Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1836-08-04
Letter to VIZ. Madison.
Z" MOUNT VERNON, MAY 20, 1902.


"My Dear Sm,--AS there is possibility, II not
a probability. llat | shall not see you your re
turn home; or if should see you, II may be on
tho road, and under circumstances, which
may prevent my speaking 10 you ON the subject
we last convcrsed upon, | take the liberty of
committing to paper the ioowln. thoughts and
requests.
e have not been unmndful OF tho sentiments
expressed by you in the conversation just allu-
ded TO. On the contrary, have again and again
revolvcd them with thoughtful anxiety, but
wi,l,ou, being able 10 dispose my mind to longer
continuation in the office have the honor
TO hold. | therefore still look forward with my
fondest and most ardent wishes to spend the re
maiudcr of my days, which | cannot expect 10 be
long in ease and tranquility.
- Nothing but IA conviction that my declining
the chair of government if ii should lie the desire
of tho people to continue in it, would involve
the country in serious disputes respecting the
Chief Magistrate, and the disagrccahlc consequent
ces which mi -ht result thereirom IN the floating
and divided opinions, which seem to prevail at
present, could, in anywi,c, induce 10 relinqul>h
the determination have formed and OF this |
do not scs how any evidence can he obtained pre-
vious to the election. My vanity, | am sure, is
not of that cast as to allow me 10 view the sub
lect in this light
Under these impressions, then, permit me TO
rciterate the request made to last
meeting, namely to think OF the proper time and
the best mode OF announcing, the intention, aud
that you would prepare the latter. In revolving
This subject, myself, my Judgment has always
been embarrassed. On the one hand, previous
declaration to retire, only carries with 1t the
appearance of vanity and self importance, but IT
may be construed into a mantruvre, 10 be invited
to remain and on the other hand, To say nothing,
implies consent, Or at any rate, would leave the
matter in doubt: and to decline afterwards might
be deemed rs bad and uncandid
' ! would fain carry my request TO yor farther
than is asked above, although am sensible that
vnur compliance with it must add To your trouble.
But as the recess may afford You leisure, and
aatcr myself you have dispositions to oblige me,
! will, without apology desire, if the measure in IL
self should strike you as proper, or likely 10 pro-
due. public good or private honor, that you would
turn your thoughts TO Vaedictory Address from
me to the public, expressing in plain and modest
terms, that, having been honorcd with the Pres-
dental chair and 10 the best of my abilities
tributed to the organization and administration of
the government; that, having arrived at period
fife when the private walks Of it in the shades
0fretirement become necessary, and will be most
pleasing to me /; and the spirit of the Government
may render rotation 10 the elective officers Of il
more congcnal with their IDEAS ofliberty and safe
~; that take my leave Of them public man;
and, in bidding them adiea, retaining other con
Germ than such aswill arise from fervent wishes
for the prosperity Of my country, take the liberty
at my departure from civil, formerly did at my
military exit, to invoke continuation OF the bles