To Larkin Smith Washington, Nov. 26, 1804SIR, -- Your letter of the 10th came to hand yesterday evening.
It was written with frankness and independance and will be answered
in the same way. You complain that I did not answer your letters
applying for office. But if you will reflect a moment you may judge
whether this ought to be expected. To the successful applicant for
an office the commission is the answer. To the unsuccessful
multitude am I to go with every one into the reasons for not
appointing him? Besides that this correspondence would literally
engross my whole time, into what controversies would it lead me.
Sensible of this dilemma, from the moment of coming into office I
laid it down as a rule to leave the applicants to collect their
answer from the facts. To entitle myself to the benefit of the rule
in any case it must be observed in every one: and I never have
departed from it in a single case, not even for my bosom friends.
You observe that you are, or probably will be appointed an elector.
I have no doubt you will do your duty with a conscientious regard to
the public good & to that only. Your decision in favor of another
would not excite in my mind the slightest dissatisfaction towards
you. On the contrary I should honor the integrity of your choice.
In the nominations I have to make, do the same justice to my motives.
Had you hundreds to nominate, instead of one, be assured they would
not compose for you a bed of roses. You would find yourself in most
cases with one loaf and ten wanting bread. Nine must be
disappointed, perhaps become secret, if not open enemies. The
transaction of the great interests of our country costs us little
trouble or difficulty. There the line is plain to men of some
experience. But the task of appointment is a heavy one indeed. He
on whom it falls may envy the lot of a Accept my salutations & assurances of
respect. |
