Lincoln writes to Navy Secretary regarding removal of his "personal friend" and "fellow Illinoisan," A. F. Patrick, Democrat, from clerkship, on charge of incompetence. "In such an implication I suspect injustice has been done him." He requests Secretary look into matter, rectify it, and find temporary employment for Patrick until meeting of Congress. Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 24 June 1849, CW, 2:56.