Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 23 June 18491
Washington, June 23. 1849Hon: J. M. ClaytonDear Sir:
My friend Martin P. Sweet, will probably be an applicant for some diplomatic appointment. A direct recommendation from me would be in conflict, as I think, with at least one recommendation I have already made, and might be excepted to by other aspirants in that portion of the ^our^ state where I reside–2 After saying so much, it affords me great pleasure to bear testimony in behalf of M^r Sweet’s high merits intellectually, morrally and politically; and to repeat, what I have so often said, that some encouragement should be given to the North Western District of Illinois– I have not any doubt that in that District, M^r Sweet is the favorite, for any appointment th which may be given–
Your Ob^t Serv^t[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln 3

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Letter from A Lincoln late Representative in Congress

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Martin P. Sweet
Letter of
Geo B. Sargent
Hon A Lincoln

1Abraham Lincoln wrote and signed this letter.

2Lincoln was referencing a recommendation for Charles H. Constable, who was seeking a diplomatic appointment in South America.
Charles H. Constable to Abraham Lincoln.

3Martin P. Sweet’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).