Yours truly, BRONSON MURRAY. NEWARK, OHIO, Feby. 14, 1861. FRIEND LAMON,--I concluded to drop you this note, on learning that you in company with our mutual friend Judge Davis were with the President Elect on his tour to the Seat of Government. I was led to this through fear of the failure of some correspondence to reach your eye, the drift of it was to secure the appointment of postmaster at this city for your humble servant. Now if you have not been bored to death already by friends who are your _humble servants_, say a kind word for me. I have asked for the Post Office here for some good reasons. Poor enough to ask it and capable to fill it ... and have my second papers for being _Black_ Republican. I might add that the Citizens would not look upon my appointment as an overt _act_ against this City. I was removed from the Post Office Dept. in 1855 for opposition to Judge Douglas for removing the Missouri Compromise.... I would beg to be remembered to Messrs. Lincoln and Davis. Wishing you all a pleasant trip, safe arrival and a smooth sea in the future. Yours very truly, JAS. H. SMITH. The following letter may be of interest as showing the impression made at a time when opinions of Mr. Lincoln were in the formative state. New York City, as a whole, was unfriendly to Lincoln. Written when Lincoln was in New York on his way to Washington. NEW YORK, Feby. 20, 1861. DEAR LAMON,--I was glad today to recognize you; and drop you a line instead of a call when you must be so weary. Just before we met, my father and old Ald^{n} Purdy (both wheel-horses in the Dem^{t} party here) were canvassing matters politic. Purdy said he had seen Lincoln and liked the man; said he was much better looking and a finer man than he expected to see; and that he kept aloof from old politicians here and seemed to have a mind of his own. Old Judge Benson too (who was with us) is a Democrat and was equally pleased with Lincoln. He says Lincoln has an eye that shows power of mind and will, and he thinks he will carry us safely. I repeat these comments, because they came from behind the scenes of the popular apprehensions whence at present our friend Lincoln is excluded, and I feel sure he will be pleased to know how favorable an impression he makes.... Tell Lincoln to use his _own_ judgment and be bold and firm. The _people_ of all parties here are prepared to sustain _him_. But he may beware of all old politicians of both parties.