James T.B. Stapp - Soldier, Politician, and Landowner.

James T.B. Stapp was part of the Illinois Aristocracy and a leading politician for that state. Note that the letter shown above was written by Mr. Stapp on April 23, 1849. You will remember that Lincoln was at that time part of the Illinois political scene and not yet President. It appears from this letter that Stapp was making a political ally in Lincoln (which we now know would have been a good idea!)