Abraham Lincoln to James M. McLean, 11 January 18491
Washington, Jan: 11. 1849.Friend McLean:Yours of the 1st Inst was received last night–2 I know as to what course the new administration will pursue in regard to the offices.
I shall lay your letter by; and if the disposition of these offices falls into my
hands, in whole or in part, you shall have a fair hearing– I believe you are the first
who has written me in relation to the offices at Palestine–
Yours trulyA. Lincoln33McLean received appointment as register of the U.S. General Land Office in Palestine in July 1849. He held the position until 1853.
Illinois Daily Journal (Springfield), 26 July 1849, 3:1; 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), 135; Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of
the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1851 (Washington, DC: Gideon, 1851), 140; Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the
United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1853 (Washington, DC: Robert Armstrong, 1853), 138.
Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s), Box 3, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).