09/01/1974
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"As you move on to private life, you have my best wishes for continued success and satisfaction."
"THE PEOPLE have spoken, and for 26 years I have accepted the verdict of the people, which is the essence of our system of free government."
"You leave with the respect and admiration of all who were privileged to be your colleagues."
"I also congratulate the winners of both parties and extend my sympathy to those who lost."