1

Pittsburg March 15the 1861

President Lincoln

[Dr?] Sir

[Wilson?] King, of Erie
City in this state, is an applicant for the Marshal-
ship of Western Pennsylvania. He is an old
acquaintance of yours, you having been the
attorney and counsel for his Company while
they were building the rail-road from Cincinnati
to St Louis and therefore it may not be necessary
for me to say anything on his behalf. This however
I must say: if you wish an officer pre-eminently
qualified for the office, in respect to integrity, accuracy
as a business man, energy that is indomitable,
reputation that is unblemished, extensive acquaintance
and relationship that give hinm great
influence, I think you ought to select Mr King, who
combines in himself all these qualifications.

He is a firm Republican, but had never been
a professional politician, and therefore commands
the respect of men of all parties.

[?] Resp. D.H.A. McLean, Editor
of the United Presbyterian