Abraham Lincoln to Edward G. Miner, 19 February 18581
Springfield, Feby 19. 1858–Edward G. Miner, Esq.[Esquire]My dear Sir:Mr G. A. Sutton is an applicant for Superintendent of the addition to the Insane Asylum;2 and I understand it partly depends on you whether he gets it–3 Mr Sutton is my fellow-townsman, and friend; and I therefore wish to say for him, that
he is a man of sterling integrity; and, as a master-mechanic, or builder, not surpassed
by any in our city, or any I have known anywhere, so far as I can judge– I hope you will consider me
as being really interested for Mr Sutton, and not as writing this merely to relieve myself of importunity– Please show
this to Col[Colonel] Wm Ross, and let him consider it as intended as much for him as yourself–4
Your friend as everA. Lincoln2In 1854, Goyn A. Sutton designed an addition of a portico to the main building of
the Illinois State Asylum and Hospital for the Insane. It is uncertain what addition he applied to superintend as referenced by Lincoln,
and there is no evidence he received the appointment.
Reports of the Illinois State Hospital for the Insane, 1847-1862 (Chicago: F. Fulton, 1863), 150.
Copy of Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Association Files, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).