To the Officers and Soldiers of L^t colonel Nicholas Staats Regiment of Militia in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York. — Gentlemen I thank you for your address although it must be acknowledged that too much be-aisence appears in private and in public, that an undue attachment to the Republic of France, and too m-an ard, possesses the hearts of some of our mis-guided fellow citizens, yet I cannot believe it has grown to an opposition inconsistant with the general safety. It may have prevented the best measures from being adopted in their proper order, but any essentially yet safe. What your fathers have told you is very flattering to me, and nothing is so near my heart as to give all the proofs in my Power that the welfare and Prosperity of our Nation, are my first Obje G. — I congratulate you on the Unanimity of the County of Rensselaer in your felicity in private life and Contentment under the administration of Government as a long may you enjoy these inestimable blessings — Your kind wishes and sincere Prayers are received with gratitude & returned with affectionate respect — John Adams Quincy Aug^t 15. 1798 [IDK07]