Several times, since your election, people wanting office have asked me to “use my influence” with you in their behalf. To word it in that way was such a pleasant compliment to me that I never complied. with those peoples’ requests. I could not, without exposing the fact that I hadn’t any influence with you; & that was a thing which I had no mind to do. It seems to me that it is better to have a good man’s flattering estimate of my influence—& keep it—than to fool it away with trying to get him an office.

But when my brother on my wife’s side—Mr. Charles J. Langdon, late of the Chicago Convention—desires me to speak a word for Mr. Fred. DouglasDouglassic, I am not asked to you “use my influence”: consequently I am not risking anything.

So I am writing this as a simple citizen—I am not drawing on my fund of influence at all. A simple citizen myay express a desire, with all propriety, in the matter of a recommendation to office; & so I beg permission to hope that you will retain Mr. DouglasⒶemendation in his present office of Marshal of Washington, if such a course will not clash with your own preferences, or with the expediences & interests of your administration. I offer this petition with peculiar pleasure & strong desire, because I so honor this man’s high & blemishless character & so admire his brave long crusade for the liberties & elevation of his race. He is a personal friend of mine, but that is nothing to the point—his history would move me to say these things, without that. And to feel them, too.

With great respect,

I am, General,