Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Christian B. Artz to Abraham Lincoln, 19 April 18491
Oregon April 19^th 1849Hon. A. Lincoln,Sir,
Permit me to address you upon a subject of great importance to the citizens of this place; We wish to have the present incumbent of the Post Office removed immediately and our friend S. Addison Irvine, Esq[Esquire] appointed in his stead, E. F. Dutcher the present Post Master is one of those rabid Loco focos, who are unqualified to fill any office let alone one which should be filled by a man who is affable and attentive,2 The matter was entrusted to E. D Baker, but he neglected it with many others entrusted to him– hence the application to you as we still feel you united to the State as her sole representative your immediate attention to this matter will be considered and acknowledged by myself and a number of your friends in this county.
Yours Resptfy[Respectfully]C. Burr ArtzP. S. Mr. Irvin is a genuine whig & an ardent supporter of Gen. Taylor– And is the choice of all the whigs and two thirds of the Locos themselves. See to this matter forthwith A Petition was sent to Department–3C. B. A

1Christian B. Artz wrote and signed this letter and postscript.

2Edward F. Dutcher had been postmaster of Oregon since October 1847.
Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971, NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls, Records of the Post Office Department, RG 28, 1845-1855, 18:146, National Archives Building, Washington, DC.

3Samuel A. Irvin would replace Dutcher as postmaster in May 1849 and hold the position until October 1851.
Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971, NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls, Records of the Post Office Department, RG 28, 1845-1855, 18:146, National Archives Building, Washington, DC; 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), 484*; 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), 543*; 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), *513.