I have duly recieved your letter, proffering the services of a very respectable corps of Volunteers, should the injuries offered our country render it necessary. Always a friend to peace, & believing it to promote eminently the happiness & prosperity of mankind, I am ever unwilling that it should be disturbed, as long as the rights & interests of the nation can be preserved. but whensoever hostile aggressions on these require a resort to war, we must meet our duty, & convince the world that we are just friends & brave enemies. whether our difficulties with Spain will issue in Peace or War, is still uncertain; and what provisional measures shall be taken for the latter alternative, is now under consideration of the legislature. the offer of service which your patriotism has now made to your country, is a pledge that it will not be witheld in whatever form the National councils may authorize it’s use. Accept my thanks on the publick behalf for the readiness with which you have made this honorable tender, with my respectful salutations and assurances of great consideration & esteem.