GENTLEMEN: I thank you for your address, in which the most affectionate sentiments are expressed in the most obliging terms. The coincidence of circumstances which led to this auspicious crisis, the confidence reposed in me by my fellow-citizens, and the assistance I may expect from counsels which will be dictated by an enlarged and liberal policy, seem to presage a more prosperous issue to my administration than a diffidence of my abilities had taught me to anticipate. I now feel myself inexpressibly happy in a belief that Heaven, which has done so much for our infant nation, will not withdraw its providential influence before our political felicity shall have been completed, and in a conviction that the Senate will at all times co-operate in every measure which may tend to promote the welfare of this confederated republic. Thus supported by a firm trust in the great Arbiter of the universe, aided by the collective wisdom of the Union, and imploring the divine benediction on our joint exertions in the service of our country, I readily engage with you in the arduous but pleasing task of attempting to make a nation happy. G. WASHINGTON. THURSDAY, May 21. WILLIAM GRAYSON, from Virginia, appeared and took his seat. _Resolved_, That all bills on a second reading shall be considered by the Senate in the same manner as if the Senate were in a committee of the whole, before they shall be taken up and proceeded on by the Senate, agreeably to the standing rules, unless otherwise ordered. MONDAY, May 25. The Senate to-day, for the first time, entered upon executive business, having received from the President of the United States a communication covering a report from the Secretary of War, on the negotiations of the Governor of the Western Territory with certain northern and north-western Indians, and the treaties made in consequence thereof at Fort Harmar, on the 9th of January, 1789, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. THURSDAY, May 28. The Senate proceeded in the consideration of the bill for laying a duty on goods, wares and merchandises imported into the United States; and, after debate, adjourned. WEDNESDAY, June 3. _Ordered_, That Mr. LANGDON administer the oath to the Vice President; which was done accordingly. And the Vice President administered the oath according to law, to the following members: to Messrs. LANGDON, WINGATE, STRONG, DALTON, JOHNSON, ELLSWORTH, PATERSON, MACLAY, MORRIS, READ, BASSETT, CARROLL, HENRY, LEE, GRAYSON, IZARD, FEW, GUNN. The same oath was, by the Vice President, administered to the Secretary, together with the oath of office. MONDAY, June 8. PIERCE BUTLER, from South Carolina, appeared and took his seat. The Vice President administered the oath to Mr. Butler. TUESDAY, June 16.