November 30

[On November 30, 1808, I wrote from Washington to Samuel Hawkins, a citizen from Kingston, to politely decline his gift of an elegant ivory staff that had been delivered to me through Postmaster General Gideon Granger. I explained that upon entering public office, I established a strict personal rule to never accept any gift of significant monetary value to ensure that my administration remained entirely above suspicion and disinterested. It highlights my concern with public perception and precedent during my final months as president, showing that even a harmless token of appreciation from an admirer had to be turned away to preserve my tranquility of mind. I viewed the maintenance of strict ethical boundaries not just as a matter of personal honor, but as a vital shield against the bitter political enemies who were actively seeking any excuse to tear down my reputation as my term came to an end.]

Business and indisposition have prevented my sooner acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 3d instant, which came to hand on the 10th. Mr. Granger, before that, had sent here the very elegant ivory staff of which you wished my acceptance. The motives of your wish are honorable to me, and gratifying, as they evidence the approbation of my public conduct by a stranger who has not viewed it through the partialities of personal acquaintance. Be assured, Sir, that I am as grateful for the testimony, as if I could have accepted the token of it which you have so kindly offered.

On coming into public office, I laid it down as a law of my conduct, while I should continue in it, to accept no present of any sensible pecuniary value. A pamphlet, a new book, or an article of new curiosity, have produced no hesitation, because below suspicion. But things of sensible value, however innocently offered in the first examples, may grow at length into abuse, for which I wish not to furnish a precedent. The kindness of the motives which led to this manifestation of your esteem, sufficiently assures me that you will approve of my desire, by a perseverance in the rule, to retain that consciousness of a disinterested administration of the public trusts, which is essential to perfect tranquillity of mind. Replacing, therefore, the subject of this letter in the hands of Mr. Granger, under your orders, and repeating that the offer meets the same thankfulness as if accepted, I tender you my salutations and assurances of respect.