Enclosure: To Annapolis, Maryland, Citizens, 16 September 1793
Enclosure
To Annapolis, Maryland, Citizens
[c.16 September 1793]
Fellow Citizens,
Conscious of having had in view the Interest & Happiness of the people of the United States, in the discharge of my public duties; and fully persuaded that remaining in a state of neutrality during the present contest between the powers of Europe, if not absolutely necessary to these objects, would tend in a very considerable degree to promote them, I receive with infinite satisfaction, testimonies from my Countrymen, from various parts of the Union, expressive of their approbation of a measure intended to advance the welfare of my fellow Citizens;1 & none have given me more pleasure, than receiving that of the Citizens of Annapolis.
The present flourishing situation of our affairs, & the prosperity we enjoy, must be obvious to the good Citizens of the United States; it remains therefore for them to pursue such a line of conduct as will ensure these blessings, by averting the calamities of a War.
The manner, Gentlemen, in which you are pleased to express yourselves towards me personally, merits & receives my warmest gratitude; and it will always be my greatest pride & happiness to receive the approving voice of my fellow Citizens.
Go. Washington
LB, DLC:GW. This letter was printed in the Maryland Gazette (Annapolis), 26 September.
1. The measure was GW’s Neutrality Proclamation of 22 April.