Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

James M. Davis to Abraham Lincoln, 9 April 18491
Hillsboro April 9^th 1849Hon A LincolnDear sir
I forwarded my letters of recommendation &c.[etc] to your care by Co^l Bissell– since that time I have not heard a word about them2I have rec^d[received] no letter from any sourcewill you be kind enough to address me a note by mail informing me if you rec^d them if so whether they are placed on file in the proper department, and what will likely be the result of my application and such other matters as you may think of interest– and much &c
Your friendJames M Davis

[ endorsement ]
Lincoln, Abraham (President)

Ans^d[answered] before written.3

<Page 2>

PAID

paid

5
HILLSBORO I[ll.]
APR[April] 11Hon. A LincolnSpringfieldIllinois

1James M. Davis wrote this letter in its entirety, including the address on the second sheet, which was folded to make an envelope.

2Davis’ letter to Abraham Lincoln has not been located. Lincoln’s response, if he penned one, has not been located. Davis was seeking appointment as register of the U.S. General Land Office in Vandalia, Illinois.
David M. Woodson to Abraham Lincoln.

3Lincoln wrote this endorsement. Lincoln’s response has not been found.
Davis was one of three candidates for the position of register at Vandalia. In a letter to Josiah B. Herrick in January 1849, Lincoln indicated that he had not pledged himself to any candidate, and was uncertain how to advise any of them.

Davis himself wrote Lincoln several other letters regarding his application, urging Lincoln to respond whether he had received the application materials and whether they had been forwarded to the proper department. Lincoln did not respond to any of these letters.

Davis received the appointment, serving as register from July 1849 until 1853.
James M. Davis to Abraham Lincoln; James M. Davis to Abraham Lincoln; James M. Davis to Abraham Lincoln; 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), 135; 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), 140; 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), 138; Illinois Journal (Springfield), 18 July 1849, 4:3.