_Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1863_.
Hon. E.M. STANTON,
_Secretary of War_.
SIR: Inclosed I forward to the President my resignation, to take effect
on the 5th of December.
I respectfully request, however, that I may be relieved from my command
at an earlier day, say by the 20th instant, or as soon thereafter as
some officer can be ordered to succeed me. While I desire to derange the
plans or hurry the action of the Department as little as possible, it
will be a great convenience to me to secure some little time before the
session of Congress for a necessary journey and for some preparations
for myself and family in view of my approaching change of residence
and occupation. I could also spend two or three days very profitably,
I think, to the service of my successor after his arrival here.