I might here proceed, and with the greatest truth, to declare my zealous attachment to the Constitution of the United States, that I consider the union of these States as the first of blessings and as the first of duties the preservation of that constitution which secures it; but I suppose these declarations not pertinent to the occasion of entering into an office whose primary business is merely to preside over the forms of this House, and no one more sincerely prays that no accident may call me to the higher and more important functions which the constitution eventually devolves on this office. These have been justly confided to the eminent character which has preceded me here, whose talents and integrity have been known and revered by me through a long course of years, have been the foundation of a cordial and uninterrupted friendship between us, and I devoutly pray he may be long preserved for the government, the happiness, and prosperity, of our common country.[1] On motion, it was agreed to repair to the Chamber of the House of Representatives to attend the administration of the oath of office to JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States; which the Senate accordingly did; and, being seated, the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (attended by the Heads of Departments, the Marshal of the District and his officers) came into the Chamber of the House of Representatives and took his seat in the chair usually occupied by the SPEAKER. The VICE PRESIDENT and Secretary of the Senate were seated in advance, inclining to the right of the PRESIDENT, the late SPEAKER of the House of Representatives and Clerk on the left, and the Justices of the Supreme Court were seated round a table in front of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The late PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, the great and good WASHINGTON,[2] took a seat, as a private citizen, a little in front of the seats assigned for the Senate, which were on the south side of the House, the foreign Ministers and members of the House of Representatives took their usual seats--a great concourse of both sexes being present. After a short pause, the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES arose, and communicated the following Address: