Letter from Jonathan Worth to B. F. Moore, August 7, 1858
Asheboro, Aug. 7th, 1858.
You will have perceived that I am elected by a very large majority, beating my Whig opponent, Lane, 1,056, and my democratic apponent about 500. I did not learn that no successor was appointed for Ellis 1 till I got your letter, and immediately wrote Judge Saunders enclosing my resignation to all the judges couched in the terms you suggested. I have heard nothing from him. If democratic feeling runs too strong for the judge to appoint Foster, as I requested, get him to appoint my son-in-law, Samuel S. Jackson. He is temporarily a tutor at Chapel Hill, expecting to return to this place, which is his residence, and resume the practice of the law soon, and I would be glad if the appointment were conferred on him for his own benefit at next Fall Term. I desire this only in case the judge should make objections to appointing Foster for political reasons.
I am embarrassed as to my resignation but say nothing about it, even to my friends, and presume nothing will be said unless Judge Saunders or the successor of Judge Ellis shall bring it to the attention of others. Will they do so? Under the very large majority in my favor and considering that I have done all I could to resign I trust they will not be disposed to occasion the trouble and inconvenience and expense which might possibly grow out of it, if the matter should acquire any notoriety. If you can in any way serve me in this matter, consistent with what you deem proper on your part and mine, I shall be much obliged.
