5491. MONROE (James), Presidential contest.—[further continued].
In the present contest in
which you are concerned, I feel no passion, I
take no part, I express no sentiment. Whichever
of my friends is called to the supreme
cares of the nation, I know that they will be
wisely and faithfully administered, and as far
as my individual conduct can influence, they
shall be cordially supported. For myself I
have nothing further to ask of the world, than
to preserve in retirement so much of their esteem
as I may have fairly earned, and to be
permitted to pass in tranquillity, in the bosom
of my family and friends, the days which yet
remain for me. Having reached the harbor myself,
I shall view with anxiety (but certainly
not with a wish to be in their place) those who
are still buffeting the storm, uncertain of their
fate.—
To James Monroe. Washington ed. v, 255.
Ford ed., ix, 181.
(W.
March. 1808)
See Madison.
