Letter to Mrs. Carter from Dr. John F. Woolverton, visiting professor at College of William and Mary, encouraging continued service to the country by President and Mrs. Carter after leaving office.

THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY IN VIRGINIA WILLIAMSBURG 23185 (804) 229 3000 RSC-6 DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION 18 December 1980 Mrs. Rosalynn Carter The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Carter: You will perhaps recall that during the 1976 campaign my daughter, Susan, and I entertained you at my home in Alexandria, Virginia. I write now to say two things: First, that we have continued to admire both you and the President, es- pecially so in defeat which often brings out the best in peoples' characters, at least it has so in yours. Second, and perhaps more important, it is my hope that the President will continue to serve the nation--and in elected office. Writing memoirs is a waste of time, not to mention valuable talent. As a historian of American thought, I can say with conviction, "Leave it to the his- torians." My favorite example of post-presidential service is that of John Quincy Adams. When he left office in 1829 he went back to Massachusetts, and the people of Quincy asked him to run for the House of Representatives. Adams was flattered by their trust; he did not think it at all beneath him to do SO. The result was a second and even more illustrious career which lasted for eighteen years thereafter. I hope that in 1982 President Carter will do the same. The nation needs his expertise and enviable experience. It is just the sort of thing to which the American peo- ple would respond. It would also show hope for the future on the part of one who was not content just to sit back and be an "elder statesman". Indeed age-wise the President must be excluded from that category entirely. With continued best wishes. Yours sincerely, John F. Woolverton PhD Visiting Professor Chartered in 1693