.MTQzOQ.MTAwMDc

         Calais January 1st 1857

Hon. H. Hamlin

  Dear Sir

     I understand that

my friend & fellow Republican Seth W. Smith is one applicant for the Office of Indian agent, and I take Pleasure in recommending him to your favorable notice in reference to that appointment and I do so Feeling that his appointment to the Office would give general satisfaction. not only to the Republican Party in the vicinity but to the citizens generally, and also to the Indians themselves, and I hesitate not to say that in my opinion he is better qualified to discharge its duties that any other applicant, from the fact that he has Previously held the Office to the public satisfaction of all concerned.

              Yours Very Respectfully
               D. B. Barnard