It was a severe disappointment to Lincoln.

Major Wilcox, who at the period referred to lived in McDonough County, Illinois, and in early days was a Whig politician, visited Washington to aid Lincoln in seeking this appointment, and has furnished a graphic account of the circumstances and of Lincoln's appearance at the national capital in the novel capacity of an office-seeker.

Major Wilcox says that in June, 1849, he went to Washington and had an interview with the newly-inaugurated President, General Taylor, regarding Lincoln's appointment to the desired office.

The interview was but partially satisfactory, the President remarking that he was favorable to Lincoln, but that Mr.
Butterfield was very strongly urged for the place and the chances of appointment were in his favor.

Lincoln had arranged to be in Washington at a time specified, after Major Wilcox should have had opportunity to look the ground over.