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Abraham Lincoln to William A. Crafts, 6 February 18491
Washington, Feb. 6, 1849Wm A. Crafts, Esq[Esquire]Dear Sir:
Yours of the 31st of Jany[January] was received two or three days since–2 I know Mr Asahel Thayer, and have the impression that he is not able to pay any thing– Besides his brother Martin Thayer, of Philadelphia, he has a brother, Joseph Thayer, at Springfield, Illinois, who is, pecuniarily, in good circumstances– Still, my impression of Asahel is as I have stated; but, lest I be mistaken, I send your letter to a friend in Springfield, with the request that he will ascertain the material facts and write you–3
Your Obt Servt[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln
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02/XX/1849
Hon A. Lincoln
Feb[February] 1849
F. D. Crafts matter4
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02/XX/1849
Hon A Lincoln
Feb 1849–
Crafts & Thayer
1Abraham Lincoln wrote the letter in its entirety.
2William A. Crafts’ letter of January 31 has not been located, so the subject of Crafts’ communication to Lincoln is unknown. But the nature of Lincoln’s response suggests that Crafts asked Lincoln for an opinion regarding Asahel Thayer's financial situation.
3Thayer was no doubt indebted to Crafts for an undisclosed amount. It is unknown to whom Lincoln referred the matter.
4It is not known if “F. D. Crafts” is a different person than William A. Crafts, or an error in notation.

Copy of Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Association Files, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).