The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Legislature OF NEW-YORK.
The Answer of the Assembly to the Speech of his Excellency the Governor, at the opening of the session.

SIR,

At this first opportunity presented us since your recent election to the chief magistracy of this state, by the unbiased suffrages of a free people, who have gratefully recollected your former disinterested and important services, we cannot hesitate to declare, that it is with heartfelt satisfaction we reciprocate congratulations upon the flourishing condition of the United States; more especially when we reflect that however improved and flourishing that condition be, it is not only susceptible of, but will, we doubt not, receive still further amendment, both in foreign and domestic concerns, under a wise and virtuous administration, which extensively possesses and highly merits the public confidence.—

And while we are participating, with our sister states in the general prosperity, we trust that we shall not diminish our exertions in cultivating those peculiar advantages with which we are favoured by the supreme dispenser of all good. In obedience to this presidential dictate, we shall yield that candid and deliberate attention to the several subjects recommended to our notice which their variety and importance demand. The encouragement of common schools is a subject of such great importance to the improvement of morals, religion, liberty and good government, that it cannot escape the fostering care of the legislature. We unite with your Excellency in acknowledging with humble gratitude, the benign dispensations of Divine Providence, in granting to the people of these United States a free representative government, and deem it the principal source of the distinguished blessing we enjoy.

From a conviction that it is our duty, it will be our care to cherish and support the principles of a government which produces so much good; to guard against every encroachment or deviation, and to unite in every effort to render it perpetual.

By order of the Assembly.
THOMAS STORM, Speaker.
Assembly-Cham. Jan. 30, 1802.