Lincoln writes to Caleb B. Smith of Indiana, former colleague in Congress, now member of Mexican Claims Commission, asking him and George Evans, of Maine, to call on Ewing in behalf of Dr. Anson G. Henry, applicant for register of Minnesota Land Office. "I have always had a tolerably high hope that Mr. Ewing will appoint Henry, if he does not forget my peculiar anxiety about it." He writes memorandum stating that W. S. Wallace and Orville Paddock of Springfield, rivals for pension agent, are both good Whigs and business men. Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith, 1 May 1849, CW, 2:46; Memorandum Concerning Orville Paddock and William S. Wallace, [1 May 1849?], CW, 2:45.

[Champaign Circuit Court convenes at Urbana.]

On back of C. Ludlum's rent note Lincoln acknowledges receipt of full payment for house rental. Privately Owned.

[Edgar Circuit Court begins its session at Paris.]

Lincoln is much disturbed by receipt of letters from Washington informing him that Justin Butterfield will probably be appointed commissioner of General Land Office. Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48-49.

Lincoln pays $4 cash at Bunn's store, amount he owes for two kegs paint. Bunn Journal.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Navy William B. Preston and objects to the impending appointment of Justin Butterfield, of Chicago, to the Commissioner of the General Land Office post. Lincoln seeks the office for himself and he notes Butterfield's minimal efforts to help elect President Zachary Taylor. Lincoln writes, "[W]hen you and I were almost sweating blood to have Genl. Taylor nominated, this same man was ridiculing the idea . . . and when Gen: T. was nominated, if [Butterfield] went out of the city of Chicago to aid in his election, it is more than I ever heard, or believe. . . . If there is one man in this state who desires B's appointment to any thing, I declare I have not heard of him." Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48-49; Thomas F. Schwartz, "An Egregious Political Blunder: Justin Butterfield, Lincoln, and Illinois Whiggery," Papers of the Abraham Lincoln Association 8 (1986): 9-19.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of State John M. Clayton and recommends Ethelbert P. Oliphant, who seeks a diplomatic post. Lincoln writes, "Oliphant, of Union Town, Pa. is a candidate for the appointment of Charge to Denmark." Lincoln informs Clayton that Oliphant, with whom Lincoln served in the Black Hawk War, once lived in Springfield. Lincoln closes, "His success would afford me sincere satisfaction." Ethelbert P. Oliphant to Abraham Lincoln, 8 May 1849, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48; Ethelbert P. Oliphant to Abraham Lincoln, 28 July 1859, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln records mortgage made by John Hay on 7th. Book CC of Mortgages, 43.

Lincoln writes to Duff Green protesting against Butterfield's appointment. "In the great contest of /40 he was not seen or heard of; but when the victory came, three or four old drones, including him, got all the valuable offices. . . . Try to defeat B. and in doing so, use Mr. Edwards, J. L. D. Morrison, or myself, which ever you can to best advantage." Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 18 May 1849, CW, 2:49-50.

Lincoln is doing everything in his power to prevent appointment of Butterfield. He writes to Joseph Gillespie asking him to request Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky to do what he can to block appointment. "He can control the matter." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 19 May 1849, CW, 2:50.