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. Neither the splendor,
nor the power, nor the difficulties, nor the fame, or defamation, as may
happen, attached to the first magistracy, have any attractions for me.
The helm of a free government is always arduous, and never was ours more
so, than at a moment when two friendly people are like to be committed
in war by the ill temper of their administrations. I am so much attached
to my domestic situation, that I would not have wished to leave it at
all. However, if I am to be called from it, the shortest absences and
most tranquil station suit me best. I value highly, indeed, the part
my fellow-citizens gave me in their late vote, as an evidence of their
esteem, and I am happy in the information you are so kind as to give,
that many in the eastern quarter entertain the same sentiment.
Where a constitution, like ours, wears a mixed aspect of monarchy and
republicanism, its citizens will naturally divide into two classes
of sentiment, according as their tone of body or mind, their habits,
connections, and callings, induce them to wish to strengthen either the
monarchical or the republican features of the constitution.
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