Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln to John J. Hardin, 17 December 18441
Springfield, Ills. Dec^r 17– 1844Dear John J.
You perhaps know of the great scramble going on here about our Post-office– Upon general principles, you know this would be no concern of the whigs, but in this particular case, if it be in your power to do any thing, you may thereby do a favour to some of your friends here, without disobliging any of them, so far as I believe– The man we wish appointed is J. R. Diller—the reason is, that Major Spotswood's family, now comparatively destitute, will be favoured by it– I write this by an understanding with Diller himself, who has seen it's contents– I do not perceive how you can effect any thing; but if you can and will, you will oblige at least2
Your sincere friendA. LincolnP.S. Let this be confidential.Lincoln.

<Page 2>
SPRINGFIELD Ill.[Illinois]
DEC[December] [18]
Free
Hon John J HardinM. C.[Member Congress]Washington CityD.C.

[ docketing ]
A Lincoln

1Abraham Lincoln wrote and signed the letter. Someone else authored the address on the back page, which was folded to create an envelope for mailing.

2George W. Spotswood, who had been appointed postmaster in September 1841, died in November 1844. On January 14, 1845, Jonathan R. Diller was appointed, and he held the office until May 1849.
Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, from the Thirtieth September, 1841, to the Thirtieth September, 1843 (Washington, DC: J. & G. S. Gideon, 1843), *557; Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1845 (Washington, DC: J. & G. S. Gideon, 1845), *396; Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1849 (Washington, DC: Gideon, 1849), *489; Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 28 November 1844, 2:7.