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P.O. George Rowl[ows?]} Col. L U. [Hobb?] } Sacremento
Monterey Col. Antonio M. [Pico?] Collector - John P. Porter
[Man?] Island Civil Engineer -- Jame H. [Houghton?]
Stockton Col. S. D. Nye Richard. W. R. [Kerr?]
8596
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A Lincoln
Washington DC —
[F?] [J?]
George [Strathmore?]
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Washington Apr 5 1861
To the
President
Sir:
Will you permit me to say in this manner a few words which I might find it difficult to get an opportunity to say to you in person? You have had some means of becoming acquainted with both the virtues and peculiarities of Dr William Rabe - they are still better known to me, and to much of California.
I need not say that he is a very staunch and reliable Republican - that fact is patent to all who have met him at all; but I can say with truth that in the last campaign he worked for the cause with a zeal and constancy without parallel among us. For many months he gave his entire time as secretary of the State Central Committee, to the cause, and contributed very largely of his means. It is no flattery to him to say that our success in the campaign was due very largely to his vigorous efforts
over
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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
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I most cordially endorse all Mr Rankin has said of Dr Rabi. His failure to receive an honorable appointment will disappoint and mortify many of those who have been the main supports of the Republican cause in Cal. An honorable appointment is due to Dr Rabi if to any Californian. For the post of Marshall he has in my opinion few equals in fitness -
Respectfully
Leland Stanford