Washington and his group were greeted by Newport's leading citizens and representatives from the many religious denominations present in the city, including the Jews. Included in the throng that greeted Washington may have been some of Newport's slaves, for individuals of African descent made up one-quarter to one-third of Newport's population during the colonial period. Politicians, businessmen, and clergy read letters of welcome to the President.

The Town of Newport delivered its address, praising Washington's leadership and reminding him of the economic sacrifices they had made during the Revolution.In his response, the President acknowledged the trials experienced by Newport's citizens [The town had lost the majority of its population, and its flourishing pre-war trade had all but stopped.]

The "Address of the Clergy of the Town of Newport, in the State of Rhode Island" was signed by Samuel Hopkins, Pastor of the Congregational Church; Gardner Thurston, Pastor of the Baptist Church; Frederick Smith, Paster of the United Brethrens; William Bliss, Pastor of the Sabbatarian Baptist Church; William Smith, Rector of Trinity Church [Newport's Anglican congregation]; Michael Eddy, Pastor of the 1st Baptist Church; and William Patten, Pastor of the 2nd Congregationalist Church.Their letter, which reads like a pastoral blessing on Washington himself, ended with a reminder of the need for religious liberty:

The members of King David's Masonic Lodge also addressed Washington, their fellow Mason. The letter was written and signed by Moses Seixas, Master of the Lodge, who was also the author of the address from Congregation Yeshuat Israel. The King David Lodge was founded in 1768 by Moses Michael Hays, a Jewish Newport merchant. A sizable portion of the brotherhood were Jews.