tries at first to act indifferently, 38;
begins to work for ratification, 38;
writes letters to various people, 38, 39;
circulates copies of "Federalist," 40;
saves ratification in Virginia, 40;
urges election of Federalists to Congress, 41;
receives general request to accept presidency, 41;
his objections, 41, 42;
dreads failure and responsibility, 42;
elected, 42;