Inquiry Question: "Why did Lincoln choose the people he did to fill particular governmental offices in Nevada?"

Artifact Title: Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, August 29, 1862 (Nevada appointment)

Artifact Description: This document is from the Secretary of the Treasury requesting that the President consider appointments for the positions of Collector and Assessor for the Territory of Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. Who was it from?
3. What reasons were given for the recommendation?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What is your opinion about this process to choose people to serve in government?

Using Your Imagination: Write your own letter of recommendation. Choose an office in Nevada and explain why you believe the person you are recommending would be good for that job.
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Artifact Title: Leland Stanford to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 07, 1863 (Telegram concerning judicial appointment for Nevada)

Artifact Description: This telegram details the Governor of California's desire to withhold the final appointment of a judicial appointment in the territory of Nevada. The significance of this telegram is illustrated with the clear importance of this governmental position.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this telegram written?
2. Who was the sender of this telegram?
3. What was this telegram about?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What inferences can you draw about why the governor would want to withhold the appointment?

Using Your Imagination: Interview a local judge. Find out through your interview the qualities a judge should have. Then, provide a copy of the telegram to the judge and record his opinion to the letter. Respond in paragraph form, your conclusion to the judge's response and the letter.
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Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864 (Seeks promotion for his brother)

Artifact Description: Gordon Mott, Delegate from Nevada, recommends his brother to an appointed office.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. What is the main idea of the letter?
3. Who was being recommended?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: How is this letter different from the previous two artifacts listed in this section?

Using Your Imagination: How would you evaluate this request if you were President Lincoln?
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