John Adams to Willis Foreman, December 24, 1798

Phyladelphia Decr. 24. 1798

Gentlemen

Your Address of the twenty ninth of November has been presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr Baldwin.

I rejoice to hear that you have shaken off supineness, and are in a state of readiness to oppose a foreign foe and that if occasion should require it you will sue for Peace, sword in hand

Although you are all personally unknown to me, I wish you very sincerely every felicity.

John Adams