Evening journal., 1903-06-30
CLERK s. R. SMITH
RESIGNS OFFICE
Touching Scene in the United
States Court Room This
Morning
ADDRESSES BY BRADFORD AND GRAY

William C. Mahaffy Appointed to Sue
ceed Him az Clerk Of the Federal
Court for tho District Of Della
ware.
After thirty years Of continuous service
as clerk OF the United States Courts for
nhe district OF Delaware. s. Redmond
Smith this morning rendered his resigna-
tlon to Judges George Gray and Il. c..
Bradford IN the court room Of the Fed
eral Building. The subsequent proceed
ings were impressive and all present were
vislbly affected. Court Crier John Gal
lagher was unable ITO adjourn the courts.
Tears ran down his checks and he shook
his head hopelcssly toward the bench when
requested by Judge Gray TO adjourn tho
courts. Deputy Clerk William G.. Ma
harry. who succeeds Mr.. Smith. came to
tho court cricr's assistance and although
himself affected managed 10 get through
the formallty.
The following Is a copy OF the resignation
presented to Judge Bradford;
Wilmington, Del, June %, 1909
Hon. Edward C. Bradford. Judge OF the
District Court OF the United States, Dis
trict OF Delaware.
Dear Sir: / hereby tender my resigna-
tion as clerk Of this court, TO take effect
at uhe adjournment this day
In severing my connection with this
court after a continuous service OF more
man thirty years I desire to express my
appreciation OF the uniform courtesy,
kindness and consideration that have
always received from yourself and your
predecessors on the bench.
believe no man could have enjoyed TO
a greater extent the confidence OF the court
and it as a matter OF great gratncaton 20
me TO reflect that / have always en-
deavored to merit a..
My warmest personal wishes for your
continued health, and for added distinc-
ton In tho discharge of your arduous du-
tics. viii follow you throughout your Of
fetal career. Very respectfully
Rodmond s. smith.
A similar communication was also pre-
sented to Judge Gray. who represented the
United States Circuit Court Judges.
Judge Bradford's Address.
Judge Bradford addressing Mr.. Smith
; said:
My dear Mr.. Smith: II Is with regret
strongly tlncturcd with sadness that I
learn OF your resignation OF the offices OF
Clerk of the United states Circuit Court
and Clerk of tho United States District
, Court for the District of Delaware. Both
J OF these offices you have held for upwards
, OF thirty years. During your long official
, experience saving period OF physical
prostratlon you have always been at your
+ post Of duty, and no one can claim any
dsrehction on your part.
1 should. however. be wanting in a just
recognition Of your merit, were / TO omit
all mention of your patriotic and loyal
course as an American citizen. Shortly af-
ter tho outbreak OF tho War OF the Rebel
lion. forsalSlng for the time being your
b iegal studies you enlisted IN the Union
= army. receiving the appointment Of First
Lieutenant of Co. ], in the Fourth Della
ware Volunteers. You bravely and gallant
ly served your country IN the field Aside
Z from sl1irmishes and minor engagements,
! you were engaged IN the following, among
!. other BATTLES: Bethesda Church. Cold Har-
Dor. Chickahominy. Assault on Petersburg.
q Siege of Petersburg. Mine Explosion at
s Petersburg, Weldin r. r., PEBBLES Farm,
q Pegram House, Hatcher's Run, Rowanty
River Crossing, Dabney's Mills, and Apo
n mattox Court House, where the army Of
n Northern Virginia surrendered. You were
promoted on the field during the advance
10 on Richmond 10 the captaincy of Company
!. c. Fourth Delaware Volunteers; you were
further commissioned Brevet Major OF the
United States Volunteers for gallantry on
e the field. and finally received the medal
m of honor for special gallantry at the bat
Is tie OF Rowanty River Crossing in Febru-
It airy. 1865.
In accepting your resignation feel that
the United States Courts IN Delaware have
"a lost the services of not only a faithful and
efficient officer. but a patriotic and accom-
pnshed gentleman. May you reap in your
chosen vocation. whatever &C may be. all
the success and happiness you so richly
,. deserve.
NJ Judge Gray's Kind Words.
u Judge Graz also spoke kind words to the
retiring official He said:
Mr.. Smith; The Circuit Court has re
ceived your resignation with sensibilit,
and regret. and it cannot let the occasion
pass without putting on record at this tims
its high appreciation Of your long and
faithful service as its clerk. Few NOR,
important and responsible positions exis
i'm a community like this. You have beer
not only the custodian of the Courts rec