Lincoln writes to U. S. Secretary of State John M. Clayton recommending John C. Richardson for the U. S. Marshal position in Missouri. Lincoln states that Richardson, "of Booneville, MO...is a family relative of mine." Lincoln adds, "being an office not in my own state, I feel I have no right to interfere, farther than to say he is a most worthy and competent man." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 12 March 1849, General Records of the Department of State 1789-1949, Appointment Records, Applications and Recommendations for Office, Applications and Recommendations for Public Office, 1797-1901, Record Group 59, National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD.