25 May 1849
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Elisha Embree
Writes that he has heard that the General Land Office is going to be given to Illinois and that Thomas Ewing, the Secretary of the Interior, wants Justin Butterfield to be appointed. Lincoln advises that this would be a great mistake. "I give you my word, the appointment of Mr. B will be an egregious political blunder. It will give offense to the whole whig party here, and be worse than a dead loss to the administration of so much patronage." Lincoln then recommends himself or his candidate for the position. Lincoln was not granted the position.
GLC05276