“I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected.”

—  William T. Sherman

Telegram sent to General Henderson in 1884, refusing to run in the United States presidential election of that year. As quoted in Sherman's Memoirs, 4th ed. 1891. This is often paraphrased: If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve.
1880s, 1884, Telegram (1884)

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William T. Sherman44
American General, businessman, educator, and author. 1820–1891

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