Adams, John (1735-1826) to the New Jersey Society of the Cincinnati
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03866.01 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: 6 July 1798 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 21.4 cm. Order a Copy
President Adams expresses gratitude for the New Jersey Cincinnati's memorial of support as the country faces imminent war with France. On July 4th Adams had announced his appointment of George Washington ("that renowned, Veteran, and beloved Chief") as commander-in-chief of the army being raised to defend the country. Federalist fear of internal dissent (alluded to here as "intestine divisions") led to the passage of the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts in the midst of the crisis.
To the Members of the Society of the Cincinnati
in the State of New Jersey -
Gentlemen
I thank you for this address -
It was impossible for you to assemble on the 4th of July, for the purpose of perpetuating your friendships, and commemorating together the great events which gave Independence to these United States without feeling the deep impression of the present state of the Nation, and the interesting prospect before it -
The entire satisfaction of your Society with my administration of the Government and in particular as it relates, to the Injuries and Insults that have been received from the French Republic is very dear to me: - the assurance of your readiness again to take the field in obedience to the call of your Country, in Vindication of its National Honor, and in support of that Sovereignty, for the establish [2] ment of which, you patiently endured the toils, hardships and dangers of an eight years War is very Satisfactory to me -
The duration and severity of that future struggle you have in contemplation, will depend in some measure upon the powers of Europe - If a combination should be formed to arrest: the progress of the most dangerous, and destructive power that ever threatened the Liberties of Europe your Exertions may be less distressing, but, if the principal remaining barrier to French Tyranny should be broken down, America must prepare for a severer trial, than she ever experienced - If Americans are capable of intestine divisions which can assist such [struck: a Cause] an Enemy, in such a Cause, all our past Lives and Labors have been in Vain - I hope and beleive better things of my Countrymen, and place the utmost relyance on the sincerity of your declaration, when you offer, on the altar of your Country the services which may be derived from that knowledge [3] and Experience in Military affairs, acquired by you in the last War -
May new, and still more glorious Victories, if necessary for the Rights of your Country and Mankind, be still in store for you, under that renowned, Veteran, and beloved Chief, whose appointment could not fail to fill your hearts with the most enthusiastic Joy and
transport -
Philadelpa July 6th 1798 - John Adams
[docket]
Answer to
The Cincinnati of
New Jersey.
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