At a meeting of the Democratic Citizens [. . . .] in the State of Pennsylvania, held in the house of Samuel Patterson on Friday the 28th. of November 1806. P.M. For the purpose of taking into Consideration the propriety of Joining our fellow Citizens in forwarding an address to the President of the United States—Inviting Him again to suffer his Name to be Run as a candidate for President, at the Next Presidential Election.

First. “Let it be remembered finally, that it has ever been the pride and boast of America, that the Rights for which she contended were the Rights of human Nature. By the blessings of the Auther of these Rights on the means exerted for their defence, they have prevailed against all Opposition, and form the basis, of seventeen Independent States. No Instance has heretofore Occured, nor can any instance be expected hereafter to Occur, in which the unaddulterated forms of republican Governments can pretend to so fair an opportunity of Justifying themselves by their fruits. In this View the Citizens of the United States are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society. If Justice, good faith, honour, gratitude, and all the other qualities, which enable the character of a Nation, and fulfill the ends of government, be the fruits of our establishments, the Cause of Liberty will Acquire a dignity and lustre, which it has never yet enjoyed, and an example will be set, which Cannot but have the most favourable influence on the Rights of mankind. If on the other side our governments should be unfortunately blotted, with the Reverse of these Cardinal and essential Vertices; the great Cause which we have engaged to vindicate, will be dishonoured and betrayed; the last and fairest experiment in favour of the rights of human Nature will be turned against them, and their Patrons and friends exposed to be insulted and silenced by the Votaries of tyranny and Usurpation.”

Therefore Wisdum, Justice, Patriotism and sound pollicy ought ever to be alive, and fully a wake, among those Appointed to, and intrusted with the high powers of government; as well as among those out of whom the Choice is to be made.

Permit us then to State, that as far as our knowledge goes, in the course of your Administration as President of the United States. That the peace, prosperity, and Independence of that Country so dear to us all, has been Constitutionally maintained upon true and genuine republican ground, and in the mean time supported a dignified intercourse with foreign Nations, as well as provided ways and means, for the Reduction of the National debt the least burdensome to the hand of labour—With Views therefore the most sincere and upright, We invite you Sir—To suffer your Name to be held up, as a Candidate, for President at the ensuing presidential election, In the mean time not doubting but an Unanimity of sentiment will pervade [. . . .] throughout among the Republican Citizens thereof, in favor of the Choice as aforesaid—

Accept Sir of our greatful acknowledgments of the many services which you have already Rendered the American Republic—And should you resolve to retire to the walks of a private Citizen, We wish the remainder of your days to be Many and happy.—

Resolved that the foregoing Address be given in charge to Messrs. Robert Brown and John Pugh, Members of Congress from the district of which the aforesaid County of Montgomery forms a part—

To present to Thomas Jefferson P. U. S.

Signed by order, and in behalf of the Meeting, by the Chairman and Secretary.