It is ever with extreme reluctance, that I claim your attention for a moment,—and it is possible that by so doing I transgress the customary rules of decorum. No longer, however, can I refrain from discharging a duty, which for some length of time has very seriously impressed me, and now appears indispensible.

I speak, Sir, the conviction, as well as unfeigned concern, of every observing man in this part of the country, who is a sincere and inflexible friend of the American Union, when I say—it is in our opinion a matter of the very last moment, that you, Sir, should not resolve to retire from your great and beneficent public labors, after the expiration of the present term of your presidential service.

Having thus discharged this duty, and complied with the urgent request of several true friends to the perpetual Union of the States, I have the honor to be,

Sir, with profound veneration, Your most obedient, and very humble servant