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Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
On May 16, 1793, a committee of about 100 Philadelphia merchants and traders presented an address to President George Washington at his house, praising his neutrality proclamation amid the European war. Washington replied affirming the policy's benefits for peace. The address was signed by about 300 persons.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON,
President of the United States.
SIR,
SENSIBLE that nothing is wanting to the happiness of the people of the United States, but to continue in peace under their excellent laws and government, the Merchants and Traders of the city of Philadelphia, beg leave to express to you the high sense they entertain of the wisdom and goodness which dictated your late proclamation, declaring the neutrality to be observed by the United States in the war wherein several European powers are now engaged—A war which, however it might serve the interests of their Commerce for the time, they, as the Friends of ALL MEN, and of all Nations, are bound to deplore.
Impressed too with an opinion, that in an unoffending conduct towards all the world, consists the true policy of America, it is their determination not only to pay the strictest regard to the proclamation themselves, but to discountenance in the most pointed manner any contrary disposition in others; examples of which they are persuaded will seldom occur—the sentiments just expressed being, as they have the satisfaction to find, the common language of the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, May 16, 1793
To which the President made the following Reply.
GENTLEMEN,
FULLY persuaded that the happiness and best interests of the people of the United States will be promoted by observing a strict neutrality in the present contest among the powers of Europe—It gives me pleasure to learn that the measure which I have taken to declare to the world their disposition on this head, has given general satisfaction to the citizens of Pennsylvania.
The friends of humanity will deprecate war wherever it may appear; and we have experienced enough of its evils in this country to know that it should not be wantonly or unnecessarily entered upon—I trust therefore that the good citizens of the United States will shew to the world that they have as much wisdom in preserving peace at this interesting juncture, as they have heretofore displayed valour in defending their just rights.
(Signed)
GEO. WASHINGTON
The above address was signed by about three hundred persons.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Philadelphia
Event Date
May 16, 1793
Key Persons
Outcome
the address expressed support for neutrality and determination to observe it; washington replied affirming its promotion of peace and happiness.
Event Details
A committee of about one hundred gentlemen from commercial and trading interests waited on President George Washington yesterday at noon to present an address praising his neutrality proclamation in the European war, signed by about three hundred persons. The address emphasized peace, deplored war, and committed to strict observance of neutrality. Washington replied expressing pleasure at the general satisfaction in Pennsylvania and trust in citizens' wisdom to preserve peace.