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[1] ALS, owned by Hempstead Washburne, Chicago, Illinois. Representative Washburne wrote Lincoln on October 12:
``Notwithstanding the troubles that surround us, the time has come when we must confront the question of our next presidential candidate. I think you ought
to let some of your confidential friends know your wishes . . . I have a recent letter from Hon. Thompson Campbell . . . one of the most effective and vigorous champions of our cause in California, before the late election, and is a member of the Legislature from San Francisco. Speaking of the Presidential candidate, he says: `If he wishes the nomination, I am clearly for your friend, Mr. Lincoln.' He says he consented to go into the Legislature for the purpose of being better able to shape things in regard to the delegates to the National Convention next year. He says further, and it is well to heed it, that if he be not greatly mistaken, the whole patronage of the Government in California, will be wielded against you next summer. Campbell has done more to sustain your administration for the last six months, than all the office-holders in the State put together, and if he only knew your wishes and views I think he can be relied upon for an equally efficient service hereafter.
``Should you deem it best to make any suggestions to me in regard to these things, you know me well enough to be assured they will be openly and discreetly used.
``I enclose you a private letter from my brother Maj. Genl. Washburne [Cadwallader C. Washburn, September 20, 1863, DLC-RTL], and you will see what he says about a leave of absence. He went into the service at the sacrifice of immense business interests, and he has, served faithfully and acceptably in the most sickly climate for the last two years. His business imperatively requires his presence at home for a short time, and I think . . . his request is not unreasonable. A longer leave than twenty days must be granted by Genl. Halleck. Twenty days would not more than enable him to get home from where he now is. If you will ask that such leave be given and transmitted to me here, at Galena, Illinois, it will be a favor for which I will feel very grateful. . . .''
[2] The leave of absence for Major General Cadwallader C. Washburn has not been found.
[3] Israel Washburn, Jr., accepted the appointment as collector at Portland, Maine.
[4] Lincoln's old friend and former U.S. representative from Galena, Illinois, Thompson Campbell, who was a member of the California legislature in 1863-1864.