I was sorry to see in the New York papers of yesterday, under Washington date line, that I had accepted the embassy. It has placed me in a most embarrassing position, and has caused general comment of vacillation. I cannot imagine how the fact that I was re-considering became public. The press clippings I get in the matter are most annoying to me, and must be to you. I suppose the only thing to say in the matter is that my position is the same as it was when my statement was given out in Washington.     Let me again thank you very deeply for the great honor you have     conferred upon me. I sincerely wish it were within my power to accept.     It is such a thing as rarely comes in a man's lifetime.     Believe me as ever,       Always yours to command,       WM. F. MCCOMBS.     HON. WOODROW WILSON,     The White House,       Washington, D. C. [Illustration: A letter from the man who could not make up his mind [Transcriber's note: the illustration contains a reproduction of the above-quoted letter.]] Even after McCombs had declined the French post, as recited in the above letter to the President, he continued to vacillate, and addressed the following telegrams and cables to me in regard to the French Ambassadorship: New York, April 4, 1913.     HON. JOS. P. TUMULTY,       Washington, D. C.     Confidentially, expect to come tomorrow. Please suspend on matter     until I see you. W. F. M. * * * * * New York April 25, 1913.     JOS. P. TUMULTY,       Washington, D. C.     Confirm understanding that nothing be done for the present and nothing     sent in. W. F. M * * * * *     Sagaponac, N. Y., May 3, 1913.     Radio S. S. Olympic.     JOS. P. TUMULTY,       White House,       Washington, D. C.     Will cable about time sending name in when I reach Paris in     acceptance our understanding. W. F. M. * * * * * Paris, Via French, May 13, 1913.     JOS. P. TUMULTY,       White House,       Washington. Have been ill, improving. Cable you Thursday in matter. W. F. M. * * * * * Paris, June 1, 1913.     J. P. TUMULTY,       Washington. Some better. Operation doubtful. Question delayed a few days. W. F. M. Then came the following cable to the President from Col. E. M. House: Paris, June 12, 1913.     THE PRESIDENT       Washington.     Damon [code name for McCombs] requests me to say that after he sees     present incumbent tomorrow he will cable you. He is much improved. E. M. HOUSE. * * * * * Paris, June 18, 1913.     JOS. P. TUMULTY,       Washington.     Am sending conclusive message through usual channel so you get it