e of this
trust, I will only say, that I have with good intentions,
contributed towards the organization and administration of the
government, the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment
was capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of
my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in
the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of
myself; and, every day, the increasing weight of years admonishes
me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me
as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have
given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have
the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite
me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

"In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate
the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to
suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I
owe to my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred
upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has
supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of
manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and
persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits
have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be
remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our
annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in
every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances
sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in
situations in which not infrequently want of success has
countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support
was the essential prop of the efforts, and the guaranty of the
plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this
idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement
to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest
tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection
may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of
your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in
every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in