Never, as I can recollect, were any Class of my Fellow Citizens more wellcome to me, on any occasion, than the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the City of Philadelphia, upon this.

At a time, when all the old Republics of Europe are crumbling into Dust, and others forming whose Destinies are dubious; when the Monarchies of the Old World are, Some of them fallen, and others trembling to their foundations; when our own Infant Republic has Scarcely had time to cement its Strength or decide its own practicable form; when these Agitations of the human Species, have affected our People, and produced a Spirit of Party, which Scruples not to go all Lengths of Profligacy, falsehood and Malignity in defaming our Government; your Approbation and Confidence are to me a great Consolation. Under your immediate observation and inspection, the principal Operations of the Government are directed: and to you, both Characters and Conduct must be intimately known.

I am, but one of the American People and my fate and fortunes must be decided with theirs. As far as the forces of Nature may remain to me, I will not be wanting in my Duties to them, nor will I harbour a Suspicion that they will fail to afford me all necessary Aid and Support.

While, with the greatest Pleasure, I reciprocate your congratulations on the prospect of Unanimity, that now presents itself to the hopes of every American; and on that Spirit of Patriotism and Independence, that is rising into active exertion, in Opposition to seduction Domination and Rapine: I offer a sincere Prayer that the Citizens of Philadelphia may persevere in the virtuous Course, and maintain the <virtuous> honourable Character of their Ancestors, and be protected from every Calamity, physical moral and political.