The Secretary of State has communicated to me your letter to him of the 14th. of November, covering the Resolutions of the General assembly of Vermont of the 4th. of the same month.

The sentiments expressed by the General assembly of Vermont on the late hostile attack on the Chesapeake by the Leopard ship of war, as well as on other violations of our maritime & territorial rights, are worthy of their known patriotism; & their readiness to rally around the constituted authorities of their country, & to support it’s rights with their lives & fortunes is the more honourable to them as exposed by their position, in front to the contest. the issue of the present misunderstandings cannot now be foreseen. but the measures adopted for their settlement have been sincerely directed to maintain the rights, the honor, & the peace of our country: and the approbation of them expressed by the General assembly of Vermont is to me a confirmation of their correctness.

The confidence they are pleased to declare in my personal care of the public interests, is highly gratifying to me, & gives a new claim to every thing which zeal can effect for their service.

I beg leave to tender to the General assembly of Vermont, and to yourself, the assurances of my high consideration & respect.