n A SELECTION or THE Patriotic Addreffes, TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. TOGETHER WITH The Prefident'j Anfwers. PRESENTED In the year One Thoufand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Eight, and the Twenty- Second of the Ipdependence of America. B S t N: PRINTED BY JOHN W. FOLSOM, No. 30, UNION-STREET. 1798. I TO THE (7 GENTLEMEN, pERMIT me to addrefs to you a which originated under your own hands. Jf there be any merit in it. if a noble fpirit pervade it, if the principles of Greece and Rome> in their moft illujlrious days, c'oncentre in this volume, no little glory is due to you ; for you infpired them. Like fire in a flint, thi- volume had Jlill been latent in the Ameri- can bofom, had not your inimitable art ex~ tracted it. While toe thank you for the noble ardor which you have roufcd from. Vermont to Georgia^ we alfo acknowledge our obliga- tion. to you, for your fojlering care of our concerns, and for your unprecedented, fmcere and dijinterejled prof ejjions, which Kave arij- en to fuch a height, that you would willingly adopt our whole nation, as your own. ! Although this -volume contains a fummary : M8G12S9 iv DEDICATION. of American, popular fentiment^ on the gen* uinenefs of which you may rely ; ftill to be ingenuous^we miift confefs. there are a certain few here, notorious indeedfor their prof ej/ion of friend/hip to you^ but who are in reality your worjl enemies. Believe me, Gentlemen ^ thefe ungrateful wrdches, whom you have reared, fed and moulded to your own form and ccmelinefs, have invariably deceived ycu. You have depended folely on them for infor- mation rcfpcBing W5, your allies : none of them have remitted you a true flatement of popular fentiment. They have abitfd your confidence ; and nearly ruined your influence in this country. As a friend to truth, I will undeceive you, and diflipatc thofe clouds of er- ror in which you are involved, through the falfe injinuaticns of your agents ; and this without a douceur for myfervice. Reft afjiircd, we are the fame people whom you admired in time pa ft ; we are net unwor- thy of our ancejlors ; we have not defervedly lojl your efteem. WARREN was not the laft of the Americans ; and WAS HI NGTON, who^ twenty years Jince, converted his fpear to a pruning-hook) has lately reconverted his prun- ing-hook to a fpear. We love peace -, we con- fefs; yet let not this y we pray you, imply an idea derogatory to our valor ; we love itfo ar* D E D I C A T I O N*. v denlly, we will fight for it. Bui it is the great principle with us, to wield the Pen Jirft, if that fail, the Sword. Speak, Jirs, if thu principle be the genuine off sp ring of America, (and that it is, this volume carries with it, an internal evidence) are we not worthy of the efteem of the " magnanimous Republic ?" Fully impreffed -with the idea, that theft addrejjes, which I have fele&ed from a vaft number, will be of great fervice to you in ap- preciating cur American character, I have collected this volume, entirely for your life, and reque/l no other favor, than, to anticipate the inference, to wit, France ! remember Britain ! EDITOR. P. 5. Should you requejl afecond and third volume, they flail be forwarded immediately. ** * THE ADDRESSES T O THE PRESIDENT, &c. VERMONT. To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, WE, the Subfcribers, Inhabitants pf the , town of Windfor, in the State of Vermont, deeply impreHed with the critical fituation, to which our Country is reduced, by the ambitious views, fecret intrigues and nefarious conducl of a foreign nation, aid- ed by unprincipled and defigning men of our own Country, conceive it our duty to declare to you our fulled approbation of your conduct in this arduous and important conjuncture of public affairs. At the fame time permit us, Sir, to affure you and the Congrefs of the United States, that although peace is the rnoft ardent wifli of our hearts ; yet it is a peace founded upon 8 PATRIOTIC upon the great principles of national inde- pendence and honour, which fhall not be degraded by the officious interference, im- perious demands, or the piratical depreda- tions of any nation ,on earth, and that we are ready and willing to pledge our lives and fortunes in fupport of fuch meafures as the national government may think beft to adopt to protect our commerce, defend our country from infults, and maintain our independence and liberties inviolate. TO the I N H A B I T A N TS of the tOWU of Wl N D~ SOR in the State of VERMONT. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs, pre- fented to me by your fenators in Congrefs, Mr. Paine and Mr. Chipman. Your attachment to peace on the princi- ples of national independence and honor, not degraded by the officious interference, imperious demands, or piratical depreda- tions of any nation, is amiable. The pledges of your lives and fortunes in fupport of fuch meafures, as the national government may think bell to adopt, to pro- tect oiir commerce^ defend our country froin ADDRESSES. 9 from infult and maintain our independence and liberties inviolate are honorable to you, and acceptable to your country. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, SIR, PERMIT th JOHN ADAMS. To ADDRESSES. 35 To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of tic UNITED STATES. a period, when a powerful and per- fidious nation, afpiring to the domination of the world, annuls in the career of her pride, all bonds of national amity ; when the moft conciliating meafures which the pacific dii- pofition of our government has adopted, have been repelled with indignity, filence would become cowardice, and neutrality treafon. At this eventful crifis, the Young Men of Bofton, folemnly irnpreffed with the ideas of independence, which they have derived from 'their anceflors, in that unequivocal language which admits of no adulation, beg leave to exprefs to the firft magistrate of the Union, their -fentiments and refolutions. Ufhered into life at a time when our fath- ers were Itruggling for the rights to which God and nature entitled them, we date our exiftcnce coeval with the independence of our country. With our firft breath we im* bibed a detcftation of fervility to any nation, and we have not yet learned to fubmit to the humiliation of foreign controul. As .Americans, we feel aa enthufiafm in -applauding your .arduous adminiftration, to- gether with that of your illuftrious prede- cefTor, ever deCgnated by the Hrnieit virtue, which 36 PATRIOTIC which danger has not been able to appal, and obloquy has in vain a (Tailed. While \ve have admired the dignified moderation, which has marked the fucceffive attempts at a reconciliation with our Gallic allies, \ve have witneffed with regret our proffered terms of adjuftment, contemptuously reject- ed by the rapacity of avarice, and the info- lence of power. The irifulring demands by which France has fo glaringly developed her punic faith, and her infidious defigns, we conceive would be more chara&eriftic of the defpotic requifnions of a conqueror, than of propofals to a high fpirited, arid we believe, an unconquerable people. Although we prefume not to arrogate to onrfelves the office of judging -on intricate queft'ions of politics, yet where gratitude claims the tribute, we mufl feelingly eulo- gize the unfullied patriotifm and uniform wifdom of our fupreme Executive. Juftly appreciating the fweets of peace and the reign of equal laws, fpurning acqui- efcence to any prefumptuous power to the degradation of national honor, and deter- mined to guard the inviolability of our con- ilitution, as the palladium of our rights, we the youth of Bofton, united by indifloluble ties in one common love to our country, moft folemnly offer, when its voice demands the energy of aclion, to facrifice our youth- ful ADDRESSES. 37 Tul profpefts and our lives, in unnerving the arm of fedition, and repelling the inroads of oppreffion ; fervently according in thofe noble fentiments, that ;; neutrality ought never to be purchafed by the violation of public faiih, thetarnifhing of moral charac- ter, or the abandonment of independence." To the YOUNG MEN 0/BosTOK. GENTLEMEN, IT is impofllblc for you to enter your own Faneuil-Hall, or to throw your eyes on the variegated mountains, and elegant iilands around you, without recollecting the principles and aclions of your fathers, and feeling what is due to their example : One of their firft principles was to unite in them- fclves the character of citizens and foldiers, and especially to preferve the latter always fiibordinate to the former. With much folicitude for your welfare, and that of your pofterity, I take the free- dom to fay, that this country never appeared to me to be in greater danger, than at this mo- ment, from within or without never more urgently -excited, to affume the fun&ions of foldiers. The ftate of the world is fuch, the fitua- tion of all the nations of Europe, with which we have relation, is fo critical, that viciffi- D tudes 3$ PATRIOTIC Glides muft be expefted, from whofe delete- rious influences, nothing but arms and en- ergy can protecl us : To arms, then, my young friends, to arms, efpecially by fea 5 to be ufed as the laws fhall dire6t,let us re- fort ; for fafety againft dangers, \vhich we now fee and feel, cannot be averted by truth, reafon, or juflice. Nothing in the earlier part of my public life, animated me more, than the counte- nances of the children and youth of the town of Bofto-n ; and nothing at this hour, gives me fo much pleafure, as the mafculine tem- per and talents, difplayed by the youth of America, in every part of it. I ought not forget the worft enemy we have ; That obloquy, which you have ob- ferved, is the worft enemy to virtue, and the beft friend to vice ; it drives to deftroy all xliftinclion between right and wrong, it leads to divifions, fedition, civil war, and milita- ry defpotifrn. I need fay no more. JOHN ADAMS, To the PRESIDENT and CONGRESS of tht UNITED STATES of AMERICA. PENETRATED with a lively conviaion pf the critical and very interefling fiiuation ADDRESSES. 39 of our national concerns, the fubfcribers, inhabitants of the town of Salem, in the Commonwealth of MafTachufetts, are indu- ced to prefent the following addrefs. Senfible we are of the impropriety of an interference from the people with the eftab- lifhed administration of government, ftill we conceive occafions may arife, when an ex- preffion of the public fentiment may be highly important and beneficial. As fuch an one we view the prefent; when the lead- ers of a great nation are inflexibly purfuing the moft injurious and baneful defignsagainfi us ; and flattering themfelves with a prof- pe& of f'uccefs, by a feparation of the peo- ple from the government. It is our difpofition, and, as far as our influence may extend, it fhali be our endeav- our, to difappoint and fruflrate thefe ex- pectations. We are fully fatisfied with the meafures taken by the fupreme Executive, for accom- modating the differences fubfrfting between the United States and the French republic ; and it is with fincere regret we learn that thofe meafures- have been unfuccefsful. We ftill wifh for peace, and a reftoration of harmony, with that republic. But fhould they remain implacable; fhould we be driv- en to extremities ; depending fupremely on the patronage of the Moft High, \ve repofe firm 40 PATRIOTIC rm confidence in the wifdom and fidelity of our rulers, with the fteady patriodfm and combined exertions of our fellow citizens, for maintaining a vigorous defence. We are determined, at every hazard, to fupport the government of our choice : and to thofe, to whom the powers of government are en- trufted, we will afford our hearty concur- rence and aid, for carrying into effecl fuch ineafures as they may fee fit to adopt ; hold- ing in the higheft efiimation our rights and interefts as a free and independent people thofe rights and interefts for which we have once contended, and which it is our fettled purpofe never to refign. To'the INHABITANTS of the Town of SAL* u^ in the State ^MASSACHUSETTS., GENTLEMEN, THIS addrefs, fubfcribed with fuch unanimity by the inhabitants of your moft ancient town, whofe fimplicity, economy, induftry, enterprize, intelligence, and con- fequent independence and opulence, form a model deferving the imitation of all your commercial fellow-citizens, ought to have great weight, wherever it appears. The interference of the people, by re- fpeclful expreflions of their fenfe to the le- giflaturej (at all times their right) caruiot be denied ADDRESSES, ft denied to be expedient at fuch a time as this, when the leaders of a great nation are in- flexibly purfuing the moft injurious and baneful defigns againft us, and flattering themfelves with a profpeft of fuccefs, by a feparation of the people from the govern- ment. Of your dilpofition and endeavours to difappoint thefe expectations, no man^ who knows you, will doubt. Your fatisfaclion with the meafures of the Executive is very grateful to me; and your fupreme dependence on the patronage of the Moft High the firm confidence you. repofe in the wifdom and fidelity of our ru- lers, with the (leady patriotifm, and combined exertions, of our fellow citizens, for main- taining a vigorous defence I truft will not be difappointed* The determination, at every hazard? to fupportthe government of your choice, and the high eftimation in which you hold'your rights, as a free, independent people, for which you have once contended, and which it is your fettled purpofe never to refign, are worthy of your characters, and will be fully credited by all the world. JOHN ADAMS. Da To 4 a PATRIOTIC To the PRESIDENT of theUHLTED STATES* SIR, jL HE inhabitants of the town of Newbury* Port, fully imprefled with the prefent im- portant crifis of public affairs., are prompted no lefs by a fenfe of duty than by their own feelings, to exprcfs thole fentiments, which the occafronfo naturally infpi res in the bread of every American. From the long expe- rience of your conduct in the many public offices to which you have been called by your own country, they feel the moft perfect confidence in your \vifdom, 'integrity and patriotifm ; and they with cheerfulnefs de- clare their entire approbation of your at- tempt to ad j uli all exifting difputes with the French republic, by an amicable negocia- tion ; of that fpirit of conciliation which dictated your inftruBions to our minifters ; and of the principles of juilice on which they \vcre founded. They learn with equal indignation and aftonifhment, that this {pint of conciliation nas been repelled with con- tempt, that tliefe principles of juftice have been difiegarded, and that a heavy tribute, with humiliating conceflions on our part,, have been propofed to us in a manner arbi- trary and unfriendly, as the price at which we muft purchafe the right of being heard. The inhabitants of this town duly appreciate the bleflings of peace and neutrality > but they ADDRESSES. 43 they will never complain at the lofs of thofe bleflings, when conftrained to facrifice them to the honor, the dignity, and the effential interelts of their country. They confider the prefent interefting (late of public affairs as a folemn appeal to the hearts of all inde- pendent Americans, and a call on them to come forward with unanimity and firmnefis, in fupport of the government, and. of the men of their choice to refill with becomv ing dignity any vain attempt to- derogate from our common fovereignty, or to de- degrade our national character from the rank it now juftly holds among nations to convince the world that we are alike, unin- fluenced by corruption and by fear and that, we will not be a divided people, the miferable flaves of a foreign power, or the defpicable tools of foreign influence. Impreffed with thefe fentiments, and rely- ing with full confidence on the wifdom and patriotifm of every branch of government, they take this occafioh folemnly to pledge their, lives and fortunes to fupport the mea- fures judged neceffary by the Prefident and Congrefs, to preferve and fecure the happi- nefs, the dignity, and the eflential intereft o the United States. 44 PATRIOTIC To the INHABITANTS GENTLEMEN, THE addrefs of the inhabitants of the ancient, populous and wealthy town of New* bury- Port, puffed without a diffentient voice at a late meeting, as certified by your feleft'- men, and: prefented to me by your reprefeir- tative in Congrefs, Mr. Bartlet, does me great honor. The aftonifhment and indignation you ex- prefVat the contempt with which a i'pirit of conciliation has been repelled, your refolu- tion never to complain at the lofs of the bleffings of peace and neutrality, when con- ftrained to facrifice them to the honor, dig- nity and effential intereft of your country ; to refift with becoming, dignity any vain at- tempt to derogate from our common f'over- eigiity, or to degrade our national charac- ter from the rank-itnow juftly holds among nations-, to convince the world that you are alike uninfluenced by corruption and by fear, that you are not a divided people, the miferable (laves of foreign influence do equal honor to your hearts and judgment. Your reliance, with full confidence on the wifdom and patriotifm of every branch of the government, and the folemn pledge of your lives and fortunes to fupport the mea- lures of the legislature and ad minift ration, to ADDRESSES. 4$ to preferve and fecurethe happinefs, dignity and effential intereft of'the United States; are all the affurances which the beft of govern- ments could defire from the beft of citizens. JOHN ADAMS, To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STA'TESV SIR, 1 HE Grand Jurors for the county of Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of MafTa- chuietts, attending at the Supreme Judicial Court for faid county, have been led by their own reflections on the courfe of events, and by the excellent and impreffive obfer- vations of the chief Juftice in his charge at the opening of the court, to contemplate the political fituation of our country Many of us have found it difficult to believe, that a nation avowedly ftruggling for liberty and independence, fhould attempt to invade r impair thofe bleflings where they are quietly and fully enjoyed. But the experience of feveral of the laft years of our hiftory, has convinced us of our miftake. While occu- pied in our peaceful labours, we have feen the fruits of thofe labours plundered and condemned, on frivolous and groundlefo pretences, by profefled friends. Our tran- quility has been diflurbed by inceffant ap- pestle 46 FATRIOTIC peals to the paffions of the people, by fac^ tious and defigning men ; and by repeated and audacious attempts to feparate the peo- ple from the government; our fincere de- fire for peace has been met with negleft or contempt ; and odious and extravagant de- mands, dictated by rapacity- and a third for boundlefs rule, have been made the terms of negociation. In fuch a crifis, when all that is dear and valuable to freemen, when liberty and independence, national honor, Social order, and public fafety appear to be in danger a danger which union alone r under the bleffing of heaven, can repel : We think it not mproper to ftep afide from the ordinary duties of our office, and to exprefa to you our grateful acknowledgments for the firmriefs and difcretion with which you have encountered fiich new and peculiar difficulties. We are affured that all the en- ergies of our common country 3 will aid you in iuch a caufe. We pray the God of all intelligence to preferve the force of your mind unabated, and in any arduous iffue, to which the arts or arms of fuccefsful violence may compel us, we pledge ourfelves " as become faith- ful citizens of this happy country, as one man, to come forward in the defence of all that is dear to us*" ADDRESSES. 47 To the GRAND JURY, for the County of P L Y- H 5 m the State of MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for your addrefs, which has been .tranfmitted to me, accord- ing to your requeftj by the chief Juftice of -the Hate. Difficult as it is to believe that a nation ftruggling or pretending to ftruggle for lib- erty and independence, fhould attempt to invade or impair thofe bleffings, where they are quietly and fully enjoyed ; yet thus it is, that the United States of America are not the only example of it. While occupied in your peaceful employ. ments, you have feen the fruits of your in- duftry plundered by profefied friends, your tranquillity has been drfturbed, by incefTant appeals to the.paffions and prejudices of the people, by defigning men, and by audacious attempts to feparate the people from the government and there is not a village in the United States perhaps, which cannot tef- tify to fimilar abtifes. Liberty, independence, national honor, focial order and public fafety, appear to you to be in danger ; your acknowledg- ments to me, therefore, are the more oblig- ing and encouraging. o~V< Your 48 PATRIOTIC Your prayers for my prefervation, and your pledge that in any arduous ifTue, to \vhich the arts or arms of fuccefsful violence may compel us, you will, as fiecomes faith- ful citizens of this happy country, come forward as one man, in defence of all that is dear to us, are to me as affecling, as to the public they ought to be fatisfaftory fen- timents the more affe&ing to me, as they come from the moft ancient fetdement, in the northern part of the continent, held in peculiar veneration by me at all timeSr JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT of theUxiTZD STATES. SIR, W HEN we contemplate the wifdom and firmnefs, the integrity and magnanimity of our national Executive, we rejoice that we are men, we boaft that we are Americans ! When Britain treated America with more than ftepdame cruelty, the daring infant manfully aiferted her rights, and bade de- fiance to her foe. A furviving few of us acled on the memorable tgth of April we faw unfheathed the firft conquering fword- Concord drank the firft blood of martyred freemen here commenced a conteft. dubi- ous for Columbia ; but by the perilous pa- trio tifm ADDRESSES. 49 triotifm of her fons, and the all-conquering fword of GOD and Wafhington, fhe won her Sovereign independence, and founded a growing empire on the indeflruclible bafis of juftice and equal rights. We, Sir, having kept a watchful eye on your aftive merit, from the firft dawn of your political exigence, until you rofe to the acme of political greatnefs, recognize with warmeft gratitude your fignal fervicesj during the temped of a revolution, which challenges obliterating time to blot it from the fcroll of fame. We revere your invi- olable attachment to the interefls of our country, which /none with eclat, in framing and defending our immortal conflitution, which exhibits wifdom, inferior only to divine. While we view with full eft fatisfa&ion, peerlcfs Wafhington's equitable adminiftra- tion, we cordially acquiefce, in the unfliak- en reftitude, the amicable difpofition, and the vigorous meafures now adopted by our Executive towards an afpiring power, who, unprovoked, hasoutraged the piracy and per- fidy of Gothic darknefsandVandal barbarity; who has perpetrated crimes unparalleled ir* the hiftory of man ! France, grafping at uni- vct-fal domination,!ias abandoned every mor- al andrcligiousprinciple; trampled on facred faitli, fported with national laws,and demand- E ed 50 PATRIOT L C ^d pecuniary exaclions, which would bank- rupt our nation, and render us flaves, inftead of a free, foverejgn and independent people. Shall we fubmir to thefe repeated infults, and humiliating demands, or refolve, in holy remembrance of thofe who bled, that we wi l i defend by our valor, what they won by their blood ? We would not di&ate, but fhould the crifis demand, we will rally round the flandard of our government, and under the direftidn of the concentrated wifdom of the union, make a free-will offering of our lives and fortunes, foon.er than truckle to the mandates of any foreign power. We will glorioufly perifh in the attempt ; or unful- lied, tranfmi.t to pofterity, what we received in early days, from thofe who are now transmitted to brighter worlds, or trembling beneath the weight of age. We, in unifon with the Union, will con- vince France and the world, that the divine enthufiafm of '75, glows in the bofom of each genuine American, and under Provi- dence, will render Columbia as formidable to her foes, as was Michael's fword from the the armoury of God, to the rebel angels of Heaven ! TQ ADDRESSES. 5! To //^INHABITANTS o/CoNCO'AD ^MAS- SACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs. Your encomium on the Executive authority of the national government,, is in a degree Highly flattering. As f have ever wifhed to avoid, as far as prudence and neceffity would permit, every concealment from my fellow citizens, of my real fentiments, in matters of importance, I \vill venture to afk you whether it is confid- ent with the peace we have made, the friend- fhip we have ftipulated, or even with civil- ity, to exprefs a marked refentment to a foreign power \vho is at war with another, \vhofe ill will we experience every day, and \vho will, very probably 5 in a few weeks, be acknowledged an enemy in the fenfe of the law of nations ? A power, too, which inva- riably acknowledged Us 'to be a nation for fifteen years ; a power that has never had the infolence to rejeft your ambaffadors ; a power that at prefent convoys your trade and their own at the fame time. Immortal hatred, inextinguifliable animofity, is neither philofophy, true religion, nor good policy. Our ancient maxim was, " Enemies in war, in peace friends." If Concord drank the firft blood of mar- tyred freemen, Concord fhould be the firft to 52 P A T R I O T I C to forget the injury, when it is no longer ufeful to remember it. Some of you, as well as myfelf, remember the war of 1755^ as well as that of 1775. War always has its horrors, and civil wars the worft. If tfc.e conteft you allude to was dubious, it was from extrinfic caufes ; it was from partial, enthufiaftic and habitual attachment to a foreign countrynot from any queftion of a party of ftrength. It is highly ufeful to reflet~-5O,ooo men upon paper, and 30.000 men in fact, was the higheft number Britain ever had in arms hi this country- compute the tonnage of {hips necefTary and actually employed, to tranfport thefe troops acrols the Atlantic ; What were 30,000 men to the United States of America, in 1775 ? What would 6o,oco be now in 1798 ? Let not fond attachments, entbufiaftic de- votion, to another power, paralize the nerves of our citizens a fecond time, and all the ffoips in Europe that can be fpa red, office red and manned, will not be fufficient to bring to this country an army capable of any long conteft. Your compliments to me are far beyond my merits : Your confidence in the govern- ment, and determination to fupport it, are greatly to your honor. JOHN ADAMS. From ADDRESSES. 53 From the I N H A B i T A N T s of the Town of II A- VERHILL, in MASSACHUSETTS, to the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, WHILE we difapprove an interference of the people with the adminiftration of our national government, we confider it our du- ty, at this time, to affure you that the mea- fures you have adopted and purfued, as firft magiftrate of the Union, have uniformly met our hearty concurrence. In full confidence that thofe meafures have Been dictated by wifdom and the pureft principles of patriotifm, we cannot withhold the expreflion of our grateful thanks for your undeviating firmnefs in their execution. Your late exertions to redrefs our wrongs, to accommodate differences unhappily ex- ifting between this country and the French republic, to conciliate the affeftions of our allies, to preferve our neutrality, to eftablifh our peace and happinefs, and above all, to fupport the independence, dignity and free- dom of the United States, afford the higheft evidence of the juftice and wifdom of your adminiftration ; and demand, in an eminent degree, the gratitude of every patriotic - American. We humbly deprecate the calamities of \var ; but when the fafety, the independence, the freedom of our country requireUnder E 2 the 54 PATRIOTIC the dire&ion of the government of our choice* imploring the bleflings of heaven, we are prepared with our property, and at the haz- ard of our lives, to fupport our government, to'virfdicate our rights, and to defend oar country. To the lx H A B i T A N T s cf the Town q/H A v a i) i LL, in the State oj MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for a refpeclful and affeQionateaddreis, which has been prefent- ed to me by Mr. Bartlett, your reprefenta- tive in Congrefs. The interference of the people with the adminiftration of the national government, in ordinary cafes, would be not only ufelefs and unnecefiary, but very inconvenient and expenfive to them, if not calculated to dil- turb the public councils with prejudices, paflions, local views, and partial interefts which would better be at reft ; but there are fome great conjunBures in which it is prop- er, and in fuch a government as ours, per- haps neceffary. If ever fuch an occaiioa can occur, the prefent is one. Your afifurance to me that the meafures 1 have adopted, as firft magiftrate of the Union, have uniformly met your hearty con- currence, and your declaration that you are prepared with yourproperty,andatthe haz- ard ADDRESSES. 55 * ard of your lives, to fupport your govern- ment, vindicate your rights and defend your country, are to me great confolation. JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT and CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES. \ a crifis in which the dignity and inde- pendence of the United States is at flake--- at a moment when an union of fentiment is necefTary to be evinced--- The fubfcribers, inhabitants and citizens of the town of Gloucefter, in the Common- wealth of Maffachufeits, cannot fail of ex- preffing their fulled approbation of the wife and magnanimous conduct of the Prcfidcnt of the United States, relative to our foreign relations, more particular'-y for the meafures adopted by him for the honorable adjufl- mcnt of any exifting difficulties between the French republic and this country, and his inftru&ions to our envoys to eileft this cle- firable purpofe : Nor can they refrain from declaring their utmoft confidence in the vir- tue, wifdom and prudence of the national government. And while they deprecate the evils of war, mould fo unhappy an event take place, (which may God in. his infinite mercy avert) They 5 PATRIOTIC They raoft facredly avow their determt- nation to fupport theconftitution,and at the rifk of their lives and fortunes to prefers inviolate, the rights and liberties of their country. To the PRESIDENT and CONOR ESS of UN ITED STATES, this important crifis, we the fubfcri- bers, citizens of Roxbtiry, in the Common- wealth of MafTacbufetts, in order to coa- vince the world, as far as lies within our power, that the citizens of thefe ftates, are not a people feparated from their govern- ment', but firmly attached to its interefts ; at the fame time impreffed with the fulleft con* vi6tion, of the purity of their intention, as well as the ability and wifdom of their ad- miniftration, feel it our duty to declare in this explicit manner, an approbation of their conducl,and determination to fupport, with our lives and fortunes, fuch mealures as they Uiall determine moft conducive to the fafety and profperity of the nation.. In the convulfions of Europe, it is mo# devoutly to be wimed, that America may not be involvech:--That the freed, and moil peaceable government in the world, may cxercife its internal concern^ without any external ADDRESSES. 57 external controul or influence :~-That no tribute or arbitrary exactions may ever be iinperioufly demanded ; and that the price of peace may never be national degradation. With thefe fentiments, \ve beg leave to af- faire the whole government, that we will readily, and cheerfully co-operate in fucH ineafures, as our own authorities, lawfully confiituted,fhall deem neceffary, to preferve the union, and fupport the independence of of the United States of America. To the CITIZENS of Ro x B u n Y, in the StaU of MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN', A RESPECTFUL addrefs, to the Prefident and Congrefs of the United States, fubfcribed by one hundred and thirty-four citizens of Roxbury, has been prefented to me, by Mr. Otis, your reprefentative in Congrefs. Your teflimony to the purity of the inter* tions, as well as to the ability and wifdom of the adminiftration ; your approbation of their conduct, and determination to fupport with your lives and fortunes, fuch meafures as they fhall determine moft conducive to the fafety, and profpe^ity of the nation, are peculiarly agreeable to me. It 5 8 PATRIOTIC It is indeed devoutly to be \vifhed, that in the convulfions of Europe, America might not be involved but the wifhes, and prayers of the beft of men, and moft virtu- ous nations for peace, are not always heard .-the wifhes of America have been fo ob- vioufly juft and reafonable, that all the pow- ers of Europe, appear to have (hewn them fome refpe6l, excepting one, which feems to have left us no alternative. JOHN ADAMS; To //^PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATE* of AMERICA. SIR, Jt 1 ULLY imprefTed with a fenfe of the im- portance of confiding in rulers of our own choice, efpecially when they have been long employed, and often times in the moft tiy- ing circumftances, in the fervice of their country, and have ever been found faithful to its interefts : We the fubfcribers, inhab- itants of the town of Cambridge, take the lib- erty at this important.crifis of our public af- fairs, of exprefling our high fatisfation in your adminiftration. The part you have frequently had to ac\ in your various important and highly re- fponfible public employments, has fome- times been attended \vith great difficulties and ADDRESSES. 59 and embarraffments ; but you have ever difcharged y>ur diuy with diitinguifhed hon- or to yourielf and advantage to theie dates. We are perfuaded, Sir, that your fituation could never have been more difficult and .trying, than ,fince you have been in your .prefent office, efpecially as it has refpeded our difpute with France ; but with plea fu re ^\ve perceive from your late communications .to Congrefs, that your whole conduct in this bufiqefs has been marked with the high- eft wifdom, and that you have done every thing on your part, by the mo ft prudent and conciliating meafures to fettle all differences .between this country and that republic, upon principles of .equity ; wjiile with jull indig- natipn we difcover in the French govern- ment, a conducl direftiy the reverie, and requifitions, merely preparatory to negotia- tion, which, if complied with, would place us in the lowefl (late of degradation, and render us unworthy the character of a free, fovereign and independent nation. We have the firmed confidence, that the mea- fures of our national government will con- tinue to be marked, under your adminiftra- tion, with that integrity, wifdom and firrnnefs which have diftinguiflied it from its firfl ef- tablifhment, and we truft, under Providence, will prove its impregnable defence. Although we lament, Sir, the occafion, %v 7 ]iich fcemed to require a difclofure of your inft ructions 60 PATRIOTIC inftru&ions to (he American envoys, and of their communications; yet we rejoice mod fincerely in its happy effecl upon the public mind, which has been thereby awakened, enlightened and ftrengthened. This good effect is confpicuous in many of the inhab- itants of this town, whofe late refolves, me- morial and addrcfs, implicitly criminating the views and adminiliration of the fupreme^ Executive, were prematurely and inconfid- erately adopted from partial and erroneous conceptions, and an honed, but mifguided attachment to the French nation and gov- ernment. While we- offer this apology for thofe hafty proceedings, we cannot but ex- prefs our unqualified difapprobation of them, as unfounded, improper, and highly injurious to the Prefident of the Union. The intrigues of the French rulers, and the principles upon which they have fora long time a&ed, of revolutionizing govern- ments, even repub ics, with which they have no right to interfere, we abhor and will firmly oppofe. We \vifh not their aid to teach us the principles of national liberty or law to govern ourfelves. As we will not tamely become tributary to gratify their av- aricious and defpotic views ; fo we revolt at the idea of fuffering them to model our governments, or to ditiate to us tiie perfons who (hall adminiffer them. Knowing ADDRESSES. 61 Knowing and feeling ourfelves to be free and happy under our prefent government, we believe any change would be for the worfe. Around the ftandard of our own government only will we rally ; and we folemnly renew our obligations, and pledge ourfelves to defend it to the utmofl of our abilities, againft domeftic faclion, and for- eign influence or invafion, as againft ;: the peftilence that walketh in darknefs, and the deftruftion which wafteth at noonday." Accept, Sir, our cordial congratulations on the prefent more favorable afpe6l of our national concerns. We hope that none will continue to affert. that the people of thefe flates are feparate from, and at enmity with their government ; and we trull that the union, which fo happily fubfifts among the citizens at large, will be followed by a per- fet harmony in our public councils, in all meafures requifite to a complete vindica- tion and fupport of our dignity and interefts, as a free, fovereign,and independent nation. To the INHABITANTS of the Town of CAM- BRIDGE , in the State ofM ASS A c H u s E x xs. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs, fub- fcribed by fo large a number of refpeftable F names, 62 PATRIOTIC names, and for the expreffion of your fatis^ faction in my admini {{.ration. Difficulties were the inheritance to which I \va6 born, and a double portion has been alotted to me. 1 have hitherto found in my integrity, an impenetrable fhield, and I truft it will continue to preferve me. I pity the towns which under the guid- ance of rafh or defigning men, aflcmbled without the neceflary information, and pa fl- ed refolutions, which have expofed them to cenfurc. I receive and return with pleafure your congratulations on the prefent appearances of national union, and thank you for your a&irances of Cupport. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of tie UNITED STATES of AM ERICA. SIR, W S, the inhabitants of the town of Med- ford, in the State of Maffachufetts, approach you with refpe.6: and veneration ; not folely becauie you fill a high and important ftation, ' but becaufc you fill it with uprightnefs, dignity and honor. When moft of the governments of the old \vorld are agitated to their centres, and by th.e ADDRESSES 1 . 63? infidious policy of the agents, thofc whom we have been accuftomed to view as friends, our nation is menaced by a fimilaf calamity : When to moderate, and equita- ble demands for redrefs of wrongs, nothing has been received but a reiteration of infults and an accumulation of injuries ; the crifis feems to derfrand a public expreflion of at- tachment to the conftitution and government of our country. We confider it an abfurd and ridiculous affumption, that all the vari- ous defcriptions of mankind fhould be ca- pacitated to jitdge of the advantages or dif- advantages of treaties of the propriety of war, or of peace. Happily for the Amerf- can people, thofe high attributes of national fovereignty are delegated to fucli a number, as is beft to produce and fecure the union of liberty with the good government of laws-. Should our confidence Ire mifplaced, a flrong and efleftual remedy is provided in the revolution of elections. We therefore difclaim the do&rine of the right u to clog the wheels of government." We would on- ly declare, that the fyftcm which under the late and prefent admini 11 ration, has been productive of ib much national profperity, as it commands our warmed: attachment, fo it is entitled to our rnoft energetic fupport : That, though the fentiinents for peace univerfally pervades the nation, yet there is a point of degradation to which the juft pride of $4 PATRIOTIC of Americans will never fuffer them to ftoop} and, tha{ fooner than yield our liberties to anarchical defpotifm, an appeal to the lalt reafon of ftates, becomes the higheft duty of freemen. In fine, we cordially obey the iblemn dictates of the prefent eventful mo- ment, to rally round the conftitution and government of our country, and on the al- tar of freedom, once more fwear to prefcrvc and defend them once more pledge there- to " our lives, our fortunes, and our facred honor." TO the INHABITANTS cf M E D F o R D, in the Stale of MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs ex- preflive as it is concife which has been prefented to me by your reprefentative in Congrefs, Mr. Sewall. The advantages and difadvantagcs of treaties, and the propriety of war or peace, depend commonly upon a fyftem of infor- mation fo complicated, that it requires all the time of the people to poffefs themfelves of it ; and frequently much of it is of a na- ture which cannot be laid open to public view. It feems therefore inevitable, that thofe high attributes of national fovereignty, ihould be delegated to fuch a number as is beft ADDRESSES. 65 bcft calculated to produce and fecure the union of liberty with the governmentof laws. Your declaration, that the fyftem of the late and prefent adminift ration commands your warmeft attachment, and is entitled to your moft energetic fupport, becaufe it has been productive of fo much national prof- perity, is very confolatory. The oath you have again taken on the al- tar of freedom, to preferve your conftitution and government, will be regarded by all who know you as iblemn and fincere not like thofe of eternal enmity to tyranny and anar- chy, taken by thofe moderns, who by their arts and arms, are daily extending and prop- agating both. There is indeed a point of degradation to -which the juft pride "of Americans will never fufFer them to (loop. Sooner than yield our liberties to anarchical defpotifm, an appeal to the laft reafon of republics, becomes the higheft duty of freemen. JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT of the UN ITED STATES. SIR, A. NUMBER of the inhabitants of Ded- ham, and other towns in the vicinity, in the county of Norfolk, in MafTachufettSjaflem- F 2 bled 06 PATRIOTIC bled at Dedham, to commemorate the 4th of July, '76 ; having been led by the occafion to confider the infults, perfidy, and hoftile aggreflions of France again II the United States, prefume to addrefs you their fend- ments on the prefent afpecl: of public affairs. Many, too many, confidered independ- ence, when it was recognized by the peace of '83, as a condition of perpetual national repole. By reprefling our own ambition,, and purfuing a juft and pacific policy, fo obvioufly the wifeft for the United States,, and which we acknowledge its government has mod faithfully purfued, they fuppofed one half the caufes, that engender wars, would be removed ; and, as a fecurity againft the contingency of the other half, they relied on the interefl of foreign nations to court our friendfhip, as well as on the flendernefs of their motives to provoke our hoftility.. Thefe hopes, and half the foundation for them, were fallacious; and moftof all have they proved falfe^in our blind dependence on the faith and jiiflice, the friendfhip and gratitude of France. From political miOnformation, which, we regret to fay, has been peculiarly aBive in the fcene we inhabit, too many have believ- ed, that France, though crufhed under the iron rigor of a military defpotifm, enjoyed liberty >. ADDRESSES. 67 liberty ; that the inordinate thirft of her Til- lers for dominion, was infpired by a gener- ous zeal to fet oppreffed nations free ; that thefe nations were emancipated by being fubdued ; and, though they loll their inde- pendence, they were gainers by fome un- known equivalent, gratuitoufly conferred by their conquerors. If, befides the abfurd- ity of thefe opinions, you fhould difcern in them fomething like infatuation and debafe- ment, you will afcribe it, Sir, to its proper caufe. The government of France and its emiflaries, while they defpifedand outraged the ever venerable principles of liberty,, praBifed amongft us a fuccefsful impofture with the name. But, by the publication of the diplomatic correlpondenee with France, the period of infatuation has. we truft, patted over not indeed without fome temporary difcredit to the fobriety and Iteaclinefs of the American charader ; but we hope with much folid and laftinginftruclion to our na- tion. We think.it candid, however, to de- clare our belief, and events have confirmed it, that many? in the midft of 'their delufion for France, preferred a fuperior affe&ion for their own country. We have indeed generally thought too well of France, and France too meanly of us too meanly of our fpirit and union. But fhe will learn that we will bear no foreign yoke we will- pay no tribute. And we beg leave to affure 68 PATRIOTIC you. Sir. that we perceive the fruifleffiiefs, we might fay the fatal rafhnefs, as well as ineannefs of trufting any further to delaying eounfels, and delu&ve negociations. We fee alfo, and we lament, that our nation has feen fo late, that the fafe keeping of Ameri- can independence is, like that of every other free ftate, in the energy of its fpirit and re- fburces ; nor will we difgrace ourfelves by hefitating a moment between war and fub- miflion to the exaclions of France. Yet fuch is the alternative plainly before us. If our fathers had not felt fentimcnts like thefe,they would not have gained independ- ence, and if we did not feel them, it would not reach pollerity. To ike INHABITANTS of DEDHAW, and other Towns in its -vicinity, in the County of NORFOLK, in MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN,, I THANK you for a friendly addrefs, prefented to me by your reprefentative in- Congrefs, Mr. Otis. No faithful and intelligent American could pafs the 4th of July, this year, without ftrong ienfations and deep reflections, ex- cited by the perfidy, infolence, and hoftili- ties of France. The ideas of never ending repofe in America, were as viiionary as the projecls ADDRESSES. 