Papers of John Adams, volume 20
th.December. 1790
The Vice President of the United States presents his compliments to Governour Miflin, & informs him, that the President of the United States has signified his pleasure to meet Congress in the Senate Chamber, to morrow at 12. O’Clock, and that a Seat is ordered for Governour Miflin if it should be agreeable to him to be present—1
RC (PHi:Autograph Coll.); addressed: “His Excellency / The Governour / of the
State of / Pennsylvania”; endorsed: “1790 / December / 7th: / From the / Honorable / John Adams Esqr. /
Vice President of the United / States—”
The third session of the first Congress convened in Philadelphia
on 6 December. George Washington addressed both houses two days later. The president
opened his speech by praising the nation’s prosperity, Kentucky’s imminent statehood,
and the 7 May ratification of the fifth Dutch-American loan. Washington emphasized a
need to meet “certain banditti” on the Ohio frontier with military force. Pointing to
the “disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of the great
maritime powers,” Washington underlined his support for the American carrying trade
and the pressing need for a consular convention. Members of the House and the Senate
made their replies on 13 December. Writing to JQA, JA
confided that he found “the opening of this Sessions has been auspicious and agreable”
(Washington, Papers, Presidential Series
, 7:45–49, 65–68;
JA to JQA, 8 Dec., Adams Papers).