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decorum and respect, that have characterized your condut towards each other and myself at this board, and for the generous aid, which has, on every occasion, been extended to me in the discharge of my duties, and which has rendered the performance easy and agreeable. The devotion to the public welfare and the interests of our constituents , has been manifested; the temperate and steady support, they have received; the promptness and alacrity[?] with which the business presented to the Senate has been acted upon; the harmony and good feelings that have pervaded our deliberations, and the friendly disposition, that has been cherished towards each other, are subjects of sincere congratulation. Elected by the citizens of an enlightened State, (as one branch of the Legislature) to guard the rights and liberties of the people, and to protect and foster our free and literal institutions, next to the approval of Him, who is over all, and of our own consciences, their approbation is our most acceptable reward. We have here acted under the strongest obligations, influenced by powerful inducements, and pure motives, and the result of our labors will be before the tribunal of public opinion. Living under a government of laws, we, in common with our fellow citizens, shall participate in the salutary influence, the benefits and advantages of the laws that we have passed, affecting the public, and be alike subject to any inconveniences that may result from them.

Gentlemen, we are now about to adjourn and resume our usual avocations; and may never again assemble around this board as legislators: But whether in public or in private stations, all of us have important duties to discharge. May we, by the aid of a benign Providence, so perform them as to merit the approbation of the wise and good in this world, and the blessed welcome of “good and faithful servants” when we enter upon that which is to come. Gentlemen,

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