{ "basler:basler-IV-0009": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0050", "label": "To James W. Somers", "text": "Reaching home from the East three days ago, I found your leter of Feb. 2 6th. Considering your difficulty of hearing I think you would better ;ettle in Chicago, if as you say, a good many already in fair pracice there will take you into partnership. If you had not that difficulty I still should think it an even ballance whether you would lot better remain in Chicago, with such a chance for a co-partnerhip. If I went West, I think I would go to Kansas \u2014 to Leavenworth, \u00bbr Atchison. Both these are, and will continue to be fine growing >laces. I believe I have said all I can, and I have said it with the deep- \u2022st interest for your welf are", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0009" ], "overlap": 0.7 }, "lapsley:L5-0050": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0009", "label": "TO J. W. SOMERS.", "text": "Reaching home three days ago, I found your letter of February 26th. Considering your difficulty of hearing, I think you had better settle in Chicago, if, as you say, a good man already in fair practice there will take you into partnership. If you had not that difficulty, I still should think it an even balance whether you would not better remain in Chicago, with such a chance for copartnership. If I went west, I think I would go to Kansas, to Leavenworth or Atchison. Both of them are and will continue to be fine growing places. I believe I have said all I can, and I have said it with the deepest interest for your welfare.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0009" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0031": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0052", "label": "To Hawkins Taylor", "text": "April 2 1 , 1 860 Yours of the igth. is just received. It surprises me that you have written twice, without receiving an answer. I have answered all I ever received from you; and certainly one since my return from the East. Opinions here, as to the prospect of Douglas being nominated, are quite conflicting \u2014 some very confident he will., and others that he will not be. I think his nomination possible; but that the chances are against him. I am glad there is a prospect of your party passing this way to Chicago. Wishing to make your visit here as pleasant as we can, we wish you to notify us as soon as possible, whether you come this way, how many, and when you will arrive.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0031" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L5-0052": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0031", "label": "TO H. TAYLOR.", "text": "Yours of the 15th is just received. It surprises me that you have written twice, without receiving an answer. I have answered all I ever received from you; and certainly one since my return from the East. Opinions here, as to the prospect of Douglas being nominated, are quite conflicting \u2014 some very confident he will, and others that he will not be. I think his nomination possible, but that the chances are against him. I am glad there is a prospect of your party passing this way to Chicago. Wishing to make your visit here as pleasant as we can, we wish you to notify us as soon as possible whether you come this way, how many, and when you will arrive.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0031" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0044": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0055", "label": "To George Ashrnun", "text": "Hon: George Ashmun: Springfield, Ills. May 23. 1860 President of the Republican National Convention. Sir: I accept the nomination tendered me by the Convention over which you presided, and of which I am formally apprized in the letter of yourself and others, acting as a committee of the convention, for that purpose. The declaration of principles and sentiments, which accompanies your letter, meets my approval; and it shall be my care not to violate, or disregard it, in any part. Imploring the assistance of Divine Providence, and with due regard to the views and feelings of all who were represented in the convention; to the rights of all the states, and territories, and people of the nation; to the inviolability of the constitution, and the perpetual union, harmony, and prosperity of all, I am most happy to co-operate for the practical success of the principles declared by the convention. Your obliged friend, and fellow citizen", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0044" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L5-0055": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0044", "label": "ACCEPTANCE OF NOMINATION AS REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT | OF THE UNITED STATES | TO GEORGE ASHMUN AND OTHERS.", "text": "HON. GEORGE ASHMUN, President of Republican National Convention. I accept the nomination tendered me by the convention over which you presided, and of which I am formally apprised in the letter of yourself and others, acting as a committee of the convention for that purpose. The declaration of principles and sentiments which accompanies your letter meets my approval; and it shall be my care not to violate or disregard it in any part. Imploring the assistance of Divine Providence, and with due regard to the views and feelings of all who were represented in the convention, to the rights of all the States and Territories and people of the nation, to the inviolability of the Constitution, and the perpetual union, harmony, and prosperity of all \u2014 I am most happy to co-operate for the practical success of the principles declared by the convention. Your obliged friend and fellow-citizen, A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0044" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0052": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0056", "label": "To Caleb B. Smith", "text": "Hon: C. B. Smith \u2014 Springfield, Ills. May 26. 1860 Yours of the 2ist. was duly received; but I have found no time till now, to say a word in the way of answer. I am, indeed, much indebted to Indiana; and, as my home friends tell me, much to you personally. Your saying you no longer consider la.2 a doubtful state, is very gratifying. The thing starts well everywhere\u2014 too well, I almost fear, to last. But we are in, and stick or go through, must be the word. Let me hear from Indiana occasionally. Your friend, as ever", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0052" ], "overlap": 0.74 }, "lapsley:L5-0056": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0052", "label": "", "text": "-Yours of the 21st was duly received, but have found no time until now to say a word in the way of answer. I am indeed much indebted to Indiana; and, as my home friends tell me, much to you personally. Your saying, you no longer consider it a doubtful State is very gratifying. The thing starts well everywhere \u2014 too well, I almost fear, to last. But we are in, and stick or go through must be the word. Let me hear from Indiana occasionally. Your friend, as ever, A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0052" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0062": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0057", "label": "Form Reply to Requests for Political Opinions", "text": "(Doctrine) Dear Sir Springfield Ills. c. June 1860 Your letter to Mr. Lincoln of and by which you seek to obtain Ms opinions on certain political points, has been received by him. He has received others of a similar character; but he also has a greater number of the exactly opposite character. The latter class beseech him to write nothing whatever upon any point of political doctrine. They say his positions were well known when he was nominated, and that he must not now embarrass the canvass by undertaking to shift or modify them. He regrets that he can not oblige all, but you perceive it is impossible for him to do so.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0062" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L5-0057": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0062", "label": "FORM OF REPLY PREPARED BY MR. LINCOLN, | WITH WHICH HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY WAS INSTRUCTED TO ANSWER A NUMEROUS CLASS | OF LETTERS IN THE CAMPAIGN OF 1860.", "text": "Your letter to Mr. Lincoln of and by which you seek to obtain his opinions on certain political points, has been received by him. He has received others of a similar character, but he also has a greater number of the exactly opposite character. The latter class beseech him to write nothing whatever upon any point of political doctrine. They say his positions were well known when he was nominated, and that he must not now embarrass the canvass by undertaking to shift or modify them. He regrets that he cannot oblige all, but you perceive it is impossible for him to do so.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0062" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0055": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0058", "label": "To Elihu B. Washburne", "text": "Hon: E. B. Washburne Springfield, Ills. May 26, 1860 I have several letters from you written since the nomination; but, till now, have found no moment to say a word by way of answer. Of course I am glad that the nomination is well received by our friends, and I sincerely thank you for so in-forming me. So far as I can learn, the nominations start well everywhere; and, if they get no back-set, it would seem as if they are going through. I hope you will write often; and as you write more rapidly than I do, dont make your letters so short as mine.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0055" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L5-0058": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0055", "label": "TO E. B. WASHBURNE. | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, MAY 26, 1860 | HON. E. B. WASHBURNE.", "text": "I have several letters from you written since the nomination, but till now have found no moment to say a word by way of answer. Of course I am glad that the nomination is well received by our friends, and I sincerely thank you for so informing me. So far as I can learn, the nominations start well everywhere; and, if they get no back-set, it would seem as if they are going through. I hope you will write often; and as you write more rapidly than I do, don't make your letters so short as mine.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0055" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0093": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0061", "label": "To Samuel Galloway", "text": "Especially Confidential Hon: Saml. Galloway: Springfield, Ills. Your very kind letter of the i5th. is received. Messrs. Follett, Foster & Go's Life of me is not by my authority; and I have scarcely been so much astounded by anything, as by their public an- JTUISTE 19, i860 nouncement that it is authorized by me. They have fallen into some strange misunderstanding. I certainly knew they contemplated publishing a biography, and I certainly did not object to their doing so, upon their oivn responsibility. I even took pains to facilitate them. But, at the same time, I made myself tiresome, if not hoarse, with repeating to Mr. Howard, their only agent seen by me, my protest that I authorized nothing \u2014 would be responsible for nothing. How, they could so misunderstand me, passes comprehension. As a matter, wholly my oivn, I would authorize no biography, without time, and opertunity to carefully examine and consider every word of it; and, in this case, in the nature of things, I can have no such time and opertunity. But, in my present position, when, by the lessons of the past, and the united voice of all discreet friends, I am neither to write or speak a word for the public, how dare I to send forth, by my authority, a volume of hundreds of pages, for adversaries to make points upon without end. Were I to do so, the convention would have a right to re-assemble, and substitute another name for mine. For these reasons, I would not look at the proof sheets. I am determined to maintain the position of truly saying I never saw the proof sheets, or any part of their work, before it's publication. Now, do not mistake me. I feel great kindness for Messrs. F. F. & Co \u2014 do not think they have intentionally done wrong. There may be nothing wrong in their proposed book. I sincerely hope there will not. I barely suggest that you, or any of the friends there, on the party account, look it over, & exclude -what you may think would embarrass the party \u2014 bearing in mind, at all times, that I authorize nothing \u2014 will be responsible for nothing. Your friend, as ever", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0093" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L5-0061": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0093", "label": "UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY | TO S. GALLOWAY.", "text": "Your very kind letter of the 15th is received. Messrs. Follett, Foster, & Co.'s Life of me is not by my authority; and I have scarcely been so much astounded by anything, as by their public announcement that it is authorized by me. They have fallen into some strange misunderstanding. I certainly knew they contemplated publishing a biography, and I certainly did not object to their doing so, upon their own responsibility. I even took pains to facilitate them. But, at the same time, I made myself tiresome, if not hoarse, with repeating to Mr. Howard, their only agent seen by me, my protest that I authorized nothing \u2014 would be responsible for nothing. How they could so misunderstand me, passes comprehension. As a matter wholly my own, I would authorize no biography, without time and opportunity to carefully examine and consider every word of it and, in this case, in the nature of things, I can have no such time and Opportunity . But, in my present position, when, by the lessons of the past, and the united voice of all discreet friends, I can neither write nor speak a word for the public, how dare I to send forth, by my authority, a volume of hundreds of pages, for adversaries to make points upon without end? Were I to do so, the convention would have a right to re-assemble and substitute another name for mine. For these reasons, I would not look at the proof sheets \u2014 I am determined to maintain the position of truly saying I never saw the proof sheets, or any part of their work, before its publication. Now, do not mistake me \u2014 I feel great kindness for Messrs. F., F., & Co. \u2014 do not think they have intentionally done wrong. There may be nothing wrong in their proposed book \u2014 I sincerely hope there will not. I barely suggest that you, or any of the friends there, on the party account, look it over, and exclude what you may think would embarrass the party bearing in mind, at all times, that I authorize nothing \u2014 will be responsible for nothing. Your friend, as ever, A. LINCOLN. ", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0093" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0104": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0063", "label": "To Abraham Jonas", "text": "Yours of the 2Oth. is received. I suppose as good, or even better, men than I may have been in American, or Know-Nothing lodges; but in point of fact, I never was in one, at Quincy, or elsewhere. I was never in Quincy but one day and two nights, while Know- Nothing lodges were in existence, and you were with me that day and both those nights. I had never been there before in my life; and never afterwards, till the joint debate with Douglas in 1858. It was in 1854, when I spoke in some Hall there,2 and after the speaking, you, with others, took me to an oyster saloon, passed an hour there, and you walked with me to, and parted with me at, the Quincy-House, quite late at night. I left by stage for Naples before day-light in the morning, having come in by the same route, after dark, the evening previous to the speaking, when I found you waiting at the Quincy House to meet me. A few days after I JTJLT 21, i860 was there, Richardson,3 as I understood, started this same story about my having been in a Know-Nothing lodge. When I heard of the charge, as I did soon after, I taxed my recollection for some incident which could have suggested it; and I remembered that on parting with you the last night, I went to the Office of the Hotel to take my stage passage for the morning, was told that no stage office for that line was kept there, and that I must see the driver, before retiring, to insure his calling for me in the morning; and a servant was sent with me to find the driver, who after taking me a square or two, stopped me, and stepped perhaps a dozen steps farther, and in my hearing called to some one, who answered him apparantly from the upper part of a building, and promised to call with the stage for me at the Quincy House. I returned and went to bed; and before day the stage called and took me. This is all. That I never was in a Know-Nothing lodge in Quincy, I should expect, could be easily proved, by respectable men, who were always in the lodges and never saw me there. An affidavit of one or two such would put the matter at rest. And now, a word of caution. Our adversaries think they can gain a point, if they could force me to openly deny this charge, by which some degree of offence would be given to the Americans. For this reason, it must not publicly appear that I am paying any attention to the charge.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0104" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L5-0063": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0104", "label": "TO A. JONAS.", "text": "Yours of the 20th is received. I suppose as good or even better men than I may have been in American or Know-Nothing lodges; but in point of fact, I never was in one at Quincy or elsewhere. I was never in Quincy but one day and two nights while Know-Nothing lodges were in existence, and you were with me that day and both those nights. I had never been there before in my life, and never afterward, till the joint debate with Douglas in 1858. It was in 1854 when I spoke in some hall there, and after the speaking, you, with others, took me to an oyster-saloon, passed an hour there, and you walked with me to, and parted with me at, the Quincy House, quite late at night. I left by stage for Naples before daylight in the morning, having come in by the same route after dark the evening, previous to the speaking, when I found you waiting at the Quincy House to meet me. A few days after I was there, Richardson, as I understood, started this same story about my having been in a Know-Nothing lodge. When I heard of the charge, as I did soon after; I taxed my recollection for some incident which could have suggested it; and I remembered that on parting with you the last night I went to the office of the hotel to take my stage-passage for the morning, was told that no stage-office for that line was kept there, and that I must see the driver before retiring, to insure his calling for me in the morning; and a servant was sent with me to find the driver, who, after taking me a square or two, stopped me, and stepped perhaps a dozen steps farther, and in my hearing called to some one, who answered him, apparently from the upper part of a building, and promised to call with the stage for me at the Quincy House. I returned, and went to bed, and before day the stage called and took me. This is all. That I never was in a Know-Nothing lodge in Quincy, I should expect could be easily proved by respectable men who were always in the lodges and never saw me there. An affidavit of one or two such would put the matter at rest. And now a word of caution. Our adversaries think they can gain a point if they could force me to openly deny the charge, by which some degree of offence would be given to the Americans. For this reason it must not publicly appear that I am paying any attention to the charge.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0104" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0127": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0065", "label": "To Thurlow Weed", "text": "\u2014 Yours of the 13th. was received this morning. Douglas is managing the Bell-element with great adroitness. He AUGUST l8, i860 had his men, in Kentucky, to vote for the Bell candidate, producing a result which has badly alarmed and damaged Breckinridge, and, at the same time, has induced the Bell men to suppose that Bell will certainly be President, if they can keep a few of the Northern States away from us, by throwing them to Douglas. But you, better than I, understand all this. I think there will be the most extraordinary effort ever made, to carry New- York for Douglas. You, and all others who write me from your state, think the effort can not succeed; and I hope you are right; still it will require close watching, and great effort on the other side. Herewith I send you a copy of a letter,2 written at New- York, which sufficiently explains itself, and which may, or may not, give you a valuable hint. You have seen that Bell tickets have been put on the track, both here, and in Indiana. In both cases, the object has been, I think, the same as the Hunt3 movement in N. Y \u2014 to throw the States to Douglas. In our state we know the thing is engineered by Douglas men; and -we do not believe they can make a great deal out of it.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0127" ], "overlap": 0.78 }, "lapsley:L5-0065": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0127", "label": "TO THURLOW WEED", "text": "Yours of the 13th was received this morning. Douglas is managing the Bell element with great adroitness. He had his men in Kentucky to vote for the Bell candidate, producing a result which has badly alarmed and damaged Breckenridge, and at the same time has induced the Bell men to suppose that Bell will certainly be President, if they can keep a few of the Northern States away from us by throwing them to Douglas. But you, better than I, understand all this. I think there will be the most extraordinary effort ever made to carry New York for Douglas. You and all others who write me from your State think the effort cannot succeed, and I hope you are right. Still, it will require close watching and great efforts on the other side. Herewith I send you a copy of a letter written at New York, which sufficiently explains itself, and which may or may not give you a valuable hint. You have seen that Bell tickets have been put on the track both here and in Indiana. In both cases the object has been, I think, the same as the Hunt movement in New York \u2014 to throw States to Douglas. In our State, we know the thing is engineered by Douglas men, and we do not believe they can make a great deal out of it.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0127" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0138": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0066", "label": "To John M. Pomeroy", "text": "Yours of the 27th. is duly received. It consists almost exclusively of a historical detail of some local troubles among some of our friends in Pennsylvania; and I suppose it's object is to guard me against forming a prejudice against Mr. McC - . I have not heard near so much upon that subject as you probably suppose; and I am slow to listen to criminations among friends, and never expouse their quarrels on either side. My sincere wish is that both sides will allow by-gones to be by-gones, and look to the present & future only.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0138" ], "overlap": 0.91 }, "lapsley:L5-0066": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0138", "label": "SLOW TO LISTEN TO CRIMINATIONS | TO HON. JOHN ------------", "text": "Yours of the 27th is duly received. It consists almost exclusively of a historical detail of some local troubles, among some of our friends in Pennsylvania; and I suppose its object is to guard me against forming a prejudice against Mr. McC \u2014 \u2014 \u2014 ____, I have not heard near so much upon that subject as you probably suppose; and I am slow to listen to criminations among friends, and never expose their quarrels on either side. My sincere wish is that both sides will allow bygones to be bygones, and look to the present and future only.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0138" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0149": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0068", "label": "To Elihu B. Washbiirne", "text": "Yours of the 5th. was received last evening. I was right glad to see it. It contains the freshest \"posting\" which I now SEPTEMBER 1 O, i860 have. It relieved me some from a little anxiety I had about Maine. Jo. Medill, on Aug. soth. wrote me that Coif ax had a letter from Mr. Hamlin saying we were in great danger of losing two members of Congress in Maine, and that your brother would not have exceeding 6000 majority for Governor. I addressed you at once, at Galena, asking for your latest information. As you are at Washington, that letter you will receive some time after the Maine election.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0149" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L5-0068": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0149", "label": "TO E. B. WASHBURNE.", "text": "Yours of the 5th was received last evening. I was right glad to see it. It contains the freshest \"posting\" which I now have. It relieved me some from a little anxiety I had about Maine. Jo Medill, on August 30th, wrote me that Colfax had a letter from Mr. Hamlin saying we were in great danger of losing two members of Congress in Maine, and that your brother would not have exceeding six thousand majority for Governor. I addressed you at once, at Galena, asking for your latest information. As you are at Washington, that letter you will receive some time after the Maine election.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0149" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0187": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0072", "label": "To David Hunter", "text": "Your very kind letter of the soth. was duly re-ceived, and for which, please accept my thanks. I have another letter from a writer unknown to me, saying the officers of the Army at Fort Kearney, have determined, in case of Republican success, at the approaching Presidential election, to take themselves, and the arms at that point, South, for the purpose of resistance to the government. While I think there are many chances to one that this is a hum-bug, it occurs to me that any real movement of this sort in the army would leak out and become known to you. In such case, if it would not be unprofessional, or dishonorable (of which you are to be judge) I shall be much obliged if you will apprize me of it.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0187" ], "overlap": 0.85 }, "lapsley:L5-0072": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0187", "label": "EARLY INFORMATION ON ARMY DEFECTION IN SOUTH | TO D. HUNTER.", "text": "(Private and Confidential.) SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, October 26, 1860 MAJOR DAVID HUNTER Your very kind letter of the 20th was duly received, for which please accept my thanks. I have another letter, from a writer unknown to me, saying the officers of the army at Fort Kearny have determined in case of Republican success at the approaching Presidential election, to take themselves, and the arms at that point, south, for the purpose of resistance to the government. While I think there are many chances to one that this is a humbug, it occurs to me that any real movement of this sort in the Army would leak out and become known to you. In such case, if it would not be unprofessional or dishonorable (of which you are to be judge), I shall be much obliged if you will apprise me of it.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0187" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0227": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0078", "label": "To Elihu B. Washburne", "text": "Your long letter received. Prevent, as far as possible., any of our friends from demoralizing themselves, and our cause, by entertaining propositions for compromise of any sort, on \"slavery extention\" There is no possible compromise upon it, but which puts us under again, and leaves all our work to do over again. Whether it be a Mo. line, or Eli Thayer's Pop. Sov. it is all the same. Let either be done, & immediately filibustering and ex-tending slavery recommences. On that point hold firm, as with a chain of steeL", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0227" ], "overlap": 0.82 }, "lapsley:L5-0078": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0227", "label": "BLOCKING \"COMPROMISE\" ON SLAVERY ISSUE | TO E. B. WASHBURNE", "text": "Your long letter received. Prevent, as far as possible, any of our friends from demoralizing themselves and our cause by entertaining propositions for compromise of any sort on \"slavery extension.\" There is no possible compromise upon it but which puts us under again, and leaves all our work to do over again. Whether it be a Missouri line or Eli Thayer's popular sovereignty, it is all the same. Let either be done, and immediately filibustering and extending slavery recommences. On that point hold firm, as with a chain of steel.