8436. THIRD TERM, Opposed to.—
I am
for responsibilities at short periods, seeing
neither reason nor safety in making public
functionaries independent of the nation for
life, or even for long terms of years. On this
principle I prefer the Presidential term of
four years, to that of seven years, which I
myself had at first suggested, annexing to it,
however, ineligibility forever after; and I
wish it were now annexed to the second quadrennial
election of President.—
To James Martin. Washington ed. vi, 213.
Ford ed., ix, 420.
(M.
Sep. 1813)