69 projects of univerfal and perpetual peace, which fome ingenious and benevolent wri- ters have amufed themfelves in compofing. 'We have too much intercourfe \vith am- bitious enterprizing and warlike nations ; and our commerce is of too much import- ance in their conflicts, to leave us a hope of remaining always neutral. Although our government has exhaufted all the refources of its policy in endeavours to avoid engag- ing in the prefent uproar, neither the faith, juRice or gratitude of France would fuffer it to fucceed. I know very well that political mifinfor- mation has been peculiarly a61ive in the fcene which you and I inhabit, and that too many have believed that France, though, crufhed under jhe iron hand of a military defpotifm, enjoyed liberty ; that the inordi- nate ambition of her rulers for dominion was infufed by a generous zeal to fet op- prefled nations free ; that thefe nations were emancipated by being fubdued, and though they loR their independence, they were gain- ers by fome unknown equivalent gratuitouf- ly conferred by their conquerors. If irnpoftures fo grofs.have had too much fuccefs, America is of all the people of the world the mod excufeable, for many partic- ular reafons, for their credulity. The peo- ple of a great portion of Europe have been more ?d> PATRIOTIC more fatally deceived ; even the people of England, with all their national antipathies, and under all the energies of their govern- ment, have been equally miftnformed, and appear to be now more affected with re- morfe. The fobriety and fteadinefs of the American character, will not fuffer more diicredit than other nations, and we have certaily apologies ta make, peculiar to our- felves. That all Americans by birth, except per- haps a very few abandoned characters, have always preferved a fuperior affection for their own country, I am very confident ; that we have thought too well of France, and France too meanly of us, I have been an eye and ear witnefs for twenty years. Thefe errors on both fides muft be correct- ed me will foon learn that we will bear no yoke, that we will pay no tribute. For delaying counfels, the conftitution has not ma-de me reiponfible ; but while I am entrufted with my preferrt powers, and bound by rny prefent obligations, you lhali fee no more delufive negociations. The fafe keeping of American independence is in the energy of its fpirit and refources. In my opinion, as well as yours, there is no al- ternative between war and fubmiffion to the Executive of France. If your fathers had not felt fcnthnents like thefe, they would have ADDRESSES. 71 have been " hewers of wood" to one foreign nation ; and if you did not feel them, your pofterity would be " drawers of water" to Another. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, inhabitants of this ancient town which gave you birth, although now by its divifion, Ouincy is honored as the place of your ref- idence, we retain that affection and efteeni for your perfonal honor and happinefs, which are the natural refult of fuch a con- neclion ; yet this is a circumftance of very fmall confideraticn, compared with other reafons of attachment and veneration, whidi upon this trying crifis of political emergen- cy, we beg Leave to offer in thq follow ing addrefs. Your promotion, Sir. by the merited fuf- frages of a free people, to the chief feat of government is a circumftance of pre emi- nence and honor to which defpotic and he- reditary princes, can never attain. Being thus made by your country, the centre of their national dignity, confidence and affec- tion, we glory in your great and acknowl- edged abilities as a ftatefraan, and in your unabated 72 PATRIOTIC 1 unabated zeal, unfhaken fortitude and per- ferverance as a patriot ; all which qualities have long fince been rendered confpicuous to your fellow citizens, and to the world, in your political and eminent fervices. We contemn, Sir, as we know you do, the fawning parafite ; the flattering fyco- phant, as a reproach to merited honor ; a vermin, that mars the tree moft to which its attachments are apparently the greateft. We ftiould not therefore prelume thus freely to exprefs the juft fenfrbilities of our hearts,-in language that would bear the remoteft re- femblance to that praife, fo often unjuftly lavilhed upon tyrant, to anfwer ends as bafe as their encomiums are falfe, were it not to contradict the envenomed pens and tongues of reproach and (lander, which with uncontrolled licence, have been attempting to tarnifh the character, with the honor, probity, and firmnefs of which are intimate- ly conne&ed the political glory, faf-ety and bappinefs of thefe united, fovereign and in- dependent States. Were you the man, Sir, intriguing for Britifh influence, and to yield up the inde- pendent glory of United America, to the nation from whofe unconftitutional exac- tions you had the honor of being eminently inftrurnental in procuring our deliverance ; .or were you fecretly exerting your abilities to ADDRESSES. 73 ; to prevent a compromife with France, for an amicable fetdement of all real, or imagi- nary injuries of which they complain, as has been fo often, fo confidently, and we fear much worfe than ignorantly announced to the public, and which many, too many, have been betrayed to believe, we fhould now with unfufferable regret, have to lament in our firft magiftrate, an inftance of apoftacy, unequalled in the page of civil hiftory. You will then, Sir, pardon our enthufiafm, while in your letter of credence to the French Directory, and the liberal, pacific inftruc- tions to our envoys, we fee the diforganiz- ing defigns of the fecret enemies of our unrivalled profperity, as in a moment de- feated ; and in fpite of malignity itfelf, the honor'of our Executive and government at large eftablifhed by evidence that enforces conviction. The joyous effefts are every where vifi- ble ! At the return of harmony in Congrefs, the heart of every true friend to America exults ; the people, who in great numbers before, alarmingly feparated in affection and confidence from their own government, and rendered jealous of the firft characters of their own election, convinced of the fnares fpread for their country by foreign intrigue, are now crowding to its ftandard, and con- fecrating their fortunes and lives for its de^ fence. So fignal a providence for the G 74 PATRIOTIC detection of fraud, and the coalition of a people divided and confequemly finking into i ne.vilable.de (I rucl ion, is perhaps a nov- elty in the annals of nations. \Vhile. folemnly grateful to the all-difcern- ing eye of Divine Benevolence, which has brought to light thofe hidden things of dark- nefs, by -which fo many of us have been fo unhappily deceived, we congratulate our country at large, .that numerous private friendfhips which were violated, and other- wife good neighbours and important con- nexions, eftranged from one another, are now return ng with mutual extacy, to the fraternal embrace. The uninformed and unreafonably -impaffioned only {land at a forbidding diflance. Difgufled at the illiberal arts and avarice of thofe with whom our envoys are admit- ted to converle, and at the refufal of audi- ence by the French Directory, after fo friendly an advance, accompanied too with every mark of refpeclful attention to fo great a people, a revolt from our over heated af- feftion for fuch a government, cannot fail of being the confequence. ^Sincere and ar- dent were our attachments to the interefts of the French nation, while they flood on their own defence, and preferved a fpirit limited by the decilions of reafon ; but when uni- vcrfal empire feems to be adopted as their object, ADDRESSES. 75 object, and the darknefs of intrigue as a favorite meafure to accomplifh their nefa- rious defigns ; when the price of friendfhip \vith America is the proflitution of her wealth, her honor, her independence it muR be our duty to reprobate her pride, and fpurn her infulting demands. Nor can the genuine Ions of America, although friendiy to France, and with their illuftrious Executive, defirous of forming an alliance upon foundations mutually juft and bene- ficial, forbear pledging themfelves for the defence of their invaluable rights againft the unprovoked invafion with which we are threatened. Acquiefcing, Sir, mofi cordially in you-r public adminiii ration ; wifhingyou the guid- ance of heaven in every duty of your im- portant and mod difficult ftauon ; and that the pen of (lander, however artfully aimed, may never penetrate to difturb your inward peace and tranquillity, or difcourage your exertions, ftill fo needful for the profperity of your country, we beg leave to fubfcribe ourfelves your confirmed friends, &c. ./fo <**? ' ^ l ^ l v._rTy.. f , . . .., To the I N H A B i T A NTS of the Town ofE R A i N - TREE,m the State ofM ASS ACH.U SETTS. GENTLEMEN, THIS kind addrefs, from the inhabi- tants of a divifion of the ancient and vener- able 7 6 PATRIOTIC able town of Braintree, which has always- been my home, is very obliging to me. The tongues and pens of (lander, inftru* rnents with which our enemies expect to fub- due our country, I flatter myfelf have never made impreflionscn you, my ancient townf- men, to whom I have been fo familiarly known from my infancy A fignal interpo- iition of providence, has for once detected frauds and calumnies, which, from the inexe- cution of the laws, and the indifference of the people, were too long permitted to prevail. I am happy to fee that your minds are deeply imprefTed with the dvmger of the prefent (ituation of our country, and that your refolutions, to aflert and defend your rights, are as judicious and determined, as I have always known them to be upon for- mer occafions. I wifh you every profperity and felicity, which you can wifely wifh for yourfelves. JOHN ADAMS, from the Town o/QuiNcv, in the State of MASSACHUSETTS, to the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, W E the fubfcribers, inhabitants of your native town, being many of us the contempo- raries ADDRESSES. 77 varies of your youth, cannot help looking back with p'eafure and gratitude on your early exertions i favor of our liberty and independence. When the unreafonable de- mands of that country from whence we de- rived our origin, made it necefiarv for us by fair reafou and argument to defend our rights as freemen, your ear'y publications, almoft from the time of your leaving the univerfityi caufed the enemies of our inde- pendency, at- that time, to wafch you with a malignant yet fearful eye ; and prefaged to them the greatnefs of your future, abilities. We are happy in having lived to fee the exertion of them fucceeded in negociafibhs of the moft important and difficult nature, with refpeft to gaining our national inde- pendence ; and in promoting that excellent form of government, under which we have voluntarily agreed to live. But now, Sir, we are railed to meet a dif- ferent {fate of things. A nation, with whom we had been taught to expeB the moft friend- ly intercourfe, is making violent depreda- tions on our property, and refufes to hear our complaints. Stung with fuch conduct from a nation we had been wont to love, and 'difgnfted at their haughty treatment of our amba (Factors and our country, we feel the neceffity of union among ourfelves, and that 'our unanimity fhouM be Known : We therefore beg leave ; Sir ; in this public man- G 2 ncr, 78 PATRIOTIC ner, to afTure you, that we entirely approve of the prudent, juft and pacific meaiures that have been employed by the fupreme Executive, in behalf of the United States, for accommodating all differences between them and France; and that if nothing fliort of giving up our liberty, fovereignty and in- dependence will fatisfy their luft of power, we will freely facrifice our fortunes and our lives in defence of our freedom. To ^INHABITANTS of the Town 0/"QuiN- CY, in the State of MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, NEXT to the approbation of a good confidence, there is nothing perhaps which gives us more pleafure than the praife of thofe we love moft, and who know us the moil intimately. I could not receive your addrefs in which I read with pleafure inexpreffible, the names of clergy and laity, officers, and fol- dier's, magiftrates and citizens of every de- nomination ; among whom were the mod aged, whofe countenances I had refpecled ; my fchooUfellows and the companions of my childhood, whom I had loved from the cradle ; without the livelieft emotions of gratitude and affection. With you, my kind neighbours, I have ever lived in habits of freedom, friendfhip and ADDRESSES, 79 and familiarity ; we have always agreed very well in principles and opinions ; and well knowing your love of your country and ardor in its defence, your explicit de- claration upon this occafion, though unex- pected, is no furprize to me. Accept of the bed wifhes of a fincere and faithful friend, for a continuance of harmony among you* and for the profperit-y of all your intereiU, JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT, and to the CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES. the fubfcribers. inhabitants of Brook- line, partaking of that anxious concern for the public welfare, which at this crifis is felt by all good citizens, beg leave to exprefs our higheft approbation of thofe honeft and unwearied endeavours, which, under every difcouragement, have been ufed by the Ex- ecutive, to preferve our national peace. But while we witnefs with pleafure, that ev- ery thing juft and honorable, which a fincere defire of conciliation could fuggeft,is offer- ed by the United Stares, we fee with extreme indignation, that France will harken to noth- ing but enormous contributions of money ; and thefe contributions we are exprefsly told, are no* the price of peace, but merely of 8o PATRIOTIC of ncgociation. A compliance with thefe terms fo arbitrary and unjuil in them'e^ves, and fo degrading to an independent people, we conceive would Toon be followed by frefh infults and exactions, until by degrees we fhould be reduced to a dale of uncoodi- tional fubjeciiom That (iurh is the defign as well as tendency of thefe demands, can- not be doubted, finee ihey are .enforced by threats of our national deftrudion; and the fate of Venice, plundered, divided and ibid, after it was declared free, is held up to terrify us into futmiffiou the dep-orab:e fituation of fome, and danger of the other European republics is alfo drawn in jult but fable colours with the fame defign repub- lies whofe governments aie.fub verted, whole treafuues are drained, and their credit ex* haufted, whofe cities are overawed and their fields ravaged by a ferocious foMiery, and whofe people uniformly plundered, impov- erifhed and opp e(Tcd,are not allowed even the melancholy privilege of complaining* Such is the wretched fate with which we are threatened with, tmlefs we comply with the demands of the Directory demands which though arbitrary and unreafonabSe in the higheft degree* are yet but the preliminaries of negotiation^ and not the condi.ions of peace. Inftrucled, but not terrified, by thefe aw- ful fcienes of the Revolutionary drama, we truft ADDRESSES. 8i truft that the American people, having all one intereft in the fafety of their common country, will with us have but one fentiment concerning its defence. We are fenfible that domeflic divifions have facilitated the- ruin of the republics of Europe, and their deftroyers plainly tell us, that the fame divi- fions exift here,and will enable them to effel a fimilar ruin in the United States : But fo far as depends upon us, we will difappoint this expectation, by proving to France and to the world, that we are infeparably united, and are determined to p refer ve our liberty and laws facred and inviolate} againft every enemy. As fincere lovers of our country there* fore, and faithful fupporters of thofe authori- ties which are entrulted with its welfare, we declare that we fully confide in their talents,, experience and patriotifm, to provide for every exigency, and- that we will at every hazard fupport the meafu res which they fh4i* ordain, * .. ^>" < "^j>* ~ To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT^SEN ATE, and HOUSE O/REPRESENTATIVE* of the UNITED STATES a period which fo-ferioufly arrefts the attention of every American, and true friend ta-hu country, as the prefentj the inhabitants of 82 PATRIOTIC of Lynn, in the State of MafTachufetts, feel- ing it be their duty, and imprefred with the juft, wife and prudent adminiftration of the Executive, and the rulers in general of the American republic, ardently embrace an opportunity to announce their determined reiolution to fupport their conftitution and government, with all they hold moft (acred and dear. Convinced as we are, that the Prefident has, by fair, unequivocal and full inftruclions, which he has given to our en- voys, to adjuft and amicably accommodate all exiting difficulties between the United States and. the French republic, done all, confident with the honor, dignity and free- dom of his country, to prefer ve peace and good understanding with that nation. Not- withftanding our envoys are conamiffioned \vith full power to fettle all animofiues with the French agents* upomhe broadeft bafis of equity, they are treated with neglecl- re- fufed an. audience, left their reafonings ihould (how to the world the integrity of our government* and difclofe their iniquity. Legiflators, Guardians I The moft nefa- rious defigns have been plotted to fubvert our government, fubjugate the country and lay us under contribution ; but thanks be to the Sovereign of the univerfe, that we do not experience the fate of Venice, nor groan under the opprefTion of fubdued nations. We are a free people } have a fenfe of the ble flings A D D R E $ S E S. 83 Weffings which \v*c enjoy under that Hberty and independence, which we have wrelied from the hand of one king, and will not fu- pinely fubmit to any nation. We-wilh not again to behold our fieMs crimfoned with human blood, and fervently pray God to avert the calamities of war : Neverthelefs, (hould our magiihates, in -whom we place entire confidence, find it ex- pedient to take energetic meafures to defend our liberties, we will readily co operate with them in every fuch meafure : Nor do we hefitate at this intert-fting cnfis. to echo the declaration of. our ill uftrjous chief, that " we are not humiliated under a colonial fenfe of fear ; we are not a divided people." Our arms are ftrbngjn defence qf our rights, and we are determined to repel our foe. To //^INHABITANTS of L Y N N , in the State ^/MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs to the Prefident, Sen- ate, aad Houfe of Reprefentath es, adopted at a legal town meeting, has been prefented to me by your reprefentative in Congrefs, Mr. Sewa'Il. When the inhabitants of one of our towns aflembied in legal form, folemnly declare tbernf'elves irrlpreifed with the wife, juft and prudent 4 PATRIOTIC prudent adminiftration of their rulers in gen- eral ; and that they will fupport their confti- tution and government, with all they hold tnoft facred and dear, no man who knows them, will queftion their fincerity. The conviction you avow that the Prefi- dent has done all, confident with the honor, dignity and freedom of his country, to pre- ferve peace and good underftanding with the' French, is a gratification to me which I receive with efteem, As the treatment of our envoys is without a poffibility of juftification, excufe or apol- ogy, I leave it to your juft refentment, Your acknowledgment of the bleffings you enjoy, under your liberty, and independ- ence, and determination never fupinely to furrender them, prove you to deferve them. JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT of the UNI TED STATES. SIR, W E the Congregational Minifters of your native State, met in annual convention, feel ourfeives called upon as men, as American citizens, and as public profeffors and teach- ers of Chriftianity, to addrefs you at this fol- emn and eventful crifis. While the benevolent fpirit of our religion and office prompts our fervent wifhes and prayers ADDRESSES. 85 prayers for the univerfal exteniion of ration- al liberty, focial jorder, and chriftian pietft \\ r e cannot but deeply lament, and firmly re- fill thole atheiftical, licentious and diforgan- izing principles, which have been avowed and zealoufly propagated by the philofo- phers and politicians of France ; which have produced the greateft crimes and miferies in that unhappy country, and like a mortal pef- tilence, are diffufing their baneful influence even to diftant nations. From thefe prin- ciples, combined with boundlefs avarice and ambition, have originated not only fchemes of univerfal plunder and domination, but infidious attempts to divide the American people from their rulers, and involve them in a needlefs, unjuft and ruinous war ; arbi- trary and cruel depredations on their unof- fending commerce; contemptuous treatment of their repeated meffengers and generous overtures of peace ; rapacious demands and infulting threats in anfwer to the mod fair a-nd condefcending propofals. Jn this connexion, we offer to you, fir, our tribute of affectionate eftecm and grati- tude, and to Almighty r 'God, our devout* praife, for the wife, temperate and benevo- "lent policy, which has marked your conduft towards the offending power, and which has given a new and fplendid example of the < beauty and dignity of the Chriftian fpirit, cofltrafted with the bale and profligate fpirit 11 oT 6 PATRIOTIC of infidelity. We alfo blefs God for your firm, patriotic and important fervices to our country, from the dawn of its glorious rev- olution, and for the confpicuous integrity and wiidom which have been conflantly dif- played both by you. Sir, and your excellent ,and beloved predeceflbr. As minifters of the Prince of Peace, we feel it to be our duty both to inculcate and -exemplify the pacific fpirit which adorns his character and do&rine. We remember his command to forgive and love our mod in- jurious enemies. But neither the law of Chriftianity nor of rcafon requires us to proftrate our -national independence, free- dom r p rope rty and honor at the feet of proud infatiable opprefibr-s ; efpccially of a gov- ernment, which has renounced the goipel and. its facred inflitutions, and has transfer- red to imaginary or heathen idols, the ho- mage due to the Creator and Redeemer of the world. Such a pro it ration would be treafon againft that Being who gave us our -ineftimable privileges civil and religious, as a facred depofit to be defended and tranf- mitted to pofterity. It. would be criminal unfaithfulnefs and treachery to our country, our children, and the whole human race. The fate of Venice, and other countries iubdued by France, though held up to in- rtimidate. us to degrading fubmiffipn, fhall teach ADDRESSES. 8; teach us a far different lefTon ; it ihall in- ftrucl: us to ihun that infidious embrace, which aims not only to reduce us to the con- dition of tributaries, but to ftrip us of the gofpel, the Chriftian Sabbath and every pi- ous inftitution. Thefe privileges we con- fider as the chief glory of our country ; the main pillars of its civil order, liberty and happinefs ; as on the other hand we view its excellent political inftitutions, as, under God, the guardians of our religious and ec- clefiaftical privileges. This intimate con- nexion between our civil ariH Chriftian bleflT- ings,is alone fufficient to juftify the decided part which the clergy of America have uni- formly taken irt fupporting the conftituted authorities and political interefts of their country. While we forgive the cenfure which our order has received from fome perfons on this account, we will ftill,by our prayers and examples, by our public and private difcourfes, continue the fame tenor of conduct which has incurred this malevo- lent or mifguided abufe, Amidft the fafhionable fcepticifm and im-~ piety of the age, it is matter of confolation and gratitude that we have a Prefident, who, both in word and action, avows his rever- ence of the Chriftian religion, his belief in a Redeemer and San&ifier of the world, and bis devout truft in the providence of God. May 88 PATRIOT I G May that Being \vhofe important favor you recently led us to implore, gracioufly anfwer our united prayers in behalf of our common country. May he preferve your valuable life and health, your vigor, firmnefs and integrity of mind, and your confequent public ufefulnefs ; and at length transfer you, full of days and honor, to the poflei- of an eminent and everlafling reward, To the CONVENTION O/CONGREGATIOM- AL MiNisrtos in tht Stoic of MASSA- CHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, THIS refpeftful and afTeaionate ad- drefs, from the convention of the clergy of MafTachufetts, not lefs diftinguifhed for fci- ence and learning, candor, moderation, lib- erality of fentiment arrd conduct, and for, the molt amiable urbanity of manners, than for unblemifhed morals and Chriftian piety, does me great honor, and muft have the mod beneficial effects upon the public mind, at this folemn and eventful crifis. To do juftice to its fentiments and lan- guage, I could only repeat it fentence by fentence,and word for word; I fhall there- lore confine myfelf to a mere return of my unfeigned thank's, JOHN ADAMS. from ADDRESSES. 89 From the GRAND LODGE of FREE and AC- CEPTED MASONS of the Commonwealth of MASSACHUSETTS, to the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, FLATTERY, and a difcuffion of political opinions, are inconfiftent with the principles of this ancient fraternity ; but while we are bound to cultivate benevolence, and extend the arm of charity to our brethren of every clime, we feel the ftrongeft obligations to fupportthe civil authority which protect us. And when the illiberal attacks of a foreign enthufiaft, aided by the unfounded preju- dices of his followers, are tending to ern- barrafs the public mind with refpect to the real views of our fociety, we think it our duty to join in full concert with our fellow- citizens, in expreffibns of gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Univerfe, for en- dowing you with that wifdom, patriotic firm- nefs and integrity, which has characterized your public conduct. While the independence of our country, and the operation of juft and equal laws, have contributed to enlarge the fphere of fo- cial happinefs, we rejoice that our Mafonic brethren, throughout the United States, have difcovered by their conduct, a zeal to promote the public welfare, and that many of them have been confpicuous for their H 2 talents PATRIOTIC talents and unwearied exertions. Among thefe, your venerable predecelfor is the mod illuftrious example ; and the memory of our beloved Warren, who from the chair of this Grand Lodge, has often urged the members^ to the exercife of patriot! fm and philanthro- py, and who fealed his principles with his blood, fliall ever animate us to a laudable imitation of his virtues. Sincerely we deprecate the calamities of war, and have fervently wifhed fuccefs to every endeavor for the prefervation of peace : But, Sir, if we difregard the bleff- ings of liberty, we are unworthy to enjoy them. In vain have our ftatefman laboured, in their public aflemblies, and by their mid- night taper; in vain have our mountains and vallies been (lained with the blood of our heroes, if we want firmraeis to repel the af- faults of every prefumptuous invader. And while as citizens of a free republic, we en- gage our utmoft exertions in the caufe of our country, and offer our fervices to pro- te6l the fair inheritance of our anceftors ; as Mafons \ve will cultivate the precepts of our inftitution, and alleviate the miferies of all who by the fortune of war, or the ordi- nary occurrences of life, are the proper ob- je6U of our attention. Long may you continue a patron of the iifeful arts, and an ornament of the prefent generation. ADDRESSES. gt generation. May you finifh your public labors with an approving confcience, and be gathered to the fepulchre of your co-patri- ots with the benediction of your country- men ; and finally, may you be admitted to that celeftial tjWpple, where all national dif- tin&ions are l-*< ' ' From the ST u D E N T s o/ Wi LLIAMS' COL- L E c E, to His Excellency JOHN ADAM S (5 PRESIDENT of the U N i T ED STATE s. SIR, Jl HO.UGH members of an infant inftitu- ,tion, and of little comparative weight in the political fcale ,of the union, we feel for the intereft of our country. It becomes every youth in whofe breaft .dwells the leaft principle of honor, to come forward calmly and boldly to defend his country. When we behold France, a great and pow- .erfui nation, exerting all her energy to un- dermine the vail fabrics of religion and gov- ernment ; when we behold her inculcating the difbelief of a Deity, of future rewards and punifhments ; when we .behold her di-f- carding every moral principle, and diffolv- ing every tie which connects men together in fociety, which fweetens life and renders it worth enjoying ; when we behold her Brutalizing man, that flie may govern him ; a* A D D R E S S E 3. 93 as friends to humanity, as fharers in the hap- pinefs of our fellow men, as citizens of the world, our feelings arc deeply affccled. Wecommiferatethe fuflferings of our Eu- ropean brethren ; we weep over the' awful calamities of anarchy and alheifrri. But when we behold this afpirin-g nation, not contented with her yaft European do- minions, but endeavouring to itretch her coloffean empire acrofs the Atlantic, every paflion is roufed ; and our fouls are fired with indignation. We fee that her object is univerfal domination, we fee that nothing lefs than the univerfal degradation of man will fatisfy thefe mercilefs deftroyers. But be affured, Sir, fhould the fituation of our country require it, we are ready to oppofe her with all our youthful energy, and rifk our lives in defence of our national rights. Untaught in the fchool of adulation or the Court of fycophants, we fpeak forth the pure fentiments of independence, we give you our warmeft approbation. We behold with patriotic pride, the dignified conduct of our chief magistrate, at this alarming crifis : We are highly pleafed with that candor, firmnefs and moderation which have uniformly cha- rafterized his administration. Though mea'- fures decilive and energetic meet with cen- fure from the unprincipled, the difafFe6ted and the faftious, yet virtue muft eternally triumph. loo P A T R I O T I C triumph. It is this alone -which can ftand the tell of calumny.; and you have this con- Iblation, that the difapprobation of the wick- ed is folid praife. At this eventful period, our eyes are fixed upon you, Sir, as our political 'father ; and under ^the protection of a wife Providence, we rely on your wifdom and patriotifm, with ihe co-operation of our national council, to perpetuate our profperity : and we folemnly engage, that while our government is thus purely and virtuoufly adminiftered, we will give it our whole fupport. Thefe, Sir,- sure the unanimous fentiments of the members of Williams' College, who,, though convinced of the evils of war, yet defpife the eafe and affluence of peace, when put in competition with national freedom and fovereignty. Accept, Sir, our warnaeft folicitude fop your perfonal welfare. To the STUDENTS of WILLIAMS' COLLEGE^ State of MASSACHUSETTS. GENTLEMEN, I HAVE not been lefs furprized than delighted with an addrefs from one hundred and thirty fludents of Williams* College, preiented to me by the Prcfident^?'o tempore of the Senate, Mr. Sedgwick. So ADDRESSES. 101 So large a number in fo recent an inftitu- tion, as it fhews the flourifhing circumftan- ces of our country at prefent, affords a moft pleating profpeft of young citizens in a courfe of education, for the future govcrn- ment,inftru61ion and ferviceof the country. The compofition of your addrefs, fhews a refpeclable fample of your literary talents, as the principles and fentiments it contains do honor to your heads and hearts. It is impoffible fortheunperverted mind of youth to fee the world filled with violence, as it was before the flood, and every virtue and every principle trampled under foot, with- out feeling their fouls fired with a generous indignation. Your readinefs to oppofe the torrent with all your youthful energy, and rifk your lives in defence of your national rights, is greatly to your honor. The teftimony of your opinion in favor of the candor, firmnefs and moderation of my adminiftration, is the more valuable, as you hav-e not been educated in the fchool of adulation, and fpeak the pure fentiments of independence. When-your eyes are fixed upon me, as your political father, you at once excite the affeclions of my heart, and make me fee! my own infufficiency for the arduous duties of that important ch'araflren With the co op- eration of the national councils and the vir- I 2 tue? . 102 PATRIOTIC tues of our citizens, I defpair not of the continuance of our national profperity the talents and energies of the rifing generatioh are a fure pledge of our fafety, and the growing importance of America. JOHN ADAMS. From theSTU DENTS of HARVARD UNIVER- SITY,^//^ Excellency JOHN ADAMS^ PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, VvE flatter ourfelves you will not be dif- pleafed at hearing that the \valls of your native feminary are now inhabited by youth poffeffing ientiments congenial with your own. We do not pretend to great political fagacity ; we wifh only to convince man- kind that we inherit the intrepid fpirit of our anceftors, and difdain fubmiffion to the will of a rapacious, lawlefs and imperious nation. Though removed from aclive life, we have watched with anxiety the intereft of our country : We have feen a nation in Europe, giaipingatuniverfal conqueft, trampling on the laws of God and nations, fyftematizing rapine and plunder, deftroying foreign gov- ernments by the ftrength of her arms, or the peftilence of her embrace^, and fcattering principles which fubvert focial order, raife the florms of domeftic ( falion, and perpet- uate ADDRESSES. uate the horrors of revolution : We have feen this fame nation violating our neutral rights, fpurning. our pacific propofals, her piratical ckizens fweeping our fhips from the feas> and venal preffes under her con- troul, pouring out torrents of abufe on men, who have grown grey in our fervice : We have feen her minifters in this country in- fulting our government by a daring, unpre- cedented and contemptuous appeal to the people, and her agents at home offering conditions, which (laves, whofe necks have grown to the yoke, would rejecl with indig- nation. We have feen this. Sir, and our youthful blood has boiled within us. When, in oppofition to- fueh conduct, we contem- plate the meafures of our own government, we cannot but admire and venerate the uri- iuliied integrity, the deciftve prudence, and dignified firmnefs, which have uniformly characterized your adminiflration. Impreff- ed with thefe fentiments, we now folemrily offer the unwafted ardor and unimpaired energies of our youth to the fervice of our country. Our lives are our only property ; and we were not the fons of thofe who fealed our liberties with their blood, if we would not defend with thefe lives that foil, which now affords a peaceful grave to the moul- dering bones of our forefathers* To 104 PATRIOTIC To the STUDENTS of HARVARD UNIVER- SITY, in M A ss AC Ji u SETTS* GENTLEMEN, . THE companions 5 fiudies and amufe- fnents of my youth, under the auipices of our alma- mater, whom I fhall ever hold in the higheft veneration and affeQion, came frefli to my, remembrance on receiving your addrefs* The maxims of life, and the elements of literature, which have ever been inculcated, in that ancient feat of education, could pro- dirce no other fentiments, in a 'juncture like this, than fuch as you have condenfed into a form fo concife, with fo much accuracy, perfpicui-ty and beamy. Remoyed from the fcenes $f intemperate pleafures, occupied with books, which im~ prefs the pureft principles, and directed by governors, tutors and profefTors, famous lor fcience, as well as eminent in wifdom, the fludious youth of this country, in all our univerfities, could not fail to be animated, with the intrepid fpirit of their anceftors : Very few examples of degenerate characlers 5 are ever feen iiFuing from any of thofe fem- inaries. It is*impoflible, that young gentle- men of your habits, can look forward with pleafure to a long career of life, in a degrad- ed country, in fociety with difgraced aflbci- ates- ADDRESSES. ales. Your firft care fliould be, to preferve the;ftage from reproach, and your compan- ions in the drama, from difhonor. But if it were poffible to fuppofe you in- different to fhame, what fecurity can you- have, for the property you may acquire, or for the life of vegetation you mud lead ? What is to-be the Situation of the future di- vine, lawgiver, or phyfician ? the merchant, or navigator ? the cultivator, or proprietor ? Your youthful blood has boiled, and it ought to boil. You need not, however, be difcouraged. If your caufe fliould require defence in arms, your country will 'have ar- mies and navies, in- which you- may fecure your own honor, and advance the power, profperity and glory of your contempora- ries and pofterhy. JOHN ADAMS. DISTRICT OF MAINE To the PRESIDENT of theUxiTED STATES, SIR, ALTHOUGH we are fenfible that the beft reward for your great and diftinguifh- ed fervices, is the confcioufnefs that they have been performed from pure and honor- able motives, we hold it to be the duty of aji io6 P A T R I O T I C all citizens, at this important crifis of onr public affairs, to offer you their mod fincere and unequivocal affurances of attachment and fupport. In the ready and cheerful difcharge of this duty, the fubfcribers, citizens of the town of Portkind 3 in the Diitricl of Maine, beg leave to allure you that they entertain, not only the liigheft veneration for your cha- racter and perfon, but have a firm perfua- fion, that all the meafures of yomvadminif- tration, and more particularly thofe which concern our foreign relations. have been the rcfult of eminent wifdom and unfhaken pa* triotifm. As a parr of the American people, edu- cated to the love and enjoyment of liberty^ and in the habits of veneration for republi- can virtues, we have no language to exprefs our indignation at the late meafures of the French republic, originating in the moft in- famous and corrupt ftratagems to annihilate our national foereignty. While every prin- ciple of duty and intereft prompts us to unite in the prefervation and defence of our ex- cellent conftitution, and in the fupport of thofe by whom it has been faithfully admin- iftered, we cannot but exprefs our deep re- gret that the citizens of France do not feem to poffefs virtue fufficient to meritthe bleff- ings of a free gpvemmont, However A D D R E S S E S. 107 However wicked and hoftile may be their defigns upon us, our confidence, under the favor of Heaven, is in the fortitude and una- nimity of our countrymen, to repreis their pernicious effects ; at the fatne time, that a nation 9 under the rod of defpotifm, and Avhofe councils are dift rafted and corrupt- ed, ought not to be feared. For your firm and dignified refiftance againft the aggreffions of our European en- emies, we render you our wanned gratitude, and beg leave to, repeat our aflurances, that fuch meafures as -{hall be devifed by you and the Congrefs of the United Stages, for the prefervation of our national honor and rights, fhall meet our moft decided and zeal- ous iupport. To the PRESID.ENT and CONGRESS of the UNITED STA.TES of AMERICA. ,/A.T a time when .the .agents of a foreign nation boalls of their . intriguing talents, and of having a party in this country devoted to their intereft, with whofe aid they pretend they can impofe on the people of the United States, and : by their deceptive arts prevent them from uniting in oprjo.fi lion to the urv reafonable and unjuft demands of France; ,and at a time when fo many attemps have -been made, to defame the adminiflration of our io8 PATRIOTIC our own government The inhabitants ol the town of Wells, have thought it expedi- ent to addrcfs you and acccordingly at. their meeting Jicld on the fevcntecnth of May, unanimoufly directed a committee chofen from among them, relpeftfully to declare to you, and through you to the world, their firm and unfliaken attachment to their country, its conftiuuion, its laws, and conflituted authorities to declare to you their entire approbation of the meafurcs from time to time, adopted by the fuprcme Executive of the nation, in rcfpeft to our foreign relations, and in particular towards the French republic To declare to you their juft indignation againit thofe enemies of our country, whether foreign or domeflic, who have been bufy in fowing the feeds of difcord, and propagating an opinion, that we are a people divided from our govern- ment, and oppofed to its meafures And at the fame time to affure you, that although they deprecate the calamities of a war, yet rcpofing the bigheft- confidence in your pa- triotifrn, wifdom and firmnefs, they will moft cheerfully aflbrd every fupport in their pow- er, for carrying into complete effect all inch meafurcs as you (hall deem neccfiary in de- fence of the country, and for fecuring that freedom and independence which arc equal- ly dear to the American .people and their government. ti \ P n U K S S K, S. iojj o J#f Pllf SIDF-N^T P/itaUN'ITi:D STATES. SIR, this important crifis of our national -s. we tlv fubferibe.rs, inhabitants of the (own of Arundell, in the Dill rid of Maine, hi\ c < .MUV;\ cd it o\ir duty re fpccl fully to prifi to you, our linn attachment to our federal conOitution and government and to give you ihemoft unequivocal affurance, of (Mir porfVH approbation of your adminif- :ion finee you have prcfidcd over the in- cOs of our common country ; efpccially in the mrafurcs adopted in relation to the Kreneli nation. AHd while we behold, with indignation the vile infidious attempts of thofe enemies of our peace and happinefs, \vhciher in America or France, calculated fd divide the people of the United States from then Mncnt, by lowing the feeds of difcord and {edition ;\moni;fl us, thereby to aceomplifh the fuhjugation of our infant republic ; we IK to affuro you, that placing the ftillcll eonlidencc in your wif dom, linnnefs and integrity, and in the p.itriotifm of oveiy department oi' our j;ov i vnment, ve will -cheou'iilh afflTord every fupport in our power to effecluatc fuch mea fures as you and they fhall deem expedient to adopt for the defence wit) protection of our country , its freedom and independence. K RHODE- MO P A T R I O T I C R HO DE-I S LAND. To the PRESIDENT of the UNI TED STATES, SIR, THE General Atfembly of the State of Rhode-Iiland and Providence Plantations, beg leave to exprefs their cordial approba- tion of your wife and pacific meafures, in the attempt to negociate with the republic of France. They obferve, with fingular fatisfaftion, that you appear to have been actuated by a fincere delire to do juftice to that republic, if in any thing fhe had been injured ; to obtain juftice for the multiplied .injuries which her citizens had committed again/I us ; and, above all, to preferve peace. We indulged a hope, that your overtures for reconciliation, diftated by a fpirit of impartiality, and a love of juftice, would have been heard with candor, and treated with refpecl. It is therefore with regret and aftoniihmcnt we learn, that thefe unequivocal proofs of friendfhip have been difregarded; that our envoys have not been accredited, and that the mod liberal advan- ces to negociation have been rejected. You liave purfued peace with a folicitude cor- jefponding with the importance of the ob- ; and if it cannot be preferved, the ought not. to be attributed to any want A D D'R.E S S E S. ni of liberality or juftice in the means you have employed. We are fatisfied that you could not have gone further toward the attainment of this objeft, without committing the honor and dignity of our country. In the prefent ftate of our national affairs, \vhen a foreign power has loft fight of the immutable principles of jullice, and of the folemn faith of treaties,, and cheriflies the unfounded opinion that the people and gov- ernment of the United States are divided, \ve confider it our facred duty to declare to you, and to the world^ that the government of our country have merited and obtained our affectionate confidence. On an occafion fo interefting, \ve feel the moft lively pleafure in giving you every af- furance of our confidence in your wifdom and integrity, and of our refpeftful and pef- fonal attachment. Relying, under God, upon the unanimity, courage and virtue of our fellow-citizens, we declare our folemn determination to fupport the conftitiition and government of the United States. From the Town of N E \v p o R T, to the PRESI- DENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, AT this alarming crifis, when a foreign power cherilhes the unfounded and danger- ous ii2 PATRIOTIC ous opinion, that the people and the govern- ment of the United States are divided, and is thereby encouraged to entertain the moft hoflile projects againft both j we confider it our duty, to declare to you and the world, that our affe&ions are wedded to our con- ftitution and our government, that all the objecls of your adminiftration.and the means by which they have been purfued, particu- larly as they regard the republic of France, challenge our moft cordial approbation and grateful applaufe. - Believing peace to be the true policy of our country, we rejoice to find, by your in- flruQions to our envoys, that you have en- deavoured, by every prudent and honorable expedient, to avert the calamities of war, and to preferve undiminifhed, the public harmony and profperity ; and we are con- fcious that you could not have gone further, in the purfuit of this object, without viola- ting the good faith, proll rating the honor, or lurrendering the independence of the United States. On an occaflon fo interefting, we beg leave to offer you, the afTurances of our re- fpect ; foiemnly pledging ourfelves. that,, by uniting clofely with the government, re- pofing in it a liberal confidence, acquiefcing cheerfully in whatever burdens the public exigencies may require, we \vilU with zeal, vs 7 Uh ADDRESSES. 