It has long been my intention to retire from the cares and sacrifices of my present office at the expiration of the existing term. That intention has been freely communicated, that I might not be regarded as a candidate for re-election. It is unnecessary, on this occasion, to enumerate the many cogent reasons which led to this wish. They were such as induce the utmost reluctance in departing from my original design.— But, whatever may be my personal feelings and convenience, an indication of the unanimous wishes of the republican members of the Legislature, expressed in the partial and pressing terms contained in your letter, has claims on me paramount to every private consideration.