6912. PRESIDENCY, Reelection to.—
I
sincerely regret that the unbounded calumnies
of the federal party have obliged me to
throw myself on the verdict of my country
for trial, my great desire having been to retire,
at the end of the present term, to a life
of tranquillity; and it was my decided purpose
when I entered into office. They force my
continuance. If we can keep the vessel of
State as steadily in her course for another
four years, my earthly purposes will be accomplished,
and I shall be free to enjoy
* * * my family, my farm, and my books.—
To Elbridge Gerry. Washington ed. iv, 536.
Ford ed., viii, 297.
(W.
March. 1804)