113 perfeverance, and all the energy of a people determined to be free and independ- ent, refifl foreign influence, and repel for- eign aggreffion. To the INHABITANTS of NEWPORT. GENTLEMEN,- I THANK you for this cordial ad- drefs. When you declare to the world, that your affections are wedded to your conttitu- tion and government ; that all the objects of my achnini ft ration and the means by which they have been purfued, particularly as they regard the republic of France,challengc your mod cordial" approbation and grateful ap- plaufe ; that I' have endeavoured, by every prudent and honorable expedient, to avert the calamities of war, and preferve undimin- ifhed, the public harmony and prosperity, and that I could not have gone further in purfuit of thefe objefts,without violating the faith, proftrating the honor, or furrendering the independence of the United States ; that by uniting clolely with the government, re- pofing in it a liberal confidence, acquiefcing cheerfully in whatever burthens the public exigences may require, you will, with zeal and perfeverance, and all the energy of a people determined to be free and independ- ent, refift foreign influence and repel foreign K 2 aggreflion ; .114 PATRIOTIC aggreflion ; you cleferve well of your coup try, and command my mod hearty thanks. JOHN ADAMS, * To the PRESIDE NT of the UNITED STATES* SIR, X HE underwritten, inhabitants of the town of Providence, voluntarily aflembled, in purfuance of public notice, beg leave to addrefs you, with feiuimcnts of perfonal and profound refpeft. The late difclofure of the views and de- iigns of France, in contraft with the pacific difpofition of the United States, has excited^ the moftdifquietingapprehenfions of hoftil- ities from that republic, and the moft unlim- ited confidence, in the wifdom, integrity and patriotifm of the adminiftration of our gov- ernment. ;v- In the prog re fs of the negociation with that republic, whofe legitimate origin we Tvere the firft to acknowledge a republic, vhichatthe dawn of its politieal day,feeme elevated to the moft fublime height of vir- tue, and difclaimed in the firft exercife of its power, all right to interfere in the internal concerns of other nations, we obfcrve, with regret, a departure from the great principles of Jjjberty and jiifticc ; and we obferve this with ADDRESSES. 115 with the deeper regret, becaufe that country received its firft lefibn of liberty from ours*. After the numberlefs and trying proofs,- which the United States had given of their fincere defire to preferve an impartial neu- trality ; their repeated applications for re- drefs, might at leaft Ifave been anfwered with' profeflions of amity and a love of juftice ;-. inftead of an avowed intention, ftill further to impoverifh us, and to purfue a ftudiecr fyflem of univerfal domination.. While we lament that fome of the inhabit- ants of this country, have too much attached' themfelves to European politics, we believe this dangerous miflake proceeded not from a treacherous defe&ion from the c^ufe of their country, but from the fafciuation of the brilliant fpcclacie, of a nation viftoriouf- ly contending for its liberties.. We rejoice that the fcales have now fallen from their eyes* They muft now fee, what enlightened itatefmen have feen before, that the facred name of liberty, is prophaned to difguife projects of ambition and conqueft, Your late communications^ muft cement the public councils, and increafe the energy of government. The inadmiffable, and exorbitant exac- tions of France, will not only deprive them of every American advocate, but convince the world, that an adjuftment of the differ- ences P A T R I O T I C ences between the two countries, %vas irn- practicable on any other bafis, than the prof- tration of America at the feet of France. The refult in the mind of every American mud be, a manly determination to vindicate the honor and intereft of his country* Should we be driven to the 1 aft appeal, w'e have an extenfive country filll of refotrces, and we truft in God, who' has 1 hitherto fo fignally favoured us, that 'he \vill again irt- fpire us with that Blowing zeal, and undif- rnayed; courage, which* in a period not remote, this people ib faccefsfully difplay- ed ; and in fuch an exigency, we fhall derive additional confidence, from the firm moder- ation, the long tried integrity, the ripened wifdom, which induced an enlightened na- tion, to place you at-thehelm of government. We cannot clofe ^without affuring you of our entire approbation of 'your conduct in relation to the foreign concerns of this coun- try, of our prayers for your perfonal health and happinefs, and of our readinefs, with our lives and fortunes, to fupport the digni-- ty and independence of the United States, To the INHABITANTS of PROVIDENCE, GENTLEMEN, THE refpeftful addrcfs from the in- habitants of Providence, who have been my friends ADDRESSES. u 7 friends and neighbours from ray youth, \vas by no means iieceffary to convince me of their affectionate attachment. Imagination can fcarcely conceive a ftronger contra ft, than has lately been dif- clofed between the views of France and thofe of the United States. 1 will not dif- tinguim between the views of the govern^- ments and thole of the nations; if in France they are different, the nation, \vhofe right it is, will foon fhew they are fo ; if in America they are the fame, this faft alfo will be fhewn by the nation in a fliort time in a ftrong light. I cannot, however* fee in this contraft a fuf- ficient caufe of difquieting apprehenfions of hoftilities from that republic : hoftilities have already come thick upon us by furprize^ from that quarter If others are coming* we {hall be better prepared to meet and re- pel them. When we were the firft to acknowledge -the legitimate origin of the French republic, we discovered at leaft as much zeal, fincerity and honcfty of heart, as we did of knowledge of the fubjecl. or forefight of its eonlequen- ces the ill i'uccels of thofe proofs which the United States have given of their fin cere defire to preierve an in^partial neutrality, and of their repeated ne^ociations for re- drefs of wrongs, have demonftrated, that other means mud be reforted to 3 in order to- bt^in it,. 1 M PATRIOTIC I agree entirely with you in acquitting, in general, thole of our citizens, who have too much attached themfel ves to European poli- tics, of any treacherous defection from the cauie of their country. The French Revolu- tion, was a ipeftacle, fo novel, and the caufe was io complicated, that 1 have ever ac- knowledged my.felf incompetent to judge of it, as it concerned (be happinefs of France, or operated on that of manki-nd; my country- men in general, were, I believe as ill quali- fied as myfelf to decide; the French nation alone, had the right, and the capacity, and to them it fhould have been refigned ; \vefhould have fufpended our judgments^ and been- as neutral and impartial between the parties in France, as between the nation-s of Europe. The honor of our nation is now univer- fally feen to be at ftake, and its independ- ence in queftion, and all America appears to declare, with one heart and one voice, a manly determination to vindicate both. The legiflature, by the late publication of inftrulions and difpatches, have appealed to the world, and if the iron hand of power has not locked up the prefles of Europe, in fiich a manner that the facls cannot be com- municated to mankind, the impartial fenfe, and the voice of human nature, mud be in Qur favor.. If perleverance in injuftice ihou^L- ADDRESSES. 11$ Diould neceflitate the laft appeal, whatever caufes we may have to humble ourfelves be- fore the fuprenaetribunalj we have none, for any other iientiment, than the pride of vir- tue, and honeft indignation, agaiuft the late conduft of France towards us. I thank you, gentlemen, for your perfonal civilities tome, and return your kind wifhes for my happinefs. Your noble declaration of your readinefs, with your lives and fortunes, to fupport the dignity and independence of the United States, will receive the applaufe of your country, and of all who have the fentiments and feelings of men. JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, X HE State Society of Cincinnati of Rhode-Ifland and Providence Plantations, affembled to celebrate the birth-day of our national independence^beg leave re fpe-Q. ful- ly to addrefsyou on the prcfent momentous crifis of our public affairs. We have view- ed the progrefs of your adminiftration with that folicitude and anxiety which become free citizens, who know how to appreciate :^he,We flings of liberty. And it is with ex- treme 120 PA T R 1 O T I C treme regret, that we have obferved the at- tempts of certain profligate and defigning men to weaken the bond of national union, and diminifh the refpeft due to the laws, the conftitution, and the magiftracy. But we are relieved from our apprehenfions, by a clear conviction, that the firm, patriotic and enlightened policy purfued by the chief mag- iftrate of the United States, fupported by a great and refpeclable majority of our fellow- citizens, will not only p rot eel: our country from national infult and degradation, but place her on that point of elevation to which fhe is entitled by her courage, her virtues and fuccefsful ftruggle in the caufc of free- dom. With a fincerity void of duplicity, we affure you of our entire approbation of all the meafures you have purfaed to pre- ferve the peace of our country ; and it is with indignation we have witneffed every attempt to obtain an end fo defirable to hu- manity, and the repofe of nations, treated yith infolence and contempt by a foreign power, whofe infidious profeffions induced us to expect tranquillity, while her conduct bade us arm to fupport our fovereignty and independence, or tamely fubmit to be gov- erned by "diplomatic (kill" and foreign in- fluence. 'Wfe are determined to live and diefree and we are ready once more to rally round the ftandard of our country, headed by that illuftrious cliief, who, at a time that proved ADDRESSES. 121 proved the patriot and hero, led us to victory and independence. Every facrifice \vhich the future c ire urn fiances of our country may require, under whatever leader, we fha'll confider as nothing, when put in com- petition with the rights of a free, fovereign and independent nation and we hope and truft by the bleffing of Heaven, and the wif- dom of our Executive, aided by the coun- cils of the United States, and the generous efforts of her fons, that we mall be able to repe,l all foreign aggrqffion, and tranfmk unimpaired our fair inheritance to lateft poUerity. To the S o c i r T Y of ihe CINCINNATI, in the State of RHODE-ISLAND and PROVI- 'rj E N C E" P L A N'T AT I ON S. :' - . i. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for your refpeftful remembrance of me on the birth-day of our United States. The clear conviction you acknowledge of die firm, patriotic and en- lightened policy, purfued by the chief mag- iftrate of the United States, after a review of the progrefs of his adminiftration, will encourage hisdeart,and ftrengthen bis hands. Our country, fupported. by a great and refpeftable majority of its inhabitants, will not only be protected from a degrading fub - miffion to national infuhs. but LS 1 M e PATRIOTIC truft, on that point of elevation, where by her courage and virtues fhe is entitled to ftand. The belt "diplomatic (kill" is hone/ly ; and whenever the nation we complain of, fhall have recourfe tothat : (he may depend upon an opportunity to boaft of the fuccefs of her addrefs till then fhe will employ her finefle in vain. On the day you refolved to live and die/r^and declared yourfelves ready to rally round the ftandard of your country, headed by that illuftrious chief, who, at a time that proved the patriot and hero, led you to victory I was employed in the beft of mealuft'S in my power to obtain a grati- fication of your wifhes, which I am not without hopes may prove fuccefsful. In a country like ours, every facrifke ought to be confidered as nothing, when put in cpm- petition with the rights of a free and fover- eign .nation ; and I truft, that by the bleffing of Heaven, and the valor of our citizens, under their ancient and glorious leader, you \vill be able to tranfmit your fairefl inherit- ance to pofterity. JOHN ADAMS. . < ....gS"< |_" "^-^p..^.^.^ From the STUDENTS of RHODE-ISLAND COLLEGE,/^ the PRESIDENT of the UNI- TED STATES. SIR, JL OUR late communication to Congrefs, from our envoys to fhe French republic, excites ADDRESSES. excites in our breads the livelieft folicitude for the welfare of our country. We regret that your efforts amicably to accommodate the difficulties, in which we are at prefent involved, have not been attended with that fuccefs, which a confidence in your admin- jftration induced us to expect. With indig- nation we learn the humiliating conditions demanded of us by France, and tr.uft they will never be complied with, while a drop of the American blood remains unfhed*. During our late glorious ftruggle for in- dependence, this feat of literature bore a dittinguifhed part in the common calamities of our country. Her mouldering walls even now evince the caufe in which {he fuf- fered. Sufficiently have we, already, expe- rienced the evils of war; fufficiently ftrong are the inducements which lead us to defire peace ; yet to us, nothing can be more hu- miliating' lhan to facrince our liberties, to avert the former, or preferve the lattef. Sooner will we confederate with the great mafs of our citizens, in the public caufe, rally around the ftandard of liberty, refolved to live free, or perifh by one noble effort, in the caufe of violated liberty. At a period, when fuch principles arc avowed as threaten deftru&ion to liberty, religion, and therepofe of all nations, when the American charafter is debafed and de- graded, PATRIOTIC graded, by falfe and calumnious inlinua- iions ; we hope we (hall not be confidered as deviating from propriety, by expreffing our unfeigned approbation of your public conduct, and our fixed determination never to furvive our national independence. Accept, Sir, the molt ardent defires of the ftudents of this feminary, for the profperity of the United States, and their united pray- ers for your health and happinefs. To ' iht STUDENTS, of R H o n r. -1 s L A :? b COLLEGE. GENTLEMEN, THIS addrefs, following fo foon after thofe demonflrations of confidence* refpeflt and affection, which I received from you, rny amiable young friends, at your univer- lity, the lad year, has tenderly afretled .rny fe^fibility. The fol-i'citude you manifeft for the- wel- fare of your country, well becomes you ? who have long to live, and as I hope, 'and believe have illuftrious parts to acl, in the naval, military., divil and religious inftitu- lions of ipcicty. Wbile I Hi a re, in your regrets- for the iil fuccefs of my efforts to accommoditte diffi- culties, rny heart fympathizes in your gener- ous AD D R E S S E S. ous indignation, at the unworthy returns we have received, and with you, I truft, that no difgraceful demands will ever be com- plied with. America in general, and your part of il in particular, though ever averfe to war, have always been familiar with it, becaufe from the firft plantation of the country, they never could avoid it, for any long courfe of years. The fifteen years of peace, which have been enjoyed, fince the year 1782, is the longeft period of tranquillity, perhaps, which we have ever enjoyed. The longer the peace, the greater averfion of the citizens to war, as many republicans of- Europe have fatally experienced ; in this confederation, you may perhaps find fome confolation, if war cannot be avoided without a facrifice of honor. Your unfeigned approbation of my pub- lic conduct is as honorable to me, as your fixed determination, never to furvive your national independence is glorious to your- felves. In return for your kind wifhes,! fincerely pray that you and your univerfity, may fJourifh forever in the happy fruits of liber- ty, literature, fcience, morals and religion. JOHN ADAMS. La CON- PATRIOTIC CONNECTICUT. To the PRESIDENT of Lie UN ITED STATES, SIR, I HE Legislature of the State of Connec- ticut is not in the habit of interfering in the admtmft ration of the general government, nor of obtruding opinions or advice upon the councils of the Union. We have been accuftomed to exhibit, as a fair and fuffi dent proof of our affection for the national con- {Htution, an uniform obedience to the laws, and an undeviating refpeft for the conflitu- ted authorities ; but at a time when the Ame- rican nation is deeply injured and infulted, by the lawlefs aggreffions and imperious claims of a foreign powerwhen oar ene- mies profefs to confide in our difuniori, and boaft of "the means" of fevering the affec- tions of our citizens from the government of their choice it would ill comport with our duty or our feelings to reprefs the fenti- ments with which we are animated. That the United States, extenfively con- cerned in commercial intercourfe, fho'uld l>e, in fome degree affected by a war which defolates Europe, was to be expected But that a neutrality, ftri& and impartial, fhould be openly and infidioufly attacked- that in- trigues ? of a complexion and chara&er the nioft 'A D'D R E T S S E B. mofl formidable to our internal peace.fhould beinduftrioufly praftiledthat one ambaf- &4or Ihould be refufed an audience; and .that three envoys fent exprefsly as the mef- fengers of peace, fhould be treated with contemptuous neglect or, for their over- tures fo juft and honorable, demands t^e moft inlblentand infufferable fhould be fub- ftituted by the government of a nation af~ fuming the high appellation of "a gr : eatand magnanimous republic," was not to be be- lieved till realized, and can be afcribed only to a lull of domination which knows no bounds, and to an abandonment of the prin- ciples of morality and juftice, without exam- ple in the hiftory of the world. Filled with aftonifhment and in'digaation r at events which threaten pur national exift- ence, we highly applaud the digjiity and -frrmnefs, fo- confpicuoufly difplaycd by the Executive, and the prompt and efficacious rneafures adopted by the government^ and we allure them of our firm and hearty fupport; We deprecate war but we cherifh'oiir IT*. dependence ; it was V;dn by a firtiggle fob fevere, to be eafily (urfendertd. We revere ihe names, the virtues and the fufferings of our anceftors---The inefiimable gift of civil and religious freedom derived from them, ihall not be impaired on our hands ; and no facrifice of blood ,or trcafure fhali be cf- , teemed 126 PATRIOTIC CONNECTICUT, $-&+. To the PRESIDENT of t lie UN ITED STATES, SIR, TlIE Legiflature of the State of Connec- ticut is not in the habit of interfering in the adminift ration of the general government, nor of obtruding opinions or advice upon the councils of the Union. We have been accuftomed to exhibit, as a fair and fuffi dent Sroof of our affection for the national con- itution, an uniform obedience to the laws, and an undeviating refpeft for the conftitu- ted authorities ; but at a time when the Ame- rican nation is deeply injured and infuhed, by the lawlefs aggreffions and imperious claims of a foreign power when oar ene- mies profefs to confide in our difunion, and boaft of "the means" of fevering the affec- tions of our citizens from the government 6f their choice it would ill comport with our duty or our feelings to reprefs the fenti- ments with which we are animated. That the United States, extenfively con- cerned in commercial intercourfe, 'fhould fee, in fome degree affe&ed by a war which defolates Europe, was to be expelled But that a neutrality, ftricl; and impartial, fhoald be openly and infidioufly attacked- that in- trigues ? of a complexion and character the nioft 'A D'D R E'S S E S. tnofl formidable to our internal peace,fhoulcl be induftrioufly praftiled that one ambaf- &4or fhould be refufed an audience ; and .that three envoys fent exprefsly as the me f- fengers of peace, fliould be treated with contemptuous neglecV--or y for their over- tures fo jufi and honorable, demands the moft infblent and infufferable fhould be fub- ftituted by the government of a nation : a- fuming the high appellation of "a great and magnanimous republic," was not to be be- lieved till realized, and can be afcribed only to a lull of domination which knows nfo bounds, and to an abandonment of the prin- ciples of morality and juftice, without exam- ple in the hiftory of the world. Filled with aftonifhment and indignation, at events which threaten our national exift- ence, we highly applaud the digrmy and .fiYmnefs, fo confpicuoufly difplaycd by the Executive, and the prompt and efficacious meafures adopted by the government^ and \ve afiure them of our firm and hearty fupport, We deprecate war but we ehei^ifh'our 11^- ^dependence ; it was V/dn by a ftftiggle to6 fevere, to be eafily (urfenderfed. We revere ihe names, the virtues and the fuflTerings of our anceftors--The ineftimable gift of civil and religious freedom derived from them, fhall not be impaired on our hands ; and no ikqrifice of bloo-d ,or treafure lhaii be ef- teemed PATRIOTIC od, we hope that an addrefs from the inhab- itants of Hartford may be .neither improper nor unacceptable. Though we ftrongly feel the indignities, which the United States have received from the temporary rulers- of France, and lament their unprovoked depredations upon our commerce, yet fince it is evident, that their momentary friendship could be purchafed only by the facrifice of our wealth and in- dependence ;. permit us to conlider theiffue of your late endeavors to negociate with that haughty power, as a fubje6l rather of juft congratulation, than defpondence. The defigns of foreign hoftility, and the views of domefiic treachery, are now fully difclofed. The moderation, wifdom and dignity of our adminiftration, have awed into filence the clamors of faQion, and pai- /iedthe thoufand tongues of calumny. The fpirit of the independent freemen is again awakened, and its combined force will be irrefiftible. Situated at a happy di fiance from the defperate contentions of oppreffive monarchies, and unformed republics, while we continue firm and united, we can only be involved in the ftirts of that ft'o'rm, which fhakes Europe to its foundations. Internal fbclion and treafon alone can endanger tfur government ;. and we are happy to find that ihefe exift only in the feeble efforts of a few " dtfappointed ADDRESSES. 131 difappointed partizans. Though fome of the fouthern itates have been artfully mif- reprefented, a.s pppofed to the federal gov- ernment, and enemies to its adminiftration, we do not hefitate to exprefs our confidence in the collected firmnefs and wifdom which they have ver difplayed on the approach of real danger. Nor can we djuibt that they will join us with equal fpirit t^:rufh every attempt at difprganiza.tio.n, difunion and anarchy. The marlignant leaders of faction, who for their own advancement, would pverfpread America with difcord and (laugh- ter, or deftroy us in the infidious, embraces of foreign fraternization, muft prepare to meet the indignation of the people, whom they To long attempted, to deceive, and to feel their influence annihilated on the dif- covery of their efforts and defigns. Relying, with perfect confidence, on the wifdom and patriotifm of your adrmniftra- tion, on the increasing firmnefs of the legif- lature, and the -ftrength and union of the people, we humbly truft that the hand of Providence, which has fupported us through greater perils, will enable us to withftand the arts or attacks of the foreign or internal enemies of pur freedom. , In us you will ever find, not the fervile partizans of Britain, France, or any exter- ? nal domination, but men glorying in the r.ightspf American independence^and warm- 134- PATRIOTIC NEW-YORK. from the CITIZENS of N K w - Y o R K , to the PRESIDE NT, SEN ATE, and H o u s E oJ"R E P - RESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES. A. NUMBER of r.efpeaable citizens of this place, aflembled together, conlidering pur prefent fituation, with refpet to the re- public of France, as forming an iinportanj crifis in our public affairs ; and feeling the v arm eft attachment to the conftitution, and an unfhaken confidence in the .conftituted authorities -.of onr country, conceived that at this time, to evidence that attachment, and that confidence, could not but be ufefu'l to our common interefts, and acceptable to thofe who direct our public councils. They therefore appointed a committee to convey to the Executive of the United States, and to both Houfes of Congrefs, their approbation of the meafures purfued by the Executive, in the late negociation with France ; to allure them of their unaba- ted confidence o.f our rulers ; and of their readinefs and zeal to forward and fupport every meafure which fliall be direclcd for the inteieft, and the honor of our country. In communicating thefe fentiments, our minds were naturally led to a review of the ADDRESSES. 135 .conduct of our government towards the French republic ; and in that review, it is with pleaiure \ve obferve that we have be- held it on every occafion, performing with the moll perfect integrity and good. faith, all its engagements to that country and evin- cing its regard by every aft of friendfhip in its power, confident with thofe duties .which.it owed to other nations. r r *' While on the other hand, the conduct of France to this country' has been a feries of infult 3 depredation and menace, more becom- ing conquerors and mailers than the friends .and alliesiof a free and independent people. Under different pretences, as variable as ' they have* beeii futile, /he 'has .inched our government, in the perfon of our chief mag- iftrate; fhe has attempted to fow diflenfions among our citizens, and to feparate them from their government ; fhe has in contra- vention of the faith of treaties, no lefs than of the laws, of nations, defpoiled our coun- trymen when>engaged in a lawful commerce; and fhe has irnprifoned their perfons. To our mild remonftrances and our pacific overtures, for accommodation of differen*- ces and reftoration of former friendfhip, fhe ' has anfwered only by frefli indignities. Not content with humbling our country by the refufal to receive an ordinary ambaflador, fent to explain and conciliate, fhe has dif- *''' dairied **" ******- j , - . PATRIOTIC NEW-YORK. From the Cmz i: N s of N K w - Y o u K , ^a //z e P R ES I D E N T, S E N A T E, and H O U S E 0/R P- R E S E N T AT I V E S 0/ Me UNITED S T A T E S. A NUMBER of refpeaable citizens of this place, affembled together, conlidering pur prefent fuuation, with refpe6t 10 the re- public of France, as forming an importanx crifis in our public affairs ; and feeling the mariner! attachment to the confiitution, and an unfliaken confidence in the .conftituted authorities .of o;ir country, conceived that at this time,.. to evidence that attachment, and that confidence, could not but be ufefu'l to our common interefts, and acceptable to thofe who direct our public councils. They therefore appointed a committee to convey to the Executive of the United States, and to both Houfcs of Congrefs, their approbation of the mcafures purfued by the Executive, in the late negociation with France ; to affure them of their unaba- ted confidence of our rulers ; and of their readincfs and zeal to forward and fupport every itieafure which fhall be dire8ed for the intereft, and the honor of our country. In communicating thefe fentiments, our minds were naturally led to a review of the ADDRESSES. 135 eonduft of our government towards the French republic ; and in that review, it is with pleaiure we obferve that we have be- held it, on every occafion, performing with the mo ft perfect integrity and good. faith, all its engagements to that country and evin- cing its regard by every aft of friendfhip in its power, confident with thofe duties which it owed tp^ other aations. , Vrfifti k While on the other hand, the conduct ctf France to this country has been a feries of infultjdepredation and menace, more becom- ing conquerors and matters than the friends and allies, of a free and independent people. Under different pretetices, as variable as they have'beeii futile, me ' has jnfalted our government, in the perfon of our chief mag- iftrate; fhe has attempted to fow diflenfions among our citizens, and to feparate them from their government ; fhe has in contra- vention of the faith of treaties, no lefs than of the laws, of nations, defporled our coun- trymen when >engaged in a lawful commerce; and flie has imprifoned their perfons. To our mild remonftrances and our pacific overtures, for accommodation of differen- ces and reftoration of former frienclfhip, fhe iias anfwered only by frefh indignities. Not content with humbling our country by the refufal to receive an ordinary ambaffador, Cent to explain and conciliate, fhe has dif- dairied 136 PATRIOTIC dained even to treat, in the ufual forms, with the extraordinary minifters, who in the perfevering fpirit of peace and accommoda- tion were afterwards deputed ; as if anxious to accumulate difgrace upon us, fhe held out to them the moft humiliating terms ; they were told that merely to entitle them to a hearing, their country mud become trib- utary ; and they were impliedly menaced that the American republic would be erafed from the lid of nations, if the refentment of France was not appeafed ! ! ! Of fuch conduct there can be but one opinion. . To inch terms, freemen can give but one reply. To you, fathers of our country, it belongs to give that reply ; and v/e are perfuaded it will be fuch as becomes Americans. For ourfelves and thofe whom we repre- fcnt, to our virtuous and independent chief tnagiilrate, ,we fay,* that while the wifd.om and moderation in -which he has conducted the late negotiation with France, have raifed him in our efteem, his pa-trio tifm and un- ihaken firmnefs have rivetted him in" our confidence. To cnirTchow-citizens in the Senate and Houfe of "Representatives, we declare, that confcious of the rectitude of our country's conduct, and deeply impreffed with a fenfe of the wrongs fhe has fuftained, we arc de- termined A D D R E S S E'S. termined to fupport at all hazards, fuch meafures as fhall be -deemed neceflary to/ .maintain her honor, her freedom and her independence. To the CITIZENS /.:. . t j GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs to the Prefident, Sen- 'ate* and Houfe of Reprefentatives of the Uni- ted State-, has been tranfrnitted to me, by your committee. Among all the refolutions that have been taken, and addreffes which have been pre- fentcd at this important crifis, I know of 'none which have expreffed fentime,nts more juft, approbation and confidence more en- tire, or refolutions more patriotic and de- cided, and confequently none which will give more fatisfaftion to the public and to the JegiiTature, or which has more cordially and ; defer vedly, my thanks, JOHN ADAMS. 1MO ,:./,.* J I To the PRESIDENT of the UN i TED STATES. a time when you are receiving frdrn every part of the Union, tellimonies of re- for your chara6kr p and approbatio-n M a of PATRIOTIC of your meafures, permit the Young Men of the city of New-York, to join the general voice of their countrymen, and exprefs to you the gra itude, elteem and confidence \vith which your condu.cl has infpired them. We have not the vanity to fuppofe, that the fcpplaufe of inexperienced youth, can afford any high gratification to your mind, confcious as it muft be of its own integrity and refources. In feafons of peace and tranquillity? .we mould have been retrained by that diffidence becoming our years, from mingling in affairs which have been com- mitted to abler hands. But in the hour of danger, when our fh ores are threatened with ravage by the 'republic of France, and our coriftituted authorities with diffofudon ; "when our political rulers are treated with indignity, and we with our Fellow citizens charged with difunion and difaffctlion to our government, a fenfe of truth and the feelings which our wrongs have excited, in- duce us thus publicly to declare our u'n- ihaken attachment to ur country, and our determined refolution tofupport thofe mea~ fures which its adminiftration may direft or advife for its fecurity. We once were attached to France ; it was an entiuifiafJw in favor of liberty. If that enthufialm has ever drawn from us, in com- inon with fome of our countrymen, de.mon- il rations ADDRESSES. 139 ftrations of attachment upon which its rulers have founded their belief, that we areun- friendly to our government, we confider it as a caufe of regret, but we aflure you, tMr the fame enthufiafm now unites us more clofely in the defence of our country, and infpires us with a (pint of refinance againft the efforts of that republic to deftroy our independence. Holland and Venice are in- {tractive leffon* td the. United States, of the infecurity of too much forbearance, and the danger of mifplaced confidence ; but, we need not appeal to the example of other na- tions. The multiplied and unprovoked ag- greflions of France, and her injurious and Itiiiiltjn^g treatment to our minifters of peace, are fafricient to aroufe all the energies qf the foul, and to intereft every feeling of -the heart in the caufe of our country. Regard- lefs of the faith of treaties, and in violation of the laws of nations, her rulers authorife the capture of tntr veftels and the imprifon- ment of our citizens, attempt to fo^w difien- fion among our countrymen, and to fill the meafure of their injuiticc, they fpurn the olive branch offered by our government, and refufe to liften to us, unlefs upon terms to which freemen difdain to iubmit ;'thiis 'injiired, infuhed and threatened, refehtment becomes a virtue, and refiilanc a duty which we owe to ourfelves and topofterity to us our liberty and independence, OUT country .r :& cT;!rai:Kirtl country and religion, are dearer than life-; when our, political rulers declare them to be nrnodangsr, -.every citizen \v ho poffeffes the :fehtiments of # patriot or the feelings of a man, mutt un he,, and by, feimely and fpirited exertions propel them from facrifiee. We claim it as our right, as we know it to be our duty to be placed ;foremofi in their de- fence., and if war only can preferve them, -we are prepared to ii^eei ii with becoming .reiblution.. 'Confident in fuch a caufe of the fupport of our parent^ and friends, the confcrlations of confcience and the approbation of God, -we pledge ouifelves to you and to the world, that if ourcountry'ihcvuid be affailed by for- eign invafioh or dbmefHc treafon, we will fly to its afritlante at a moment's warning, and at the hazard of our lives, protect it^ government and independence. - . To the Yo u -N G M E N of the City of N E w- YORK. GENTLEMEN, I RECEIVED this becoming, amia- bly and judicious addrefs, from the Young Men of the city of New-York, with great p'cafure. The fituation in which nature has placed your State, its numerous advantages, and its population ADDRESSES. 141 population fo rapidly increafing, render it of great importance to the Union of the na- tion, that its youth fhould be pofTeffed of good principles and faithful difpofitions. The fpecimen you have given in this ad- drefs, could not be more fads factory. I affure you, my young friends, that the fatisfaclion with my conducl, which Has been expreffed by the nfing generation^ has been one of theliiigheft gratifications I ever re- ceived ; became if I have not been deceiv- ed in my own motives, I can fincerely lay, that their happihefs and that of their pofteri- ty, more than^m^ own, or that of my con- temporaries, ^as 1 been the object of the "fludies and labors of my life. Your attachment to France, was in com- mon with Americans in general the enthu- fiafm for liberty \v;hich contributed to excite it, was in fyinpathy with great part of the people of Europe. The caufes which prq- duced that great event were fo extenfivp through the European world, and fo, long efta.blifhed, that it muft appear a vaft fcherrie of. Proyidencje, progreffiug to its end, incqrn- prehen(ibjfi^;the ^vi'ew*, defigns, hopes anjd fears oT individuals^ pr> nations, kings qr princes, philofophers or ft.atefmen. Ij: would be weak to afcribe . the glur.y.QTit, or, im,put.e the.felajne t.p any individual or any nation,; it would be equally afe(urd for any jndi^- ix ^n u 142 PATRIOTIC ual or nation to pretend to wifdom or pow-* er, equal to the mighty tafk of arrefting its progrefs .or diverting, its courfe. May the human race in general, and the French na- tion in particular, derive ultimately from it an amelioration of their condition, in the extenfion of liberty, civil and religious, in increalcd virtue, wifdom and humanity. For myfelf, ho'wever, I confefs, I fee not how, nor when, nor where. In the mean time, thefe incomprehenfible fpeculations ought not to influence our conducl in any degree. It is our duty to judge by the ftandard of truth, integrity and confcience, of what is risht and wrong, to contend for O. O f ' ft our own rights, and to fight lor our own al- tars and firefides, as much as at any former period of our lives. In your own beautiful and pathetic language, the fame enthufiafm ought now to unite us more clofely, in the defence of our country, and infpire us with a : fpirit of reMance ag-aiaft the efforts of that republic to deflroy our independence. If my enthufiafm is not more extravagant than yours has ever been, our independence will be one effential inftrument for reclairfr- ing the fermented world, and bringing good -out of the mafs of evik The refpe6l you acknowledge to your pa- rents, is one of the bed of fymptoms. The ties of father, fon and brother, the facred bands of m a rrrage, 'without which thofe con- nexions ADDRESSES. 143 . v nexions would be no longer dear and ven- erable, call on you and ail our youth to beware of contaminating your country with the foul abominations of the French revo- lution ' JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN 'ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, W: . E, the citizens of Albany, having a lively fenfe of the danger with which our country is threatened by< a foreign nation, beg leave to communicate to you our entire approbation of your conduct at this critical period, and to aflure you of our iincere dif- pofuion to fupport, with zeal and firmnefs, whatever meafures the government of the United States deem necefTary to vindicate and maintain our national honor and inde- pendence. The moderation which this country has uniformly manifefted towards the French orepublic, notwithftanding its repeated and unprovoked aggreflions on our neutral and Sovereign rights, is an inconteftible proof of our ardent iblicitude to cultivate peace. But there is a point beyond which even the bleffwYgs. of peace cannot be fought without feryility That point has been recently fixed :betwee;i Fran.ce and America, by the info- lent .144 PATRIOTIC lent demands made upon us ; demands which we cannot fubmit to, without proflrating -our independence, and facrificing our bell interefts. The prefumptuous hope, announced by the agents of the republic to our envoys extraordinary, that the American people are divided from their government, indicates that a perfidious attachment to the caufe of France, lurks among us. Tne fallacy of this hope, .it is equally our duty and our in- tereft to expofe. We therefore folemnly pledge ourfelves, in the mofl unequivocal manner, to fuftain, with energy, the confti- tuted authorities of our country, againft all the machinations of .its enemies, whether foreign or domeftic. Accept, Sir, of our beft wifhes that a gra- cious Providence may long preferve your precious Life, and continue to di reel; your .adminiftration, and that when the meafure of your days {hall be filled, you may receive ;thc glorious reward that is due to eminent virtue and patriotifm. To the CITIZENS of A LEAK Y , in the State of NEW-YORK. GENTLEMEN, THE addrefs of the citizens of A4ba-ny, has been p re fen ted to me by their reprefent- ative in -Congrcfs, Mr. Glen. I could ADDRESSES. 145 I could not look over the long roll of rci'pe&able fubfcribers, without the fenti- ments of gratitude, efteem and refpecl. The lively fenfe of the danger, you ex- prefs, with which our country is threatened by a foreign nation, is as well founded, as your approbation of my conduct at this crit- ical period, and your fincere difpofition to fupport, with zeal and firmnefs, whatever rneafures the government of the United States fliall deem neceffary, to vindicate and maintain our national honor and inde- pendence, are agreeable to me 3 and fatisfac- tory to the public. The moderation of this country towards the French republic, is almoft without ex- ample ; it would not, certainly, have been fo long continued, towards any other nation in the world it is. not only a proof of our defire of peace, but of our particular at- tachment to France. There is indeed a point, beyond which, a love of peace, and friendfhip to France, cannot be indulged without fervility. Although the French government appears to have adopted againft us the mod perfeft fyftem of hoftility in their power, it is n6t f*or me to fay how long we mail fhackle our- felves, by referves of friendship to them. That a perfidious attachment to France, lurks among.us, is mod certain. We may, N however, 146 PATRIOTIC however, confole ourfelvesat this time, that it contaminates very few native Americans, and I mould hope not many naturalized Grangers. Pledges like yours, \vill foon re- rduce the number of both. Your kind \vifhes, that a gracious Provi- dence may preferve my life, and diretl my adminiflration, are too afFefting to be an- f we red by me, but by prayers Vor the citi- zens of Albany and their pofterity forever. JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT cj- the UNITED STATES. SIR, WE, the citizens of Hudfon and its vicin- ity, in the county of Columbia, and State of New- York, confidering the prefent ftate and 'afpeft of public affairs, and feeling in com- mon with our fellow-citizens the wounds -inflicted upon our country by the wanton and multiplied aggreffions of the French re- public, which, .fpurning all overtures for .conciliation, has treated with marked indif- ference and contempt repeated meflengers of peace added infult to injury, and is dai- ly extending her acls of violence and out- rageher agents infolently hoafting of the power and effect of her diplomatic fkill of the party it has created within the United States A D D R E S S E S. 147 States exciting oppofition and dividing the people from their government ; while on ordinary and lefs alarming occafions, we confider this mode of manifefting our opirt- ions to our conftituted authorities fuperflu- ous, if - not improper, we cannot at fhis in- terefting moment remain fiient- R'efpecT to the opinion of nrfankind, juf- tice to ourfelves and fellow-citizens, and truth itfelf impel us to declare that we are not divided from the government of our choice that we pride ourfelves in cherifh- ing and fupporting it as the fabric of our own hands, peculiarly made for ourfelves, adapted to our fituation, deliberately put together by the united wifdom and experi- ence of men, who, unawed by defpotic pow- er, always knew what it was to be free- That we are determined to preferve it entire, and to tranfmit it to pofterity untarnifhed and unimpaired ; that whilft we perfectly accord 'with the meafures adopted and pur- fued by the Executive of the United States to effect conciliation and preferve peace with the French republic, we feel perfuaded that nothing confident with the national honor and intereft of our country has been omitted to accomplifli the defired object. As much therefore as we deprecate the evils of war, and value the bleffings of peace, we cannot hefitate a moment to forget thofe evils when impelled by duty and neceffity, to affert and preferve 148 PATRIOTIC preferve our fovereign rights and independ- ence. With entire confidence in the long iried wifdom, firmnefs and patriot! fm of if.e Prefident of the United States, and in the councils of the nation, we feel cheerfully difpofed with fpirit and fortitude to meet any event which the prefent (late of things may produce, or the deftinyof our country incur. To the CITIZENS of HUDSON and its vicin- ity, in the County r/CoLUMBiA, and State cf NEW-YORK. GENTLEMEN, YOUR declaration has been preferred to me by your Reprefentative in Congrefs. The prefent afpe6l of public affairs is in- deed portentous, and the wounds infiicled on our country, by the wanton and multi- plied aggreffions of, the French republic, mufi be felt by every American citizen who is faithful and true In full has been added to injury until the rneafure is full. The reign of terror and fedu&icm, which began at Paris, has been extended in Europe as far as the Grand Monarch extended it .and is now attempted on this fide the Atlantic ; but we fhould remember that Italy and the Netherlands have often been conquered by France, and that me has as often been driv- en from her conquefts with ignominy. Your ADDRESSES. 149 Your attachment to the conftitution, ap- probation of the adminiftration, and confi- dence in the councils of the nation, are very fatisfaclory. