CHAPTER XVIII. 1792. the cabinet request Washington office anoth er term. CHAPTER XVIII. Washington is elected President for a Second Term. — Takes the Oath of WHEN the President's term of office, as prescribed by the Constitution, was drawing to a close, no little anxiety was felt and expressed, as to his willingness again to Members of receive the suffrages of the people. The reluctance with which he had consented to the first election was so great, to remain in that it was feared he could not be prevailed upon to remain longer in public life. From his friends in different parts of the country he received early communications on the subject, urging him not to decide hastily, and, if possible, to reconcile himself to a second election. Three members of the cabinet, Jefferson, Hamilton, and Randolph, each wrote to him a long letter, containing reasons why it was of the utmost importance to his own reputation and to the public interests, that, for the present at least, he should not retire. Each of these gentlemen drew a picture of the condition of the country, its future prospects, and the state of parties; and, although they differed radically concerning some of the principal measures of the administration, they agreed in opinion, that the character, influence, and steady |