The Enquirer

TRENTON. Dec. 21.

THE PRESIDENT's ANSWER TO THE Legislature's Address.

Washington, Dec. 10, 1807.

SIR,

HAVING a few days since, received through you an Address from the Legislative Council and General Assembly of the state of New-Jersey, I beg leave, through the same channel, to return the answer now enclosed, and to add the assurances of my high consideration and respect,

TH: JEFFERSON.

His Excellency Gov. Bloomfield.

To the Representatives of the People of N. Jersey in their Legislature.

THE sentiments, fellow-citizens, which you are pleased to express in your address of the 4th inst. of attachment and esteem for the general government, and of confidence and approbation of those who direct its councils, cannot but be pleasing to the friends of union generally, and give a new claim on all those who direct the public affairs for everything which zeal can effect for the good of their country. It is indeed to be deplored that distant as we are from the storms and convulsions which agitate the European world, the pursuit of an honest neutrality, beyond the reach of reproach, has been insufficient to secure to us the certain enjoyment of peace with those whose interests, as well as ours would be promoted by it. What will be the issue of present misunderstandings cannot as yet be foreseen; but the measures adopted for their settlement have been sincerely directed to maintain the rights, the honor and the peace of our country. Should they fail, the ardor of our citizens to obey the summons of their country, and the offer, which you attest, of their lives and fortunes in its support, are worthy of their patriotism, and are pledges of our safety. The suppression of the late conspiracy by the hand of the people, uplifted to destroy it wherever it reared its head, manifests their fitness for self government, and the power of a nation of which every individual feels that his own will is a part of the public authority. The effect of the public contributions in reducing the national debt, and liberating our resources from the canker of interest, has been so far salutary; and encourages us to continue the same course; or, if necessarily interrupted, to resume it as soon as practicable. I perceive with sincere pleasure that my conduct in the chief magistracy has so far met your approbation that my continuance in that office, after its present term, would be acceptable to you.