88. ADAMS (John), Proposed office for.—
A little time and reflection effaced in
my mind this temporary dissatisfaction [because
of the midnight appointments, &c.] with
Mr. Adams, and restored me to that just estimate
of his virtues and passions, which a
long acquaintance had enabled me to fix. And
my first wish became that of making his retirement
easy by any means in my power; for
it was understood he was not rich. I suggested
to some republican members of the delegation
from his State, the giving him, either directly
or indirectly, an office, the most lucrative
in that State, and then offered to be resigned,
if they thought he would not deem it affrontive.
They were of opinion he would take great
offence at the offer; and moreover, that the
body of republicans would consider such a
step in the outset as arguing very ill of the
course I meant to pursue. I dropped the idea,
therefore, but did not cease to wish for some
opportunity of renewing our friendly understanding.—
To Dr. Benjamin Rush. Washington ed. v, 562.
Ford ed., ix, 298.
(M.
Jan. 1811)
