Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-11-27
RALEIGH. Nov. 10Th. 1859.

RALEIGH, low. lUth, 1907.
My Dear Sir: Nearly two years ago, mentioned
to you my wish to retire from the Bench. l was
induced forego the purpose at that time, by your
partial circumstances and other considerations and
in the interval thought it best.n give occasion
for specuations in the public mind, by letting it be
known that had such thoughts at all. Subsequent
events, however, furnish other reasons in con6rma-
ton of my previous inclination, which think sui-
GENTLY justify it, They need not be particularly ex-
pressed, as trust you will not impute .derelictien
of duty my retiring. Indeed, il does not seem to
me. it be fairly dane but the contrary. that
may claim to have fairly earned the rest desire.
The place | have held, besides other important
qualifications, requires immense capacity for work
and constant willingness to exert it, which are
found in few and belong to the prime and vigor. of
life. Now, have, just at this time, been engaged
fortyfve years. either in the practice the admins
tration of the law: upwards of twentyeght of those
years on the Bench. repeat that after that, think
have some right to rest l am not, indeed aware
of falling off, which would for the present, render
me less fit for Judge than hitherto. But the day
must come, when there will be that falling off.
do not wish to be the last TO perceive decay; nor
do wish to postpone my retirement until 1t will have
become cheerless and painful. Besides, if, yet
there be dlminutlon In mental power or In the fund
of knowledge, must, at least, own a consciousness
that have not, now, that endurance and love of la
boz formerly felt, and which deem indispensable
TO the due performance OF the duties of the station to
which was called. On the contrary, though flying
from Ianguor, desire relaxation and repose That
l should do so, after so long service, hope will
excite neither surprise nor ceLsure but that YOU and
my other friends will, without Withdrawing any part
of your regard, discharge from professional tolls
and official socitudes and responsibilities and allow
to turn to the congenia pursuits of agriculture,
and the tranquil amusements and occupations of do
nestle and rural life.
ask the liberty, therefore, of committing to your
friendly charge the enclosed letter resignation, with
the request that it may be delivered next Tuesday or
Wednesday. l select that time, other exciting
elections may then, probably, be over, and thus not
be blended with influence that to this vacated Office
be out of the way of any solicitations like yours
formerly, Or what is worse, the frowns of friends.
In terminating my official relations towards my
brethren and our country, cannot refrain from ex-
pressing the earnest wish and prayer that North
Carolina and the Union may religiously preserve the
independence of the Judiciary, and thereby have
both sound and able, and in the mercy of Providence
be saved from dependent, and by consequence, fexi
BILE, crnging, iime-serving weak, bad for Judg-
proving dependent Judiciary be, practically, the
heaviest and the most enduring that befal
a deluded, depraved, and gain-saying people, and
nation having popular form of govern
ment
Allow to add this further office, which, am
sure, it will be pleasure to you to discharge. AT
the approaching of the Court, tender for me 10
the brethren heartfelt Acknowledgements for henum
acts of respect and aectionate friend
ship received throughout my service, from the Bench
and the Bar and them that they will abide In
my memory while it retains any thing, and that in my
shall ever cherish wish, that
each and every one of them may, God bless them
be prosperous and happy.
With aftectionate regard, | am, dear sir,
Very truly, your obliged friend,
THOMAS RUFFIN.
B. F. MOORE, ESQ. RaleiJh