Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-08-16
LETTER TO MR.. MADISON.
Mount Vernon, MaY 20, IL

"lMy Dear .Sr:-As there is PosslbllI-
ty, ifnot probability, that shall not see
YOU on your return home; or, if should
see YOU, it may be on the road, land under cir
cumstances, which may prevent my speak
inc to YOU on the subject VIC last CONVEX
sed upon, take the liberty OF committing
to paper the following thoughts and requests.
81 have not been unmindfu of the scntI-
ment expressed by you in the conversation
lust alluded to. On the contrary, have
again and again revolved them with thought
ful anxiety, but without being able to dispose
INV mind to longer continuation IN the
Office | have now the honor to, hold. l
therefore still look forward to my londest d
most ardent wishes to spend the remainder
of my days, which cannot expect to be
long. in ease and tranquility.
"Nothing but conviction that my decIl-
ming the chair ofgoycrment, ifls should be
the desire ofthe people to continue mem II,
would involve the country in serious dis
putes respecting the chief magistrate, and
the disagreeable consequences which might
result therefrom in the floating and divided
opinions, which seem to prevail AZ present,
could, in anywise, induce me to relnguish
the determination have formed and OF
this do not sec how any evidence can be-
obtained previous to the election. My van
ity, l am sure, is not of that caste to allow
me to view the subject in this light.
"Under these impressions, then, permit
me 70 reiterate the request made to YOU at
our last meeting, namely ly to think OF the
proper time and the best mode Of announ-
cling the intention, and that you would pre-
pare the latter. In revolving this subject
myself, my Judgment has always been en-
barrassed. On the one hand previous
declaration to retire, not only carries with
it the appearance Of vanity and sclt-lmpor-
tance, but it may be construct into a ma
nauvre to be invited to remain; and on the
other hand, to say nothing, implies consent,
or, at any rate, would leave the matter III
doubt and to decline afterwards might be
deemed as bad, and uncandid.
81 would fain carry my request to you
farther than is asked above, although | am
sensible that your compliance with it must
add to your trouble.-But as the recess may
afford YOU leisure, and fatter myself you
have dispositions to oblige me, Twill, with
out apology, desire, ifthe measure in itself
) should strike you as proper, or likely to
produce public good or private honor, that
you would turn your thoughts to a Valedlc-
tory Address from me to the public, express
sing in plain and modest terms, that having
.besn honored with the presidential chair,
sand to the best Of my abilities contributed to
the organization and administration of the
new government that having arrived at
a period Of life, when the private walks Of it
in the shades Of retirement become neces-
sary, and will be most pleasing to me; and
the spirit ofthe government may render q
rotation in the elective officers Oft more
congenial with their ideas Of liberty and
safety, that take my leave Of them as a
public man and, in bidding them adieu,
retaining no other concern than such as viii
arise from fervent wishes for the prosperity
ofmy country, Itakc the liberty at my de-
parnlre from civil, as formerly did at my
military exit, TO invoke continuation of the
blessings ofProvidence upon it, and upon
all those who are supporters Gifts interests,
and the promoters Of harmony, order, and
good government.
That to impress these things, It might.
among other topics, he o5s2sTed, thu: Ne