The Writings of Abraham Lincoln, Complete
by
Abraham Lincoln
Part 26 out of 36
nations. Circumstances--to some of which you kindly allude--induce
me especially to expect that if justice and good faith should be
practised by the United States, they would encounter no hostile
influence on the part of Great Britain. It is now a pleasant duty to
acknowledge the demonstration you have given of your desire that a
spirit of amity and peace toward this country may prevail in the
councils of your Queen, who is respected and esteemed in your own
country only more than she is by the kindred nation which has its
home on this side of the Atlantic.
I know and deeply deplore the sufferings which the workingmen at
Manchester, and in all Europe, are called to endure in this crisis.
It has been often and studiously represented that the attempt to
overthrow this government, which was built upon the foundation of
human rights, and to substitute for it one which should rest
exclusively on the basis of human slavery, was likely to obtain the
favor of Europe. Through the action of our disloyal citizens, the
working-men of Europe have been subjected to severe trials, for the
purpose of forcing their sanction to that attempt. Under the
circumstance, I cannot but regard your decisive utterances upon the
question as an instance of sublime Christian heroism which has not
been surpassed in any age or in any country. It is indeed an
energetic and inspiring assurance of the inherent power of truth and
of the ultimate and universal triumph of justice, humanity, and
freedom. I do not doubt that the sentiments, you have expressed will
be sustained by your great nation; and, on the other hand, I have no
hesitation in assuring you that they will excite admiration, esteem,
and the most reciprocal feelings of friendship among the American
people.
I hail this interchange of sentiment, therefore, as an augury that
whatever else may happen, whatever misfortune may befall your country
or my own, the peace and friendship which now exist between the two
nations will be, as it shall be my desire to make them, perpetual.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, January 21, 1863.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
I submit herewith for your consideration the joint resolutions of the
corporate authorities of the city of Washington, adopted September a
7, 1862, and a memorial of the same under date of October 28, 1862,
both relating to and urging the construction of certain railroads
concentrating upon the city of Washington.
In presenting this memorial and the joint resolutions to you, I am
not prepared to say more than that the subject is one of great
practical importance, and that I hope it will receive the attention
of Congress.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
INDORSEMENT ON THE PROCEEDINGS AND SENTENCE OF THE FITZ-JOHN PORTER
COURT-MARTIAL.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON,
January 13, 1863.
In compliance with the Sixty-fifth Article of War, these whole
proceedings are transmitted to the Secretary of War, to be laid
before the President of the United States.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
January 21, 1863.
The foregoing proceedings, findings, and sentence in the foregoing
case of Major-General Fitz-John Porter are approved and confirmed,
and it is ordered that the said Fitz-John Porter be, and he hereby
is, cashiered and dismissed from the service of the United States as
a major-general of volunteers, and as colonel and brevet
brigadier-general in the regular service of the United States, and
forever disqualified from holding any office of trust or profit under
the Government of the United States.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
FROM GENERAL HALLECK TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON
January 21, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL GRANT, Memphis.
GENERAL:--The President has directed that so much of Arkansas as you
may desire to control be temporarily attached to your department.
This will give you control of both banks of the river.
In your operations down the Mississippi you must not rely too
confidently upon any direct co-operation of General Banks and the
lower flotilla, as it is possible that they may not be able to pass
or reduce Port Hudson. They, however, will do everything in their
power to form a junction with you at Vicksburg. If they should not
be able to effect this, they will at least occupy a portion of the
enemy's forces, and prevent them from reinforcing Vicksburg. I hope,
however, that they will do still better and be able to join you.
It may be proper to give you some explanation of the revocation of
your order expelling all Jews from your department. The President
has no objection to your expelling traitors and Jew peddlers, which,
I suppose, was the object of your order; but as it in terms
proscribed an entire religious class, some of whom are fighting in
our ranks, the President deemed it necessary to revoke it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 23, 1863
GENERAL BURNSIDE:
Will see you any moment when you come.
A. LINCOLN.
ORDER RELIEVING GENERAL A. E. BURNSIDE AND MAKING OTHER CHANGES.
(General Orders No.20.)
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, D.C. JANUARY 25, 1863.
I. The President of the United States has directed:
1st. That Major-General A. E. Burnside, at his own request, be
relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac.
2d. That Major-General E. V. Sumner, at his own request, be relieved
from duty in the Army of the Potomac.
3d. That Major-General W. B. Franklin be relieved from duty in the
Army of the Potomac.
4th. That Major-General J. Hooker be assigned to the command of the
Army of the Potomac.
II. The officers relieved as above will report in person to the
adjutant-general of the army.
By order of the Secretary of War:
D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General
TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
January 26, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER.
GENERAL:--I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac.
Of course I have done this upon what appear to me to be sufficient
reasons, and yet I think it best for you to know that there are some
things in regard to which I am not quite satisfied with you. I
believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier, which of course I
like. I also believe you do not mix politics with your profession,
in which you are right. You have confidence in yourself, which is a
valuable if not an indispensable quality. You are ambitious, which
within reasonable bounds does good rather than harm; but I think that
during General Burnside's command of the army you have taken counsel
of your ambition and thwarted him as much as you could, in which you
did a great wrong to the country and to a most meritorious and
honorable brother officer. I have heard, in such a way as to believe
it, of your recently saying that both the army and the government
needed a dictator. Of course it was not for this, but in spite of
it, that I have given you the command. Only those generals who gain
successes can set up dictators. What I now ask of you is military
success, and I will risk the dictatorship. The government will
support you to the utmost of its ability, which is neither more nor
less than it has done and will do for all commanders. I much fear
that the spirit that you have aided to infuse into the army, of
criticizing their commander and withholding confidence from him, will
now turn upon you. I shall assist you as far as I can to put it
down. Neither you nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get
any good out of an army while such a spirit prevails in it. And now
beware of rashness. Beware of rashness, but with energy and
sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.