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0227" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0231": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0079", "label": "To Thurlow Weed", "text": "Yours of the nth. was received two days ago. Should the convocation of Governors, of which you speak, seem desirous to know my view's on the present aspect of things, tell them you judge from my speeches that I will be inflexible on the territorial question; that I probably think either the Missouri line ex-tended, or Douglas' and Eli Thayer's Pop. Sov. would lose us everything -we gained by the election; that filibustering for all South of us, and making slave states of it, would follow in spite of us, under either plan. Also, that I probably think all opposition, real and apparant, to the fugitive slave clause of the constitution ought to be withdrawn. I believe you can pretend to find but little, if any thing, in my speeches, about secession; but my opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0231" ], "overlap": 0.81 }, "lapsley:L5-0079": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0231", "label": "OPINION ON SECESSION | TO THURLOW WEED | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, DECEMBER 17, 1860", "text": "Yours of the 11th was received two days ago. Should the convocation of governors of which you speak seem desirous to know my views on the present aspect of things, tell them you judge from my speeches that I will be inflexible on the territorial question; but I probably think either the Missouri line extended, or Douglas's and Eli Thayer's popular sovereignty would lose us everything we gain by the election; that filibustering for all south of us and making slave States of it would follow in spite of us, in either case; also that I probably think all opposition, real and apparent, to the fugitive slave clause of the Constitution ought to be withdrawn. I believe you can pretend to find but little, if anything, in my speeches, about secession. But my opinion is that no State can in any way lawfully get out of the Union without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is. Truly yours, A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0231" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0243": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0081", "label": "To Alexander H. Stephens", "text": "For your oiun eye only. Hon. A. H. Stephens \u2014 Springfield, Ills. Dec, 22, 1860 Your obliging answer to my short note is just received, and for which please accept my thanks. I fully appreciate the present peril the country is in, and the weight of responsibility on me. Do the people of the South really entertain fears that a Republican administration would, directly, or indirectly, interfere with their slaves, or with them, about their slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you, as once a friend, and still, I hope, not an enemy, that there is no cause for such fears. The South would be in no more danger in this respect, than it was in the days of Washington. I suppose, however, this does not meet the case. You think slavery is right and ought to be extended; while we think it is ivrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0243" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L5-0081": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0243", "label": "TO A. H. STEPHENS.", "text": "(For your own eye only) SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, DECEMBER 22, 1860 HON. ALEXANDER STEVENS Your obliging answer to my short note is just received, and for which please accept my thanks. I fully appreciate the present peril the country is in, and the weight of responsibility on me. Do the people of the South really entertain fear that a Republican administration would, directly or indirectly, interfere with the slaves, or with them about the slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you, as once a friend, and still, I hope, not an enemy, that there is no cause for such fears. The South would be in no more danger in this respect than it was in the days of Washington. I suppose, however, this does not meet the case. You think slavery is right and ought to be extended, while we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. That, I suppose, is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0243" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0258": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0086", "label": "To William H. Seward", "text": "Yours without signature was received last night. I have been considering your suggestions as to my reaching Washington somewhat earlier than is usual. It seems to me the inaugeration is not the most dangerous point for us. Our adversaries have us more clearly at disadvantage, on the second Wednesday of February, when the votes should be officially counted. If the two Houses refuse to meet at all, or meet without a quorum of each, where shall we be? I do not think that this counting is constitutionally essential to the election; but how are we to proceed in absence of it? In view of this, I think it is best for me not to attempt appearing in Washington till the result of that ceremony is known. It certainly would be of some advantage if you could know who are to be at the heads of the War and Navy Departments; but until I can ascertain definitely whether I can get any suitable men from the South? and who? and how many? I can not -well decide. As yet, I have no word from Mr. Gilmer, in answer to my request for an interview with him. I look for something on the subject, through you, before long.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0258" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L5-0086": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0258", "label": "", "text": "Yours without signature was received last night. I have been considering your suggestions as to my reaching Washington somewhat earlier than is usual. It seems to me the inauguration is not the most dangerous point for us. Our adversaries have us now clearly at disadvantage on the second Wednesday of February, when the votes should be officially counted. If the two houses refuse to meet at all, or meet without a quorum of each, where shall we be? I do not think that this counting is constitutionally essential to the election, but how are we to proceed in the absence of it? In view of this, I think it is best for me not to attempt appearing in Washington till the result of that ceremony is known. It certainly would be of some advantage if you could know who are to be at the heads of the War and Navy departments, but until I can ascertain definitely whether I can get any suitable men from the South, and who, and how many, I can not well decide. As yet, I have no word from Mr. Gilmer in answer to my request for an interview with him. I look for something on the subject, through you, before long.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0258" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0262": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0087", "label": "To William H. Seward", "text": "Yours of the 8th received. I still hope Mr. Gilmer will, on a fair -understanding with us, consent to take a place in the Cabinet. The preference for him over Mr. Hunt or Mr. Gentry,2 is that, up to date, he has a living position in the South, while they have not. He is only better than Winter Davis in that he is farther South. I fear if we could get, we could not safely take more than one such man \u2014 that is, not more than one who opposed us in the election \u2014 the danger being to lose the confidence of our own friends. Your selection for the State Department having become public, I am happy to find scarcely any objection to it. I shall have trouble with every other Northern cabinet appointment \u2014 so much so that I shall have to defer them as long as possible, to avoid being teased to insanity to make changes. Your obt. servt", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0262" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L5-0087": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0262", "label": "TO W. H. SEWARD.", "text": "Yours of the 8th received. I still hope Mr. Gilmer will, on a fair understanding with us, consent to take a place in the Cabinet. The preference for him over Mr. Hunt or Mr. Gentry is that, up to date \u2014 he has a living position in the South, while they have not. He is only better than Winter Davis in that he is farther south. I fear, if we could get, we could not safely take more than one such man \u2014 that is, not more than one who opposed us in the election \u2014 the danger being to lose the confidence of our own friends. Your selection for the State Department having become public, I am happy to find scarcely any objection to it. I shall have trouble with every other Northern Cabinet appointment \u2014 so much so that I shall have to defer them as long as possible to avoid being teased into insanity, to make changes.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0262" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0286": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0089", "label": "To Thurlow Weed", "text": "I have both your letter to myself, and that to Judge Davis, in relation to a certain gentleman in your state claiming to dispense patronage in my name, and also to be authorized to use my name to advance the chances of Mr. Greely for an election to the U.S. Senate. It is very strange that such things should be said by any one. The gentleman you mention, did speak to me of Mr. Greely, in connection with the Senatorial election, and I replied in terms of kindness towards Mr. Greely which I really feel, but always with an express protest that my name must not be used in the Senatorial election, in favor of, or against any one. Any other representation of me, is a misrepresentation. As to the matter of dispensing patronage, it perhaps will surprise you, to learn, that I have information that you claim to have my authority to arrange that matter in N.Y. I do not believe you have so claimed; but still so some men say. On that subject you know all I have said to you is \"justice to all,\" and I beg you to believe I have said nothing more particular to any one. I say this to re-assure you that I have not changed my purpose; in the hope however, that you will not use my name in the matter.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0286" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L5-0089": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0286", "label": "PATRONAGE CLAIMS | TO THURLOW WEED", "text": "I have both your letter to myself and that to Judge Davis, in relation to a certain gentleman in your State claiming to dispense patronage in my name, and also to be authorized to use my name to advance the chances of Mr. Greeley for an election to the United States Senate. It is very strange that such things should be said by any one. The gentleman you mention did speak to me of Mr. Greeley in connection with the senatorial election, and I replied in terms of kindness toward Mr. Greeley, which I really feel, but always with an expressed protest that my name must not be used in the senatorial election in favor of or against any one. Any other representation of me is a misrepresentation. As to the matter of dispensing patronage, it perhaps will surprise you to learn that I have information that you claim to have my authority to arrange that matter in New York. I do not believe you have so claimed; but still so some men say. On that subject you know all I have said to you is \"justice to all,\" and I have said nothing more particular to any one. I say this to reassure you that I have not changed my position. In the hope, however, that you will not use my name in the matter, I am,", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0286" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0378": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0133", "label": "Reply to Diplomatic Corps", "text": "Please accept my sincere thanks for your kind congratulations. It affords me pleasure to confirm the confidence you so generously express in the friendly disposition of the United States, through me, towards the Sovreigns, and Governments you re-spectively represent. With equal satisfaction I accept the assurance you are pleased to give, that the same disposition is reciprocated by your Sovereigns, your Governments, and yourselves. Allow me to express the hope that these friendly relations may remain undisturbed; and also my fervent wishes for the health and happiness of yourselves personally.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0378" ], "overlap": 0.95 }, "lapsley:L5-0133": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0378", "label": "REPLY TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS | WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1861", "text": "Mr. FIGANIERE AND GENTLEMEN OF THE DIPLOMATIC BODY: \u2014 Please accept my sincere thanks for your kind congratulations. It affords me pleasure to confirm the confidence you so generously express in the friendly disposition of the United States, through me, towards the sovereigns and governments you respectively represent. With equal satisfaction I accept the assurance you are pleased to give, that the same disposition is reciprocated by your sovereigns, your governments, and yourselves. Allow me to express the hope that these friendly relations may remain undisturbed, and also my fervent wishes for the health and happiness of yourselves personally.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0378" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0443": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0143", "label": "To John T. Stuart", "text": "Cousin Lizzie2 shows me your letter of the 2 /th. The question of giving her the Springfield Post-office troubles me. You see I have already appointed William Jayne a territorial governor, and Judge Trumbulls brother3 to a Land-office. \"Will it do for me to go on and justify the declaration that Trumbull and I have divided out all the offices among our relatives? Dr. Wallace, you know, is needy, and looks to me; and I personally owe him much. I see by the papers, a vote is to be taken as to the Post-office.4 Could you not set up Lizzie and beat them all? She, being here, need know nothing of it, & therefore there would be no indelicacy on her part.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0443" ], "overlap": 0.91 }, "lapsley:L5-0143": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0443", "label": "TO ------ STUART.", "text": "Cousin Lizzie shows me your letter of the 27th. The question of giving her the Springfield post-office troubles me. You see I have already appointed William Jayne a Territorial governor and Judge Trumbull's brother to a land-office. Will it do for me to go on and justify the declaration that Trumbull and I have divided out all the offices among our relatives? Dr. Wallace, you know, is needy, and looks to me; and I personally owe him much. I see by the papers, a vote is to be taken as to the post-office. Could you not set up Lizzie and beat them all? She, being here, need know nothing of it, so therefore there would be no indelicacy on her part.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0443" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0467": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0149", "label": "To William HL Seward", "text": "Since parting with you I have been considering your paper dated this day, and entitled \"Some thoughts for the President's consideration.\" The first proposition in it is, \"ist. We are at the end of a month's administration, and yet without a policy, either domestic or foreign.\" At the beginning of that month, in the inaugeral, I said \"The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging to the government, and to collect the duties, and imposts.\" This had your distinct approval at the time; and, taken in connection with the order I immediately gave General Scott, directing him to employ every means in his power to strengthen and hold the forts, comprises the exact domestic policy you now urge, with the single exception, that it does not pro-pose to abandon Fort Sumpter. Again, I do not perceive how the re-inforcement of Fort Sumpter would be done on a slavery, or party issue, while that of Fort Pickens would be on a more national, and patriotic one. The news received yesterday in regard to St. Domingo, certainly brings a new item within the range of our foreign policy;2 but up to that time we have been preparing circulars, and instructions to ministers, and the like, all in perfect harmony, without even a suggestion that we had no foreign policy. Upon your closing propositions, that \"whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prossecution of it\" \"For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct it incessantly\" \"Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while active in it, or\" APRIL 1, l86l \"Devolve it on some member of his cabinet\" \"Once adopted, debates on it must end, and all agree and abide\" I remark that if this must be done, 7 must do it, \"When a general line of policy is adopted, I apprehend there is no danger of its being changed without good reason, or continuing to be a subject of unnecessary debate; still, upon points arising in its progress, I wish, and suppose I am entitled to have the advice of all the cabinet.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0467" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L5-0149": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0467", "label": "REPLY TO SECRETARY SEWARD'S MEMORANDUM | EXECUTIVE MANSION, APRIL 1, 1861 | HON. W. H. SEWARD.", "text": "Since parting with you I have been considering your paper dated this day, and entitled \"Some Thoughts for the President's Consideration.\" The first proposition in it is, \"First, We are at the end of a month's administration, and yet without a policy either domestic or foreign.\" At the beginning of that month, in the inaugural, I said: \"The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government, and to Collect the duties and imposts.\" This had your distinct approval at the time; and, taken in connection with the order I immediately gave General Scott, directing him to employ every means in his power to strengthen and hold the forts, comprises the exact domestic policy you now urge, with the single exception that it does not propose to abandon Fort Sumter. Again, I do not perceive how the reinforcement of Fort Sumter would be done on a slavery or a party issue, while that of Fort Pickens would be on a more national and patriotic one. The news received yesterday in regard to St. Domingo certainly brings a new item within the range of our foreign policy; but up to that time we have been preparing circulars and instructions to ministers and the like, all in perfect harmony, without even a suggestion that we had no foreign policy. Upon your Closing propositions \u2014 that, \"Whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prosecution of it. \"For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct it incessantly. \"Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while active in it, or, \"Devolve it on some member of his Cabinet. Once adopted, debates on it must end, and all agree and abide\" \u2014 I remark that if this must be done, I must do it. When a general line of policy is adopted, I apprehend there is no danger of its being changed without good reason, or continuing to be a subject of unnecessary debate; still, upon points arising in its progress I wish, and suppose I am entitled to have, the advice of all the Cabinet.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0467" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0501": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0150", "label": "Reply to a Committee", "text": "from the Virginia Convention1 Hon: William Ballard Preston, Alexander H. H. Stuart, & George W. Randolph, Esq \u2014 Gentlemen: As a committee of the Virginia convention, now in session, you present me a preamble and resolution, in these words: Whereas,2 in the opinion of this Convention the uncertainty which prevails in the public mind as to the policy which the Federal Execu- APRIL 13, l86l tive intends to pursue toward the seceded States is extremely injurious to the industrial and commercial interests of the country; tends to keep up an excitement -which is unfavorable to the adjustment of pending difficulties, and threatens a disturbance of the public peace; therefore Resolved, that a committee of three delegates be appointed by this Convention to wait upon the President of the United States, present to him this preamble and resolution, and respectfully ask of him to communicate to this Convention the policy which the Federal Executive intends to pursue in regard to the Confederate States. Adopted by the Convention of the State of Virginia, Richmond, April 8th 1861 In pursuance of the foregoing resolution, the following delegates were appointed to constitute said committee. Hon. William Ballard Preston. Hon. Alexander H. H. Stuart. George W. Randolph Esq. JOHN JANNEY PRESIDENT L. EUBANK SECRETARY. In answer I have to say, that having, at the beginning of my official term, expressed my intended policy, as plainly as I was able, it is with deep regret, and some mortification, I now learn, that there is great, and injurious uncertainty, in the public mind, as to what that policy is, and what course I intend to pursue. Not having, as yet, seen occasion to change, it is now my purpose to pursue the course marked out in the inaugeral address. I commend a careful consideration of the whole document, as the best ex-pression I can give of my purposes. As I then, and therein, said, I now repeat: \"The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess, the property, and places belonging to the Government, and to collect the duties, and imposts; but, beyond what is necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion \u2014 no using of force against, or among the people anywhere\" By the words \"property, and places, belonging to the Government\" I chiefly allude to the military posts, and property, which were in the possession of the Government when it came to my hands. But3 if, as now appears to be true, in pursuit of a purpose to drive the United States authority from these places, an unprovoked assault, has been made upon Fort-Sumpter, I shall hold myself at liberty to re-possess, if I can, like places which had been seized before the Government was devolved upon me. And, in every event, I shall, to the extent of ray ability, repel force by force. In case it proves true, that Fort-Sumpter has been assaulted, as is reported, I shall perhaps, cause the United States mails to be APRIL 15., l86l withdrawn frora all the States which, claim to have seceded \u2014 believing that the commencement of actual war against the Government., justifies and possibly demands this, I scarcely need to say that I consider the Military posts and property situated within the states, \\vhich claim to have seceded, as yet belonging to the Government of the United States, as much as they did before the supposed secession. Whatever else I may do for the purpose, I shall not attempt to collect the duties, and imposts, by any armed Invasion of any part of the country \u2014 not meaning by this, however, that I may not land a force, deemed necessary, to relieve a fort upon a border of the country. From the fact, that I have quoted a part of the inaugeral address, it must not be infered that I repudiate any other part, the whole of which I re-affirm, except so far as what I now say of the mails, may be regarded as a modification,", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0501" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L5-0150": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0501", "label": "REPLY TO A COMMITTEE FROM THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION, APRIL 13, 1861 | HON. WILLIAM BALLARD PRESTON, ALEXANDER H. H. STUART, GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,", "text": "As a committee of the Virginia Convention now in Session, you present me a preamble and resolution in these words: \"Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention, the uncertainty which prevails in the public mind as to the policy which the Federal Executive intends to pursue toward the seceded States is extremely injurious to the industrial and commercial interests of the country, tends to keep up an excitement which is unfavorable to the adjustment of pending difficulties, and threatens a disturbance of the public peace: therefore \"Resolved, that a committee of three delegates be appointed by this Convention to wait upon the President of the United States, present to him this preamble and resolution, and respectfully ask him to communicate to this Convention the policy which the Federal Executive intends to pursue in regard to the Confederate States. \"Adopted by the Convention of the State of Virginia, Richmond, April 8, 1861.\" In answer I have to say that, having at the beginning of my official term expressed my intended policy as plainly as I was able, it is with deep regret and some mortification I now learn that there is great and injurious uncertainty in the public mind as to what that policy is, and what course I intend to pursue. Not having as yet seen occasion to change, it is now my purpose to pursue the course marked out in the inaugural address. I commend a careful consideration of the whole document as the best expression I can give of my purposes. As I then and therein said, I now repeat: \"The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government, and to collect the duties and imposts; but beyond what is necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere.\" By the words \"property and places belonging to the Government,\" I chiefly allude to the military posts and property which were in the possession of the Government when it came to my hands. But if, as now appears to be true, in pursuit of a purpose to drive the United States authority from these places, an unprovoked assault has been made upon Fort Sumter, I shall hold myself at liberty to repossess, if I can, like places which had been seized before the Government was devolved upon me. And in every event I shall, to the extent of my ability, repel force by force. In case it proves true that Fort Sumter has been assaulted, as is reported, I shall perhaps cause the United States mails to be withdrawn from all the States which claim to have seceded, believing that the commencement of actual war against the Government justifies and possibly demands this. I scarcely need to say that I consider the military posts and property situated within the States which claim to have seceded as yet belonging to the Government of the United States as much as they did before the supposed secession. Whatever else I may do for the purpose, I shall not attempt to collect the duties and imposts by any armed invasion of any part of the country; not meaning by this, however, that I may not land a force deemed necessary to relieve a fort upon a border of the country. From the fact that I have quoted a part of the inaugural address, it must not be inferred that I repudiate any other part, the whole of which I reaffirm, except so far as what I now say of the mails may be regarded as a modification.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0501" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0524": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0153", "label": "To Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown", "text": "Gentlemen: Your letter by Messrs. Bond, Dobbin & Brume, is re-ceived. I tender you both my sincere thanks for your efforts to keep the peace in the trying situation in which you are placed. For the future, troops must be brought here, but I make no point of bringing them through Baltimore. Without any military knowledge myself, of course I must leave details to Gen. Scott. He hastily said, this morning, in presence of these gentlemen, \"March them around Baltimore, and not through it.\" I sincerely hope the General, on fuller reflection, will consider this practical and proper, and that you will not object to it. By this, a collision of the people of Baltimore -with the troops will be avoided, unless they go out of their way to seek it. I hope you will exert your influence to pre-vent this. Now, and ever, I shall do all in my power for peace, consistently with the maintainance of government.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0524" ], "overlap": 0.85 }, "lapsley:L5-0153": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0524", "label": "TO GOVERNOR HICKS AND MAYOR BROWN.", "text": "Your letter by Messrs. Bond, Dobbin, and Brune is received. I tender you both my sincere thanks for your efforts to keep the peace in the trying situation in which you are placed. For the future troops must be brought here, but I make no point of bringing them through Baltimore. Without any military knowledge myself, of course I must leave details to General Scott. He hastily said this morning in the presence of these gentlemen, \"March them around Baltimore, and not through it.\" I sincerely hope the General, on fuller reflection, will consider this practical and proper, and that you will not object to it. By this a collision of the people of Baltimore with the troops will be avoided, unless they go out of their way to seek it. I hope you will exert your influence to prevent this. Now and ever I shall do all in my power for peace consistently with the maintenance of the Government.