The president, after the meeting, remarked to his wife that there was more in Abe's head than wit and fun; that he was already a fine speaker; that all he lacked was culture to enable him to reach the high destiny which he knew was in store for him." On the 7th of May, 1833, Lincoln was appointed postmaster at New Salem by President Jackson.

The duties of the position were light, there being only a weekly mail, and the remuneration was correspondingly small.
"The office was too insignificant to be considered politically, and it was given to the young man because everybody liked him, and because he was the only man willing to take it who could make out the returns.

He was exceedingly pleased with the appointment, because it gave him a chance to read every newspaper that was taken in the vicinity.

He had never been able to get half the newspapers he wanted, and the office gave him the prospect of a constant feast.

Not wishing to be tied to the office, as it yielded him no revenue that would reward him for the confinement, he made a post-office of his hat.