Lincoln writes to Representative Moses Hampton of Pennsylvania, with whom he had served in Congress. Lincoln asks Hampton to write a letter recommending Lincoln for an appointment to the General Land Office. Lincoln admits that he is not particularly desirous of the job, but that he has "come to this conclusion, more to prevent what would be generally bad for the party here, and particularly bad for me, than a positive desire for the office." Lincoln requests that Hampton write directly to President Zachary Taylor and not to Secretary of the Interior Thomas Ewing. Lincoln closes by asking Hampton to write "as pretty a letter for me as you think the truth will permit." Abraham Lincoln to Moses Hampton, 1 June 1849, CW 11:1-2.

A. G. Henry writes to Joseph Gillespie that he has just learned Taylor has been persuaded to delay Land Office appointment for three weeks. "Secretary Preston says Lincoln is the only man in Illinois that can beat Butterfield, but that he can do it if he comes on, & his friends back him up. . . . Lincoln will go the moment he gets home he is now in Coles, but is looked for to-night." ISLA—Files.

Lincoln writes to Dr. J. B. Herrick: "It is now certain that either Mr. Butterfield or I will be Commissioner of the General Land-Office. If you are willing to give me the preference, please write me to that effect, at Washington, whither I am going. There is not a moment of time to be lost." Mrs. Lincoln writes and signs Lincoln's name to similar letters. While she copies form letter, Lincoln tells Thomas Ewing that he cannot recommend for Land Office receiver at Vandalia, which is not in his district. He also writes to Congressman R. C. Schenck of Ohio, briefing form letter message. Abraham Lincoln to Josiah B. Herrick, 3 June 1849, CW, 2:52; Abraham Lincoln to James M. McLean, 3 June 1849, CW, 2:52; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 3 June 1849, CW, 2:52; Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck, 3 June 1849, CW, 2:53.

Lincoln writes form letter: "Would you as soon I should have the Genl. Land Office as any other Illinoian? If you would, write me to that effect at Washington where I shall be soon. No time to loose." He sends similar letter to Willie P. Mangum, U.S. Senator from North Carolina, and William H. Seward of New York. Abraham Lincoln to Willie P. Mangum, 4 June 1849, CW, 2:53; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 4 June 1849, CW, 8:414.

Lincoln sends more form letters, and buys $1 worth of sperm candles. Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 5 June 1849, CW, 2:53; Bunn Journal.

Justin Butterfield, in town from Chicago, writes J. J. Brown that Lincoln has told George W. Meeker, who accompanies Butterfield, he is not yet candidate for Land Office but "might be." Butterfield believes this is meant to deceive him while Lincoln circulates petitions in his own behalf. IHi—Journal, XXV, 141.

Lincoln's account is charged $1.75 for 6 pounds sugar and lemon syrup. Bunn Journal.

Several Whigs, including clerks of circuit and county courts, probate judge and sheriff, have signed petition in Butterfield's behalf. According to Butterfield, Lincoln and Stephen T. Logan are trying to persuade signers to retract and are circulating Lincoln petitions among farmers. IHi—Journal, XXV, 141.

Lincoln writes to Nathaniel Pope, U.S. judge, asking him to state in letter, "what you did say to me last spring . . . in relation to my becoming an applicant for that office? Having at last concluded to be an applicant, I have thought it is perhaps due me, to be enabled to show the influences which brought me to the conclusion—among which influences the wishes and opinions you expressed were not the least." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel Pope, 8 June 1849, CW, 2:53-54.

[Judge Pope did not respond as Lincoln hoped. He told Secretary Ewing (Interior) that either Lincoln or Butterfield would be acceptable. Beveridge, Abraham Lincoln, 1:490n.]

Butterfield sends Lincoln a letter, by Levi Davis, proposing that neither go to Washington. When Davis delivers letter, Lincoln has gone to bed and excuses himself from sending written reply because he cannot see to write. He would agree to Butterfield's proposal if he were at liberty to do so, but he is so far committed to his friends that he cannot. IHi—Journal, XXV, 142.

"On Sunday evening last," observes Register (June 14, 1849), "Lincoln and Butterfield 'went off handsomely,' the former having a slight advantage in the start, though Lincoln had the 'inside track,' (in the opinion of his friends;) it being a 'steeple chase,' . . . the goal being the federal capital. . . . Bets run high, though the backers of Lincoln give slight odds."

According to Herndon, Lincoln's only companion in stage is Kentuckian who offers Lincoln chew, smoke, and drink, all of which he refuses. On taking his departure that afternoon, Kentuckian remarks: "See here, stranger, . . . my experience has taught me that a man who has no vices has d—d few virtues." Herndon & Weik, 244.

[Mrs. Lincoln draws $10 from Lincoln's account. Irwin Journal.]

In stage with Lincoln are Abram Hammond, later county judge and governor of Indiana, and Thomas H. Nelson. Not knowing Lincoln, they have much merriment, as they think, at his expense. Arriving Indianapolis at night, they stop at Browning's Hotel, where Lincoln, to their surprise, is greeted by John McLean, Judge E. Hannigan, A. S. White, and R. W. Thompson. Herndon & Weik, 244-46.

[At some point on his journey Lincoln writes memorandum of what he will tell President Taylor in making his case for commissioner. His main argument is geographical. Central Illinois Whigs have had no important patronage, and Whigs of Northwest states are for Lincoln. "Is the center nothing?—that center which alone has ever given you a Whig representative?" Memorandum to Zachary Taylor, [15?] June 1849, CW, 2:54.]

Lincoln writes to Thomas Ewing recommending N. G. Wilcox for receiver of Land Office at Stillwater, Minnesota. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 19 June 1849, CW, 2:55.

Justin Butterfield is appointed commissioner of General Land Office. Lincoln, learning of his defeat, comes back to his room, throws himself on the bed, and lies there an hour or more. IHi—Journal, XXV, 152.

Suspecting that some of letters of recommendation which he secured have been withheld from President, Lincoln writes to Ewing asking him to transmit to him (Lincoln) all papers on file in Department of Interior recommending him for commissioner. He writes endorsement of William Porter of Sangamon County, applicant for Land Office job, and forwards to Interior Department. He gets back from Interior his letter recommending Charles G. Thomas for marshal. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 22 June 1849, CW, 2:55; Endorsement: William Porter to Lincoln, [23] June 1849, CW, 2:55; Receipt to Department of Interior, 22 June 1849, CW, 8:415.

Lincoln writes to Navy Secretary regarding removal of his "personal friend" and "fellow Illinoisan," A. F. Patrick, Democrat, from clerkship, on charge of incompetence. "In such an implication I suspect injustice has been done him." He requests Secretary look into matter, rectify it, and find temporary employment for Patrick until meeting of Congress. Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 24 June 1849, CW, 2:56.