Yours very truly,
A. LINCOLN.
MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON CITY, January 28,1863,
TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
In conformity to the law of July 16, 1862, I most cordially recommend
that Commander David D. Porter, United States Navy, acting
rear-admiral, commanding the Mississippi Squadron, receive a vote of
thanks of Congress for the bravery and skill displayed in the attack
on the post of Arkansas, which surrendered to the combined military
and naval forces on the 10th instant.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BUTLER
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
January 28, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL BUTLER, Lowell, Mass.:
Please come here immediately. Telegraph me about what time you will
arrive.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
January 29, 1863
MAJOR-GENERAL DIx, Fort Monroe, Va.:
Do Richmond papers have anything from Vicksburg?
A. LINCOLN.
TO THURLOW WEED.
WASHINGTON, January 29, 1863.
HON. THURLOW WEED.
DEAR SIR:--Your valedictory to the patrons of the Albany Evening
journal brings me a good deal of uneasiness. What does it mean?
Truly Yours,
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY,
January 30, 1863. 5.45 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.:
What iron-clads, if any, have gone out of Hampton Roads within the
last two days?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.,
January 31, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.:
Corcoran's and Pryor's battle terminated. Have you any news through
Richmond papers or otherwise?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL SCHENCK.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.,
January 31, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHENCK, Baltimore, Md.:
I do not take jurisdiction of the pass question. Exercise your own
discretion as to whether Judge Pettis shall have a pass.
A. LINCOLN.
TO THE WORKING-MEN OF LONDON, ENGLAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, February 1, 1863.
TO THE WORKING-MEN OF LONDON:
I have received the New Year's address which you have sent me, with a
sincere appreciation of the exalted and humane sentiments by which it
was inspired.
As these sentiments are manifestly the enduring support of the free
institutions of England, so I am sure also that they constitute the
only reliable basis for free institutions throughout the world.
The resources, advantages, and powers of the American people are very
great, and they have consequently succeeded to equally great
responsibilities. It seems to have devolved upon them to test
whether a government established on the principles of human freedom
can be maintained against an effort to build one upon the exclusive
foundation of human bondage. They will rejoice with me in the new
evidences which your proceedings furnish that the magnanimity they
are exhibiting is justly estimated by the true friends of freedom and
humanity in foreign countries.
Accept my best wishes for your individual welfare, and for the
welfare and happiness of the whole British people.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL SCHENCK.
[Cipher.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
February 4, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHENCK, Baltimore, Md.:
I hear of some difficulty in the streets of Baltimore yesterday. What
is the amount of it?
A. LINCOLN.
MESSAGE TO THE SENATE.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
February 12, 1863.
TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:
On the 4th of September, 1862, Commander George Henry Preble, United
States Navy, then senior officer in command of the naval force off
the harbor of Mobile, was guilty of inexcusable neglect in permitting
the armed steamer Oreto in open daylight to run the blockade. For
his omission to perform his whole duty on that occasion, and the
injury thereby inflicted on the service and the country, his name was
stricken from the list of naval officers and he was dismissed [from]
the service.
Since his dismissal earnest application has been made for his
restoration to his former position by senators and naval officers, on
the ground that his fault was an error of judgment, and that the
example in his case has already had its effect in preventing a
repetition of similar neglect.
I therefore on this application and representation, and in
consideration of his previous fair record, do hereby nominate George
Henry Preble to be a commander in the navy from the 16th July, 1862,
to take rank on the active list next after Commander Edward
Donaldson, and to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Commander
J. M. Wainwright.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
MESSAGE TO THE SENATE.
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 12, 1863.
TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:
On the 24th August, 1861, Commander Roger Perry, United. States Navy,
was dismissed from the service under a misapprehension in regard to
his loyalty to the Government, from the circumstance that several
oaths were transmitted to him and the Navy Department failed to
receive any recognition of them. After his dismissal, and upon his
assurance that the oath failed to reach him and his readiness to
execute it, he was recommissioned to his original position on the 4th
September following. On the same day, 4th September, he was ordered
to command the sloop of war Vandalia; on the 22d this order was
revoked and he was ordered to duty in the Mississippi Squadron, and
on the 23d January, 1862, was detached sick, and has since remained
unemployed. The advisory board under the act of 16th July, 1862, did
not recommend him for further promotion.
This last commission, having been issued during the recess of the
Senate, expired at the end of the succeeding session, 17th July,
1862, from which date, not having been nominated to the Senate, he
ceased to be a commander in the navy.
To correct the omission to nominate this officer to the Senate at its
last session, I now nominate Commander Roger Perry to be a commander
in the navy from the 14th September, 1855, to take his relative
position on the list of commanders not recommended for further
promotion.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
February 12,1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS,
Murfreesborough, Tenn.:
Your despatch about "river patrolling" received. I have called the
Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of War, and General-in-Chief
together, and submitted it to them, who promise to do their very best
in the case. I cannot take it into my own hands without producing
inextricable confusion.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO SIMON CAMERON.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
February 13, 1863.
HON. SIMON CAMERON, Harrisburg, Pa.:
General Clay is here and I suppose the matter we spoke of will have
to be definitely settled now. Please answer.
A. LINCOLN.
TO ALEXANDER REED.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
February 22, 1863.
REV. ALEXANDER REED.
MY DEAR SIR:--Your note, by which you, as General Superintendent of
the United States Christian Commission, invite me to preside at a
meeting to be held this day at the hall of the House of
Representatives in this city, is received.
While, for reasons which I deem sufficient, I must decline to
preside, I cannot withhold my approval of the meeting and its worthy
objects.
Whatever shall be, sincerely and in God's name, devised for the good
of the soldiers and seamen in their hard spheres of duty, can
scarcely fail to be blessed; and whatever shall tend to turn our
thoughts from the unreasoning and uncharitable passions, prejudices,
and jealousies incident to a great national trouble such as ours, and
to fix them on the vast and long enduring consequences, for weal or
for woe, which are to result from the struggle, and especially to
strengthen our reliance on the Supreme Being for the final triumph of
the right, cannot but be well for us all.
The birthday of Washington and the Christian Sabbath coinciding this
year, and suggesting together the highest interests of this life and
of that to come, is most propitious for the meeting proposed.
Your obedient servant,
A. LINCOLN
TELEGRAM TO J. K. DUBOIS.
[Cipher]
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C.
February 26,1863.
HON. J. K. DuBois, Springfield, Ill.:
General Rosecrans respectfully urges the appointment of William P.
Caslin as a brigadier-general, What say you?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
February 27,1863
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
If it will be no detriment to the service I will be obliged for Capt.
Henry A. Marchant, of Company I, Twenty-third Pennsylvania
Volunteers, to come here and remain four or five days.
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION CONVENING THE SENATE,
FEBRUARY 28, 1863
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A Proclamation.
Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the
Senate should be convened at 12 o'clock on the 4th of March next to
receive and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the
part of the Executive:
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States,
have considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation,
declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the
United States to convene for the transaction of business at the
Capitol, in the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at
12 o'clock at noon on that day, of which all who shall at that time
be entitled to act as members of that body are hereby required to
take notice.
Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington,
the twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1863, and of the independence
of the United States of America, the eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President
WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary o f State.
TO SECRETARY SEWARD.
WASHINGTON, March, 7,1863.
Mr. M. is now with me on the question of the Honolulu Commissioner.
It pains me some that this tilt for the place of Colonel Baker's
friend grows so fierce, now that the Colonel is no longer alive to
defend him. I presume, however, we shall have no rest from it. In
self-defense I am disposed to say, "Make a selection and send it to
me."
A. LINCOLN
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR TOD,
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 9, 1863.
GOVERNOR DAVID TOD, Columbus, Ohio:
I think your advice with that of others would be valuable in the
selection of provost-marshals for Ohio.
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION RECALLING SOLDIERS TO THEIR REGIMENTS
MARCH 10, 1863
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
A Proclamation
In pursuance of the twenty-sixth section of the act of Congress
entitled "An act for enrolling and calling out the national forces,
and for other purposes," approved on the 3d day of March, 1863, I,
Abraham Lincoln, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and
Navy of the United States, do hereby order and command that all
soldiers enlisted or drafted in the service of the United States now
absent from their regiments without leave shall forthwith return to
their respective regiments.
And I do hereby declare and proclaim that all soldiers now absent
from their respective regiments without leave who shall, on or before
the first day of April, 1863, report themselves at any rendezvous
designated by the general orders of the War Department No. 58,
hereto annexed, may be restored to their respective regiments without
punishment, except the forfeiture of pay and allowances during their
absence; and all who do not return within the time above specified
shall be arrested as deserters and punished as the law provides; and
Whereas evil-disposed and disloyal persons at sundry places have
enticed and procured soldiers to desert and absent themselves from
their regiments, thereby weakening the strength of the armies and
prolonging the war, giving aid arid comfort to the enemy, and cruelly
exposing the gallant and faithful soldiers remaining in the ranks to
increased hardships and danger:
I do therefore call upon all patriotic and faithful citizens to
oppose and resist the aforementioned dangerous and treasonable
crimes, and to aid in restoring to their regiments all soldiers
absent without leave, and to assist in the execution of the act of
Congress "for enrolling and calling out the national forces, and for
other purposes," and to support the proper authorities in the
prosecution and punishment of offenders against said act and in
suppressing tile insurrection and rebellion.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Done at the city
of Washington, this tenth day of March, A.D. 1863, and of the
independence of the United States the eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 13, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
General Stahel wishes to be assigned to General Heintzelman and
General Heintzelman also desires it. I would like to oblige both if
it would not injure the service in your army, or incommode you. What
say you?
A. LINCOLN.
TO SECRETARY SEWARD.
WASHINGTON, Match 15, 1863.
I am very glad of your note saying "recent despatches from him are
able, judicious, and loyal," and that if I agree; we will leave him
there. I am glad to agree, so long as the public interest does not
seem to require his removal.
TELEGRAM TO J. O. MORTON.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 16, 1863.
HON. J. O. MORTON, Joliet, Ill.:
William Chumasero is proposed for provost-marshal of your district.
What think you of it? I understand he is a good man.
A. LINCOLN.
GRANT'S EXCLUSION OF A NEWSPAPER REPORTER
REVOCATION OF SENTENCE OF T. W. KNOX.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 20, 1863.
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:--Whereas, it appears to my satisfaction that
Thomas W. Knox, a correspondent of the New York Herald, has been by
the sentence of a court-martial excluded from the military department
under command of Major-General Grant, and also that General Thayer,
president of the court-martial which rendered the sentence, and
Major-General McClernand, in command of a corps of that department,
and many other respectable persons, are of opinion that Mr. Knox's
offense was technical rather than wilfully wrong, and that the
sentence should be revoked: now, therefore, said sentence is hereby
so far revoked as to allow Mr. Knox to return to General Grant's
headquarters, and to remain if General Grant shall give his express
assent, and to again leave the department if General Grant shall
refuse such assent.
A. LINCOLN.
TO BENJAMIN GRATZ.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 25,1863.
Mr. BENJAMIN GRATZ, Lexington, Ky.:
Show this to whom it may concern as your authority for allowing Mrs.
Selby to remain at your house, so long as you choose to be
responsible for what she may do.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL ROSECRANS.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, March 25, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn.:
Your dispatches about General Davis and General Mitchell are
received. General Davis' case is not particular, being simply one of
a great many recommended and not nominated because they would
transcend the number allowed by law. General Mitchell (was)
nominated and rejected by the Senate and I do not think it proper for
me to renominate him without a change of circumstances such as the
performance of additional service, or an expressed change of purpose
on the part of at least some senators who opposed him.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL S. A. HURLBUT.
WASHINGTON, March 25, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HURLBUT, Memphis:
What news have you? What from Vicksburg? What from Yazoo Pass?
What from Lake Providence? What generally?
A. LINCOLN.
QUESTION OF RAISING NEGRO TROOPS
TO GOVERNOR JOHNSON.
(Private.)
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON
March 26, 1863.
HON. ANDREW JOHNSON.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am told you have at least thought of raising a negro
military force. In my opinion the country now needs no specific
thing so much as some man of your ability and position to go to this
work. When I speak of your position, I mean that of an eminent
citizen of a slave State and himself a slaveholder. The colored
population is the great available and yet unavailed of force for
restoring the Union. The bare sight of fifty thousand armed and
drilled black soldiers upon the banks of the Mississippi would end
the rebellion at once; and who doubts that we can present that sight
if we but take hold in earnest? If you have been thinking of it,
please do not dismiss the thought.
Yours very truly,
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION APPOINTING A NATIONAL FAST-DAY.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
A Proclamation.
March 30, 1863.
Whereas the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the
supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the
affairs of men and of nations, has by a resolution requested the
President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and
humiliation:
And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as men to own their
dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins
and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that
genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize
the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all
history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord:
And insomuch as we know that by His divine law nations, like
individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this
world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war
which now desolates the land may be but a punishment inflicted upon
us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national
reformation as a whole people? We have been the recipients of the
choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many
years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth,
and power as no other nation has ever grown; but we have forgotten
God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace,
and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly
imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these
blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our
own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-
sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace,
too proud to pray to the God that made us:
It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power,
to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and
forgiveness:
Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring
in the views, of the Senate, I do by this my proclamation designate
and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of
national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request
all the people to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular
pursuits, and to unite at their several places of public worship and
their respective homes in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and
devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to
that solemn occasion. All this being done in sincerity and truth,
let us then rest humbly in the hope, authorized by the divine
teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high,
and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national
sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering country to
its former happy condition of unity and peace.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of
the independence of the United States the eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State.
LICENSE OF COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
March 31, 1863.
Whereas by the act of Congress approved July 13, 1861, entitled "An
act to provide for the collection of duties on imports, and for other
purposes," all commercial intercourse between the inhabitants of such
States as should by proclamation be declared in insurrection against
the United States and the citizens of the rest of the United States
was prohibited so long as such condition of hostility should
continue, except as the same shall be licensed and permitted by the
President to be conducted and carried on only in pursuance of rules
and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury; and:
Whereas it appears that a partial restoration of such intercourse
between the inhabitants of sundry places and sections heretofore
declared in insurrection in pursuance of said act and the citizens of
the rest of the United States will favorably affect the public
interests:
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States,
exercising the authority and discretion confided to me by the said
act of Congress, do hereby license and permit such commercial
intercourse between the citizens of loyal States and the inhabitants
of such insurrectionary States in the cases and under the
restrictions described and expressed in the regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of the Treasury bearing even date with these presents,
or in such other regulations as he may hereafter, with my approval,
prescribe.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL D. HUNTER.
(Private.)
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C
April 1, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HUNTER.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am glad to see the accounts of your colored force at
Jacksonville, Florida. I see the enemy are driving at them fiercely,
as is to be expected. It is important to the enemy that such a force
shall not take shape and grow and thrive in the South, and in
precisely the same proportion it is important to us that it shall.
Hence the utmost caution and vigilance is necessary on our part. The
enemy will make extra efforts to destroy them, and we should do the
same to preserve and increase them.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION ABOUT COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE,
APRIL 2, 1863
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA:
A Proclamation.
Whereas, in pursuance of the act of Congress approved July 13, 1861,
I did, by proclamation dated August 16, 1861, declare that the
inhabitants of the States of Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas,
Mississippi, and Florida (except the inhabitants of that part of
Virginia lying west of the Alleghany Mountains, and of such other
parts of that State and the other States hereinbefore named as might
maintain a legal adhesion to the Union and the Constitution or might
be from time to time occupied and controlled by forces of the United
States engaged in the dispersion of said insurgents) were in a state
of insurrection against the United States, and that all commercial
intercourse between the same and the inhabitants thereof, with the
exceptions aforesaid, and the citizens of other States and other
parts of the United States was unlawful and would remain unlawful
until such insurrection should cease or be suppressed, and that all
goods and chattels, wares and merchandise, coming from any of said
States, with the exceptions aforesaid, into other parts of the United
States without the license and permission of the President, through
the Secretary of the Treasury, or proceeding to any of said States,
with the exceptions aforesaid, by land or water, together with the
vessel or vehicle conveying the same to or from said States, with the
exceptions aforesaid, would be forfeited to the United States, and:
Whereas experience has shown that the exceptions made in and by said
proclamation embarrass the due enforcement of said act of July 13,
1861, and the proper regulation of the commercial intercourse
authorized by said act with the loyal citizens of said States:
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States,
do hereby revoke the said exceptions, and declare that the
inhabitants of the States of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida,
and Virginia (except the forty-eight counties of Virginia designated
as West Virginia, and except also the ports of New Orleans, Key West;
Port Royal, and Beaufort in North Carolina) are in a state of
insurrection against the United States, and that all commercial
intercourse not licensed and conducted as provided in said act
between the said States and the inhabitants thereof, with the
exceptions aforesaid, and the citizens of other States and other
parts of the United States is unlawful and will remain unlawful until
such insurrection shall cease or has been suppressed and notice
thereof has been duly given by proclamation; and all cotton, tobacco,
and other products, and all other goods and chattels, wares and
merchandise, coming from any of said States, with the exceptions
aforesaid, into other parts of the United States, or proceeding to
any of said States, with the exceptions aforesaid, without the
license and permission of the President, through the Secretary of the
Treasury, will together with the vessel or vehicle conveying the
same, be forfeited to the United States.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this second day of April, A.D. 1863,
and of the independence of the United States of America the
eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
April 3, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
Our plan is to pass Saturday night on the boat, go over from Aquia
Creek to your camp Sunday morning, remain with you till Tuesday
morning, and then return. Our party will probably not exceed six
persons of all sorts.
