William H. Brown to Edward D. Baker and Abraham Lincoln, 16 February 18491
Messrs.[Messieurs] Baker & LincolnGentlemen.
As the representatives of the Illinois branch of the Whig family at Washington, I take the liberty to call your attention to the application of our mutual friend Alfred Cowles Esq.[Esquire] for the office of Register of the Land office at this place.
I need not say to you, for you are well aware of the fact, that Mr C. is fully competent to perform the duties of the office– and that his unblemished character & standing in the state will justify the new administration in making the appointment– but it is proper for me to say, that this appointment is here almost unanimously conceeded to Mr C. by the Whigs of Chicago– I am certain that it would be a popular appointment.
Independant of other considerations, Mr C.s age, and the dependant state of his family, give him strong claims to the sympathy of his Whig friends– His best days, as you well know, have been spent in the advocacy of correct & sound principles– and in the decline of life, this reward for faithful services, will be as grateful to his feelings, as merited by his past efforts for the success of our cause.2
I am respectfully Yours &c[etc.]W. H. Brown
1William H. Brown wrote the letter in its entirety.
2Alfred Cowles received the appointment, holding the position 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), 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.

Autograph Letter Signed, 1 page(s), Box 250, RG 48, Entry 15: Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior, 1833-1964, Divisional Records, 1843-1943, Records of the Appointments Division, 1817-1922, Field Office Appointment Papers, NACP.