Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 19

From William Stephens Smith

John Adams’ Address to the Senate
To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 20 April 1789 Otis, Samuel Allyne Adams, John
From Samuel Allyne Otis
Sir New York 20th April 1789

After my most sincere congratulations upon your arrival at the present Seat of the Federal Goverment, I do myself the honor to enclose you a Copy of the Rules adopted by the Senate,

A list of the members, present,

a list of the members of the House, present,

And a Copy of an order passed the Senate this day, which will be executed whenever your Honor shall appoint, as I presume the Committee will wait on your Honour tomorrow—1

I am / Sir / Whith every sentiment of / esteem & respect / Your Honors / Most Huml Sert

Sam A Otis

RC and enclosures (Adams Papers); endorsed: “Mr Otis’s Letter.”

 1.

Except for the list of the members of the House ( First Fed. Cong. , 2:26–27), all of these enclosures are in the Adams Papers. The first enclosure, entitled “Rules for conducting Business in the Senate,” regulated the order of speakers and the presentation of motions and bills and prescribed proper conduct to follow during debates. The second enclosure was an “Alphabetical List of The Honble Senate.” The third, fourth, and fifth enclosures, which were described as an “Extract from the Journals,” were copies of the Senate and House resolutions made on 15 and 16 April, respectively, appointing a joint committee to welcome JA.