The Senate of the United States would be unjust to their own feelings, and deficient in the performance of a duty <[. . .]> their relation to the government of their Country, imposes, should they fail <[. . .]> to express their [Respect for] <attachment to> your person, and their respect for your character, in answer to the <excellent> address you presented to them, on your leaving a station which you have so long and so honorably filled as their President.

The motives you have been pleased to disclose, which induced you not to <[. . .]> withdraw<ing> from the public service, at a time when your experience, talents, and virtues were peculiarly desireable, are as honorable for yourself, as from our confidence in you, Sir, we trust the result will be beneficial to our beloved country.

When you retired from your dignified seat in this House, and took your leave of the members of the Senate, we felt all those emotions of gratitude and affection, which our knowledge and experience of your <goodness>, abilities and undiviating impartiality ought to inspire; and we should with painful reluctance endure the separation, but for the consoling reflection, that the same qualities which have rendered you useful, as the President of this branch of the Legislature, will enable you to be still more so, in the exalted station to which you have been called.

From you, Sir, in whom your country have for a long period placed a steady confidence, which has never been betrayed or forfeited, and to whom they have on so many occasions entrusted the care of their dearest interests, which have never been abused—From you who holding the second situation under the Constitution of the United States, have lived in uninterrupted harmony with <and without envy towards> him who has held the first—From you we receive with much satisfaction the declaration which you are pleased to make of the opinion you entertain of the character of the present Senators, and of that of those Citizens who have been heretofore Senators—This declaration, were other motives wanting, would afford them an incentive to a virtuous perseverance, in that line of conduct which has been honored with your approbation.

In your future course, we entertain <not the smallest> no doubt, that your official conduct, will be measured exactly by the Constitution, and directed to the public good, you have, therefore, a right to entertain a confidant reliance, that you will be supported, as well by the people at large, as by their constituted authorities.

We cordially reciprocate <to you, Sir,>the wishes which you express for our honor, health and happiness, and we join with yours, our fervent prayers for the continuation of the virtues and liberties of our fellow citizens, and for the public prosperity and peace; and for you we implore the best reward of virtuous deeds—the grateful approbation of your constituents, and the smiles of Heaven.