University of Virginia Library

7442. RETIREMENT, Called from.—[continued].

I had retired after five
and twenty years of constant occupation in
public affairs, and total abandonment of my
own. I retired much poorer than when I entered
the public service, and desired nothing but
rest and oblivion. My name, however, was
again brought forward [for the Presidency],
without concert or expectation on my part.
On my salvation I declare it.—
To Edward Rutledge. Washington ed. iv, 151. Ford ed., vii, 93.
(M. Dec. 1796)