細節
[LINCOLN, ABRAHAM]. LUCAS, Josiah M. Autograph letter signed ("J.M.Lucas") TO PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR, Washington D.C., 6 June 1849. 1 page, 4to, 253 x 203mm (10 x 8 in.)., integral address panel, light staining, tears along folds (one with loss of a few letters) repaired from verso. ADDRESS PANEL WITH FIVE-LINE AUTOGRAH ENDORSEMENT BY TAYLOR: "From Mr. Lucas in relation to the apt. of Mr Butterfield as Coms of the Genl Land Office."
"MR. LINCOLN IS A WESTERN MAN..."
A letter which constitutes a key document in Lincoln's unsuccessful attempt to secure a Federal appointment from Zachary Taylor. Lincoln, as a Congressman, had supported Taylor (a Louisiana slaveowner) as the Whig candidate, and even spoke in New England on his behalf, although Illinois' electoral votes had gone to his opponent. Lincoln had determined not to seek another term, and instead threw himself energetically into a campaign to have certain Illinois Whigs appointed to various offices and himself appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office as a reward for his efforts on Taylor's behalf. These efforts went badly, and Justin Butterfield of Chicago surfaced as a contender for the post. Lincoln wrote a flurry of letters in his attempt to garner the appointment (see Basler, vol.2) including several to Lucas, a Springfield acquaintance employed as a clerk in the Land Office. Here, Lucas makes a last-ditch attempt on Lincoln's behalf, writing directly to President Taylor: "I received a Telegraphic Despatch from Hon. A. Lincoln late last evening [not extant], and he desires me to say that he will be in Washington by the 18th inst. He comes with the understanding that the appointment...will not be made sooner...I do most sincerely hope that Illinois will find in you a friend...The people want Mr. Lincoln to fill the Office of Commissioner. I may say without the fear of contradiction, that three-fourths are for him, as against Mr. Butterfield...Mr. Lincoln is a western man, by birth a Kentuckian--emigrated to Illinois when but a youth. He has grown up with her, and now stands at the head of the bar, in his state. They have delighted to honor him, because he has been faithful in every trust." In the end, as suggested by Taylor's brief endorsement, the appointment went to Butterfield. In July, Lincoln received the disheartening news. Later, to make amends, he was offered the post of Governor of the Oregon Territory, which he declined, and returned to his law practice. Provenance: Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner from Thomas F. Madigan, 1929.
"MR. LINCOLN IS A WESTERN MAN..."
A letter which constitutes a key document in Lincoln's unsuccessful attempt to secure a Federal appointment from Zachary Taylor. Lincoln, as a Congressman, had supported Taylor (a Louisiana slaveowner) as the Whig candidate, and even spoke in New England on his behalf, although Illinois' electoral votes had gone to his opponent. Lincoln had determined not to seek another term, and instead threw himself energetically into a campaign to have certain Illinois Whigs appointed to various offices and himself appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office as a reward for his efforts on Taylor's behalf. These efforts went badly, and Justin Butterfield of Chicago surfaced as a contender for the post. Lincoln wrote a flurry of letters in his attempt to garner the appointment (see Basler, vol.2) including several to Lucas, a Springfield acquaintance employed as a clerk in the Land Office. Here, Lucas makes a last-ditch attempt on Lincoln's behalf, writing directly to President Taylor: "I received a Telegraphic Despatch from Hon. A. Lincoln late last evening [not extant], and he desires me to say that he will be in Washington by the 18th inst. He comes with the understanding that the appointment...will not be made sooner...I do most sincerely hope that Illinois will find in you a friend...The people want Mr. Lincoln to fill the Office of Commissioner. I may say without the fear of contradiction, that three-fourths are for him, as against Mr. Butterfield...Mr. Lincoln is a western man, by birth a Kentuckian--emigrated to Illinois when but a youth. He has grown up with her, and now stands at the head of the bar, in his state. They have delighted to honor him, because he has been faithful in every trust." In the end, as suggested by Taylor's brief endorsement, the appointment went to Butterfield. In July, Lincoln received the disheartening news. Later, to make amends, he was offered the post of Governor of the Oregon Territory, which he declined, and returned to his law practice. Provenance: Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner from Thomas F. Madigan, 1929.