We cheerfully embrace this opportunity of congratulating you upon your reelection to the elevated office of first Majestr^at^ y ^magistrate^ of this State, and we regard it a mark of discernment in our Citizens, both pleasing and encouraging that, notwithstanding the false, the foul and inflamatory publications industriously circulated to defeat their intentions, such a respectable majority of their suffrages should appear for one whose attachment to their liberties has been uniform, whose firmness in prosecuting them inflexible, and whose integrity, in every part of his official conduct, is unimpeachable.—

We have witnessed, with real pleasure, the pacific measures invariably pursued by the Executive of the United States, towards the Nations of the world; we have traced the ^with^ special approbation, his prudent and perseverant attempts to conciliate the affections of the French, by adjusting existing uneasiness, and cannot conceal our emotions of indignation and regret that hitherto they have proved unsuccessful. From the distinguished abilities of our Envoys, the liberal nature of their instructions, and the ample powers with which they were vested, we indulged the flattering hope that every hostile appearance between the two countries would easily be accommodated, and a negociation speedily succeed; but on the contrary, we find that Republic wantonly depredating our commerce, insulting our citizens, endeavouring by different schemes to divide the people from their government, and what rouses in our souls the highest indignation, degrading our very country in the degradation of our Envoys at their bar. These facts we consider calling us as in a tone of thunder, to promptitude of measures, to union and energy of execution.—

We are happy that, agreeably to that firmness which has uniformly marked your public conduct, you have this day convened our Legislature to cooperate with the president of the United States, in concerting measures for our common defence. We humbly hope that they will cordially concur in every measure which your wisdom may deem useful and requisite.—

Peace we estimate as one of the most precious gifts of heaven, and with heart felt emotions of gratitude, we adore the ruler of nations for our long uninterrupted enjoyment of it; yet basely to persue this blessing at the expence of our liberty is undutiful, not only to our selves but also to that benignant Deity, who decreed that man should be free. The moment that an individual or a nation, passively receives the insults of oppression, they sink from that elevation of character for which they were originally destined.

Under the impressions of this great truth, while we express unlimited confidence in your wisdom and rectitude, we solemnly pledge ourselves at the hazard of our property and Blood to support you in every laudable measure. Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting.