some good reason why not.
A. LINCOLN.
ADDRESS TO THE 166TH OHIO REGIMENT,
AUGUST 22, 1864.
SOLDIERS--I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends.
For the services you have done in this great struggle in which we are
engaged, I present you sincere thanks for myself and the country.
I almost always feel inclined, when I say anything to soldiers, to impress
upon them, in a few brief remarks, the importance of success in this
contest. It is not merely for the day, but for all time to come, that
we should perpetuate for our children's children that great and free
government which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember
this, not merely for my sake, but for yours. I happen, temporarily, to
occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your
children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order
that each one of you may have, through this free government which we have
enjoyed, an open field, and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise,
and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of
life with all its desirable human aspirations--it is for this that the
struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthrights--not
only for one, but for two or three years, if necessary. The nation is
worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.
MEMORANDUM.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, August 23, 1864.
This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that
this administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to
so co-operate with the President-elect as to save the Union between the
election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on
such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterward.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR JOHNSON. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, August 26,
1864.
GOVERNOR JOHNSON, Nashville, Tenn.:
Thanks to General Gillam for making the news and also to you for sending
it. Does Joe Heiskell's "walking to meet us" mean any more than that "Joe"
was scared and wanted to save his skin?
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO B. H. BREWSTER. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C., August
30,1864.
HON. B. H. BREWSTER, Astor House, New York:
Your letter of yesterday received. Thank you for it. Please have no fears.
A. LINCOLN.
ORDER CONCERNING COTTON.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, August 31, 1864.
Any person or persons engaged in bringing out cotton, in strict conformity
with authority given by W. P. Fessenden, Secretary of the United States
Treasury, must not be hindered by the War, Navy, or any other Department
of the Government, or any person engaged under any of said Departments.
A. LINCOLN.
TO COLONEL HUIDEKOPER.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, SEPTEMBER 1, 1864
COLONEL H. C. HUIDEKOPER, Meadville, Penn.
SIR: It is represented to me that there are at Rock Island, Illinois, as
rebel prisoners of war, many persons of Northern and foreign birth who are
unwilling to be exchanged and sent South, but who wish to take the oath
of allegiance and enter the military service of the Union. Colonel
Huidekoper, on behalf of the people of some parts of Pennsylvania, wishes
to pay the bounties the Government would have to pay to proper persons
of this class, have them enter the service of the United States, and be
credited to the localities furnishing the bounty money. He will therefore
proceed to Rock Island, ascertain the names of such persons (not
including any who have attractions Southward), and telegraph them to
the Provost-Marshal-General here, whereupon direction will be given to
discharge the persons named upon their taking the oath of allegiance; and
then upon the official evidence being furnished that they shall have been
duly received and mustered into the service of the United States, their
number will be credited as may be directed by Colonel Huidekoper.
A. LINCOLN.
PROCLAMATION OF THANKSGIVING,
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON CITY, September 3, 1864.
The signal success that Divine Providence has recently vouchsafed to the
operations of the United States fleet and army in the harbor of Mobile,
and the reduction of Fort Powell, Fort Gaines, and Fort Morgan, and the
glorious achievements of the army under Major-General Sherman, in the
State of Georgia, resulting in the capture of the city of Atlanta, call
for devout acknowledgment to the Supreme Being in whose hands are the
destinies of nations. It is therefore requested that on next Sunday, in
all places of worship in the United States, thanksgivings be offered to
Him for His mercy in preserve our national existence against the insurgent
rebels who have been waging a cruel war against the Government of the
United States for its overthrow, and also that prayer be made for Divine
protection to our brave soldiers and their leaders in the field who have
so often and so gallantly periled their lives in battling with the enemy,
and for blessings and comfort from the Father of mercies to the sick,
wounded, and prisoners, and to the orphans and widows of those who have
fallen in the service of their country, and that He will continue to
uphold the Government of the United States against all the efforts of
public enemies and secret foes.
A. LINCOLN.
ORDERS OF GRATITUDE AND REJOICING.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, September 3, 1864.
The national thanks are tendered by the President to Admiral Farragut
and Major-General Canby, for the skill and harmony with which the recent
operations in Mobile Harbor and against Fort Powell, Fort Gaines, and Fort
Morgan were planned and carried into execution. Also to Admiral Farragut
and Major-General Granger, under whose immediate command they were
conducted, and to the gallant commanders on sea and land, and to the
sailors and soldiers engaged in the operations, for their energy and
courage, which, under the blessing of Providence, have been crowned with
brilliant success, and have won for them the applause and thanks of the
nation.
A. LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, September 3, 1864.
The national thanks are tendered by the President to Major-General William
T. Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command before
Atlanta, for the distinguished ability, courage, and perseverance
displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which under Divine power resulted
in the capture of the city of Atlanta. The marches, battles, sieges, and
other military operations that have signalized this campaign must
render it famous in the annals of war, and have entitled those who have
participated therein to the applause and thanks of the nation.
A. LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, September 3, 1864.
Ordered: First, That on Monday, the fifth day of September, commencing
at the hour of twelve o'clock noon, there shall be given a salute of one
hundred guns at the arsenal and navy-yard, at Washington, and on Tuesday,
the 6th of September, or on the day after the receipt of this order, at
each arsenal and navy-yard in the United States, for the recent brilliant
achievements of the fleet and land forces of the United States in the
harbor of Mobile, and in the reduction of Fort Powell, Fort Gaines, and
Fort Morgan. The Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy will issue
the necessary directions in their respective departments for the execution
of this order.
Second, That on Wednesday, the 7th of September, commencing at the hour of
twelve o'clock noon, there shall be fired a salute of one hundred guns
at the arsenal at Washington, and at New York, Boston, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Pittsburg, Newport (Ky.), and St. Louis, and New Orleans,
Mobile, and Pensacola, Hilton Head, and Newbern, the day after the receipt
of this order, for the brilliant achievements of the army under command
of Major-General Sherman, in the State of Georgia, and for the capture of
Atlanta. The Secretary of War will issue directions for the execution of
this order.
A. LINCOLN, President Of the United States.
TO MRS. GURNEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 4, 1864.
ELIZA P. GURNEY.
MY ESTEEMED FRIEND:--I have not forgotten probably never shall forget the
very impressive occasion when yourself and friends visited me on a Sabbath
forenoon two years ago--nor has your kind letter, written nearly a
year later, even been for gotten. In all, it has been your purpose to
strengthen my reliance on God. I am much indebted to the good Christian
people of the country for their constant prayer and consolations; and to
no one of them, more than to yourself. The purposes of the Almighty are
perfect, and must prevail, though we erring mortals may fail to accurately
perceive them in advance. We hoped for a happy termination of this
terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and has ruled
otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom, and our own error therein.
Mean while we must work earnestly in the best light He gives us, trusting
that so working still conduces to the great ends He ordains. Surely He
intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no mortal
could make, and no mortal could stay.
Your people--the Friends--have had, and are having, a very great trial.
On principle, and faith, opposed to both war and oppression, they can
only practically oppose oppression by war. For those appealing to me on
conscientious grounds, I have done, and shall do, the best I could and
can, in my own conscience, under my oath to the law. That you believe this
I doubt not, and believing it, I shall still receive, for our country and
myself your earnest prayers to our Father in Heaven.
Your sincere friend,
A. LINCOLN.
REPLY TO A COMMITTEE OF COLORED PEOPLE FROM BALTIMORE
WHO PRESENTED HIM WITH A BIBLE,
SEPTEMBER 7, 1864.
I can only say now, as I have often said before, it has always been a
sentiment with me, that all mankind should be free. So far as I have been
able, so far as came within my sphere, I have always acted as I believed
was just and right, and done all I could for the good of mankind. I have,
in letters sent forth from this office, expressed myself better than I can
now.
In regard to the great Book, I have only to say it is the best gift which
God has ever given to man. All the good from the Saviour of the world is
communicated to us through this book. But for that Book, we could not know
right from wrong. All those things desirable to man are contained in it. I
return you sincere thanks for this very elegant copy of this great Book of
God which you present.
TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR PICKERING.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., September 8, 1864:
GOVERNOR PICKERING, Olympia, W. T.:
Your patriotic despatch of yesterday received and will be published.
A. LINCOLN.
ORDER OF THANKS TO HUNDRED-DAY TROOPS FROM OHIO.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON CITY, September 10, 1864.
The term of one hundred days for which the National Guard of Ohio
volunteered having expired, the President directs an official
acknowledgment to be made of their patriotic and valuable services during
the recent campaigns. The term of service of their enlistment was short,
but distinguished by memorable events. In the Valley of the Shenandoah, on
the Peninsula, in the operations on the James River, around Petersburg
and Richmond, in the battle of Monocacy, and in the intrenchments of
Washington, and in other important service, the National Guard of Ohio
performed with alacrity the duty of patriotic volunteers, for which they
are entitled to and are hereby tendered, through the Governor of their
State, the national thanks.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September 12, 1864.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT:
Sheridan and Early are facing each other at a dead-lock. Could we not pick
up a regiment here and there, to the number of say ten thousand men, and
quietly but suddenly concentrate them at Sheridan's camp and enable him to
make a strike?
This is but a suggestion.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO JAMES G. BLAINE. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., September
13, 1864.
HON. J. G. BLAINE, Augusta, Me.: On behalf of the Union, thanks to Maine.
Thanks to you personally for sending the news.
A. LINCOLN.
P. S.--Send same to L. B. Smith and M. A. Blanchard, Portland, Me. A. L.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL ROSECRANS. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September
13, 1864
MAJOR-GENERAL ROSECRANS, Saint Louis:
Postpone the execution of S. H. Anderson for two weeks. Hear what his
friends can say in mitigation and report to me.
A. LINCOLN.
MAJOR ECKERT: Please send the above telegram.
JNO. G. NICOLAY, Private Secretary.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL SLOUGH.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., September 16, 1864.
GENERAL SLOUGH, Alexandria, Va.:
On the 14th I commuted the sentence of Conley, but fearing you may not
have received notice I send this. Do not execute him.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. WASHINGTON, D. C., September 17,1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN, Atlanta, Georgia:
I feel great interest in the subjects of your despatch mentioning corn and
sorghum, and the contemplated visit to you.
A. LINCOLN, President of the United States.
TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September 19, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN:
The State election of Indiana occurs on the 11th of October, and the loss
of it to the friends of the Government would go far towards losing
the whole Union cause. The bad effect upon the November election, and
especially the giving the State government to those who will oppose the
war in every possible way, are too much to risk if it can be avoided. The
draft proceeds, notwithstanding its strong tendency to lose us the State.
Indiana is the only important State voting in October whose soldiers
cannot vote in the field. Anything you can safely do to let her soldiers
or any part of them go home and vote at the State election will be greatly
in point. They need not remain for the Presidential election, but may
return to you at once. This is in no sense an order, but is merely
intended to impress you with the importance to the Army itself of your
doing all you safely can, yourself being the judge of what you can safely
do.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
INDORSEMENT CONCERNING AN EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS, SEPTEMBER 1864.
The writer of this, who appeals for his brother, is our minister to
Ecuador, and whom, if at all compatible, I would like to have obliged by a
special exchange of his brother.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL P. SHERIDAN. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September
20, 1864
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERIDAN, Winchester, Va.:
Have just heard of your great victory. God bless you all, officers and
men. Strongly inclined to come up and See you.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL HITCHCOCK,
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September 21, 1864.
GENERAL HITCHCOCK:
Please see the bearer, Mr. Broadwell, on a question about a mutual
supplying of clothes to prisoners.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September 22, 1864.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT:
I send this as an explanation to you, and to do justice to the Secretary
of War. I was induced, upon pressing application, to authorize the agents
of one of the districts of Pennsylvania to recruit in one of the prison
depots in Illinois; and the thing went so far before it came to the
knowledge of the Secretary that, in my judgment, it could not be abandoned
without greater evil than would follow its going through. I did not know
at the time that you had protested against that class of thing being done;
and I now say that while this particular job must be completed, no other
of the sort will be authorized, without an understanding with you, if at
all. The Secretary of War is wholly free of any part in this blunder.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN.
TO POSTMASTER-GENERAL BLAIR.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, September 23, 1864.
HON. MONTGOMERY BLAIR.
MY DEAR SIR:--You have generously said to me, more than once, that
whenever your resignation could be a relief to me, it was at my disposal.
The time has come. You very well know that this proceeds from no
dissatisfaction of mine with you personally or officially. Your uniform
kindness has been unsurpassed by that of any other friend, and while it
is true that the war does not so greatly add to the difficulties of your
department as to those of some others, it is yet much to say, as I most
truly can, that in the three years and a half during which you have
administered the General Post-Office, I remember no single complaint
against you in connection therewith.
Yours, as ever,
A. LINCOLN.
ORDER CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OF PRODUCTS IN INSURRECTIONARY STATES.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, September 24, 1864.
I. Congress having authorized the purchase for the United States of the
products of States declared in insurrection, and the Secretary of the
Treasury having designated New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Pensacola,
Port Royal, Beaufort (North Carolina), and Norfolk, as places of purchase,
and, with my approval, appointed agents and made regulations under which
said products may be purchased, therefore:
II. All persons except such as may be in the civil, military, or naval
service of the government, having in their possession any products of
States or parts of States declared in insurrection, which said agents
are authorized to purchase; and all persons owning or controlling such
products therein are authorized to convey such products to either of the
places which have been hereby or may hereafter be designated as places of
purchase, and such products so destined shall not be liable to
detention, seizure, or forfeiture while in transitu, or in store waiting
transportation.
III. Any person having the certificate of a purchasing agent, as
prescribed by Treasury Regulation VIII, is authorized to pass with the
necessary means of transportation to the points named in said certificate,
and to return therefrom with the products required for the fulfilment of
the stipulations set forth in said certificate.
IV. Any person having sold and delivered to a purchasing agent any
products of an insurrectionary State in accordance with the regulations in
relation thereto, and having in his possession a certificate setting
forth the fact of such purchase and sale; the character and quantity
of products, and the aggregate amount paid therefor, as prescribed by
Regulation I, shall be permitted by the military authority commanding at
the place of sale to purchase from any authorized dealer at such place
merchandise and other articles not contraband of war nor prohibited by
order of the War Department, nor coin, bullion, or foreign exchange, to
an amount not exceeding in value one-third of the aggregate value of
the products sold by him as certified by the agents purchasing, and the
merchandise and other articles so purchased may be transported by the
same route, and to the same place, from and by which the products sold and
delivered reached the purchasing agent, as set forth in the certificate,
and such merchandise and other articles shall have safe conduct, and
shall not be subject to detention, seizure, or forfeiture while being
transported to the places and by the routes set forth in the said
certificate.
V. Generals commanding military districts, and commandants of military
posts and detachments, and officers commanding fleets, flotillas, and
gunboats, will give safe conduct to persons and products, merchandise, and
other articles duly authorized as aforesaid, and not contraband of war,
or prohibited by order of the War Department, or of the order of such
generals commanding, or other duly authorized military or naval officer,
made in pursuance hereof, and all persons hindering or preventing such
safe conduct of persons or property will, be deemed guilty of a military
offense and punished accordingly.
VI. Any person transporting or attempting to transport any merchandise or
other articles except in pursuance of regulations of the Secretary of
the Treasury, dated July 29, 1864, or in pursuance of this order, or
transporting or attempting to transport any merchandise or other articles
contraband of war or forbidden by any order of the War Department, will
be deemed guilty of a military offense and punished accordingly; and all
products of insurrectionary States found in transitu to any other person
or than a purchasing agent and a designated of purchase shall be seized
and forfeited to the States, except such as may be moving to a loyal
state under duly authorized permits of a proper officer of the Treasury
Department, as prescribed by Regulation XXXVIII, concerning commercial
intercourse, dated July 29, 1864, or such as may have been found
abandoned, or have been captured and are moving in pursuance of the act of
March 12, 1864.
VII. No military or naval officer of the United States, or person in
the military or naval service, nor any civil officer, except such as
are appointed for that purpose, shall engage in trade or traffic in the
products of the insurrectionary States, or furnish transportation therefor
under pain of being deemed guilty of unlawful trading with the enemy and
punished accordingly.
VIII. The Secretary of War will make such general orders or regulations as
will insure the proper observance and execution of,, this order, and
the Secretary of the Navy will give instructions to officers commanding
fleets, flotillas, and gunboats in conformity therewith.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. WASHINGTON, D. C., September 27, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN, Atlanta, Georgia:
You say Jefferson Davis is on a visit to Hood. I judge that Brown and
Stephens are the objects of his visit.
A. LINCOLN.
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT. WASHINGTON, D.C., September 29,1864.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.:
I hope it will have no constraint on you, nor do harm any way, for me to
say I am a little afraid lest Lee sends reinforcements to Early, and thus
enables him to turn upon Sheridan.
A. LINCOLN.
INDORSEMENT.
September 29, 1864.
I think the bearer of this, Second Lieutenant Albee, deserves a hearing.
Will the Secretary of War please accord it to him?
A. LINCOLN.
ORDER RETURNING THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS FOR ONE HUNDRED DAYS
FROM THE STATES OF INDIANA, ILLINOIS, IOWA, AND WISCONSIN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, October 1, 1864.
The term of one hundred days for which volunteers from the States of
Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin volunteered, under the call of
their respective governors, in the months of May and June, to aid in the
campaign of General Sherman, having expired; the President directs an
official acknowledgment to be made of their patriotic service. It was
their good fortune to render efficient service in the brilliant operations
in the Southwest and to contribute to the victories of the national arms
over the rebel forces in Georgia under command of Johnston and Hood. On
all occasions and in every service to which they were assigned their duty
as patriotic volunteers was performed with alacrity and courage, for which
they are entitled to and are hereby tendered the national thanks through
the governors of their respective States.
The Secretary of War is directed to transmit a copy of this order to
the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin and to cause a
certificate of their honorable service to be delivered to the officers
and soldiers of the States above named who recently served in the military
force of the United States as volunteers for one hundred days.
A. LINCOLN.
TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, October 5, 1864
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT: