To John Adams from Samuel Dexter

13 May 1800

Sir,	Philad. 13th. May 1800

On as mature deliberation as the time would permit I have concluded that it is proper for me to decline the honor intended for me in your nomination of yesterday.

At present I am certainly unqualified for the duties of the Office; & such have been my pursuits & such are my habits, that my mind would not be devoted to it, & consequently I never should acquire the ability of conducting the department of War with utility to the public & honor to myself.

If any further reasons could be thought necessary, I might add that it would be with extreme reluctance that I should consent to a change in my situation that must carry Mrs. Dexter far from her friends &, as I have no doubt, much against her inclination, without consulting her on the occasion.

Accept, Sir, my grateful acknowledgments for your goodness & believe that / I am with profound respect / Sir, Your very obed. Servt.

Saml. Dexter

MHi: Adams Papers.

This early access document derives from raw transcriptions, prior to editing and publication in Rotunda's American History Collection. If this document is cited in formal research, it should be noted that it is not a final version, and that the URL you used to access it is not permanent.
Please report any errors or problems you notice in documents.