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, WE, the Grand Jurors for the body of the county of Columbia, in- the State of New-York, beg leave to addrefs you upon the prefent eventful period in our national affairs. The late communications' made by you to the legiflature of the union, exhibit a crifis in our relations to the French republic, -which, as it -menaces our independence, awakens our zeal, and draws clofer our af- feclions to the government by which alone our independence can be fecurcd. We fee, with indignadoi> 5 the infimuations of a foreign power, that there are citizens of the United States fo rega reliefs of that diftingui filing and impreffive title, and fo loft to a ienfe of duty, as to be capable of being made the difgraceful inftrumems of counteracting the ineafures of their own free government, and of proft rating it at the feet of foreign domination; and though we truft that every N 2 hope i 5 o PATRIOTIC hope derived from this fource will prove delufive, yet we are conftrained to feparate ourfelves from thofe unworthy individuals and abandoned parricides, if any fuch there be, who may have encouraged it. If the good wifhes heretofore exprefTed by our citizens for the liberty and profperity of France, fincere and ardent as they were, fhould have led to the fuppofition that their affections might be alienated from their own free, legitimate government ; or that they would abet or fanclion fchemes of aggran- dizement in one nation at the expenfe of the fovereignty of others, we feel a full con- fidence that the idea will be repelled with indignation, and that it will be evinced that an adherence to principles conftitutes Ame- rican charatteri and that in our attachment to liberty, we know how to diftinguiih be- tween the femblance and the reality, the empty profeffion and the folid enjoyment of that bleffing. In contemplating our gov- ernment as a free reprefentative republic, we recognize in its very ftrufture folid grounds of liberal confidence, and it is with equal pride and pleafure, that we hear our teftimony to- its excellence, and to the com- prehenfive views of thofe enlightened ftatef- men who framed it, by declaring that it has in practice juftified the theory, thereby dif- playing a fplendid example honorable to human nature and inftru&ive to mankind, freedom ADDRESSES. 151 freedom and order, liberty and law, can, by a wife policy, be made to exifl together. In the conduct of our government toward the republic, we have obierved a dignified forbearance, which may have been rni {inter- preted by them into pufrllanimity, but which affording the fliield of eonfcious integrity, we confider as the fure prefage of energy and fortitude in the hour of difficulty When that hour fhall arrive, we truft that the government of our country, as it has de- rived its origin from, fo it will receive the efficacious fupport of, the people ; and on our part, as we vakie the bleflings of focial order and the rights of felf-government, dif- daining all attempts to reconcile an attach- ment to the conflitution, with a fyftematic oppofition to thofe who are chofen to ad- minifier it, we pledge ourfelves, explicitly and unequivocally, to afford that fupport to the legiflative and executive authorities of our country, in all thofe meafures which by them fhall be deemed neceffary to defend and maintain its honor, dignity and inde- pendence. To the GRAND JURORS of the body of the County of COLUMBIA, in the State of NEW-YORK. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this well-written and excellent addrefs. The addreffes which I daily i. 5 PATRIOTIC I daily receive from my fellow-citizens, in greater numbers than I can poilibly anfwer, is the caufe of the long delay of this. Your indignation and alarm are well founded. If there are citizens capable of being made the difgraceful inftruments of counteracting the meafures of their own free government, and of proftrating it at the feet of foreign domination, all is loft. The moft infallible criterion to diflinguifh thofe republics which can be fupported and preferved from thofe which cannot, is the unanimity with which they reject foreign influence and refill. foreign hoftility. In contemplating, our government as ,a free reprefentative republic, we mould al- ways recollect, that reprefentative govern- ment is elective government, and although the philofophers of our age (confcious that elective governments had from experience acquired a bad. name in Europe) have been careful to give them a new one, yet we mall not, Itruft,be deceived by the change of a name. We know that our government, whether we call it eleQive or representative* depends for its exiftence on the purity of our elections, unbiaffed by foreign influence and untainted by corruption. Our government has indeed difplayed an example honorable to human nature, be- caufe our elections have been pure but the corruption ADDRESSES. 153 corruption of the heft things is the worft. If our ele&ions become corrupt, they will exhibit a horrid example difgraceful to hu- man nature. JOHN ADAMS, From the INHABITANTS of tht County of -OTSEGO, in the State of NEW-YORK, to JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of th* UNITED STATES. SIR, ATTACHED by every tie that can bind us to the molt ardent love^pf our country, we cannot refrain from expreffing the great folicitude we feel on the fubjeclof the pref- ent eventful period of our national affairs. Confcious of the honefty and juftice of our government toward every nation in the world with which it hath had any relations, \ve confidently flattered ourfelves with the expectation that we fhould have preferved our neutrality, and the enjoyment of peace throughout the fanguinary war which hath fo long and doth (till continue to fpread havoc and defolation through feveral parts^ of Europe. The rapacity and aggreflions however of one of the belligerent nations, do now very ferioufly threaten to difturb that tranquillity, which the virtue and .the wifdom of our rulers have endeavored moll earneftly 154 PATRIOTIC carrteftly to preferve. We rely with great confidence on the good fenfe, fortitude and -integrity of our fellow-citizens throughout the union, to repel every attack, both for- eign and domefiic, to which we may be ex- . pofed, and we do moft folemnly pledge ourfelves to fupport with cheerful nets and with promptitude, fuch mea fares for the preiervation of the independence and fov- :ereignty of our country as Corigrefs and our rulers may in their wifdom deem ex- pedient. The prtident but energetic regu- lations which you have adopted andpurfued with regard to the unfuccefsful negociation with the republic of France, have been, we conceive, fl nelly confident with the honor and dignity of a great nation, and demon- ftrate in the ft rongeft terms your unceafi.ng. regard for our common intereft ; and merit a continuation of our unfeigned and grate- ful acknowledgments. We rejoice in the profpecl of unanimity on the preient import- ant occafion One fentiment appears to pervade our land; to devote our lives and fortunes to the maintenance of our rights, as a free people. Under thefe impreflions, we whole lots are cafl on the frontiers of our country, beg leave to exprefs our fenti- ments on the occafion our purfuit being agriculture, we have no words that we ex- peel will be more grateful to the government we love, and will not part with, but with our lives. ADDRESSES. lives, than thofe of our fincere afTurancc, that we will fubmit with cheerfulnefs to any equal tax the \vifdom of" our government may lay on us for the national fupport; and that we will march with alacrity to any part pf the Union to repel an intruder. "j7V"-<' '..' >-<5* M T-g the INHABITANTS of. the County of- O T- SEGO, in the State of NEW-YORK. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for your addrefs,pre- fented to me by your repreientative in Cong- ,refs, Mr. Cochran. The folicitude you feel in the piefent ^ventful period of our national affairs, is common to the government and people, to all who are attached to their country by an ardent love of it. Your reliance on the good fenfe, forti- tude and integrity of your fellow-citizens, I trull will not deceive you ; all depends up- on thefe virtues. If thefe fail us, we are .loft, our conftiturion and adminiftration all depend upon them. Our government with- out thefe aids, has no power at home or abroad : We have no other principle of union, or capacity of defence. Your unfeigned acknowledgments are very obliging to me, and the clear afTuran- ces 156 PATRIOTIC res of fupport to the meafures of govern- ment.are very encouraging to us all. Your lot on the frontiers, and your purfuits of agriculture, give a weight to your fenti- ments ; you may be fuppofed to he lefs heated by paffion.iefs affetted by prejudices, and lefs influenced by partial or local inter- efts than the inhabitants of great cities. There can be no frronger proof of patri- otiun, than a cheerful fubmiffion to any tax which the wifdora of government may im- pofe, or than a proraife to march with alac- rity, to any part of the Union to repel an intruder. JOHN ADAMS. From the INHABITANTS of the County of ON Ei DA, in the State cj NEW- YORK, to the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, any other period in the political an- nal* of our country, we might have remain- ed filent, repofing ourfelves with confidence in the adminiflration of the government of our own choice, and evincing a tranquil but refpe&ful approbation of the meafures of that government. But, Sir, when the wide- fpread imputation, of an alienation x>f the American people from their government, is propagated ADDRESSES. 157 propagated and accredited abroad ; -when a foreign nation, which has by her agents denounced our independence, chcrifhcs the {lander, and counts upon our di viftons as the 'means of national degradation and abafe- ment. we have deemed it our indiipenfable duty to aflure the Executive of ourgovern- ment, and proclaim to the world, that that alienation and thofc divijions have no place in this part of the Union. In recurring to the part, we have fought with anxious minds for j ufi grounds of offence in the condu& -of our government towards the French re- public - y but in this review, thofe grounds have been fought for in vain. From the (irft dawn of the eventful rev- olution in France to this day, we have wit- nefled in the conduft of the American gov- ernment, to the French nation, on the mofl. -trying occafions, amidft rude external af- faults, and the more dangerous undermining influence within, a-n unceafing regard to juftice ; an inflexible adherence to the ftip- ulations of fubfifting treaties, and a facred refpeft for the great land marks of moral duty ami rectitude : a conduft which we are proud, as independent Americans, to have prcfcrved in the annals of our country for example to future times. Happy would ii have been for America. and doubly fo for diftreffed Europe, if cot- O refponding 158 PATRIOTIC -refponding femrments of jufticc and virtue had animated the breaiis of the rulers of Prance, and influenced the- councils of that nation 1 Bin what a reverie ! \vhat.a dere- liclion :oi public virtue ! 'what a triumph of force over juttice ! of defpoiifm over laws ! What fcenes of depravity and corruption are difclofed to aftonifhed America ! In vain we look for a difplay of thofc tranfccndent virtues of which the world has ^vimcfTed in the rulers of France, fo ample -and repeated profeffions. The caufe of re- publican government is difgfacecl in Europe forever; the fond expectations of the fin- cere advocates of reform on the other fide .of the Atlantic, are dafhed to the groupd ; and the friends to the rights of man are COD- drained to weep for fuffering humanity. While we view with much concern, the prefent alarming crifis, we cannot believe the period has arrived, when Americans are to defpair of their republic, and pafs under a foreign yoke. There is not to be found one community of freemen on eartru which is unfubdued by the artifices, and unfuhjugated by the arms of the all -conquer ing rcpublip. With the fulleft confidence in our govern- ment, we do not hefitate to declare, that we are prepared for any facrifice, that the Sovereignty and independence of our coun- try A D D R E S S E SI 159 try may demand ; and if war mud be the ne- ceflary refbrt, the independent yeomanry of this country, with armsiin their hands, and xeal iiv their hearts, will rally round their government, and appealing to the great Dif- penfer of juftice and Arbiter of nations for the re&itude of their conduct, will cheerfully difchaf ffe'lhe laft and great duty of freemen". 'oil ii v A. J >.-<=r===>~ " To the IfcHA'Bi'TA'KTs of the County O/ONE- IDA, in the State of NEW-YoRk. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for your addrefs which lias Been prefented to me by your rep re fen t- ative in Congrcfs, Mr. Gochran. The teftimony you bear to the juftice, good faith and moral re&itude of your gov- ernment, and your fatisfa&ion to have its condu.61 preferved in the annals of our country, for ar> example to future times, are Very full and' honorable. The caufe of a certain fpecies of republi- can government, is difgraced in Europe for- ever / yet there are other kinds better digefl- ed,.and more adapted to the nature of man, which we may Hill hope to fee introduced. t ii i'When the neceffity of controlling the paf- fions of whole nations, as well as parties and ,ns, by the organization and- arrange- ment of government, fhall be better under- ,'.-ai flood, t6o P A T R 1 O T I C Rood, the advocates for reform may flill f/e gratified, and the friend of the rights of man itill rejoice in the progrefs of humanity. JOHN ADAMS. e OFFICERS of the BRIGADE of the City and County q/Nz w-YoRK and Coun- ty ofR i c H MON D, to His Excellency JOHN . ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, .AMIDST the numerous teftimonrals of perfonal refpeft, and of attachment to the government, which you are daily receiving from every part of th^ Union, we prefufned that an expreffion of iimilar fentiments from the officers of this brigade, would not be unacceptable to you. Attached to our country by every tie of nature and affe&ion, and to our constitution and government from the founded diclates of our judgment and underftanding, we have ever Confidered the happinels and profperity of the former, as in feparably connedcd with the honor and independence of the latter. While, therefore, we have, with pleafure, beheld our government during the late war which has convulfed and defolated the Eu- ropean world, purfuing with uprightnefs and integrity A D D R E-S S E S. 161 integrity that fyftem of neutrality, which could alone fecure to us the bleffings of peace, it was with the higheft indignation we observed the republic of France, under va- rious pretences, obflrucling that peaceful iyftem, refufing us our neutral rights, affail- ing our very independence as a nation Confiding in your well know r n patriotiim and abilities, we trufted that fuch meafures would be purfued as would reftore to our country its violated rights, or leave its ene- mies without an excufe , nor has tins hope been difappointed. The inftruftions to our envoys at that republic, have fhewn to us, and will evince to the world, that to pre- ferve the peace, and to reftore the friendfhip that, once fubfifted between the two repub- lics, every thing on the pait of our govern- ment has been attempted, confident with thofe facred duties which we owe to our this conviction, we have thought it our duty at this eventful moment, when the independ- ence of our country has been menaced, thus to declare, that while in common with tire reft of our fellow-citizens, we confider peace as a blefJing highly to be prized, and fludibufjy to be cultivated, yet, educated in the principles of our late glorious revolu- tion, we are convinced that war, with a!1 its O 2 attendant PAT R I O T I attendant diltreffes, is far preferable to a furrender of our national freedom and inde- pendence ; and that we are therefore prepar- ed, andwz// at all hazards, fupport the gov- ernment of our country in fuch meafures as they fhali direct, for the defence of our hoii- oj> our freedom, and our independence. To the OFFICERS of the BRIGADE of ike City and County o/ NEW- YORK and Coun- ty of RICHMON D. Vint GENTLEMEN, NO teftimonals of perfonal refpec~l to me, or of attachment to the government, could be more acceptable than thofe in this addrefs, which breathe the genuine fenti- ments of Americans attached to their coun- try, by every tie of nature and affecliori. I am happy, in your opinion, that thofe who infult and injure us, are left \vithout excufe, becaufe every thing on the part of our government has been attempted, confid- ent \viththofefacredduties which we owe to our rights and honor, as a free and inde- pendent people. Your opinion, that war with all its attend- ant diftreffes, is far preferable to a furrender of our national freedom, is undoubtedly juil and becoming Americans; but ouriituation is A p'p-R.E..S S S. 1% is fuch, that.a furre rider of our independ- ence to thofe who aflail it, would only more furely involve us in the worft war that could fall to our lot. The real queftion before us feems to be, whether we {hall involve on Helves in an un- juft and unneceffary war of offence againft one nation, Or, be involved by the fraud and violence of another, in a juft and neceffary war of defence. Befides^ how many nations who have never injured, ift- ifulted &r offended us, a-re we to affift or contribute to deftroy ? It is better to be prepared, as you are, at all hazards, to fupport the government of our country in the meafures neceffary for the defence of our honor. JOHN ADAMS. NEW-JERSEY. The M E M O-R i A L of the INHABITANTS of the County of BURLINGTON, to the PRESI- DENT, the SEN ATE, and the Houfe 0/Rzp- RESENTATIVES of the UNITED &TATS *df AMEU ic A RESPECTFULLY SHEWETH, T HAT deeply imprcrTed by a fenie of the bleflings |hey enjoy under the truly free and equal 1 6* PAT R I O T I C equal government of the United States^ they, as members of this happy and highly favored community, are determined at ev- ery hazard to -maintain their rights-, freedom and independence. Attached to their coun- try and conftitution, by the ftrongeft ties of ii.uereit and aflfeclion, your memorialifts de- clare, that as the conduct- purfued by the Prefident to preferve peace \vith foreign na- tions, merits and receives their perfect and grateful approbation, fo their confidence in the : wifcJoiH and patrioiifm of every branch of the government being complete, they pledge themfelves firmly to fupport every meafure which may hereafter be thought neceffary to f fecu.re the. rights and independ- ence of the united States. from the ANSWER of the PRESI- DENT, to the INHABITANTS of the County of B U R L I N G T O N . "GENTLEMEN, <; THtRE isnotliingintlTeconduclof our enemies more -remarkable than their to- tal contempt of the people, while they pre- tend to do all for the people, and of all real republican governments, while they fcreen themfelves under iome of their names and forms ; while they are e reeling military df- potifmsj under the delufive names of repre,- fentative A D D R E S S E $. 165 Tentative democracies^ they are demolifhing the Pope by the mod machiavelian maxim of ope of his predecdTbrs,. " If the good peo- ple will be deceived, let him be deceived." "The American people are unqueftion- ably the heft qualified, of any great nation in the world, by their character, habits, and all other circumflances, for a real republi- can government; yet the American people are reprefented as in oppofition, in enmity, and on the point of hoftiiity againil the gov r ernment of their own inditution, and the adminift ration of their own choice. If thi^ were true, what would be the confequence ? Nothing more, n#r lefs, than that they : are rTpe for a military defpotifm, under the dom- ination of a foreign power ; it is to me no wonder, that American blood boils at thete ideas. " Your ardent attachment to the conflitu- ition apd government of the United States, and- compleat. confidence in ^11 its depart- ments .; your firm reiolution, at every haz- ard, to maiiuain, fupport and defend, with your lives and fortunes, every meafure, which by your lawful reprefentatives, may be deemed necefiary, to proted the rights, liberty and independence of the United States of America, will do you honor with all the world, and with all poflerity. JOHN ADAMS.'* The 166 PATRIOT I C The ADDRESS and M E M 6 RIAL 'of'th t C r T- I Z E N S of N E W A R K , Yft M f Sftf/f of N E W- JERSEY, 0. ///. P R E s i b E N T, ;//z <* S E N A T r , c. nd th e. Houfe of R E P R E SENT /, T i v E s o/* Mif UNITED STATES c/" AMERICA RESPECTFULLY" SHEWETH, /i ! ' ", i HAT your memorialifts view the prefent time as pregnant with events highly import- ant to the peace, happinefs and fafety of the United States, and therefore requiring the in oft perfect unanimity, both in the national councils, and among ev-ery delcription of citizens. The communications from our ccmmif- fioners at Paris, and the inftruclions given to them by the Prefidentof the United States, and which are now made piibjic, have pro- duced a very happy effecl, by convincing us that every meafu-re, confiftent with the Hon- or, intereft and independence of the United States, has been attempted by our govern* inent to efFecl a good underftanding between us and the Frenclvrepublic ; and we lament that, for want of a fimilar difpofition on the part of the French republic, all thofe en- dea.vprs have as yet proved abortive. Your memorialifts poffefs the moft un- fhaken confidence in the government, and truft that while they are purfuing juft mea- fures to produce an amicable adjuftment of all ADD R E.-S S E S. 167 all the exifting differences which at prefent fubfiil between the trench republic and the -United States, they will at the lame time be prepared with firmnefstq repel all. attempts that are made hoftile to the peace, govern- ment and dignity of. the United States. Your mernorialifts:are fully perfuaded that the .-difference jin.6pi.nion .which, has, pre- vailed among the : citizens of the United States, liasvbeenrowing to delufion aud inif- reprefentation ;'and that the information lately received, has led almoft all our citi- zens to a determination to rally round the conftitution, and to defend *the fame with pur lives and fortunes. ' : r. To the CITIZENS of NEWARK, in the State of NEW- JERSEY. */ we never will permit our zeal for any nation to induce us to lofe fight of the honor, intereft, jdignity and freedom of our own country. {We have maturely confidered the attempts you i8o PATRIOTIC you have made to preferve an honorable peace with the French republic, and \ve have with pain feen their effect. We ap- prove of and admire the pacific difpofition, the wifdom, the dignified love of country and the liberal policy discoverable in your inftru&ions to our envoys extraordinary ; and we moil heartily defpife the corrupt, the fervile, and the tributary conditions, offer- ed to us by the agents of the Directory. Sir, we are not divided from our govern- ment we highly approve of the adminiftra- tion of it and we will with our property and fervices, fupport it, and every act of our conftituted authorities, in defiance of the threats or power of any nation on earth. To the CITIZENS of the Town/Jiifn of AM- W ELL, RE A DING TON, and KlNGWOOD. GENTLEMEN, THE refpecl you profefs for your fir ft magiftrate is obliging to him, and your at- tachment, love and veneration for your confutation and country, will be amiable in the eyes of all men. The attachment you profefs for the French nation was common to you, and to America in general ; but never was the at- tachment of one nation to another fo wan- tonly, capricioufly, fo infolently defpifed and ADDRESSES. i8t and thrown away. All great things have 1 begun in contempt the Roman empire the French republic and to rife infinitely higher than both for an example, the Chrif- tian religion itfelf might be cited : Our American world exhibits another inftance but mark the iffiie ; this contempt will be changed into refpeft and admiration, and I Jiope to live to fee .the time and to rejoice with you in it; JOHN ADAMS. From 'the whole of the SOLDIER CITIZENS of NEW-JERSEY, to the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, X HE Commander in Chief, the General Officers, the General Staff and Field-Offi- cers of the militia of the State of New-Jer- fey, feel, in common witrh their numerous fellow-citizens, who have addrefled you in the prefent critical iituation of our nation, and moft cordially join them in expreiling to you their high approbation of your con- duel in the management of its foreign con- cerns, and their indignation at the infult offered to the honor and independence of the American people. We come not, Sir, to diftate whether ;peace can be preferved with the fafcty of our 182 P A T R I O T I C our national dignity, or \vhether an appeal js to be made to arms, are queftions entiuft- cd to thole in whofe patriotifrn we conikle, and according to their dccifion we (hall aU .ways be prepared to a 61. But, Sir, at this eventful period, we deem it our duty, and %ve feel it a pleafurc, re_fpetfully to approach our Commander in Chief, and to make him a.folemn proffer of our Jives and fortunes in the fervice of our country. -It is not, Sir, for foldjers to boa ft : but we know the troops whom we. have the hon- or to command- we have been eye-witrieffes to their a -(U'm zeal in the caufe of freedom we have been their companions in many toils and many fufferings, and if our beloved country calls, we (hall again cad the eye of Confidence along their embattled ranks. ,Let ,our enemies flatter .themfelves that .we are a divided people. In New-JeiTey, Sir, with .the exception of a few degraded and a few dt.luded .characters, to whole per- ibns, and to whofe fervices the invading foe fliall be welcome, from the moment of their arrival, and whom we engage to convey in fafety to their lines -In New-Jerfey, Sir, there is but one voice and that is the voice of confidence in the Federal Government the voice of perfect fatisfaBion with your adminiftration of it --and the voice of firm- nefs and determination to fupport the laws and ADDRESSES. 183 and conftitution, the honor and dignity of the United States ; and, Sir, for the defence of thefe, we do this day, in the prefence of the God of armies, and in firm reliance ori his protection, folemnly pledge to you, our lives,, our fortunes and our facred honor. To the SoLDIER.Cl'TIZtfNS.fl/NEW-jERSE Y. GENTLEMEN, AMONG all the numerous addrefTes which have been prefented to me, in the prefent critical fituation of our nation, there has been none which has done me more hon- or, none animated with a more glowing love- of our country, or exprefnve of fentiments more determined and magnanimous. The fubmiflion you avow to the civil authority, an indifpenfable principle in the character of warriors in a free government, at the fame moment when you make a folemn prof- fer of your lives and fortunes in the fervice of your country, is highly honorable to your difpoiitions as citizens and foldiers, and proves you perfectly qualified for the duties of both characters. Officers and foldiers of New-Jerfey, have as little occafion as they have difpofition to boaft. Their country has long boafted of their ardent zeal in the caufe of freedom, and their invincible intrepidity in the jday of battle. v Your 184 PATRIOTIC Your voice of confidence and fatisfac"lion r of firmnefs and determination to fupport the* laws and conftitution of the United States, has a charm in it irrefiftible to the feelings of every American bofom ; but, when in the prefence of the God of armies, and in firm reliance on his protection, you folemnly pledge your lives and fortunes, and your f'acred honor ; you have recorded words \vhich ought to be indelibly imprinted in the memory of every American youth. With thefe fentiments in the hearts, and this lan- guage in the mouths of Americans in gen- eral, the greateft nation may menace at its pleafure, and the degraded and the deluded .characters may tremble, left they fhould be condemned to the fevered punifhrnent an American can fufTer that of being convey- ed in fafety within the lines of an invading enemy. JOHN ADAMS. ....... .gV. VN.tf). >..>... To the PRESIDENT of the UN i T E D S T A T E s , SIR, 1 HE ftudents of the College of New-Jer- fey, awfully impreffed by the threatening clouds which obfcure our political horri- zon, and well aware of the importance of united and vigorous exertions, would offer their feeble, though hearty concurrence, in applauding ADDRESSES. 185 applauding your adminift ration, and fup- porting the energy of government. We deem it the duty of every American attached to the freedom and independence of his country, to oppofe the aggreflions of foreign power ; nor is it lefs incumbent on thoie who, though young in years and wif- dom, anticipate a period, when they (hall be admitted to the privilege of citizenfhip, zealoufly to defend their precious inherit- ance. We hope to manifeft to the" world, when the rules of our inftitution will permit, that the youth of Naflau will glory in de- fending the independence of their fathers. The national honor of our country, we efteem of incalculable value Our lives we eftimate worthy of prefer vation only as we enjoy the independence of freemen. We view, with the ardent refentments of youth, the encroachments of foreign nations on cur rights. We contemplate, with impa- tience, their lawlefs depredations. In com- mon with our countrymen, we lament the r,eceflit) of military operations ; yet, urged upon them involuntarily,, we confidently truft in Heaven, that the refult will be fa- vorable to the caufe of freedom and human- ity. Our gri-ef arifes not from pufillani- 'inity ; it is the offspring of love to our country. Though we dare brave the in- trepid attack of the hoftiie army, we forefee,. Q 2 with 186 PATRIOTIC with regret, the multiplied calamities that rauft rcfult from the conflict. 'Although but juft arifen from our cra- dles, \vhen the French nation broke the fceptre of defpotifm, we, Sir, in common with our fathers, caught the flame of enthu- fiafm, at the profpeft of a people enflaved for ages, by a fucceffion of tyrants, at once claiming their indefeafible rights, and nobly daring to affert their freedom. We fondly hoped, that the fpirit which created, would conduct the revolution. In this hope we have been disappointed. We have feen the French nation laying afide their firft princi- ples of juftice, and aiming at univerfal em- pire. We have feen them, not fatisfied with fubjugating or ravaging Europe, crofs the Atlantic, infultingly trample on the rights of our 4 neutrality, and defpife the faith of the rnoft folemn compaQs. We have feen min- iftcrs fent by ourExecutive.to accommodate differences. We have feen thofe rninifters infulted, and their friendly offers rejefted. At fuch conduft, we truft, every American feels the warm-eft fentiments of indignation. We regard it as a fingular ^mercy of Heaven to our country, at this important crifis, and as one of the fureft pledges of our political fecurity, that you are placed at the helm of our affairs. We confider it, at ADDRESSES. 187 at the fame time, as the reward of your well-tried patriotifm and unfhaken firmnefs. While therefore, Sir, we exprefs our higheft approbation of the eondul of the Executive of the United States, in the at- tempts to negotiate with the French repub- lic, we would alfo, with ardor, and we truft with the modefty which becomes our years, declare our confidence in the conftituted authorities of our country. The choice of the people, we know, will defend their rights and privileges. To us there appears no mean of averting the ftorm ; but we declare we are ready to dedicate our lives to fa- tigues and dangers in braving it. May you long continue to watch over the fafety and order of the community, and may our fellow-citizens never ceafe to teftify their livelieft gratitude for the eminent fer- vices you have rendered them. V,fL*W -K To the STUDENTS of NEW-JERSEY COL- LEG E. GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for your well -judged and well-penned addreis, which has been prefented to me by one of your fenators in Congrefs, from New-Jerfey, Mr. Stockton. To an high-fpirited youth, pofFeffed of that felf-refpeft and felf-eiieem 7 which is infepa^ rable i88 PATRIOTIC rable from confcious innocence and reU- tude, whofe bodies are not enervated by irregularities of life ; whofe minds are not Weakened by diflipation or habits of luxury; whofe natural fentiments are improved and fortified by claffical ftudies, the aggreflions of a foreign power muft be difguiting and odious : on thefe facts alone, I could anf- v;er for the youth of Naflau, that they will glory in defending the independence of their fathers. The honor of your country, you cannot efti'mare too highly ; reputation is of as much importance to nations, in proportion, as to individuals-; honoris an higher interell than reputation ; the man, or the nation, without attachment to reputation or honor, is un- done : What is animal life, or national ex- igence, without either ?' The regret -with which you view the en- croachments of foreign nations, the impa- tience with which you contemplate their lawlefs depredations, are perfectly naturar, and do honor to your characters. If regrets would- avert the neceffity of military operations, it would be well to in- dulge them ; but, if the entire profperity of of a ftate depends upon the difcipHne of its armies, a maxkn much refpecVed by your fathers, you rray hereafter be convinced that the caafe of, your country and of man- kind ADDRESSES, 189 kind may be promoted by means, which, from love to your country and a fear to fet at defiance the laws of nature, you now fee caufe to regret. The flame of enthufiafm which you, in common with your fathers^ caught at the French revolution, could have been enkin- dled only by the innocence of your hearts, and the purity of your intentions. Let me, however, my amiable and accompli/hed young friends, entreat you to fhidy the hif- tory of that resolution ; the hiftory of France during the periods of the League and the Fronde, and the hiftory of England from 1640 to 1660. In thefe ftudies you may perhaps find a folution of your difap- pointment in your hopes that the Ipirit which created, would conduct the revolution : you may find that the good intended by fair characters, from the beginning, was defeated by Borgias and Catalines ; that thefe fair characters themfelves were inexperienced in freedom, and had very little reading in the fcience of government ; that they were al- together inadequate to the caufe they em- braced, and the enterprize in which they embarked. You may find that the moral principles, fanclifced and fan&ioned by re- ligion, are the only bond of union, the only ground of confidence of the people in one another, of the people in the government, and the government in the people. Ava- rice, I 9 <3 PATRIOTIC rice, ambition and pleafure, can never be the foundations of reformations or revoHi- tfions for the better. Thefe paffions have dictated the aim at univerfal domination; trampled on the rights of neutrality. 'defpifed the faith of folemn convpacl. infulted ambaf- fadors. and rejected offers of friendfhip. ; It is to me a flattering idea, that you place any of your hopes of political iecurity in me- mine are placed in your fathers and you ; and my advice to both is, to place your confidence, under the favor of Heav- en, in yourfelves. Your approbation of the conducl of gov- ernment, and confidence in its authorities, are very acceptable: If the choice of the people will not defend their rights, who will ? To me there appears no mean of averting the florin, and, in my opinion, we rnufl all be ready to dedicate ourfelves to fatigues and dangers.- JOHN ADAMS. PENNSYLVANIA. - -.<{>.~<>.' To the PRESIDENT of theUx ITED STATES. SIR, -A.T a moment when dangers threaten the and profperity of the United States, when ADDRESSES, 191 when foreign infolence : and rapine .have deeply wounded our national honor, and in- jured our lawful commerce ; it is p relumed the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens, of the" city of Philadelphia will not be unwelcome jvhen they come forward to affure you of their perfect approbation of y our a. cjmini ft ra- tion, and their entire confidence in your wifdom, integrity and patriotifm. While we admire the prudence and moderation with which our government has received the unprovoked aggreffions of France, and the fincerity and equity of your endeavors, to conciliate her friendfhip, we feel the inde- pendent pride of Americans in your digni- ty and firmnefs. As we are fatisfied that nothing has been wanting oiryour part to preferve to us the blefTings of peace and fafe- ty, we prepare to meet with fortitude the confequences that may follow the failure of your exertions. Confident that our govern- ment has been juft and impartial in her deal- ings with all nations, and grateful for th$ happinefs and .profperity we have enjoyed .under it in the days of tranquillity, we do not hcfitate to promife it our utmod aflift- .ance in the time. of difficulty and need. Prefiding over the counfelsof your coun- ,try in a mod eventful crifis, we hope and truft you will find a fixed and energetic (tip- port in the people of America. Permit us -to congratulate you on the profpeft of una- P A T R I O T I C nimity that now prefents itfelf to the hope* of every American, and on the fpirit of in- dependent patriotifm that is rapidly rifing into aftive exertionand to offer a fincere prayer that while you continue to ferve your country with wifdom and fidelity, you may never find her ungrateful. To the MAYOR, ALDERMEN and CITIZENS of the City of PHILADELPHIA. GENTLEMEN, NEVER, as I can recoiled, were any clafs of my fellow-citizens more welcome to me, on any occafion, than the Mayor, Al- dermen and Citizens of the city of Philadel- phia upon this. At a time, when all the old republics of Europe are crumbling into duft, and others forming, whole deftinies are dubious; when the monarchies of the old world are fome of them are fallen, and others trembling -Ho their foundations ; when our own infant republic has fcarcely had time to cement its ilrength or decide .its own practicable form ; when thefe agitations of the human -fpecies have affected our people, and produced a :fpirit of party which fcruples not to go all lengths of profligacy, falfehood and malig- nity in defaming our government ; your ap- probation and confidence are to me a great conlblatioa. ADDRESSES. 191 confolation. Under your immediate obfer- vation and infpe&ion, the principal opera- tions of the government are directed ; and to you, both characters and conduct muft be intimately known. I am but one of the American people, and my fate and fortune rnuft be decided ^with theirs. As far as the forces of nature may remain to me, I will not be wanting in my duties to them, nor will 1 harbor a fuf- picion that they will fail to afford me all neceffary aid and fupport. While, with the greateft pleafure, I recip- rocate your congratulations on theprofpect -of unanimity that now prefents itfelf to the hopes of every American, and on that fpirit of patriotifm and independence that is rifing into active exertion in opposition to (educ- tion, domination and rapine, i offer a fin- cere prayer that the citizens of Philadelphia may perlevere in the virtuous courfe and maintain the honorable character of their anceftors, and be protected from every ca- lamity phyfical 3 moral and political. JOHN ADAMS. Tc PATRIOTIC To the CITIZENS of PHILADELPHIA, the Dijlntt O/SOUTHWARK, and ERN LlB.ERTIES. MANY of the nations of the earth, dif- gufted with their prefent governments, feem determined to diffolve them, without know- ing what other -forms to fuMitute in their places. An ignorance, with all the cruel intolerance of the mo-ft bloody fuperftitions that ever ha^ve exifted, is impoiing its abfurd dogmas by the fword, .without the fmalleft attention ta that emulation univerfal in the human heart, which is a great fpring of gen- erous aBion when wifely regulated, but the never-failing fource of anarchy and tyranny when uncontroled by the cqnftitution of the ilate. As the Uuiied States are a part of the fociety of mankind, and are clofely con- nected with feveral nations now ftruggling in arms, the 7 prefent period is indeed preg- nant with events of the higheft importance .to their happincfs and fafety. In fach a ftate of things, your implicit approbation of the general fyftem, and the particular meafure.s of the government ; your generous feelings of refentment at the wrongs and offences committed againft it, and at the menaces of others ftill more in- tolerable ; your candid acknowledgment of the bleffings you enjoy under its free and .equal i -i ADDRESSES. 195 equal conftitution ; your determination at every hazard to maintain your freedom and independence, and to fupport the mea Cures which may be thought neceffary to Cupport the conititution, freedom and independence of the United States ; do you great honor as patriots and citizens ; and your commu- nication of thefe fpirited femime&ts to me, deferves my befl thanks, JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, >xT a period fo intere'fUng to the United States, permit us to believe that an addrefs from the Youth of Philadelphia, anxious" to preferve the honor and independence of their country, will not be unwelcome to their chief magiftrate. Actuated by the fame principles on which our forefathers achieved their independ- ence, the recent attempts of a foreign power to derogate from the dignity and rights of our country, awaken our Ijvelieft fenfibili- ty, and our ftrongeft indignation. The Executive of the United States, filled with a fpirit of friendfhip towards the whole world, has reforted to every juft and honor- able mean of conciliating the affeQions of the PATRIOTIC To the CITIZENS of PHIL ADELPHI A, the Dijlntt O/SOUTHWARK, and theNoRTH.- ERN LIBERTIES. j 'GENTLEMEN', MANY of the nations of the earth, dif- gufted with their prefent governments, feem determined to diffolve them, without know- ing what other -forms to iubftitute in their places. An ignorance, with all the cruel intolerance of the moft bloody fnperftitions that ever have exifted, is impofing its ablurd dogmas by the fword, without the fmalleft attention ta that emulation univerfal ,in the human heart, which is a great fpring of gen- erous aBion when wifely regulated, but the never-failing fource of anarchy and tyranny when uncontroled by the cqnflitution of the Hate. As the United States are a part of the fociety of mankind, and are clofely con- -jiefted with feveral nations now ftruggling -in arms, the ; prefent period is indeed preg- nant with events of the higheft importance ,to their happinefs and fafety. In fuch a ftate of things, your implicit approbation of the general fyftem, and the particular meafures of the government ; your generous feelings of refentment at the ^wrongs and offences committed againft it, and at the menaces of others ftill more in- tolerable ; your candid acknowledgment of the bleflings you enjoy under its free and 1 ADDRESSES. 195 equal conftitution ; your determination at every hazard to maintain your freedom and independence, and to fupport the men lures \vhich may be thought neceffary to fupport the conftitution, freedom and independence of the United States ; do you great honor as patriots and citizens ; and your commu'- nication of thefe fpirited femiments to me, deferves my befl thanks, JOHN ADAMS. .... .. .flV....lill I "^y..'^ ,.>.. .. ' To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, JL\.T a period fo interesting to the United States, permit us to believe that an addrefs from the Youth of Philadelphia, anxious" to preferve the honor and independence of their country, will not be unwelcome to their chief magiftrate. Actuated by the fame principles on which our forefathers achieved their independ- ence, the recent attempts of a foreign power to derogate from the dignity and rights of our country, awaken our Ijvelieft fenflbili- ty, and our ftrongeft indignation. TheExecutive of the United States, filled with a fpirit of friendfhip towards the whole world, has reforted to every juft and honor- able mean of conciliating the affections of ihe 198 PATRIOTIC not correfpond with my earned wiflies, and I fhould be obliged, to al with you, as with your anceftors, in defence of the honor and independence of our country, I fincerely \vifh that none of you may ever have your conftancy of mind and ftrength of body put to fo fevere a trial, as to be compelled again in your advanced age to the contemplation and near profpeft, of any war of offence or defence. It would neither be confident with my character, nor yours, on this occafion, to read leffons to gentlemen of your education^ conduct and character; if, however. I might be indulged the privilege of a father, I fhould, with the tendered affections, recom- mend to your ferious and conftant confi der- ation, that fcience and morals are the great pillars on which this country has been raifed to its prefent population, opulence and prof- perky, and that thefe alone, can advance, fupport and preferve it. Without wifhing to damp the ardor of "curiofity, or influence the freedom of in- quiry, I will hazard a prediction that after thl Vnbft indudrious and impartial refearch- es, the longed liver of you all, will find no principles, inditutions, or fydems of educa- tion, more fit, in general, to be tranfmitted io your poderity, than thofe you have re- ceived from your ancedors. No ADDRESSES. 