A. LINCOLN.
OPINION ON HARBOR DEFENSE.
April 4, 1863.
On this general subject I respectfully refer Mr.________ to the
Secretaries of War and Navy for conference and consultation. I have
a single idea of my own about harbor defense. It is a steam ram,
built so as to sacrifice nearly all capacity for carrying to those of
speed and strength, so as to be able to split any vessel having
hollow enough in her to carry supplies for a voyage of any distance.
Such ram, of course, could not herself carry supplies for a voyage of
considerable distance, and her business would be to guard a
particular harbor as a bulldog guards his master's door.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC,
April 9, 1863.
HON. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY:
Richmond Whig of the 8th has no telegraphic despatches from
Charleston, but has the following as editorial:
"All thoughts are now centred upon Charleston. Official intelligence
was made public early yesterday morning that the enemy's iron-clad
fleet had attempted to cross the bar and failed, but later in the day
it was announced that the gunboats and transports had succeeded in
crossing and were at anchor. Our iron-clads lay between the forts
quietly awaiting the attack. Further intelligence is looked for with
eager anxiety. The Yankees have made no secret of this vast
preparation for an attack on Charleston, and we may well anticipate a
desperate conflict. At last the hour of trial has come for
Charleston, the hour of deliverance or destruction, for no one
believes the other alternative, surrender, possible. The heart of
the whole country yearns toward the beleaguered city with intense
solicitude, yet with hopes amounting to confidence. Charleston knows
what is expected of her, and which is due to her fame, and to the
relation she sustains to the cause. The devoted, the heroic, the
great-hearted Beauregard is there, and he, too, knows what is
expected of him and will not disappoint that expectation. We predict
a Saragossa defense, and that if Charleston is taken it will be only
a heap of ruins."
The rebel pickets are reported as calling over to our pickets today
that we had taken some rebel fort. This is not very intelligible,
and I think is entirely unreliable.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO OFFICER IN COMMAND AT NASHVILLE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April 11,1863.
OFFICER IN COMMAND at Nashville, Tenn:
Is there a soldier by the name of John R. Minnick of Wynkoop's
cavalry under sentence of death, by a court-martial or military
commission, in Nashville? And if so what was his offense, and when
is he to be executed?
A. LINCOLN.
If necessary let the execution be staid till I can be heard from
again.
A. LINCOLN.
[President Lincoln sent many telegrams similar in form to this one in
order to avoid tiresome repetition the editor has omitted all those
without especial interest. Hardly a day went by that there were not
people in the White House begging mercy for a sentenced soldier. A
mother one day, pleaded with Lincoln to remit the sentence of
execution on her son. "I don't think it will do him a bit of good"
said Mr. Lincoln--"Pardoned." D.W.]
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.
WASHINGTON D.C., April 12, 1863
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
Your letter by the hand of General Butterfield is received, and will
be conformed to. The thing you dispense with would have been ready
by mid-day to-morrow.
A. LINCOLN
TELEGRAM TO ADMIRAL S. P. DUPONT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April 13, 1863
ADMIRAL DUPONT:
Hold your position inside the bar near Charleston; or, if you shall
have left it, return to it, and hold it until further orders. Do not
allow the enemy to erect new batteries or defenses on Morris Island.
If he has begun it, drive him out. I do not herein order you to
renew the general attack. That is to depend on your own discretion
or a further order.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL D. HUNTER AND ADMIRAL S. F. DUPONT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
April 54, 1863.
GENERAL HUNTER AND ADMIRAL DUPONT:
This is intended to clear up an apparent inconsistency between the
recent order to continue operations before Charleston and the former
one to remove to another point in a certain contingency. No censure
upon you, or either of you, is intended. We still hope that by
cordial and judicious co-operation you can take the batteries on
Morris Island and Sullivan's Island and Fort Sumter. But whether you
can or not, we wish the demonstration kept up for a time, for a
collateral and very important object. We wish the attempt to be a
real one, though not a desperate one, if it affords any considerable
chance of success. But if prosecuted as a demonstration only, this
must not become public, or the whole effect will be lost. Once again
before Charleston, do not leave until further orders from here. Of
course this is not intended to force you to leave unduly exposed
Hilton Head or other near points in your charge.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
P. S.--Whoever receives this first, please send a copy to the other
immediately.
A.L.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL S. HOOKER.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1863. 10.15 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
It is now 10.15 P.M. An hour ago I received your letter of this
morning, and a few moments later your despatch of this evening. The
latter gives me considerable uneasiness. The rain and mud of course
were to be calculated upon. General S. is not moving rapidly enough
to make the expedition come to anything. He has now been out three
days, two of which were unusually fair weather, and all three without
hindrance from the enemy, and yet he is not twenty-five miles from
where he started. To reach his point he still has sixty to go,
another river (the Rapidan) to cross, and will be hindered by the
enemy. By arithmetic, how many days will it take him to do it? I do
not know that any better can be done, but I greatly fear it is
another failure already. Write me often. I am very anxious.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
ON COLONIZATION ARRANGEMENTS
REPUDIATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH BERNARD KOCK
APRIL 16, 1863.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TO ALL TO WHOM THESE
PRESENTS SHALL COME,
GREETING:
Know ye that, whereas a paper bearing date the 3rst day of December
last, purporting to be an agreement between the United States and one
Bernard Kock for immigration of persons of African extraction to a
dependency of the Republic of Haiti, was signed by me on behalf of
the party of the first part; but whereas the said instrument was and
has since remained incomplete in consequence of the seal of the
United States not having been thereunto affixed; and whereas I have
been moved by considerations by me deemed sufficient to withhold my
authority for affixing the said seal:
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the
United States, do hereby authorize the Secretary of State to cancel
my signature to the instrument aforesaid.
