North High Shoals ex-mayor Jeff Thomas borrows Robert E. Lee's farewell speech for resignation letter
A comparison of two farewell letters. Jeff Thomas in blue, and Robert E. Lee in Gray
Town of North
High Shoals, Ga.
Jeff. D. Thomas
Mayor
Dear Council and Citizens of the Town of North
After eighteen plus years of arduous service as mayor of North High Shoals, I have come to the decision that my presence is no longer desired or required.
"After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
I have remained steadfast to the last concerning my duties, but I now feel that valor and devotion can accomplish nothing that will compensate for the loss of time to my family that would attend the continuance of my services.
I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them.
But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.
I will take with me the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to this council and the citizens of this town His blessings and protection.
By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection.
With an unceasing admiration for the constancy and devotion to this city shown forth by the many town councils which I have presided over, and with a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
R.E. Lee
Genl.
Genl.
I am most respectfully
Your humble & obedient servant
____________________________
Jeff D. Thomas
Citizen, Town of North
This is the text of Robert E. Lee's farewell speech
After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them.
But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attented the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.
By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection.
With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
Here is Mayor Jeff Thomas' purloined resignation letter:
Dear Council and Citizens of the Town of North High Shoals:
After eighteen plus years of arduous service as mayor of North High Shoals, I have come
to the decision that my presence is no longer desired or required. I have remained
steadfast to the last concerning my duties, but I now feel that valor and devotion can
accomplish nothing that will compensate for the loss of time to my family that would
attend the continuance of my services.
I will take with me the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully
performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to this council and the
citizens of this town His blessings and protection.
With an unceasing admiration for the constancy and devotion to this city shown forth by
the many town councils which I have presided over, and with a grateful remembrance of
your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
I am most respectfully
Your humble and obedient servant
____________________________
Jeff D. Thomas
Citizen, Town of North High Shoals
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