tion of a
citizen, to administer the executive government of the United
States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when
your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to
be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper,
especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the
public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I
have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those
out of whom a choice is to be made.

"I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured,
that this resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to
all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a
dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender
of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am
influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest; no
deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness; but am
supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with
both.

"The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to
which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform
sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference
for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it
would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives
which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that
retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of
my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even
led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but
mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our
affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons
entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.

"I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as
internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible
with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded,
whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the
present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my
determination to retire.

"The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust,
were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharg