Papers of John Adams, volume 21
a:
th1792
At the closure of a long and very fatiguing Session, it
may be some amusement to see the minutes of the business and I have
accordingly sent them since your departure. The House would have sat longer
but the Senate got out of all patience, and as usual hurried over the
business, reading off bills by their titles, and three readings 123 in swift succession, Hurrying &
scolding at poor Secretary because he could not perform imposibilities &
get long Bills thro the press by imprimatur I
declare I think the two or three last days of the Session worse than all the
rest, and dread them accordingly. I should regret this pressure less if
necessary, but tis not, if Senate and House would by a joint Committee
arrange the business each House would get thro nearly at the same time— now,
all the business originating in Senate lies until the close of the Session
when it comes back for alterations and amendments. This comes hard on the
Senate, but much worse on the President of the United States— he may have
the bills read indeed in the little time allowed him but certainly he has no
time for deliberation—
I hope this will find you & your good lady in good
health. Mrs Otis Miss Smith & Miss Otis1 joint in respects from / Sir
/ your most obedt & Humb Ser
RC (Adams Papers).
Elizabeth Smith (1770–1849), a sister of Mary Smith
Gray Otis, and Harriet Otis (b. 1787), daughter of Samuel and Mary (
AFC
, 3:307, 8:65, 10:235).