The address of the Landholders & Inhabitants of Fairfax County, forwarded to me by you, has been received.1

It is a source of much pleasure to me to find my Fellow Citizens of Fairfax among those spirited republicans of the United States, who declare to the world their firm determination to support the Government they have chosen for themselves, & to oppose with manly resolution any attempts to weaken the public confidence therein, or to interrupt the repose they now enjoy, or a state of peace to which their interest & happiness are so closely allied.

In fulfilling the duties which are attendant on the trust with which my Country men have honored me, my highest gratification is in meriting & receiving their approving voice; I therefore request you to communicate to the Citizens of Fairfax the pleasure I derive from their approbation of my public conduct, and to assure them of my constant and unremitted attention to the promotion of the prosperity and happiness of my Fellow Citizens of these States.