The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

Answer
Of the President of the United States
TO THE
LEGISLATURE of the State of NEW-JERSEY.

GENTLEMEN,

THANK you for your address of the 20th
of this month, transmitted, according to your
request, by your worthy governor, and presented
to me by your Senators and Representatives
in Congress.

The conduct of France towards the United
States; which you describe with such energy
of language and dignity of sentiment, is capable
of no justification, extenuation or apology
that I can imagine; and not only rendered neces-
sary all the measures of defence which have
been adopted, but would have justified more
open and declared hostilities: Every war, how-
ever, that might be just, may not always be neces-
sary: we have hitherto proceeded no fur-
ther than we have been compelled by indispens-
able necessity and if the conduct of France
should render a further prosecution of hostili-
ties unnecessary, they will not be further prose-
cuted. At present, however, we ought not to
unstring a bow, or relax a fibre.

The insult and outrage committed against our
national flag, by a superior force in the service
of another power, I have always imputed to
the indiscretion of a particular officer, and
have hitherto no reason to doubt but that offi-
cer, and all others in the same service, if any
there should be, who stand in need of the les-
son, will be taught a different conduct in fu-
ture by their sovereign. Your approbation of
my conduct, on that occasion, does me great
honour.

Every testimonial I receive from New-Jer-
ey, comes to me with a particular recommend-
ation. The honour of this address from the le-
gislature, deserves my special acknowledg-
ments; and your kind wishes for my health
and happiness are reciprocated by mine for
yours, with great sincerity.

JOHN ADAMS.
Philadelphia, Feb. 26, 1799.

The Address to which the foregoing is an
Answer, was inserted in our Paper of the 6th inst.