6980. PRIVATE LIFE, Public duty and.—
You hope I have not abandoned entirely
the service of our country. After five
and twenty years' continual employment in
it, I trust it will be thought I have fulfilled
my tour, like a punctual soldier, and May
claim my discharge. But I am glad of the
sentiment from you, because it gives a hope
you will practice what you preach, and come
forward in aid of the public vessel. I will
not admit your old excuse that you are in
public service though at home. The campaigns
which are fought in a man's own
house are not to be counted. The present
situation of the President, unable to get the
offices filled, really calls with uncommon obligation
on those whom nature has fitted for
them.—
To Edward Rutledge. Washington ed. iv, 124.
Ford ed., vii, 39.
(M.
Nov. 1795)
