The address in reply, reported by a committee of which Marshall was chairman, was agreed to without amendment.

Adams was again delighted with the very respectful terms adopted at the "first assembly after a fresh election, under the strong impression of the public opinion and national sense at this interesting and singular crisis." At this session it was the sad privilege of Marshall to announce the death of Washington, "the Hero, the Sage, and the Patriot of America." In the shadow of this great grief, party passion was hushed for a while.
Gallatin again led the Republican opposition; Nicholas and Macon were his able lieutenants.

The line of attack of the Republicans was clear.
If war could be avoided, the growing unpopularity of the Alien and Sedition laws would surely bring them to power.

The foreign-born voter was already a factor in American politics.

In January the law providing for an addition to the army was suspended.