University of Virginia Library

7465. RETIREMENT, Welcome.—[further continued].

When I came into office,
it was with a resolution to retire from it as soon
as I could with decency. It pretty early appeared
to me that the proper moment would be
the first of those epochs at which the Constitution
seems to have contemplated a periodical
change or renewal of the public servants.
* * * I look to that period with the longing
of a wave-worn mariner, who has at length the
land in view, and shall count the days and hours
which still lie between me and it.—
To President Washington. Washington ed. iii, 467. Ford ed., vi, 108.
(M. Sep. 1792)

See Approbation.