Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) to James Berdan
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 #: GLC03190 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
Relates that he recently received a letter from the Clerk to the General Land Office John Addison indicating that their commissioner Justin Butterfield considers Berdan eligible to gain an appointment to the Office. States that if Berdan indeed desires such an appointment, their friendship could either "help or hurt" him, depending on Butterfield's views of Lincoln. Offers his assistance to Berdan in obtaining an appointment to the Land Office. Free frank by Lincoln.
The General Land Office was created by Congress in 1812 as a way of surveying the vast amount of land in America which had not yet been charted.
Springfield, July 22. 1849
James Berdan, Esq
My dear Sir:
Last night I received a Washington letter from Mr. John Addison, in which, among other things he says: "Lucas tells me this morning that Mr. Butterfield was making very particular enquiries about our friend Berdan & expressed a wish to have his services in the Dept., remarking that he considered him one of the best land lawyers in the West &c. Would he like an appt.? I feel satisfied that he could obtain a good one if he applied."
I took the precaution to withdraw the letters filed in my favor for Com[missione]r.; so that the very pretty one you wrote for me, can not rise in judgment against you, if indeed, being seen, it would affect Mr. B's feelings towards you. Now, my dear Sir, I do not know whether you have thought of going to Washington, or, if you have, whether my friendship would help or hurt you with Mr. B; still I write this to put myself at your service in the matter; and to say I shall be pleased to act as you may desire. Please write me by return mail.
Your friend as ever
A. Lincoln.
[2] [Free frank on address panel:]
A Lincoln M. C.
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.