would be extremely flattering and agreeable;
but at present, for several reasons, the least of which are personal,
I could not accept it.

"My wife has gone to Europe on a visit of recreation greatly needed
by her, my house in Mansfield is rented, and all my arrangements
are made to be here during the summer. The nomination would require
me to recall her, to resume my house, and to break up my plans for
the summer. If this alone stood in the way, I could easily overcome
it, but I know from letters received that my resignation as secretary
would be regarded as a desertion of a public trust important to
the whole country, with the selfish view of promoting my personal
ambition, not for the governorship merely but for the presidency,
which would impair rather than improve any chance I may have in
that direction.

"The President would regard this change as a great inconvenience
and as defeating a desire he has frequently expressed to maintain
his cabinet intact during his term, so that my obligations to him
forbid this.

* * * * *

"All these objections might be met except the one which I think is
unanswerable, that my presence here in the completion of a public
duty is far more important to the whole country and the cause we
advocate than if I were to run as a candidate for Governor of Ohio
and even succeed with a large majority.

"All things now tend to our success in Ohio and that is likely to
be as complete with any other candidate for governor as myself,
while if left here I will be able to so finish my business that no
one can say it is incomplete.

"As for the mention of my name for the presidency, I am not so
blind as not to perceive some favorable signs for me, but I have
thus far observed and intend strictly to adhere to the policy of
taking no step in that direction, doing no act to promote that
object, and using none of the influence of my office towards it,
except so far as a strict and close attention to duty here may
help. I am not now, and do not intend to get, infected with the
presidential fever.

"With high regard, I am, very truly yours,
"John Sherman.
"M. Halstead, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio."

During 1879 and the following year I received a multitude of letters
and newspaper paragraphs advocating my nomination for President.
Among the first of such letters was one from an old friend, John
B. Haskin, formerly a Member of Congress from New York. On the
10th of May, 1879, I wrote him in