| Friday,
December 7, 1849.Springfield,
IL. | Lincoln writes a letter of recommendation
to U. S. Secretary of State John M. Clayton on behalf of Dr. Edward A. Guilbert
of Ottawa, Illinois. Guilbert seeks an "appointment in connection with a
foreign mission." Although he is not personally acquainted with Guilbert,
Lincoln is "well acquainted " with two other references for
Guilbert—Illinois Supreme Court Justice John D. Caton and Circuit Court
Judge Theophilus Lyle Dickey. Lincoln describes Caton as a man "of the
Democratic faith...and every way a worthy gentleman." Of Dickey, Lincoln writes
that he "is a good and true Whig...and a most reliable man." Based on Caton's
and Dickey's recommendations, Lincoln is "entirely willing to endorse their
statements. I doubt not, Dr. Guilbert is worthy of all they say in his behalf."
Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 7 December 1849; John D. Caton to
Abraham Lincoln, 29 November 1849; Theophilus Lyle Dickey to Abraham Lincoln,
30 November 1849, all in 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. |