Beschreibung:

ADAMS, JOHN. Letter signed ("John Adams") as President, "to the Members of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey," Philadelphia, 6 July 1798. 3 pages, 4to, the two leaves cleanly separated at center fold, tiny mend to one fold , docketed by Adams on verso of second sheet: "Answer to the Cincinnati of New Jersey" -- [DAYTON, JONATHAN], Signer of the Constitution, Speaker of the House. Autograph manuscript, the address of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Jersey to John Adams n.p., [4 July 1798]. 1 1/2 pages, folio, fold tears affecting a very few letters, some repair from the blank versos, minor stains; the two laid into a silk-lined red morocco gilt protective folder, matching quarter morocco folding case. (2) IN REPLY TO A 4TH OF JULY ADDRESS, PRESIDENT ADAMS ANTICIPATES WAR WITH FRANCE AND LAUDS WASHINGTON'S APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF An unusual pair of documents which reflect the extreme pitch of anti-French feelings prevailing among Adams and the Federalists at this time, when war with France appeared both imminent and unavoidable. The celebration of Independence on the 4th of July evidently served to heighten this bellicose mood. In their address to the President, written in Dayton's clear hand, the Cincinnati, veterans of the Revolution, proclaim that they had convened to commemorate "the great events which gave Independence to the United States." They express complete approval of Adams's administration, "in particular as it relates to the injuries & insults" of the French Republic, and testify to a readiness to take up arms "in support of that Independence" for which "we patiently endured the toils, hardships & dangers of an eight years war." They express the wish that they may "rally under the command of Washington "that renowned Veteran & beloved Chief, who in times which tried men's souls, victoriously conducted us to peace and safety." Adams had announced Washington's appointment as Lieutenant General and Commander-in-Chief on July 4. Washington of course had been, since its inception President of the Society odf the Cincinnati, so his appointment must have been doubly pleasing to the members. Adams responds guardedly to their enthusiastic message: "I thank you for this address. It was impossible for you to assemble on the 4th of July...for commemorating together the grand events which gave Independence to these United States without feeling the deep impression of the present state of the Nation and the interesting prospect before it. The entire satisfaction of your Society with my administration of the Government and in particular as it relates to the Injuries and Insults that have been received from the French Republic is very dear to me. The assurance of your readiness again to take the field in obedience to the call of your Country, in vindication of its National Honor, and in support of that Sovereignty, for the establishment of which, you patiently endured the toils, hardships, and dangers of an eight years War is very satisfactory to me. "The duration and severity of that future struggle [with France]...will depend in some measure upon the powers of Europe. If a combination [alliance] should be formed to arrest the progress of the most dangerous and destructive power that ever threatened the Liberties of Europe [Republican France], you exertions may be less distressing, but if the principal remaining barrier to French Tyranny should be broken down, America must prepare for a severer trial....If Americans are capable of intestine divisions which can assist such an Enemy...all our past Lives and Labors have been in Vain. I hope and believe better things of my Countrymen, and place the utmost relyance on the sincerity of your declaration, when you offer on the altar our your Country, the services which may be derived from that knowledge and Experience in Military affairs, acquired by you in the last War. "May new, and still more glorious Victories, if necessary for the rights o