Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Edwin B. Webb to Abraham Lincoln, 8 April 18491
Mt Carmel Apr. 8, 1849Dear Lincoln
I wrote to you twice during the winter, on the subject of our friend C. H. Constables wishes with regard to an appointment under the Administration of General Taylor–2 Constable will probably meet you in Coles, and will have an opportunity to consult with you in person as to the possibility and probability of his success–3 And I write you again, to repeat how much gratification his success would give me, and to interest you warmly in his behalf– Many circumstances concur to make success desirable to him—and our mutual friends in this region all feel deeply interested in it–

All of our creed, have long been cut off from all participation in the honors and emoluments connected with the discharge of official life– And Southern Illinois is so circumstanced, that unless our friends in other regions interest themselves occasionally and energetically, we shall be able only to witness and look on during a change in which the dwellers in more fortunate districts will carry off all the gratification–

Do my dear sir put forth your strength

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and give Constable a lift if possible–

We are in the suburbs—almost out of the state—but we have been constant in faith a[nd] faithfull in works, and you will find our memories good for kindness in act and intention
Most truly yoursE. B. WebbHon. A. LincolnSpringfield Ill–

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P. S: I wrote to you twice last winter begging your exertions to aid our friend C. H. Constable–4 I hope you will not slacken them–yrs &c[yours etc]Webb

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5

Carmi Ill
9^th April
Hon. A. LincolnSpringfieldIllinois

1Edwin B. Webb wrote and signed the letter and postscript. He also wrote the address on the second page, which was folded to create an envelope.

2Webb’s two letters have not been located.

3In a letter to Abraham Lincoln dated May 5, Charles H. Constable suggested that he did not meet with Lincoln, which disappointed him.

4In May and June 1849, Lincoln received additional letters requesting his help in getting Constable an appointment. On May 5, Constable himself wrote Lincoln to solicit his assistance. Constable wanted either a diplomatic appointment to South America or a judicial appointment in a territorial government. On May 13, Lincoln wrote a letter of introduction on Constable’s behalf to Secretary of State John M. Clayton. Constable’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); Justin Harlan to Abraham Lincoln; Edwin B. Webb to Abraham Lincoln.