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0524" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0531": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0155", "label": "To Winfield Scott", "text": "The Maryland Legislature assembles to-morrow at Anapolis; and, not improbably, will take action to arm the people of that State against the United States. The question has been sub-mitted to, and considered by me, whether it would not be justifiable, upon the ground of necessary defence, for you, as commander in Chief of the United States Army, to arrest, or disperse the members of that body. I think it -would not be justifiable; nor, efficient for the desired object. First, they have a clearly legal right to assemble; and, we can not know in advance, that their action -will not be lawful, and peaceful. And if we wait until they shall have acted, their arrest, or dispersion, will not lessen the effect of their action. Secondly, we can not permanently prevent their action. If we arrest them, we can not long hold them as prisoners; and when liberated, they will immediately re-assemble, and take their action. And, precisely the same if we simply disperse them. They will immediately re-assemble in some other place. I therefore conclude that it is only left to the commanding General to watch, and await their action, which, if it shall be to arm their people against the United States, he is to adopt the most prompt, and efficient means to counteract, even, if necessary, to the bombardment of their cities \u2014 and in the extremest necessity, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0531" ], "overlap": 0.78 }, "lapsley:L5-0155": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0531", "label": "ORDER TO DEFEND FROM A MARYLAND INSURRECTION", "text": "ORDER TO GENERAL SCOTT. WASHINGTON, April 25, 1861 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SCOTT. The Maryland Legislature assembles to-morrow at Annapolis, and not improbably will take action to arm the people of that State against the United States. The question has been submitted to and considered by me whether it would not be justifiable, upon the ground of necessary defense, for you, as General in Chief of the United States Army, to arrest or disperse the members of that body. I think it would not be justifiable nor efficient for the desired object. First. They have a clearly legal right to assemble, and we cannot know in advance that their action will not be lawful and peaceful, and if we wait until they shall have acted their arrest or dispersion will not lessen the effect of their action. Secondly. We cannot permanently prevent their action. If we arrest them, we cannot long hold them as prisoners, and when liberated they will immediately reassemble and take their action; and precisely the same if we simply disperse them \u2014 they will immediately reassemble in some other place. I therefore conclude that it is only left to the Commanding General to watch and await their action, which, if it shall be to arm their people against the United States, he is to adopt the most prompt and efficient means to counteract, even, if necessary, to the bombardment of their cities and, in the extremist necessity, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0531" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0548": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0160", "label": "To Gustavus V. Fo", "text": "I sincerely regret that the failure of the late attempt to provision Fort-Sumpter, should be the source of any annoyance to you. The practicability of your plan was not, in fact, brought to a test. By reason of a gale, well known in advance to be possible, and not improbable, the tugs, an essential part of the plan, never reached the ground; while, by an accident, for which you were in no wise responsible, and possibly I, to some extent was, you were deprived of a war vessel with her men, which you deemed of great importance to the enterprize.2 I most cheerfully and truly declare that the failure of the undertaking has not lowered you a particle, while the qualities you developed in the effort, have greatly heightened you, in my estima- tlon. For a daring and dangerous enterprize, of a similar character, you would, to-day, be the man, of all my acquaintances, whom I would select. You and I both anticipated that the cause of the country -would be advanced by making the attempt to provision Fort-Sumpter, even if it should fail; and it is no small consolation now to feel that our anticipation is justified by the result.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0548" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L5-0160": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0548", "label": "CONDOLENCE OVER FAILURE OF FT. SUMTER RELIEF | TO GUSTAVUS V. FOX.", "text": "I sincerely regret that the failure of the late attempt to provision Fort Sumter should be the source of any annoyance to you. The practicability of your plan was not, in fact, brought to a test. By reason of a gale, well known in advance to be possible and not improbable, the tugs, an essential part of the plan, never reached the ground; while, by an accident for which you were in no wise responsible, and possibly I to some extent was, you were deprived of a war vessel, with her men, which you deemed of great importance to the enterprise. I most cheerfully and truly declare that the failure of the undertaking has not lowered you a particle, while the qualities you developed in the effort have greatly heightened you in my estimation. For a daring and dangerous enterprise of a similar character you would to-day be the man of all my acquaintances whom I would select. You and I both anticipated that the cause of the country would be advanced by making the attempt to provision Fort Sumter, even if it should fail; and it is no small consolation now to feel that our anticipation is justified by the result.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0548" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0617": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0170", "label": "To Ephraim D. and Phoebe EHs worth", "text": "and Madam, In the untimely loss of your noble son, our affliction here, is scarcely less than your own. So much of promised usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall. In size, in years, and in youthful appearance, a boy only, his power to command men, was surpassingly great. This power, combined with a fine intellect, an indomitable energy, and a taste altogether military, constituted in him, as seemed to me, the best natural talent, in that department, I ever knew'. And yet he was singularly modest and deferential in social intercourse. My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago; yet through the latter half of the intervening period, it was as intimate as the disparity of our ages, and my engrossing engagements, would permit. To me, he appeared to have no indulgences or pastimes; and I never heard him utter a profane, or an intemperate word. What was conclusive of his good heart, he never forgot his parents. The honors he la- MAY 26, l86l bored for so laudably, and, in the sad end, so gallantly gave his life, he meant for them, no less than for himself. In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of my young friend, and your brave and early fallen child. May God give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power. Sincerely your friend in a common affliction \u2014", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0617" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L5-0170": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0617", "label": "LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO ONE OF FIRST CASUALTIES", "text": "TO COLONEL ELLSWORTH'S PARENTS, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 25, 1861 TO THE FATHER AND MOTHER OF COL. ELMER E. ELLSWORTH. In the untimely loss of your noble son, our affliction here is scarcely less than your own. So much of promised usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and friends, have never been so suddenly dashed as in his fall. In size, in years, and in youthful appearance a boy only, his power to command men was surpassingly great. This power, combined with a fine intellectual and indomitable energy, and a taste altogether military, constituted in him, as seemed to me, the best natural talent in that department I ever knew. And yet he was singularly modest and deferential in social intercourse. My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago; yet, through the latter half of the intervening period, it was as intense as the disparity of our ages and my engrossing engagements would permit. To me he appeared to have no indulgences or pastimes, and I never heard him utter a profane or an intemperate word. What was conclusive of his good heart, he never forgot his parents. The honors he labored for so laudably, and for which, in the sad end, he so gallantly gave his life, he meant for them no less than for himself. In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of my young friend and your brave and early fallen son. May God give you the consolation which is beyond all early power. Sincerely your friend in common affliction, A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0617" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0660": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0172", "label": "To Simon Cameron", "text": "The Government has already accepted ten Regiments from the State of Indiana. I think at least six more ought to be received from that state. Two to be those of Col. James W. McMillan & Col. William L. Brown, and the other four to be designated by the Governor of the State of Indiana; and to be received into the volunteer service of the U.S. according to the \"Plan of organization,\" in the General Order of the War Department No. 15 \u2014 when they re-port to Major General McClellan, in condition to pass muster according to that Order. And, with the approval of the Secretary of War to be indorsed hereon, and a copy left in his Department, I direct that the whole six, or any small number of said Regiments be received.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0660" ], "overlap": 0.82 }, "lapsley:L5-0172": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0660", "label": "MEMORANDUM ABOUT INDIANA REGIMENTS. | WASHINGTON, JUNE 11, 1861", "text": "The government has already accepted ten regiments from the State of Indiana. I think at least six more ought to be received from that State, two to be those of Colonel James W. McMillan and Colonel William L. Brown, and the other four to be designated by the Governor of the State of Indiana, and to be received into the volunteer service of the United States according to the \"Plan of Organization\" in the General Orders of the War Department, No.15. When they report to Major-General McClellan in condition to pass muster according to that order, and with the approval of the Secretary of War to be indorsed hereon, and left in his department, I direct that the whole six, or any smaller number of such regiments, be received. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0660" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0686": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0177", "label": "To Ninian W. Edwards", "text": "It pains me to hear you speak of being ruined in your pecuniary affairs. I still hope you are injured only, and not ruined.2 \"When you wrote me some time ago in reference to looking up something in the Departments here, I thought I would inquire into the thing and write you, but the extraordinary pressure upon me diverted me from it, and soon it passed out o\u00a3 my mind. The thing you proposed, it seemed to me, I ought to understand myself before it was set on foot by my direction or permission; and I really had no time to make myself acquainted with it. Nor have I yet. And yet I am unwilling, of course, that you should be deprived of a chance to make something, if it can be done \"without injustice to the Government, or to any individual. If you choose to come here and point out to me how this can be done, I shall not only not object, but shall be gratified to be able to oblige you. Your friend as ever", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0686" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L5-0177": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0686", "label": "TO N. W. EDWARDS", "text": ".When you wrote me some time ago in reference to looking up something in the departments here, I thought I would inquire into the thing and write you, but the extraordinary pressure upon me diverted me from it, and soon it passed out of my mind. The thing you proposed, it seemed to me, I ought to understand myself before it was set on foot by my direction or permission; and I really had no time to make myself acquainted with it. Nor have I yet. And yet I am unwilling, of course, that you should be deprived of a chance to make something, if it can be done without injustice to the Government, or to any individual. If you choose to come here and point out to me how this can be done I shall not only not object, but shall be gratified to be able to oblige you. Your friend as ever A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0686" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0754": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0190", "label": "Memoranda of Military Policy Suggested by the Bull Run Defeat", "text": "1 Let the plan for making the Blockade effective be pushed forward with all possible despatch. 2 Let the volunteer forces at Fort-Monroe & vicinity \u2014 under Genl. Butler \u2014 be constantly drilled, disciplined, and instructed without more for the present. 3. Let Baltimore be held, as now, with a gentle, but firm, and certain hand, 4 Let the force now under Patterson, or Banks, be strengthened, and made secure in it's possition*2 5. Let the forces in Western Virginia act, till further orders, according to instructions, or orders from Gen. McClellan. 6. Let Gen. Fremont push forward his organization, and opperations in the West as rapidly as possible, giving rather special attention to Missouri. 7 Let the forces late before Manassas, except the three months men, be reorganized as rapidly as possible, in their camps here and about Arlington 8. Let the three months forces, who decline to enter the longer service, be discharged as rapidly as circumstances will permit. 9 Let the new volunteer forces be brought forward as fast as possible; and especially into the camps on the two sides of the river here. July 27, i86i3 When the foregoing shall have been substantially attended to \u2014 i. Let Manassas junction, (or some point on one or other of the railroads near it;); and Strasburg, be seized, and permanently JULY 23, l86l held, with an open line from Washington to Manassas; and and |>\u00a3c] open line from Harper's Ferry to Strasburg \u2014 the military men to find the way of doing these. 2. This done, a joint movement from Cairo on Memphis; and from Cincinnati on East Tennessee.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0754" ], "overlap": 0.81 }, "lapsley:L5-0190": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0754", "label": "MEMORANDA OF MILITARY POLICY SUGGESTED BY THE BULL RUN DEFEAT. JULY 23,", "text": "1. Let the plan for making the blockade effective be pushed forward with all possible despatch. 2. Let the volunteer forces at Fort Monroe and vicinity under General Butler be constantly drilled, disciplined, and instructed without more for the present. 3. Let Baltimore be held as now, with a gentle but firm and certain hand. 4. Let the force now under Patterson or Banks be strengthened and made secure in its position. 5. Let the forces in Western Virginia act till further orders according to instructions or orders from General McClellan. 6. General Fremont push forward his organization and operations in the West as rapidly as possible, giving rather special attention to Missouri. 7. Let the forces late before Manassas, except the three-months men, be reorganized as rapidly as possible in their camps here and about Arlington. 8. Let the three-months forces who decline to enter the longer service be discharged as rapidly as circumstances will permit. 9. Let the new volunteer forces be brought forward as fast as possible, and especially into the camps on the two sides of the river here. When the foregoing shall be substantially attended to: 1. Let Manassas Junction (or some point on one or other of the railroads near it) and Strasburg be seized, and permanently held, with an open line from Washington to Manassas, and an open line from Harper's Ferry to Strasburg the military men to find the way of doing these. 2. This done, a joint movement from Cairo on Memphis; and from Cincinnati on East Tennessee.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0754" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0804": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0201", "label": "To Simon Cameron", "text": "The within paper, as you see, is by Hon. John S. Phelps, and Hon. Frank P. Blair Jr. both members of the present Congress from Missouri. The object is to get up an efficient force of Missourians in the South Western part of the State. It ought to be done; and Mr. Phelps ought to have general Superintendence of it. I see by a private report to me from the Department, that 18 regiments are already accepted from Missouri.2 Can it not be arranged that part of them (not yet organized, as I understand) may be taken from the locality mentioned, and put under the control of Mr. Phelps? And let him have discretion to accept them for a shorter term than three years, or the war; understanding, however that he will get them for the full term if he can. I hope this can be done, because Mr. Phelps is too zealous & efficient; and understands his ground too well for us to lose his service. Of course pro-vision for arming, equiping &c. must be made. Mr. Phelps is here, & wishes to carry home with him, authority for this matter.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0804" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L5-0201": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0804", "label": "TO SECRETARY CAMERON. | EXECUTIVE MANSION, AUGUST 7, 1861 | HON. SECRETARY OF WAR", "text": "The within paper, as you see, is by HON. John S. Phelps and HON. Frank P. Blair, Jr., both members of the present Congress from Missouri. The object is to get up an efficient force of Missourians in the southwestern part of the State. It ought to be done, and Mr. Phelps ought to have general superintendence of it. I see by a private report to me from the department that eighteen regiments are already accepted from Missouri. Can it not be arranged that part of them (not yet organized, as I understand) may be taken from the locality mentioned and put under the control of Mr. Phelps, and let him have discretion to accept them for a shorter term than three years \u2014 or the war \u2014 understanding, however, that he will get them for the full term if he can? I hope this can be done, because Mr. Phelps is too zealous and efficient and understands his ground too well for us to lose his service. Of course provision for arming, equipping, etc., must be made. Mr. Phelps is here, and wishes to carry home with him authority for this matter.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0804" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0865": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0208", "label": "To Beriah Magoffin", "text": "Sir: Your letter of the igth. Inst. in which you \"urge the re-moval from the limits of Kentucky of the military force now organized, and in camp within said State\" is received, I may not possess full and precisely accurate knowledge upon this subject; but I believe it is true that there is a military force in camp within Kentucky, acting by authority of the United States, which force is not very large, and is not now being augmented. I also believe that some arms have been furnished to this force by the United States. I also believe this force consists exclusively of KentucHans, having their camp in the immediate vicinity of their own homes, and not assailing, or menacing, any of the good people of Kentucky. In all I have done in the premises, I have acted upon the urgent solicitation of many KentucHans, and in accordance with what I believed, and still believe, to be the wish of a majority of all the Union-loving people of Kentucky. While I have conversed on this subject with many eminent men of Kentucky, including a large majority of her Members of Congress, I do not remember that any one of them, or any other person, except your Excellency and the bearers of your Excellency's letter, has urged me to remove the military force from Kentucky, or to disband it. One other very -worthy citizen of Kentucky did solicit me to have the augmenting of the force suspended for a time. Taking all the means within my reach to form a judgment, I do not believe it is the popular wish of Kentucky that this force shall be removed beyond her limits; and, with this impression, I must respectfully decline to so remove it. I most cordially sympathize with your Excellency, in the wish to preserve the peace of my own native State, Kentucky; but it is with regret I search, and can not find, in your not very short letter, any declaration, or intimation, that you entertain any desire for the preservation of the Federal Union.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0865" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L5-0208": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0865", "label": "TO GOVERNOR MAGOFFIN, | WASHINGTON, D.C., AUGUST 24, 1861", "text": "To HIS EXCELLENCY B. MAGOFFIN, Governor of the State of Kentucky. Your letter of the 19th instant, in which you urge the \"removal from the limits of Kentucky of the military force now organized and in camp within that State,\" is received. I may not possess full and precisely accurate knowledge upon this subject; but I believe it is true that there is a military force in camp within Kentucky, acting by authority of the United States, which force is not very large, and is not now being augmented. I also believe that some arms have been furnished to this force by the United States. I also believe this force consists exclusively of Kentuckians, having their camp in the immediate vicinity of their own homes, and not assailing or menacing any of the good people of Kentucky. In all I have done in the premises I have acted upon the urgent solicitation of many Kentuckians, and in accordance with what I believed, and still believe, to be the wish of a majority of all the Union-loving people of Kentucky. While I have conversed on this subject with many eminent men of Kentucky, including a large majority of her members of Congress, I do not remember that any one of them, or any other person, except your Excellency and the bearers of your Excellency's letter, has urged me to remove the military force from Kentucky or to disband it. One other very worthy citizen of Kentucky did solicit me to have the augmenting of the force suspended for a time. Taking all the means within my reach to form a judgment, I do not believe it is the popular wish of Kentucky that this force shall be removed beyond her limits; and, with this impression, I must respectfully decline to so remove it. I most cordially sympathize with your Excellency in the wish to preserve the peace of my own native State, Kentucky. It is with regret I search, and cannot find, in your not very short letter, any declaration or intimation that you entertain any desire for the preservation of the Federal Union.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0865" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0928": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0211", "label": "To John C. Fremont", "text": "Sir: Yours of the 8th. in answer to mine of and. Inst. is just re-ceived. Assuming that you, upon the ground, could better judge SEPTEMBER 11, l86l of the necessities of your position than I could at this distance, on seeing your proclamation of August soth. I perceived no general objection to it. The particular clause, however, in relation to the confiscation of property and the liberation of slaves, appeared to me to be objectionable, in it's non-conformity to the Act of Congress passed the 6th. of last August upon the same subjects; and hence I wrote you expressing my wish that that clause should be modified accordingly. Your answer, just received, expresses the preference on your part, that I should make an open order for the modification, which I very cheerfully do. It is therefore ordered that the said clause of said proclamation be so modified, held, and construed, as to conform to, and not to transcend, the provisions on the same subject contained in the act of Congress entitled \"An Act to confiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes\" Approved, August 6. 1861; and that said act be published at length with this order.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0928" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L5-0211": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0928", "label": "TO GENERAL FREMONT. | WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPTEMBER 11, 1861 | MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN C. FREMONT.", "text": "-Yours of the 8th, in answer to mine of the 2d instant, is just received. Assuming that you, upon the ground, could better judge of the necessities of your position than I could at this distance, on seeing your proclamation of August 30 I perceived no general objection to it. The particular clause, however, in relation to the confiscation of property and the liberation of slaves appeared to me to be objectionable in its nonconformity to the act of Congress passed the 6th of last August upon the same subjects; and hence I wrote you, expressing my wish that that clause should be modified accordingly. Your answer, just received, expresses the preference on your part that I should make an open order for the modification, which I very cheerfully do. It is therefore ordered that the said clause of said proclamation be so modified, held, and construed as to conform to, and not to transcend, the provisions on the same subject contained in the act of Congress entitled \"An act to confiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes,\" approved August 6, 1861, and that said act be published at length with this order.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0928" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0931": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0212", "label": "To Mrs. John C. Fremont", "text": "\u2014 Your two notes of to-day are before me. I answered the letter you bore me from Gen. Fremont, on yesterday; and not hearing from you during the day, I sent the answer to him by mail. It is not exactly correct, as you say you were told by the elder Mr. Blair, to say that I sent Post-Master-General Blair to St. Louis to examine into that Department, and report. Post-Master-General Blair did go, with my approbation, to see and converse with Gen. Fremont as a friend. I do not feel authorized to furnish you with copies of letters in my possession without the consent of the writers. No impression has been made on my mind against the honor or integrity of Gen. Fremont; and I now enter my protest against being understood as acting in any hostility towards him.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0931" ], "overlap": 0.91 }, "lapsley:L5-0212": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0931", "label": "TO MRS. FREMONT.", "text": "Your two notes of to-day are before me. I answered the letter you bore me from General Fremont on yesterday, and not hearing from you during the day, I sent the answer to him by mail. It is not exactly correct, as you say you were told by the elder Mr. Blair, to say that I sent Postmaster-General Blair to St. Louis to examine into that department and report. Postmaster-General Blair did go, with my approbation, to see and converse with General Fremont as a friend. I do not feel authorized to furnish you with copies of letters in my possession without the consent of the writers. No impression has been made on my mind against the honor or integrity of General Fremont, and I now enter my protest against being understood as acting in any hostility toward him.