Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 7 December 18491
Springfield, Ills– Decr 7– 1849Hon: J. M. ClaytonSecretary of State:Dear Sir:I am not personally acquainted with Dr E. A. Guilbert, recommended in the foregoing letters;2 but with the writers of the letters I am well acquainted– J. D. Caton, is of the Democratic faith, a judge of our Supreme Court, and every way a worthy gentleman; T. L. Dickey, is a good and true whig, a judge of one of our circuit courts, and a most reliable man– I am entirely willing
to endorse their statements– I doubt not, Dr Guilbert is worthy of all they say in his behalf–
Your Obt Servt[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln3<Page 2>
Hon. Jno. M. Clayton–Sec.[Secretary] of stateWashington[ docketing
]
Secy[Secretary] Legation Indpt[Independent]
DrE. Guisber recommended for appointment
DrE. Guisber recommended for appointment
2Lincoln endorsed two letters of recommendation, one from Judge John D. Caton, and one from T. Lyle Dickey.
3Edward A. Guilbert does not appear in the official registers of the officers and agents
of the federal government for 1849, 1851, and 1853, so apparently he did not receive
an appointment.
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); 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); 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).
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), RG 59, Entry 760: Appointment Records, Applications and Recommendations for Office, Applications and Recommendations for Public Office, 1797-1901, NACP.