Gazette Of The United States

Elizabeth (Hunter's) Town, (N. J.) Oct. 21.

The approach of the President of the United States was announced in this town, when (to the great honor of the troop) the company of Light Horse, under the command of Capt. Davis, paraded splendidly equipped, in a few minutes, and with the principal gentlemen, met the illustrious stranger three miles from town, and escorted him to its environs, where they were met by that beautiful and martial-like company of infantry, commanded by Capt. Ott. He was then conducted through the main street, (the bells ringing) amidst the welcome applauses of its grateful inhabitants, to Mr. Bellshooover's Tavern.

In the evening the town was illuminated, bonfires appeared in all quarters, and every public demonstration of joy was exhibited on the happy occasion.

An elegant supper was prepared by direction, of which the President and principal inhabitants partook; at the close of which a number of toasts were drank, accompanied with a discharge of artillery and a volley of musquetry to each.

The whole scene of perfect pleasure, good humor, satisfaction, and hilarity terminated before ten o'clock, in the greatest order.

This morning at seven o'clock, our renowned chief bade us an affectionate adieu—and set out for Williams-port, in order to take his passage down that noble river (the American Thames) which will be proud to waft him home.

The following ADDRESS was presented.

To THE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.

SIR,

WE the inhabitants of Elizabethtown and its vicinity, being deeply impressed with your illustrious character, and sensibly awake to your resplendent and innumerable virtues, hail you a hearty welcome!

We are happy to find, that notwithstanding your perils, toils, and guardianship, you are still able to grant us this first, this greatest of all favors—your presence.

We felicitate ourselves on your exploring our country—and as you already reign in our hearts, so we should think ourselves doubly blessed, could we have the honor to be included within your more especial command and jurisdiction—within the grand centre of virtues.

Our beloved Chief! Be pleased to accept our most grateful thanks for this honor conferred on us.

And may the disposer of all things lengthen out your days, so that you may behold with satisfaction, the virtue and prosperity of the people whom you have made free. And when you come to close the last volume of your illustrious actions, may you be crowned with a crown not made with hands.

THOMAS SPRIGG,

HENRY SHRYOCK

WILLIAM LEE

(In behalf of the whole.)

Elizabethtown, Oct. 20, 1790.

The President was pleased to return the following Answer.

To the INHABITANTS of ELIZABETHTOWN and its VICINITY.

Gentlemen,

THE cordial welcome, which you give me to Elizabeth Town, and the very flattering expressions of regard, contained in your address, claim and receive my grateful and sincere acknowledgements.

Estimating, as I do, the affection and esteem of my fellow-citizens, and conscious that my best pretension to their approbation is founded in an earnest endeavour faithfully to discharge the duties which have been assigned me, I cannot better reply to their confidence than by assuring them that the same impartiality, which has heretofore directed, will continue to govern my conduct in the execution of public trusts.

I offer sincere wishes for your temporal happiness and future felicity.

G. WASHINGTON.