University of Virginia Library

6883. PRESIDENT, Reelection.—[further continued].

I dislike strongly [in the new Constitution] the perpetual reeligibility
of the President. This, I fear, will
make that an office for life, first, and then
hereditary. * * * However, I shall hope
that before there is danger of this change
taking place in the office of President, the
good sense and free spirit of our countrymen
will make the changes necessary to prevent
it.—
To General Washington. Washington ed. ii, 375. Ford ed., v, 8.
(P. 1788)