Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

James M. Davis to Abraham Lincoln, 10 June 18491
Springfield June 10/49Hon. A LincolnDear Sir
I desire that before you leave Washington you will see what disposition the department intends making with my application for the Register office–2 McLauglin^s time is nearly out and its is notoriously true that all parties about Vandalia– desire his removal– it is said that the agent who was apointed by Polk to examine the Offices was going to report his (MacL's) office in a wretched condition– and that it was with great difficulty McLauglin prevailed on him not to do so– So much for this3

There seems so far as I can find out a general desire that you should receive the apointment of commissioner– that has very much increased since you left– I hear No opposition to day– it appears to have ceased entirely– We all feel confident you will succeed but whether you do or not your friends will never forsake you–4
I am under all circumstances
Your true friendJames M DavisP. S. If you need any thing that we can do for you let it at once be communicated by Telegraph.

1James M. Davis wrote and signed this letter.

2On June 10, Abraham Lincoln set out for the nation’s capital. He arrived on or before June 19.
Lincoln made the trip to personally advance his candidacy in 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. See the General Land Office Affair.
The Lincoln Log: A Daily Chronology of the Life of Abraham Lincoln, 10 June 1849, http://www.thelincolnlog.org/Results.aspx?type=CalendarDay&day=1849-06-10; 19 June 1849, http://www.thelincolnlog.org/Results.aspx?type=CalendarDay&day=1849-06-19.

3Robert K. McLaughlin had been register of the U.S. General Land Office in Vandalia since 1839.
Davis would replace McLaughlin as register, holding 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, 1839 (Washington, DC: A. B. Claxton, 1839), 76; 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; 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), 140; 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.

4Davis wrote another letter to Lincoln on the same day, expressing confidence in Lincoln’s success. Ultimately, neither Morrison, Edwards, nor Lincoln received the appointment; the job went to Butterfield instead. See the General Land Office Affair.