Abraham Lincoln Papers: Incoming and Contextual Documents Document mal0380600

Office of the Gazette-
Frostburg, Allegany County, Md.
Sept. 26, 1860
My dear Sir,
A few weeks since, I was gratified with a
visit to my office from the Revd. Dr. Harkey of Springfield
Ill. and received from him much interesting information
relative the prospects in the west, and on the absorbing
subject of the day. In this state, the light is beginning
to shine with considerable brightness - and from the progress
of the cause within the last few weeks I am satisfied
that if we had six months to the election, that maybe
the Western shore certainty would be strongly Republican
as it is, a few localities will speak out nobly -
But let the result in this state be what it may, your
election to the Chief Executive of the nation in certain -
and in anticipation of that glorious result I cannot
resist offering my sincere and heartfelt congratulations
be assured, that this communication is made in consideration
of my high regard and respect for your private and
public character, and my earnest desire for your elevation
to the position for which you was placed in nomination,

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by one of the most patriotic and distinguished body of
men that were ever assembled in convention in our
country.
It may not be improper in me to give a few
facts in relation to myself, in order that you may place
confidence in this letter. a short time before the breaking
out of the Black Hawk war, I graduated from the
military academy at West Point - and was under the
command of Genl. Scott engaged in that war. Had charge
of a company of artillery on our first march from
Chicago to Dixon's ferry - continued in that field service
to the time of making the treaty with the Indians on
the west bank - during this service. I was taken prisoner
but escaped from them after a detention of about 18 or 20
hours. Immediately after our return to Fortress Monroe
was ordered with the troops to Charleston harbor, in
consequence of the disaffection manifested by the South
Carolinans to the union occasioned by the Tariff -
occupied a confidential position in that service under
the authority of the government, and was selected to read
the proclamation of Genl. Jackson to the troops assembled
at Fort Moultrie, Sullivan Island - The next service in which
I was engaged was in the Creek and Cherokee nations of
Indians in Georgia, followed by active field duty in the

Florida war against the Seminole nation. In this war I continued
to its close, was wounded in one of the battles, and
while there was in command of the artillery - I retired from
the army in 1838 - and purchased a large interest in
the coal lands of this county. I am a New Yorker, but having
been on engineer service in the National or Cumberland Road
for three years (after Black Hawk war) in this county
I made the purchase as stated, and became a resident
with my family in this place and in the city of Baltimore - and have
occupied several civil positions in the state as a member
of the Legislature &c and President of coal and mining
companies - while a resident of Baltimore was selected under
the administration of General Taylor as the Inspector of
coal for the public service - This then is the general
outline of my history and which it was proper that I should
communicate for the last ten years I have been engaged
in pursuance to the wishes of friends in editing a newspaper
(Frostburg Gazette) copies of which I have taken the
liberty of sending to you address; A word more as
regards my position in the army. I was for some time aid
to Genl. Gaines and when I resigned adjutant of the 4th
Regiment of artillery - [and]
Desiring to change my position I would be
highly gratified, if you would keep my name in your

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recollection after the inauguration day--and I anticipate it,
because the crowds of names and applications for different
positions after that day, might perhaps put my wishes aside.
The appointments for which I would be glad to have my
name and claims presented are 1st Coal Inspector for
the government - 2nd, Surveyor of the Customs at Baltimore
3rd, Navy adjutant, at Baltimore, in the District of C. or at
Norfolk -or in the want of a position more immediately
under the administration, Commissioner of Indian
Affairs--or disbursing office on the Lakes -
Those several places are, it is true, dissimilar in the
nature of their duties, but I am sure would to be agreeable
and discharged to the satisfaction of the government.
My long service in the Army entitle my wishes
to the consideration I am sure you will bestow upon
them and not desiring [wishing] to add any thing to the mass of
labor, that will be placed before you after the 4th of
March next - I have most respectfully present my
name for your favorable consideration to either of the
positions named.
With great respect
I am truly your friend
Jno. Pickell

Hon. Abraham Lincoln -}
Springfield }
Ill - }