The approbatory addresses are very prescious to me, as they discover more union among the States, and greater unanimity among the people, than was expected. My administration will not certainly be easy to myself; it will be happy, however, if it is honourable. The prosperity of it to the country will depend upon Heaven, and very little on any thing in my power. I have no qualifications for the martial part of it,** which is like to be the most essential. If the Constitution and your convenience would admit of my changing places with you, or of my taking my old station as your Lieutenant Civil***, I should have no doubts of the ultimate prosperity and glory of the country.

In forming an army, whenever I must come to that extremity, I am at an immense loss whether to call out all the old generals, or to appoint a young set. If the French come here, we must learn to march with a quick step, and to attack, for, in that way only, they are said to be vulnerable. I must tax you sometimes for advice. We must have your name, if you will, in any case, permit us to use it. There will be more efficacy in it than in many an army. Mrs Adams and Miss Smith join with me in presenting our best respects to yourself, Mrs Washington, and Miss Custis.

With the highest esteem and Respect I have the Honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant

John Adams