On August 17th, 1790, Moses Seixas, an official of the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, delivered a letter to President George Washington, who was visiting the state. In his letter, Seixas thanks Washington for his leadership in forming the fledgling government of the United States, and also expresses hope that the young country would accord respect and tolerance to all of its citizens, regardless of background and religious beliefs. Use the side arrows to scroll between the two photos. Click on a photo to see it on its own.