The Resolutions of the Inhabitants of the County of Caroline, transmitted to me by you, were received with peculiar pleasure; because no Citizen of the United States can have a more sincere desire than I have to see all attempts at subverting or violating the Constitution or Laws of the Land, frustrated; and it gives me much satisfaction to be assured of the firm support of my Fellow Citizens in preserving the peace & Safety of our Country.1

The expressions of gratitude and affection, by the Citizens of Caroline, towards the French Nation for their generous aid and assistance extended to us in a time of need, are truly laudable, & must meet the approbation of every grateful mind.

I beg you, Sir, to assure the Citizens of Caroline of my fixed attachment to the free principles of our Government, and of the confidence I have in the virtue & good sense of my Fellow Citizens which I trust will always counteract any measures which might tend to weaken their affection to these principles, or to alienate them from the republican Government they have established for themselves, & under which they have hitherto enjoyed unequalled prosperity and happiness.

The marks of respect and affection for my person, manifested in the Resolutions, demand & receive my unfeigned acknowledgments & gratitude, which I request you to communicate to the Citizens of Caroline, and to assure them of my unremitted endeavours to advance their welfare, as far as my powers & abilities extend.