Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-07-08
Letter From Judge Linn.

To THE PEOPLE OF THE 18th JUDICIAL
DISTRICT:
| am about to resign the office of Presi-
dent Judge. Had my personal interests and
inclinations been alone consulted, L would
have done so at least four years ago. But,
on making known at that time, privately,
my desire to resign, to several of the most
prominent and discreet men of the district,
without distinction of party, they united in
suggesting that would be doing injustice
to my constituents should resign in the
midst of the excitement that prevailed du-
ring the war, and thus require the people
to elect a successor at most unpropitious
period Conceding the force and propriety
of the su gestion, | abandoned my purpose
for the time being, though at the sacrifice
of my personal wishes felt then that my
sedentary habits were injuring my health,
and that change to more active pursuits
would be greatly to my advantage. Since
then the baneful influence of a scdentary
life has been gradually growing upon me,
until, within few weeks past my physician
has, in kind, but unmistakable language,
warned me that if would escape serious
and permanent injury to my health, "a change
must be made in my manner of life, and
that too without delay. This determined
me to hesitate no longer, and to give up my
office at once.
The only question left was, When shall
my resis nation take effect In this behalf
| determined to act honorably and conscl-
misunderstanding consequences to allwhere
they might. A careful consideration of the
subject has led me to conclude that it is my
duty to resign just now, so as to allow the
people to fill the vacancy at the first gener-
al election that shall occur hereafter. L re-
ceived my office from the people OF the dis
.trict, and when | can no longer serve therein,
| a sense of honor and justice prompts me to
| give back that which was conferred upon
me as a sacred trust, Immediately to the
people from whom | received it, that they
may transfer it to a person of their own
/ choice, in the manner provided by the Con-
! stitution and laws of the Commonwealth.
| | would be ungrateful indeed, were | to
retire from my official position without ex-
pressing to you, publicly, my sincere thanks
for the uniform kindness with which you
have troated me during the whole OF my
term, and the manner in which my official
acts aud determinations have been received
and sustained by constituency by far toe
intelligent to expect in any judicial officer an
entire freedom from mistakes in Judgment
My frailties and shortcomings have been
doubtless not few, and have had, there
fore great need of the charitable SUPPORT
and indulgence of the people. OF one thing
however, | am certain That in not single
instance have l ever wilfully erred, or with
held from any man his rights, but hav,
anxiously and earnestly endeavored to d.
nv whole duty. | lay aside the robes o
office with a conscience void of offence TO
ward men. In judgment | may have erret
oFTEN-in intention, NEVER.
Bespeaking for my successor in office
whosoever he may happen to be, that uni
form kindness and courtesy that it has beer
my good fortune always to experience a
your hands,
Iremain, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL LINN.
BELLEFoNTE, June 26, 1868.
, General Grant and family are now on tour to