A. Lincoln.

TO THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR.

Springfield, ill., June 3, 1849
Hon.  Secretary of interior.

Dear sir:—­Vandalia, the receiver’s office at which place is the subject of the within, is not in my district; and I have been much perplexed to express any preference between Dr. Stapp and Mr. Remann.  If any one man is better qualified for such an office than all others, Dr. Stapp is that man; still, I believe a large majority of the Whigs of the district prefer Mr. Remann, who also is a good man.  Perhaps the papers on file will enable you to judge better than I can.  The writers of the within are good men, residing within the land district.

Your obt. servant,
A. Lincoln.

TO W. H. HERNDON.

Springfield, June 5, 1849.

Dear William:—­Your two letters were received last night.  I have a great many letters to write, and so cannot write very long ones.  There must be some mistake about Walter Davis saying I promised him the post-office.  I did not so promise him.  I did tell him that if the distribution of the offices should fall into my hands, he should have something; and if I shall be convinced he has said any more than this, I shall be disappointed.  I said this much to him because, as I understand, he is of good character, is one of the young men, is of the mechanics, and always faithful and never troublesome; a Whig, and is poor, with the support of a widow mother thrown almost exclusively on him by the death of his brother.  If these are wrong reasons, then I have been wrong; but I have certainly not been selfish in it, because in my greatest need of friends he was against me, and for Baker.

Yours as ever,
A. Lincoln.

P. S. Let the above be confidential.

TO J. GILLESPIE.

Dear Gillespie: 

Mr. Edwards is unquestionably offended with me in connection with the matter of the General Land-Office.  He wrote a letter against me which was filed at the department.

The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships; and, of them, mine with Mr. Edwards was one of the most cherished.  I have not been false to it.  At a word I could have had the office any time before the department was committed to Mr. Butterfield, at least Mr. Ewing and the President say as much.  That word I forbore to speak, partly for other reasons, but chiefly for Mr. Edwards’ sake, losing the office (that he might gain it) I was always for; but to lose his friendship, by the effort for him, would oppress me very much, were I not sustained by the utmost consciousness of rectitude.  I first determined to be an applicant, unconditionally, on the 2nd of June; and I did so then upon being informed by a telegraphic