The University of Michigan Library provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes, with permission from their copyright holder. If you decide to use any of these materials, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
There are several applicants for the office of U. S. Marshall for the District of Illinois, among the most prominent of whom are Benjamin Bond, Esq. of Carlyle, and---Thomas,2Jump to section Esq, of Galena. Mr. Bond I know to be, personally, every way worthy of the office;
and he is very numerously, and most respectably recommended. His papers I send to you; and I solicit for his claims, a full and fair consideration. Having said this much, I add that in my individual judgment, the appointment of Mr. Thomas would be the better. Your Obt. Servt. A. LINCOLN
(Endorsed on Mr. Bond's papers)
In this and the accompanying envelope, are the recommendations of about 200 good citizens of all parts of Illinois that Benjamin Bond be appointed Marshall for that District. They include the names of nearly all our whigs who now are, or have ever been, members of the state Legislature, besides 46 of the democratic members of the present Legislature, and many other good citizens. I add that, from personal knowledge, I consider Mr. Bond every way worthy of the office, and qualified to fill it. Holding the individual opinion that the appointment of a different gentleman would be better, I ask especial attention and consideration for his claims, and for the opinions expressed in his favor, by those over whom I can claim no superiority. A. LINCOLN
[1] ADfS, DLC-RTL; ADS, DNA FS RG 59, Appointments. In addition to this letter and document, there is in the Lincoln Papers a second copy of the letter in Lincoln's hand bearing the date March 11, but without the additional statement ``Endorsed on Mr. Bond's papers.'' The letter of March 11 was intended to accompany the endorsed envelope for the Secretary of State, but was withheld, purposely or unintentionally, when the accompanying endorsed envelope containing recommendations was sent.
[2] Charles G. Thomas. See Lincoln's receipt to the Department of Interior, June 22, 1849, infra, Appendix I, volume VIII. Benjamin Bond received the appointment, but not until 1850.