199 No profpeft or fpe&acle, could excite a ftronger fenfibiiity in ray boibra, than this which now prefents itfelf before me. I wifh you all the pure joys, the fanguine hopes, and bright profpecls, which are decent at your age, and that your lives may be long, honorable and profperous, in the conftant practice of benevolence to men, and rever- ence to the Divinity, in a country perfever- ing in liberty, and increafing in virtue, power and glory. The fentimerrts of this addrefs, every where exprefled in language as chafte and modeft, as it is elegant and malterly, which, would do honor to the youth of any coun- try, have raifed a monument to your fame, more durable than braCs or marble. The youth of all America muft exult in this early fample, at the feat of government, of their talents, genius and virtues. America, and the world, wiJl look to our youth, as one of our firmeft bulwarks. The generous claim which you now prefent of fharing in the difficulty, danger and glory of our defence, is to me and to your coun- try, a fare and pleafing pledge, that your birth-rights will never be ignobly bartered or furrendered : But that you will in your turn, tranfmit to future generations the fair inheritance, obtained by the unconquerable fpirit of your fathers. JQHN ADAMS . From P A T R I O T I C From the INHABITANTS of the County of LANCASTER, to the PRESIDENT, of the UN i TED STATES. SIR,. ./xT this alarming crifis in our political ex* iftence, we approach you, Sir, to exprefs our cordial approbation of the meafures adopted by the Executive for the preferva- tibn.of the neutrality and peace of our coun- try. The firm reliance we have had on your patriotifm and attachment to the genuine principles of liberty, as guaranteed to us by our- excellent conftitution, is, if poflible, ftrengthened and enlarged by a policy fo congenial with the character of the chief magiftrate of a free people. Whatever may be the realor imaginary pretenfions of an ally which derogates from a ftate of amity, the diftin&ion and honor of the agg.reffing nation, require an inveftiga- tio'nr of the fuppofed infractions of friend- ihip upon the bafis of equality A demand of a preliminary fubmiffion acknowledging the commiflion of an offence a flipulation fbr pecuniary compenfation anterior to the difcuffion of the caufes of difcord, are de- bafements ofnational dignity, totally incom- patible with the fovereigrity and independr ence of a nation. Holding', thefe to be felf-evident truths^ vhich men nurfed in the bofom of freedom, can ADDRESSES. 201 can by no means permit to be gainfaid we feel ourfelves forcibly dra\vn to acknowl- edge to you, a- thankfulnefs for the earneft endeavors you have ufed in your diplomatic intercourfe to cultivate and nourifh harmo- ny with the French republic : For the fin- cere, candid and unequivocal manner with which you have difplayed the fair and up- right principles of the United States in the propofed negociation wjth that republic : And for your nomination (as commiffioners to France) of three of our fellow-citizens, whole energy of mind and love of country, have enabled them to refill terms of concil- iation degrading to the national character and -dishonorable to the government.. If unhappily the United States be driven into hoftility by the injuftice and infatiate ambition of the French republic, we truft that that benign Being, whofe aid in our keened: ditirclFes we have fo frequently ex- perienced, will again become auxiliary to the arms of freemen, honeftly contending for the liberty and independence of their country. We a flu re you, Sir, for ourfelves personally, that, in furh a conflict, no'con- liderations or eafe to oureffates or fafety to our perfons. ihall deter us from the exertion -of every power we pofiefs in the Support of -government. We fervently implore the Supreme Dif- pofer of events, to continue your health of body, PATRIOTIC body, fortitude of mind, and mature dorn, that you may be empowered in your arduous Ration to lead us through thisperiU ous era, with honor to yourfelf, and an ao ceffion of glory to the American name. To the INHABITANTS of the County GENTLEMEN,- TH1S refpeaful and afTeaionate ad- drefs, from the wealthy, induftrious and independent proprietors of the county of -Lancafler, is as honorable, as it is agreeable to me, and is reairned with my hearty thanks. The attention you have given to a de- mand of a preliminary fubmiffion, acknowl- edging the commiffion of offence, requires an ohfervation on my part.- The conflitu- tion of the United States makes it my duty to communicate to Cangrefs, from time to time, information of the ftate of the Union, and to recommend to their confideration, meafures which appear to me necefiary or expedient. While in difcharge of this duty-, I fubmit, with entire refignation, tb the re- fponfibility eftablifhed in the conftitution, I hold myfelf accountable to no crowned head* or Executive Dire6k>ry, or other for-- eign power on earth, for the communica- tions which my duty obliges me to make ; yet to you, my fellow-citizens, I will freely A D D R E S S E S. 203 fay, that, in the cafe alluded to, the honor done, the publicity and folemnity given to the audience of leave, to a difgraced min- ifter, recalled in difpleafure formifconducl, was a liudied infult to the government of my country. - The obfervations made by me, were mild and moderate, in a degree far beyond what the provocation wodcLhave ju-ftified ; and jf the American people, or their govern- ment, could have borne it without .refent- ment, offered as it was in the .face of all the world, they mufl have been fit to be the trib- Aitary dupes they have fince been fo cooly invited .to .become. As I know not where a better choice of envoys could have been made, I thank you for your approbation of their appointment, and applaufe of their conduct. In return for your prayers, for my health and fortitude, I offer mine for the citizens r of Lancafler in particular, and the United States in general. JOHN ADAMS. To the P R E s IP EN T of the ,U N i T E D S r A T E s . SIR, VV HILE the citizens of America, in ev- ery part of the Union, are addreffing yo t u with 04 PATRIOTIC with expreflions of affe&ion and tenders of , their fervices, at this molt important crifis ; we, the inhabitants of Carlifle and its vicin- ity, infpired by the fame love of our coun- try, and attachment to its beft interefts, defire alfo to exprefs our fentiments refpe&ing the affairs of our nation, with becoming free- dom. Inheriting liberty as a birthright, and rifing above the degrading fpirit of colonial dependence, we not only have a character already eftablifhed as freemen and defenders of our country, but we are refolved to main- lain that character at every hazard. Under a government of our own choice, and the aufpices of a wife and juft adminif- tration, we have enjoyed for a number of years, as great a fhare of national profperity and happinefs, as has perhaps ever fallen to the lot of any people. Having eftablifhed a free government, on the folid baGs of the general will, we could not but grant that .other nations had a right to regulate and manage their own internal concerns in like planner. In their endeavors to this end, we conceived we ought not to interfere, and *we wifhed to enjoy the bleffings of neutral- ity and peace ; discharging at the fame time all the obligations we might be under to any European power, with the utmoft good faith and impartiality. The meaTures that have been purfucd by the Executive from time to time, to main tain ADDRESSES. 205 tain fucha flate of things, and to preferve us from the evils of war and national degra- dation, have met and ftill meet with our hearty approbation. The appointment of .envoys extraordinary, for the adjuflment of all our differences with France, and the am- ple powers with which they were veiled for this end, manifefled the fincereft difpofition for peace and juftice, and the happinefs of :both nations ; nor can we confider the treat- ment which thofe envoys have received, the demands that have been made of us, and the threats denounced againft us if we will not comply with their willies, without feel- ing as Americans ought to feel, and refolv- ing that we will cheerfully concur in the fupport of all rneafures which fhall appear, iieceflary for the national defence, and the maintenance of that freedom and independ- ence which we hold moft dear. While we jain with you in humbly folicit- ing the fmiles of Divine Providence on our national affairs, and the bleffings of genuine freedom, accept, Sir, of our fincere prayers for your perfonal happinefs. To the CITIZENS of the Borough o/" CAR- LISLE and its vicinity. GENTLEMEN, NOTHING could be more obliging to me or faithful to the public than the unan- S imous so6 PATRIOTIC imous refolutions arid addrefs of the citizens of Carlille, which have been prefented. to me by one of your fenators in Congrefs, Mr. Bingbam. When you declare your refolution to maintain your eftablifhed character, as free- men and members of an independent nation, as your birthright, the world will applaud your wifdom, as well as -virtue. When you acknowledge that under a government of your choice, and the aufpices of a wife and juft adminiftration, you have enjoyed as great a fhare of national proiperity and hap- pinefs-, as has perhaps ever fallen to the lot of any people, you do great honor to your government. Neverthelefs,! prefume there is not a city or a village in the Sixteen States that can contradict you : If there "is one, I hope it will alfemble and declare it. W.hen you acknowledge the rights of na- tions to regulate their own internal concerns, on the iolid bails of the general will, you re- cognize one of the higheft prerogatives of man. Like all other prerogatives, howev- er, it ought always to be exerted with wif- dom and integrity for dhe general good never for the pijrpofes of private ambition, party views .or foreign intrigues. When you approve the meafures of the general government, you deferve its thanks and your feelings of the unworthy return of ADDRESSES. 207 of infults and menaces, are the feelings of nature approved by reafon and juftified by the public voice. In your humble fupplications for the fmiles of Providence on our national affairs and the bleffings of genuine freedom, you \vill be joined by all good men. Your pray- ers for my perfonal happindfs are mod afFet- ing to me. JOHN ADAMS. from ^INHABITANTS of BERKS County , to the PRESIDENT oftheUn IT-ED STATES. SIR, r-pi 1 HE interefting crifis to which the United States are at laft driven by. the rapacity, wickednefs, and ambition of the French government, calls loudly and explicitly up- on us to unite in defence of our country ; and by difplayhig that unanimity to the world, to convince our enemies, that the peo^ pie are not divided from their government. There remains not the leaft doubt that their projeQ of plundering this part of the globe, is very much ftrengthened by the fal- lacious idea that the Executive of the Uni- ted States hath contravened the wifhes and fentiments of the people at large, in his in- tercoivrfe \vkh foreign nations. To 208 PATRIOTIC To repel this falfe and mifchievous calum- ny as far as lies in our power, by bearing a public and unequivocal teftimony in favor of your adminiftraiion, and efpecially in be- half of the late attempt to negociate a treaty of peace with the French nation, is both our motive and apology for intruding on you with this addrefs. v If our fituation has Become in any degree lerious or alarming, \ve are highly gratified in the reflection it has not proceeded from any want of temperate and judicious mea- fures, on your part, to prevent it. The relative conduft of the United States and of France, at this eventful period, muft form a flriking contraft, in the judgment of the candid and difcerning part of mankind ; and hiftory will hereafter be at a lofs which to admire molt, the impudent profligacy and exorbitant demands of the French, in order to plunge us into war, or the anxious and unremitted efforts of the United States to avoid it. While we thus exprefs our un- referved approbation of the conduct of the firft magistrate, we cannot omit the oppor- tunity of declaring, that we have the mo ft entire confidence in your wifdonvintegrity, and political fortitude ; and that we trull, by, the bleffings of Heaven, upon the execu- tive and legiflative councils of our country, aided by the p^triotifm of the people, we (hall ADDRESSES. 209 {hail be enabled to fupport our independ- ence, in defiance of an enemy, who not only Jpurns at our minifters of peace, but openly avows an intention of compelling us to yield the laft farthing ; if r in their boundlefs am- bition, they fhall think. proper to afk it- . To the I N H A B I T A N T S of B R K S GENTLEMEN, THE public and unequivocal teftimo- ny you offer, in favor of my adminiftration, efpecially in the late attempt to negotiate a treaty of peace with the French nation, de- ferves my thanks. I think with you, that hiftory will hereaf- ter be at a lofs which to admire moft, the anxious and unremitted efforts of the United States to avoid war, or thofe of the French to plunge us into it. Your approbation and confidence are equally encouraging, and I trull with you, that by the bleflings of Heaven, on the le- giilative . and executive councils of our country, fupported by the patriotifm of the people, we mall be enabled to preferve our independence. JOHN ADAMS. S 2 To 210 PATRIOTIC To the PR E s i D E N T, the S E N A T E , and Hoitfe of REPRESENTATIVES oj the UNITED STATES. a time when the fituation of our coun- try has become truly critical, the citizens of Montgomery county, feel it an incumbent duty to join in the general expreffion of re- gret that the unreafonable overbearance of a foreign nation fhould mar the peaceful happinefs we enjoy under the beft of gov- ernments, and that the honorable efforts \vhich have been made ufe of to preferve our peace, fhould have failed of the wifhed for fuccefs. Under fuch circumftances, permit us to exprefs our fatisfaclion and full confidence in the cohftituted authorities of our country, and our determination to fupport them in the meafures which they may find expedient to adopt for the prefervation of the peace, honor and independence of our country. Whatever political fentiments we may, as individuals entertain, we truft that on this head there will be but one voice, and that no previous predilections will, under any circumftances, induce us direclly or indi- reclly, to favor the enemies of our country, and of the happy conftitution and govern- ment under which we. live. To ADDRESSES. ** TO the CITIZENS O/MONTGOMERY County.. GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs to the Frefident, Sen- ate and Honfe of Reprefentatives, has been prefented to me by your committee. The general exprefiions of regret that the unrealizable overbearance of a foreign na- tion fhould mar the peaceful happinefs we enjoy under the bell of governments, are natural, but will not (often the hearts of our oppreffors. It is not in mortals by the mod honorable efforts, at all times to command fuccefs or preferve peace. The fatisfaUon and ftrtl confidence you exprefs in the conftituted authorities of your country, and your determination to fupport them, 'in the meafures which they may find expedient to adopt, for the prefervation of the peace, honor and independence of our country; are confonant to the character of worthy citizens; and thefe fentiments are rendered, the more exemplary, for the refer- vation you make of your political fenti- ments as individual*, and your previous predilections. JOHN ADAMS. To 212 P A T R I 0(T 1 G To His Excellency JOHN ADAMS, PRE&- IDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR,, 1 HE day fet apart by the Prefident of the United States, to implore the mercy and benedi&ion of Heaven on our .country, the inhabitants of Huntingdon county, confider as a proper occafion to exprefs to His Ex- cellency the Prefident their fentiments on the afflictive and hazardous fituation in which the United States are placed. The' inhabitants of this county have con- fidered with an attention its importance de- manded, the conduct of this government towards the French republic. And in that review they difcdver the mo ft fincere and ardent defire-on the part of our government to prefer vet a- moft flfi6t and'honorable neu- trality with the. world, and to cultivate in an efpecial ,ma.nner, peace and harmony with the French nation. j . Your inflruclions to the commiffibners to the French nation have evidenced a difpo- fitiori to renibVe'every caufe of complaint, however groundlefs and frivolous, and to make faerinVes (eldom equalled in the hifto- ry of a people defirous of retaining their fovereignty and independence. Thefe com- miffioners have not been received, thefe overtures would not be fuifered. to be made known. A D D R E S S E S. 113 known, and it is demanded of the American people, to become the tributaries of a for- eign nation. The people of this country' have been reprefented by our domeftic ene- mies to our foreign ones, as divided from the government, as diffatisfied with the con- ftitution, the Prefident, and the adminiftra- tioh, and as difpofed to fu-bmit cheerfully, to any irnpofnion the interefl or ambition of France might require. For ourfelves and our country, and we truft for our State, we pronounce this to be untrue. Attached to our conftitution, confiding in the Prefi- dent and thofe who adminider the affairs of the United States, we now declare our mofl perfect reliance on our rulers, our moft de- decided approbation of the mealures of our public councils, and our determination to fupport thefe councils and meafures at ev- ery rifle. Although we deprecate war as orve of the greateft mifchiefs, yet we confider fubmif- fion to the infolent and degrading terms held out as the price of peace, to be one of the greateft indignities that can be offered to a nation, and only the wicked prelude to fu- ture infults and demands. The inhabitants of this county affnre you> Sir, that your acceffion to the Preiiclential chair, was the warmer! wifh of their hearts, and that your adminiftration has been fuch, a* n6 PATRIOTIC The voice of our fellow-citizens addreif- ed to you from various parts of the United States, on this momentous occafion, affords us a pleating confolation ; while it evinces a. degree of union and firmnefs that may pre- ferve our country from further degradation. Permit us to exprefs our fincere regret, that every overture confident with the dig- nity of our government, has been tried in vain for the amicable adjufhnent of our dif- ference with France and for the attainment of peace. While we reflect, that the inhab- itants of this place have not been exempted from the fevered fufferings which war in- flils, we have reafon to appreciate ihe blefl- ings of peace ; but we can never confent to purchale peace at the expenfe of our na- tional honor and fovereignty. With thefe impreffions, we do naoft folemnly pledge .ourfelves to the extent of our abilities and at the rifle of our lives, to fupport fuch mea- .fures as have been, or may 'be adopted by the Executive of our government, to pre- Ferve inviolate our independence and na- tional dignity, and to protect our civil and religious rights. To ihe I N H A B i T A H TS of L u z E R N E County. 'GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs. pre- fented to me by your reprefentative in Congrefs, Mr. Sitgreaves. ADDRESSES. tf The arts and addrefs, deception and fe- dulion which have been employed for ftf many years to divide us, are likely to end in our more perfect union. If your experience of the fevereft fuffer- Ings which war infliBs, cannot intimidate you to purchafe peace at the expenfe of na- tional honor and fovereignty, there is not another place in the United States which ought not to blufh at the idea. The folemn pledge of yourfelves at the rifle of your lives, and to .the extent of your abilities to fupport the meafu-res of govern- ment, to preferve inviolate our national dig- nity, muft be confided in by all who know any thing of your hiftor.y. JOHN ADAMS. From the Commiffioncd OFFICERS of the, LITIA, the TROOP of HORSE, and the ''CririziNS of WESTMORELAND GoU1lt$, ~ to the PR^SJDEN^ of the UNITED STATE* SIR, VV HEN the government and exiflence of th-fe United States, as an independent nation, are threatened by a domineering foreign power, whofe ambition, infolence and ra- pacity are almoft unexampled in civilized T ii4 PATRIOTIC af>they expe&ed -firm and dignified, defir- ous of preserving the peace of this -country, yet determined in your hands its honor fhould not be tarnifhed, its ibvereignty 'di- minifhed, or its independence destroyed. To the INHABITANTS of HUN-.X ING-DON- County. GENTLEMEN, THE day you fele&ed to exprefs to me' your fentiments, on the afflictive and haz- ardous fituation in which the United States are placed, gives them a peculiar iolemnity. When, on that ferioirs day, you declared you difcovered in the conduct of govern- ment, after an attentive confideration, the moft fmcere and ardent defire to preferve a ftricl and honorable neutrality, and to culti- vate, in an efpecial manner, peace and har- mony with the French nation, the world will entertain no doubt of your fincerity. Although, with you, I deprecate^ war, yet I cannot but think that there are many other mifchiefs ftiil greater a depravation of general principle ; fubmifiion to a reftlefs, infidious, perfidious foreign' influence; na- tional difhonor and difgrace, are calamities more deplorable. JOHN ADAMS. . From ADDRESSES. 115 From th e I N H A B i T AN TS O/LUZERNE Coun- ty, to -the PR E si DINT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, VV HILE we have 'the utmoft confidence in the widom, integrity and abilities of thofe who are conftituti-onally entrufted with the management of our national concerns, we conceived would be improper to exprefs an opinion relative to the meafures neceCTa- ry to be taken at this important cri(is in our .public affairs : but viewing with indigna- tion, the unprovoked, wanton and cruel at- tack made upon our national rights, by the arbitrary rulers of ^Frartcey 'we fhould deem ourfelves unworthy the bleffings we enjoy under our free and happy government, fhould we remain filent. The repeated infults offered our govern- ment, and the continued depredations com- mitted on American property, by the Frenqh nationthe mean and degrading terms they .hold'outjas the only bafis on which they will negociate and above all, their bafe in- finuations that the people of America are fo abandoned that they will tamely fubmit to, 2nd even juftify iuch outrages .on their property, and fuch indignities to their g-Qv- crnrnent ;. are . fufficient to excite theab: or- rence and awaken the energy of every true American. ' _, 218 P A T R I T I this addrefs from Weftmoreland county, which has been prefented to me by Mr. Sitgreaves. It is. not furprifing that the people of America, at firft, viewed the caufe of France with favorable regards ; a coniiderable por- tion of Europe felt the fame emotions, and awful indeed have been the calamities brought on feveral nations by the deception. Let us learn wifdom by their misfortunes ! Our fyftem of neutrality was di8ated by prudence, juftice and humanity; .it has been continued until we were forced out of it by iuch treatment as never was before offered by one nation to another, and patiently borne. The intoxication produced by conqueft, was never more extravagant. It has open- ed the eyes of the difTenters, the republicans, and even the oppofition in England.' : It is a high fatisfaclion to obferve, that all the perfidious machinations to fow divifions among the people of this country, and to induce a diftruil of their own adminiflra- tion ; have contributed to cernent the union, and A D D R E S S E S. 221 and call forth the expreilion of an independ- ent and manly fpirit. The obliging manner in which you are plea-fed to take notice of my fervices, de- mands my thanks ; and I return your kind wifhes for my individual welfare, with great fincerity. JOHN ADAMS'. " To the PRESIDENT of the UNITE'D STATES. SIR, - ./xT a time when the minds of men are fo intoxica.ted.with ideas of reform, and vifion- ary fch ernes, for meliorating the condition of humanity j as to be fatally inattentive to their own iecurity, and regardleis of confidera- tions jwhic-h have hitherto been deemed the molt facred and obligatory ; there may be a propriety in .the declaration of fentiments, which, in more fettled times, might at lealt be thought fuperfluous,. From the gener- ality alfo of the practice of expreffing ap- probation of the meafures of government, at the prefent crifis, motives might be at- tached to the o.milfion.of it, lefs honorable than a difinclination to intrude upon the managers of the public concerns, or a reluc- tance to fuppofe that, in the refifiance of outrage and maintenance of national inde- pendence, they would not receive the fup- T 2 port 222 PATRIOTIC port of the virtuous and unprejudiced part, of the community. Under thefe impreffions, \ve, the fubfcri- bers, inhabitants of the borough of Harrif- burgh, beg leave to declare, that we are too highly fenfible of the profperity we enjoy r to be willing to relinquifh it without an ef- fort for its prefervation ; and that, in our \viflies for the happinefs of others, we have not loft fight of our country and ourfelves., That, in our opinion, the conduct and defigns of the French republic (fcarcely aggravated or made more apparent by the profligacy of their avowal) are fuch as to* produce alarm and indignation in every breaft which feels for the hanor and happi- nefs of America, and to excite the ap-pre- henlions of every man, of whatever nation or country, who may place a fenfe of juftice, morality, and piety, among the ornaments of his nature and the bleffings of fociety*-- That,. under this perfuafion, we hold it wife to be prepared for every event, and fliali therefore mod cheerfully acquiefce in fuch meafures of defence 9 as may be adopted by you, Sir, and the other branches of the adniiniftration, at Che prefent momentous period. And as your paft conduct has in- variably commanded the refpeft and appro^ bation of every ingenuous mind, fo we have the moft perfecl reliance that, in future, it \yili continue to be influenced by the pureft. motives A D D R E S S E S. 2*3; motives and cleared perceptions of the pub- lic good. We beg you to accept our cordial wifhes for your perfonal welfare and happinefs. To the INHABITANTS of tke B-OYOU^k of H ARRIS 'B YOUR addrefs bas been prefented to me by Mr. Hartley, Mr. Sitgreaves, and Mr. Hanna, three of your reprefentative^ in Congrefs* I kno^ not which to admire moft, the concifenefs, the energy, the elegance, or profound wifdom of this excellent addrefs. Ideas of reformation, and fchemes for me- liorating the condition of humanity, fiiould not be difcouraged, when propofed with rea- fon arid purfued with rnoderajfcion ; but the rage for innovation, which deftroys every thing becaufe it Ls ellablifhed, and introdu- ces abfufdities, the moft monftrous, merely becaufe they are new ; was never carried to fuch a pitch of madtiefs in any age of the world, as in this latter end of the boafted eighteenth century, and never produced ef- fecls fo horrible upon fuffering humanity. Among all the appearances, portentous ef evil, there is none more incomprehenfible - than. 224 PATRIOTIC f than the profeflions of republican! fm among thof'e who place not a fenfe of juftice, mo-- rality, or piety, among the ornaments of their nature and the bleflings of foeiety-. As nothing is more certain and demonftra- ble than that free rep ublicanifm cannot exiffc without thefe ornaments .and bleflings, the tendency of the times is rapid towards a reftoration of the.petty military defpotifms of the feudal anarchy, and by their means a return to the favage (late of barbarous life. How can the prefs prevent this, when all the prefTes of a nation, and indeed of many nations at once, are fubjecl to an imprima- tur, by a veto upon pain of conflagration, banifhment, or confifcation ? That America may have the glory of an- refting this torrent of error, vice and impof- ture, is my fervent wifh ; and if fentiments-, as great as thofe from Harrifburgh, fhouid be found univerlaily to prevail, as I doubt not they will, my hopes will be as fanguine as my wilh.es, JOHN ADAMSv From- . A D D filence, though not with indifference, thofb political occurrences which affecl the hap- pinefs and profperity of bur country. The -prefent eventful crifrs, however, impofes on us a new duty, and we comply with its ob- ligation wkh cheerfulrieCs in expreffing to you, the firft officer of our government, thofe fentiments with which we are at prei- ent aftuated. We afTure you, therefore, that we have cordially approved of the firm, yet temper- ate fyftem adopted by the Executive in its intercourfe with the government of 'the French republic. With anxious folicitude we have awaited the event of thefe overtures dictated by a fpirit of dignified forbearance, and condu&ed with the firmnefs of con- fcious integrity, which have been made with a view to an amicable adjuftment of the differences between the two countries. But, Sir, though we defired an adjuftment upon terms compatible with the honor and dignity of the United States, upon thofe terms only, we defired it, and we havq.feeiv with 426 PATRIOTIC with inexpreffible indignation, the infamous attempts which have been made upon the integrity of our government, by threatening the peace and happangfs of our country, unlefs preferved at the price of national de- gradation. With the virtuous fpirit* therefore, of republicans, we. join, we truft,,jthe general voice, in rejecting with di-fda-in the ignomiu- ious alternative ; refolved to preferve invi- olate, at -the -facrifice, if neceffkryj of prop- .erty and life, the honor and independence tiff oiw. country,, and to leave them unfulliedj a facred depofit with our :pofterity. While a review of the meafures of your adminiftration impreffes us with a fenfe of your wiidom and firmnefs, it infpires us -with a confidence that you will notfurrender any of the rights of the nation, and that its in- terefl and happinefs will dill continue the objecl of your meritorious exenions. To the PEOPLE of POTT'S TOWN and its vi> cin ity, in the County of M o N T G o M E, R Y . GENTLEMEN, WE live in times, when it is almoft im- poflible to obferve with indifference, or in filence, thofe political occurrences, which affecl the happinefs. and profperity of our country^. The ADDRESSES. $27 The cordial approbation and refpeft you avow of the firm ,and temperate fyftem, adopted by the executive authority of goy- vernment, in its intercourfe with the gov- ernment of' the French republic. j.s very fetisfaclory : You de fired an adjiiflment upon tqrms compatible with the honor and dignity of the United States, and upon thefe terms only : You have feen, with inexpref- fible indignation, the .infamous attempts \\hich have been made, upon the integrity of our government, by threatening the peace and happinefs of your country, unlefs pre- -Jerved at the pri.ce of. national degradation : You relblve to preferve inviolate, at the Sacrifice of, life and property, the honor and independence of your country, and to leave them unfullied, a facred depofit -with pof- terity : and in declaring thefe fentiments tQ -the world, you have deierved well of your .country. Your confidence that I will not furrender the rights 'of the nation, fhal! not be betray- ed : If -the nation were capable ; of fuch a Surrender, which it is not, ,-fome other hand muft affix the fignature to the ignominious : dced. JOHN ADAMS, cw ,:>v":fi:-:o^ P A T R I O T I C To the PRESIDEN T of the UN ITF.D STATES. SIR, VvE the fubfcribers being a joint com- mittee on the part of refpe&able meetings of the inhabitants of the towns of Sunbury and Northumberland, and the vicinities thereof, holden for the purpofe of expreffing their fentiments of the meafures purfued by our government, with refpecl. to France, and to declare to you their unanimous de- termination to fupport all the conflituted authorities of the United States ; beg leave to obferve, that although among the laft to addrefs you at this important era of our na- tional independence, yet not the lead af- fe&ionate. Uninfluenced and almoft unac- quainted with the common forms u fed .on occafions of this kind, \ve mail fpeak the language of our'heartvS, in the flyleaf a free people to their firlt ma gift rate, and affure you, that it is with admiration and pleafure we have beheld your conduct fince called /to the important office you now fill, evide'n- cing. the ilrongeil attachment to the intereft of your fellow-citizens, by refilling with a iirmnefs and dignity becoming the father of freemen, the intrigues of an artful and per- fidious nation, tending as we conceive, not only to in vol veils in war, but to the dellruc- tion of that government whofe falutary reg- ulations we experience as daily bleflings. ADDRESSES. ^ We cannot but lament as men, and as citizens, that a nation, once the friend and ally of America, once her fupporter in the hour of danger, fh'puld be fo changed and fallen ; at a time when (he declared to the -world that her objecl was to eftablifh a free government, fhe had our warmed wifhes for fuccefs ; but we view her now as a na^ lion whofe predominant paffion is power, trampling on all thofe principles which af- fimilate man to his Maker, boldly attempt- ing to colonize the world and render every part of it fubfervient to her views ! We fee her in faft as a Mount ^Etna, cafting from her, principles which have a tendency to confume religion, virtue and liberty. Her treatment to this country, we conceive is unparalleled in the hiilory of civilized na- tions ; /lie has wantonly committed depre- dations on, our. commerce, and almoft de- ftroyed our trade,without caufe,and without provocation ; her complaints of the treaty, nsade between Great Britain and this coun- 'try, we conficjer as the wicked pretence for .plunder and piracy. , - .^ . . When we reflect on the wifdom, inildnefs, and prudence which have marked every ftep taken by you, as the head of our govern- ment, to effecl; an amicable adjuflraent of all differences, and to obtain a re com pen fc for the injuries our fellow-citizens have fuf- tained, our hearts glow with love and alfec- U tiott 130 PATRIOTIC tion for you, while they burn with i&dig-ra- tion 'at the treatment received from the French government : It is with pleafure that .we allure you that the publication of your mftructions to our envoys, and their difpatches, have been attended with the hap- pielt effects;, all the refp'eSabie yeomanry of our country are, now united in the {up- port of our government aiid its meafures. -We teiider our fervkes and purfes to our government, to fupport ;t in any fyftem of defence it may think proper to adopt. We are attached to peace, but it is the peace of freemen,] and we fh udder at the idea of fa- crifking our independence for the permif- fion of any, nation on earth, to remain in .quietude on our farms. Our fincereft wifhes for your health, and "happinefs, attend you ; and we pray the great Difpofer of human events to continue to bleis and endow you with wifdom and forti- tude to govern us, in this hour of difficulty. To the INHABITANTS of the Towns cf S u N.- BURY and NOKTHUMBERLAND,(3W^ 't/ldr vicimty. GENTLEMEN, I HAVE received from the hand of Colonel Hubley, your addrefs, by your committee. Wheii A D D R E SS S. When you obferve, that, although the laft to addrefs me, at this important crt- fis, you are not the leaft affectionate ; when you affure me it is with pleafure you have beheld my condu&, fince called to the im- ,runt office I .now hold, evidencing ibe ftrongeft attachment to the intereft of my fellow-citizens, becoming the father of free- d< >ifu re me, that your hearts glow with love and affection for me, while they burn lignation at the treatment rccci\ a the French government. j touch the tender fenfibiiities of u>y heart, and excite my warmeft gratitude* I wifh it were in my power to foften the colours of your pi8ure of thofe who injure and inluk us. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. si ^'y; ^^ff^f^f ON the birth-day of the United States, and at an era the molt interefting that has occurred fince their existence as a nation, the Pennfylvania State Society of the Cin- cinnati defire moft refpe&fully to congratu- late and addrefs you. . ^ As a portion of that band, whofe bed ef- forts were employed to eftaWifh the fover- eignty PAT R I O T I C 4eignty and independence of our country, we come, in the moment of impending hof- tility, to offer the remnant of our lives to defend them. The rights and privileges of America were not purchafed with the beft blood of her citizens, to be inglorioufly furrcndcred on the requifition of a -foreign power. No, Sir, the fpirit which procured, fur- vives to proteft them And we rejoice to behold that fpirit pre-eminently difplayed in the firm, virtuous and dignified conduct of the federal chief magiftrate. Our citi- zens of all ages are emulous of this illuftrious example ; the exertions of our youth declare that they have not degenerated, and afford an unqueftionable affur'ance that their -noble inheritance will be preferved unimpaired^ and tranfmitted inviolate to .pofterity. The government of France, abandoning every principle on which their revolution was predicated, has exhibited a fpirit of def- potifm unexampled in thehiflory of nations. After perpetrating the moft unprovoked and unjuflifiable wrongs againft the people of the United States, their rulers have re- jecled the reiterated advances 'of our gov- ernment towards an explanation of differ- ences ; they have fpurned our meflengers of peace, and they have fuperadded infult ta injury 3 in the exadion of an ignominious tribute A D D R E S S E S. 233 tribute, which they hoped to extort by bafe intrigue, or. to enforce by imperious menace. As Americans, and as men, having a com- mon intereft in the welfare of the world, we rejoice that thefe outrages againft its happi- nefs have been refitted., To theprudenoe r moderation and liberal- ity of thofe meafures of your adminirlration, Sir, which we are convinced were fincerely directed to the attainment of .an honorable peace, we render the approbation of citizens who juftly appreciate that deferable pofition. To your vigilance and virtue, which have detecled and repel.led. the attempts of ava- rice and ambition, on the part of the French government, againft the United States, we offer the tribute of an higher applaufe. We defire to exprefs the efteem and gratitude of citizens, who hold every confideration as fecondary to the fovereignty and independ- ence of our country for the maintenance of which, and in fupport of every meafure of our government that may be deemed ne- ceifary to protect the perfons, privileges and property of our citizens, we do hereby pledge to you the folemn affurance of our utmoft exertions. Us To 234 PATRIOTIC To the PENNSYLVANIA STATE SOCIETY of the CINCINNATI. GENTLEMEN, THIS refpeclful add reft, from gentle- men of your long experience, high' rank, and authority in fociety, and eminent fervices to the Cation, does me great honor. 1 On ihe return of this aufpicious anniver- fary at an era the moft intereftlrig, I beg leave to reciprocate your kind congratula- tions the fundamental and immutable prin- ciples of your fociety, requiring an inceffant attention to -preferve inviolate tho-fe rights and liberties of human -nature, for which you have fought and bled, and an unaltera- ble determination to promote and cherifh between the refpeftive States that union and national honor ib effentially neceffary to their happinefs, and the dignity of the Ame- rican republic, were never more indifpenfa- ble in all clafles of citizens, or becoming your characters, than at this time as a por- tion of that band, whole efforts were employ- ed to eftablifli the fove-reignty of the United States, you, who have enjoyed the work of your Own arms, and the fruits of a righteous and glorious war, muft have viewed with inexpreffible pleafure, the increafing prof- perity and greatnefs of your country. You inuft now fee, your tranquillity disturbed, and your independence threatened, with in- dignation A D D R E S S S. 235: dignation and contempt the fpirit which firft afferted the fovereignty of this country, iurvives to maintain it, and your acknowl- edgment of fome remaining portion of that fpirit in the federal chief magiftrate, is very honorable to him. As it is but too manifeft that unlawful depredations on our commerce will i>e con- tinued, as long as it fliall remain unprotect- ed, fo it is equally clear that all ,hopes of accommodation are at an end, until iyou and your aflbciates throughout the Union, at the h,ead of the rifing generation, \vho are wor- thy to fucceed you, thall have drawn yowir fwords,. once more in the caufe of your country, and defended its jufl rights and ibvereignty by yd that your latter days may be crowned with laurelsj'as unfading as. the former. JOHN ADAMS.. ' To ike. PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, 1 HE fludents of Dickinfon College, af- iembled again after the ufual vacation, em- brace the earlieft opportunity of making a public and explicit declaration of their i'en- timcnts 236 P A T R I O T I e timents and refolutions at this important crifis. Believing that unanimity is of infinite im- portance to the citizens of thefe States, and that the mod unequivocal proofs. of fuch unanimity mould be now given by the citi- zens 'at large ; we, the pupils of a Tem-inary, in which we are taught highly to prize our own government and all the bleffings of lib- erty and law, feel it our indifpenfable duty to call in cvur mite into the trea fury of pub- lic fentiments.. It cannot be fdppofed that youths of our ftanding can be deeply Verfed in political difquifitions ; yet we know what liberty means ; we can in fome meafure eftimate the importance of national dignity *a.nd inde- pendence ; and we cannot be ignorant of fafts which are known to all the world. We are'fenfiblcthat we live under one of the mo ft free and happy governments that has' ever exifted- ; and we alfo know, that we are indebted, under the fmiles of Heav- en, to the virtue and patriotifm of our fath- ers, for the bleffings ,we enjoy. We truft that we inherit their fpirit, and fhall always imitate their noble example. Confiding in the wifdom and integrity of our rulers, and trufting that their aim has ever been to preferve this country from any participation in the convulfions of Europe, we ADDRESSES. jV-e joi-n with our fellow-citizens in approv- ing and applauding the meafures that have been purfued to maintain a (late of neutrali- ty and peace. But what do we hear, proclaimed by the higheft authority ?' That a nation, whom we were taught from our earlieft years to call our friends, intoxicated with their vic- tories, and apparently grafping at univerfal empire, fays, ' We fhall no longer be a neu- tral power ; that we rnuft retraci our com- plaints of their hoftile meafures and become in fat their tributaries, before they will ad- mit our envoys to an audience.' Such lan- guage and demands cannot fail to roufe the indignant fpirit of Americans, and create an indilfoluble union of all^ both old and young, in the common caufe. The yield- ing of a fingle point, in obedience to unjuft "and imperious requifitions, wouM, in our opinion, be to furrender our independence : for a tame fubrnifiion to one intuit would only invite a repetition ; till we fliould at length become a moft degraded people, ari-d our name, as a nation, be blotted from the records of time. While fuch terms of peace and reconcil- iation are urged by the mini'lei of France, the organ of the Dire&'oYy, as appear to our .government to be inadmiilible, and the dep- redations on our commerce flill continue and 2g PATRIOTIC and r iHcreafe, we conceive that to neglect the means of felf-defence, would be higfhty criminal/and evidence a moil abjeft.fpirit. If there be any among us who wou'd dill plead the caufe of France, and attempt to paralyfe the efforts of our government, they ought to be elteemed our greateil enemies. For our part, we rejecl with abhorrence every idea of fubmiffion to the wil-1 of a for- eign power, and fhall cheerfully leave the pleafing walks of fcience, when the voice of our country calls, to repel every attack up- on our rights, liberty and independence. To"you, Sir, we look up with confidence, as the patron of fcience, liberty and religion ; rejoicing to find that in every thing which flows from your pen, you confider ihefe as .the" choiceft' "bleflings of humanity, which have . an ihfeparable union, and without whofe joint influence no fociety can be great, fiourifh'irig and happy. While we ardently pray that the Ameri- can 1 republic may always rifefuperior to her enemies, and tranfmit the pure principles of liberty to the lateft ages, we join at the fame time, with the millions of America, in be- feeching Heaven to beflow its choicer! blefT- ings on our beloved Prefident. To ADDRESSES. 239, To ^STUDENTS C/DICKINSON COLLEGE/ GENTLEMEN, 'I HAVE received from the hand of one of your fenators in Congrefs, Mr. Bing- ham, your public and explicit declaration of your fentirnents and refolutions, at this important crifis, in ah excellent addrefs. ' .Although it ought not to be Tuppofed, that young gentlemen of your {landing jhould be deeply verfed in. political difqui- fitions, becaufe your time has been occupied in the purfuit of the elements of fcience and literature in general, yet the feelings of" na- ture are a fure guide in circumftances like tne prefent. 