The letter closed with this sharp argument: "You suffered yourself to yield when the voice of your country summoned you to the Administration.

Should a civil war arise, you cannot stay at home.

And how much easier will it be to disperse the factions, which are rushing to this catastrophe, than to subdue them after they shall appear in arms?
It is the fixed opinion of the world, that you surrender nothing incomplete." An appeal of this character was the most effective that could possibly be addressed to Washington, but in consenting he grumbled over the hardship of having to keep in active service at his time of life after already having served for so long a time.

He complained that his hearing was getting bad and that "perhaps his other faculties might fall off and he not be sensible of it." Acquiescence in Washington's candidacy made it practically impossible for the Republican party to manifest its true strength.

The compliment of Republican support was awarded to Governor Clinton of New York, who together with Washington received all the electoral votes of Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Georgia.