The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Addresses from the citizens of the United States in Cape Francois.

To TOBIAS LEAR, Esq.

General Commercial Agent from the United States of America for the island of St. Domingue.

Sir,

With deep regret we learn that you are on the eve of your return to the United States, at a moment when your presence might be essential for the interest of our country. Had it been consistent with the views of the French government to have authorized your continuance here in your official capacity, we are persuaded the most happy consequences would have been the result.

The uniform and unremitted exertions you have ever since your residence among us, employed for the security of our trade, and the protection of our persons and property, have been of such a nature as to demand our warmest approbation; permit us, therefore, to offer you our cordial thanks for your solicitude & zeal so often and so cheerfully manifested on every occasion when your services were required.

Our most ardent desire is, that our country may reward you in that way which we conceive your eminent services merit.

Accept, sir, we pray you, our affectionate wishes for your personal welfare, and the assurances of our sincere esteem and consideration.

(Signed)
James Williams, Thomas C. Earle,
United Dodge, Josiah Lewden.--Committee appointed to wait on colonel Lear.

Signed,
George Attwood, R. S. Duhamel,
John N. Dorsey, Robert Stephenson,
William Dawson, Charles Watt, Robert
Moore, Frederick Tracer, Thomas
Albany, Charles Tracy, William Knox,
jun. Sot. G. Albers, John Grochan, Da-
vid Olivier, Christopher Desh-, Wm.
Nott, Wm. F. Carty, C. Langford,
Robert Stuart, Edward Boden, Benj.
Houlton, Geo. M'Candless.

Answer of Colonel LEAR,
To the citizens of the United States, residing in the city of Cape Francois.

Friends and fellow-citizens,

The affectionate address which you have been pleased to present to me, on the eve of my departure, for the United States, merits and receives my warmest and most grateful acknowledgments.

In discharging the duties incumbent upon me in my official character, since my residence among you, I have ever felt a peculiar satisfaction, because I believed my motives were duly appreciated; and I should still feel happy to prolong my residence in this colony, if it were in my power to be useful to you -

In whatever situation of life I may be placed, I shall remember you with affection; and no occurrence could be more pleasing to myself, than that which might enable me to promote your welfare and prosperity.

Under all the unfavorable circumstances which have occurred since my arrival here, I have experienced the highest consolation from the friendly attentions you have been pleased to show me, and the readiness with which every exertion has been made for our mutual preservation and welfare, whenever these exertions were necessary.

Fully persuaded as I am, that in every event which may happen, your conduct will evince the respect which you have for our country, as well as for yourselves, as men, I leave you with entire confidence, that our fellow citizens in the United States will feel a lively interest in your welfare and prosperity.

For your affectionate wishes at my personal welfare, my heart overflows with gratitude; and my prayers that every blessing may be bestowed upon you, will be offered up to that Being who can preserve and protect you.

Accept, my friends and fellow citizens, the assurances of my affectionate regard.

(Signed)
TOBIAS LEAR.

Cape Francois, April 16, 1802.

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