1 need not, however, make this' apology, for you ; few addreiTe's,if any, have appeared, more cprred in principle, better arranged and digefted, more decent and- moderate, better reafoned and fupport- ed. or more full, explicit and determined. Since the date of your addrefs, a frefh in- flance of the prefent fpirit of a nation, or its' government, whom you have beeri taugh't to call your friends, has 'beeri made public : .two of your envoys have been ordered out of the republic- -Why ? anfwer this for yourfelves n>y young friends. A third has been permitted or compelled -to- remain : 'Why ? to treat of loans, as preliminary to an audience, as the French government un- it to wait for further orders, as your PATRIOTIC your envoy conceives. Has any fovereign of Europe ever dictated to your country the per (bn fhe fhould fend as ambafTador ? Did the monarchy of France, or any other country, ever a flu me fuch a dictatorial pow- er over the fovereignty of your country ? Is the republic of the United States of Ame- rica, a fief of the republic of France ? It is a queftion. whether even an equitable trea- ty, under fuch circumftances of indecency, infolence and tyranny, ought ever to be ratified by an independent nation there is however, no probability of any treaty, to bring this quefiion to a decifion. If there are any who flill plead the caufc of France, and attempt to paralyfe the ef- forts of your government, I agree with you, they ought to be efteemed our greateft ene- mies. I hope that none oF you, but fuch as feel a natural genius and, difpofition to martial exercife and exertions, will ever be .called from the p leafing walks of fcience, to repel any attack upon your rights, liberties and independence. : When you look up to me, with confidence, as the patron of Tcience.-liberty and religion, you melt my heart. Thefeare the choiceil .bie flings of humanity -they have an infepa- rabie union ; without their joint influence, no ibciety can be great, RouriuYing or happy. While ADDRESSES. 241 While 1 ardently pray that the American republic may always rife fuperior to her en- emies, and tranfmit the pureft principles a liberty to the lateft ages, I befeech Heaven to beftow its choiceft bleffings on the gov- ernors and (Indents of your college, and all other feminaries of learning in America. JOHN ADAMS. DELAWARE, *.<> 0~"> To the PRESIDENT of the U N i T E D S T A T E s * SIR, A. .NUMBER of the Officers, of the Mili- tia of Newcaitle county, in the State of Dei- aware, impreffed with the importance of the prefent crifis of public affairs, to the happi- nefs and independence of the United States ; and. conceiving that the unjufl and imperi- ous conduct of the republic of France tow-. ard America, has been di6lated in a greai ".njeafure by the unfounded mifreprelenta- lions of her own agents, and fome mifguided and deluded citizens of this country, that the people and the government were divided #nd oppofed to each other; we feel our- rfelves con [trained by every confideration of duty tp' the conftituted authorities, to our- ielves, and to our country, to repel the in- W finuatiou 34* PATRIOTIC finuation which thus attempts to difho.nor the American character. Appreciating with due eflimation, the ad- vantages of neutrality and -.the bleffings of peace, we -have beheld with pleafure and entire falisfa8ion yaur earheM' and repeated endeavors, and thofe of your predcceffbr, .to preferve this defirable pofition ; and we have feen with equal regret, that the anxious advances of our government to a reftoration of harmony; with, the French .republic, have been received with contemptuous difregard on their part ; and at the moment when ne- -gociatio.n ought to have produced redrefs, aggreffion has been increafed, and further depredations authorized, under the vain hope of -inducing a compliance with -the wretched demands of avarice and corrup- tion. Little does France underhand the Ame- rican character in fuppofing we are to be frightened into -mean compliances, by hold- ing up to our view her dependent allies, a degraded Genoa, or a difmembered Venice. The picture raifes juft indignation in the minds of freemen, and will ftimulate their exertions to avoid a fimilar fate. With pain do we difcover in the infancy .of the French government, pretending to be a free republic, and founded upon the rights of man, the evidence of an adive cor- ruption ADDRESSES. yuption that would degrade the moft profli- gate tyranny Fortunate for America ! the ocean feparates her from this feat of conta- gion, whofe influence is deftruclive of all- morals and long may fhe enjoy under your prudent and wife adminiftration, that happi-niefs and profperity which is the reward - f of public -virtue' and' integrity. Be afFured, Sir, of our grateful approba- tion of the conduct heretofore purfued by 'you, to preferve peace and friendmip with foreign powers ; and our confidence in the 'Avifdom and patriot! fm of every branch of The government ; and we' pledge ourfelv'es as citizens a'rrdr foldiers, firmly to fiipport thofe meafures which may hereafter be -thought neceflFary to fecure the conftitution, freedom and independence of the United States. < ^> < J> :T0 the OFFICERS of the M i L i T i A of N E w- CASTLE County. }r;fr;.YQaR a'ddrefs, which has been pre- feilted to mej in your behalf, 'by ^our fena- tors and reprefentatives in Congrefs, expreff- es fentiments and refolutions, well becoming the characters of Officers of the Militia, the -object of whofe infthution is, the mainten- ance. and feairity of the cohflitution, free- dom and, independence of their country. The *44 PATRIOTIC The unjuft and imperious concluci of a majority of the French Directory .toward America, may have been .dictated. 'by mif- reprefentations of their own agents, and of deluded Americans; but there is too much reafon to believe that an unbounded ambi- tion for univerfal empire, and an infatiable avarice of money, united with the delirium of victory, and a fanguine confidence that they are, at lead for a time, the matters of the world, Have dictated their infufferable arrogance, trampling alike on their own confiitution, and the rights- of their people ; on the law of nations.and the faith of treaties. It is indeed an awful consideration, that at a time when a great part of Europe ap- pears difpofed to adopt republican govern- ments, a corruption mould appear, which never was exhibited before, by the moil ah- folute monarchies, or completed defpotifms. It fhould feem that fraud and force, were to be the only meafure of right and wrong : This fyftem muft foon be changed, or fcience, arts, virtue, liberty and peace, muft be banifhed, and a favage barbarity fubfti- tuted in their places. America is of too much importance to the world, for the purpofes of wealth and pow- er, to leave her the fmalleft hope of efca- ping, without her own determined exertions, the contagion of the general diftemper. Your A D D K E S S E S. 245 Your approbation and kind wifhes are received with gratitude^ and returned with fincerhy. JQHN ADAMS> ~ ^-<==fi>-<.V. To the 'PRESIDENT of ^UNITED STATES. SIR, WlTH a folicitude equal to the import- ant and interefting crifis which at this' time agitates the public mind, added to a mod fincere defire to convince the world, that no domeftic divifions, or foreign machinations, aimed at the independence of our country, or intended to commit its honor, can ever fucceed ; we, the inhabitants of Kent coun- ty, in the State "of Delaware, convened at Dover, beg leave to convey to you our moft fincere and entire approbation of the wife, firm and conciliatory meafures you have purfued to fecure the bleffings of peace, and to preferve urifullied and undiminifhed the fafety, honor and independence of the Uni- ted States. As the conflitutional organ of the United States, to fettle and adjuft differences with foreign nations, we feel no hcfitatibn in de- claring what we firmly, believe, that you have clone every thing to reftore harmony, and continue the tranquillity of our coun- try, that wifdom, policy and p^triotifm could poffibly eflTea. W 2 Under PATRIOTIC Under this view of your adminiflradon, much as we deprecate the calamities of war, yet when national difgrace and a tame fub- miflion to the moftimmeafurable infults and aggreffions on the part of the French repub- lic, become the. only alternative, w>e can fafely offer you 'our moft unqualified affur- ances, that as Americans who underftand the blcflings of liberty and a good govern- ment, we (hail never hefitate a moment in. our choice. To avert thefe evils, we are forry to find that the mofl falutary meafures which wifdom and fincerity could prefcribe, have not only been fruftrated and difregard- ed, but infultingly repelled and defeated by the bafeft attempts to extort from our coun- try, even without a profped of retribution immenfe fums of money. In every event. Sir, convinced of your wifdom, energy and patriotifm, we not only engage our utmolt fupport in the meafures 'which government may ultimately adopt ; but in cafe of an unavoidable appeal to arms, we pledge ourfelves to ftand in conftant readinefs, firmly to oppofe, at all hazards, every enemy, whom either a miflaken poli- cy, luft of dominion, or love of plunder, may induce to violate our rights, or in any .manner to invade the peace, liberty or in- dependence of our country. That the Ruler of the univerfe may guide and protect the councils and government of the ADORES. SE S. 247 the United States, and long prefefve your valuable life, is the fincere prayer of our hearts. To the CITIZENS of KENT CciCnty. GENTLEMEN, YOUR refolutlons and addrefs unani- moufly adopted at Dover, have been pre- fented to me by- one of your fenators in Congrefs, Mr. Latimer, and by yourrepre- fentative,, Mr. Bayard. I thank you for your fincere and entire approbation of the meafures purfued to fe- cure th,e bleffings of peace, and to prcferve unfuljiedand undiminifhed the fafety, honor and independence of the United States. 01 Americans who know that the bleffings of liberty, and a good government can nev- er be enjoyed under national difgrace, and a tame fubm-iflion to the moft immeafurabk infults and aggrefTions, can never hefitate a moment in their choice of meafures. When you engage your utmoft fupport, to the meafures which government may ul- timately adopt, againft the miflaken policy, luft of dominion, or love of plunder, which may violate our rights, or invade the peace, liberty and independence of our countrv, you give every affu ranee which the govern- ment can defire. That PATRIOT I'C That fupreme wifdom may guide, and Divine power protect the councils- and arms' of the United States, and long prefer v-e and profper the citizens of K : ent, is the prayer of J.OHN, ADAMS. To JOHN AQAMS, PRESIDENT of the U N I T E D - S T A T E S OJ, A M E R I C A . SIR, CONVINCED of yourfolicitude for the honor, independence and happinefs 1 of the United States, and of the juftice of your' adminiftration toward foreign nations, the' Grand Jury of the county of SurTex, in the State of Delaware, at this important crifis d-eem it a duty, to : allure you of their perfect confidence in the wifdom and moderation of your councils, and of their entire appro- bation of the honeft zeal you have difpiay- e.d, to accommodate the differences between this country and the republic of France. A.nd they doubt not that the, fame patriotic principles which haveacluated you to perfe- vere in your endeavors to preferve an hon- orable peace to your country. , will, when the oecafion fliall require^ animate you to de- fe.nd with firmn-cfs and vigor thofe rights, of which, the constitution and laws have made you the guardian. They ADDRESSES. 249 They pray God that thefe States may be ftill favored with his greateft bleffing ; but mould all your attempt-s prove ineffectual, they truft they will not be wanting in yield- ing every poffible fupport to their country in the hour of danger. However they may heretofore have dif- fered in mere fpeculative opinions-* yet, Sir, they are .unanimous in declaring their fixed determination to fupport an achninid ration which has given entire fatisfaclion, and which they verily believe poileffes the ef- te,em and .refpeft of the great body of the people, ''''T'k'"-";,'"''"*!^ H\ 'f'i'' ' To the G R A N D J u R Y of the County ofS u s-s E ?f. GENTLEMEN, YOUR handfome addrefs, which has been prefented to 1 me, demonft rates your at- tachment to your country, and is a fenfible gratification to me. If, as you believe, my adminifiration has .given entire fatisfaction, one of the moll ar- dent wifhes of my heart will be fatisficd, and .as your obliging affurance of it is the high- efi reward in your power to beftow upon me, it receives my entire thanks. JOHN ADAMS. i . i MARY- 250 PATRIOTIC M A R Y L A N D. The ADDRESS and M E MORTAL of- the' C i T- I Z ENS 0/ B A L T I'M O R 3 <7W J B A L f I M O R E County, to the. PR.ESI'DEN r. the SENATE, ffttd -t'/l H'Qllfc fl/RfiPRESENTAT IV i S O/ the UNITED STATES, RESPECTFULLY SHEWETH, 1 HAT your memorial ifls at this import- ant and eventful crifis, when a foreign na- tion equally reg'ardlels of the faith of trea- ties and the law of nations, has menaced with deftru&Ton the freedom and independ- ence of the United States, and reprefented the citizens thereof to be a divided people, feel themfelves impelled by confederations of duty and love to their country^ to exprefs their fentiments and declare their determi- nation to fupport the eonftituted authorities. Your memorialifts highly applaud the wife and liberal meafures purfued by the govern- ment of the United States, for the adjuft- ment of all difTernces 5 : and reft oration? 'of harmony between this country :) a ! nd the French republic ; meafures, ; which, in their opinion, had for their object the preferva- tion of peace, the faith of treaties, and the welfare of the United States. It is with re- .gret we learn^ that thefe advances to peace have A D D fails not to excite a fpi'rift of indignation ; 'and although warrnly*attached to peace and: its xortlequent bleffings, we cannot, for a moment hefitate in making our election between freedom and fervile fub- miflipn to a foreign power. Having the fulled confidence m'the ,'wif- dom of our government, we fubmit to their confideration the hece'llity of placing our country in a ftate of defence, and protecting bur commerce ; and truil that in. -the adop- tion of fuch meafures as :found policy may . dictate, the corifideratioh of rejcpenfe. and -temporaiy inconvenience, re ful ting: from the interruption of peace, will not be cx>n- iidered of fuch .magnitude, as to be placed in competition with the fovereignty and freedom of the United States, whole exift- ence is fo .. unjuftly threatened. To the C i T i z E N s ^/BALTIMORE and B A L- TIMOR E Coidlty.- GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for communicating to me this refpedful addrefs. The fenfe you entertain of the conduct of a foreign nation, in threatening with de- lUuclion, P A T RIO T 1 C Uru&ion, the freedom and independence of the United States, and reprefenting the citi- zens of America as a divided people, is fuch as patriot! fm, naturally and neceflarily in- fpires The fate of every republic in Eu- rope however, from Poland to Geneva, has given too much caufe for fuch thoughts and projects in our enemies, and fuch appreheri- lions in our friends and ourfelVes. Republics are always divided in opinions concerning forms of governments, and plans and details of adminiftration thefe divi- iions are generally harmlefs, often falutary .and feldom very hurtful, except when for- eign nations interfere, and by their arts and -agents excite and .ferment them into parties and factions : fuch interference and influ- ence muft be refilled and exterminated, or it will end 'in America, as it did anciently an Greece, and in our own time in Europe, in our total deftru6lion, as a republican gov- ernment, and independent power. The liberal applaufe you beftaw on the rrjeafures purfued by the government, for the adjuftment of differences, and reftora- tion of harmony, your refolutions of refift- ance in preference to fubmiflion to any foreign power ; your confidence in the gov- ernment, your recommendation of meafurcs -of defence of the country and protection of its commerce, and your generous refolu- tioa A D D E S S & 253 tion to fubmit to the expenfes and temporary inconveniencies which may be neceftary to preferve the fovereignty and freedom of the United States, are received with much re- JOHN ADAMS. from, the GRAND LODGE of TREE MA- soiws^o J/w Excellency JOHN ADAMS, ! .PRESIDENT o/ Me UNIT.E.D- STATES. SIR, ALTHOUGH it is a maxim of the Ma- flbnic fraternity, and \vhich is moft religioul- ;jy adhered to, never to interfere in political lubjecls - ? yet if .thqre ever was a feafoo \vhich could juftify a deviation from this maxim, the prefent is that feafon ; and we ihould deem ourfelves culpable, at this mo- ment, when the dangers of war threaten our country ; at this mt)ment,when the virulent and mercenary voice of party is employee!' to reprefent our inftitution as inimical to the fecurity, not only of regular -govern-. ment, but even of Divine religion ; did we not ftep forward publickly and explicitly to declare our fentirhents of public meafures, and our determination to iupport with our lives thofe fentiments in the iflue. u In the State, a Mafpn is to behave as a peaceable and dutiful fubjeB. 1 ' : This, Sir, X ( is P A T R.I O T I' C is our great and only political principle"; and among the fir ft leifons wl nil-are taught on our entrance i.mo;a Mu{a'trk3ifm. fidelity and honor. Strongly inclined,' f four the- tenets of our fraternal ih'ftii.ution, to peace and good utv- derftanding with all the "World, we depreca- ted war Co long a;s: we had any hope of its being poffiblle to av'OJd it, confifbemly--wilh~ the reipeft due to our 'own national charac- ter.! We havb feen, we 'admire and app'aud t li e ! ho rrorab 1 e and d i g 1 1 i ft e d m ea n g\ w h i ch yon h'itvc uirceafrngly, though unfuccefsftilly pursued, to render this hope productive ; "but we now fear it; is no longer -ft> be irtdulg- :ed, a^n^ 'ane 'prepared for tire 1 w-orft that 'may leiii'uc.n^oj <' it!t>i/c>H As citizens, we love, reverence, and will, to the extent of the means we are capable of employing; fupport the conftitu'tiori which fecures the liberty of our country. To do Jo-is a duty is a virtue : and the 1 obje6t of mafonry is, to r confirm , not to deltroy, a , virtuous .'.principle to encourage- its vota- ries r iiti-trle.pra8;ice of; the focial as well as the moral duties, not to render them refrac- ItDiy to either, Mafonry,, therefore, teach- es urs to love our country . 'A nd. though we may view war as full -of horrors, yet an age of warfare does not appear fo horrid as one moment of peace, purchafed by the furren- der of independence. We only wait the fignal.-- 256 P A T RIO T I G lignal. The flandard of our nation once unfurled, our lives* with thole of our fellow citizens, {ball form a barrier to .defend it. Permit us to offer you our moil fincere congratulations on an occafion the moft in- re retting to Americans. We again behold oar WASHINGTON ! the glory of his coun- try the boaftjthe honor of our fociety and of mankind relinquifhing, in old age, the tran- quil Icene ! Summoned .by the voice of his country, we again behold the hero and the patriot willing and forward to facrifice his private eafe for her fafety ! What heart can be fo cold -what heart can fo languidly move, as, not. to beat high and ftrong at the thought of being once more commanded by that brightelt ornament of the .human character, our true, our beloved brother, GEOP G E WASH i N GTON ! The name alone will form a fure defence ! Accept, Sir, our grateful thanks for thofe patriotic exertions in fupport of the inde- pendence and the honor of our nation, which we have uniformly witneffed from you ; while we breathe to Heaven the fer- vent prayer, that the j on-mortal Architect of the univerfe, the great Difpenierof the fate of nations^may long enable you to continue them. Te 'A DC^E-S'* & 8. 25-7 To the FREE MASONS o/*Me State of M A.UV* LAND.- GENTLEMEN, ? I TH-ANK you for tliis generous and : noble addrefs. -3TO,i , i-r i T The zeal you dilplay to vindicate your fociety from the imputations and fufpicions pF, being " inimical to regular government and Divine religion,", is greatly to your honor. It has been an opinion of many _confi derate men, as long .as I can remem- b'er^ that v your fociety might, in iome time * or other, be made an indrument oi' danger diforder to^ the world. Its ancient ex- "fiflenc^^ahd univerfal* prevalence, are gpod ^^^\^ ^ms-tfit^^6rc been ap- plied to^ii^hievous'purpofes 1 ; and in tills country^r'^rel'ume that no one has \ attempt- 'ttl to employ it for purpofes foreign from irs original infiitutiori. But in an age, and ^ than I amjwhether'ill uies have been or may- be made of Mafonry. Your appeal to my own breaft, and your (Jeclaration that I (hall there find your fen- timents, Iconfideras a high compliment;- and feel a pride in perceiving and declaring, ihaft.'the /opinions, principles and feelings expre(Ted ; , ^ re; t .conform able- tQ!->rey own. X 2 With * 5 8 PATRIOT I,p With you, I fear that no hope remains, hut in preparation for the worfl that may enlue. Perfevere, gentlemen, in revering the conilitution .which fee vires your liberties ; in loving your country; in praclifirig tlie facial^ as well as the moral duties ; in prc- fehting your lives, with tho.fe of your fel- low-citizens, a barrier to defend your incje- pendence. And may the Architect all-pow- erful furround you with walls impregnable, and receive you, Finally, (your country happy, prosperous 'and glorious !) to man- fions eternal in the Heavens. With heart-felt fatisfaUon> I reciprocate your moft fincere congratulations o an oc- cafion the moft iniqrefting to Americans : no light or trivial caufe would have given you the opportunity of .beholding your "WASHINGTON again relinquifhing the tran- quil fcene, in delicious fhades. To com- plete the character of French philofophy, and French policy, at the end of the eigh- teenth century, it feemed to be neceffary to combat this patriot and hero. JOHN ADAMS. - RESOLUTIONS adopted unanimou/ly, ly the CITIZENS of C A L v E R T County. 1. THAT the Prefident of the United States is entitled to the thanks of this meet- ing* & P p R:E5S'iS S. ing, for his prudent, firm and patriotic ad- miniftration, and for his wife, candid and firicere endeavors to obtain an amicable ad- juftment of the unhappy difpute with the French republic. II. That our envoys, in the difcharge of their duty, merit our efteem and approba- tion. III. That although we fincerely depre- cate a war (with all its concomitant calami- ties) with any foreign power, yet ;we .will molt cheerfully encounter every danger, rather than fubmit to the depredations fo difhonorably committed on our commerce. IV. That we view with abhorrence the attempts made by foreigners and others, to alienate our fellow-citizens from the gov- ernment of their choice, that we are deter- mined to fiipport the conftiiuted authorities of the United States, and that we will repel any invafion on onr rights and liberties, at the rifk of every thing that is #ear and val- uable. V. That the chairman be requeued to enclofe the foregoing refolutions to the rep- refentative of this diclricfc, to be by him prefented to the Preddent and Congrefs of the United States. T $> A T R 1 O T I G To the CITIZENS of C^v^^ County. GENTLEMEN,. YOUR refolutions have been: commu- nicated to me, according to your defire, by your reprefemative in Congrefs, Mr. Dent. Your thanks ufiariimoufly voted to me, are a great reward, and your efteem and ap- probation of our envoys in the dif charge of ihcir duty, is very acceptable to me. Your* refalutions mod cheerfully to ert- counter every danger, rather than to fubmk to the depredations on our commerce, fo difhonorably committed, and the abhorrence \vith which you view the attempts made by foreigners^and others to alienate our fellow- citizens from the government of their choice, your determination to lupport,t}ie conftituted: authorities of the United States, and repel every invafibn of your rights- and liberties, at the rifk of every thing ., that is dear and valuable, are wife and virtuous. JOHN ADAMS, ... ,.,.. ^..... __v.^>... >..>..> To the PRESIDENT of -the UN ITE.D.STATES. . SIR,, x\T this eventful'period, \vhen the dignity and independence of the 'United States are involved ; at a. time when a foreign nation has ADDRESSE S, 261 has declared (among other enormous requi- fites) that money to an i mm e rife amount mult be paid a a preliminary to an audience ivitli the Directory, or their recognition o our envoys extraordinary to that nation ; and at a time when a foreign nation attempts to degrade the American character, by de- claring to the world, that they have in tbc bo Com of our country a confiderable party attached to their iinerelts, or devoted to their mandates, with a view to overawe our councils ; that the fate of Venice is held out to us as a punifh.ment in referve for our country ; that their fhips of war fhould ravage and plunder our fea-coafts, fhould their demands not be complied with This painful piclirre, fent to us by our commif- fioners, in whom- we repofe full confidence, from a government fo congenial to our own, from a nation to whom our bed wi flies ex- tended in their arduous ilruggles for inde- pendence, is a llrange and wonderful fpecla- ele of man l~ We, the fubfcribeiT,, inhabit- ants of Wafhmgton county, and State of Maryland, anxious for peace with ail the world, and being poifeifed of full informa- tion'of your condutl with refpe6t to France, kave no doubt. Sir, but that ypu, with the iOther branches of our govermtient^ will yet meet, with fincerity,, every honorable over- ture of that nation, for the final adjuftment of the xliflferences unhappily fubfifting be- xfc tweenr, 263 PATRIOTIC tween us ; fully imprefled with thofe ideas,- \ve have only to declare that your, conduct v/ith.refpect to- France, has been fdir, ample and honorable, and receives our moil hearty approbation, and having then the utmoit jconfidence in the integrity and wifdom of our national government, we are refo! ved. at the'rifk of our lives ar.d property, t.o fup- port it, as one of our own choice hard earned independence, of OUT country. To the INHABITANTS of W ASIIK; GTGM Ccunty. \ OUR addrefs has becii prefentcd tp me by your reprerentative in Congreis, Mr. Baer. When you fay that the government of France is congenial to your own, I pray you, gentlemen, to reconfider the fubjefe. The conflitution, the adminiftration, the laws, and their interpretation in France, are as efTentially different from ours, as the an- cient monarchy. I f we may believe travel- lers returned^ from that country, or their f own committees, the pomp and magnifi- cence, the profufion of expenfe, the pjxnid ufurpation, the domineering' inequality at prefent in that country, as well as the prof- titution of morals and depravation of man- aers 3 exceed ail that ev.er was. fee n under the D D R K S S E Si 6$ the old monarchy, and form the mod perfect contrail to your own in all thofe rcfpccls. I (hall moot, with fmceiity, anv honora- ble overtures of that nation, but I fhall make no more overtures. JOHN ADAMS. To th: hu SIDENT (/^UNITED STATES. SIR, Vv E, the fubfcribcr^ being a committee on the part of a rcipedablc meeting of the citi/.ens of Worcetter county, in the State of Maryland, convened at Snowhill for the pnrpofe of cxprefling their ienfc of the con- duct of our government in regard to its for- eign relations, and to declare their determi- nation at this prcfling criiis to fnpport it, di> COmYnUnicate to you as the unanimous fenfe. of the (aid meeting, that your attempts to reftorc that, harmony between the I'nited States and the French republic, which has been fo unfortunately impaired, and to re- inllate that good underHanding between the tuo nations lo dcfi table to the lovers of peace, have been \\ife and prudent, and en- title you to the hi<\hc(l evidence of their eltcem. Imprefled as they are with the wif- dom and propriety of the meafures hitherto purfticd in the adminifi ration of our ;;r\ incnt, fei.fible of our p relent alarming fitu.i- tion, PATRIOTIC tibn, and believing that our difficulties have been occafioned in a great meafure by in- ternal and foreign machinations, calculated to produce in France an unfounded opinion that the Americans are a divided people : In order to aid in removing an opinion fo injurious to our national chara&er and fo hazardous to our peace, they will never hef- itate to proclaim to the world their determi- nation, and t%y do hereby pledge themfelves to you, .to fupport any meafures which may be adopted by the government of their coun- try calculated to fupport their rights and af- iert the dignity of .the nation. Whdllt \ve thus exprefs to you the approbation and de- termination of our fellow-citizens, we can- jiot forbear to declare our abhorrence of the profligate and difgraceful conduct of the government of France, which has ;been dif- .clofed in the di fpatches from our envoys. While we lament the unfortunate neceflity of having to negotiate with characters who do not heiitate to acknowledge their own proflitution, and to declare that the jufticc of our claims will avail us nothing ; but that the only meafure of their exa&ions is the extent of their power To this conduB, thofe amiable principles of religion, morali- ty and forbearance, contained in your late .proclamation, exhibit to Americans a pleal- ing con t raft. 1 Permit A D D R E S S S. Permit us alfo to indulge a hope, that in this threatening profpeft of our affairs, har- mony and unanimity may pervade our pub- lic councils.and our citizens at large, and to exprefs our unfeigned ,wiihes fpr your health and happinefs in the trying fituation in nvhich you are placed. the COMMITTEE of a Meeting of CITI- ZEN s 'of Wo ROE s T E'R County. GENTLEMEN, I HAVE received from the hands of your, reprefentati.ve, Mr. Dennis, your letter, expreffing the fenfc of the citizens affembled atSnowhill. Your approbation. ' of the meafu'res '.of government, and determination to fupport them, are very acceptable. The di fpatches exhibit a fcene of corrup- tion, depravity and intrigue, which is dif- graceful to human .naturea ftriking con- trad to the conduft of our envoys : I arn happy to find'/bu pbfcrve in it a contraft to ,thofe amiable principles of religion, morali- ty and forbearance, contained in a late Pro- cl'amation. Every lover of his country muft join with you in the hope, that in this threat- ening profpecl; of our affairs, harmony and unanimity may pervade our councils, and pur citizens at lare. Y I return A T .R I O T I C \viih jthaiiiks, your, kind and On- feigned, wiflics for my health and happinefs iivthefe trying times. JOHN ADAMS. ...... -xfr-<.- LJ->--'3>- .'..,.. ;'',, : (i : 70 the PRESIDENT of the SIR, this -critical period, when the feelings of every heart imp retted wjth the ientiments of love and duty to its country, muft be ex- cited, we, the citizens of Dorchcfl'cr couriiy, t-dke t1^c li'hc-rty to addrcfs ton u'po'n the con duel: which, as chief magiftrate of the United States, you have purfu'ed in our dif- agreeablc differences with the French repub- lic. ;We beg you .to be /affured that -your attemplts ,to reflore harmony between^ the two nations on juft and honorable; terms, aJid-aUb }'our ,-fii.m;afIe.rtion gf the claims, rights and independence of our country, meet our rnoft cordial approbation, and have fecured our warmed gratitudeWe feel .with indignation and reiemment the infuits and contempt, with which your offers of rec- onciliation and friendfliip have been, Creat- ed ; particularly as thole offers were made,, after our commerce had,been harraffcd anjd almoft deftroyed by the mod wanton an'd lawlefs depredaiions rafter our nation had been infultccl by the moft.vile 3iid infidiou> attempts A D D R E S S E S. 267 attempts to overawe and di&ate to our le*- gaily condituted authorities. Although we highly ; value the bleffings of peace, yet' un- der.the prote&ion of Heaven, we are detcr- .inined< to rely with fall confidence on 1 your well -tried pati-iotifm and wifdom, firmly re- folKrexi" to Support with our lives and proper- ty, the honor, the liberty a-nd independence of our cou-mry, ; ' . i . To the Ci'TizEtts O/-DOK.CIIESTER County. .' r ; ! : . _. ... GENTLEMEN, YOUR . nnanimous addrefs has been prefented to me by your reprefentative, Mr. Dennis. When you exprefs in terms of fo much force and propriety, the feelings of your hearts, impreiled with fentiments of love and v duty to your country ; when you affure me that my attempts to- reftore harmony between .the United States and France^ an juft and .honorable terms, and my firm affertion of the claims, rights and independence of oiu- country, meet your, cordial approbation^ and have fecured your warmed gratitude ; when- you exprefs your feelings of indigna- .tion and refentmenty at the infults and con- tempt with which our offers of reconciliation and friendflilp'jhavi^ been treaitedj particu- larly ' as i;tfcefe; offers bwette made, ^Wr icur .' /'i. commerce J? A T R I 0-T 1 C commerce had been harrafied by v/amon and lawleft depredations, and ouir, nation bad been infulted by Vile and irifidious at- tempts to overawe and diBate to our legally conttituted authorities ; when you- declare roar determination to rely with full confi- dence on my endeavors, firmly refolved to iupport vvtth your lives and fortunes, the honor, liberty, and independence of our country, under the protection of Heaven you penetrate my heart with gratitude for what concerns myfelf, and mufi receive the 'oud applaufe of the honeft world for what concerns the public. JOHN ADAMS. ~rom the 1 N H A B i T A :- T TS of H A R FOR D Coun- ty ^ io the.P R E s i D t N T, S F; N A TE , and Houfe ^/"RPRE:SEMTATIVES in CONGRESS. ACTUATED by a fincere and ardent defire of peace with ail the world,. we have viewed with much fatisfa6tion the meafures taken by our:Executive for an accommoda- tion of the, differences unhappily fubfifting between this country and the .French repub- lic, and very rnucH regret that they have not been met by a. like difpofition on .the other Dart , and as it appears highly, important at this, momentous crifis.tbat the unanimity ;of our -fentirnenu and determinations ihould appear A D"> U E S S E 'S. .appear manifeft-~We think proper to de- clare, that, \ve-are, fully determined firmly to fupport, in alTfituations, our independ- ence, and the government of our choice. To the I N H A E I T- A NTS of H A R ^ D R D GENTLEMEN, YOUR virtuous refolutions at Har- ford towrij'.uhanimoiifly adopted, have been prefented to me by your lepr'efentative in Congrefs, Mr.- Matthews. The fatitffaclion you manifeft, in the mea- fures taken for an accommodation >f dififer- ,^nces fubfi.fting, ^tw^qn; this country and the French republic, is very agreeable, to me. . The determination to fupport, in- all fitu- ations, your independence and the govern- ' merit of youinchoice^ is.Avorthy of freemen and fakhful citizens ; and ^the public decja- . ration -of. fuchifentime'nts at. this time, in;or- ,der to fhew tlie unanimity of the people,, is good policy, as it tends to confirm the con- hdence of the whole nation in one another, and to in create its refpeQability and confid- eration with foreign nations. . , JOHN ADAMS. Y 2- X^ 270 FAT RIO T I C To JOHiV ADAMS, PIIHSIDENT of 'the : UNITED STATES ^/AMERICA/ SIR, W E 5 the citizens of Caroline county, be- ing fenfible that the prefent ftate of our national affairs requires and demands our attention and unanimity, and that a .unifor- mity of principles and fentiments aje the "thief elTentials in 't f he direcli'orTand welfare r i i J f r * of government, being excited or thole feel- ings, and fentiments of duty and love to our country, which, at men a crifis, cannot but -itfiprefs the fceart- Of e^ery good citizen, beg teave to-'add^fs'-'yt^^upon that conduct which you havfc, fe ch^f niagi-ftrate of the United' States, lately -purfued.to-iKijuft aikl terminate o-ur ^ifag,reeabl and painful dif- ferences with |ne French republic. We affure you, that \ce =cordiaiiy unite in approbating thofe vife, juit and moderate meafures whicii you have adopted and pur- fued, to reftorc harmony and reconciliation between the two nations; and that you will, at all times find us ready to embrace with exciufive fondnei^ every wile and expedi- ent meai'ure of national fecurity and defence. With due refentment we feel the indign contempt and infults with which your late offers of friendfhip and reconciliation to the French republic have been treated ; and UD .D>R! B : 'SrS.'E we are. happy- to .find,, that not nnly duty, but, inclination, prompted you to proceed .therein,^!! WjifrjRHRa tqppejc. .-ajid -pa^jotic zeal. Whilfl we appreciate .peace and tranquil- lity as the firil of national blellings, and the end of every wife government ; we (hall ever unite to place ,tbe neceffary . b-arriers agaJ-nU the impuiles of paffioWj the. combina- tion of lbr<-i^npo>'ev,thei.ntrigWQ.9ff4ciion 5 the ha lie of fully, or the fpirit of encroach- ment. With the gracious protection of the Supreme Ruler, and with a reliance on your \vifdom and patriotifm, we unanimously re- fqlve firmly to maintain aifd fupport with 'our lives and properties, the honor, dignity and independence of our cmintry. To the CITIZENS of C A R 9 L i N County. GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs has been prefented to me, as you defired, by your reprefeiytative in Congrefs, Mr. Hindman. The prefent ihite of our national affairs indeed demands the attention pf every citi- zen, and uniformity of fpirit will be our grcateft fecurity. With your fentimerits of duty and love to your country, if they fhould be general and uniform throughout the nation', "we may alt have confidence in : W> the .2712 P A T:R. I O T I 'C f the. gracious, protection of the Suprerrre .Ruler. - Your approbation of the meafu res- of gov- ernment is a great fatisfaclion. I cannot agree with you, that tranquillity is always the fird of national bleffings- there are times and objects, ' which demand of men, and eipecially of freemen, the facrifke of peace, property and life. Indeed there -can be ho peace, without uniting to plaefe -thfc neceffary barriers agairift the impulfes df paflion, the infinuations of foreign influ- etice^the intrigues of faclion, the hade of folly and the fpirit of encroachment. JOHN ADAMS. From the JUST I.CES, the GRAND and' PET IT JURORS, and the OFFICERS of TALBOT County COURT, and of a numerous and-re- fpettableBody of the PEOPLE o,f theGQunty, to the PRESIDENT ofthelJ-N ITED- STATES* SIR, JL HE people of Talbot county, in the State of Maryland, impreffed in common with their fell ow-citizens, with a lively fe'nfe of the critkaV fituation of, their public affairs, feel it a duty which they owe to their coun- try and themfelves, to addrefs to you the fentiments which the prefent occafion has ihfpired. We A D D R E;S S E S. 273 We had hoped that the moderation,. \vu dom and juilice, with which the executive government, of the United : States hathxon- jdu&ed idelf in its relations \vith foreign powers, would have fecured us from a par- ticipation in the war which has defolated Europe : It is therefore with extrerae^coi},- cern that we view the, alarming poiiticm, in which the nation is placed by the rapacious avarice and deilructive projeclsof thofe who tyrannize over the people of. France. But in the midft of this concern, we derive abun- dant confolation from reflecling, that the meafures ^u'ch you have purfued for re- moving fub(i(ling'di{ferences\V'ith thcFrerich republic, have proceeded from a liberal and fincere difpofition to rellore harmony, and preferve the important interefts-pf the Uni- ted States, without facfificing the hon-or f 6'r fovereig-my of their government, and were 'ably and wifely calculated to .attain thefe ends, had your ne'^ociations been re'cipVo- cated with that fpirit of reconciliation and "fFiendfhjp. which her public agents have fo often,'but fo perfidi^uflv'pro Ceiled.' We feel the keenefl indiginatron in perceiving that thefe advances havc'*be'en treated with un- merited contempt ; and that the ambitious dire8ors of this government, wholly aban- doning the immutable principles of ]uOice, and equally difregarding'the j faV of iiarions and the faith of treaties 5 have wantonly per- fifted P A T'R I O'T 1 C fifed- in a-ecunmlaung injuries t upon, the commerce and perlbnsmf our citizens, and in vilifying, by the mod fcandalous inlults, the executive -authority of the United States. Iri Ri'ch a ft'aVe'of diiirgV;it i lDec6me's in'dif- penfably neceilary for a free pqoplc to cx- prefs' their feeiing^'Wnd^'to. Vindicate tlieir rights; an'd while \\^ : #e'clarc : our'entjrb ciili- fiderice in your. \viiVlam : aud integrity, we aflure you, Sir, of our determination to fup- 'p ! 6rt ev'ery'.mea'fure, which the prefoni crifis "may' demand , at the hazard of o.ur lives 'and fortunes, and' to defirby thoie maligiiaWt "hopes .which have been entertained from a jvaln belief, th'at the people of this country are at .variance with their government. .-Animated as we are by the love of peace, it is not without-relutlan-ce that we contem- plate {the calamities of war : but refolv.ed.to ^maintain the rights -and independence of our country, without the enjoyment of which, peace would be only vaffalage, we are fully prepared to await the events which may be- fal us ; and if recourfe mud be had. to arms, we mall truft,. under Divine^ Providence, to the juflice ,of our caufe, : And^under fuch aufpices, we are cpnfident that the iffue will be fortunate, and DC rendered glorious by the wifdom and patriotifm of the government, ^an,dby the courage and virtue of the people. . ;, To A>D D R E S S E Si 275 JUSTICES,: the G R A N,D ; and; PETIT JURORS and OFFICERS of TLA L'B ax Ccun- ty, and the numerous Body of PSQP'L:*: -rf that County. ' I GENTLEMEN, . . > ? . THIS unanimous addrefs,from fp re- fpeQable an affembly of citizens, of fuch various clafles and denominations, convey- ing 'to me the feritiments \vhich the present occafion has infpued, jipes me jiYou fee. that neither juftice nor tion .eanjecure us ^frornta participation, in the/war which has agitated Europe. . The rapacious avarice and defbuclive projects of thofe who rule in France, have made war upon u? already fbir;years-^a war all of one fide,, a war- without r^iprocky.- .;. Our negociations have been conducted upon public and natienal 'principles and ih- tereftsj not upon little projects of the priv-ate ambition^ or avarjce of individuals, among jbe rulers. Our advances have, Jbeen 'treat- ed, ,with unmerited cofttem.pt ^the.qtieftion .n.cpi^ is, Will you reverie your maxima ? and by grat.ifying the rapacity of rulers abroad, teach your own future rulers at home lefibns of rapacity ? The executive authority oryoufcouh'try, you .may ^'depend upon it, wi'll be vilified, by -the moil'Tibtid^lows infults, by fuch ru- lers, as long:a^ it is upright and pure. Peace i ; A T R I O T I C Peace without independence, according to your own happy expreftion, would be vaffklagc. ' JOHN ADAMS. From the "CITIZENS o/Ei.Kf ON and its vi- cinity , z'?i C c i L County, to the P R E ' s i n E N T fl wd C o. N o R K s s of the UNITED STATES. jLJVING under a conftitution organized by the wifdom of onr country, as the belt adapted to the- attainment of thofc objects which are the end of all rational govern- ment. A conftitiuion alike inimical to an- archy and hereditary power, every public functionary deriving authority mediately or immediately- -from tire people, we d^em it fvifficientj t commajul .our lupport of the meafures of adminiftration, that the cornpe- teiH authorities decide* Well fatisfied that the citizens of the Uni- ted States are firm in this principle, we learn with indignation that in a foreign country an opinion prevails, fhat the meaiurcs of thi ; s government may be defeated or embarraffed by the conflicting opinions of individuals. To repel this idea fo degrading to Amerr- cansj and-to evince to the world our deter- xnination on that point, we think it proper to declare,' that we will by all the means in curpowcr ? fupport the deciGoi>s of the con- - {tkut.ed ADDRESSES. 