Anson G. Henry and Others to Abraham Lincoln, 6 April 18491
Springfield April 6th 1849Hon A. LincolnDear SirRegarding it as of great importance to the interests of Illinois to have the commissioner of the Genl Land Office given to one of our own citizens; and being satisfied from what we learn from Washington, that you are the only man in the State that can secure the appointment, it is our earnest desire that you should without
delay press your claims upon Genl. Taylor for the Office.
If you will consent to do so, it will afford us great pleasure to use our influence
to promote your success; while at the same time we will take care that no misapprehensions
on the part of those of our friends who are now soliciting the appointment, shall
render you in their estimation obnoxious to the suspicion of having acted in bad faith
towards them personally–
Your early attention
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to the subject is in our opinion, ^is^ of great importance in the present posture of affairs–
Please inform us at your earliest convenience your determination2
Very RespectfullyYour Friends,A. G. HenryW. B. WarrenWm PopeJohn T. StuartSimeon Francis.
1Anson G. Henry wrote the text of this letter and signed his name. William B. Warren,
William Pope, John T. Stuart, and Simeon Francis signed their respective names.
2Abraham Lincoln responded to this letter on April 7, giving his consent to efforts to get him the job of commissioner
of the General Land Office. He did not receive the appointment, the job going to
Justin H. Butterfield instead. See the General Land Office Affair.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s),
Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).