Lincoln writes Meredith about several applicants for U.S. marshal for Illinois. Benjamin Bond of Carlyle is "personally, every way worthy of the office"; but "in my individual judgment, the appointment of Mr. Thomas [of Galena] would be better." Lincoln applies for patent on "new and improved" manner of combining adjustable buoyant chambers with steam boats or other vessels." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 10 March 1849, CW, 2:36-37; Application for Patent on an Improved Method of Lifting Vessels over Shoals, 10 March 1849, CW, 2:32-36.