Jean Noël Destréhan's Sine die Address of November 11, 1805

by Jean Noël Destréhan

I value as I ought, the thanks which this honorable house, has deigned to address me. I receive them as a mark of indulgence. It will be to me an encouragement in the discharge of the duties which are imposed upon me. My only ambition in devoting my existence and all my faculties to the happiness of my country, is to deserve the suffrage of this honorable house, and the esteem of my fellow citizens. Before we part after this short session, give me leave to congratulate my honorable colleagues, upon the manner with which they have fulfilled the important task which had devolved upon them. If no body could witness in our deliberations the talents and experience, which it will be our most unremitted endeavors to acquire, I hope that our fellow citizens have observed with satisfaction our modesty, our moderation, and our wisdom, together with the marks of the purest zeal for the advantage of our constituents, and the happiness of our common country. Let us continue gentlemen, to imitate in this respect, the patriotic virtues of which our brethren of the United States afford as constantly the example.

I invite the honorable members of this house, to procure during the recess, all the materials, the knowledge of which may accelerate the accomplishment of our legislative duties. Let us devote all our efforts to qualify us to fulfil, in a becoming manner, the heavy trust placed in us. The happiness of our fellow citizens, and that of our own families, depend upon our exertions; and to these let us unite the most ardent wishes for the welfare of our country, and for the peace, glory, and prosperity of the United States.

United States, and Clarence Edwin Carter. 1910 (1940). The territorial papers of the United States. vol. IX, The Territory of Orleans, 1803-1812. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Govt. Print. Off. P. 523