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.