John W. Norton to Abraham Lincoln, 1 May 18491
Shawneetown May 1st 1849Hon. A Lincoln.Dear Friend,Having seen a Letter from you you to Henry Eddy, Esq[Esquire] Stating that, the Hon E. D. Baker, and yourself had recommended, Andrew M’cCallen Esq for the office of Register, and myself for the office of Receiver, at this place,
and that your recommendation’s would be respected.2 I regret that all I have at this time to offer in return for the honor confered on me by your acceptable recommendation, is my sincere thanks—with the hope, that
an event may occur, that will afford me an opportunity to repay the obligatory debt
of gratitude I owe you in honoring me with your favourable commendation for the office of Receiver.3
Your obliged humble servant.John W. Norton2Abraham Lincoln’s letter to Henry Eddy has not been located. Eddy wrote Lincoln two
letters, one in January 1849, and another in March, urging Andrew McCallen’s appointment as U.S. marshal for California, while hoping to secure the office of register for himself.
3McCallen received the appointment as register and held the job from June 1849 to May
1853. Norton received the appointment as receiver, holding that position from June
1849 to 1853.
Niles’ National Register (Philadelphia, PA), 6 June 1849, 1:1; 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, 137; 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), 139, 141; 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, 139.
Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s),
Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).