8807. VICE-PRESIDENCY, Acceptance of.—
The idea that I would accept the office of
President, but not that of Vice-President of
the United States, had not its origin with me.
I never thought of questioning the free exercise
of the right of my fellow citizens to
marshal those whom they call into their service
according to their fitness, nor ever presumed
that they were not the best judges of
that. Had I indulged a wish in what manner
they should dispose of me, it would precisely
have coincided with what they have done.—
To James Sullivan. Washington ed. iv, 168.
Ford ed., vii, 116.
(M.
Feb. 9, 1797)
