I have duly recieved the Address signed by yourself on behalf of the Ministers & Messengers of the several Baptist churches of the North Carolina Chowan association held at Salem, and I proffer my thanks for the favorable sentiments which it expresses towards myself personally.   the happiness which our country enjoys in the pursuits of peace and industry ought to endear that course to all it’s citizens, and to kindle their hearts with gratitude to the being under whose providence these blessings are held. we owe to him especial thanks for the right we enjoy to worship him, every one in his own way, and that we have been singled out to prove by experience the innocence of freedom in religious opinions & exercises, the power of reason to maintain itself against error, and the comfort of living under laws which assure us that in these things ‘there is none who shall make us afraid.’

I am peculiarly gratified by the confidence you express that no attempt will ever be made by me to violate the trust reposed in me by my fellow citizens, or to endanger their happiness. in this confidence you shall never be disappointed. my heart never felt a wish unfriendly to the general good of my fellow-citizens.

Be so kind as to present my thanks to the churches of your association, & to assure them of my prayers for the continuance of every blessing to them now & hereafter: and accept yourself my salutations & assurances of great respect & consideration.