Done at Washington, this sixteenth day of April, A.D. 1863.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
STATEHOOD FOR WEST VIRGINIA
PROCLAMATION ADMITTING WEST VIRGINIA INTO THE UNION,
APRIL 20, 1863.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
A Proclamation.
Whereas by the act of Congress approved the 31st day of December last
the State of West Virginia was declared to be one of the United
States of America, and was admitted into the Union on an equal
footing with the original States in all respects whatever, upon the
condition that certain changes should be duly made in the proposed
constitution for that State; and
Whereas proof of a compliance with that condition, as required by the
second section of the act aforesaid, has been submitted to me:
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the
United States, do hereby, in pursuance of the act of Congress
aforesaid, declare and proclaim that the said act shall take effect
and be in force from and after sixty days from the date hereof.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this twentieth day of April, A.D.
1863, and of the independence of the United States the
eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, APRIL 23, 1863 10.10am
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn.:
Your despatch of the 21st received. I really cannot say that I have
heard any complaint of you. I have heard complaint of a police corps
at Nashville, but your name was not mentioned in connection with it,
so far as I remember. It may be that by inference you are connected
with it, but my attention has never been drawn to it in that light.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 1863. 3.30 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
How does it look now?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR CURTIN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 28, 1863.
HON. A. O. CURTIN, Harrisburg, Penn.:
I do not think the people of Pennsylvania should be uneasy about an
invasion. Doubtless a small force of the enemy is flourishing about
in the northern part of Virginia, on the "skewhorn" principle, on
purpose to divert us in another quarter. I believe it is nothing
more. We think we have adequate force close after them.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO W. A. NEWELL.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April 29, 1863.
HON. W. A. NEWELL, Allentown, N.J.:
I have some trouble about provost-marshal in your first district.
Please procure HON. Mr, Starr to come with you and see me, or come to
an agreement with him and telegraph me the result.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR CURTIN,
EXECUTIVE MANSION, MAY 1, 1863
GOVERNOR CURTIN, Harrisburg, Penn.:
The whole disposable force at Baltimore and else where in reach have
already been sent after the enemy which alarms you. The worst thing
the enemy could do for himself would be to weaken himself before
Hooker, and therefore it is safe to believe he is not doing it; and
the best thing he could do for himself would be to get us so scared
as to bring part of Hooker's force away, and that is just what he is
trying to do. I will telegraph you in the morning about calling out
the militia.
A. LINCOLN,
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR CURTIN
EXECUTIVE MANSION, MAY 2, 1863
GOVERNOR CURTIN, Harrisburg, Penn.:
General Halleck tells me he has a despatch from General Schenck this
morning, informing him that our forces have joined, and that the
enemy menacing Pennsylvania will have to fight or run today. I hope
I am not less anxious to do my duty to Pennsylvania than yourself,
but I really do not yet see the justification for incurring the
trouble and expense of calling out the militia. I shall keep watch,
and try to do my duty.
A. LINCOLN
P. S.--Our forces are exactly between the enemy and Pennsylvania.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL D. BUTTERFIELD.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 3, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff:
The President thanks you for your telegrams, and hopes you will keep
him advised as rapidly as any information reaches you.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
GENERALS LOST
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL D. BUTTERFIELD.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 3, 1863. 4.35 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL BUTTERFIELD:
Where is General Hooker? Where is Sedgwick Where is Stoneman?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 4, 1863. 3.10 P M.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
We have news here that the enemy has reoccupied heights above
Fredericksburg. Is that so?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 4, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE, Cincinnati, O.:
Our friend General Sigel claims that you owe him a letter. If you so
remember please write him at once. He is here.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 1863. 2.25. P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
We have through General Dix the contents of Richmond papers of the
5th. General Dix's despatch in full is going to you by Captain Fox
of the navy. The substance is General Lee's despatch of the 3d
(Sunday), claiming that he had beaten you and that you were then
retreating across the Rappahannock, distinctly stating that two of
Longstreet's divisions fought you on Saturday, and that General [E.
F.] Paxton was killed, Stonewall Jackson severely wounded, and
Generals Heth and A. P. Hill slightly wounded. The Richmond papers
also stated, upon what authority not mentioned, that our cavalry have
been at Ashland, Hanover Court-House, and other points, destroying
several locomotives and a good deal of other property, and all the
railroad bridges to within five miles of Richmond.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 1863. 12.30 P.M.
Just as I telegraphed you contents of Richmond papers showing that
our cavalry has not failed, I received General Butterfield's of 11
A.M. yesterday. This, with the great rain of yesterday and last
night securing your right flank, I think puts a new face upon your
case; but you must be the judge.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO COLONEL R. INGALLS.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 6, 1863 1.45 PM
COLONEL INGALLS:
News has gone to General Hooker which may change his plans. Act in
view of such contingency.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 7, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER.
MY DEAR SIR:--The recent movement of your army is ended without
effecting its object, except, perhaps, some important breakings of
the enemy's communications. What next? If possible, I would be very
glad of another movement early enough to give us some benefit from
the fact of the enemy's communication being broken; but neither for
this reason nor any other do I wish anything done in desperation or
rashness. An early movement would also help to supersede the bad
moral effect of there certain, which is said to be considerably
injurious. Have you already in your mind a plan wholly or partially
formed? If you have, prosecute it without interference from me. If
you have not, please inform me, so that I, incompetent as I may be,
can try and assist in the formation of some plan for the army.
