Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

ANSWER
Of the PRESIDENT of the United States to the GRAND JURORS of the county of Ulster, in the State of New-York.

Gentlemen,

I Have received, with great pleasure your address of the 14th of this month, and I know not whether any that has been published, contains more important matter or juster sentiments. It must be great perverseness and depravity in any, who can represent the late acts of government, and the necessary measures of self-defence taken by Congress, as a coalition with Great Britain,

It may be useful, however, to analyze our ideas upon this subject. If by a coalition with Great Britain be meant a return as colonies under the government of that country. I declare I know of no individual in America who would consent to it, nor do I believe that Great Britain would again receive us in that character. Sure I am, it would be in her the blindest policy she ever conceived ; for she has already the most incontestible proof that she cannot govern us. If by a coalition be meant a perpetual alliance, offensive and defensive, can it be supposed that two-thirds of the Senate of the United States, would advise or consent to it without necessity? Besides is any one certain that Britain would agree to it if we should propose it? I believe Americans in general have already seen enough of perpetual alliances :

Nevertheless, if France has made or shall make herself our enemy, and has forced or shall force upon us a war in our own defence, can we avoid being useful to Britain while we are defending ourselves? Can Britain avoid being useful to us while defending herself or annoying her enemy ?.. Would it not be a want of wisdom in both to avoid any opportunity of aiding each other?

Your civilities to me are very obliging, and deserve my best thanks.

(Signed)
JOHN ADAMS.
Quincy, Sept. 26th, 1798.