For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
George Washington, “Letter to the Jews of Newport” (August 18, 1790)
Source: Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
A facsimile of the letter can be viewed at The Library of Congress American Memory pages.
