The inhabitants of Poughkeepsie are not in the habit of assembling to testify their respect for the constituted authorities of their Country, or their attachment to the persons whom the suffrages of their fellow-citizens have called to the exercise of important duties. They have been accustomed, on the contrary, to observe the operations of Government in silence, and to indulge without expressing the pleasure arising from a belief of faithfulness in the conduct of their public officers. But when they view the severe aspect of the storm which threatens to overwhelm the peace & happiness of the United States, and when they retrospect, also, the part which your Excellency acted in the drama of American Independence—their feelings & their judgments constrain them to declare to you the satisfaction they experience on the event of your re-election to the office of Chief magistrate of this State. They wait on you, Sir, to assure you of their joy on this occasion, and to impart those cordial emotions which become them as citizens and as freemen, on your arrival in their village.1

The regard which we tender your Excellency is a tribute due to useful talents and to well-tried patriotism. We present it with sincerity.

We pray a realization of our wishes, that the God of Nations may continue your services to America through the times of peril which await her, and that you may enjoy a full reward in the confidence and approbation of your Country.—