n. Therefore I say that
"patriotism" does not demand of me what I construe as a
sacrifice of judgment, of inclination, and of self-interest.
I have my personal affairs in a state of absolute safety and
comfort. I owe no man a cent, have no expensive habits
or tastes, envy no man his wealth or power, [have] no
complications or indirect liabilities, and would account
myself a fool, a madman, an ass, to embark anew, at sixty-five
years of age, in a career that may, at any moment, [become]
tempest-tossed by the perfidy, the defalcation, the
dishonesty, or neglect of any one of a hundred thousand
subordinates utterly unknown to the President of the United
States, not to say the eternal worriment by a vast host of
impecunious friends and old military subordinates. Even as it
is, I am tortured by the charitable appeals of poor distressed
pensioners; but as President, these would be multiplied beyond
human endurance. I remember well the experience of Generals
Jackson, Harrison, Taylor, Grant, Hayes and Garfield, all
elected because of their military services, and am warned, not
encouraged, by their sad experiences. No--count me out. The
civilians of the United States should, and must, buffet with
this thankless office, and leave us old soldiers to enjoy the
peace we fought for, and think we earned.

With profound respect, your friend,

W.T. SHERMAN.

[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF THE LETTER WRITTEN BY MR. BLAINE TO MR.
HALSTEAD JUST AFTER MR. BLAINE'S DEFEAT FOR THE PRESIDENCY IN 1884,
AND NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED--THE SAME LETTER THAT IS EMBODIED IN THE
TEXT OF THIS ARTICLE ON PAGE 169.]

[Illustration: CONTINUATION OF FACSIMILE OF LETTER.]

[Illustration: CONTINUATION OF FACSIMILE OF LETTER.]

There is intrinsic evidence that these letters were not written with a
thought of possible publication. That which General Sherman says
about Catholicism could only have been told to a close and sympathetic
friend. Mrs. Sherman and Mr. Blaine were cousins, and their mothers
were Catholics. Mrs. Sherman was one whose devotion to the Church was
intense; and General Sherman could not endure the thought that her
religion should be subjected to such discussions as were certain to
arise in a Presidential campaign. She was a very noble and gifted
woman, and the happiness of herself and husband in their domestic life
was beautiful and elevated