Yours as ever,
A. LINCOLN.
DRAFTING OF ALIENS
PROCLAMATION CONCERNING ALIENS,
MAY 8, 1863.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
A Proclamation
Whereas the Congress of the United States, at its last session,
enacted a law entitled "An act for enrolling and calling out the
national forces and for other purposes," which was approved on the 3d
day of March last; and
Whereas it is recited in the said act that there now exists in the
United States an insurrection and rebellion against the authority
thereof, and it is, under the Constitution of the United States, the
duty of the government to suppress insurrection and rebellion, to
guarantee to each State a republican form of government, and to
preserve the public tranquillity; and
Whereas for these high purposes a military force is indispensable, to
raise and support which all persons Ought willingly to contribute;
and
Whereas no service can be more praiseworthy and honorable than that
which is rendered for the maintenance of the Constitution and the
Union, and the consequent preservation of free government; and
Whereas, for the reasons thus recited, it was enacted by the said
statute that all able-bodied male citizens of the United States, and
persons of foreign birth who shall have declared on oath their
intention to become citizens under and in pursuance of the laws
thereof, between the ages of twenty and forty-five years (with
certain exceptions not necessary to be here mentioned), are declared
to constitute the national forces, and shall be liable to perform
military duty in the service of the United States when called out by
the President for that purpose; and
Whereas it is claimed by and in behalf of persons of foreign birth
within the ages specified in said act, who have heretofore declared
on oath their intentions to become citizens under and in pursuance of
the laws of the United States, and who have not exercised the right
of suffrage or any other political franchise under the laws of the
United States, or of any of the States thereof, that they are not
absolutely concluded by their aforesaid declaration of intention from
renouncing their purpose to become citizens, and that, on the
contrary, such persons under treaties or the law of nations retain a
right to renounce that purpose and to forego the privileges of
citizenship and residence within the United States under the
obligations imposed by the aforesaid act of Congress:
Now, therefore, to avoid all misapprehensions concerning the
liability of persons concerned to perform the service required by
such enactment, and to give it full effect, I do hereby order and
proclaim that no plea of alienage will be received or allowed to
exempt from the obligations imposed by the aforesaid act of Congress
any person of foreign birth who shall have declared on oath his
intention to become a citizen of the United States under the laws
thereof, and who shall be found within the United States at any time
during the continuance of the present insurrection and rebellion, at
or after the expiration of the period of sixty-five days from the
date of this proclamation; nor shall any such plea of alienage be
allowed in favor of any such person who has so, as aforesaid,
declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and
shall have exercised at any time the right of suffrage, or any other
political franchise, within the United States, under the laws
thereof, or under the laws of any of the several States.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this eighth day of May, in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the
independence of the United States the eighty-seventh.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
WASHINGTON, D. C. May 8, 1863. 4 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:
The news is here of the capture by our forces of Grand Gulf--a large
and very important thing. General Willich, an exchanged prisoner
just from Richmond, has talked with me this morning. He was there
when our cavalry cut the roads in that vicinity. He says there was
not a sound pair of legs in Richmond, and that our men, had they
known it, could have safely gone in and burned everything and brought
in Jeff Davis. We captured and paroled 300 or 400 men. He says as
he came to City Point there was an army three miles long
(Longstreet's, he thought) moving toward Richmond.
Muroy has captured a despatch of General Lee, in which he says his
loss was fearful in his last battle with you.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. A. DIX.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 9,1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL DIX:
It is very important for Hooker to know exactly what damage is done
to the railroads at all points between Fredericksburg and Richmond.
As yet we have no word as to whether the crossings of the North and
South Anna, or any of them, have been touched. There are four of
these Crossings; that is, one on each road on each stream. You
readily perceive why this information is desired. I suppose
Kilpatrick or Davis can tell. Please ascertain fully what was done,
and what is the present condition, as near as you can, and advise me
at once.
A. LINCOLN.
TO SECRETARY SEWARD.
WASHINGTON, May 9, 1863
I believe Mr. L. is a good man, but two things need to be remembered.
1st. Mr. R.'s rival was a relative of Mr. L.
2d. I hear of nobody calling Mr. R. a "Copperhead," but Mr. L.
However, let us watch.
A. L.
TO SECRETARY STANTON.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
MAY 11, 1863
HON. SECRETARY OF WAR.
DEAR SIR:--I have again concluded to relieve General Curtis. I see
no other way to avoid the worst consequences there. I think of
General Schofield as his successor, but I do not wish to take the
matter of a successor out of the hands of yourself and General
Halleck.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, May 11, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL DIX:
Do the Richmond papers have anything about Grand Gulf or Vicksburg?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BUTTERFIELD.
[Cipher.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, May 11, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL BUTTERFIELD:
About what distance is it from the observatory we stopped at last
Thursday to the line of enemies' works you ranged the glass upon for
me?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR SEYMOUR
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 12, 1863.
GOVERNOR SEYMOUR, Albany, N.Y.:
Dr. Swinburne and Mr. Gillett are here, having been refused, as they
say, by the War Department, permission to go to the Army of the
Potomac. They now appeal to me, saying you wish them to go. I
suppose they have been excluded by a rule which experience has
induced the department to deem proper; still they shall have leave to
go, if you say you desire it. Please answer.
A. LINCOLN
TELEGRAM TO A. G. HENRY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON May 13,1863.
Dr. A. G. HENRY, Metropolitan Hotel, New York:
Governor Chase's feelings were hurt by my action in his absence.
Smith is removed, but Governor Chase wishes to name his successor,
and asks a day or two to make the designation.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
May 14, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER, Commanding.
