Anthony L. Knapp and Charles H. Knapp to Abraham Lincoln, 5 June 18491
Jerseyville June 5th 1849Abm Lincoln Esq[Esquire]Dear SirI took from the Post office this morning a Letter addressed to my Father from you at Springfield of June 3d2My father having gone to California and knowing that in a matter of the kind about which you wrote; every thing that would be in his power to do would be gladly done, my Uncle C. H. Knapp and myself have procured the names of the most prominent Whigs of this county as far as time would permit, which we enclose herewith.3 If the Letter which we send should in the least contribute to your success, our
exertions would be more than rewarded, and ^in^ thus doing we not only experience a pleasure ourselves but feel that we are but
carrying out the wishes of the Doctor in this matter.4
Accept the assurance of our best wishes for your success, and believe me We5 remain
Very RespectfullyYoursA. L. KnappC H. Knapp.P. S
We have taken the liberty of signing the Doctor's name to the communication enclosed,
4Reference to the contest to see who would replace Richard M. Young as commissioner of the U.S. General Land Office. Justin H. Butterfield, James L. D. Morrison, and Cyrus Edwards were among the early contestants. Lincoln entered the competition after learning
that Butterfield was favored over Morrison and Edwards. Ultimately, neither Morrison,
Edwards, nor Lincoln received the appointment; the job went to Butterfield instead.
See the General Land Office Affair.
Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s),
Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress (Washington, DC).