In transmitting to you, the accompanying resolutions, to be laid before both houses of congress, we feel a high gratification, in this last opportunity of tendering our Sincere wishes, that in your retirement from public life you may enjoy the felicity, flowing from an undeviating rectitude of conduct, to which is Superadded the gratitude and approbation of the American people.

That this is the Sentiment of our fellow citizens, whose opinions we now have the honor to transmit, we are well assured—and that the remainder of a life, devoted to the Service of it’s country, whose well earned fame will be held in grateful remembrance, may be prosperous and happy, is the fervent prayer of

Your fellow citizens.