MY DEAR SIR:--When I wrote on the 7th, I had an impression that
possibly by an early movement you could get some advantage from the
supposed facts that the enemy's communications were disturbed and
that he was somewhat deranged in position. That idea has now passed
away, the enemy having re-established his communications, regained
his positions, and actually received reinforcements. It does not now
appear probable to me that you can gain anything by an early renewal
of the attempt to cross the Rappahannock. I therefore shall not
complain if you do no more for a time than to keep the enemy at bay
and out of other mischief by menaces and occasional cavalry raids, if
practicable, and to put your own army in good condition again.
Still, if in your own clear judgment you can renew the attack
successfully, I do not mean to restrain you. Bearing upon this last
point, I must tell you that I have some painful intimations that some
of your corps and division commanders are not giving you their entire
confidence. This would be ruinous, if true, and you should
therefore, first of all, ascertain the real facts beyond all
possibility of doubt.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
FACTIONAL QUARRELS
TELEGRAM TO H. T. BLOW AND OTHERS.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 15, 1863.
HON. H. T. BLOW, C. D. DRAKE, AND OTHERS, St. Louis, Mo.:
Your despatch of to-day is just received. It is very painful to me
that you in Missouri cannot or will not settle your factional quarrel
among yourselves. I have been tormented with it beyond endurance for
months by both sides. Neither side pays the least respect to my
appeals to your reason. I am now compelled to take hold of the case.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO JAMES GUTHRIE.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, May 16, 1863.
HON. JAMES GUTHRIE, Louisville, Ky.:
Your despatch of to-day is received. I personally know nothing of
Colonel Churchill, but months ago and more than once he has been
represented to me as exerting a mischievous influence at Saint Louis,
for which reason I am unwilling to force his continuance there
against the judgment of our friends on the ground; but if it will
oblige you, he may come to and remain at Louisville upon taking the
oath of allegiance, and your pledge for his good behavior.
A. LINCOLN.
TO SECRETARY OF WAR.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY,
May 16, 1863.
HON. SECRETARY OF WAR.
MY DEAR SIR:--The commander of the Department at St. Louis has
ordered several persons south of our military lines, which order is
not disapproved by me. Yet at the special request of the HON. James
Guthrie I have consented to one of the number, Samuel Churchill,
remaining at Louisville, Ky., upon condition of his taking the oath
of allegiance and Mr. Gutlirie's word of honor for his good behavior.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
ORDERS SENDING C. L. VALLANDIGHAM BEYOND MILITARY LINES.
[Cipher.]
UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, May 10, 1863.
By telegraph from Washington, 9.40 PM, 1863
TO MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE,
Commanding Department of Ohio.
SIR:--The President directs that without delay you send C. L.
Vallandigham under secure guard to the Headquarters of General
Rosecrans, to be put by him beyond our military lines; and in case of
his return within our lines, he be arrested and kept in close custody
for the term specified in his sentence.
By order of the President:
E. R. S. CANBY, Assistant Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
May 20, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL A. B. BURNSIDE,
Commanding Department of Ohio, Cincinnati, O.
Your despatch of three o'clock this afternoon to the Secretary of War
has been received and shown to the President. He thinks the best
disposition to be made of Vallandigham is to put him beyond the
lines, as directed in the order transmitted to you last evening, and
directs that you execute that order by sending him forward under
secure guard without delay to General Rosecrans.
By order of the President:
ED. R. S. CANBY, Brigadier-General
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS.
WASHINGTON, May 20, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS:
Yours of yesterday in regard to Colonel Haggard is received. I am
anxious that you shall not misunderstand me. In no case have I
intended to censure you or to question your ability. In Colonel
Haggard's case I meant no more than to suggest that possibly you
might have been mistaken in a point that could [be] corrected. I
frequently make mistakes myself in the many things I am compelled to
do hastily.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS.
WASHINGTON, May 21, 1863. 4.40 PM.
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS:
For certain reasons it is thought best for Rev. Dr. Jaquess not to
come here.
Present my respects to him, and ask him to write me fully on the
subject he has in contemplation.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL S. A. HURLBUT.
WASHINGTON, May 22, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL HURLBUT, Memphis, Tenn.:
We have news here in the Richmond newspapers of 20th and 21st,
including a despatch from General Joe Johnston himself, that on the
15th or 16th--a little confusion as to the day--Grant beat Pemberton
and [W. W.] Loring near Edwards Station, at the end of a nine hours'
fight, driving Pemberton over the Big Black and cutting Loring off
and driving him south to Crystal Springs, twenty-five miles below
Jackson. Joe Johnston telegraphed all this, except about Loring,
from his camp between Brownsville and Lexington, on the 18th.
Another despatch indicates that Grant was moving against Johnston on
the 18th.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO ANSON STAGER.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., May 24, 1863.10.40
ANSON STAGER, Cleveland, O.:
Late last night Fuller telegraphed you, as you say, that "the Stars
and Stripes float over Vicksburg and the victory is complete." Did he
know what he said, or did he say it without knowing it? Your
despatch of this afternoon throws doubt upon it.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO COLONEL HAGGARD.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON. May 25, 1863.
COLONEL HAGGARD, Nashville, Tenn.:
Your despatch to Green Adams has just been shown me. General
Rosecrans knows better than we can know here who should be in charge
of the Fifth Cavalry.
A. LINCOLN
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., May 26, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE, Cincinnati, O.:
Your despatch about Campbell, Lyle, and others received and
postponement ordered by you approved. I will consider and telegraph
you again in a few days.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL SCHENCK.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 27, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHENCK, Baltimore, Md.:
Let the execution of William B. Compton be respited or suspended till
further order from me, holding him in safe custody meanwhile. On
receiving this notify me.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 27,1863.
GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM, Hartford, Conn.:
The execution of Warren Whitemarch is hereby respited or suspended
until further order from me, he to be held in safe custody meanwhile.
On receiving this notify me.
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