To Andrew G. Curtin1Jump to section
Gov. of Penn. May 26. 1862
The bearer of this, Edward D. Baker, is the son of my very dear friend Col. Baker, who fell at Ball's Bluff. He thinks you might be induced to make him a field officer in a Pennsylvania Regiment. Disclaiming all wish to interfere in a matter so purely belonging to you and your State, I still say I would be much pleased, if he could be obliged. Yours truly A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, CSmH. Governor Curtin replied May 28, 1862, ``Your letter by Lieutenant Baker was handed me yesterday. I have every desire to give the young gentleman a place in one of our Pennsylvania regiments not only from my respect to the memory of his father but my disposition to oblige you personally.
``I make all appointments. . . . from the men in service and wherever possible in the order of seniority. To make an exception to my order the application must come from the regiment and I have advised Lieut. Baker to a course in reference to places now, or soon to be vacant in the California regiment under which I have reason to hope he will soon receive a commission.''(DLC-RTL). Second Lieutenant Edward D. Baker, Jr., of the Fourth Cavalry in the Regular Army was promoted to first lieutenant on July 17, 1862, but did not receive an appointment from Curtin.