Daniel Hay to Abraham Lincoln, 20 January 18491
Hon A Lincoln
I write to inform you that some of the friends of Joseph T Eckles Esqr[Esquire], design presenting his name to Genl[General] Taylor for the office of US Marshal for this State at the expiration of Gov Andersons term2
Mr Eckles feels a delicacy in being engaged in a struggle for office, and has not authorised me to say that he will be an applicant; yet I know that it would be very gratifying to him to receive the appointment
I think Genl Taylor, in making appointments will select from the Whig party, those who are honest and capable–– I cannot think of any person, who, in my Judgment, would be more honest, more capable, or more worthy than Mr Eckles–– Should you think as well of them ^him^ as I do, I would like for you to give him your influence in obtaining the office
I presume Col[Colonel] Baker is at Washington I would thank you to name the thing to him and inform me whether you and Col Baker could lend your aid in the matter3
I am Respectfully
your obt Sevt[obedient Servant]
Daniel HayHon A LincolnWashington City

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Marshal Missouri ^Illinois^
Eckles Jos:[Joseph] T.
Recommended 1849.
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entd[entered]
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No 1
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Marshal– Illinois
1849–
Eckles Joseph T.
recommended by Danl[Daniel] Hay–

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file V. No 1.
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Marshal Illinois
1849.
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Eckles Joseph T. recommended by Daniel Hay
1Daniel Hay wrote this letter in its entirety.
2Stinson H. Anderson was the incumbent, having served since 1845.
Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1845 (Washington, DC: J. & G. S. Gideon, 1845), 223; Register of all Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the Thirtieth September, 1847 (Washington, DC: J. & G. S. Gideon, 1847), 261; Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 10 April 1845, 3:1.
3Joseph T. Eccles did not receive the appointment; President Zachary Taylor appointed Benjamin Bond U.S. marshal for Illinois, 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.

Autograph Letter Signed, 3 page(s), RG 59, Entry 760: Appointment Records, Applications and Recommendations for Office, Applications and Recommendations for Public Office, 1797-1901, NACP.