Letter from M. Howard to L. S. Joynes, 1863 June 22

              Richmond Va June 22 1863

Dear Doctor

Your letter informing me of my re-election to the post of Demonstrator of
the Medical College of Va was received on last monday or tuesday (I am not positive
as to the day) morning, and on the evening of the same day I called at your
house but found you had left town. On saturday last I received a letter, sent
me by Dr. Peticolas, in which you seemed surprised no answer had been sent
you in reply to your notification to me of my reappointment: which letter
would have been replied to on the same day but for the press of business.
My calling on you the evening of the day on which I received your note,
relative to my re-election, was in order to learn whether or no an immediate
acceptance or refusal was required, and if there was no necessity for immediate discussion, to ask some days time to find whether a servant could be hired
to attend to the dissecting room, and a resurrectionist engaged. The result of
any investigations was that a resurrectionist might, with some difficulty, be
gotten; but that there would be great difficulty in getting a servant who
would attend to the dissecting room, and that, judging from present rates,
the hire, board and clothing of said servant, would be more by one third than
the whole income of the office. Under these circumstances I am compelled,
though very reluctantly, to resign the office of Demonstrator. Enclosed
please find my resignation. My ambition to retain whatever of your
good opinion, I may have been fortunate enough to gain has prompted
this somewhat prolix explanation.

In conclusion allow me, Doctor, to tender you my sincere thanks for
your kindness and consideration shown both in this last election and often
times previously. There are many causes of regret at leaving the office before
the changes and improvements I had contemplated could be carried out,
and not one of the least of these regrets is the lossing the companionship
of the members of the Faculty, among whom I flatter myself, I had some
warm friends - but 'tis idle repining, "l'homme propose mais Dieu dispose."
Remember me to your lady, if so be she should not totally have forgotten
"this very little person," as the chinese say, and forgive this long letter.

Yrs sincerely

Marion Howard

Dr L[evin] S[mith] Joynes
Halifax C[ourt] H[ouse] Va