Accept my Thanks for your obliging Letter of the 14th. Inst: —1 The friendly motives which induced You to communicate to me the Information contained in it, will be remembered. The Presidents Firmness on this Occasion adds new Honors to his Character, and confers new obligations on his Country.

Of the Expediency of an address I am not perfectly satisfied, altho’ I think it would in many Respects be useful. It appears to me to be a good general Rule ^that the President^ should very rarely come forward except officially. A Degree of Reserve seems requisite to the Preservation of his Dignity and authority. I have any address would be exposed to indecent Strictures. Many of our Presses are licencious in the Extreme, and there is little Reason to presume, that Regard to Propriety will restrain such parties, ^&^ so hostile to the Constitution and Government, from acting improperly— My opinion of the Existence Views and Practices of the Leaders of these Parties, is not of recent Date; and nothing in their present Conduct strikes me as singular, except their more than ordinary Indiscretion. Industrious they are, and will be, and no activity or Means will be spared to gain a Majority in Congress, at their ensuing Session. To render this attempt abortive, the proposed Address would doubtless conduce. The Presidents Speech may indeed comprize his Sentiments and Remarks on the Subject; but then by that Time the Mischief may be advanced and ripened.— a more early Address, by correcting public opinion, would render it a check on some Representatives, who might otherwise favor the opposition. There are Men who will go with the Stream, whatever its Course may be—and there are others who will act right, when they see no advantage to themselves in acting wrong. Snares and Temptations will be spread—In a word—there are pros & Cons about the address—but it is a point on which I should confide in the Presidents Judgment, which very seldom errs—

Ancient as well as very modern History teach us Lessons, very applicable to the present Times; and point out the necessity of Temper Activity and Decision.

I think that the president, with the Blessing of Providence, will be able to carry his Country safe thro’ the Storm,2 and to see it anchored in peace and Safety. If so, his Life & Character will have no Parallel.

If on the contrary—the Clubs and their associates should acquire a decided ascendency, there would be Reason to apprehend that our Country would become the Theatre of Scenes resembling those which have been exhibited by their Brethren in France; and that to justify themselves, their utmost Malice & art will be employed to misrepresent and vilify the Government and every Character connected with it—

If the Intelligence be true, that the french are forming a Constitution & Governmt. similar to ours, that Government will naturally discountenance such Schemes and politics as may be hostile to it; and consequently will become cautious how they promote attacks on ours—

For my own part, I neither despair nor despond—God governs the World, and we have only to do our Duty wisely, and leave the Issue to him— I have the Honor to be with Respect & Esteem Sir Your obliged & obt Servt