It is with great pleasure I comply with the request of a respectable Committee of the town of Salem Masstts in delivering you the enclosed Memorial, on the late violation of our neutral rights by the British Government. A copy has been addressed to the Senate & House of Representatives. In my own opinion the Memorial is one of the best state papers which has been presented to Congress on this interesting subject.—

The injuries we suffer are of no light or trivial kind, & seem to require prompt measures in opposition. Much anxiety is felt in all parts of the Country, but no one talks of submission. It may be presumed [th]at a mild but decisive conduct on our part will be the [m]eans of obtaining redress. & at the same time will preserve the blessings of peace; and if this should unfortunately fail [of] success I have no doubt the declaration “to pledge their lives & properties in support of the measures which may be adopted to vindicate the public rights & redress, the public wrongs.” so honorably offered by the memorialists, will be given by every independent American throughout the Union.   I have the honour to be with the highest

respect Your most obedt Servt