William K. Lindsay to Abraham Lincoln, 15 May 18491
Jacksonville Ills May 15th 1849Dear LincolnI received your favor in answer to mine some time ago and which was entirely Satisfactory2I have Long since seen that I was unnecessarily tender footed on that Subject. But
it being the first time that I was an applicant for Office and perhaps feeling that
I was entitled to more consideration than I really was made me too sensitive on the
subject. But I yet believe that [I] have Done as much for my political friends without [as]king any thing in return as the most of men3 [T]here has Some feeling Sprung up here in [re]gard to the Post Office and I have been applied to know whether I would apply for it I have concluded to say to you that If I can get it without compromising any honorable
principle I Shall do so– I know that miller expects it But there are objections to urged against him that will have some weight hereafter Happy has sent me word that If I will apply he will resighn in my favor. And knowing that the administration is moving Cautiously I have concluded
to advise with you before I make a move in the matter– It may be that you are committed
to miller and If so I cannot ask you to Assist me But If not then tell me what will be the Best Course to pursue in Order to succeed–
Let this Be Confidential4
I Remain Very Resp[Respectfully] yoursWm. K. Lindsay3In his letter of February 21, 1849, Lindsay had asked Lincoln to help him get the
appointment as U.S. marshal for the District of Illinois. The appointment would go to Benjamin Bond, and he held the job until 1853.
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), 247; 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), 267; 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), 259.
4Lindsay and Ebenezer T. Miller were among those seeking to replace William W. Happy
as postmaster of Jacksonville. Miller would receive the appointment and hold the
job until April 1853.
William B. Warren to Abraham Lincoln; Illinois Daily Journal
(Springfield), 3 July 1849, 3:1; Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971, NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls, Records of the Post Office Department,
RG 28, 1845-1855, 18:144, 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, 1851
(Washington, DC: Gideon, 1851), *535; 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), *507.
Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s),
Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).