To John Adams from Elkanah Watson

5 March 1797

Sir	Albany 5th. March 1797

It is Now 17 Years since I was first hon’d with your Paternal Letter at Nantes. Since which in Various situations, & On Various occasions in your Important Life, I have presumed to address you; and have never Ceased to Venerate the Independance of your Mind, & your “stern Republican Virtues”—I cannot now forbare Congratulating you on your recent elevation to the first station in the Power of your Gratefull Country to bestow: which is no Less Gratefull to my feelings on the Score of unfeigned Respect & friendship, than On the Reflection that my Native State & almost my Native home has produced a Citizen Called to fill a station in my estimation more dignified than that of a King or an Emperor in the Corupted Kingdoms of Europe.

To you Sir I shall not dare to offer adulation—But the simple and undisguised impulse which flows warm from the Heart.

May you Long Live to Honor & give Lustre to the American Name throughout the Universe is the Ardent Prayer of / Your Respectfull Countryman

Elka. Watson

I am more Gratified on your election knowing that some Very Leading Characters in this State who would wish to palm themselves on you as decidedly friendly to your Election, have met a Great disappointment on no other Ground, than fearing the known Independence of your Mind might not altogether accord with their Views.

MHi: Adams Papers.

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