27.7 ftituted authorities : Holding it our duty, as good citizens, to fufTcr no opinion of burs, on the fubjecl of their meafuresj to impair our zeal for their fupport. The unjuft aggreffions of the French re- . - public upon the commerce of this country, and their unprecedented conduct towards our envoys, call for this public declaration r ' ' ' ojour ientiinents. r/r- Anxious for tire peace of our country and the diminution of the public;debt, whilil we are tenacious of the honor, dignity and com- mercial rights of the nation, we are happy to find that the con duel of tlve P re ii dent of the iUnited States in.lvis endeavors to adjuft die exilling differences' with Fi^iac'e, has been iiuch as to merit ami receiwthe cordial ap- probation of all tlie real friends of America. -* 'of ELXTON and its vicin- GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs to- -the Prefident ami Congrefs of the United States, has been prefented to me by your reprefentative in Congrefs, Mr. Matthews. Under a conftitution, organized by die \vifdora of the people, alike inimical to an- archy, and hereditary power, every public functionary *7-8 P A T R 1 O T I C functionary deriving authority mediately or immediately from the people, there cannot be a greater abfurdity in theory, than an opinion in a foreign country, that the mea- furcs of this government may be defeated or embarrailecl by the conflicting opinions of individuals, nor- can there be a greater affront, or more injurious reflection caft on rcprefcntative governments ; for if the prin- ciple were well founded, the neceffary con- lequence would be, that the people are incapable of fupporting a government, of their own choice and fabric-;' and that gov- ernment muft be hereditary, in order to give it ft-rei\gth,ito combine the public opinion, to draw together the wills and forces of the people. Your zeal therefore to repel this idea To degrading to Americans, is natural and well founded.' ^ji^uW^ Your declaration that by all the means in your po\yer, you will fupport the decifions of the conftituted authorities, is in the cha rafter of the beft of citizens. There is not one of you, my fellow-citi- zens, more anxious for the diminution of the public debt, than myfelf ; and a well regulated '.finking fund may one day be re- lorted to, as a powerful engine for that .pur- pofc : But I fear we (ball find a neccffity of pollponini; this falntary operation in its full t, to a time when tkc honor and fafety Bf A D D R E S S E S. 279 of the nation fhall be better f ecu red than at prefent. Your approbation of my conduct is very precious to me, and deferves my thanks. JOHN ADAMS. RESOLUTIONS 'unanimoufly adopted ly tKc CITIZENS of GEORGETOWN, j I. 1 HAT in the opinion of this meeting, the Executive of the United States, in their inftruclions to our minifters in France, af- ford the moil unequivocal evidence of a fincere defire to promote and perpetuate an honorable peace with the French republic. II. That although peace with all nations is juftly dear to this country, yet that the prefervation of its honor and indeponelervce- -isi-'the firft national objeft, ancj'odght tberg- fore to be coniidered infinitely mWe e r fti~ niable. III. Thar this meeting feel it a duty to ft5?prefs in -the ftrongeft terms, -their cori it- dence in the wifdom, virtue and patriotifm of the conftituted authorities of their c6irn- try their reliance that at this everitftil pe- riod, their deliberations wiH be influenced' by a pure regard to the happinefs and prof- perity of the nation : Arid that, whatever 'of opiniolr may e?ti(l arnong : ' us, 280 P A T R I O T I 6 in regard to our internal and domefh'e reg- ulations ; ftill if the necefTity of a folemia appeal to arms mould be -impofed upon us, America,, fo far from (hewing herfeif a de- graded and divided people, will exhibit to the world an example of unanimity and pa- triotifm not to be exceeded. IV. That the chairman of this meeting be inftru&ed to forward to the rep re fen ta- tive of this diftricl, a copy of thefe refolu- tions 5 with a requeft that he will conimunf- cate the fame to the Prefident and Congrefe pf the United States. To the CITIZENS ^GEORGETOWN. GENTLEMEN, MR. CRAIK, the reprefentative c>f your diftricl, has prefented to me, in your name, a copy of the refoludons paifed at a numerous and refpe&able meeting of lh citizens of Georgetown. Your approbation of the inftruclions to our miniflers to France ; your eftimation of the honor and independence of your country, as the firft national object, and more eltimable even than the bleffings of peace; your confidence in the conflituted authorities of your country, and in the una- nimity and patriotifm of your fellowrciti- zcns, the American ^ people, are honorable , to. i A i) D'K E'S'S S. to ycurfelves, the government and the na- tion ; and the communication of them 'dt this crifis, cannot fail to be agreeable to; all, but the enemies of this country. : From the CITIZENS of BOHEMIA and SASSAFRAS NECK r an CECIL County^ tfctht PR EVIDENT <7/"//ZeUNITEDSTATES. ;vuifi3'fV3ri> : :iu?,Viitt SIR, A jfxS a portion of the people of this govern- ment,, participating in the advantages refult- ing from well-f^cured freedom, we cannpt remain indifferent to the manifold injuries, ,\fhichj,in violauon^ of ; a folemn treaty and the laws of nations, are daily infilled on our fellow-citizens. Nor can we view with apathy the reiterated indignities and outrages offered to the government of our choice. Although v we are not 'engaged in cqm- feercje^ we are fenflble of its importance to |otHf :interefts,^as cultivators of the earth ; we therefore confider 'ourfelvcs bound by that coniideration, as weH as the obligation *of mutual conceffion to our fellow-citizens who purfue commerce, to contribute to its ^rpte6iion. We alfo moft firmly believe that the interefts of the people and of the government, are' as intimately blended as thofe of agriculture and commerce : and we Z 2 hold 282 P A T R I O T I C hold all attempts to feparate the one from the other, in utmoft deteftatioru If, as has been infultingly infinuatcd, -"or rather averted, there isa^faftion in this- gov- ernment fo loft to American feelings, as to efpoufe the unjuft and arrogant pretenfions of a foreign nation, we beg leave to affuac you that we arc, not of that defcription. And we trail that very few will be found fo unworthy the bleffings they enjoy. While we fincerely lament that the pru- dent and pacific fteps taken by our 'chief magiftrate to preferve peace, fo defifaWe to alt nations, are likely to fail -of the wiflidd for eflecl, we highly applaud the policy of fuch temperate proceedings. $eeing j ifi them a fincere and ardent defire to promote and accelerate a-n' aecomm-odauo-n with^lic republic of France, on terms compatible with the rights, dutks, iritercfts and honor of the nation, we arc encouraged to^iplace additional confidence in the integrity and wifdom of the conllituted authorities ; and the more readily to promife our williiig aid in fupport of fuch meafures as may be adopt- ; cd by them in the prefcnt unhappy fituatioa, of our public concerns.. We pray you, Sir, to accept our bed wifhes for the prolongation of your life, hitherto fo eminently diflinguifhed for it's ufefulnefs and patriotifm, and that it may be ' bleifed A D D R'E S S E S. 2% blefled with the enjoyment of every pinefs. *.*v-^V-===>-"'J>""- : [\ To theCiTizE N s'o/Bo rr E MI A MA NOR aifo SASSAFRASS NECK, in CECTL County. i GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this addrefs,iqf Richmond, cannot fail to be verv acceptable to me. - ; You 1 will not take offence, I hope, at my freedom, however, if I fay, that if you had been taught to cherifh in your hearts, an a88 PATRIOTIC cfteem and friendfhip for France, it would have been enough ; more than thefe toward any foreign power, had better be refer v ed. It might have been as well for us in Ame- rica, whofe diftance is fo great, and whofe knowledge 'of Frahce, and her government, vas fo imperfect, to 'have fufpended our veneration, for the mighty effort which overturned royalty, until we mould have feen all degrading defpotifm at an end in the count ry , a ri d fo m e r hi ri g hi o r e c o nrfi ft e nt w i t h virtue, equality, liberty and humanity fub- flituted in its place Hithertd the progrefi 3ias 'been from bad to worfe. ' The conduct of the French government towards. us, is of : a piece with .their beha- viour to their own citizens, and a great part of Europe. Your fenfibility to their infults and injuries to your country, is very becom- ing, and your refolution -to refift them : do you honor. A frefli infult is now offered to all Amc- jrica, and efpccialiy to her government, in the arbitrary' difm'ifljon of two of their en- voys, with fcornful intimations of capricious prejudices againft them- But I am weary of enumerating infults and injuries. JOHN ADAMS. ADDRESSES. 289 RESOLUTIONS adopted ^^INHABITANTS of the Town of ALEXANDRIA. I. 1 HAT the profpeft of an impending rupture with the republic of France, is one which is deeply to be deplored ; and that war and all meafur.es of conflict that lead dire&ly tolioftilities with that or any other .nation, are only to be juftified by caufes which affect our national independence, but that when thefe exift, and are not ^to be averted by means of amicable negocfation, arms become the natural, equitable and in- diipenfable refort. II. That the meafures which have been Adopted and purfued by. the Executive of the United States, to obtain retribution for injuries-, and to reftore harmony between u* and the French republic, have been truly wife and patriotic ; the event having abun- dantly proved, that on the part of France there exifts a corrupt adminiftration, to whom a further application on the principles tof juftice, muft continue to be nugatory. III. That while a hope is cherifhed that Tome foreign political event may foon take place, to obviate prefent appearances and diffipate the gloom of war^it is expedient neverthelefs, for the government of this country, to adopt with promptitude effec- tual meafures of defence ; to aft like the A a rulers PATRIOTIC rulers of a free and independent nation, \vhofe fituation and internal refources ena- ble it to fcourge every invader of its rights or territories, and that in conformity witU thefe fentiments, the citizens of Alexandria promife a faithful co-operation with the ad- mini ft ration and cheerful and prompt com- pliance with a^y degree or mode of taxation which fhall be .deemed rieceffary or expe- dient. IV. That the foregoing refolutions be publifhed in the Alexandria newfpapers, and that a copy of .them be tranfmitted to the Prefident .,1 the United States, the Preiident of the Seuate, and Speaker of the, Ho life of 'Reprcfentatives. V. That a committee be appointed to prepare an addrefs to the Prefident of the United States, inclofing the foregoing refo- lutions. From the COM M i T T E E of the I N n A B i T A N TS of the Town of ALEX ANDRI A,O the PRES- IDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, JL HE citizens of Alexandria, viewing with ihe livelieft apprehenfions, the alarming fmi- .ation of our political differences with the republic of France, as detailed in the com- munications of our envoys at A D D R E S S E S. 23* Secretary of State, and defirous of evincing their attachment to the government of their country, and a virtuous indignation at any attempt to infringe its national fovereignty, have commiffioned us to tranfmit to you the inclofed refolutions expreffive of their fen- timents upon fubje&s fo important and in- terefting to the peace, dignity and profperity of the United States. We have feen with anxious regret, the gradual diffolutioh of thofe ties of gratitude and afFe&ion, which have fo long attached America to the inter- efts of France : hut when that affeclion is violated by the grofTeft injuries ; when an expreffion of gratitude becomes our re- proach, and we are fmarung.. under the laih ..of unprpvoked aggreflions; when every at- tempt at amicable negociation has been fruf- trated, it becomes the indifpen fable duty of a free people to vindicate the infulted honor of its national character. vjiirWe embrace, Sir, with peculiar fatisfac- tion, this favorable opportunity of expreff- .ing to you, the warm acknowledgments of a grateful -peaple for your truly wife and pa- triotic exertions to preferve the tranquillity of your country. The meafures adopted and purfued by the Executive of the United States, meet our warmed approbation ; and though many attempts have been made to feparate us from the government of our choice, and the difference of political fenti- ment PATRIOTIC ment has been the mean employed for that purpofe, yet be afTured \ve will ever repel -with unanimity and energy, every effort of a foreign power to dirninifh our rights as an independent nation. \Ve take a pride in expreffing to you, Sir, our entire approba- tion of the re&itude and integrity of your adminiftration. We are pleafed to fee thofe virtues and talents fo often exercifed for the benefit of your country in the late revolu- tionary conteft, again exerted in the dif- charge of the arduous duties of the fir ft magiftrate of the Union. Accept, Sir, our fincere and ardent wifhes for your public profperity and private happinefs. From the YOUNG MEN of the County of GREENSVILLE, to the PRESIDENT of the- UNITED STATES. SI Hi JL O afTure you of our concurrence, at this time, with the meafures pu-rfued by you, i$ fupport of our independence, is not the pur- pofe of this addrefs. It is to claim a mare in the defence of our country, and once more fhew the contraft between the defend- ers of liberty, and the hirelings of defpotifm. We truft we are not degenerated from our fathers who obtained our liberties, and be it our care to preferve the fair inheritance inviolate. Suffer A D DRESS E S. '293 * 'Suffer us. to aflure you, that you have on- ly to point out the mode, and our lives now, as they ever have been, fhall willingly be facrificed in the defence of our liberties and government. We regret our diftance from Philadel- phia, as by that mean we are deprived of the happinefs of afluring you perfonally, of our readinefs, under your command, to take up arms : in defence of our ronftitti iron. Permit us too, to congratulate you on the hearty concurrence of our brothers of Phil- adelphia ; and thus may you, a long as our country fhall demand the exertion- of your abilities,- receive in the mod ample-manner, the fentirrrents and' good wifh'es of every . American. To the You NG MEN O/GREENSVILLE;. GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs is in a ftyle to convince .me, -that you are not degenerated from the t \Mifdom and virtues of your fathers, and that y-ou will preferve the fair inheritance, which they defended with fo much fuccefs. The claim you advance to fhare in the defence of your country, the facrifices ycm offer to make, and the applaufe you beflow on your brothers of Philadelphia, are hon- orable to your characters.- A a 2 If 294 PATRIOTIC If your diftancc had not prevented, I Ihould have leen you in Philadelphia with pleafure. JOHN ADAMS. RE-SOLUTIONS unanimoufly adopted ly a COMMITTEE compofcd of a DEPUTA- TION /row each MILITIA COMPANY of the. forty-eighth REGIMENT in the County of BOTETOURT. J i I. IT is the opinion of this meeting, thai the Prefident of the United States not only poiTefies, but is entitled to the confidence of the people of this part of the United States. II. That it is with extreme regret, we fee the attempts of fome of our citizens to detracl from his real merit, and propagate the idea of difafreclion to an excellent gov- ernment and its adminiftration. III. That while we lament any caufe which wbuld tend to interrupt the tranquil- lity, profperity and independence, which, under Divine Providence, we are permitted at prefent to enjoy, we will with firmnefs re- pel any attempts to wreft thofe bleffings from us, from whatfoever quarter they may pro- ceed. And that although it is our wifh to be at peace with all thq world, more particu- larly with the French republic, we lhall pre- fer ADDRESSES. fer hoftilities even with that .nation, to a proftration of our rights, and that ftate of national degradation to which they have lately attempted to reduce us. IV. That our chairman do draft an ad- drefs to the Prefident of the United States, in the fpirit of the foregoing refolutions-, and expreffive of the high fenfe we entertain- of his firmnefs, integrity and patriot! fm, and that he eaufe the faid refolutions and addrefs to he printed in fuch of the Gazettes of the United States as he may think proper. To the PRESIDENT of the UN ITEE> STATED. i-j^j iSIR, r-p JL He attention of the people of this coun- ty, awaked by the alarming crifis of Ameri- can affairs, has been directed to the meafures of your adminiftration ; and they declare with an unanimous voice, that you have me- rited and poffefs their entire confidence. They behold with with extreme regret, the attempts of fome of their fellow-citizens to propagate an idea of difaffeclion to an ex- cellent government and its adminiftration ; and this regret is accompanied with indig- nation, when they perceive that it has en- couraged in a foreign country, the plan of degrading our republic, from its independ- ent ftation. They prize moil highly the bleffings g 9 6 P A T R 1 O T I bleflings of peace and profperity, which, by the Divine favor, they at prefent enjoy; but considering them as the fruits of the happy government of their choice, they will repel any attack upon its independence, from whatever quarter it may proceed. It is their wifh to cultivate peace with the whole world, a,nd more particularly with the French republic ; but they cannot confent for this objecl, to facrifice the honor anfl independen.ee of the nation, without which peace mud be precarious and unblefTed. Permit us to affaire you, Sir, that we ad- mire the confiftency af your character ; and are pleafed to fee theTarrve firmncfs, integ- rity and patriotifmat the prefent day', which you fo-eminenily difplay.ed in the great, cri- fis of.the American revolution. To the COMMITTEE- compofed of a DEPU> TAT ION from each MILITIA COMPANY of the Forty -eighth .REG.IMENT in the CD un ty of B o T L. T o u. R T . GENTLEMEN, A COPY of your unanimous refolu* tions together with an addrefs, figned by your chairmanj has been prefented to me by one of your reprefentatives in Congrefs, Mr. Evans, The A D D (R E S S E S. The confidence of the people of Virginia, or any fuch refpeclable portion of them, is peculiarly agreeable to me, as it evinces a tendency to a reftoration of that harmony and union, which I weil remember to have once exifte,d, and which was fo aufpicious to the American catife, but which has been apparently interrupted fince the commence- ment of the Federal government. It is fcarcely poffibie that I fhpuld ever read a fcntence more delightful to my heart, than thofe words, " We admire the confift- cncy of your charaQer, and are pleafed to fee the fame firmne-fe, integrity an,d patriot- ifm at the prefent day, fo eminently difplay- ed in the great crifis.of the American rev- clutlon -" JOHN ADAMS. To the PRESIDENT of the UN IT ED STATES. SIR, a moment when foreign dangers threaten our peace, and when thefe dangers originate in an opinion that our government and our people are divided in fentiment, and oppofed in intereft, we, inhabitants of the borough ;of Norfolk, feel ourfelves im- pelled by every confideration of honor, as men, and integrity, as citizens, to exprefs our unfhaken confidence in the meafures of our sg8 PATRIOTIC our government, and our unimpaired attach- ment to the principles of our conftitution. In reviewing thofe meafures of our gov- ernmentj which are the avowed caufes of the unfriendly conduct - which", the. French republic has pra&ifed towards us, we feel an honeft pride in expreffih'g our opinion, that impropriety or cenfure cannot juitly attach themfelves to thofe meafures. In examining the fteps which have been purfued to obtain an amicable adjuftment of exifting differences, we fee with pica fu re a liberal, candid and finccre difpofition on the part of our government, to relinquish every fecondary confideration for the main- tenance of peace; we regret that fhofe dif- pofitions have not been met with fentiments equally pacific, with a temper equally con- ciliatory and accommodating on the part of France. While we avow the friendly interefl which we have formerly taken in the affairs of France, we reject, with honeft indignation her inadmiflible demands ; we fpurn with manly pride the imputations of difunion an^ difaffeflipn to our government, on which thefe demands wqre founded. We deprecate a war, as pregnant with evils to all countries, and particularly inim- ical to the interefts of the United States ; but we are at the fame time determined not to purchafe ADDRESSES, 299 purchafe peace afc the price of that national characler and individual fecurity, without which, peace ceafes to be either honorable or defirable.. While, therefore, we- hope that .a return- ing fenfc of juftice and moderation on the part of France, will terminate our. difagree- ments by friendly explanation, and honora- ble reparation ; while we rely that our own government will not ceafe to avoid war, by every mean, confident with our national honor, and compatible with our national in- tereft, we yet trull that meafures of defence will be immediately adopted, and that OUT .country will be prepared to meet every pof- fible event. Should thefc meafures, defenfive in their nature, and prompted by a neceffary regard to our unqueftionable rights, be confidered as indicative of a hoflile difpofition to the French- republic, the government of the United States (lands acquitted to its citizens and the world. Providence alone can de- termine the ifTue : we pledge ourfelves that it will be fortunate fo Jar as our fteady co- operation and fupport of the government can render it fo. 3 oo PATRIOTIC To the PRESIDENT of .the UNITED STATES, SIR, WE the fubfcribers, inhabitants of the county of Middlefex, in the State of Vir- ginia, now offer our mofl unfeigned appro- bation of the wife fyftem which governs your adminiitration in purfuing the fame principle of neutrality that the late Prefident Wafhington adopted at the commencement of this war among the European powers, a principle that hath been adhered to on the part of the United States, with the moft in- violable faith. You have evinced that foundnefs of judgment, which every man \vho knew your character as a ftatefman an- ticipated,, when the voice of America called you to the f up re me adminiftration of thefe States: Scanning your conduct fi nee. your appointment, with the, jealous eye that vigi- lant freedom fhould ever carry over execu- tory magidracy, we find it difficult to deter- mine whether more to admire your wifdom^ or your firmnefs and moderation. The late difpatches from our envoys at Paris, and the inftru&ions giveivby the Ex- ecutive, (hew beyond the poffibility of doubt, that it is your ardent wifh to recur to every expedient to heal the differences, that ag- greflions unprovoked, have occafioned be- tween France and thefe United States ; and that > D D R E S S E . S. 301 that your moderation carried you to every length to accomplifh this objeft, fliort of the refignation of the independence thefe States had acquired, after a long ftruggle^by their courage,, their treafure, and their blood* After thefe difpatches and inftruftions re- ceived the fulnefs of publjpty, andexhibit-ed to the conviction of impartial America, the prudent meafures that actuated the Prefident of the United Slates, .we flattered ourfelveg all party divifions in every branch of our public councils would be at onc.e extinguifli- ed ; but, though this defirable refult has not as yet as immediately ep/ued as we expect- ed, we are happy to find the people at large ,in every part of triefe States, in proportion ,as they are informed and enlightened on this greatly interefting object, and. fee the true .drift of the conduct of the fupreme execu- tive power, have come to this Determina- tion To fupport their country in all its rights of independence, at whatever expenfe of treafure, and peril of perfon, fooner than fubmit without a ftruggle to the wanton ex- aclions, the imperious mandates, and the in- jurious treatment of any foreign nation^ 302 P A: T R I O T f C To tilt I N HA B.I T AM T S of the County of Ml D- DLESEX. -GENTLEMEN, I. THANK you for this-addrefr. pre- fented- to ; rne by - your -rcpfefehtative -in Gongrefs* Mr. NCV.V The principle of neutrality, has indeed been maintained on the part of the United States with ir,violable faith, notwithflanding every ennharraffment and provocation, both of injury -:arj.d ; infu'lt, .'unlit we have hccn -forced out of it. by an atlual war made up- -on us, thoug:h not manfully declared. For realcns that are obvious' to ail the world, you may eafily imagine, that every inanifefration of candor towards me from any part' of Virginia, mull be peculiarly agreea- blethe 'hnndforrie .expreffions of your ap- probation deferve my tharrks. Every thing has been done, fliort of aTefignation of our independence a refignation of our inde- pendence ! I bluih'to' Writ^ the words; there would be as much fenfe Jn fpeaking of a re- fignation of the independence of France or Germany, or Ruffia : We are a nation as much eftablifhed as-any of them, and as able to maintain our fovereignty, abfolute and unlimited by fea and land, as any of them. It is too much to expe6t,.-that all party divifions will be done away, as long as there are rival States arid rival individuals; all A D D R E S S E S. 303 we can reafonably hope; is, and this we may confidently expect, .that no State or individ- ual, to gratify its ambition, will en-lift under foreign banners. JOHN ADAMS. fo Md'PRESlDENT ofthcUxn'ZD STATES 1 . In 1 ' SIR,. 1 HE 'inhabitants of the county of Bed- ford, and State of Virginia, beg leave, at j this important .crifis, to join the general 'v'oTcc of their fellow cili'zens' in' othcrparts of the United States, in cxpreffihg"to' "you. [their fincere approbation of ; the meafures *.which have been adopted by the'Executive, to preferve the b-Leilir.^ of -peace to this country, and particularly to reddre harmo- 'Ky .'with the French republic ; we reflect -with, gratitude, on the eanicll folicitude, and Fuccefsful endeavors of your illuftrious predecellor, to. avoid a participation in the dedrailive confeqpences of an .European M >yar..jr aud v/e acknowledge, with pieafiireta correfpondent fentiment, on a review of the wiie,,firm and patriotic meafures of your adminiftration. Although we deprecate war with any na- tion, and deplore the profpecl that now threatens our peace, yet under fuch aufpi- |04 PATRIOTIC ces, and relying on the unanimity of the people, the juftice of our caufe, and the pro- tection of Divine Providence, \ve look for- ward with confidence to a favorable iffue, even with that nation, who, flufhed -with victory, has infolently threatened our coun- try with ' the' humiliating fate of many of ihofe powers fhe has conquered. The ex- ercife of foreign influence in the United States, is fo degrading, that every Ameri- can, we trull, will repel, with indignation, any attempts of the kind. For ourfelves, we difdain the fpirit that would bend~ to a mean fubferviency to the views of any pow- er whatever. Fesling an unlimited attachment to and .confidence in the government of the United States, we do not hefitate to declare our de- termination to fupport, to the utmoil of our power, every rneafure deemed necefTary for the defence, honor and' intereft of our coun^ try. And we implore the Supreme Ruler of events to continue your ftrength of bod} 7 <&id mind, fo that you may terminate the prefent unhappy filtration of piir affairs with honor to yburfoJf., and with glory to trrefe United States, a D'iDOUE' : S'S -E . : 3 o 5 . To : ]OHN' AlVANlS, PIIESIDENT of- the UNITED STATES. ' SIR, : . YOUR fellow-citizens of the county of Weilnrorelarfd cannot, at this important cri- Fis, withhold their offering of gratitude and re fp eft to their chief, magiftrate, as well to affure him of their unfhaken decifion at all t i m e s , a n.d o n all o c c a fi o n s ' t o in a i n t a i n i n y j - olate the irKlep'endcncc o!' their country, as to. relieve the reputation of the American nation from the unfounded a fperfioifs which the agents of a foreign country have aflerted iri j 'fupport of .wrongs int1i6^ed, in conte ; mj>t of a.folernn treaty of friendThip, on our 'uri- ' offending peaceable fe'Uow-cit'izens, and of demands made on the honor and purfe of our country. The declaration that our people are hof- tile to a government .made by themfelv^s, .for th-Cm (elves, and conducted by them- felves, is" an in fult, malignant : in its nature and extenfiye in its milchief : While it fup- ports the opinion that the eiTbrts-of the ac- cufing nation have,urider the cover of amity, promoted the deepeft injury, it -fhews too tlveit'on the fucceft of this favorite fcheme do : they chiefly rely for the execution of their wicked projects. On our enemy the acknowledgment pours down fhame and confufionj and is to our countrymen a mon- B b a itory PATRIOTIC itory leffbn, from which great good we truft will be derived. That freemen fhould differ in opinion concerning the meafures of their govern- ment, is not only to be expe&ed, but is even to be defired, when obedient to law, and guided by love of country : but differences like thefe (and we believe that, generally Tpeak'ing, only fuch have exifted among us) while they prove the general happinefs, may be confidered as fure pledges of united ef- forts to defend that government from infult and injury, under whofe wing all participate alike in the felicity it diffufes. If we fhould unfortunately hold in our bofom citizens bearing the American name, and, deflitute of the American heart, they rnuft be few in number-; and wife laws, firmly executed, will fpeedily cure every evil flowing from this fource : To the wifdom of Congrefs we look for the remedy, arid in your paternal vigilance and immoveable firirinefs we rely for its effectual application. When our forefathers exchanged their j^tiye country for the wildernefs of Ameri- ca, dev(?!-i n - to their God, obedience to the principles of morality, love of liberty guided by love of order, were their governing prin- ciples : This precious inheritance our fath- ers cherifhed with fmcere affeBion ; and in a late awful trial, to the influence of thefe firft-rate A D D R E S S E S. jBrft-rate rules on our infant nation, may with truth he chiefly afcribed the glorious iflue of our common toils and common dan- gers. That iffue we hold in truft for our polterity, and that truft we will never for- feit. Since that period we have grown ftrong by union. Where is the nation that can coerce United Columbia into iubmif- fion ? The fun has not yet {hone upon it. We love peace we hate war ; but we prize our hondr too highly to wifh the con- tinuance of the firft, or to turn from the pe- rils of the 1 aft, .with a degraded name. We believe too (and in this belief, paft as well as prefent experience juflifies us) that the fureft way to prefer ve peace, is to be pre- pared for war.. Your fincere and dignified endeavors to conciliate differences, to obtain reftitution for wrongs, and your determination to fa- crifice all iecoiKlary confiderations on the altar of peace; iheds new luftre on your well-earned fame, and adds a new title to your eftablifhed claim on the admiration and gratitude of your fellow-citizens. Conciliation being rejected', war contin- ued, one courfe only was Ifcft by which na- tional difgrace could be inflantly arrcfted, and national exiflence permanently main- tained. That happy eotirfe you have. taken with dcifion, franknefs and fortitude ; we cannot 30-8 .P A T'-R'I O T I C cannot hefuate in the^pait becoming us tt> acl : In peace we obey the laws ; we f oiler the union of the States.; we i nlpi re our chil- dren-, with love of virtue, of tlieir '.'country, and their God : In war we know but one additional . obligation-? to die in the. laft ditch, or uphold our nation. This facred duty \ve will teach by our example ; and in full, reliance-on thejuitice of our caufe, we are prepared to meet .every. event to which \ve may.be expofed, with a refolution de- fer ving yielory. To_the Almighty Ruler of nations we humbly, commend o ; ur country and OUT PreGde.nt v ancl we implore him to pour up- on -them the co,ntinu-al dew of, his/.bleffing. jr\T* , JOHN., ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the- UN I.TED ST-ATES.. SIR,, a'c'rifis when the fbvereignty of ,our country is aifailecl : when demands are made upon us by a foreign nation, altogether in- compatible \vith our honor and ; independ- ence and when in ca-fe of a refufal to accede .to thofe demands, even our. national exilt- ,enoe is threatened; when we- have reafon to believe that an opinion has gone- forth (which has contributed to produce this con- that we are a people divided among oui (elves ADDRESSES. gog ottrfelves by faction and party fpirit, dif- tra&ed by feuds and a'nimofities. and fepa- rated from our government, both by opinion and intereft ; we, the inhabitants of the county of Accomack in the State of Vir- ginia, convened in full meeting at the court- lioufe of the faid county, by previous public notice, feel ourfelves called upon by duty, as well as inclination, to declare, and we do unanimoufly declare, pur entire approba- tion of the meafures which have hitherto been purfued by our government our con- fident reliance that fuch only will in future be purfued as will comport with the honor and intereft of our country- -and .our un- ceaiing attachment to the principles of our conftitutiom. We declare our conviction that our gov- ernment has manifefted a mod earned defire to preferve peace with all nations, particu- larly with the French republic ; that upon a fair and candid review of the conduct of our government, we difcover nothing which. ought to have given umbrage to that repub- lic, or which can in any wife juflify her nu- , merous aggreiTions on the perfons and prop- erties of our citizens, in direcl violation of the laws of nations, and in contravention of her exifting treaties with us : and that even fince thofe multiplied cauies of diiTati;;fac- HJtlon haye elided, theirnealures purfued tp f \y- ards that countiy have been marked by a fpttik 3 io PATRIOTIC fpirit of mildnefs and conciliation.,- fiicli as ought tQjhave realized our rcafonableihopesj that they would prove fuccelsful. If is with the utmoft concern and' regret, O * "therefore, that .we pefcHvc thole efforts to maintain harmony,- and to avert the calam- ities of war with that republic, aie likely to prove abortive, and that our advarrccV tow- 'ards an amicable adjufhnent of' -exiiH'rig dif- fere noes- have not been met by a like friendly and pacific difpoihion on the part of the "French nation, but that conditions have been effaycd to be itnpofed upon our coun- try, which they have feme-times ralij'cl their fifter' republic, that Voulcl be drf;rciding : to a free nation, ia'ivd fuch as we do not hefitate to reject with indignation. Although we view war as particularly in-- jurious to the interells of our co'untry. yet we confider it as an evil of lei's magnitude than national degradation. 'While there- fore 1 , we would fain indulge a hope, that thfe French republic may return to a fenfe of "juitice, by withholding further a 61 s 'of ho.f- tility and outrage, by making reparation for thofe already committed, and by doting . with overtures made for the reftoration oi' harmony and a friendly intercourfe between the two countries, upon the broad bafis of equal right and reciprocal benefit ; we truft our country will be prepared to meet the A-D DRESS E S. 311 the contrary event, and to afTert and main- tain her rights wklvfiFfmTefsj-even at the ex- pcnfc ol war 'with - r all us horrorfc. ; ' * f . ' ; . \V iJdL^vv.i iuv^t,ii.vti^-o .ji^^j x* %-- * - 4 . ,>;,. .. \ adnyiuilh-ationcn'ourgbveriVincntOiairdeem conducive to the interetb, and confident with the honor of the naii on : 'and we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and all we hold clear, uponthefucccrsortheiffuc. ^ ^;/, <..~<^><^^^t5> < " 1 '*>"> "To the I N H A B i T A N T s of A c c o M A c K County. . u I./PRAY;you to accept myth-anks for .your.unanimous addrefs, replete with leiui- inents truly. American. Your coRviclion that your government thas manifefled a moft earned and fincere ,defire to prefervc peace with all nations, particularly with the French republic ; your .declaration that upon a candid review of the conducl of your government, you can dif- cover nothing which ought to have given umbrage to .that republic, or which can in any wife juftify her numerous aggreflions on the perfons and properties of our citi- zens, in direcl violation of the law of< na- tions, and in contravention of her exifting treaties with us ought to give entire fatis- Jfaftion to the gdvcrmnem. Y 3 i2 PA I R I O T I Your concern and regret, that tbofe ef- forts to maintain harmony, have proved .abortive, are natural and common to you and me, and all our fellow-citizens, but can be of no ufe ; inftead of dwelling on our re- grets, we muft explore our refources. Al- though we may view war as particularly injurious to the interefts of our country. Providence may intend it for our good, and we mull fubmit. That it is a lefs evil than national di(honor,no man of fenfeand fpirit \vill deny. I have no hope that the French republic will foon return to a fenfe of juflice. Your promife to co-operate in whatever meafures government may deem conducive to the interelis, and confident with the hon- or of the nation, and your pledge of your lives and fortunes, and all you hold dear, upon the fucceis of the ifTue, are in the true /pint of men, of freemen, of Americans and genuine republicans. JOHN ADAMS. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. S I R, W E, the fubfcribers, a committee appoint- ed by a refpe&able meeting of the inhabit- ants of Harrifon county, in the Common- wealth ADDRESSES. 313 vealth of Virginia, h olden Sit Clarkfburgb, far the purpofe of exprcffing their fentiments of the meafures purfued by our government with refpeft to France beg leave to aflure you, that although among the laft in addreff- ing,'we are not lefs attached to our govern- ment a government calculated to enfurs liberty and happinefs to its citizens. In plain undifguifed language, we do not hefi- tate to declare, that the meafures you have taken to promote a good underftanding, harmony and peace, between this country and France, appear to us becoming your character, and deferving our confidence. But her refufal to meet your condefcending 1 plans of accommodation, except upon the- condition of an advance of money, evinces -on her part a fpirit of avarice and tyranny, -unknown among civilized nations, in mod- ern times; and evidently fhews, that having ^become haughty and arbitrary by her fuc- -ceffes, (he means to at as did ancient Rome. But, Sir, we can congratulate you on her difappointment, in an effential matter, upon wwhich flie calculated highly The want of attachment to our government, and a divi- fion of fentiment in regard to that nation. With infinite fatisfaftion muft every true American view, that the alarm of war has filenced all effential differences in opinion, and a union of fentiment appears to prevail C c univerfally PATRIOTIC univerfally throughout our land ; and the day, we trull, is not far diftant, when the odious difiinclion of arijlocrat and democrat will be done away, and as one man we (hall unite in the common caufe. Had the de- fired object been obtained, upon the juft and honorable terms propofed, we would have cheerfully united with the warineft ad- vocates for peace, the moft lively expref- lioRS of mutual congratulation. We cannot forget, that the very genius, and principles of the religion we profefs, teaches us, as much as pofiible, to live peaceably with all men ; yet we conceive it not poffible to maintain a friendly correfpondence, or even to be at peace with a nation, that under the rnafk of philanthropy commits the greatefl cruelties, exerciles the moft defpotic fway, deftroys all cwder, and eftablifhes impiety by law. Viewing the matter in this light, \ve .do not wonder, that the mod juft, wife and patriotic overtures of peace with the French nation, have proved abortive. Be allured, therefore, although war may be the confe- quence of your fteady attachment to our real interefts, we would rather immediately be called forth into the field of battle, in {"up- port of fuch meafures as the conftituted au- thorities of the Union (hall adopt, for the defence and maintenance of our national independence, than enjoy a momentary de- lufive purchased peace. We ADDRESSES. 315 We truft, that the God of our armies will aid us in defending, what we thankfully en- joy as his gift and impute the guilt of of- fenfive war, to thofe, who have rejected the offers of peace ; who, without provocation, have plundered us on the high feas ; who have endeavoured to fubvert our govern- ment by the mean arts of feduclion, and even now threaten us with revenge, unlefs we will fuccour them in their ambitious views of univerfal dominations May that God who has graciotifly placed you at the head of our national affairs, long preferve your life, and make you the happy inftrument of conducting us with fafety through this impending dorm. To ^INHABITANTS o/H ARRISON County. GENTLEMEN, I HAVE received with great pleafure your addrefs, from your committee. The attachment you profefs to our government, calculated as it is, to enfure liberty and hap- pinefs to its citizens, is commendable. Your declarations, in plain and undifguifed lan- guage, that the meafures which have been taken to promote a good underftanding, peace arid harmony, between this country and France, are becoming my character and deferving your confidence, is a great encour- agement . 316 PATRIOTIC agement to me. With you, I fee with infi- nite fatisfaclicn, that the alarming profpeEi of a war, which is feen to be juft and neccf- fary, has filenced all efiential differences of opinions, and that a union of fentiments ap- pears to prevail very generally throughout our land. I believe, however, that the dif- linclion of arijlocrat and democrat, however odious and pernicious it may be rendered* by political artifice at particular conjunc- tures, will never be done away, as long as fome men are taller, and others fhorter, fome \vifer, and others fillier, fome more virtuous, and others more vicious, fome richer, and others poorer. The diftinftion is grounded on unalterable nature, and human wifdom cati do no more than reconcile the parties by equitable eftablifhments and equal laws> fecuring, as far as poffible, to every one, his own. The diftin&ion was intended by na- ture, for the order of fociety, and the benefit of mankind. The parties ought to be like the fexes, mutually beneficial to each oth- er. And woe will be to that country, which fupinely fufTers malicious demagogues to excite jealoufies, foment prejudices, and Simulate animofities between them. I adore with you the genius and princi- ples of that religion, which teaches, as much as poffible, to live peaceably with all men ; yet it is impoffible to be at peace with injuf- tice and cruelty ^ wih fraud and violence, with deffotifm^ ADDRESSES. 3*7 defpotifm^ anarchy and impiety. A pur cha- fed peace would continue no longer than you continued to pay ; and the field of bat- tle at once,is infinitely preferable to a courfe of perpetual and unlimited contribution. Deeply afrec~led with your prayers for the continuance of my life, I can only fay, that my age arid infirmities fcarcely allow me a hope of being the happy inftrument of con- dueling you through the impending ftorm. JOHN ADAMS. From the INHABITANTS of the County of CAMPBELL, to His Excellency JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITE.D STATES. SIR, AF the American government dare nor make treaties with other nations without the confent of France ; if the Prefidcnt of the' United States dare not communicate to Congrefs the ftate of the Union without con- iulting France ; if we are to be plundered of millions by the French, and dare not re- fent it ; if we are to bribe the moft corrupt government under the fun, and become trib- utary to it ; in fine, if we are to fubmit to infults without number, or injuries unbound- ed; and keep our mouths fealed, and our C c 2 hands 318 PATRIOTIC hands chained behind us ; delufive indeed is our independence, and in vain have our anceflors fought and fpilled the beft blood of America. Peace to us is truly defirable ; we wifh to enjoy it ; but France feems determined to break down that vine and fig-tree 3 under which we were repofing. America, and all the woHd,except France, can voflch for the fincerity of your exer- tions, to preferve an honorable peace ; and we verily believe that the whole tenor of your adminiftration has been bottomed on a fincere wifh for the real welfare of our common country, aided by eminent talents and the moft folid judgment. As well wifhers to all mankind, we mould feel abundant pleafure in feeing the French people peaceably fettled under a well organ- i/ed government ; but the name or nature of it is to us a matter of indifference, if they fhould be fatisfied ; but our good wifhes do not carry us io far as to be willing to abandon to them one particle of our inde- pendence, to fubmit quietly to their in- trigues, or to be drawn from that path which we have a right to purfue. We love our government, and believe it to be the bePt under the fun ; we place the higheft confi- dence in the conftituted authorities, and tiuft that the Executive will purfue fuch meafures I A D D R E S S E S. 319 meafures as may bed conduce to our wel- fare. It wo-uld be fuperfluous to add. that our perfons and property are ready to pra- ted our independence ; and that you may long continue its firm fupporter, is the fin- cere wifti of the citizens of Campbell. From the INHABITANTS of SHEPHERD'S TOWN and its vicinity, in, the County of BERKLEY, to JOHN ADAMS, PRESI- DENT of the UNITED STATES- SIR, N the prefent eventful period, when un- remitting depredations are committed on our commerce, wanton cruelty exercifed on our feamen, the general government tradu- ced, the Executive vilified, and our very exiftence threatened by the French govern- ment, and that through the means of our own citizens ; we efteem it a duty we owe to our country, to ourfelves and to pofteri- ty, publicly to declare our fentiments, and to offer every fupport in our power to the constituted authorities. We therefore de- clare to you, Sir, that we are of opinion you have done every thing that under the exift- ing circtimftances could be done, with due regard to the general fafety, true honor and effential intereft of the United States, to cultivate a good underftandingand preferve ? i.ji- peace 320 PATRIOTIC peace with the French nation. And that through the unexampled perfidy and unpar- alleled bafenefs of the conduct of that gov- ernment towards ITS, nothing further can be attempted confident with the maxims that conftitute the bafis of our national fover- eignty. And we further declare to you, Sir, and to the world, that your adminiftra- tion of the executive government in all refpecls, meets our mod cordial and hearty approbation; and fhoulda ftorm await and our enemies affail us, while by the bleffing of Providence we have ample refources,and a chief magiftrate at the helm defervedly pofleffing our confidence, while we have a right to hope for the energetic concurrence of the legiilative branches, and can appeal to Heaven for the juflnefs of our caufe, we fear no confequences, but are determined in any event to fupport the government of our own choice with our lives and fortunes. To the IN H AB i T AN TS-O/ SHEPHERD'S TOWN an d its vicinity >, in the County ofE E R K L E Y . GENTLEMEN, THE generous fentiments of approba- tion and confidence conveyed in this nervous addrefs, command my particular refpe6l. I had never until lately, any expectation, that I iliould live to fee unremitted depre- dations A D D R E S S E S. Rations committed on our commerce, ton cruelties exercifed on our fearnen, our general government traduced, the execu- tive authority vilified, and our very exift- ence threatened, through the means of our citizens, or any other, with impunity. I had no fufpicion indeed, that mankind would ever have taken it into their heads, to try over again, experiments which had been a million times tried, and always found evil. I am happy in your opinion, that every thing has been done, under the exilUng cir- cumftances, that could be done by me, with a due regard to- the general fafety,true honor and effential interefts of the United States. With you I clearly agree, that nothing fur- ther can be attempted, confidently with the maxims that conRitute the bafis of our na- tional fovereignty. Your cordial approbation of my adminif- tration of the executive government, in all refpe&s is highly honorable and affecYing to. me. Should our enemies afTail us at home, you have no reafon to doubt of the energet- ic concurrence of the legislative branches, whofe knowledge of our ample refources, mud give them all neceflary firmnefs ; whofe perfuafion of the juftice of our caufe, will enable them to make the laft appeal when neceffary, and whofe American hearts will : ; *k. prompt 322 PATRIOTIC prompt them to fupport their country, \viih their lives and fortunes^ in common with their fellow-citizens. JOHN ADAMS. N O R T H-C A R O L I N A. To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, 1 HE inhabitants of the town ofNewberrv find an excufe for the freedom they exer- cife in this addrefs to you, in the critical and alarming fituarion of the government, in a common concern for the prefervation of its honor and independence, and in the warm approbation they entertain of your conduct fmce you have filled the office of chief mag- iftrate of the United States. You were call- ed to it. Sir, at a crifis fraught with difficulty and danger, when neither the improved (kill in the management of affairs, nor the pureft integrity of intention could enfure an entire exemption from cenfure-^At a crifis "\vhen the honor, intereft and happinefs of the Uni- ted States, required that a diftincl and im- partial neutrality mould be fairly maintained with all foreign powers, but which an artful and infidious fet of men at the head of the government of the French republic, were laboring ADDRESSES. 