The New Hampshire Gazette

Legislature of New-Hampshire
House of Representatives,
TUESDAY, DEC. 10.
The committee to draught an Answer to His Excellency's Address, reported the following, which was received and accepted :

May it please your Excellency,

As the Representatives of a Free and Independent people, elected from all parts of the State, we are again assembled for the purposes pointed out in our Constitution of Government; and with great pleasure we shall attend to the remedying of existing grievances, if any, and to the enacting such laws, as shall be considered necessary for promoting the common good and happiness of our fellow citizens. And we sincerely reciprocate with you the high satisfaction we enjoy, in contemplating the prosperity, tranquility and love of order so fully manifested by them.

The subjects recommended by your Excellency to the consideration of the Legislature, particularly those relative to the tenure of certain officers. and the Statute of Limitations, will meet our early and candid attention.

To have escaped all the evils which arise from a state of war, while so many powerful nations are involved in all its horrors, was an event scarcely to have been expected; and though various means have been used to involve our country in European contests, we have great reason to rejoice, that through the wisdom, vigilance and firmness of our national administration, this has hitherto been prevented.

While with open arms we have offered our country as an asylum to foreigners, we doubt not but that we have received into our embraces, many who were enemies to our peace : and the facility by which they have acquired the rights of citizens, may have induced some to believe that our country might be injured with impunity; but notwithstanding this evil; which originated from the purest motives of philanthropy and benevolence, we trust that our warmest affections will not be withdrawn from the support of a government, which has so highly exalted our country in name, wealth, and reputation,

While the sentiments of the people of this State, so often expressed by their Representatives relative to the conduct of the rulers of the French nation continue the same, we notwithstanding note with satisfaction, that the President of the United States has made a further attempt to the adjustment of existing difficulties with them.- Peace consistent with honor, is so invaluable a blessing, as to be ardently desired by every good citizen ; and we do not hesitate to say, that our national honor is placed, where it will not be sullied. and that the purest motives in the President of the United States have directed this measure, and that our confidence in him is not in the least degree diminished. While we enjoy the privilege of examining the conduct of our rulers, we shall consider it an incumbent duty so to do. but to harbour ill founded suspicions and jealousies, is unworthy the character of freemen.

The satisfaction expressed by your Excellency in contemplating the strong attachment of your fellow citizens to the national government, is a sentiment in which we heartily participate : and we flatter ourselves that our affection thereto. will be constantly increasing, and that every injurious attempt to lessen it, will be repelled with indignation.

To discharge with faithfulness the many duties of Legislators and Magistrates, is a task truly arduous ; but to give dignity and lustre to their characters, the powerful influence of example should never be wanting.

We anticipate with pleasure your Excellency's hearty co-operation with us, in adopting such measures as shall tend to promote the prosperity, and advance the happiness of our common country.