Honoured Sir:

Notwithstanding A Grateful Sence of the Honour done me in being nominated by the Neighbourhood, and Authorised by the President and Supreme Executive Council, to the office of Justice of the Peace, and also of the Common pleas; but not finding that Satisfaction of mind in the Execution that I have figured to myself, but the reverse, on account whereof I have declined acting for some months past, I think it necessary to trouble your Excellency and Council with A minute detail of my reaspons for this step I have taken; yet, I would observe, that, in the Execution of that Office, the Wicked and the Wretched are those with whom we chiefly have to do, which affords mortifying views of Human nature. It is certainly A Great unhapiness that the best provided Remedy, in its operation, too often savours of an evil; and now, Sir, as I can have no pleasure in being the Minister of Misery to any, especially seeing that that is the certain thing I could promise myself by continueing in Office; therefore, after long and mature deliberation, I now lay before you this my resignation, not doubting your acceptance, which will be esteemed A favour by your Excellency and Council’s Most obedient and very Humble Servant,