rse and the country's
prospects:

"Between the obligation to discharge my duty to the country and the
obvious impossibility of accomplishing anything for the improvement
of its condition by legislation, my deliberate judgment warns me to
a systematic adherence to inaction upon all the controverted topics
which cannot fail to be brought into debate. Upon the rule-question
(that is, refusing to receive or refer petitions on the subject of
slavery) I cannot be silent, but shall be left alone, as heretofore.
I await the opening of the session with great anxiety; more from an
apprehension of my own imprudence than from a belief that the
fortunes of the country will be much affected, for good or evil, by
anything that will be done. There is neither spotless integrity nor
consummate ability at the helm of the ship, and she will be more
than ever the sport of winds and waves, drifting between breakers
and quicksands. May the wise and good Disposer send her home in
safety!"

On the 24th of January, 1842, Mr. Adams presented the petition of
forty-five citizens of Haverhill, Massachusetts, praying that Congress
would immediately take measures peaceably to dissolve the Union of these
States. 1st. Because no Union can be agreeable which does not present
prospects of reciprocal benefits. 2d. Because a vast proportion of the
resources of one section of the Union is annually drained to sustain the
views and course of another section, without any adequate return. 3d.
Because, judging from the history of past nations, that Union, if
persisted in, in the present course of things, will certainly overwhelm
the whole nation in utter destruction. Mr. Adams moved that the petition
be referred to a select committee, with instructions to report an answer
showing the reasons why the prayer of it ought not to be granted.

The excitement the presentation of this petition produced was immediate
and intense. Mr. Hopkins, of Virginia, moved to burn it in presence of
the house. Mr. Wise, of the same state, asked the speaker if it was in
order to move to censure any member for presenting such a petition. Mr.
Gilmer, also of Virginia, moved a resolution, that Mr. Adams, for
presenting such a petition, had justly incurred the censure of the
house. Mr. Adams said that he hoped the resolution would be received and
discussed. A desultory debate ensued, and was continued until the house
adjourned.