Had the government produced by the revolution gone on in a _tolerable_ train, it would have been most adviseable to have persisted in that retreat.

But I am clearly of opinion that the crisis which brought you again into public view left you no alternative but to comply; and I am equally clear in the opinion that you are by that act _pledged_ to take a part in the execution of the government.

I am not less convinced that the impression of the necessity of your filling the station in question is so universal, that you run no risk of any uncandid imputation by submitting to it.
But even if this were not the case, a regard to your own reputation, as well as to the public good, calls upon you in the strongest manner to run that risk.
"It can not be considered as a compliment to say, that on your acceptance of the office of president, the success of the new government in its commencement may materially depend.

Your agency and influence will be not less important in preserving it from the future attacks of its enemies, than they have been in recommending it in the first instance to the adoption of the people.

Independent of all considerations drawn from this source, the point of light in which you stand at home and abroad, will make an infinite difference in the respectability with which the government will begin its operations, in the alternative of your being or not being at the head of it.