Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to Edwin L. Baker
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00622 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 March 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope : free frank ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Acknowledges receipt of his note delivered by Edwin's brother John. Refuses to let "Joe" [Joseph Baker] transfer to a higher position within the army and resign his present post because of the precedent it might set among the servicemen. "The objection is the setting of examples by which every body in all arms of the service, are set to studying whether they can not squirm round into a position more satisfactory to themselves. A rule, to cut off this, is a necessity." Written on Executive Mansion stationery. The envelope is free franked in Lincoln's hand.
Baker was editor of the Springfield Journal. John is John F. Baker, while Joe is probably Joseph F. Baker in the Marine Corps.
Executive Mansion,
Washington, March 31, 1862.
E. L. Baker, Esq.
My dear Sir:
Your note to Mr. Edwards, together with that from the War Department to yourself, has been handed to me by your brother John. For me to appoint "Joe" to the Army, and then let him resign his present position is what is objectionable, because it is a substantial transfer. The objection is the setting of examples by which every body in all arms of the service, are set to studying whether they can not squirm round into a position more satisfactory to themselves. A rule, to cut off this, is a necessity.
Yours truly
A. Lincoln
[Envelope:]
A. Lincoln
E. L. Baker
Springfield
Illinois
[With a postmark stamp: Washington D.C. / 31 March]
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.