Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

William D. Briggs to Abraham Lincoln, 19 April 18491
Tremont April 19^th 1849Dear Sir
There have been some movement in this place to obtain a new post master and recomendations were sent on ^to the department,^ in favor of Dr Stockwell and David Roberts but there have been no return as yet. I have just learned that you had written to Mr Jones on the subject and that Mr Jones handed the letter to Mr Kelloggs the brotherinlaw of Dr Stockwell and that he obtained the names of a few persons to a recomendation for Dr Stockwell.2 I have also learned that Dr Shaw has made application for the same office Now Sir I do not have any interest in the matter any further than to have a good Whig Taylor man appointed. It is well known that Dr Stockwell is an avowed abolitionist and did not vote for Gen. Taylor Dr Shaw is a strong anti slavery man and did not vote for the Gen– and both of them threw cold water on the cause during the canvass. There is a very good and worthy man who wishes the office by the name of John H. Ball a true Whig and out and out Taylor man and I feell assured that his appointment will meet with the hearty approval of the friends of the administration and will promote the interest of our cause in this vicinity. For Heavens Sake do not let those who did nothing for Old Zack be the first benefited by his election Mr Jones left here last Sunday and has not returned and therefore speak from heresay:
I am dear sir yours with respect &c[etc]W. D BriggsA. Lincoln 3

1William D. Briggs wrote and signed this letter.

2Abraham Lincoln wrote John A. Jones on April 13, but Lincoln’s letter has not been found.
John A. Jones to Abraham Lincoln.

3Lincoln responded to this letter on April 21.
Lincoln received numerous letters recommending John H. Ball for postmaster. Lincoln preferred David Roberts and recommended him for the position. Roberts received the appointment in May 1849 and held the job until 1860.
Petition of Richard T. Gill and Others to Abraham Lincoln; Richard T. Gill and Littleton T. Garth to Abraham Lincoln; Mary L. Perkins to Abraham Lincoln; Abraham Lincoln to William D. Briggs; Fitz Henry Warren to Abraham Lincoln; Benjamin F. James 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), *489; 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), 550*; 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), *520; Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1855 (Washington, DC: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1855), 346*; Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1857 (Washington, DC: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1857), 346*; Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1859 (Washington, DC: William A. Harris, 1859), 74*; Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1861 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1862), 376*.