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05/27/1849
05/27/1849
Rec’d[Received] 27 May.
Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 16 May 18491
Springfield, Ills. May 16– 1849Hon: Secretary of StateDear Sir:I learn that E. P. Oliphant, of Union Town, Pa, is a candidate for the appointment of Chargé to Denmark– Several years ago Mr Oliphant was a citizen of our town, and was a fellow soldier with us in the "famed Black Hawk War"– His success would afford me sincere satisfaction–
Your Obt Servt[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln2<Page 2>
2In January 1849, Lincoln promised to aid Ethelbert P. Oliphant in obtaining the appointment
as chargé d'affaires to Denmark. On May 8, Oliphant wrote Lincoln requesting that he and John T. Stuart write President Zachary Taylor or Secretary of State John M. Clayton on his behalf. Oliphant did not get the appointment;
in November, President Taylor gave the post to Walter Forward, who held the job until
October 1851. Miller Grieve would succeed Forward.
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), 7; Biographical Directory of the American Congress 1774-1996 (Alexandria, VA: CQ Staff Directories, 1997), 1049; The American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge, for the Year 1853 (Boston: Little, Brown, 1853), 130.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), RG
59, Entry 760: Appointment Records, Applications and Recommendations for Office, Applications
and Recommendations for Public Office, 1797-1901, NACP.