Letter from W. Read to the Massachusetts Council

v5:1002

Reading, April 20, 1776.

SIR: I have your favour of the 11th of April, by order of the honourable Council of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, to which an immediate answer is requested.

Sir, I am very sensible of the great honour done me in this appointment, to be one of the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, &c˙, for that Colony, and of the duty which I owe my country, and should be glad to render it any service; but my present, and, for some time, low state of health, and the situation of my affairs, render it impossible for me to undertake such an arduous office, which I esteem beyond my abilities in my best condition. Please to present my duty to the honourable Board, and acquaint them herewith, and that I beg the favour to be held excused.

I am, with the highest respect to the honourable Board, their very humble servant,

W˙ READ.

To the Honourable the Council of Massachusetts-Bay.