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0931" ] }, "basler:basler-IV-0997": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L5-0218", "label": "Memorandum for a Plan of Campaign", "text": "On, or about the 5th. of October, (the exact day to be determined hereafter) I wish a movement made to seize and hold a point on the Railroad connecting Virginia and Tennesse, near the Mountain pass called Cumberland Gap. That point is now guarded against us by Zolicoffer, with 6000 or 8000, rebels at Barboursville, Kentucky, say twentyfive miles from the Gap towards Lexington. We have a force of 5000 or 6000, under General Thomas,2 at Camp Dick Robinson, about twentyfive miles from Lexington, and seventyfive from Zollicoffer's camp on the road between the two, which is not a Railroad, anywhere between Lexington and the point to be seized \u2014 and along the whole length of which the Union sentiment among the people largely predominates. We have military possession of the Railroads from Cincinnati to Lexington, and from Louisville to Lexington, and some Home Guards under General Crittenden3 are on the latter line. We have possession of the Railroad from Louisville to Nashville, Tenn, so far as Muldrough's Hill, about forty miles, and the rebels have possession of that road all South of there. At the Hill we have a force of 8000 under Gen. Sherman;4 and about an equal OCTOBER 1, l86l force of rebels is a very short distance South, under under szc Gen. Buckner. We have a large force at Paducah, and a smaller at Fort-Holt, both on the Kentucky side, with some at Bird's Point, Cairo, Mound City, Evansville, & New- Albany, all on the other side; and all which, with the Gun-Boats on the River, are, perhaps, sufficient to guard the Ohio from Louisville to it's mouth. About supplies of troops, my general idea is that all from \"Wisconsin, Minesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, not now elsewhere, be left to Fremont* All from Indiana and Michigan, not now elsewhere, be sent to Anderson at Louisville. All from Ohio, needed in Western Virginia be sent there; and any remainder, be sent to Mitchell5 at Cincinnati, for Anderson. All East of the Mountains be appropriated to McClellan, and to the coast. As to movements, my idea is that the one for the coast,6 and that on Cumberland Gap be simultaneous; and that, in the mean time, preparation, vigilant watching, and the defensive only be acted upon \u2014 (this however, not to apply to Fremonts operations in Northern and middle Missouri) \u2014 that before these movements, Thomas and Sherman shall respectively watch, but not attack Zollicoffer, and Buckner. That when the coast and Gap movements shall be ready, Sherman is merely to stand fast; while all at Cincincinnati szV, and all at Louisville with all on the lines, concentrate rapidly at Lexington, and thence to Thomas' camp joining him, and the whole thence upon the Gap. It is for the Military men to decide whether they can find a pass through the mountains at or near the Gap, which can not be defended by the enemy, with a greatly inferior force, and what is to be done in regard to this. The Coast and Gap movements made. Generals McClellan and Fremont, in their respective Departments, will avail themselves of any advantages the diversions may present.", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0997" ], "overlap": 0.8 }, "lapsley:L5-0218": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-IV-0997", "label": "MEMORANDUM FOR A PLAN OF CAMPAIGN | [OCTOBER 1?] 1861", "text": "On or about the 5th of October (the exact date to be determined hereafter) I wish a movement made to seize and hold a point on the railroad connecting Virginia and Tennessee near the mountain-pass called Cumberland Gap. That point is now guarded against us by Zollicoffer, with 6000 or 8000 rebels at Barboursville Ky., \u2014 say twenty-five miles from the Gap, toward Lexington. We have a force of 5000 or 6000 under General Thomas, at Camp Dick Robinson, about twenty-five miles from Lexington and seventy-five from Zollicoffer's camp, On the road between the two. There is not a railroad anywhere between Lexington and the point to be seized, and along the whole length of which the Union sentiment among the people largely predominates. We have military possession of the railroad from Cincinnati to Lexington, and from Louisville to Lexington, and some home guards, under General Crittenden, are on the latter line. We have possession of the railroad from Louisville to Nashville, Tenn., so far as Muldraugh's Hill, about forty miles, and the rebels have possession of that road all south of there. At the Hill we have a force of 8000, under General Sherman, and about an equal force of rebels is a very short distance south, under General Buckner. We have a large force at Paducah, and a smaller at Port Holt, both on the Kentucky side, with some at Bird's Point, Cairo, Mound City, Evansville, and New Albany, all on the other side, and all which, with the gunboats on the river, are perhaps sufficient to guard the Ohio from Louisville to its mouth. About supplies of troops, my general idea is that all from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, not now elsewhere, be left to Fremont. All from Indiana and Michigan, not now elsewhere, be sent to Anderson at Louisville. All from Ohio needed in western Virginia be sent there, and any remainder be sent to Mitchell at Cincinnati, for Anderson. All east of the mountains be appropriated to McClellan and to the coast. As to movements, my idea is that the one for the coast and that on Cumberland Gap be simultaneous, and that in the meantime preparation, vigilant watching, and the defensive only be acted upon; this, however, not to apply to Fremont's operations in northern and middle Missouri. That before these movements Thomas and Sherman shall respectively watch but not attack Zollicoffer and Buckner. That when the coast and Gap movements shall be ready Sherman is merely to stand fast, while all at Cincinnati and all at Louisville, with all on the line, concentrate rapidly at Lexington, and thence to Thomas's camp, joining him, and the whole thence upon the Gap. It is for the military men to decide whether they can find a pass through the mountains at or near the Gap which cannot be defended by the enemy with a greatly inferior force, and what is to be done in regard to this. The coast and Gap movements made, Generals McClellan and Fremont, in their respective departments, will avail themselves of any advantages the diversions may present. ", "parents": [ "basler-IV-0997" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0017": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0019", "label": "To John M. Schofield", "text": "I see a despatch here from St. Louis which is a little difficult for me to understand. It says \"Gen. Schofield has refused leave of absence to members in Military service to attend the Legislature. All such are radical and Administration men. The election of two Senators from this place on Thursday will probably turn upon this thing\" What does this mean? O\u00a3 course members of the Legislature must be allowed to attend it's sessions. But how is there a session before the recent election returns are in? And how is it to be at \"this place\" \u2014 that is \u2014 St Louis? Please inform me.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0017" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L7-0019": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0017", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD.", "text": "I see a dispatch here from Saint Louis, which is a little difficult for me to understand. It says \"General Schofield has refused leave of absence to members in military service to attend the legislature. All such are radical and administration men. The election of two Senators from this place on Thursday will probably turn upon this thing.\" what does this mean? Of course members of the legislation must be allowed to attend its sessions. But how is there a session before the recent election returns are in? And how is it to be at \"this place\" \u2014 and that is Saint Louis? Please inform me. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0017" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0044": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0029", "label": "To George G. Meade", "text": "An intelligent woman in deep distress, called this morning, saying her husband, a Lieutenant in the A.P. was to be shot next Monday for desertion; and putting a letter in my hand, upon which I relied for particulars, she left without mentioning a name, or other particular by which to identify the case. On opening the letter I found it equally vague, having nothing to identify by, ex-cept her own signature, which seems to be \"Mrs. Anna S. King\" I could not again find her. If you have a case which you shall think is probably the one intended, please apply my despatch of this morning to it.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0044" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0029": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0044", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL MEADE.", "text": "An intelligent woman in deep distress, called this morning, saying her husband, a lieutenant in the Army of Potomac, was to be shot next Monday for desertion, and putting a letter in my hand, upon which I relied for particulars, she left without mentioning a name or other particular by which to identify the case. On opening the letter I found it equally vague, having nothing to identify by, except her own signature, which seems to be \"Mrs. Anna S. King.\" I could not again find her. If you have a case which you shall think is probably the one intended, please apply my dispatch of this morning to it. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0044" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0122": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0046", "label": "To the Senate and House of Representatives", "text": "Herewith I lay before you a letter addressed to myself by a Committee of gentlemen representing the Freedman's Aid Societies in Boston, New-York, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. The subject of the letter, as indicated above, is one of great magnitude, and importance, and one which these gentlemen, of known ability and high character, seem to have considered with great attention and care. Not having the time to form a mature judgment of mv own as to whether the plan they suggest is the best, I submit the whole subject to Congress deeming that their attention thereto is almost imperatively demanded.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0122" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0046": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0122", "label": "MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, | DECEMBER 17, 1863. | TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES:", "text": "Herewith I lay before you a letter addressed to myself by a committee of gentlemen representing the freedmen's aid societies in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. The subject of the letter, as indicated above, is one of great magnitude and importance, and one which these gentlemen, of known ability and high character, seem to have considered with great attention and care. Not having the time to form a mature judgment of my own as to whether the plan they suggest is the best, I submit the whole subject to Congress, deeming that their attention thereto is almost imperatively demanded. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0122" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0141": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0049", "label": "To Edwin M. Stanton", "text": "Sending a note to the Secretary of the Navy as I promised, he called over and said that the strikes in the Ship-yards had thrown the completion of vessels back so much, that he thought Gen. Gilmores proposition entirely proper. He only wishes (and in which I concur) that Gen. Gilmore will courteously confer with and ex-plain to Admiral Dahlgren. In regard to the Western matter, I believe the programme will have to stand substantially as I first put it. Henderson and especially Brown believe that the social influences of St. Louis would in-evitably tell injuriously upon Gen. Pope, in the particular difficulty existing there; and I think there is some force in that view. As to retaining Gen. S. temporarily, if this should be done, I believe I should scarcely be able to get his nomination through the Senate. Send me over his nomination, which however I am not vet quite ready to send to the Senate.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0141" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L7-0049": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0141", "label": "TO SECRETARY STANTON.", "text": "Sending a note to the Secretary of the Navy, as I promised, he called over and said that the strikes in the ship-yards had thrown the completion of vessels back so much that he thought General Gilimore's proposition entirely proper. He only wishes (and in which I concur) that General Gillmore will courteously confer with, and explain to, Admiral Dahlgren. In regard to the Western matter, I believe the program will have to stand substantially as I first put it. Henderson, and especially Brown, believe that the social influence of St. Louis would inevitably tell injuriously upon General Pope in the particular difficulty existing there, and I think there is some force in that view. As to retaining General Schofield temporarily, if this should be done, I believe I should scarcely be able to get his nomination through the Senate. Send me over his nomination, which, however, I am not quite ready to send to the Senate.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0141" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0142": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0050", "label": "To Oliver D. Filley", "text": "I have just looked over a petition signed by some three dozen citizens of St. Louis, and three accompanying letters, one by yourself, one by a Mr. Nathan Ranney, and one by a Mr. John D. Coalter, the whole relating to the Rev. Dr. McPheeters. The petition prays, in the name of justice and mercy that I will restore Dr. McPheeters to all his ecclesiastical rights. This gives no intimation as to what ecclesiastical rights are withheld. Your letter states that Provost Marshal Dick, about a year ago, ordered the arrest of Dr. McPheters, Pastor of the Vine Street Church, prohibited him from officiating, and placed the management of the affairs of the church out of the control of it's chosen Trustees; and near the close you state that a certain course \"would insure his release.\" Mr. Ranney's letter says \"Dr. Saml. S. Mc- Pheeters is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, but can not preach the gospel!!!\" Mr. Coalter, in his letter, asks \"Is it not a strange illustration of the condition of things that the question of who shall be allowed to preach in a church in St. Louis, shall be decided by the President of the United States?\" Now, all this sounds very strangely; and withal, a little as if you gentlemen making the application, do not understand the case alike, one affirming that the Dr. is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, and another pointing out to me what will secure his releasel On the 2nd. day of January last I wrote Gen. Curtis in re-lation to Mr. Dick's order upon Dr. McPheeters, and, as I suppose the Dr. is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, I only quote that part of my letter which relates to the church. It is as follows: \"But I must add that the U.S. government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; but the churches, as such must take care of themselves. It will not do for the U.S. to appoint Trustees, Supervisors, or other agents for the churches.\" This letter going to Gen. Curtis, then in command there I supposed of course it was obeyed especially as I heard no further complaint from Dr. M. or his friends for nearly an entire year. I have never interfered, nor thought of interfering as to who shall or shall not preach in any church; nor have I knowingly, or believingly, tolerated any one else to so interfere by my authority. If any one is so interfering, by color of my authority, I would like to have it specifically made known to me. If, after all, what is now sought, is to have me put Dr. M. back, over the heads of a majority of his own congregation, that too, will be declined. I will not have control of any church on any side.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0142" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L7-0050": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0142", "label": "TO O. D. FILLEY.", "text": "I have just looked over a petition signed by some three dozen citizens of St. Louis, and three accompanying letters, one by yourself, one by a Mr. Nathan Ranney, and one by a Mr. John D. Coalter, the whole relating to the Rev. Dr. McPheeters. The petition prays, in the name of justice and mercy, that I will restore Dr. McPheeters to all his ecclesiastical rights. This gives no intimation as to what ecclesiastical rights are withheld. Your letter states that Provost-Marshal Dick, about a year ago, ordered the arrest of Dr. McPheeters, pastor of the Vine Street Church, prohibited him from officiating, and placed the management of the affairs of the church out of the control of its chosen trustees; and near the close you state that a certain course \"would insure his release.\" Mr. Ranney's letter says: \"Dr. Samuel S. McPheeters is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, but cannot preach the Gospel!!!!\" Mr. Coalter, in his letter, asks: \"Is it not a strange illustration of the condition of things, that the question of who shall be allowed to preach in a church in St. Louis shall be decided by the President of the United States?\" Now, all this sounds very strangely; and, withal, a little as if you gentlemen making the application do not understand the case alike; one affirming that the doctor is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, and another pointing out to me what will secure his release! On the second day of January last, I wrote to General Curtis in relation to Mr. Dick's order upon Dr. McPheeters; and, as I suppose the doctor is enjoying all the rights of a civilian, I only quote that part of my letter which relates to the church. It is as follows: \"But I must add that the United States Government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; but the churches, as such, must take care of themselves. It will not do for the United States to appoint trustees, supervisors, or other agents for the churches.\" This letter going to General Curtis, then in command there, I supposed, of course, it was obeyed, especially as I heard no further complaint from Dr. McPheeters or his friends for nearly an entire year. I have never interfered, nor thought of interfering, as to who shall or shall not preach in any church; nor have I knowingly or believingly tolerated any one else to so interfere by my authority. If any one is so interfering by color of my authority, I would like to have it specifically made known to me. If, after all, what is now sought is to have me put Dr. McPheeters back over the heads of a majority of his own congregation, that, too, will be declined. I will not have control of any church on any side.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0142" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0185": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0059", "label": "To Benjamin F. Butler", "text": "The Secretary of War and myself have concluded to discharge, of the prisoners at Point Lookout, the following classes. \\ Those who will take the oath prescribed in the proclamation of Dec. 8., and, by the consent of Gen. Marston will enlist in our service. 2. Those who will take the oath, and be discharged, and whose homes lie safely within our military lines. I send by Mr. Hay, this letter, and a blank Book & some other blanks, the way of using which, I propose for him to explain verbally, better than I can in writing.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0185" ], "overlap": 0.78 }, "lapsley:L7-0059": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0185", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BUTLER.", "text": "The Secretary of War and myself have concluded to discharge of the prisoners at Point Lookout the following classes: First, those who will take the oath prescribed in the proclamation of December 8, and issued by the consent of General Marston, will enlist in our service. Second, those who will take the oath and be discharged and whose homes lie safely within our military lines. I send by Mr. Hay this letter and a blank-book and some other blanks, the way of using which I propose for him to explain verbally better than I can in writing.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0185" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0199": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0061", "label": "To the Senate and House of Representatives", "text": "By a Joint Resolution of your Honorable bodies, approved December 23. 1863. the paying of bounties to veteran volunteers, as now practiced by the War Department, is, to the extent of three hundred dollars in each case, prohibited after this fifth day of the present month. I transmit, for your consideration, a communication from the Secretary of War, accompanied by one from the Provost-Marshal-General to him, both relating to the subject above mentioned. I earnestly recommend that the law be so modified as to allow bounties to be paid as they now are, at least until the ensuing first day of February. I am not without anxiety lest I appear to be importunate, in thus re-calling your attention to a subject upon which you have so recently acted; and nothing but a deep conviction that the public interest demands it, could induce me to incur the hazard of being misunderstood on this point. The executive approval was given by me to the Resolution mentioned; and it is now, by a closer attention, and a fuller knowledge of facts, that I feel constrained to recommend a re-consideration of the subject.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0199" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L7-0061": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0199", "label": "MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, | JANUARY 5, 1864. | GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:", "text": "By a joint resolution of your honorable bodies approved December 23, 1863, the paying of bounties to veteran volunteers, as now practiced by the War Department, is, to the extent of three hundred dollars in each case, prohibited after this 5th day of the present month. I transmit for your consideration a communication from the Secretary of War, accompanied by one from the Provost-Marshal General to him, both relating to the subject above mentioned. I earnestly recommend that the law be so modified as to allow bounties to be paid as they now are, at least until the ensuing 1st day of February. I am not without anxiety lest I appear to be importunate in thus recalling your attention to a subject upon which you have so recently acted, and nothing but a deep conviction that the public interest demands it could induce me to incur the hazard of being misunderstood on this point. The Executive approval was given by me to the resolution mentioned, and it is now by a closer attention and a fuller knowledge of facts that I feel constrained to recommend a reconsideration of the subject. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0199" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0203": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0062", "label": "To Thomas E. Bramlette", "text": "Yours of yesterday received. Nothing is known here about Gen. Foster's order, of which you complain, beyond the fair presumption that it comes from Gen. Grant, and that it has an object which if you understood, you would be loth to frustrate2 True, these troops are, in strict law, only to be removed by my order; but Gen. Grant's judgment would be the highest incentive to me to make such order. Nor can I understand how doing so is bad faith or dishonor; nor yet how it exposes Kentucky to ruin. Military men here do not perceive how' it such \\_sic~] exposes Kentucky, and I am sure Grant would not permit it, if it so appeared to him.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0203" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0062": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0203", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR BRAMLETTE.", "text": "Yours of yesterday received. Nothing is known here about General Foster's order, of which you complain, beyond the fair presumption that it comes from General Grant, and that it has an object which, if you understood, you would be loath to frustrate. True, these troops are, in strict law, only to be removed by my order; but General Grant's judgment would be the highest incentive to me to make such order. Nor can I understand how doing so is bad faith and dishonor, nor yet how it so exposes Kentucky to ruin. Military men here do not perceive how it exposes Kentucky, and I am sure Grant would not permit it if it so appeared to him. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0203" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0256": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0065", "label": "To William Crosby and Henry E Nichols", "text": "The number for this month and year of the North American Review was duly received, and, for which, please accept my thanks. Of course I am not the most impartial judge; yet with due allowance for this, I venture to hope that the artical entitled the \"Presidents Policy\" will be of value to the country. I fear I am not quite worthy of all which is therein kindly said of me personally. The sentence of twelve lines commencing at the top of page 252, I could wish to be not exactly as it is.2 In what is there ex-pressed, the writer has not correctly understood me. I have never had a theory that secession could absolve States or people from their obligations. Precisely the contrary is asserted in the inaugeral address; and it was because of my belief in the continuation of these obligations, that I was puzzled, for a time, as to denying the legal rights of those citizens who remained individually innocent of treason or rebellion. But I mean no more now than to merely call attention to this point.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0256" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0065": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0256", "label": "TO CROSBY AND NICHOLS.", "text": "The number for this month and year of the North American Review was duly received, and for which please accept my thanks. Of course I am not the most impartial judge; yet, with due allowance for this, I venture to hope that the article entitled \"The President's Policy\" will be of value to the country. I fear I am not worthy of all which is therein kindly said of me personally. The sentence of twelve lines, commencing at the top of page 252, I could wish to be not exactly what it is. In what is there expressed, the writer has not correctly understood me. I have never had a theory that secession could absolve States or people from their obligations. Precisely the contrary is asserted in the inaugural address; and it was because of my belief in the continuation of those obligations that I was puzzled, for a time, as to denying the legal rights of those citizens who remained individually innocent of treason or rebellion. But I mean no more now than to merely call attention to this point.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0256" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0281": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0066", "label": "To Frederick Steele", "text": "Sundry citizens of the State o\u00a3 Arkansas petition me that an election may be held in that State, at which to elect a Governor thereof; that it be assumed at said election, and thenceforward, that the constitution and laws of the State, as before the rebellion, are in full force, except that the constitution is so modified as to declare that \"There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except in the punishment of crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted; but the General Assembly may make such provision for the freed-people as shall recognize and declare their permanent freedom, provide for their education, and which may yet be consistent, as a temporary arrangement, with their present condition as a laboring, landless, and homeless class\"; and also except that all now existing laws in relation to slaves are inoperative and void; that said election be held on the twentyeighth day of March next, at all the usual voting places of the State, or all such as voters may attend for that purpose; that the voters attending at each place, at eight o'clock in the morning of said day, may choose Judges and Clerks of election for that place; that all persons qualified by said constitution and laws, and taking the oath prescribed in the Presidents proclamation of December the 8th. 1863, either before or at the election, and none others, may be voters provided that persons having the qualifications aforesaid, and being in the Volunteer military service of the United States, may vote once wherever this may be at voting places; that each sett of Judges and Clerks may make return directly to you, on or before the eleventh day of April next; that in all other respects said election may be conducted according to said modified constitution, and laws; that, on receipt of said returns, you count said votes, and that, if the number shall reach, or exceed, five thousand four hundred and six, you canvass said votes and ascertain who shall thereby appear to have been elected Governor; and that on the eighteenth day of April next, the person so appearing to have been elected, and appearing before you at Little Rock, to have, by you, administered to him, an oath to support the constitution of the United States and said modified constitution of the State of Arkansas, and actually taking said oath, be by you declared qualified, and be enjoined to immediately enter upon the duties of the office of Governor of said State; and that you thereupon declare the constitution of the State of Arkansas to have been modified and amended as aforesaid, by the action of the people as aforesaid. You will please order an election immediately, and perform the other parts assigned you, with necessary incidentals, all according to the foregoing.