I desire to repeat to you in writing what I have so constantly said
to you and others by word of mouth.
Early in life I formed a determination never to hold any political
office, and of course never to be a candidate for any. My hope
was (might I so aspire!) to show, that, without its titles or
emoluments, something might be done for the good of my fellow-men.
Notwithstanding the strength of this determination, often declared,
I have, by the confidence of the friends of Freedom in Boston, more
than once been pressed into the position of candidate; and now,
by the nomination of the Free-Soil and Democratic members of the
Legislature of Massachusetts, contrary to desires specially made
known to all who communicated with me on the subject, I have been
brought forward as their candidate for the Senate of the United
States.
Pardon me, if I say that personal regrets mingle with gratitude
for the honor done me. The office of Senator, though elevated and
important, is to me less attractive than other and more quiet
fields.
Besides, there are members of our party, valued associates in our
severe struggle, to whom I gladly defer, as representatives of the
principles we have at heart.
I trust, therefore, that the friends of Freedom in the Legislature
will not, on any ground of delicacy towards me, hesitate to
transfer their support to some other candidate, faithful to our
cause. In this matter, I pray you, do not think of me. I have no
political prospects which I desire to nurse. There is nothing in
the political field which I covet. Abandon me, then, whenever you
think best, without notice or apology. The cause is everything; I
am nothing.
I rely upon you in some proper way to communicate this note to the
Free-Soil members of the Legislature.
Believe me, my dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,