Abraham Lincoln to Orville H. Browning, 29 January 18501
Springfield, Jany 29. 1850–Dear Browning:Yours of the 26th was received last night–2 As you anticipate, I had already recommended Judge Logan for District ^Judge;^ and more, I had already said all I could, consistently with this, in favor of Judge Lockwood–3 I certainly esteem Mr Bushnell as being every way worthy of such an office– In moral character, and legal attainments,
he is entirely sound and sufficient– If you think this letter can be used to any advantage,
you are at liberty to so use it– What I here say, I say most cheerfully; and more
I could not now say consistently–4
Yours as everA. Lincoln<Page 2>
SPRINGFIELD Ill[Illinois]JAN[January]
30
5.
O. H. Browning, Esq[Esquire]QuincyIllinois–1Abraham Lincoln wrote and signed this letter, including the address on the last sheet,
which was folded to create an envelope.
3Since 1819, Nathaniel Pope had been judge of the U.S. Circuit Court, District of Illinois. His death on January 22, 1850 created a vacancy which President Zachary Taylor had to fill.
On January 25, 1850, Lincoln wrote a letter to Taylor recommending Stephen T. Logan for a judgeship with the U.S. Circuit Court,
District of Illinois. Lincoln also spoke highly of Samuel D. Lockwood in this letter.
Robert M. Sutton, "Pope, Nathaniel," American National Biography, ed. by John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes (New York: Oxford University Press, 1999),
17:678.
4Neither Logan nor Lockwood received the appointment. President Taylor awarded the
U.S. Circuit Court, District of Illinois judgeship to Thomas Drummond instead.
Illinois Daily Journal (Springfield), 7 February 1850, 2:1.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), Lincoln Collection, Brown University (Providence, RI).