To John Adams from William Plumer

Permit me to request you to accept of the enclosed address to the Clergy. Their systematic opposition to our government evinces a spirit equally hostile to Christianity and the real interests of their country. How far I have succeeded in exposing their misconduct you will judge. I wish some abler pen, and one more at leisure, had undertaken & more fully investigated the subject.

What is your opinion respecting the state of our public affairs? Will the mission to Gottenburg terminate in peace—or must we prepare for a long & arduous struggle for our existence as an independent nation? I indulged the fond hope that this year would produce an honorable peace; but the prospect appears less favorable than it did previous to the astonishing changes that have recently occurred in Europe. If we have not virtue & public spirit sufficient to maintain our rights, we are unworthy to enjoy them—& shall justly merit that state of vassalage which attends foreign domination. If our Ministers return without a treaty of peace, I trust that the arbitrary demands of the haughty court of Britain will produce union amongst ourselves. United we may safely defy a world in arms. The pressure of the war, instead of increasing, has already lessened our divisions. I have however little hopes of the leaders of opposition—they will, I fear, sooner betray their country than support its government. Does not history too fully confirm the dishonorable fact that the leaders of factions, in former times & in other countries, have preferred the interest & claims of foreign nations to those of their own!

I have for months expected, but in vain, to have received letters from our minister at St. Petersburg. I hope he enjoys health & will acquire fame—as I am confident his prudence will merit both.

I am with much respect and esteem / Sir, / Your most obedient / humble servant.