History of Western Maryland. J. Thomas Scharf

citizens of Allegany County, in the State of Maryland, beg leave to offer you our most cordial congratulations om your election to the office of President of the United States, and bid you a sincere and unfeigned welcome to the chair as our chief magistrate.

       "We freely commit, sir, to your management and direction the helm of our political affairs, under the most perfect reliance that that spirit which dictated the declaration of our independence, and that those sentiments which have so eminently distinguished you amongst the number of American patriots, cannot fail to produce an administration founded on the basis of the genuine principles of the Federal Constitution, and consonant with the true interests of Americans.

       " We rejoice that, notwithstanding the deep-laid schemes of the enemies of our freedom to disunite us, there is a display of virtuous courage, and a manifestation of zeal for the support of our country's independence, dignity, and honor, which evidently pervade the United States, and fully proves that the citizens of America, so far from being dismayed by any efforts or threats hostile to their liberty, are animated to a degree that arouses their contempt as citizens and their spirit as soldiers.

       ''With unspeakable pleasure we anticipate the enjoyment of those blessings which necessarily result from the due administration of wise and wholesome laws, such as are warranted by the letter and spirit of our inestimable Constitution, and calculated to give peace and unanimity to citizens at home and respectability to our nation abroad.

       "We draw, sir, the happiest presages in favour of your administration, fondly hoping that no imperious threats from abroad will draw your attention from wise and necessary domestic regulations, and firmly believe that nothing will be wanting on your part to promote and increase the prosperity, liberty, and true happiness of the United States. With best wishes for your good health and happiness, we beg leave, on the part of the Republican citizens of Allegany, to subscribe, with the most profound respect,

       " Yours, etc., (Signed)

       "Hanson Briscoe, Chairman.

       "Robert Sinclair, Secretary.''

      To this address the President made the following reply:

       "Williamsport, March 23, 1801.