Ms. Wolter -- I see your point; however, I don't feel that I've "accused" anybody of anything, or said anything that anybody wouldn't have surmised on their own. Mr. Kestenbaum said that he had heard the staff were "terrified" -- is it unreasonable to suggest that terrified people, in this context, are exploring their options?
However, I do see your point, and shall refrain from this sort of speculation hereafter; indeed, had the hour been earlier, or I more rested, I would probably have refrained from writing at all.

Mr. Kestenbaum -- my comment was not intended to complicate things for you, and I do apologise if it has, and I in no way intended to suggest that you would replace the entire staff, simply that, from what I have heard, there is a vague unease about the transition. This is understandable, given the length of your predecessor's tenure as clerk: new management after fourteen years under one clerk is not a prospect to anticipate lightly in any circumstance.
I am confident that you will handle the transition wisely and well, and again, wish to apologise if my wild speculation has caused you undue concern.
-- gauche