Abraham Lincoln to William M. Meredith, 10 March 18491
Washington, March 10. 1849Hon: Secretary of the Treasury:Dear Sir:John Crain, a clerk in the Treasury of the Post-Office Department, at a salary of one thousand dollars only, is an old personal friend of mine, of
good character and honorable standing; has filled many places of honor and high responsibility
in our state; was induced not a year ago to accept the place he now holds, which he did at some
sacrafice, having promise of promotion, which, however, he does not now expect, but wishes
to be retained where he is if consistent with your feelings– I bespeak for him as
much favor as you can find it consistent to allow– He is a democrat; and I believe no other bad thing can be said of him– I hope politics alone may not be made a ground of removals
in the Department; but if it shall, I ask the indulgence for my friend Crain for one
year at least– He did not interfere in the late election, as I believe–2
Your Obt Servt[Obedient Servant]A. Lincoln<Page 2>
[ docketing
]
1849
John Crain
Clerk 6th Auditor's Off–[Office]
for retention
John Crain
Clerk 6th Auditor's Off–[Office]
for retention
2John Crain was still employed as a clerk in the Office of the Auditor of the Treasury
of the Post Office Department in September 1849, but was not listed among the clerks
in the official register of the officers and agents of the government for 1851. Crain
mostly likely lost his position in either 1849 or 1850, as he was back living in Illinois in August 1850.
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), 22; 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), 22-24; U.S. Census Office, Seventh Census of the
United States (1850), Washington County, IL, 112.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), Box 128, Re: John Crain , RG 56, Entry 210: Part II, Records of Various Divisions within the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury, Records of the Division of Appointments, Correspondence of the Division, Applications and Recommendations for positions in the Washington, D.C. Offices of the Treasury Department, 1830-1910, NACP.