I have duly recieved the resolutions of the republican citizens of Annapolis and Anne-Arundel county, of the 4th. inst. which you were so kind as to forward to me.

That the aggressions & injuries of the belligerent nations have been the real obstructions which have interrupted our commerce, & now threaten our peace, & that the embargo laws were salutary & indispensably necessary to meet those obstructions, are truths as evident to every candid man, as it is worthy of every good citizen to declare his reprobation of that system of opposition which goes to an avowed & practical resistance of these laws. to such a resistance I trust that the patriotism of our faithful citizens in no section of the Union will give any countenance. where the Law of the majority ceases to be acknoleged, there government ends, the Law of the strongest takes it’s place, & life & property are his who can take them.

I recieve with particular pleasure & thankfulness the testimony of the republican citizens of Annapolis & Anne-Arundel in favor of the course of proceedings during my administration of the public affairs. and I can truly say, in their words, that they have been conducted with the purest regard & devotion to the interests of the people & the national safety & honour: and I pray you, with my acknolegements for these favorable sentiments, to accept the assurances of my high respect & consideration.