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341.

[See page 20.]

Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

The objects for which we are convened are of deep interest to our constituents, and impose a high responsibility upon ourselves. Assembled to consult for the public welfare, we are forcibly reminded of the goodness of an overruling Providence, in continuing to us the immunities we enjoy, as a constituent member of this highly favoured Republic. We must under circumstances of general prosperity. The productions of the year that has just closed, are abundant, affording an ample supply for the wants of the community. We have been free from the ravages of the fatal disease by which some portions of our land have been visited; and we are bound to acknowledge our gratitude to God for these blessings, and to implore his guidance in our mutual endeavors to serve the people, in the several stations which they have assigned us. We have cause, Gentlemen, to think highly of our Country. Our soil is exuberantly rich; our climate in general is healthy; our government is based upon the principles of equal rights and equal privileges, and operates lightly upon all, and our people are free, independent and happy. A comparative view of our present resources and prosperity as