The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

When His Excellency the Count MOUSTIER, and his noble companions, arrived at Alexandria, on their way to Mount-Vernon, he was presented by the citizens thereof, with a handsome address:--

To which he returned the following answer:

GENTLEMEN,

EARLY impressed with the same sentiment which animated my nation towards the United States, in the time when their fortitude and wisdom were put to a difficult trial, I have found myself happy in having an opportunity of visiting them; and I find myself peculiarly so in the present moment, that the citizens of Alexandria honor me with their kind expressions of reciprocal affection: I wish them to be assured of my most sincere gratitude.

The motives which formed our national connexion, are grounded on a basis, which by its solidity promises to ensure a lasting duration of increasing glory and fame to the two nations, whose councils will cherish more and more their mutual interests with the same sincerity and good faith that have been constantly used by them.

The improved confederation of the United States which gives them one soul and one interest, will afford new means of displaying great vigour and giving more efficacy to the Measures which may ensure such important objects as have been constantly at the heart of my royal master.

The sources of the commerce between the two nations beginning to be known, promise increasing, permanent and mutual benefits; insomuch that the channels which are, or may be opened, will be maintained by affection and prudence. In following the tracts of my predecessor, and the sentiments which I have, in common, with him, towards the United States, I should be perfectly happy to see them conducive to the increase and benefit of our national intercourse. The will be the constant object of endeavours; and I will seek with eagerness every opportunity of shewing the sincerity of the desire which I have to be successful in that pursuit. I hope, gentlemen, to deserve the favourable opinion that you shew me, concerning the motives which induced me to visit several of the United States, which I hope I shall be able to do more fully at a future period.