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0281" ], "overlap": 0.68 }, "lapsley:L7-0066": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0281", "label": "TO GENERAL P. STEELE.", "text": "Sundry citizens of the State of Arkansas petition me that an election may be held in that State, at which to elect a Governor; that it be assumed at that election, and thenceforward, that the constitution and laws of the State, as before the rebellion, are in full force, except that the constitution is so modified as to declare that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted; that the General Assembly may make such provisions for the freed people as shall recognize and declare their permanent freedom, and provide for their education, and which may yet be construed as a temporary arrangement suitable to their condition as a laboring, landless, and homeless class; that said election shall be held on the 28th of March, 1864, at all the usual places of the State, or all such as voters may attend for that purpose, that the voters attending at eight o'clock in the morning of said day may choose judges and clerks of election for such purpose; that all persons qualified by said constitution and laws, and taking the oath presented in the President's proclamation of December 8, 1863, either before or at the election, and none others, may be voters; that each set of judges and clerks may make returns directly to you on or before the \u2014 th day of \u2014 \u2014 next; that in all other respects said election may be conducted according to said constitution and laws: that on receipt of said returns, when five thousand four hundred and six votes shall have been cast, you can receive said votes, and ascertain all who shall thereby appear to have been elected; that on the \u2014 th day of \u2014 \u2014 \u2014 next, all persons so appearing to have been elected, who shall appear before you at Little Rock, and take the oath, to be by you severally administered, to support the Constitution of the United States and said modified Constitution of the State of Arkansas, may be declared by you qualified and empowered to enter immediately upon the duties of the offices to which they shall have been respectively elected. You will please order an election to take place on the 28th of March, 1864, and returns to be made in fifteen days thereafter. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0281" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0279": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0067", "label": "To the Senate and House of Representatives", "text": "In accordance with a letter addressed by the Secretary of State, with my approval, to the Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of Indiana, that patriotic and distinguished gentleman repaired to Europe and attended the International Agricultural Exhibition held at Hamburg last year, and has, since his return made a report to me, which it is believed, can not fail, to be of general interest, and especially so to the agricultural community. I transmit, for your consideration, copies of the letter and report. While it appears by the letter that no re-imbursement of expences, or compensation, was promised him, I submit whether reasonable allowance should not be made him for them.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0279" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0067": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0279", "label": "MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, JANUARY 20, 1864 | GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:", "text": "In accordance with a letter addressed by the Secretary of State, with my approval, to the Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of Indiana, that patriotic and distinguished gentleman repaired to Europe and attended the International Agricultural Exhibition, held at Hamburg last year, and has since his return made a report to me, which, it is believed, can not fail to be of general interest, and especially so to the agricultural community. I transmit for your consideration copies of the letters and report. While it appears by the letter that no reimbursement of expenses or compensation was promised him, I submit whether reasonable allowance should not be made him for them. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0279" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0398": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0081", "label": "To William M. Fishback", "text": "When I fixed a plan for an election in Arkansas I did it in ignorance that your convention was doing the same work. Since I learned the latter fact, I have been constantly trying to yield my plan to them. I have sent two letters to Gen. Steele, and three or four despatches to you and others, saying that he \u2014 Gen. Steele \u2014 must be master, but that it will probably be best for him to merely help the convention on it's own plan. Some single mind must be master, else there will be no agreement in anything, & Gen. Steele, commanding the Military, and being on the ground, is the best man to be that master. Even now, citizens are telegraphing me to postpone the election to a later day than either that fixed by the convention or by me. This discord must be silenced.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0398" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0081": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0398", "label": "TO W. M. FISHBACK.", "text": "When I fixed a plan for an election in Arkansas I did it in ignorance that your convention was doing the same work. Since I learned the latter fact I have been constantly trying to yield my plan to them. I have sent two letters to General Steele, and three or four despatches to you and others, saying that he, General Steele, must be master, but that it will probably be best for him to merely help the convention on its own plan. Some single mind must be master, else there will be no agreement in anything, and General Steele, commanding the military and being on the ground, is the best man to be that master. Even now citizens are telegraphing me to postpone the election to a later day than either that fixed by the convention or by me. This discord must be silenced. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0398" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0436": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0089", "label": "To Frederick Steele", "text": "General Sickles is not going to Arkansas. He probably will make a tour down the Mississippi, and home by the Gulf and ocean, but he will not meddle in your affairs. At one time I did intend to have him call on you and explain more fully than I could do, by letter or Telegraph, so as to avoid a difficulty coming of my having made a plan here while the convention made one there, for re-organizing Arkansas, but even his doing that, has been given up for more than two weeks. Please show this to Gov. Murphy to save me Telegraphing him.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0436" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0089": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0436", "label": "TO GENERAL F. STEELE.", "text": "General Sickles is not going to Arkansas. He probably will make a tour down the Mississippi and home by the gulf and ocean, but he will not meddle in your affairs. At one time I did intend to have him call on you and explain more fully than I could do by letter or telegraph, so as to avoid a difficulty coming of my having made a plan here, while the convention made one there, for reorganizing Arkansas; but even his doing that has been given up for more than two weeks. Please show this to Governor Murphy to save me telegraphing him. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0436" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0449": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0094", "label": "To Edwin M. Stanton", "text": "You ask some instruction from me in relation to the Report of Special Commission,2 constituted by an order of the War Department, dated Dec. 5 1863, \"to revise the enrolment & quotas of the City & State of New- York, & report whether there be any & what errors, or irregularities therein, and what corrections, if any should be made.\" In the correspondence between the Governor of New- York and myself last summer, I understood him to complain that the enrolments in several of the Districts of that State had been neither accurately nor honestly made; and, in view of this I for the draft then immediately ensuing, ordered an arbitrary reduction of the quotas in several of the Districts, wherein they seemed too large, and said \"After this drawing these four Districts and also the seventeenth and twentyninth shall be carefully re-enrolled, and, if you please, agents of yours may witness every step of the process\" In a subsequent letter I believe some additional Districts were put into the list of those to be re-enrolled. My idea was to do the work over, according to the law, in presence of the complaining party, and thereby to correct anything which might be found amiss. The Commission, whose work I am considering, seem to have pro-ceeded upon a totally different idea. Not going forth to find men at all, they have proceeded altogether upon paper examinations and mental processes. One of their conclusions, as I understand is, that as the law stands, and attempting to follow it, the en rolling officers could not have made the enrolments much more accurately than they did. The report, on this point, might be useful to Congress. The Commission conclude that the quotas for the draft should be based upon entire population, and they proceed upon this basis to give a table for the State of New- York, in which some districts are reduced, and some increased. For the now ensuing draft, let the quotas stand as made by the enrolling officers, in the Districts wherein this table requires them to be increased; and let them be reduced according to the table, in the others. This to be no precedent for subsequent action; but as I think this report may, on full consideration, be shown to have much that is valuable in it, I suggest that such consideration be given it; and that it be especially considered whether it's suggestions can be conformed to without an alteration of the law.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0449" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L7-0094": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0449", "label": "TO SECRETARY STANTON.", "text": "You ask some instructions from me in relation to the Report of Special Commission constituted by an order of the War Department, dated December 5, 1863, \"to revise the enrolment and quotas of the City and State of New York, and report whether there be any, and what, errors or irregularities therein, and what corrections, if any, should be made.\" In the correspondence between the Governor of New York and myself last summer, I understood him to complain that the enrolments in several of the districts of that State had been neither accurately nor honestly made; and in view of this, I, for the draft then immediately ensuing, ordered an arbitrary reduction of the quotas in several of the districts wherein they seemed too large, and said: \"After this drawing, these four districts, and also the seventeenth and twenty-ninth, shall be carefully re-enrolled, and, if you please, agents of yours may witness every step of the process.\" In a subsequent letter I believe some additional districts were put into the list of those to be re-enrolled. My idea was to do the work over according to the law, in presence of the complaining party, and thereby to correct anything which might be found amiss. The commission, whose work I am considering, seem to have proceeded upon a totally different idea. Not going forth to find men at all, they have proceeded altogether upon paper examinations and mental processes. One of their conclusions, as I understand, is that, as the law stands, and attempting to follow it, the enrolling officers could not have made the enrolments much more accurately than they did. The report on this point might be useful to Congress. The commission conclude that the quotas for the draft should be based upon entire population, and they proceed upon this basis to give a table for the State of New York, in which some districts are reduced and some increased. For the now ensuing draft, let the quotas stand as made by the enrolling officers, in the districts wherein this table requires them to be increased; and let them be reduced according to the table in the others: this to be no precedent for subsequent action. But, as I think this report may, on full consideration, be shown to have much that is valuable in it, I suggest that such consideration be given it, and that it be especially considered whether its suggestions can be conformed to without an alteration of the law.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0449" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0451": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0095", "label": "To Lorenzo Thomas", "text": "I see your despatch of yesterday to the Sec. of War. I wish you would go to the Mississippi river at once, and take hold of, and be master in, the contraband and leasing business. You understand it better than any other man does. Mr. Mellen's2 system doubtless is well intended; but, from what I hear, I fear that, if persisted in, it would fall dead within it's own entangling details. Go there, and be the judge. A Mr. Lewis8 will probably follow you with something from me on this subject, but do not wait for him. Nor is this to induce you to violate or neglect any Military order from", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0451" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0095": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0451", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL THOMAS.", "text": "I see your despatch of yesterday to the Secretary of War. I wish you would go to the Mississippi River at once, and take hold of and be master in the contraband and leasing business. You understand it better than any other man does. Mr. Miller's system doubtless is well intended, but from what I hear I fear that, if persisted in, it would fall dead within its own entangling details. Go there and be the judge. A Mr. Lewis will probably follow you with something from me on this subject, but do not wait for him. Nor is this to induce you to violate or neglect any military order from the General-in-Chief or Secretary of War. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0451" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0453": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0096", "label": "To Salmon R Chase", "text": "February 29. 1864. I would have taken time to answer yours of the 22nd. sooner, only that I did not suppose any evil could result from the delay, especially as, by a note, I promptly acknowledged] the receipt of yours, and promised a fuller answer. Now, on consideration, I find there is really very little to say. My knowledge of Mr. Pomeroy's letter having been made public came to me only the day you wrote; but I had, in spite of myself, known of it's existence several days before. I have not yet read it, and I think I shall not. I was not shocked, or surprised by the appearance of the letter, because I had had knowledge of Mr. Pomeroy's Committee, and of secret issues which I supposed came from it, and of secret agents who I supposed were sent out by it, for several weeks. I have known just as little of these things as my own friends have allowed me to know. They bring the documents to me, but I do not read them \u2014 they tell me what they think fit to tell me, but I do not inquire for more. I fully concur with you that neither of us can be justly held responsible for what our respective friends may do without our instigation or countenance; and I assure you, as you have assured me, that no assault has been made upon you by my in-stigation, or with my countenance. Whether you shall remain at the head of the Treasury Department is a question which I will not allow myself to consider from any stand-point other than my judgment of the public service; and, in that view, I do not perceive occasion for a change.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0453" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L7-0096": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0453", "label": "TO SECRETARY CHASE.", "text": "I would have taken time to answer yours of the 22d inst. sooner, only that I did not suppose any evil could result from the delay, especially as, by a note, I promptly acknowledged the receipt of yours, and promised a fuller answer. Now, on consideration I find there is really very little to say. My knowledge of Mr. Pomeroy's letter having been made public came to me only the day you wrote; but I had, in spite of myself, known of its existence several days before. I have not yet read it, and I think I shall not. I was not shocked or surprised by the appearance of the letter, because I had had knowledge of Mr. Pomeroy's committee, and of secret issues which, I supposed, came from it, and of secret agents who, I supposed, were sent out by it for several weeks. I have known just as little a these things as my friends have allowed me to know. They bring the documents to me, but I do not read them; they tell me what they think fit to tell me, but I do not inquire for more. I fully concur with you that neither of us can justly be held responsible for what our respective friends may do without our instigation or countenance and I assure you, as you have assured me, that no assault has been made upon you by my instigation, or with my countenance. Whether you shall remain at the head of the Treasury Department is a question which I will not allow myself to consider from any standpoint other than my judgment of the public service, and, in that view, I do not perceive occasion for a change.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0453" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0465": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0097", "label": "To Lorenzo Thomas", "text": "This introduces Mr. Lewis, mentioned in my despatch sent you at Louisville some days ago. I have but little personal acquaintance with him; lout he has the confidence of several members of Congress here who seem to know him well. He hopes to be useful, without charge to the government, in facilitating the introduction of the free-labor system on the Mississippi plantations. He is acquainted with, and has access to, many of the planters who wish to adopt this system. He will show you two letters of mine on this subject, one somewhat general, and the other relating to named persons. They are not different in principle. He will also show you some suggestions coming from some of the planters themselves. I desire that all I promise in these letters so far as practicable, may be, in good faith, carried out, and that suggestions from the planters may be heard, and adopted, so far as they may not contravene the principles stated, nor justice, or fairness to the laborers. I do not herein intend to over-rule your own mature judgment on any point.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0465" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0097": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0465", "label": "TO GENERAL THOMAS.", "text": "This introduces Mr. Lewis, mentioned in my despatch sent you at Louisville some days ago. I have but little personal acquaintance with him; but he has the confidence of several members of Congress here who seem to know him well. He hopes to be useful, without charge to the government, in facilitating the introduction of the free-labor system on the Mississippi plantations. He is acquainted with, and has access to, many of the planters who wish to adopt the system. He will show you two letters of mine on this subject, one somewhat General, and the other relating to named persons; they are not different in principle. He will also show you some suggestions coming from some of the planters themselves. I desire that all I promise in these letters, so far as practicable, may be in good faith carried out, and that suggestions from the planters may be heard and adopted, so far as they may not contravene the principles stated, nor justice, nor fairness, to laborers. I do not herein intend to overrule your own mature judgment on any point.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0465" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0523": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0108", "label": "To Michael Halm", "text": "I congratulate you on having fixed your name in history as the first-free-state Governor of Louisiana. Now you are about to have a Convention which, among other things, will probably define the elective franchise. I barely suggest for your private consideration, whether some of the colored people may not be let in \u2014 as, for in-stance, the very intelligent, and especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks. They would probably help, in some trying time to come, to keep the jewel of liberty within the family of freedom. But this is only a suggestion, not to the public, but to you alone.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0523" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0108": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0523", "label": "", "text": "I congratulate you on having fixed your name in history as the first free-state governor of Louisiana. Now, you are about to have a convention, which among other things will probably define the elective franchise. I barely suggest for your private consideration, whether some of the colored people may not be let in, \u2014 as, for instance, the very intelligent, and especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks. They would probably help, in some trying time to come, to keep the jewel of liberty within the family of freedom. But this is only a suggestion, \u2014 not to the public, but to you alone.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0523" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0579": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0118", "label": "To Edwin M. Stanton", "text": "The Governor of Kentucky is here, and desires to have the following points definitely fixed: 1. That the quotas of troops furnished, and to be furnished by Kentucky, may be adjusted upon the basis as actually reduced by able bodied men of hers having gone into the rebel service; and that she be required to furnish no more than her just quotas upon fair adjustment on such basis. 2. That to whatever extent the enlistment, and drafting, one or both, of colored troops may be found necessary within the State, it may be conducted within the law of Congress; and, as far as practicable, free from colateral embarrasments, disorders, and provocations. I think these requests of the Governor are reasonable; and I shall be obliged, if you will give him a full hearing, and do the best you can to effect these objects.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0579" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L7-0118": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0579", "label": "TO SECRETARY STANTON.", "text": "The Governor of Kentucky is here, and desires to have the following points definitely fixed: First. That the quotas of troops furnished, and to be furnished, by Kentucky may be adjusted upon the basis as actually reduced by able-bodied men of hers having gone into the rebel service; and that she be required to furnish no more than her just quotas upon fair adjustment upon such basis. Second. To whatever extent the enlistment and drafting, one or both, of colored troops may be found necessary within the State, it may be conducted within the law of Congress; and, so far as practicable, free from collateral embarrassments, disorders, and provocations. I think these requests of the Governor are reasonable; and I shall be obliged if you will give him a full hearing, and do the best you can to effect these objects.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0579" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0582": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0119", "label": "To George G. Meade", "text": "March 29. 1864. Your letter to Col. Townsend, inclosing a slip from the Herald, and asking a Court of Inquiry, has been laid before me by the Secretary of War, with the request that I would consider it. It is quite natural that you should feel some sensibility on the subject; yet I am not impressed, nor do I think the country is impressed, with the belief that your honor demands, or the public interest demands, such an Inquiry. The country knows that, at all events, you have done good service; and I believe it agrees with me that it is much better for you to be engaged in trying to do more, than to be diverted, as you necessarily would be, by a Court of Inquiry.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0582" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0119": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0582", "label": "TO GENERAL G. G. MEADE.", "text": "Your letter to Colonel Townsend, inclosing a slip from the \"Herald,\" and asking a court of inquiry, has been laid before me by the Secretary of War, with the request that I would consider it. It is quite natural that you should feel some sensibility on the subject; yet I am not impressed, nor do I think the country is impressed, with the belief that your honor demands, or the public interest demands, such an inquiry. The country knows that at all events you have done good service; and I believe it agrees with me that it is much better for you to be engaged in trying to do more, than to be diverted, as you necessarily would be, by a court of inquiry.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0582" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0606": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0121", "label": "To Albert G. Hodges", "text": "You ask me to put in writing the substance of what I verbally said the other day, in your presence, to Governor Bramlette and Senator Dixon. It was about as follows: \"I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel. And yet I have never understood that the Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to act officially upon this judgment and feeling. It was in the oath I took that I would, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. I could not take the office without taking the oath. Nor was it my view that I might take an oath to get power, and break the oath in using the power. I understood, too, that in ordinary civil administration this oath even forbade me to practically indulge my primary abstract judgment on the moral question of slavery. I had publicly declared this many times, and in many ways. And I aver that, to this day, I have done no official act in mere deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on slavery. I did understand however, that my oath to preserve the constitution to the best of my ability, imposed upon me the duty of preserving, by every in-dispensable means, that government \u2014 that nation \u2014 of which that constitution was the organic law. Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb. I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensable to the preservation of the constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it. I could not feel that, to the best of my ability, I had even tried to preserve the constitution, if, to save slavery, or any minor matter, I should permit the wreck of government, country, and Constitution all together. When, early in the war, Gen. Fremont attempted military emancipation, I forbade it, because I did not then think it an indispensable necessity. When a little later, Gen. Cameron, then Secretary of War, suggested the arming of the blacks, I objected, because I did not yet think it an indispensable necessity. When, still later, Gen. Hunter attempted military emancipation, I again forbade it, because I did not yet think the indispensable necessity had come. When, in March, and May, and July 1862 I made earnest, and successive appeals to the border states to favor compensated emancipation, I believed the indispensable necessity for military emancipation, and arming the blacks would come, unless averted by that measure. They declined the proposition; and I was, in my best judgment, driven to the alternative of either surrendering the Union, and with it, the Constitution, or of laying strong hand upon the colored element. I chose the latter. In choosing it, I hoped for greater gain than loss; but of this, I was not entirely confident. More than a year of trial now shows no loss by it in our foreign relations, none in our home popular sentiment, none in our white military force, \u2014 no loss by it any how or any2 where. On the contrary, it shows a gain of quite a hundred and thirty thousand soldiers, seamen, and laborers. These are palpable facts, about which, as facts, there can be no cavilling. We have the men; and we could not have had them without the measure. \" And now let any Union man who complains of the measure, test himself by writing down in one line that he is for subduing the rebellion by force of arms; and in the next, that he is for taking these hundred and thirty thousand men from the Union side, and placing them where they would be but for the measure he condemns. If he can not face his case so stated, it is only because he can not face the truth. \" I add a word which was not in the verbal conversation. In telling this tale I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me. Now, at the end of three years struggle the nation's condition is not what either party, or any man devised, or expected. God alone can claim it. Whither it is tending seems plain. If God now wills the removal of a great wrong, and wills also that we of the North as well as you of the South, shall pay fairly for our complicity in that wrong, impartial history will find therein new cause to attest and revere the justice and goodness of God.