July 27th, 1863, Lincoln wrote the Postmaster-General:
“Yesterday little indorsements of mine went to you in two cases of
postmasterships, sought for widows whose husbands have fallen in the
battles of this war.
“These cases, occurring on the same day, brought me to reflect more
attentively than what I had before done as to what is fairly due from
us here in dispensing of patronage toward the men who, by fighting our
battles, bear the chief burden of saving our country.
“My conclusion is that, other claims and qualifications being equal,
they have the right, and this is especially applicable to the disabled
soldier and the deceased soldier’s family.”