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Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 4 July 18491
Springfield, Ills. July 4. 1849Hon. Secretary of StateDear Sir.
I understand the name of our excellent friend Hon. R. W Thompson, of Indiana, is before you for some diplomatic appointment– It needs no one to tell you who he is, and I wish to say, as matter of substance, and not of form merely, that I sincerely desire he may be successful–2
Your Obt Servt[Obedient Servant]A. LincolnP.S. This letter is unsolicited by Mr Thompson, and wholly voluntary on my partA. L.
1Abraham Lincoln wrote and signed this letter and wrote and initialed the post script.
2Richard W. Thompson’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.
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).

Copy of Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Association Files, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).