I had, beside all that, a great many clients in
every town in the District who had been in the habit of trusting
me with their most intimate and secret concerns, and with
whom I had formed the attachment which in those days used
to exist between counsel and client.
I had said before I went to Europe that if nominated I would
accept the office. I thought it doubtful whether my strength
would permit me to continue my professional work without interruption.
I had no thought of remaining in Congress, if I were elected,
more than one term, or perhaps two. Indeed I did not contemplate
the probability of a nomination as a very serious one.
But almost before I got out of the sight of land the burden
lifted and my health came back. When I got home I was utterly
sick of the whole business. But my friends had been committed
to my support. They claimed that I could not withdraw honorably
after the assurance I had given them before I went away. So,
rather to my disgust, I was nominated on the first formal
ballot. I had not expected the result. I had gone to take
a ride while the Convention was in session.
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