Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Alfred Cowles to Edward D. Baker and Abraham Lincoln, 5 February 18491
Chicago Feby 5. 1849.Mess[Messieurs] E D Baker & A Lincoln
John W Waughop Esq[Esquire] of this city is a candidate for the office of Collector of the Port of Chicago: He is a professional man, and like all other young men in the commencement of the legal profession finds many obstacles with which to struggle.

The nature of these each of you can fully appreciate, having surmounted them–

M^r Waughop stands well in this community for character and reputation, and his appointment will doubtless be satisfactory

I shall take it as a favor that you aid him in the object sought
Very respectfully
Yr obt[Your obedient]Alfred Cowles

[ endorsement ]
Brown, William H.Baker, Edward D.Lincoln, Abraham (President)

I fully concur in the Statements above made by M^r Cowles, and think with him, that the appointment of M^r Waughop would not be unacceptable to our Whig friends in this community.
William H. Brown 2

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[ endorsement ]
Scammon, Jonathan Y.Baker, Edward D.Lincoln, Abraham (President)

I have already signed a petition for the appointment of Jacob Russell Esq to the office of Collector at Chicago, and I regard him as altogether a proper man to receive the office. Yet I have no hesitation in saying that I have known Mr. Waughop well; that he is a good and reliable whig, and a good citizen, and should he receive the appointment he desires, would doubtless discharge the duties satisfactorily.3
J. Young Scammon 4

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Col.[Colonel] Edw. D. Baker or Hon^l[Honorable] A. LincolnWashington City–

1Alfred Cowles wrote this letter in its entirety.

2William H. Brown wrote this endorsement in its entirety.

3John W. Waughop did not get the appointment; Jacob Russell received the job, 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), 107; 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), 110; 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), 125.

4J. Young Scammon wrote this endorsement in its entirety.