"4. Among the minor causes that have led to my taking so serious a step, are the absence of all further prospects of advancement and the want of that immediate personal sympathy with the present system of education, which every conscientious servant of the Department, should possess.
"5. With regard to the former, I can occupy my time more profitably and with infinitely less strain upon mind and body, than in my present position. It would be idle to deny that such considerations must have weight with one who has not yet been able to make any permanent provision for his family and who fears that failing health will prevent his doing so, if he delays longer the severance of his connection with the arduous and onerous duties that belong to the offices he holds.
"6. With respect to the other, I feel that I have no right to obtrude my views and opinions upon the Government; yet I could not conceal from those I serve, the fact that my heart is not in my work, and that thereby my efficiency is, and must be, impaired. More I am unwilling to say, less I could not express, with the maintenance of the honesty of purpose which I deem to be an essential quality of a conscientious public servant.
"7. I retire with the conscious gratification that I have always labored earnestly to discharge my duties to the best of my humble ability and I trust that I shall not be deemed presumptuous in tendering my most sincere and heartfelt acknowledg-
