The appearances, for some time past, threatening our peace, fellow citizens, have justly excited a general anxiety, and I have been happy to recieve, from every quarter of the Union, the most satisfactory assurances of fidelity to our country, & of devotion to the support of its rights. your concurrence in these sentiments, expressed in the address you have been pleased to present me, is a proof of your patriotism, and of that firm spirit which constitutes the ultimate appeal of nations. what will be the issue of present misunderstandings, is, as yet, unknown. but, willing ourselves to do justice to others, we ought to expect it from them. if any among us view erroneously the rights which late events have brought into question, let us hope that they will be corrected by the further investigations of reason; but, at all events, that they will acquiesce in what their country shall authoritatively decide, & arrange themselves faithfully under the banners of the law.

Your approbation of the measures which have been pursued, is a pleasing confirmation of their correctness; and, with particular thankfulness for the kind expressions of your address towards myself personally, I reciprocate sincere wishes for your welfare.