Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 13 May 18491
Springfield, Ills– May 13. 1849Hon: J. M. ClaytonDear Sir:
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance my esteemed friend Charles H– Constable, Esq–[Esquire] M^r Constable is a Marylander by birth, who came to our state ten years ago, has fought the whig battles faithfully with us ever since, and is now a favorite with us all– He thinks of being an applicant for Charge d' Affaires to one of the South American States and should he succeed, I, and I believe the other whigs of the state, will be much gratified–2
Your Ob^t Serv^t[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln

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Hon: J. M. Clayton WashingtonD. C.

1Abraham Lincoln wrote the bulk of this letter and signed this letter. He also wrote the address on the second sheet, which was folded to create an envelope.
“Charge d' Affaires to one of the South American States” is not in Lincoln’s hand.

2In April and early May, Edwin B. Webb and Justin Harlan wrote Lincoln requesting his help in getting Charles H. Constable an appointment. On May 5, Constable himself wrote Lincoln to solicit his assistance. Constable’s name does not appear in the official registers of the officers and agents of the government for 1849, 1851, and 1853, so apparently he did not receive an appointment.
Edwin B. Webb to Abraham Lincoln; Justin Harlan to Abraham Lincoln; 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); 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); 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).