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In the distribution of the federal patronages
he desires the San Francisco Post Office —
not so much on account of its emoluments,
but as a gratifying recognition by the administration,
of his services. He failed in his
application for the Post Office, and it is not
for me to question the propriety of your decisions.

It would however afford me and
multitudes of the Doctors friends very great
pleasure if you could still give him a
respectable position worthy of his status in
the party: and it occurs to me that he
would fill admirably the position of Marshall
for the Northern District. He is energetic,
courageous, and honest: precisely those
traits of character which is in excess might
in your mind excite doubt as to his fitness
for the Post Office, are well suited to the
position of Marshall, and particularly if
on the other side we should have troubled
times. No candidate for the latter place
has party claims comparable to the Doctor’s
and I hope therefore you may be inclining
to bestow it on him. With great respect

Ira P. Rankin