Letter from L. S. Joynes to Marion Howard, 1862 January 15

              Richmond Jan 15 1862

Marion Howard M.D.

Surgeon

Regment Va volunteer

Dear Sir

I am requested by the Faculty of the Medical
College to address you a note of inquiry in reference to
your future intentions in comission with the office of
Demonstrator of Anatomy. It is deemed inconsistent
with the interests of the school, that any uncertainty
should hang around the occupancy of that post at
the next session: and as the end of your annual term,
(March 14th) is approaching, the Faculty consider that
they have the right to know whether you will perform the
duties, if re-elected, or remain in your present position.
If the latter be your preference, they wish to have timely
notice, in order that they may have a fair opportunity
for the choice of a successor. They would be unwilling to
fill the office by substitution for another session, and desire
to publish in the annual catalogue and announcement
the name of the person by whom the duties will be dis-
charged.

I beg the favor of a reply to the forgoing at your
earliest convenience.

With my best wishes for your health and success in
your important theatre of duty.

I remain very truly etc.

L[evin] S[mith] Joynes,

Dean etc.