I would not wish to conceal my prevailing sentiment from you.

For you know me well enough, my good sir, to be persuaded that I am not guilty of affectation, when I tell you it is my great and sole desire to live and die in peace and retirement on my own farm.

Were it even indispensable a different line of conduct should be adopted, while you and some others who are acquainted with my heart would _acquit_, the world and posterity might probably _accuse_ me of _inconsistency_ and _ambition_.

Still I hope, I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of _an honest man_." This answer drew from Colonel Hamilton the following reply: "I should be deeply pained, my dear sir, if your scruples in regard to a certain station should be matured into a resolution to decline it; though I am neither surprised at their existence, nor can I but agree in opinion that the caution you observe in deferring the ultimate determination is prudent.

I have, however, reflected maturely on the subject, and have come to a conclusion (in which I feel no hesitation) that every public and personal consideration will demand from you an acquiescence in what will _certainly_ be the unanimous wish of your country.
"The absolute retreat which you meditated at the close of the late war was natural and proper.