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0606" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0121": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0606", "label": "TO A. G. HODGES.", "text": "You ask me to put in writing the substance of what I verbally said the other day, in your presence, to Governor Bramlette and Senator Dixon. It was about as follows: \"I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I cannot remember when I did not so think and feel, and yet I have never understood that the Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to act officially upon this judgment and feeling. It was in the oath I took that I would to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. I could not take the office without taking the oath. Nor was it my view that I might take an oath to get power, and break the oath in using the power. I understood, too, that in ordinary civil administration this oath even forbade me to practically indulge my primary abstract judgment on the moral question of slavery. I had publicly declared this many times, and in many ways. And I aver that, to this day, I have done no official act in mere deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on slavery. I did understand, however, that my oath to preserve the Constitution to the best of my ability, imposed upon me the duty of preserving, by every indispensable means, that government, that nation, of which that Constitution was the organic law. Was it possible to lose the nation and yet preserve the Constitution? By General law, life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb. I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensable to the preservation of the Constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it. I could not feel that to the best of my ability I had even tried to preserve the Constitution, if, to save slavery, or any minor matter, I should permit the wreck of government, country, and Constitution, altogether. When, early in the war, General Fremont attempted military emancipation, I forbade it, because I did not then think it an indispensable necessity. When, a little later, General Cameron, then Secretary of War, suggested the arming of the blacks, I objected, because I did not yet think it an indispensable necessity. When, still later, General Hunter attempted military emancipation, I again forbade it, because I did not yet think the indispensable necessity had come. When, in March, and May, and July, 1862, I made earnest and successive appeals to the Border States to favor compensated emancipation, I believed the indispensable necessity for military emancipation and arming the blacks would come, unless averted by that measure. They declined the proposition, and I was, in my best judgment, driven to the alternative of either surrendering the Union, and with it the Constitution, or of laying strong hand upon the colored element. I chose the latter. In choosing it, I hoped for greater gain than loss, but of this I was not entirely confident. More than a year of trial now shows no loss by it in our foreign relations, none in our home popular sentiment, none in our white military force, no loss by it any how, or anywhere. On the contrary, it shows a gain of quite one hundred and thirty thousand soldiers, seamen, and laborers. These are palpable facts, about which, as facts, there can be no caviling. We have the men; and we could not have had them without the measure. \"And now let any Union man who complains of the measure test himself by writing down in one line that he is for subduing the rebellion by force of arms; and in the next, that he is for taking these hundred and thirty thousand men from the Union side, and placing them where they would be but for the measure he condemns. If he cannot face his case so stated, it is only because he cannot face the truth.\" I add a word which was not in the verbal conversation. In telling this tale I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me. Now, at the end of three years' struggle, the nation's condition is not what either party, or any man, devised or expected. God alone can claim it. Whither it is tending seems plain. If God now wills the removal of a great wrong, and wills also that we of the North, as well as you of the South, shall pay fairly for our complicity in that wrong, impartial history will find therein new cause to attest and revere the justice and goodness of God.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0606" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0654": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0125", "label": "Address at Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, Maryland", "text": "Ladies and Gentlemen \u2014 Calling to mind that we are in Baltimore, we can not fail to note that the world moves. Looking upon these many people, assembled here, to serve, as they best may, the soldiers of the Union, it occurs at once that three years ago, the same soldiers could not so much as pass through Baltimore. The change from then till now, is both great, and gratifying. Blessings on the brave men who have wrought the change, and the fair women who strive to reward them for it. But Baltimore suggests more than could happen within Baltimore. The change within Baltimore is part only of a far wider change. When the war began, three years ago, neither party, nor any man, expected it would last till now. Each looked for the end, in some way, long ere to-day. Neither did any anticipate that domestic slavery would be much affected by the war. But here we are; the war has not ended, and slavery has been much affected \u2014 how much needs not now to be recounted. So true is it that man proposes, and God disposes. But we can see the past, though we may not claim to have directed it; and seeing it, in this case, we feel more hopeful and confident for the future. The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's APRIL l8, 1864 labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatable things, called by the same name \u2014 liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and in-compatable names \u2014 liberty and tyranny. The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as a liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty, especially as the sheep was a black one. Plainly the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of the word liberty; and precisely the same difference prevails to-day among us human creatures, even in the North, and all professing to love liberty. Hence we behold the processes by which thousands are daily passing from under the yoke of bondage, hailed by some as the advance of liberty, and bewailed by others as the destruction of all liberty. Recently, as it seems, the people of Maryland have been doing something to define liberty; and thanks to them that, in what they have done, the wolf's dictionary, has been repudiated. It is not very becoming for one in my position to make speeches at great length; but there is another subject upon which I feel that I ought to say a word. A painful rumor, true I fear, has reached us of the massacre, by the rebel forces, at Fort Pillow, in the West end of Tennessee, on the Mississippi river, of some three hundred colored soldiers and white officers, who had just been overpowered by their assailants.2 There seems to be some anxiety in the public mind whether the government is doing it's duty to the colored soldier, and to the service, at this point. At the beginning of the war, and for some time, the use of colored troops was not contemplated; and how the change of purpose was wrought, I will not now take time to explain. Upon a clear conviction of duty I re-solved to turn that element of strength to account; and I am re-sponsible for it to the American people, to the Christian world, to history, and on my final account to God. Having determined to use the negro as a soldier, there is no way but to give him all the protection given to any other soldier. The difficulty is not in stating the principle, but in practically applying it. It is a mistake to suppose the government is indifferent to this matter, or is not doing the best it can in regard to it. We do not to-day know that a colored soldier, or white officer commanding colored soldiers, has been massacred by the rebels when made a prisoner. We fear it, believe it, I may say, but we do not know it. To take the life of one of their prisoners, on the assumption that they murder ours, when it is short of certainty that they do murder ours, might be too serious, too cruel a mistake. We are having the Fort-Pillow affair thorough- APRIL l85 1864 ly investigated; and such investigation will probably show conclusively how the truth is. If, after all that has been said, it shall turn out that there has been no massacre at Fort-Pillow, it will be almost safe to say there has been none, and will be none elsewhere. If there has been the massacre of three hundred there, or even the tenth part of three hundred, it will be conclusively proved; and being so proved, the retribution shall as surely come. It will be matter of grave consideration in what exact course to apply the retribution; but in the supposed case, it must come.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0654" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0125": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0654", "label": "LECTURE ON LIBERTY | ADDRESS AT SANITARY FAIR IN BALTIMORE, | APRIL 18, 1864.", "text": "Calling to mind that we are in Baltimore, we cannot fail to note that the world moves. Looking upon these many people assembled here to serve, as they best may, the soldiers of the Union, it occurs at once that three years ago the same soldiers could not so much as pass through Baltimore. The change from then till now is both great and gratifying. Blessings on the brave men who have wrought the change, and the fair women who strive to reward them for it! But Baltimore suggests more than could happen within Baltimore. The change within Baltimore is part only of a far wider change. When the war began, three years ago, neither party, nor any man, expected it would last till now. Each looked for the end, in some way, long ere to-day. Neither did any anticipate that domestic slavery would be much affected by the war. But here we are; the war has not ended, and slavery has been much affected how much needs not now to be recounted. So true is it that man proposes and God disposes. But we can see the past, though we may not claim to have directed it; and seeing it, in this case, we feel more hopeful and confident for the future. The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name, liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatible names \u2014 liberty and tyranny. The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act, as the destroyer of liberty, especially as the sheep was a black one. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of the word liberty; and precisely the same difference prevails to-day among us human creatures, even in the North, and all professing to love liberty. Hence we behold the process by which thousands are daily passing from under the yoke of bondage hailed by some as the advance of liberty, and bewailed by others as the destruction of all liberty. Recently, as it seems, the people of Maryland have been doing something to define liberty, and thanks to them that, in what they have done, the wolf's dictionary has been repudiated. It is not very becoming for one in my position to make speeches at length; but there is another subject upon which I feel that I ought to say a word. A painful rumor, true, I fear, has reached us, of the massacre, by the rebel forces at Fort Pillow, in the west end of Tennessee, on the Mississippi River, of some three hundred colored soldiers and white officers , who had just been overpowered by their assailants . There seems to be some anxiety in the public mind whether the Government is doing its duty to the colored soldier, and to the service, at this point. At the beginning of the war, and for some time, the use of colored troops was not contemplated; and how the change of purpose was wrought I will not now take time to explain. Upon a clear conviction of duty I resolved to turn that element of strength to account; and I am responsible for it to the American people, to the Christian world, to history, and in my final account to God. Having determined to use the negro as a soldier, there is no way but to give him all the protection given to any other soldier. The difficulty is not in stating the principle, but in practically applying it. It is a mistake to suppose the Government is indifferent to this matter, or is not doing the best it can in regard to it. We do not to-day know that a colored soldier, or white officer commanding colored soldiers, has been massacred by the rebels when made a prisoner. We fear it, we believe it, I may say, \u2014 but we do not know it. To take the life of one of their prisoners on the assumption that they murder ours, when it is short of certainty that they do murder ours, might be too serious, too cruel, a mistake. We are having the Fort Pillow affair thoroughly investigated; and such investigation will probably show conclusively how the truth is. If after all that has been said it shall turn out that there has been no massacre at Fort Pillow, it will be almost safe to say there has been none, and will be none, elsewhere. If there has been the massacre of three hundred there, or even the tenth part of three hundred, it will be conclusively proved; and being so proved, the retribution shall as surely come. It will be matter of grave consideration in what exact course to apply the retribution; but in the supposed case it must come. ", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0654" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0700": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0137", "label": "To the Senate and House of Representatives", "text": "I have the honor to transmit herewith an Address to the President of the United States, and through him, to both Houses of Congress, on the condition and wants of the people of East Tennessee, and asking their attention to the necessity of some action on the part of the Government for their relief \u2014 and which address is pre-sented by a committee of an organization called \"The East Tennessee Relief Association.\"2 Deeply commiserating the condition of these most loyal and suffering people, I am unprepared to make any specific recommendation for their relief. The Military is doing, and will continue to do the best for them within its power. Their address represents that the construction of direct Railroad communication between Rnoxville and Cincinnati, by way of central Kentucky would be of great consequence in the present emergency. It may be re-membered that in the annual Message of December, 1861, such Railroad construction was recommended. I now add that with the hearty concurrence of Congress, I would yet be pleased to construct the road, both for the relief of these people, and for its continuing military importance.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0700" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0137": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0700", "label": "MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, APRIL 28, 1864. | TO THE HONORABLE THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:", "text": "I have the honor to transmit herewith an address to the President of the United States, and through him to both Houses of Congress, on the condition and wants of the people of east Tennessee, and asking their attention to the necessity of some action on the part of the Government for their relief, and which address is presented by a committee of an organization called \"The East Tennessee Relief Association.\" Deeply commiserating the condition of these most loyal and suffering people, I am unprepared to make any specific recommendation for their relief. The military is doing and will continue to do the best for them within its power. Their address represents that the construction of direct railroad communication between Knoxville and Cincinnati by way of central Kentucky would be of great consequence in the present emergency. It may be remembered that in the annual message of December, 1861, such railroad construction was recommended. I now add that, with the hearty concurrence of Congress, I would yet be pleased to construct a road, both for the relief of these people and for its continuing military importance. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0700" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0697": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0138", "label": "To the House of Representatives", "text": "In obedience to the Resolution of your Honorable body, a copy of which is herewith returned, I have the honor to make the following brief statement which is believed to contain the information sought. Prior to, and at the meeting of the present Congress, Robert C. Schenck, of Ohio, and Frank P. Blair, Jr. of Missouri, members elect thereto, by and with the consent of the Senate, held commissions from the Executive, as Major Generals in the Volunteer Army. Gen. Schenck tendered the resignation of his said commission and took his seat in the House of Representatives, at the assembling thereof, upon the distinct verbal understanding with the Secretary of war and the Executive, that he might, at any time during the session, at his own pleasure, withdraw said resignation, and re-turn to the field. Gen. Blair was, by temporary assignment of Gen. Sherman, in command of a corps, through the battles in front of Chattanooga, and in the march to the relief of Knoxville, which occurred in the latter days of November, and early days of December last; and, of course was not present at the assembling of Congress. When he subsequently arrived here, he sought, and was allowed, by the Secretary of War and the Executive, the same conditions, and promise, as allowed and made to Gen. Schenck. Gen. Schenck has not applied to withdraw his resignation; but when Gen, Grant was made Lieut. General, producing some change of commanders, Gen. Blair sought to be assigned to the command of a corps. This was made known to Generals Grant and Sherman and assented to by them, and the particular corps for him designated. This was all arranged and understood, as now remembered, so much as a month ago; but the formal withdrawal of Gen. Blair's resignation, and making the order assigning him to the command of the corps, were not consummated at the War Department until last week \u2014 perhaps on the 23rd. of April, Inst. As a summary of the whole it may be stated that Gen. Blair holds no military commission or appointment, other than as herein stated; and that it is believed he is now acting as a Major General upon the assumed validity of the commission herein stated, in connection with the facts herein stated, and not otherwise. There are some letters, notes, telegrams, orders, entries, and perhaps other documents, in connection with this subject, which it is believed would throw no additional light upon it; but which will be cheerfully furnished, if desired. ABRAHAM LIISTCOLN", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0697" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0138": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0697", "label": "MESSAGE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, | APRIL 28, 1864. | TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:", "text": "In obedience to the resolution of your honorable body, a copy of which is herewith returned, I have the honor to make the following brief statement, which is believed to contain the information sought: Prior to and at the meeting of the present Congress, Robert C. Schenck, of Ohio, and Frank P. Blair, Jr., of Missouri, members elect thereto, by and with the consent of the Senate held commissions from the Executive as major-generals in the volunteer army. General Schenck tendered the resignation of his said commission, and took his seat in the House of Representatives, at the assembling thereof, upon the distinct verbal understanding with the Secretary of War and the Executive that he might, at any time during the session, at his own pleasure, withdraw said resignation and return to the field. General Blair was, by temporary assignment of General Sherman, in command of a corps through the battles in front of Chattanooga, and in the march to the relief of Knoxville, which occurred in the latter days of November and early days of December last, and of course was not present at the assembling of Congress. When he subsequently arrived here, he sought, and was allowed by the Secretary of War and the Executive, the same conditions and promise as allowed and made to General Schenck. General Schenck has not applied to withdraw his resignation; but when General Grant was made Lieutenant-General, producing some change of commanders, General Blair sought to be assigned to the command of a corps. This was made known to Generals Grant and Sherman, and assented to by them, and the particular corps for him designated. This was all arranged and understood, as now remembered, so much as a month ago; but the formal withdrawal of General Blair's resignation, and making the order assigning him to the command of the corps, were not consummated at the War Department until last week, perhaps on the 23d of April instant. As a summary of the whole, it may be stated that General Blair holds no military commission or appointment other than as herein stated, and that it is believed he is now acting as major-General upon the assumed validity of the commission herein stated, in connection with the facts herein stated, and not otherwise. There are some letters, notes, telegrams, orders, entries, and perhaps other documents in connection with this subject, which it is believed would throw no additional light upon it, but which will be cheerfully furnished if desired. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0697" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0708": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0139", "label": "Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Not expecting to see you again before the Spring campaign opens, I wish to express, in this way, my entire satisfaction with what you have done up to this time, so far as I understand it. The particulars of your plans I neither know, or seek to know. You are vigilant and self-reliant; and, pleased with this, I wish not to obtrude any constraints or restraints upon you. While I am very anxious that any great disaster, or the capture of our men in great numbers, shall be avoided, I know these points are less likely to escape your attention than they would be mine. If there is anything wanting which is within my power to give, do not fail to let me know it. And now with a brave Army, and a just cause, may God sustain you.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0708" ], "overlap": 0.85 }, "lapsley:L7-0139": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0708", "label": "TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT.", "text": "Not expecting to see you before the spring campaign opens, I wish to express in this way my entire satisfaction with what you have done up to this time, so far as I understand it. The particulars of your plans I neither know nor seek to know. You are vigilant and self-reliant; and, pleased with this, I wish not to obtrude any restraints or constraints upon you. While I am very anxious that any great disaster or capture of our men in great number shall be avoided, I know that these points are less likely to escape your attention than they would be mine. If there be anything wanting which is within my power to give, do not fail to let me know it. And now, with a brave army and a just cause, may God sustain you.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0708" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0765": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0149", "label": "Response to Methodists", "text": "In response to your address, allow me to attest the accuracy of it's historical statements; indorse the sentiments it expresses; and thank you, in the nation's name, for the sure promise it gives. Nobly sustained as the government has been by all the churches, I would utter nothing which might, in the least, appear invidious against any. Yet, without this, it may fairly be said that the Methodist Episcopal Church, not less devoted than the best, is, by it's greater numbers, the most important of all. It is no fault in others that the Methodist Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospital, and more prayers to Heaven than any. God bless the Methodist Church \u2014 bless all the churches \u2014 and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0765" ], "overlap": 0.78 }, "lapsley:L7-0149": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0765", "label": "RESPONSE TO A METHODIST DELEGATION, MAY 14, 1864.", "text": "-In response to your address, allow me to attest the accuracy of its historical statements, indorse the sentiments it expresses, and thank you in the nation's name for the sure promise it gives. Nobly sustained, as the Government has been, by all the churches, I would utter nothing which might in the least appear invidious against any. Yet without this, it may fairly be said, that the Methodist Episcopal Church, not less devoted than the best, is by its greatest numbers the most important of all. It is no fault in others that the Methodist Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospitals, and more prayers to Heaven than \u2014 any other. God bless the Methodist Church Bless all the churches; and blessed be God, who in this our great trial giveth us the churches.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0765" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0759": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0152", "label": "To Benjamin F. Butler", "text": "\"Cypher\" Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Major General Butler. War Department, Bermuda Hundreds, Va Washington, D.C., May 18. 1864. Until receiving your despatch of yesterday, the idea of Commissions in the Volunteers expiring at the end of three years had not occurred to me. I think no trouble will come of it; and, at all events, I shall take care of it so far as in me lies. As to the Major Generalships in the Regular Army I think I shall not dispose of another, at least until the combined operations now in progress under direction of Gen. Grant, and within which yourself and command are included, shall be terminated. Meanwhile, on behalf of yourself, officers, and men, please accept my hearty thanks for what you and they have so far done.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0759" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0152": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0759", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL B. P. BUTLER.", "text": "Until receiving your dispatch of yesterday, the idea of commissions in the volunteers expiring at the end of three years had not occurred to me. I think no trouble will come of it; and, at all events, I shall take care of it so far as in me lies. As to the major-generalships in the regular army, I think I shall not dispose of another, at least until the combined operations now in progress, under direction of General Grant, and within which yourself and command are included, shall be terminated. Meanwhile, on behalf of yourself, officers, and men, please accept my hearty thanks for what you and they have so far done. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0759" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0800": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0158", "label": "To Whom It May Concern", "text": "Whom it may concern. Washington, May 26. 1864. I am again pressed with the claim of Mr. Marshall O. Roberts, for transportation of what was called the Naval Brigade from New- York to Fortress Monroe. This force was a special organization got up by one Bartlett, in pretended pursuance of written authority from me, but in fact, pursuing the authority in scarcely any thing whatever. The credit given him by Mr. Roberts, was given in the teeth of the express declaration that the government would not be responsible for the class of expences to which it belonged. After all some part of the transportation became useful to the government, and equitably should be paid for; but I have neither time or means to ascertain this equitable amount, or any appropriation to pay it with if ascertained. If the Quarter-Master at New- York can ascertain what would compensate for so much of the transport at ion as did result usefully to the government, it might be a step towards reaching justice. I write this from memory; but I believe it is substantially correct.