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.

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.