Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].

About this Item

Title: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].
Author: Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
Publication: New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press; 1953.
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Link to this Item: http://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln7
Cite this Item: "Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864]." In the digital collection Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln7. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 20, 2025.

Pages

To Lafayette S. Foster and James Dixon1Jump to section

Hon. Senators Executive Mansion,
Foster & Dixon. Washington, Dec. 21, 1863.

The Marshalship of Connecticut has given me some trouble. Of the Sec. of the Navy, Gov. of the State, two Senators, and three Representatives in Congress, who have made recommendations, two are for Mr. Nichols, two for Mr. Hammond, two for Mr. Barnum, and one for Mr. Phelps.2Jump to section Nothing has been said to me against the integrity or capacity of any of these candidates. So far as stated, three of them are equally well presented. Something more than a year ago Mr. Hammond was so well presented to me for one of the Internal Revenue offices, that it was with great regret I felt constrained to decline giving it to him; and I then wrote one of his friends substantially that I would be glad of a future opportunity to recognize him. I think I should now do this when he stands at least the equal of any competitor, on other grounds. Accordingly I send up his nomination. Please show, or state this to the other gentlemen. Your Obt. Servt. A. LINCOLN

Since writing the above I have seen letters from six different, and as I understand, respectable and influential citizens of Connecticut, protesting against the appointment of Mr. Hammond.

Page 83

Also a very respectable recommendation of Mr. Barnum, by citizens.

Also a letter of Mr. Barnum himself, saying ``If Mr. Hammond of this State receives the Appt. I am fully satisfied, but I am not willing to withdraw in favor of any other person''

Also a letter of Gov. Buckingham, adhering to his recommendation of Mr. Nichols, but speaking in very high terms of Mr. Hammond.

These things, taken together, do not change my purpose.

A. LINCOLN.

Annotation

[1] ALS, owned by Newton C. Brainard, Hartford, Connecticut. See Lincoln's letter to Bates, supra.

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[2] Philo F. Barnum was a resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Nichols and Phelps have not been identified.