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0800" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0158": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0800", "label": "MEMORANDUM CONCERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE NEW YORK NAVAL BRIGADE.", "text": "I am again pressed with the claim of Mr. Marshall O. Roberts, for transportation of what was called the Naval Brigade from New York to Fortress Monroe. This force was a special organization got up by one Bartlett, in pretended pursuance of written authority from me, but in fact, pursuing the authority in scarcely anything whatever. The credit given him by Mr. Roberts, was given in the teeth of the express declaration that the Government would not be responsible for the class of expenses to which it belonged. After all some part of the transportation became useful to the Government, and equitably should be paid for; but I have neither time nor means to ascertain this equitable amount, or any appropriation to pay it with if ascertained. If the Quartermaster at New York can ascertain what would compensate for so much of the transportation as did result usefully to the Government, it might be a step towards reaching justice. I write this from memory, but I believe it is substantially correct. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0800" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0892": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0176", "label": "To William Dennison and Others", "text": "Hon. William Dennison & others, a Committee of the National Union Convention. Gentlemen: Your letter of the \u00b14th. Inst. formally notifying me that I have been nominated by the convention you represent for the Presidency of the United States for four years from the fourth of March next has been received. The nomination is gratefully accepted., as the resolutions of the convention, called the platform, are heartily approved. While the resolution in regard to the supplanting of republican government upon the Western continent is fully concurred in, there might be misunderstanding were I not to say that the position of the government, in relation to the action of France in Mexico, as assumed through the State Department, and approved and indorsed by the convention, among the measures and acts of the Executive, will be faithfully maintained, so long as the state of facts shall leave that position pertinent and applicable. I am especially gratified that the soldier and the seaman were not forgotten by the convention, as they forever must and will be remembered by the grateful country for whose salvation they devote their lives. Thanking you for the kind and complimentary terms in which you have communicated the nomination and other proceedings of the convention, I subscribe myself", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0892" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L7-0176": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0892", "label": "LETTER ACCEPTING THE NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT.", "text": "HON. WILLIAM DENNISON AND OTHERS, a Committee of the Union National Convention. Your letter of the 14th inst.., formally notifying me that I have been nominated by the convention you represent for the Presidency of the United States for four years from the 4th of March next, has been received. The nomination is gratefully accepted, as the resolutions of the convention, called the platform, are heartily approved. While the resolution in regard to the supplanting of republican government upon the Western Continent is fully concurred in, there might be misunderstanding were I not to say that the position of the Government in relation to the action of France in Mexico, as assumed through the State Department and indorsed by the convention among the measures and acts of the Executive, will be faithfully maintained so long as the state of facts shall leave that position pertinent and applicable. I am especially gratified that the soldier and seaman were not forgotten by the convention, as they forever must and will be remembered by the grateful country for whose salvation they devote their lives. Thanking you for the kind and complimentary terms in which you have communicated the nomination and other proceedings of the convention, I subscribe myself,", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0892" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0904": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0177", "label": "To Frederick Steele", "text": "I understand that Congress declines to admit to seats the persons sent as Senators and Representatives from Arkansas. These persons apprehend that, in consequence, you may not support the new State Government then as you otherwise would. My wish is that you give that government and the people there, the same support and protection that you would if the members had been admitted, because in no event, nor in any view of the case, can this do any harm, while it will be the best you can do towards suppressing the rebellion", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0904" ], "overlap": 0.94 }, "lapsley:L7-0177": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0904", "label": "TO GENERAL P. STEELE.", "text": "I understand that Congress declines to admit to seats the persons sent as Senators and Representatives from Arkansas. These persons apprehend that, in consequence, you may not support the new State government there as you otherwise would. My wish is that you give that government and the people there the same support and protection that you would if the members had been admitted, because in no event, nor in any view of the case, can this do any harm, while it will be the best you can do toward suppressing the rebellion.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0904" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0876": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0180", "label": "Memorandum of Interview with Cornelius A. Walborn", "text": "What I said to Post-Master of Philadelphia on this day \u2014 June 20. 1864. Complaint is made to me that you are using your official power to defeat Judge Kelly's renomination to Congress. I am well satisfied with Judge Kelly as an M.C. and I do not know that the man who might supplant him would be as satisfactory; but the correct principle, I think, is that all our friends should have absolute freedom of choice among our friends. My wish therefore is that you will do just as you think fit with your own suffrage in the case, and not constrain any of your subordinates to do other than as he thinks fit with his. This is precisely the rule I inculcated, and adhered to on my part, when a certain other nomination, now recently made, was being canvassed for.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0876" ], "overlap": 0.8 }, "lapsley:L7-0180": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0876", "label": "TO J. L. SCRIPPS.", "text": "Complaint is made to me that you are using your official power to defeat Mr. Arnold's nomination to Congress. I am well satisfied with Mr. Arnold as a member of Congress, and I do not know that the man who might supplant him would be as satisfactory; but the correct principle, I think, is that all our friends should have absolute freedom of choice among our friends. My wish, therefore, is that you will do just as you think fit with your own suffrage in the case, and not constrain any of your subordinates to other than he thinks fit with his. This is precisely the rule I inculcated and adhered to on my part, when a certain other nomination, now recently made, was being canvassed for.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0876" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0941": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0186", "label": "To Horace Greeley", "text": "Your letter of the 7th., with inclosures, received. If you can find, any person anywhere professing to have any proposition of Jefferson Davis in writing, for peace, embracing the restoration of the Union and abandonment of slavery, what ever else it embraces, say to him he may come to me with you, and that if he really brings such proposition, he shall, at the least, have safe conduct, with the paper (and without publicity, if he choose) to the point where you shall have met him. The same, if there be two or more persons.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0941" ], "overlap": 0.81 }, "lapsley:L7-0186": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0941", "label": "TO HORACE GREELEY.", "text": "Your letter of the 7th, with inclosures, received. If you can find any person, anywhere, professing to have any proposition of Jefferson Davis in writing, for peace, embracing the restoration of the Union and abandonment of slavery, whatever else it embraces, say to him he may come to me with you; and that if he really brings such proposition, he shall at the least have safe conduct with the paper (and without publicity, if he chooses) to the point where you shall have to meet him. The same if there be two or more persons.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0941" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0944": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0190", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Your despatch to Gen. Halleck, referring to what I may think in the present emergency, is shown me. Gen. Halleck says we have absolutely no force here fit to go to the field. He thinks that with the hundred day-men, and invalids we have here, we can2 defend Washington, and scarcely Baltimore. Besides these, there are about eight thousand not very reliable, under Howe3 at Harper's Ferry, with Hunter4 approaching that point very slowly, with -what number I suppose you know better than I. Wallace with some odds and ends, and part of what came up with Ricketts,5 was so badly beaten yesterday at Monocacy, that what is left can attempt no more than to defend Baltimore. What we shall get in from Penn. & N.Y. will scarcely be worth counting, I fear. Now what I think is that you should provide to retain your hold where you are certainly, and bring the rest with you personally, and make a vigorous effort to destroy the enemie's force in this vicinity. I think there is really a fair chance to do this if the movement is prompt. This is what I think, upon your suggestion, and is not an order A. LUNTCOLIST", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0944" ], "overlap": 0.83 }, "lapsley:L7-0190": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0944", "label": "", "text": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT. WASHINGTON CITY, July TO, 1864.2 P.M. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.: Your dispatch to General Halleck, referring to what I may think in the present emergency, is shown me. General Halleck says we have absolutely no force here fit to go to the field. He thinks that with the hundred-day men and invalids we have here we can defend Washington, and, scarcely, Baltimore. Besides these there are about eight thousand, not very reliable, under Howe, at Harper's Ferry with Hunter approaching that point very slowly, with what number I suppose you know better than I. Wallace, with some odds and ends, and part of what came up with Ricketts, was so badly beaten yesterday at Monocacy, that what is left can attempt no more than to defend Baltimore. What we shall get in from Pennsylvania and New York will scarcely be worth counting, I fear. Now, what I think is, that you should provide to retain your hold where you are, certainly, and bring the rest with you personally, and make a vigorous effort to destroy the enemy's forces in this vicinity. I think there is really a fair chance to do this, if the movement is prompt. This is what I think upon your suggestion, and is not an order. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0944" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0961": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0196", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "United States Military Telegraph, Lieut. Gen. Grant War Department. City Point, Va. July 17. 11/25. AM. 1864 In your despatch of yesterday to Gen. Sherman. I find the following, towit: \"I shall make a desparate effort to got a position here which will hold the enemy without the necessity of so man}r men.\" Pressed as we are by lapse of time, I am glad to hear you say this; and yet I do hope you may find a way that the effort shall not be desparate in the sense of great loss of life.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0961" ], "overlap": 0.69 }, "lapsley:L7-0196": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0961", "label": "", "text": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT. July 17. 1864. 11.25 A.M. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.: In your dispatch of yesterday to General Sherman, I find the following, to wit: \"I shall make a desperate effort to get a position here, which will hold the enemy without the necessity of so many men.\" Pressed as we are by lapse of time I am glad to hear you say this; and yet I do hope you may find a way that the effort shall not be desperate in the sense of great loss of life. A. LINCOLN, President.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0961" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0962": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0197", "label": "To David Hunter", "text": "United States Military Telegraph, Major General Hunter War Department. Harper's Ferry, Va. July i/th. 10. A.M. 1864 Yours of this morning received. You misconceive. The order you complain of was only nominally mine; and was framed by those who really made it, with no thought of making you a scape-goat. It seemed to be Gen. Grant's wish that the forces under Gen. Wright and those under you should join and drive at the enemy, under Gen. Wright. Wright had the larger part of the force, but you had the rank. It was thought that you would prefer Crook's commanding your part, to your serving in person under Wright. That is all of it. Gen. Grant wishes you to remain in command of the Department, and I do not wish to order otherwise.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0962" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L7-0197": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0962", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL D. HUNTER WASHINGTON JULY 17, 1864.", "text": "Yours of this morning received. You misconceive. The order you complain of was only nominally mine, and was framed by those who really made it with no thought of making you a scapegoat. It seemed to be General Grant's wish that the forces under General Wright and those under you should join and drive at the enemy under General Wright. Wright had the larger part of the force, but you had the rank. It was thought that you would prefer Crook's commanding your part to your serving in person under Wright. That is all of it. General Grant wishes you to remain in command of the department, and I do not wish to order otherwise. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0962" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0970": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0198", "label": "To William T. Sherman", "text": "I have seen your despatches objecting to agents of Northern States opening recruiting stations near your camps. An act of congress authorizes this, giving the appointment of agents to the States, and not to this Executive government. It is not for the War Department, or myself, to restrain, or modify the law, in it's execution, fxirther than actual necessity may require. To be candid, I was for the passage of the law, not apprehending at the time that it would produce such inconvenience to the armies in the field, as you now cause me to fear. Many of the States were very anxious for it, and I hoped that, with their State bounties, and active exertions, they would get out substantial additions to our colored forces, which, unlike white recruits, help us where the}^ come from, as well as where they go to. I still hope advantage from the law; and being a law, it must be treated as such by all of us. We here, will do what we consistently can to save you from difficulties arising out of it. May I ask therefore that you will give your hearty co-operation?", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0970" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0198": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0970", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.", "text": "I have seen your despatches objecting to agents of Northern States opening recruiting stations near your camps. An act of Congress authorizes this, giving the appointment of agents to the States, and not to the Executive Government. It is not for the War Department, or myself, to restrain or modify the law, in its execution, further than actual necessity may require. To be candid, I was for the passage of the law, not apprehending at the time that it would produce such inconvenience to the armies in the field as you now cause me to fear. Many of the States were very anxious for it, and I hoped that, with their State bounties, and active exertions, they would get out substantial additions to our colored forces, which, unlike white recruits, help us where they come from, as well as where they go to. I still hope advantage from the law; and being a law, it must be treated as such by all of us. We here will do what we consistently can to save you from difficulties arising out of it. May I ask, therefore, that you will give your hearty co-operation. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0970" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0997": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0206", "label": "To James C. Welling", "text": "According to the request contained in your note, I have placed Mr. Gibson's letter of resignation in the hands of the President. He has read the letter, and says he accepts the resignation, as he will be glad to do with any other which may be tendered, as this is, for the purpose of taking an attitude of hostility against him. He says he was not aware that he was so much indebted to Mr. Gibson for having accepted the office at first, not remembering that he ever pressed him to do so, or that he gave it otherwise than as was usual, upon request made on behalf of Mr. Gibson. He thanks Mr. Gibson for his acknowledgment that he has been treated with personal kindness and consideration; and he says he knows of but two small draw-backs upon Mr. Gibson's right to still receive such treatment, one of which is that he never could learn of his giving much attention to the duties of his office, and the other is this studied attempt of Mr. Gibson's2 to stab him I am very truly,", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0997" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0206": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0997", "label": "FROM JOHN HAY TO J. C. WELLING.", "text": "According to the request contained in your note, I have placed Mr. Gibson's letter of resignation in the hands of the President. He has read the letter, and says he accepts the resignation, as he will be glad to do with any other, which may be tendered, as this is, for the purpose of taking an attitude of hostility against him. He says he was not aware that he was so much indebted to Mr. Gibson for having accepted the office at first, not remembering that he ever pressed him to do so, or that he gave it otherwise than as was usual, upon request made on behalf of Mr. Gibson. He thanks Mr. Gibson for his acknowledgment that he has been treated with personal kindness and consideration, and says he knows of but two small drawbacks upon Mr. Gibson's right to still receive such treatment, one of which is that he never could learn of his giving much attention to the duties of his office, and the other is this studied attempt of Mr. Gibson's to stab him. I am very truly,", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0997" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-0999": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0208", "label": "To William T. Sherman", "text": "\"Cypher\" United States Military Telegraph, Major General Sherman. War Department. Near Atlanta. Washington, July 26. 1864 I have just seen yours, complaining of the appointment of Hovey and Osterhaus. The point you make is unquestionably a good one; and yet please hear a word from us. My recollection is that both Gen. Grant and yourself recommended both H & O. for promotion; and these, with other strong recommendations, drew committals from us which we could neither honorably or safely, disregard. We blamed H. for coming away in the manner in which he did; but we knew he had apparant reason to feel disappointed and mortified, and we felt it was not best to crush one who certainly had been a good soldier. As to O. we did not know of his leaving at the time we made the appointment, and do not now know the terms on which he left. Not to have appointed him, as the case appeared to us at the time, would have been almost if not quite a violation of our word. The word was given on what we thought was high merit, and somewhat on his nationality. I beg you to believe we do not act in a spirit of disregarding merit. We expect to await your programme, for further changes and promotions in your army. My profoundest thanks to you and your whole Army for the present campaign so far.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0999" ], "overlap": 0.86 }, "lapsley:L7-0208": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-0999", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.", "text": "I have just seen yours complaining of the appointment of Hovey and Osterhaus. The point you make is unquestionably a good one, and yet please hear a word from us. My recollection is that both General Grant and yourself recommended both H and O for promotion, and these, with other strong recommendations, drew committals from us which we could neither honorably or safely disregard. We blamed H for coming away in the manner in which he did, but he knew he had apparent reason to feel disappointed and mortified, and we felt it was not best to crush one who certainly had been a good soldier. As to , we did not know of his leaving at the time we made the appointment, and do not now know the terms on which he left. Not to have appointed him, as the case appeared to us at the time, would have been almost, if not quite, a violation of our word. The word was given on what we thought was high merit and somewhat on his nationality. I beg you to believe we do not act in a spirit of disregarding merit. We expect to await your programme for further changes and promotions in your army. My profoundest thanks to you and your whole army for the present campaign so far. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-0999" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-1030": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0212", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Cypher. Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Lieut. Genl. Grant War Department, City-Point, Va. Washington, D.C., August 3, 1864. I have seen your despatch in which you say \"I want Sheridan put in command of all the troops in the field, with instructions to put himself South of the enemy, and follow him to the death. Wherever the enemy goes, let our troops go also.\" This, I think, is exactly right, as to how our forces should move. But please look over the despatches you may have receved from here, even since you made that order, and discover, if you can, that there is any idea in the head of any one here, of \"putting our army South of the enemy\" or of following him to the death''' in any direction. I re-peat to you it will neither be done nor attempted unless you watch it every day, and hour, and force it. A.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1030" ], "overlap": 0.78 }, "lapsley:L7-0212": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-1030", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U, S. GRANT.", "text": "I have seen your despatch in which you say, \"I want Sheridan put in command of all the troops in the field, with instructions to put himself south of the enemy, and follow him to the death. Wherever the enemy goes, let our troops go also.\" This, I think, is exactly right as to how our forces should move; but please look over the despatches you may have received from here, ever since you made that order, and discover, if you can, that there is any idea in the head of any one here of \"putting our army south of the enemy,\" or of following him to the \"death,\" in any direction. I repeat to you, it will neither be done nor attempted, unless you watch it every day and hour, and force it. A. LINCOLN. ", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1030" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-1050": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0215", "label": "Last December Mrs. Emily T. Helm, half-sister of Mrs. L. and", "text": "widow of the rebel general Ben. Hardin Helm stopped here on her F4841 AUGUST 8, 1864 way from Georgia to Kentucky, and I gave her a paper, as I re-member, to protect her against the mere fact of her being Gen. Helm's widow. I hear a rumor to-day that you recently sought to arrest her, but was prevented by her presenting the paper from me. I do not intend to protect her against the consequences of disloyal words or acts, spoken or done by her since her return to Kentucky, and if the paper given her by me can be construed to give her pro-tection for such words or acts, it is hereby revoked pro tanto. Deal with her for current conduct, just as you would with any other.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1050" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L7-0215": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-1050", "label": "ON DISLOYAL FAMILY MEMBER | TO GENERAL S. O. BURBRIDGE.", "text": "Last December Mrs. Emily T. Helm, half-sister of Mrs. Lincoln, and widow of the rebel general, Ben Hardin Helm, stopped here on her way from Georgia to Kentucky, and I gave her a paper, as I remember, to protect her against the mere fact of her being General Helm's widow. I hear a rumor to-day that you recently sought to arrest her, but were prevented by her presenting the paper from me. I do not intend to protect her against the consequences of disloyal words or acts, spoken or done by her since her return to Kentucky, and if the paper given her by me can be construed to give her protection for such words and acts, it is hereby revoked pro tanto. Deal with her for current conduct just as you would with any other. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1050" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-1071": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0220", "label": "To Henry J. Raymond", "text": "I have proposed to Mr Greely that the Niagara correspondence be published, suppressing only the parts of his letters over which the red-pencil is drawn in the copy which I herewith send. He declines giving his consent to the publication of his letters unless these parts be published with the rest. I have concluded that it is better for 7720 to submit, for the time, to the consequences of the false position in which I consider he has placed me, than to subject the country to the consequences of publishing these discouraging and injurious parts. I send you this, and the accompanying copy, not for publication, but merely to explain to you, and that you may preserve them until their proper time shall come.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1071" ], "overlap": 0.94 }, "lapsley:L7-0220": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-1071", "label": "TO H. J. RAYMOND.", "text": "I have proposed to Mr. Greeley that the Niagara correspondence be published, suppressing only the parts of his letters over which the red pencil is drawn in the copy which I herewith send. He declines giving his consent to the publication of his letters unless these parts be published with the rest. I have concluded that it is better for me to submit, for the time, to the consequences of the false position in which I consider he has placed me, than to subject the country to the consequences of publishing these discouraging and injurious parts. I send you this, and the accompanying copy, not for publication, but merely to explain to you, and that you may preserve them until their proper time shall come.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1071" ] }, "basler:basler-VII-1153": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0236", "label": "To Eliza E Gurney", "text": "September 4. 1864. I have not forgotten \u2014 probably never shall forget \u2014 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, ever been forgotten. 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 prayers 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. Meanwhile 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 \u2014 the Friends \u2014 have had, and are having, a verygreat trial. On principle, and faith, opposed to both war and oppression, they can only practically oppose oppression by war. In this hard dilemma, some have chosen one horn and some the other. 