Hon: R. W. Thompson: Springfield, Ills.
Dear Sir. May 25. 1849-
I am about to ask a favor of you---one which, I hope, will not cost you much. I understand the General Land-Office is about to be given to Illinois; and that Mr. Ewing desires Justin Butterfield of Chicago to be the man. I will not trouble you with particulars, but will assure you, that the appointment of Mr. Butterfield will be an egregious political blunder. I believe it will gratify no single whig in the state, except it be Mr. B. himself. Now, the favor I wish of you is, that you will write Gen: Taylor at once, saying that in your opinion, either I, or the man I recommend, should be appointed to that office, if any one from Illinois, shall be. I restrict my request to Illinois, because I think it probable you have already recommended some one, probably from your own state; and I do not wish to interfere with that. Yours truly A. LINCOLN