While the public mind is engaged, and in some degree disturbed by various subjects which have arisen, consequent of a War in which most of the European powers are engaged—with the highest satisfaction I have received assurances from many parts of the United States, of the determined resolution of the Citizens thereof to be neutral, thereby securing to themselves the inestimable blessings resulting from peace; & that they will give support to measures, adopted by those to whom they have confided authority for that purpose, which are dictated with an evident regard to their interests, & by a wish to promote the happiness of all the Citizens of the Union. Among those which have been received, the resolutions of my Fellow Citizens of Alexandria, enclosed by you, have contributed not a little to afford me pleasure, and justify the opinion I had entertained of their good sense & patriotism. I request you, Sir, to make known to them my attachment, equally with their’s, to a republican system, and as far as my personal endeavours will contribute, they will be employed in supporting the principles of our fœderal Government, and defeating any attempts which might be made to violate them, or to lessen the confidence of the people therein.

I join with them also in expressions of gratitude to the French nation for their timely & important services rendered to these States, and it is my earnest wish that genuine Liberty & equal rights may pervade every Nation of the Earth.