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(CIRCULAR)

PHILADELPHIA Dec. 27th, 1796,

SIR,

THE Speech of the President of the United States to Congress, delivered on
the 7th instant, contains the following paragraph.

" While in our external relations, some serious inconveniences and embarassments have
been overcome, and others lessened, it is with much pain, and deep regret I mention, that
circumstances of a very unwelcome nature, have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered,
and is suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies, from the cruisers, and agents of the
French Republic; and communications have been received from its Minister here, which
indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority; and which
are, in other respects, far from agreeable.

" It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest with, in conformity with that of our
nation, to maintain cordial harmony, and a perfectly friendly understanding with that
Republic. This with remains unabated; and I shall perservere in the endeavour to fulfil [sic] it,
rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a
spirit of justice, candor and friendship, on the part of the Republic, will eentually ensure
success.

"In pursuing the course, however, I cannot forget what is due to the character of
our government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism,
self-respect and fortitude of my countrymen.

"I reserve for a special message, a more particular communication on this interesting
subject."

You will ask, "what are we to expect war or peace with France?" I answer that I have
not heard any person say war, and people in general hope peace.

Information is here lately received, and is believed correct, that the French Republic
have stipulated with Spain for two Floridas, and a part of Louisiana; by a part of
Louisiana you are to understand, a part of the Spanish dominions on the west and adjoining
the Mississippi, but what particular part I have not heard.-And not knowing the motives
nor conditions, upon which the change of sovereignty of so large a tract of country has
taken place, I can offer no opinion as to the effect it will have upon our State, and the
other transatlantic inhabitants.

The Secretary of war yesterday reported to the House of Representatives upon the
Petition of Hugh Lawson White, which was presented to Congress in the year 1794, and
immediately referred to the Secretary to report. -The Prayer of this Petition payment for
his services performed in the Cherokee nation, in the 1793, under the command of General
Sevier. I have not seen the Report, but I am informed that it constians a statement of the
facts, without any opinion for or against, and it stands for the order of the day to-
morrow, in this House to which it has been made: so that a decision of Congress will be
made this session, whether the officers and soldiers who served under General Sevier in
1793, in the Cherokee nation, will be paid or not. I hope the determination will be
in the affirmative, but of this I am by no means certain.

I will inclose [sic] a copy of the Secretary's Report to the Printer of the Knoxville Gazette,
with a request he will publish it for the information of such of the citizens of Tennessee
as it may concern.

It is generally understood for whom all the States except Georgia, Kentuckey and
Tennessee have voted for President and Vice President; and from the best judgment that
can be formed how those three states will probably vote, it is believed Mr. John Adams
will be President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice President.

A Committee was yeterday appointed in the Senate to report "a Bill giving effect to
the laws of the United States within the State of Tennessee," which will no doubt pass
without opposition, as similar acts have passed upon the admission of Vermont, and other
States.

From the newness of the session, and the extreme coldness of the weather, Congress
have done very little business, except appoint Committees to report Bills, decide upon
Petitions, &c.

I have reason to believe three companies of regular troops (infantry) will be ordered
to the frontiers of Tennessee, for the preservation of peace and order.

I am Respectfully,
Your Obediant Servant

W^m Blount