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7.

counted on the second ballot, it appeared the whole number given in was One hundred & twenty six - necessary to a choice sixty four, - John Ruggles Esquire of Thomaston had sixty six votes and was duly elected. He signified his acceptance of that office: and made his acknowledgments to the House on taking the chair, in the following words, "Gentlemen: - I pray you accept my most respectful thanks for the honor you have conferred on me. - He who presides here holds an important, responsible & honorable station, and when I look through the House and see so many members whose age, talents and experience in Legislation so eminently qualify them for the duties of the Chair, I cannot but feel deeply sensible of the partiality with which I am honored. I enter upon the duties assigned me with diffidence, apprehensive that I may not, in the discharge of them, fulfill your reasonable expectations; but I beg you to be assured that no exertion shall be wanting so to preside over your deliberations as shall best promote the public interest in the order, regularity & dispatch of business, and as shall render the session an agreeable and pleasant one to yourselves. With such an assurance on my part, allow me to bespeak your indulgence, and, what I shall so often stand in need of, the friendly assistance and support of those who will be so abundantly able to sustain me in all cases of doubt and difficulty. And, gentlemen, may we not hope, that under the blessing of Divine Providence, all our deliberations, and all our proceedings may tend to preserve the dignity of the House, maintain the honor and character of the State, and promote the public welfare and happiness.

Mr Adams of Portland was charged with a message to the Senate, to inform that body of the organization of the House, by the election of John Ruggles Esquire, Speaker, and James L Child Esquire, Clerk.

Mr Williams of Augusta was charged with a similar message to the Governor.