Two days after, Marion being in his place in the Senate, President George Washington took occasion to convey to him the sense of these resolutions, in a neat and highly laudatory speech.

The President said,

"When I consider the occasion which calls me to address you, I am filled with inexpressible pleasure; but when I reflect on the difficulty of doing justice to your distinguished merit, I feel my own inefficiency.  What sentiments or words shall I make use of equal to the task!

I scarce dare trust my own, especially after what has been said by several honorable persons on this floor, respecting your great, your glorious, and meritorious conduct; and I most earnestly wish, for my own sake, for yours, Sir, and for the honor of this House, that I could avail myself of their eloquence. . . . Your conduct merits the applause of your countrymen -- your courage, your vigilance, and your abilities have exceeded their most sanguine expectations; and have answered all their hopes. Whilst the virtue of gratitude shall form a part of our national character, your important services to this country can never be forgotten.