1874.] OF THE SENATE. 103

I was duly elected, by the General Assembly, a Senator in
the Congress of the United States, to represent the State of
Maryland, for six years from the 4th of March, 1875.

No citizen of Maryland could fail to estimate most highly
the tender of this important trust, and I beg you to believe,
it comes to me, freighted with double honor, bearing with
it, as it does, the assurance, that the feeble service I have
rendered my native State, as its Chief Magistrate, has met the
approval of the representatives of its people.

Recognising the right of my fellow citizens to transfer my
labors to another field of duty, and gratified beyond expres-
sion at their partiality, I accept the post of Senator.

A child of Maryland, I trust, I shall never lose sight of
her honor nor fail to seize every opportunity to advance her
interests, while, as her representative, I shall hold true al-
legiance to the Constitntion of the Untited States and be
faithful to the Federal Compact, lending my best energies to
promote the prosperity and happiness of all sections of our
common country.

In accepting the distinguished position now conferred upon
me, I feel it to be my duty, at once, to resign the office, to
which I was called, two years ago, by a generous and confid-
ing constituency, in order that the General Assembly may,
in conformity with the terms of the Constitution, elect my
successor. I have, therefore, filed, this day, in the Office of
the Secretary of State, my formal resignation of the Office of
Governor, to take effect at 12 o'clock, meridian, on Wednes-
day, the 4th day of March, 1874. In separating from my
official associates and from the members of the two Houses of
the Assembly, I cannot forego the expression of my deep re-
gret, but I shall look back upon my connection with them,
with sincere affection and gratitude.

To you personally, gentlemen, I beg to present my thanks
for the flattering and generous manner, in which you have
conveyed to me, intelligence of the action of the Legislature.

I am, with high regard, faithfully,

Your friend and servant,

WM. PINKNEY WHYTE.
Which was read and

On motion by Mr. Stevens,
Ordered to be entered on the Journal.

The Clerk of the House of Delegates appeared and deliv-
ered the following message: