Robert J. Cross to Abraham Lincoln, 25 February 18491
Honle[Honorable]A. Lincoln Dear Sir
I have forwarded to Col. Baker a petition for a change of Post Masters in this place I will take it as a personal favor to me if you will use your influence with the Department to give us a new Post Master as speedily as circumstances will admit the people of this place have been so long imposed upon in the appointment of P. Master by favoritism at Washington that we are quite anxious to have one of our choice appointed. Mr Wilson for whom we ask the appointment has been acting as deputy for some three years past and has given general satisfaction whilst the P. Master has done nothing except to take the pay for the duties Mr Wilson has done2 I have said to Col. Baker that I believe 3/4 of the Whigs have signed his petition I believe 9/10 would be nearer the truth for a history of the management of the appointments in the office in this place I refer you to my letter to the Col.3
Resp[Respectfully] yoursRobert J. Cross
1Robert J. Cross wrote this letter in its entirety.
2Wilson could not be positively identified.
3Wilson did not receive the appointment; it went to Henry Peers, who held the position until 1851.
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), 487; 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), 547; 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), 517.

Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).