David P. Jenkins to Abraham Lincoln, 20 May 18491
Hennepin May 20th 1849To A Lincoln Esq[Esquire]Dear SirI am induced to address You at this time, although an entire stranger from the fact
that I understand from Mr Wardlaw of this place, That he forwarded to You some time since a petition to be sent by
You to Washington for to have me appointed Post Master here–2 Since such a move has been made I feel sufficient interest in the matter to wish
to know what has been done if any thing. Will You if not to much engaged answer this and inform me what has been done3
Respectfully Yours &c[etc]D. P. Jenkins2In February 1848, Andrew Wardlaw wrote Abraham Lincoln recommending Jenkins to replace the incumbent Eli B. Ames if he should be removed. Wardlaw neither mentions nor encloses a petition, and
said petition has not been located.
3Lincoln’s response, if he penned one, has not been located.
Jenkins would receive the appointment and hold the job until October 1852.
Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971 , NARA Microfilm Publication, M841,
145 rolls, Records of the Post Office Department, RG 28, 1845-1855, 18:162, 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), 476*; 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), 534*; Fitz Henry Warren to Abraham Lincoln.
Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s),
Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).