368
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
On enquiring into my private affairs, I find them in a condition demanding my early attention, and shall be driven by neces- sity to tender my resignation in July next. For some time past I have known that my private inter- ests were suffering by my absence from this place, but was ignorant of the extent of the mischief thus resulting to me. Previous to receiving the appointment which you did me the honor to confer upon me, I was engaged in the practice of medicine, which afforded an income more than equal to all of my immediate necessities, and when I con- duded to accept of the invitation and proceed to the seat of Govern- ment, it was under the belief that a sufficient sum would be realized from the amount due me by individuals, to support my family during my absence. In this I was disappointed. Every debtor shelters him- self from the demands of his creditors under the general plea of "hard times"; and in the present state of our judiciary it is folly to attempt coercive collections. Some friends have already advanced for me, but such is the general want of means that I doubt their ability-if requested-to extend their favors so as to afford the aid I might require during an- other long absence, without embarassing themselves. I am also administrator on the estate of a deceased brother, ·which estate in justice to the heirs must be speedily closed_, and though :1 might have this business in the hands of an attorney for settlement, _yet I am certain that the interests of the heirs would suffer by such a course. To these considerations add. •the sacrifice of domestic en- joyment attendant upon my conti_nuation ·in office and you have before you, the reasons ,vhich induce, or rather, the circumstances which im- pel me to a resignation, aside from the consciousness of my inability to -do justice to the station and to the Executive for whom I act. Were it otherwise, it would afford me the greateRt satisfac- tion to continue to render my feeble exertions in ai.d of the Executive :fo prosecution of the work of political advancement which he has •commenced. I feel it incumbent upon me to make this communication to you at this time in order that the necessary preparation may be made for supplying the vacancy. I will shortly address you upon other subjects.
I remain, with esteem Your obt Servt. J as. H. Starr.
"To His Excellency
) M. B. Lamar)
f Addressed] 'To
[Endorsed] J as. H. Starr- April 10, 1840
His Excellency
M. B. Lamar Austin
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