To William H. Seward1Jump to section
Hon. Sec. of State Washington, March 7, 1862.
My dear Sir: Mr. James F. B. Marshall, of Mass. is now with me on the question of the Honolulu Commissioner. It pains me some that this tilt for the place of Col. Baker's friend grows so fierce, now the Col. is no longer alive to defend him. I presume, however, we shall have no rest from it. Mr. Marshall appears to be a very intelligent gentleman, and well acquainted with the affairs of the Sandwich Islands. The California delegation also expect the place for some one of their citizens. In self-defence I am disposed to say ``Make a selection and send it to me.'' Yours truly
A. LINCOLN.
Annotation
[1] ALS, NAuE. Lapsley (VI, 264) misdates this letter March 7, 1863. Seward had requested in a note on March 5, 1862, that Lincoln ``see Mr Marshall, at some time, a little at leisure'' on the subject of the Hawaiian Islands. James F. B. Marshall of Boston had resided in Hawaii since 1838 and had established a business there. Presumably he represented strong opposition to Thomas J. Dryer, whom Lincoln had appointed commissioner on March 20, 1861, for Dryer was recalled and James McBride of Oregon was appointed to replace him on January 26, 1863. See also Lincoln to Seward, March 15, infra.