New York April 24, 1789
Sir,
In pursuance of the orders I received from the Senate I left New York on Tuesday the Seventh of the present month and though much impeded by tempestuous weather, bad road, and the many large rivers I had to cross, yet by unremitted diligence I reached Mount Vernon, the seat of his excellency gen’l Washington on Tuesday the 14 about 12 o clock. I found his excellency at home and after communicating to him the object of my mission and the substance of my instructions I took an opportunity on the day of my arrival to address him as follows
”Sir, The president of the Senate, chosen for the special occasion, having opened and counted the votes of the Electors in the presence of the Senate and the house of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your Excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This commission was entrusted to me on account of my having been long in the confidence of the late Congress and charged with the duties of one of the principal civil departments of Government.
I have now, Sir, to inform you, that the proofs you have given of your patriotism and of your readiness to sacrifice domestic life and private enjoyment to preserve the liberty and promote the happiness of your country did not permit the two houses to harbour a doubt of your undertaking this great, this important office, to which you are called not only by the unanimous votes of the electors but by the voice of America. I have it therefore in command to accompany you to New York where the Senate and the house of representatives are convened for the dispatch of public business. In executing this part of my commission, where personal gratification coincides with duty I shall wait your time and be wholly governed by your convenience.”
To this his Excellency was pleased to make the following reply “Sir, I have been long accustomed to entertain so great a respect for the opinion of my fellow citizens, that the knowledge of their unanimous suffrages having been given in my favour scarcely leaves me the alternative for an option. Whatever may have been my private feelings and sentiments, I believe I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor they have done my than by accepting the appointment
I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country’s esteem and confidence, that silence can best explain my gratitude. While I realize the arduous nature of the task which is conferred on me and feel my inability to perform it, I wish there may not be reason for regreting the choice. All I can promise is only that which can be accomplished by an honest zeal.
Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be to proceed to business and how deeply the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of doing it immediately I cannot find myself at liberty to delay my journey. I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the day after tomorrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your company. For you will permit me to say that it was a peculiar gratification to have received the communication from you.”
His Excellency set out accordingly on Thursday the 16th. His progress was retarded by the tender and affectionate leave which his neighbors and friends took of him; by the congratulatory addresses which he was obliged to receive by the way; and by the testimonies of public esteem and joy, to which it was necessary for him to pay attention, in the several states through which he passed: but that this might occasion as little delay as possible be commenced his journey every morning at sun rise continued it incessantly throughout the day, and supported the fatigues of it eight days successively till he reached this place.
His happy and safe arrival here yesterday having terminated my commission, I submit my conduct in the execution of it to the judgment of the senate, and have the honor to be, with great esteems and respect.
Sir
Your most obedient and
most humble servant
Charles Thomson
The President of the Senate
Legis: 1. Cong: 1 Sess:
Report of Charles Thompson Esq. on the mode of his addressing and notifying Gen. Washington of his election as president of the U.S. of A.
April 24. 1789.
No 10
1st Sess: 1st Con
April 24th 1789
Charles Thomson
Read & ordered to lie
on file. End.
