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Sir:—

Having been informed that the honorable the General Assembly have done me the honor to appoint me to the office of treasurer of the Northern District of this State for the ensuing year, I now thro. the favor of your Excellency, beg leave to return them my most sincere thanks, for this mark of their favourable sentiments of my past endeavours to serve the State. In the infancy of our glorious struggle, when the minds of many were unsettled & doubtful of the event, I joyfully accepted every appointment that was offered by my fellow citizens, and readily stood forth to give testimony of my concurrence and approbation of every measure which tends to the security of the most inestimable rights of mankind; at this period, when the Constitution of this State is happily and I flatter myself permanently established, when all doubts and apprehensions are entirely removed, and a number of Gentlemen of unquestionable integrity and abilities are ready to offer their services in every department, I most humbly request, and hope it will not be denied me by your Excellency, the favour of being permitted to decline that very honorable and lucrative appointment. The very infirm state of my health demands this sacrifice of my inclination to serve my country for the present. Should my services at any future period, be thought necessary to the State, in any department within the compass of my small abilities, I shall be ready to execute the commands of your Excellency or the General

Assembly of the State whenever I shall have the honor to receive them. Mr. Skinner, who is well known to your Excellency, does me the favour to be the bearer of this. Should you and the honorable Council approve of him to succeed me in office, I have the reason to believe that he will not disgrace your appointment. I know no man better qualified either in point of abilities or integrity to discharge the duties of that office, and no one can give more ample security.

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