323 laboring to interrupt and deftroy Abroad it required a conftant exertion of the mod wary and aclive penetration, to elude the toils they had fet for it,- and at home, \vhere you had a right to look for a cordial fupport, and a zealous and unanimous co operation, you were forced to fuftain your meafures againft the efforts of a deluded emhufiafm, propagated in the minds of fome of our fel- Jow-citizens, by an ill-grounded attachment to the French caufe. But with a fteady perfeverance and .exemplary firmnefs of mind which no obftacles could weary, nor mifreprefcntations difcourage,you haveper- fifted in a regular and ftedfaft courfe of meafures happily adjufted to the promotion of the honor of our national character, the advancement of our national profperity and the prefervation of our national rights ^And it may be the felicity and the boaft of the citizens of the United States, that in the fe- ries of thefe various and critical events, the firmnefs and independency of your mind never once deferted you, and that all the fleps you have taken have been guided by wifdom, upon a clear and judicious know- ledge~of the characters with whom you had to deal, and upon a jealous and anxious re- gard for the honor, happinefs and inde- pendence of the government. Now that the hoftile and views and nefa- rious .defigns of the French republic towards the 324 PATRIOTIC the government of the United States have been expofed by the publication of the com- munications from our envoys, the love of our common country will produce a cordial unanimity of femiment ; and whatever may be the meafures which the wifdom of our government may purfue to guard our na- tional honor and protect our national rights, we are determined, with one heart, and one voice, to fupport them at the hazard of ev- ery domeltic confideration which may be near or dear to us; and with an unmaken confidence, we repofe our fafety and honor in the energy of your character, and the wifdom of your mind, as a ftatefman. To the I N HABITANTS of th s Town of N E w~ BERN. GENTLEMEN, AN addrefs fo cordial ami refpe6lfal as this from the citizens of Newbern, and your warm approbation of my conduct, iince I have filled the office of chief magif- trate of the United States, I ought to hold in the higheft eftimation. I was indeed called to it at a crifis fraught "with difficulty and danger ; when neither fkill in the management of affairs, more im- proved than any I could pretend to. nor the pureft integrity of intention, could fecure an ADDRESSES. an entire exemption from involuntary error, much lefs from cenfure. There have been, for many years, ftrong indications that nothing would fatisfy the rulers of .the French, but our taking with them an a&ive part in the war againft all their enemies, and exhaufting the latt rc- iburccs of our property to fupport them, not orjy in the purfuit of their chimerical ideas of liberty, but of univerfal empire : this \vc were not only under no obligation to do, but had reafon to believe would have ruined the laws, conftitution, and the morals of our country, as well as our credit and .property. An ardent emhufiafm, indeed, del tided for a long time too many of our worthy citizens. The honor of your teftimony to the in- tegrity of my endeavors HI fo difficult a con- juncture, is very precious to my heart. As the hoftile views and nefarious defigns of the French republic, are now too notori- ous to be denied or extenuated, I believe with you, that the love of our common country, will produce a cordial unanimity of fentiment. This patriotic and fpirited addrefs is a clear indication of fuch defirable union, and will have a powerful tendency to encour- age, firengthen and promote it. JOHN, ADAMS. D d T 9 326 PATRIOTIC To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. W SIR, r E, the 1 inhabitants of the town of Wil- mington, in the State of North-Carolina, legally convened together, feel it to be our incumbent duty to addrefs you at this very important c'rifis of the affairs of the United States in relation to the French republic. Permit us to allure you, that we view with entire approbation the advances made by the executive authority of our own gov- ernment to that of France, for an honorable and equitable adjuftment of all differences between the two republics. We do not affe6t to conceal that from a feeming congeniality of fentiment refpecling civil liberty, and from the confideration that they were engaged with America in 'the con- flict that terminated in her independence, we entertained a partiality and friendih'ip for the people of France, fo long as the ei- tablifhment of a free and equal government appeared to be the virtuous objeQ: of their purfuit. We lament, therefore, that thofe advan- ces, inftead of being reciprocated in the manner that from their great candor and liberality, might reafonably have been ex- pe&ed, (and which for the interefts of both nations ADDRESSES. 327 nations was devoutly to be wifhed) were re- pelled with indignity and contempt ; and fhat it has become too evident, that- princi- ples replete with danger to this country, ac- tuate the conduct of the prefent French government. It in Lift now be manifeft to the world, that the unexampled moderation and forbearance of the government of the United States have ferved only to excite to new aggreffions on the p^rt of France, and that no other alter- native remains as a choice for the former, than conceffion which would degrade our character as a nation, and fap the foundation of its independency or to refort to thofe defensive meafures which the fpirit of the people and the refources with which God has blefled us, enable us to call (and we truft fuccefsfully) into operation. Appreciating the- advantages of peace, and contrafting with them the calamities in- cidental to an oppofite ftate of things, we deprecate the approach of war but ftill we do not hefitate 'to declare, that if that ex- tremity unavoidably .becomes the final re- fort, all the exertions that fliould be expet- ed in fo juft a caufe, from men animated by an ardent love for their country, and refo- lute to affert its rights and fupport its gov- ernment, may be depended on from us. The 328 PATRIOT! C The annals of our country afford ampte ,teftirnony of the zeal with which your talent* And pat riot ifm have been uniformly exerted in its fervice ever fince it afftimed an inde- pendent fituation. Your conduct in the difcharge of the duties of the high flation you now fill, reflects new luftre on your *:haracler, and dignity upon the government over which you prcfide. Thoroughly perfuaded, therefore, that it will be the great object of your adminiftra- tion to promote the fafety, honor and prof- perity of our common country, we humbly implore the bleffing of the Supreme Being upon your endeavors, and that you may ex- perience his peculiar care and providence. To the INHABITANTS of the Town #/" WIL- MINGTON. GENTLEMEN, YOUR addrefs, unanimoufly adopted at a meeting legally convened, has been prc- fented to me by your fenators in Congrefs, Mr. Martin and Mr. Blood worth. An affurance from the city of Wilming- ton, that you view with entire approbation, the advances made by the executive author- ity of your government to that of France, for an honorable and equitable adjustment of all differences between the two republics, A DDR ESSES. 32-9 Is of high value to me, and'affords a convin- cing proof that Americans think and feel alike on. great and .eflential .objeds, in all parts of the Union. The friendfhip you entertained for the people of France, from a feeming congeni- ality of fentiment refpe&ing civil liberty, and from the confideration that they were engaged with America in the conflict that terminated in our independence, f'o long as the eftablifhmentof a free and eq.ual govern- ment appeared to be the virtuous objecl: of their purfuit far from being a reproach, was honorable to- the difpofition of your hearts. The repulfiorr of our advances 5 .can.dicl, liberal and conciliatory, as all the impartial world will pronounce them, has indeed made it too evident, that principles replete with danger to this country, and to all others, actuate the conduct of the prefent French government.. , It is alfo mani&ft to the world, that the unexampled moderation of America, has ferved only to excite new aggreffions. Your declaration, that when the extremity of war becomes the final refort, all the exertions -that fhou'ld be'exercifed in fojuft a caufe, from men animated by an ardent love f their country, and refolution to afTerts its rights and fupport its government, may be depended upon- will be fatisfaclory to ev- D d 2 ery 33 o PATRIOTIC cry branch of the government, and highly pleafing to all your fellow-citizens. The teftimony of the citizens of Wil- mington, to my zeal and induftry in the public iervice, is very dear to me ; and your petitions for the bleffings of the Su- preme Being on my endeavors, and that I may experience his peculiar care and prov- idence, can be anfwered only by fupplica- tions on my part, for your country, your- felves, and your poflerity. JOHN ADAMS. From the OFFICERS of the GUI L'F OR D REG- IMENT of MILITIA, and the INHABIT- ANTS of the County* to the PRESIDENT of - the UNITED STAT.SS, , SIR, uEjLN addrefs prefented to you at this tiir.e, on the fubjeft of the/ relative fituation of America with foreign nations, but more par- ticularly with France, fhould at leaft pofTefs forne novelty of thought fo procure with you an apology, or fome ftrong reafon urg- ed, why it had been fo long delayed, to merit your reply. We hope you will not antici- pate any thing new, for in facl, we only mean to adopt and urge the many and the excellent fentiraews which have been al- ready A D D R.E S .S.E-S. 331 ready addreffed to you, by our fellow-citi- zens throughout the Union. Loving our country, determined to fup- port it, its conftitution, and the laws ema- nating from it; pleafed with the admrniftra- tion of you, Sir, and your predeceflbr, who was and is no lei's beloved by you than by ourfelves ; dctefting the parricidial princi- ples^ of France, which not only Teem, 'but really are fubverting every government within their vortex ; can we be acquitted in OUT own minds ? could we be in the opin- ion of our fellow-citizens, did we hefitate to make this declaration ? We abhor the modern innovations, and that word " fcjormj" which in the fond credulity of our imaginations, we believed to be for the amelioration of the foliation of man; we now flmn it as we would a mon- iler reaxiy to engulph all focial order, anni- hilate civil government, and fubvert the heretofore approved courfe of things. If France, compelled by that imperious neceflity, which is fometimes an apology with the hiftorian, for acls tending to dcftroy a focial coinpacl, could even produce that, an improper prejudice of America might ftill furnifh her with apo-!o.i;ifts ; but when we fee governments never yet obnoxious even to fanciful writers, as well as thole which imagination had formed tyrannical, 332 P A T RIOT I C and our own, which has for its bafis every principle prefervative of the happinefs and fecumy of. virtue and indujtry, attempted to bexleftroyed ; can we refill the impulfe of declaring that her- nominal government is an unheard of tyranny--a compact which would as rapidly, and as effectually deftroy our rifing empire, as an army of their myr- midons might for the moment affecl pur in- ternal order. If we have not exprefTed thefe opinions -fo early as mod of our fellow-citizens, re- ceive,. Sir, our apology ;fo large an ap- portionment of the .county of.Guilford, nev- er convened together as on this day, fince the (lifpatch.es from our envoys to France, ar- rived, and delTcacy of fentiment of thofe who did, prevented them ^ from obtruding their opinions, as of thofe, who did not. It is needlefs to tell; you that your admin- iftration has our warmeil approbation; it is needlefs to tell you our .determined refo- iution to fupport the meafures of that ad- .ininift ration ; and it is only from your great .and well-known goodnefs, we can hope an excufe for not exp re rung thofe opinions be- fore this day. We believe' fincerely with you, Sir, in a '.fen time :it lately expreiled, that much indeed o.f our fafety depends on the exertions ufed for the eftablifhing an American navy., and o that ADDRESSES, 333 that a part of our fellow-citizens cannot be more beneficially employed, than by endeav- oring to per feel it. May that kind Providence, which' has watched over the liberty and independence of the United States, continue its protection to you, one of their choice!! guardians, and long preferve a life dear and effential to its country's happinefs. To the OFFICERS of the GUILFORD < M E N T of M i L IT i A, and the IN u A B i T - ANTS of the County.. GENTLEMEN, THE unanimous addrefs adopted by you, has been tranimiued as you directed, by Major John Hamilton to Mr. Steele, and by Mr. Steele to me. A'ddrefTes like yours, fo friendly to me and fo animated with public fpirit, can never ttand in need of any apology. It is on the contrary, very true, that the affectionate- ad- drefTes of my fellow-citizens have flowed -in upon me from various parts of theUnion, in fuch numbers, that it has bedn utterly im- pofTible for me to preferv-e any regularity in my anfwers, without negleBing the inilif- peniable duties of my office. This, and a long-continued and vtery dangerous ficknefs in rny family, moft ferioufly alarming to'-riie, 334 P. A T R I O T I C 11, I hope, be, accepted, by .you and by all others whole favors have not been duly no- ticed, as an apology for a feeining .neglect, which has beer) a very, great rpor.tifi cation to me. There is no language within my command,, fufficient to exprefs the .fati ^fac- tion I have felt, at the abundant proofs, of harmony and unanimity among the people in the fouthern States, and in none more re- markably than in North Carolina. Your patriotic addrefs, adopted on the -ground where a memorable battle.was fought by freemen, on the fifteenthiof March, 1781, in defence of their Hberties and independ- ence, is peculiarly forcible and affecting. JOHN ADAMS. . ~ ".>]" i from the INHABITANTS of MOORE. County tO theF. RES-ID N- T of the U N 1 T E D S T A T E S, SIR, i. HE prefent critical fituation of America, with refpect to foreign nations, calls upon its citizens as we conceive, to evince a (pi r it of harmony and unanimity among them- felves ; more efpecially at a juncture when it has artfully and malicioufiy been repre- ..feaied by our enemies that we are a divided people. We on our pa ; rt have; therefore thought it our duty openly to exprefs our lehtimeDti' ADDRESSES. 335 fentiments on this fubj eft ; and to affure you 'as chief magiftrate of our country, that \ve have entire confidence in its- govern- ment ; that we approve of the adn-iiniftra- tion of our prefent Executive, particularly in its late endeavors to eftablifh pacific mea- fures with France ; and that we are united, ready and determined, to o| -pole the machi- nations of that or any other foreign power, which fliall" attempt to ihvadt our rights. In this we exprefs the -general fenfe of our county, and. we trufi, of all America. ' ^rP ! P=^ffr From the PEOPLE of CHAPEL HILL and its ~ji cinity, and the Yo u N G M EN of the U N i - VERSL'TY, to JOHN ADAMS, PRESI- DENT of the. UN i TED STATES, WEH have long witnefTed with deep con- cern, a difpofition in the French govern- ment to abuie their power, in proportion as it has been increafed. After it has grown, by a rapid and continued ^iiccefrion of vic- tories, to a moil extraordinary fize, their profligacy and injuftice are become no lefs extraordinary, and they have y^roinifcuoufly confounded friends with foes in their pirat- ical and predatory afTaults. Had the bar- Larians themfelves (for they have taught us ; ,the comparifon) poflefTed the ftrength and means 336 P A T R I O T I G means which that people have gained, we, with the reft of the nations, rnuit have ex- pe&ed to have our veflels taken, our citi- zens ftript of their .property, our feamen abufed and mercilefsly thrown into dun- geons, or left to beg the necelfaries of life. But could we ever have imagined, that .France, a nation, but lately inferior to none in humanity of femiment, and refinement of .manners* could Jo foon degenerate into bar- xbarifm as to be guided by no law but pow- er, or reftrained by no confiderations but thofe of neccffity ? It is not without much furprize and regret, that we 'are at length forced to believe a nation capable of this iliocking change in fo fhort a period. When -we confider how many others have been led on by the lame example through the fame change, we rejoice we yet feel ourfelves to have been in no great degree affected by its influence. We reflect with fatisfaclion, that the llrong chain of connexion that held us together at the commencement of their rev- olution, has not availed to drag our govern- ment and people into the fame frightful gulf with themielves, but that our eyes have been open to explore the courfe they were taking, and that in proportion as we have difcotfer- ed the danger, we refolved, and fucceeded, to difengage -ourfelves. It has not been without a druggie in our bofoms, that we took fo unplcafing a relblu- tio.n ; ADDRESSES. 337 tion ; but when juftice, religion and national independence muft have been furrendered without it, we could no longer hefitate a moment. Although our people have been divided in fentiment even on this fubjecl 5 as well as on others, yet when we are told that our dif- ferences are made a ground oji which to form a plan for deftroying our government, or infringing our rights, we Cannot but re- volt at the ungenerous thought, and execrate the man who could think of acting on fo bafe a principle. It is to convince you, Sir, and the enemies who have calculated on fo infidious a fcheme of the miftake they are in, and the fevere dilappointment they are likely to fuffer fhould they further proceed upon it, that we undertake thus publicly to addrefs you. And although it is thus late that we have done it, we truft dial it is with no lefs fince- .rity, than others who have preceded us. Whatever political disagreement may have fubfifted among us, or however unfortunate they may have been in their efifeh,we (hall never harbor the ignoble thought of facri- .ficing our country, our government, or its adminiftration, to the accompiifhrnent of local or perfonal views. After the proofs -we had given of our infupcrable love of in- dependence, in our ftruggle againft Britain, none but thofe who had experienced in E e themfelves PATRIOTIC themfelves a moft unaccountable degenera- cy, could have imagined we fhould be will- ing fo foon to renounce it for the fake of retaining the favor, or promotiwg the views of any other nation under heaven. But when we confider the wanton and unprece- dented conduc~l of the Direiory in letting at nought the ordinary laws of nations, and affuming to create a new code fitted to their own purpofes of plunder and violence ; when we renVi on their unworthy treatment of our ambafTadors,and the unexampled in- fults they have returned for all the anxiety \vhich yoj, Sir, in conjunction with our government, have manifefted for peace and juftice, -\ve can no longer remain filent fpec- tators : We feel it our indifpenfable duty to declare, that we have an unimpaired con- fidence in your wifdom and adminiilration ; that we feel an attachment to your perfon as our chief magi (irate, and one who has borne a diftinsuiftied part in the defence and eilabiilhmcnt of our rights and liberties and tl at v.hen thofe liberties and rights are placed at Rake, we are ready to Hand by you and our government, to defend both at the expenfe of our laft blood. We cannot but confider our commerce, and that worthy clafs of our feliow-citizens \vho are employed in it, as entitled to the fame protection with ourfelves. it would be bsindne!:) in us not to perceive the merit of ADDRESSES. 339 of that part of fociety, who brave the dan- gers and hardfhips of the ocean, to f'upply us with what we fhould with the utmoft dif- ficulty and difadvantage, provide for our- felves,and which we have a perfect right to obtain without moleftation, by a fair and honeft commerce with all who are willing to trade with us. S O U T H- C A R O L I N A. . Tke ADDRESS and MEMORIAL of theCiTi- SENSC/CHARLESTON.^JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UN i TED STATES, SKEWETH RESPECTFULLY^ T HAT your memorialifts learn-t, with the moft fincere fatisfa6lion, the appointment, by the executive government of the United States, of a folemn embafTy, duly empower- ed and wifely inftruBed, to endeavor to remove all differences with the French re- public, and to maintain the relations of am- ity and peace between the two countries. That your memorialifts have underftood with the deepeft regret, that the fpirit of con- ciliation and peace manifeAed by the gov- ernment of the United States, hath been met by a fpirit of hoftility in the councils of the French republic ; and that the miniilers of peace S40 PATRIOTIC peace had not been admitted to the privilege of an audience, fcarcely ever denied among, civilized nations. That the moft unreafonable demands have been made upon this country, by perfons pretending and appearing to acl under the authority of the French government, (but \vhich, it is fincerely hoped, not' \vith the fentiments of the people of France) without even the pretence of injury or wrong hav- ing been committed demands which, if fubmitted to, would proftrate the United States at the feet of France, and convert her from a free and independent nation, in- to a tributary and degraded province. Your memorialifts are aftonifhed to find that thefe demands have been perfeveringly urged, upon a prefumption that the Ameri- cans were a divided people, and would nev- er unite in fupport of their own govern- ment, in oppofition to thefe demands ; and that upon this fallacious idea, our commerce hath been harraffed, without redrefs; and our peace and our independence are threatened. Deeply afflicted at this Mate of the public affairs, your memorialifts feel themfelves ir- refiftibly impelled to make a full, folemn and explicit declaration of their fincere attach- ment to the coriftitution and government of the United States ; and of their fixed refo- lution to maintain and fupport them againft 011 ADDRESSES. 341 all foreign encroachment and dominion, at the hazard of their lives and fortunes. Your memorialifts arebut too well acquaii t- ed with the miferies and calamities of war, and they would willingly have averted them by the facrifice of fecondary interefts. But they do not hefttate to declare their prefer- ence of every calamity to a fervile fubjec- tion to a foreign yoke. Your memorialifts repofe confidence in the \vifdom and patriotifm of the conftituted au- thorities ; and truft that the moft prompt, vigorous and efficacious ftepswill be taken, " to provide for the common defence, pro- mote the general welfare, and fee u re the bleffings of liberty to ourfelves and our pof- terity ;" and they fubmit, to the difcretion of the government, the meafures effential to the attainment and fecurity of thefe great objects. From the INHABITANTS of CLARMONT County, to the PRESIDENT, SENATE, and Houfe ^REPRESENTATIVES o/ ^UNI- TED STATES. GENTLEMEN, WHEN our peace and independence is menaced by a formidable though perfidious nation, who, afpiring to the domination of the world, violates, in the career of her am- bition, all bonds of good faith, and all ties of that friendfhip which heretofore happily Eea fubfifted PATRIOTIC fubiiiled between that nation and our own, we think it not improper in us, nor difa- greeable to you, that we come forward un- der an open avowal of the fentiments which actuate us at this momentous crifis. ; Decply imprefled with a fenfe of yoitr wifdom and patriotifm, and cordially ap- proving of the pacific meafures you have taken to erlecl a reconciliation and an ami- cable adjuftment of the differences between the two nations, we cannot but feel an indig- nation, worthy the breads, of freemen, at feeing thofe meafures rejecled with haughty contempt by the French government. And notwithstanding we deprecate the calamities of war, yet we view them as but a fecondary confideration compared with the degrada- tion of our national dignity, and the fubver- fion of our government* Relying firmly on the wifdotn and fidelity- of the conflhuted authorities of the United States, we do not hefitate to declare, that we will fupport, at the rif'k of our lives and for- tunes, any meafures that they may think proper to adopt for the defence of our coun- try's rights ; and that we will' evince to the world we are not a divided people. " " -~<_____i V-*J> .. . - To the PRESIDENT ofjths UKITEI> STATES. SIR, 1 HE inhabitants of the town of Cam- bridge and its vicinity, in the diitricl of Ninety-Six, ADDRESSES. 343 Ninety-Six, and State of South-Carolina,, having afiembled for the purpofe of taking into confideration the political (late of our own country, beg leave to ftate to you, as chief magilirate of the United States, our fincere regret, that, from prefent appearan- ces,^we are likely to be involved in the war,, which for years pait, has defolated a confid- crable part of Europe- Although as citi- zens, we holdfacred the right of judging of the conduct and meafu-res of our rulers, and expreffing freely and publicly our opinions thereon, yet we (hall always view with a jealous eye, and will repel, with the energy of republicans, (who have fought for, and of courfe know the value of genuine liberty) the attempts, of any foreign nation, who may iliew a difpofition to interfere in the. coun- cils of our country.. We therefore beg leave, through you^to a flu re our fellow-cit- izens throughout the Union, that although agricultural in our habits, and attached to- the paths of peace, we are, to a man, united to defend our country from the unjuft ag- greffion of any foreign power, and prepared, with our lives and fortunes, to defend the eonftitiition and independence of our coun- try, and to fupport its officers in the confti- uuional and legitimate exercife of all their functions* GEORGIA. 344 PATRIOTIC GEORGIA. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, J. HE inhabitants of the city of Savannah and its vicinity, impreffed with the value of national independence, and of the wifdom and virtue which have characterized a gov- ernment fo happily calculated to enfure and preferve this bleffing, cannot withhold their approbation to the meafures which you have purfued at a juncture fo critical to the Uni- ted States, as the prefent. Fondly anticipating the reftoration of a good underftanding on principles compati- ble with juftice and honor, with a nation for whom America had always manifefted fentiments of the mod real and undifguifed frieridfhip, they faw with pleafure the depar- ture of the commiffioners entrufted with this object, whofe perfonal characters juftified an entire confidence (and which the event has proved not to have been mifplaced) that no fuitable means would be neglecled in purfuing the important ohjel of their mif- fion. And notwithftanding the painful and inexpreffible fenfation which the conduct of men, at the head of a government once our 'allies and friends, excited, there remains a confolation, ADDRESSES. 345 confolation, that the caufe and refponfibility of this conduct will reft on themfelves alone. And it is with great pleafure that we con- gratulate you, Sir, .and our country on the wife and prudent meafures you have pur- fued for the prefervation of peace and the protection of our independence; we believe that you have done as much for the obtain- ment of the firft of thefe objects, as a due regard for the other would juftify or permit ; and fhould the laft argument of nations, a refort to arms, become indifpenfable for the protection of thofe rights which are the nioli dear to us we pledge ourfelves for the fupport of our government, by which alone they can be fecured, and at the hazard of our lives and properties, to convince the world that we will take no (hare in the dif- grace of being confidered a divided people. To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES. SIR, A. MEETING of the inhabitants of the town of Wafhington and county of Wilkes, in the State of Georgia, having delegated to us, as a committee, the power of addrefling in their names the chief executive magiftrate of the Union on the prefent fituation of pub- lic affairs as they relate to foreign nations, 346 PATRIOTIC we embrace the ear left opportunity to dif- charge the truft fo repofed in us. Whil'ft we cannot but deplore the prefent profpecl of national calamity, and anticipate with fenfibility the deep diftrefs which mufl be common in our country fhould that prof- pect be realized, we fhould at the Tame time exprefs to you, lentiments the reverfe of t-hofe which univerfally pervade this part of the community, were we not to attribute the impending evils to the injuftice of thofe with whom we are connected by public ties. To the conftant endeavors of the American government for the maintenance of its neu- trality, have been oppofed the intrigues of foreign courts to involve it in the labyrinth of European wars. To unremitted and fin- cere exertions for the prefervation of peace and the cultivation of harmony, have been ppofed unwarranted encroachments on our mod facred rights, and ftudied indignity to our applications for reparation. Foreign nations have reprefented the Americans lo be a divided people. Were we "in reality fo, their conduct would not fail to unite us-; and fhould any daring in- vader on the common rights of human na- ture prefume to enforce its unjuft purpofes by public force, experience will then teach them they have been deceived. Although ADDRESSES. 347 Although we are here furrounded on one fide by powerful favage tribes, among whom the intrigues of foreign agents are generally too fuccefsful ; bounded on anoth- er by the territories of a nation apparently not altogether friendly ; and open on a third to the approaches of the weakeft naval ar- maments ; yet, Sir, the people of this coun- try feel no difpofition to fubmit with tame- nefs to outrages upon common juftice, and infults upon public and individual honor. They view with indignation the unprecedent- ed violations of national rights committed by thofe to whom the American government have afliduoufly held out the olive branch of peace. They feel the ftrongeft emotions of refentment for the fhameful demands made, as terms upon which our public min- ifters might obtain the privilege of repre- fenting our grievances. With an acquief- cencein fuch requifitions 5 may the American character never be tarnifhed. We cannot forego the prefent occafion to declare the grateful fenfe we entertain for the anxiety manifefted by the federal Executive for the profperity of our common country, and the prefervation of our general happinefs. The citizens of oijr community cannot but applaud that fpirit of modera- tion which prompted the American govern- ment, after repeated indignities, to make a lad druggie for amicable accommodation of cxiiling 348 PATRIOTIC, &c. exifting differences. Notwithstanding more has been done than could have been jufti- fied by any other principle, than that of an ardent and fincere defire for the prefervation of peace, the profpecl has with every ftep become more gloomy. Our folicitudes and our conceffions have added infults to injury. To concede farther, would render us a de- graded people to afk more from thofe who have fet at defiance the acknowledged prin- ciples of national jufHce and national honor, \vould render us undeferving of the refpec~l of all mankind. Under thefe imprerBons, we are prepared for the worit. Through you, Sir, as the chief organ of our country, we beg leave to exprefs our confidence in the conftituted au- thorities of the government. Be allured that the people of this part of the commu- jiity are impre.iTed with a firm determination to refift any encroachm.ents which may have for their object, either an interference \vith the fovereignty of oqr country, or an ag- greflipn upon our public or individual rights. And the government of the United States \vill receive our mod decided fupport to any meafures which may be adopted for the maintenance of our national honor, and the prefervation of our independe.nce. G E S . a A L WASHINGTON'S LETTER. 349 . . GENERAL WASHINGTON'S LETTER ^ to PRESIDE NT A DAMS, on his APPOINT- MENT to the Office of COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF ALL THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES. -ix. Mount Vernon, i$th July, 1798. DEAR SIR, tl HAD the honor on the evening of the nth inftant, to receive from the hand of . the Secretary of War, your favor of the 7th, announcing that you had, with the ad- vice and con&nt of the Senate, appointed me u Lieutenant-General ;aiid Commander in Chief of all the Armies raifed, or to be railed, for the fervice of the United States." *?and extent of the crifis. Satisfied, therefore, that you have fiiv- cerely wifhed and endeavored to avert war, and exhaufted to the laft drop, the cup of reconciliation, >we can with pure hearts ap- peal to Heavenifor the juftice of our caufo; and may confidently trull the ^nal refutt to that kind Providence who has hereto- fore, and fo often, fignally' favored the peo- ple of thefe United States. Thinking in this manner, and' Feeling how incumbent it is upon every perfon, of every description, to contribute at all times to his country's,; welfare, and efpecially in a mo- ment like the prefent, when every thing we hold dear and facred is fo ferioufly threat- ened ; I have finally determined to accept the commiflion of Commander, in Chief of the Armies of the- United States ; with the referve only, that I fhalF hot be-' called- into the field until the army is in a fituation to require my prefence, or it becomes indif- penfable by the urgency of circumftances. In making this refervation, I beg it to be underftood, that I do not mean to withhold any affiftance to arrange and organize the ar- my, which you may think I can afford. I take the liberty alfo to mention, that I muft de- cline having my acceptance confidered as drawing. 35 2 WASHINGTON'S LETTER. drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public ; or that I can receive any emolr uments annexed xo tbe appointment, before entering into a fituation to incur expenfe. The Secretary of War being anxious to return to the feat of government, I have detained him no longer than was neceflary to a full, communication upon the feverai points he had in charge. With very great refpeft and confider ation, I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, * Your moft obedient humble fervant, . G. WASHINGTON, ' ; Jc^a/; T^ A : ^ JOHN ADAMS, of the United States. : i: ' , THE END. r , . ,, , , . I I N D E X. .. '\ j VERMONT. Page ADDRESS of the Inhabitants of the Town ofWindfor 7* Of the Towns of Arlington andSandgatc - 9 Mayor t Aldermen, Common Council and Freemen oftheCity.afVergcnnes . - - la " NEW-HAMPSHIRE. Of the Legijlature - 16 - Inhabitant*. of the Town of Portfmoutk 20 1 , Young Men of Portf mouth - - 21 ^ - Students ef Dartmouth College .. $5 f . "MASSACHUSETTS. Of the Legijlature - . . 28 - Inhabitants of Bojlon - - 32 - Young Men of Bojlon >.;*; 'yv-^ ^*- ' 35 - Inhabitants of Salem - - 38 " Inhabitants of Newbury-Port 42 Grand Jurors for the County of Plymouth 4,5 - > Inhabitants of Concord - 48 Inhabitants of Haver hill 53 c 7j - Inhabitants ofQlouccfter - -. . ^5 Inhabitants of Rcxbury . - 56" - Inhabitants of Cambridge - - .58 Inhabitants of Medford H ^ T , 62 Inha&foants of, DC ah am and its. vicinity 6^ Inhabitants of Braintree - 71 Inhabitants of .Quincy - j6 Inhabitants of Breokline * " 79 Inhabitants of Lynn -- - - &i" - Congregational. Minifters 84 ' Gr'dtfd : Lodge of Fret and Accepted Maforis 85 - ' "Rofliin Marine Society - 02 Students of Williams' College - - 98 Students of Harva rd Univerjity 1 1 z Ffa DISTRICT 454 INDE DISTRICT OF MAINE. Of the Citizens of Portland . 105 Inhabitants of Wells ' - 107 ....... . Inhabitants of Arundell - - ioS RHODE-ISLAND. Of the, Legijlature no Town cf Newport -'" - * 1J ~--' Inhabitants of Providence 114 Cincinnati - - - 119 Students of Rhode-Ifiand College - 122 CONNECTICUT. Of the Legijlature r - - - 126 * Inhabitants of Hartford - - 129 N E W.y O R K. Of the Citizens of New-York - - J/H Young Men of the City of New-York >37 ( itizens of Jlb.any. . ' . . r - . - 143 Citizens ofrlnrlftn ! - - - M 6 Grand Jurors for the County of Columbia 149 - Inhabitants of tke County of Off ego .* - J.53 Inhabitants of t fie County df Ontida. " 456 > Officers of the Brigade ofili&'CityandCeunty of New-York and County of Richnwnd - 160 NE W.JERSEY. Of the Inhabitants of tke County of Burlington 163 Citizens of Newark - - 3 66 Inhabitants' of Bridge ton, lf>9 Inhabitants ofWindjor, Mtntgcmery, Princeton aud King jt on 172 Citizens of Aintvell, Readinqton and Kingiaood 179 Soldier Citizens of New- Jrrjey - 18 1 Students of NcW-}erfey College - 184- PEN NSY L V ANI A. Of the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens cf Philadelphia . 190 '. jnfwer to the V.tizens of Philadelphia, the Dijtritt of Southward, and the Northern Liberties -,534 Addrffs of the Young Mm of Philadelphia - . J 95 Of Page <7/' J/4 Eben. Baker, Bbfton. John Coe, . do. William Crafts, 2 cop/ . do; Allen Crocker, do,. G. L. Barrett, ditio. ( R. Crocker, do, Thomas Baitlqu, do. 'George A. Cufhlng : , 'do'. Daniel Bow.en, i do. Re v.Thomas Cary , Newb.Pon. Solomon Blake, do. Tliomas Cary, juri. A. 3., ditto. Samuel Brewer, do. Capt.'Ebenez^r Choate, do. Jonathan Balch, jun. do. Tnftram Coffin, do. Robert Breck, jun. . John Dutch, jun. d >. James Derby, Medford. Hon. Samuel Dexter, -Chailef- town, 3 copies. E Henry Edes, B6flon. liphraim Ejnerfon, ' Sal-em F Jonn. Fay,.Efq. 6 cop. Concord. Srtiucl P. Fay, A. B. ditto 'Dr. Nahum Fay, Bofton Ebenezcr Failcy, ditto William Fifk, do Capt. Simon Forrefter, Salem Samuel Fofter, ; 'Newb. Port Mofes Frazier, ditto Andrew Frothingham, do. Michael Hodge, Newb. Port. 1'apt. Stephen Howard, ditto. ELhas Hant, do. Jofcph P. Hall, Medford. Gilbert Hall, djlto. J. Hall, Bofton. Dr. Lemuel Hayward, ditto. Jonathan Harris, do. John Heard, A. M. do. Stephen Higginfon, do. flenrv H'.ll, ' : do. John Houghton. do. James .Hughts, Efq. ilo^ flioni is H-iitfhorn, Efq. Salem. John II j'lhorn, jun. A. B. ditto. do. Theodore D.Fofter,Providence. G His Honor MP s-R s GILL, Princeton, 3 copies. Jonathan Gage, Newb. Port. Hon. Jona, Greenleaf, ditto. Jofiiua Greenleaf, do. ohn Greenleaf, d.o. Jacob Gatrs, Bofton. John Gardner,' ditto.' 1 Edward Gray,' Efq.' do. Samuel L. Green, , do. Henry Gardner, Salem. Samuel Gray, ditto William Gray, Jan.' do. William Gray, tcrtius, do. Hon. ; B. Goodhue, do. S. Gorham,^Un.- Charleftown. David Gloyd,6 cop. Abbington, K Capt. Eben. Hale, Newb.Port. James Hodge, ditto. Thomas W. Hooper, , .do, Joftph Hiller, EGq. Cipt. Benj. Hod,jes, o. Dr. Ed. A. Holyoke, do. Rew. T.'M. Harris, Dorchefter. Thomas He-aid, A. M. Concord. Dr. Abitl Heywood, ditto. Dr. Jofcph Hant, ' do/ Dr. Ifaac HurH, do. Jona. P. Hitchcock, Brookfield. Oliver HoUlen, Charleftown. Benjamin Hani, jun. ditto. Jofcph Hurd, do. "rfeph Flurd, jur>;A. B. do. ames Howe, I Roxbury. Capt. Johnlngerfoll,- Sale'ffl. Capt. J. Ingrakam, Cambiidgs, 2 copes James J^k Ton, A. John Jenks, , Ehmiel Jenks,. James Jeffrey, Edward Jackfon, Patrick Jackfon, Wm. P'. Johnfon, Capt. Eleazer Johnfon, Capt. W. Jones, Concord. Thomas Johnflori, Charleftown. B^ S.ilcni. ditto, do. do. Bofton. Nc\vb. Port. ditto- do. Rev. Jofe$h Miltor. SU BSCR1B-ERS' NAMES. 359 Thomas Kettell, Charleftown. James King, : Salem. Rev. J oho T , Kirk Van d, Boflon. Jofeph Knapp, ditto. Wm. Kempton, do. , XJak-b Kimball, Newb. Poit. Capt. Anthony -Knapp. di:to. Capt. William -Knzpp, do. L Capt. George Lane, Charlef- town, 2 copies. , Deacon [ohn Larkin, diito. Thomas O. Lvkin, , do. \Villiam Lewis, do. Jonathan Lambert, Salem. Capt. Abel Laurence, ditto., Mofes Little, do. i \VilliaTa Ling, do. Edward J. Lang, jun, do. Peter Lander, do. Miqhael Lirtle, Newb. Port. Deacon Robert Long, ditto. Nathaniel Lord, A.B. Ipfwich. Hon. John Lowell, Roxbury^ 3 copies. M Col. Sabin Mann, Medford. Jonathan March, Newb. Port. Hugh Mowatt, ditto. Rev. Charles W. Milton, do. Daniel Mafen, Cheifea. Capt. W. Matfton, Sjlcm. John Murphy, Salem. Samuel Miller, Button Rev. John Murray, ditto. .Rev. J. Morfe, D. D. Charlel- town, 3 copies. N Henry Newman, Efq. BoR'on Capt. W.M'Neil.ter. Charlef- town. Jeremiah Nelfon, N 7 ewb. Port Dr. Bilhop fvorton, dittr). Capr. William Noyfs, do. Nichols, Salem John Nbrris, Efq. Salem. Abijah Northey, jun. ditto. b Edward Oliver, Boflon. Francis J. Oliver, A. M'. ditto. Dr. B. L. Oli'ver, Salem, iaac Ofoobd, E-q. ditto. Jofeph Of good, do. Nathl. G. Olney, -Providence. Samuel A. Otis, Newb. Port. P Fhomas Paine, Bofion. Thoanas Paine, A. M. ditto. Jofeph Pope, do. Benjamiw Proclor, do. Samuel rafkrhah, do. Ralph. Pope, do. Jofeph Powell, do. joh,n Page, Sal era. |ofeph Peikins,Efq. ditto. Benjamin Pickman, Efq. do. Bciij. Pickmau, jun. .Efq. do. Dudley L. Pickman, . 3 Go S U B ;S C R I B E R & NAMES. John Rkhardfon, Concord. Nathaniel J. Robbins, Milton. Brackiy Rofe, . Salem. John M. Ruflell, Efq. Charlef- town, 2 copies. S His Excellency INCREASE SUMNER,' 2 cop. Roxbury. John Swift, ditto. Jofiah Saljibury, A. B, Button. David Sears, I^fq. ditto. Thomas O. Sdfndge, A.B. do. John C. Shindlr, do. Holder Slccum, ! jun. do. William Stone, do. Richard Sullivan, A. B, do. Jeffe Sumner, do. Charles P. Sumner, A. B. do. Samuel Swift, do. Jacob Saunderfon, Salem. Richard Smitii, ditto. Jofeph Sprague, do. Artrnru Sawyer, A.B. Lancafter. F. Siflbn, ' Charleftown. Capt. Daniel Scott, ditto, Cnpt. James bmith, Cambridge. Leonard Smith, Ncwb. Port. John Smith, ditto. Rev. Samuel Spring, do. Zben. Stocker, do. Amos Spofford, Rowley. Samuel Toppan, Ncwb. Port William Tucomb, ditto. Gen. Jonathan 'i'itcomb, do. Deac. Thomas Thompfon, do. Benjamin Thurfton, do. Nicholas Tracy, do. Stephen Tilton, do. Enoch Titcorrn, do, Benjamin Tucker, "do. E. tufts, . do. Dudley A. Tyng, Efn. do. Fitch Tarbctt, Medford. J.iall Tufts, A, M. ditto. Capt. Nathaniel Thayer, Bofloru Stephen Thayer, ditto. Abraham Tuckerman, do. Edward Tuckerman, jun. do. George \V. 1 uckerman, do. James Temple, A.M. Concord. Capt. Gideon Tucker, Salem. V Jofeph Vincent, Salem. W apt.T. Walker, Charleflown. Col. David Wood, ditto. Aaion Wait, Salem. Jonathan Waldo, ditto. Jofhua Ward, do. William .Ward, do. Capt. Edward Weft, do. Michael Walfh, Newb. Port. Eben. Whee-lwright, ditto. Gilman White, do. David Wood x do. Capt. William Wyer, do. N. Wyer, do. J. Watery jun. Bofton. Rev. Win. Walter, D. D. ditto, 2 copies. Robtnt Wyer, A. M. do. Nathan Webb, do. Nath. P. Weft, do. Abraham Wild do. Dr. Jofeph W hippie, do. Benjamin White, do. Nathaniel Whitwell, do; William Whit well, do. |Conr,ide Webb, A. B. Virginia. Deacon John White, Concord, 6 copies. Stephen Wood, ditto. D. A. White, A.M. Medford. William H. Williams, Provi- dence, (R. I.) Thomas William?, Efq. Rox- bury, 2 copies. fohu Williams, Efq. William Wyrr, Beverly, f Gf. , 'i^*--^