WASHINGTON, _February 13, 1865_.
_To the Military Officers Commanding in West Tennessee_:
While I can not order as within requested, allow me to say that it is
my wish for you to relieve the people from all burdens, harassments,
and oppressions so far as is possible consistently with your military
necessities; that the object of the war being to restore and maintain
the blessings of peace and good government, I desire you to help, and
not hinder, every advance in that direction.
Of your military necessities you must judge and execute, but please do
so in the spirit and with the purpose above indicated.