Lincoln answers Lucas' letter: "I regret that the elections in the states have gone so badly; but I think there is some reason for hoping that this year has been the administration's 'darkest hour.' The appointments were it's most difficult task. . . . These are pretty much through with, and next we can get on grounds of measures—policy—where we can unite & rally again. At least, I hope so." Learning that Simeon Francis has not been appointed secretary of Oregon, or anything else, he telegraphs Secretary Ewing that he "most anxiously" desires Francis appointed Oregon surveyor general. Abraham Lincoln to Josiah M. Lucas,1 November 1849, CW, 2:67; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 1 November 1849, CW, 2:67.