Lincoln writes to William M. Meredith, secretary of treasury, asking that he and E. D. Baker be consulted when appointments are made for Illinois, as Whigs of that state hold them responsible to some extent. Lincoln and Baker write to Thomas Ewing, secretary of interior, recommending Mathew Gillespie for land office at Edwardsville. Abraham Lincoln to William M. Meredith, 9 March 1849, CW, 2:32; Abraham Lincoln and Edward D. Baker to Thomas Ewing, 9 March 1849, CW, 2:31.