety and diffidence, once more to engage in their service. Their confidence, which has been the chief consolation of my life, is too precious and sacred a deposit ever to be considered lightly; as it has been founded only on the qualities of the heart, it never has been, it never can be, deceived, betrayed, or forfeited by me.

It is with reluctance, and with all those emotions of gratitude and affection, which a long experience of your goodness ought to inspire, that I now retire

I ought not to declare, for the last time, your adjournment, before I have presented to every Senator present, and to every citizen who has ever been a Senator of the United States, my thanks, for the candor and favor invariably received from them all. It is a recollection of which nothing can ever deprive me, and it will be a source of comfort to me, through the remainder of my life, that as, on the one hand, in a government constituted like ours, I have for eight years held the second situation under the Constitution of the United States, in perfect and uninterrupted harmony with the first, without envy in one, or jealousy in the other; so, on the other hand, I have never had the smallest misunderstanding with any member of the Senate. In all the abstruse questions, difficult conjectures, dangerous emergencies, and animated debates, upon the great interests of our country, which have sc tez and so deeply impressed all our minds, and interested the strongest feelings of the heart, I have experienced a uniform politeness and respect from every quarter of the House. When questions of no less importance than difficulty have produced a difference of sentiment, (and difference of opinion will always be found in free assemblies of men, and probably the greatest diversities upon the greatest questions,) when the Senators have been equally divided, and my opinion has been demanded according to the constitution, I have constantly found, in that moiety of the Senators from whose judgment I have been obliged to dissent, a disposition to allow me the same freedom of deliberation, and independence of judgment, which they asserted for them

selves.

Within these walls, for a course of years, I have been an admiring witness of a succession of informa tion, eloquence, patriotism, and independence, which, as they would have done honor to any Senate in any age, afford a consolatory hope, (if the Legislatures of the States are equally careful in their future selections, which there is no reason to distrust,) that no council more permanent than this, as a branch of the Legislature, will be necessary, to defend the rights, liberties, and properties of the people, and to protect the Constitution of the United States, as well as the constitutions and rights of the individual States, against errors of judgment, irregularities of the passions, or other encroachments of human infirmity, or more reprehensible enterprise, in the Executive on one hand, or the more immediate representatives of the people on the other.

These considerations will all conspire to animate me in my future course, with a confident reliance, that as far as my conduct shall be uniformly measured by the Constitution of the United States, and faithfully directed to the public good, I shall be supported by the Senate, as well as by the House of Representatives, and the people at large; and on no other conditions ought any support at all to be expected or desired.

With cordial wishes for your honor, health, and happiness, and fervent prayers for a continuation of the virtues, liberties, prosperity, and peace, of our beloved country, I avail myself of your leave of absence for the remainder of the session.

THURSDAY, February 16.

The VICE-PRESIDENT being absent, the Senate. proceeded to the choice of a PRESIDENT pro

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