To George Washington from the U.S. Senate, 22 November 1794
From the United States Senate
In Senate of the United States, Novem: 22d 1794.
Sir,
We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress;1 in it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor and happiness of our Country, which has uniformly distinguished your past administration.
Our anxiety, arising from the licentious & open resistance to the laws, in the western counties of Pennsylvania, has been increased, by the proceedings of certain self-created societies, relative to the laws and administration of the Government; proceedings in our apprehension, founded in political error, calculated, if not intended to disorganize our Government, and which, by inspiring delusive hopes of support, have been influential in misleading our fellow Citizens in the scene of insurrection.2
In a situation so delicate and important, the lenient & persuasive measures which you adopted, merit & receive our affectionate approbation: these failing to procure their proper effect, and coercion having become inevitable, we have derived the highest satisfaction from the enlightened patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, have rallied around the standard of government, in opposition to anarchy and insurrection.
Our warm & cordial acknowledgments are due to you, Sir, for the wisdom and decision with which you arrayed the militia to execute the public will; and to them, for the disinterestedness and alacrity, with which they obeyed your summons.
The example is precious to the theory of our Government, and confers the brightest honor upon the patriots who have given it.
We shall readily concur in such further provisions for the security of internal peace, and a due obedience to the laws, as the occasion manifestly requires.
The effectual organization of the militia, and a prudent attention to the fortifications of our ports & harbors, are subjects of great national importance, and, together with the other measures you have been pleased to recommend, will receive our deliberate consideration.
The success of the troops under the command of General Wayne, cannot fail to produce essential advantages. The pleasure with which we acknowledge the merits of that gallant General & army,3 is enhanced by the hope that their victories will lay the foundation of a just & durable peace with the Indian tribes.
At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations, the temperate, just and firm policy that you have pursued, in respect to foreign powers, has been eminently calculated to promote the great & essential interests of our Country, and has created the fairest title to the public gratitude & thanks.
John Adams
Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
LB, DLC:GW; Df, DNA: RG 46, entry 33. The Senate approved this address on 21 November. The drafting committee waited on GW, who agreed to receive the address at noon on 22 Nov. (, 7:14–15). The address and GW’s reply were printed in the Gazette of the United States and Daily Evening Advertiser (Philadelphia) of that date.
1. The Senate was referring to GW’s annual message, which he delivered on 19 November.
2. During the Senate consideration of this address, Aaron Burr moved to strike this paragraph, but the motion failed (, 7:14).
3. The Senate rejected motions to replace the preceding text with “The pleasure with which, we learn the success of the Western army, under the command of General Wayne,” or to strike the words “General and” ( , 7:14).