Francis A. Hoffmann to Abraham Lincoln

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April 8th [186]3

To his Excellency

A. Lincoln, President,

Washington

Sir:

I am informed that the Hon. Thomas J. Pickett, State Senator, has been removed from the office of Agent of the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island upon the instigation of the Editor of the "Argus", one of the most violent Copperhead publications in the State. Mr. Pickett was removed without any investigation of the charges against him. In relation to this removal I desire to state that I am fully convinced, that great injustice has been committed. I have known

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Mr Pickett intimately for a number of years and know him to be the very embodiment of honesty and strict integrity. The removal from office, without the slightest investigation, places Mr. Pickett in a very unpleasant position and may injure him for life. I respectfully request your attention to Mr. Pickett's case and feel confident that he will be abundantly able to clear himself of any and all charges preferred against him by disloyal and malignant reptiles.

I remain,

[President?],

with the highest regard,

your very obdt servant

Francis A Hoffmann

Lt Gov. and actg Gov