Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Edward D. Baker to Nathaniel G. Wilcox, 14 March 18491

(Copy.)
Washington, March 14^th 1849.My dear Sir:
We desire this to stand as our recommendation of your appointment to a Pursership in the Navy.
Very respy[respectfully],
Your Obt. Svt[Obedient Servant],E. D. Baker.N. G. Wilcox, Esqr.[Esquire]

[ endorsement ]
[03]/[14]/[1849]
Lincoln, Abraham (President)

If Mr. Wilcox can receive the appointment above indicated, I shall be truly and heartily gratified. From at least one severe test, I have seen him subjected to, I consider him a gentleman of the highest sense of honor, besides possessing all the other requisite qualifications.
A. Lincoln.

[ certification ]
02/23/1861
Lester, W. W.
Department of the Interior,
Washington, Feb. 23^d 1861.
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original on file in this Office.2
W. W. Lester
Acting Chf. Clk[Chief Clerk].

<Page 2>

[ docketing ]
N^o 13.
Nathaniel G. Wilcox,
of Illinois.
By
Hon. E. D. Baker
H “n. A. Lincoln.
(Copy.)

[ endorsement ]
12/09/1865
Original read by me, Dec. 9, 1865.
(Now in hands of Col.[Colonel] Wilcox.)

1This handwritten transcription of the original letter was produced by a clerk in the Department of the Interior in 1861.

2Although Edward D. Baker and Abraham Lincoln recommended Nathaniel G. Wilcox for a naval position, he was actually appointed receiver of the General Land Office at Stillwater, Minnesota Territory.
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), 138.