Lincoln telegraphs Secretary Ewing declining Oregon governorship, then writes letter explaining delays in communication while he was out of town. He writes Secretary of State Clayton, who says he has not heard from Lincoln as nominee for secretary of Oregon. Astonished, Lincoln writes that he promptly declined by letter. He writes John Addison, his friend at interior, Washington, thanking him for his efforts in governorship matter. "I cannot consent to accept it." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 27 September 1849, CW, 2:65; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 27 September 1849, CW, 2:66; Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 27 September 1849, CW, 2:65; Abraham Lincoln to John Addison, 27 September 1849, CW, 2:65.