Resignation of Mr. Lamb.
September 30, 1863
We learn that Mr. Lamb, one of the members of the House of Delegates from this county, sent in his resignation yesterday. We regret this exceedingly. The Legislature can ill afford to lose the services of such a member as Mr. Lamb. His fine exact mind, ripe legal scholarship and experience, together with his proverbial business method, made him invaluable at this time in the work of originating and codifying our legislation. We learn that the Legislature refused to accept his resignation, and we hope that he can be induced to withdraw it. The reasons for Mr. Lamb's withdrawal have not transpired.
Daniel Lamb, Esq.
October 6, 1863
We understand there is some prospect that Mr. Lamb may be induced to reconsider his resignation as a member of the House of Delegates. It appears to be the unanimous desire of the House that he should do so, as expressed by the resolution which appears in yesterday's legislative proceedings in this mornings paper. - The following is the letter of resignation:
WHEELING, Sept. 29, 1863.
SPICER PATRICK, Esq., Speaker of the House of Delegates:
"Sir: I hereby resign my seat in the House of Delegates.
"I regret the necessity that requires me to take this step; and in severing the relations which have existed between us, desire to present to yourself, and every member, my acknowledgements for the uniform respect and courtesy with which I have been treated while a member of the House.
"I am with great respect,
"Your Ob't Serv't.
Daniel Lamb."
The resignation was laid on the table in the House, with the hope that Mr. Lamb might be prevailed on to withdraw it. The Speaker was ordered to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy, but yesterday, the writ not having been issued yet, the order was revoked by the House, and so the matter rests.
The House yesterday adopted a joint resolution raising a committee to endeavor to make a contract with Mr. Lamb for the preparation of a Code. The resolution will we presume be adopted by the Senate, also. Without doubt there is not a single man in the State, so amply qualified in all respects for this work as Mr. Lamb, and we trust the Committee when raised may be able to close a contract with him. Besides the fitness of this gentleman for the work, his long and valuable services in the public bodies that have met within the past two years and a half, make it fitting that there should be not only some recognition of, but some reward for these services; neither of which he has as yet been the recipient of. We trust, if he is employed to codify the laws that he will be liberally paid, as we are assured the work will be well done.
Meanwhile, we but express the wish of every one of his constituents in hoping Mr. Lamb will consent to resume his place and duties in the House for the remainder of the present session of the Legislature.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: September 1863