Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln to William L. Marcy, 6 July 18481
House of Representatives.
July 6. 1848Hon: Secretary of War:Dear Sir:
Joab Wilkinson, who was a Captain, or a Lieutenant, (I forget which) in the Regiment commanded by Col:[Colonel] Henry L, Webb, resigned his commission, and now desires a restoration–2 I have seen many testimonials in his favor, from his brother officers, and particularly, one from Col, Webb; am myself personally acquainted with him, from all which I shall be much gratified, if he shall be restored–3

Another matter: Elias B. Zabriskie, of Jacksonville, Illinois, has been an applicant for a Lieutenancy, and the close of the war putting an end to all prospect of his success, he desires me to withdraw the papers recommending him, and send them to him– If there be no impropriety in it, will you please send them to me? ^done^4
Your Ob^t Serv^t[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln

1Abraham Lincoln wrote and signed this letter in its entirety except for the word “done” in the last paragraph.

2Henry L. Webb’s regiment was the 16th U.S. Regiment of Infantry. Joab Wilkinson, a first lieutenant, resigned his commission on May 13, 1848.
Wm. Hugh Robarts, Mexican War Veterans: A Complete Roster of the Regular and Volunteer Troops in the War Between the United States and Mexico, from 1846 to 1848 (Washington, DC: Brentano's, 1887), 32, 33; Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1903), 1:1037.

3Wilkinson’s commission was not restored.
Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, 1:1037.

4An unknown person wrote this word outside of a parenthesis, to the left of this paragraph. This notation suggests that the papers were sent to Lincoln.