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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to John Addison

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03189 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Springfield, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 July 1849 Pagination: 1 p. : docket : free frank ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Hopes that his writing on the "other half of the sheet" (not present) referred to is useful to Addison, Clerk of the General Land Office. Asks Addison to give Lucas (possibly Josiah Lucas, another clerk of the Land Office) his respects. Comments that he is glad Lucas has reached an understanding with the new commissioner, Justin Butterfield, who was appointed to the post instead of Lincoln. Asks if letters in his favor were sent to the Department and expresses that he would like to see them. Plans to notify James Berdan of "the matter of which [Addison speaks] concerning him," possibly an appointment to the Land Office. Free frank by Lincoln, as member of Congress, appears on verso.

The General Land Office was created by Congress in 1812 as a way of surveying the vast amount of uncharted land in America.

Springfield, Ills. July 22. 1849
Dear Addison:
On the other half of this sheet is what I hope may be both satisfactory and serviceable to you. If any thing I have written for any body should be turned to your disadvantage, I could hardly ever forgive myself for the carelessness of so writing. Give my respects to my friends about you, particularly Lucas; and tell him I am truly glad he is at a good understanding with the new Commissioner. If letters have come to the Dept. in my favor since the appointment, may they not be sent to me? I should like to see them. I have now about forty such, nineteen (I believe) of which are from M.C.'s
I shall write Berdan to day on the matter of which you speak concerning him. He is as much of a gentleman as lives.
Yours very truly
A. Lincoln.

[2] [Free frank on address panel:]
A Lincoln M. C.

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Addison, John, fl. 1849
Lucas, Josiah, fl. 1849
Butterfield, Justin, 1790-1855

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