.MTM4MA.NzEyNA
From DigitalMaine Transcription Project
14
House as follows:
Gentlemen [Speakers acknowledgements for the choice &c -] It does not become me to pretend indifference towards an expression of favor, so honorable as that, which assigns to me the duty of presiding over your deliberations. This would be mere affectation, and in opposition to that spirit and principle in man, which seek the elevation of his nature and readily return the expression of gratitude for every effort in aid of this object.