To The Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the territory North West of the river Ohio. [Gentl]emen A Kind address has been transmitted to me, at your request, by Governor St. Claire, and subscribed by Edward Tiffin, Speaker of the House of Representatives and H. Vanderburgh President of the council, the more agreeable to me as it appears to have been unanimous. I pray you to accept of my sincere thanks, for this pledge of your affection and respect. The confidence and approbation of so remote a portion of the nation, as it may be supposed to be impartial, is very precious to me. - Whatever may have been my prospects in private life, whatever delight I may have taken in its pursuits and wha[text loss] tination I may have always had for its tranquility, I have not declined the invitations of the public to assist in their councils. If any efforts of mine, in concert with others, of brighter talents and fame, have contributed [2] in any degree, to your enjoyment of the rich country you now inhabit, this consideration alone ought to be esteemed by me, as a sufficient reward for the services of a whole life. Your sincere attachment to the Constitution and government, and your determination to afford every possible support to both, do you honor, while your prayers for my life and health, deserve my best thanks, and sincere benedictions to yourselves and your posterity. John Adams Philadelphia Jan.18th 1800 [docket:] The Answer of the Preside[nt] [of] the united States to the [text loss] of the Legislature, at the close of last session, received the 9th Febry. 1800 -