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", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1153" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0236": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VII-1153", "label": "TO MRS. GURNEY. | EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 4, 1864. | ELIZA P. GURNEY.", "text": "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 \u2014 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 \u2014 the Friends \u2014 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.", "parents": [ "basler-VII-1153" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0090": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0257", "label": "To Henry W. Hoffman", "text": "A convention of Maryland has framed a new constitution for the State; a public meeting is called for this evening, at Baltimore, to aid in securing its ratification by the people; and you ask a word from me, for the occasion. I presume the only feature of the instrument, about which there is serious controversy, is that which pro-vides for the extinction of slavery* It needs not to be a secret, and I presume it is no secret, that I wish success to this provision. I desire it on every consideration. I wish all men to be free, I \"wish the material prosperity of the already free which I feel sure the extinction of slavery would bring. I wish to see, in process of disappearing, that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war. I attempt no argument* Argument upon the question is already exhausted by the abler, better informed,3 and more immediately interested sons of Maryland herself. I only add that I shall be gratified exceedingly if the good people of the State shall, by their votes, ratify the new constitution.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0090" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0257": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0090", "label": "TO H. W. HOFFMAN.", "text": "A convention of Maryland has framed a new constitution for the State; a public meeting is called for this evening at Baltimore to aid in securing its ratification by the people, and you ask a word from me for the occasion. I presume the only feature of the instrument about which there is serious controversy is that which provides for the extinction of slavery. It needs not to be a secret and I presume it is no secret, that I wish success to this provision. I desire it on every consideration. I wish all men to be free. I wish the material prosperity of the already free, which I feel sure the extinction of slavery would bring. I wish to see in process of disappearing that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war. I attempt no argument. Argument upon the question is already exhausted by the abler, better informed, and more immediately interested sons of Maryland herself. I only add that I shall be gratified exceedingly if the good people of the State shall, by their votes, ratify the new constitution.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0090" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0194": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0276", "label": "Response to a Serenade", "text": "It has long been a question wttotlwr any government, not ifoo strong for the Kbwtiafi of Its lw\u00bb to maintain its own exfctonce, in On this point the pm^erit rul^HIorA our republic to a severe test; arid a prosulentiitl election occurring in regular course during the rebellion added not it little til the fttriitn. If the loyal people, united, were* put to the of tlwir by the rebellion, must tliey not fall when divided^ partially by a political war among NOVEMBER 1 O5 1864 But the election was a necessity. We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The strife of the election is but human-nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case, must ever recur in similar cases. Human-nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this, as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged. But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war. Until now it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. It shows also how sound., and how strong we still are. It shows that, even among candidates of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union, and most opposed to treason, can re-ceive most of the people's votes. It shows also, to the extent yet known, that we have more men now, than we had when the war began. Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, patriotic men, are better than gold. But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country? For my own part I have striven, and shall strive to avoid placing any obstacle in the way. So long as I have been here I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom. While I am deeply sensible to the high compliment of a re-election; and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction that any other man may be disappointed or pained by the result. May I ask those who have not differed with me, to join with me, in this same spirit towards those who have? And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen and their gallant and skilful commanders.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0194" ], "overlap": 0.75 }, "lapsley:L7-0276": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0194", "label": "ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT | RESPONSE TO A SERENADE, NOVEMBER 10, 1864.", "text": "It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its existence in great emergencies. On this point the present rebellion brought our government to a severe test, and a presidential election occurring in regular course during the rebellion, added not a little to the strain. If the loyal people united were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided and partially paralyzed by a political war among themselves? But the election was a necessity. We cannot have free government without elections; and if the election could force us to forego or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The strife of the election is but human nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case must ever recur in similar cases. Human nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we will have as weak and as strong, as silly and as wise, as bad and as good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged. But the election, along with its incidental and undesirable strife, has done good, too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election in the midst of a great civil war. Until now, it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. It shows, also, how sound and strong we still are. It shows that even among the candidates of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union and most opposed to treason can receive most of the people's votes. It shows, also, to the extent yet known, that we have more men now than we had when the war began. Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, and patriotic men are better than gold. But the rebellion continues, and, now that the election is over, may not all have a common interest to reunite in a common effort to save our common country? For my own part, I have striven and shall strive to avoid placing any obstacle in the way. So long as I have been here, I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom. While I am duly sensible to the high compliment of a re-election, and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God, for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction that any other man may be disappointed by the result. May I ask those who have not differed with me to join with me in this same spirit towards those who have? And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen, and their gallant and skillful commanders.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0194" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0205": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0279", "label": "To Marsena R. Patrick", "text": "Please oblige me by seeing and hearing the bearer, Lt. Col. Exetschmar, who is well vouched to me as a most worthy gentleman, and who wishes to see you on business. Yours truly A. LmcoLisr [9013 ui I jo ittiMJituttAOfj o$ sw tmq 40 jtnoj JK>JF 'uttpa, ump tM\u00ab I 4 *98* \"** *Afi|s| 4w0i\u00bbiiii4|i\u00bb^4 i\u00abqpti|j \u00a71 |O 94**pjQ O1IV I** ^*tt*,> \u00bb no sf |iuti *A* \"S'ft *lf f m |o oj OAOO^I jo IW*^ ) *\u00bb\u00bb**> \u00abi )ii*\u00bbvu\u00ab\u00bbiaa -uy %HlM|\u00bbAii** iitt uo ^ *IJ\u00b0 *AON |0 -{03 jo as JIJ A 39 VHCI ut jo aq^ jo \"HOTSD * 9 8 H H rsz H A O KC NOVEMBER 14, 1864 copies of a correspondence on the subject, between Gen. Canby and yourself, and shown me to-day, dispel that hope. A very fair pro-portion of the people of Louisiana have inaugerated a new State Government, making an excellent new constitution \u2014 better for the poor black man than we have in Illinois. This was done under military protection, directed by me, in the belief, gtill sincerely entertained, that with such a nucleous around which to build, we could get the State into position again sooner than otherwise. In this belief a general promise of protection and support, applicable alike to Louisiana and other states, was given in the last annual message. During the formation of the new government and constitution, they were supported by nearly every loyal person and opposed by every secessionist. And this support, and this opposition, from the respective stand points of the parties, was perfectly consistent and logical. Every Unionist ought to wish the new government to succeed; and every disunionist must desire it to fail. It's failure would gladden the heart of Slidell in Europe, and of every enemy of the old flag in the world. Every advocate of slavery naturally desires to see blasted, and crashed, the liberty promised the black man by the new constitution. But why Gen. Canby and Gen. Hurlbut should join on the same side is to me incomprehensible. Of course, in the condition of things at New-Orleans, the military must not be thwarted by the civil authority; but when the constitutional convention, for what it deems a breach of previlege, arrests an editor, in no way connected with the military, the military necessity for insulting the Convention, and forcibly discharging the editor, is difficult to perceive.2 Neither is the military necessity for protecting the people against paying large salaries, fixed by a Legislature of their own choosing, very apparant. Equally difficult to perceive is the military necessity for forcibly interposing to pre- , vent a bank from loaning it's own money to the State. These things, if they have occurred, are, at the best, no better than gratuitous hostility. I wish I could hope that they may be shown to not have occurred. To make assurance against misunderstanding, I repeat that in the existing condition of things in Louisiana, the military must not be thwarted by the civil authority; and I add that on points of difference the commanding general must be judge and master. But I also add that in the exercise of this judgment and control, a purpose, obvious, and scarcely unavowed, to transcend all military necessity, in order to crush out the civil government, will not be overlooked.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0205" ], "overlap": 0.82 }, "lapsley:L7-0279": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0205", "label": "TO GENERAL S. A. HURLBUT.", "text": "Few things since I have been here have impressed me more painfully than what, for four or five months past, has appeared a bitter military opposition to the new State government of Louisiana. I still indulged some hope that I was mistaken in the fact; but copies of a correspondence on the subject between General Canby and yourself, and shown me to-day, dispel that hope. A very fair proportion of the people of Louisiana have inaugurated a new State government, making an excellent new constitution \u2014 better for the poor black man than we have in Illinois. This was done under military protection, directed by me, in the belief, still sincerely entertained, that with such a nucleus around which to build we could get the State into position again sooner than otherwise. In this belief a general promise of protection and support, applicable alike to Louisiana and other States, was given in the last annual message. During the formation of the new government and constitution they were supported by nearly every loyal person, and opposed by every secessionist. And this support and this opposition, from the respective standpoints of the parties, was perfectly consistent and logical. Every Unionist ought to wish the new government to succeed; and every disunionist must desire it to fail. Its failure would gladden the heart of Slidell in Europe, and of every enemy of the old flag in the world. Every advocate of slavery naturally desires to see blasted and crushed the liberty promised the black man by the new constitution. But why General Canby and General Hurlbut should join on the same side is to me incomprehensible. Of course, in the condition of things at New Orleans, the military must not be thwarted by the civil authority; but when the Constitutional Convention, for what it deems a breach of privilege, arrests an editor in no way connected with the military, the military necessity for insulting the convention and forcibly discharging the editor is difficult to perceive. Neither is the military necessity for protecting the people against paying large salaries fixed by a legislature of their own choosing very apparent. Equally difficult to perceive is the military necessity for forcibly interposing to prevent a bank from loaning its own money to the State. These things, if they have occurred, are, at the best, no better than gratuitous hostility. I wish I could hope that they may be shown not to have occurred. To make assurance against misunderstanding, I repeat that in the existing condition of things in Louisiana, the military must not be thwarted by the civil authority; and I add that on points of difference the commanding general must be judge and master. But I also add that in the exercise of this judgment and control, a purpose, obvious, and scarcely unavowed, to transcend all military necessity, in order to crush out the civil government, will not be overlooked.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0205" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0267": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0287", "label": "Story Written for Noah Brooks", "text": "THE PBESiDEiNrT's LAST, SHORTEST, AINTD BEST SPEECH. On thursday of last week two ladies from Tennessee came before the President asking the release of their husbands held as prisoners of 'war at Johnson's Island. They were put off till friday, when they came again; and were again put off to Saturday. At each of the interviews one of the ladies urged that her husband was a religious man. On Saturday the President ordered the release of the prisoners, and then said to this lady \"You say your husband is a religious man; tell him when you meet him, that I say I am not much of a judge of religion, but that, in my opinion, the re-ligion that sets men to rebel and fight against their government, because, as they think, that government does not sufficiently help \u00a307720 men to eat their bread on the sweat of other men's faces, is not the sort of religion upon which people can get to heaven!\" A. Lmcorjsr.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0267" ], "overlap": 0.85 }, "lapsley:L7-0287": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0267", "label": "MEMORANDUM, | DECEMBER 3, 1864.", "text": "On Thursday of last week, two ladies from Tennessee came before the President, asking the release of their husbands held as prisoners of war at Johnson's Island. They were put off until Friday, when they came again, and were again put off until Saturday. At each of the interviews one of the ladies urged that her husband was a religious man, and on Saturday the President ordered the release of the prisoners, when he said to this lady: \"You say your husband is a religious man; tell him when you meet him, that I say I am not much of a judge of religion, but that, in my opinion, the religion that sets men to rebel and fight against their own government, because, as they think, that government does not sufficiently help some men to eat their bread in the sweat of other men's faces, is not the sort of religion upon which people can get to heaven.\" A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0267" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0334": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0300", "label": "To William T. Sherman", "text": "Many, many, thanks for your Christmas-gift \u2014 the capture of Savannah. When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic coast, I was anxious s if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering that \"nothing risked, nothing gained\" I did not interfere. Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went farther than to acquiesce. And, taking the work of Gen. Thomas into the count, as it should be taken, it is indeed a great success. Not only does it afford the obvious and immediate military advantages; but, in showing to the world that your army could be divided, putting the stronger part to an important new service, and yet leaving enough to vanquish the old opposing force of the whole \u2014 Hood's army \u2014 it brings those who sat in darkness, to see a great light. But what next? I suppose it will be safer if I leave Gen. Grant and yourself to decide. Please make my grateful acknowledgments to your whole army, officers and men.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0334" ], "overlap": 0.88 }, "lapsley:L7-0300": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0334", "label": "SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA | TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.", "text": "Many, many thanks for your Christmas gift, the capture of Savannah. When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic coast, I was anxious, if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering that \"nothing risked, nothing gained,\" I did not interfere. Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went further than to acquiesce. And taking the work of General Thomas into the count, as it should be taken, it is indeed a great success. Not only does it afford the obvious and immediate military advantages; but in showing to the world that your army could be divided, putting the stronger part to an important new service, and yet leaving enough to vanquish the old opposing force of the whole, \u2014 Hood's army, \u2014 it brings those who sat in darkness to see a great light. But what next? I suppose it will be safe if I leave General Grant and yourself to decide. Please make my grateful acknowledgments to your whole army of officers and men.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0334" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0351": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0305", "label": "To Benjamin F. Butler", "text": "There is a man in Co I. nth. Conn. Vols. i Brigade 3. Division 24th. Army Corps, at Chapins Farm, Va, under the assumed name of Wm. Stanley, but whose real name is Frank R. Judd; and who is under arrest, and probably about to be tried for desertion. He is the son of our present Minister to Prussia, who is a close personal friend of Senator Trumbull and myself. We are not willing for the boy to be shot, but we think it as well that his trial go regularly on, suspending execution until further order from me & reporting tome A.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0351" ], "overlap": 0.89 }, "lapsley:L7-0305": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0351", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BUTLER.", "text": "There is a man in Company I, Eleventh Connecticut Volunteers, First Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-fourth Army Corps, at Chapin's Farm, Va.; under the assumed name of William Stanley, but whose real name is Frank R. Judd, and who is under arrest, and probably about to be tried for desertion. He is the son of our present minister to Prussia, who is a close personal friend of Senator Trumbull and myself. We are not willing for the boy to be shot, but we think it as well that his trial go regularly on, suspending execution until further order from me and reporting to me. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0351" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0417": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0317", "label": "To Grenville M. Dodge", "text": "It is represented to me that there is so much irregular violence in Northern Missouri as to be driving away the people and almost depopulating it. Please gather information, and consider whether an appeal to the people there to go to their homes, and let one another alone, recognizing as a full right of protection for each, that he lets others alone, and banning only him who refuses to let others alone, may not enable you to withdraw the troops, their presence itself a cause of irritation and constant apprehension, and thus restore peace and quiet & returning prosperity. Please consider this and telegraph or write me. A. LIISTCOLKT", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0417" ], "overlap": 0.92 }, "lapsley:L7-0317": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0417", "label": "", "text": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. M. DODGE. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 15, 1865. MAJOR-GENERAL DODGE, St. Louis, Missouri: It is represented to me that there is so much irregular violence in northern Missouri as to be driving away the people and almost depopulating it. Please gather information, and consider whether an appeal to the people there to go to their homes and let one another alone recognizing as a full right of protection for each that he lets others alone, and banning only him who refuses to let others alone may not enable you to withdraw the troops, their presence itself a cause of irritation and constant apprehension, and thus restore peace and quiet, and returning prosperity. Please consider this and telegraph or write me. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0417" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0434": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0319", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Please read and answer this letter as though I was not President, but only a friend. My son, now in his twenty second year, having graduated at Harvard, wishes to see something of the war before it ends. I do not wish to put him in the ranks, nor yet to give him a commission, to which those who have already served long, are \" better entitled, and better qualified to hold. Could he, without embarrassment to you, or detriment to the service, go into your Military family with some nominal rank, I, and not the public, furnishing his necessary means? If no, say so without the least hesitation, because I am as anxious, and as deeply interested, that you shall not be encumbered as you can be yourself.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0434" ], "overlap": 0.93 }, "lapsley:L7-0319": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0434", "label": "EXECUTIVE MANSION,", "text": "Please read and answer this letter as though I was not President, but only a friend. My son, now in his twenty-second year, having graduated at Harvard, wishes to see something of the war before it ends. I do not wish to put him in the ranks, nor yet to give him a commission, to which those who have already served long are better entitled and better qualified to hold. Could he, without embarrassment to you, or detriment to the service, go into your military family with some nominal rank, I, and not the public, furnishing his necessary means? If no, say so without the least hesitation, because I am as anxious and as deeply interested that you shall not be encumbered as you can be yourself.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0434" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0491": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0327", "label": "To Thomas T. Eckert", "text": "You will proceed with the documents placed in your hands; and, on reaching Gen. Qrd, will deliver him the letter addressed to him by the Secretary of War; then, by Gen. Ord's assistance, procure an interview with Messrs, Stephens, Hunter and Campbell, or any of them, deliver to him, or them, the paper on which your own letter is written,2 note on the copy which you retain the time of delivery, and to whom delivered, receive their answer in writing, waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if it contain their decision to come, through, without further condition* will be your warrant to ask Gen. Ord to pass them through as directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to him. If by their answer they decline to come, or propose other terms, do not have them passed through. And this being your whole duty return and report to me.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0491" ], "overlap": 0.82 }, "lapsley:L7-0327": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0491", "label": "EARLY CONSULTATIONS WITH REBELS | INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR ECKERT.", "text": "-You will proceed with the documents placed in your hands, and on reaching General Ord will deliver him the letter addressed to him by the Secretary of War. Then, by General Ord's assistance procure an interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, or any of them, deliver to him or them the paper on which your own letter is written. Note on the copy which you retain the time of delivery and to whom delivered. Receive their answer in writing, waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if it contain their decision to come through without further condition, will be your warrant to ask General Ord to pass them through as directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to him. If by their answer they decline to come, or propose other terms, do not have them pass through. And this being your whole duty, return and report to me.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0491" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0502": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0331", "label": "To William H. Seward", "text": "You will proceed to Fortress-Monroe, Virginia, there to meet, and informally confer with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, on the basis of my letter to F. R Blair, Esq., on Jan. 18. 1865, a copy of which you have. You will make known to them that three things are indispensable, towit: 1. The restoration of the national authority throughout all the States. 2. No receding, \"by the Executive of the United States on the Slavery question, from the position assumed thereon, in the late Annual Message to Congress, and in preceding documents. 3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war, and the disbanding of all forces hostile to the government, You will inform them that all propositions of theirs not inconsistent with the above, will be considered and passed -upon in a spirit of sincere liberality. You will hear all they may choose to say, and report it to me. You will not assume to definitely consummate anything.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0502" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0331": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0502", "label": "INSTRUCTIONS TO SECRETARY SEWARD.", "text": "You will proceed to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, there to meet and informally confer with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, on the basis of my letter to F. P. Blair, Esq., of January 18, 1865, a copy of which you have. You will make known to them that three things are indispensable to wit: 1. The restoration of the national authority throughout all the States. 2. No receding by the Executive of the United States on the slavery question from the position assumed thereon in the late annual message to Congress, and in preceding documents. 3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war and the disbanding of all forces hostile to the Government. You will inform them that all propositions of theirs, not inconsistent with the above, will be considered and passed upon in a spirit of sincere liberality. You will hear all they may choose to say and report it to me. You will not assume to definitely consummate anything.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0502" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0627": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0357", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Cipher* Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Lieut. Genl. Grant War Department, City-Point, Va. Washington, B.C., Feb. 24 1865 I am in a little perplexity. I was induced to authorize a gentleman to bring R. A. Pryor here with a view of effecting an ex-change of him. But since then I have seen a despatch of yours showing that you specially object to his exchange. Meantime he has reached here & reported to me. It is an ungracious thing for me to send him back to prison, and yet inadmissable for him to remain here long. Can not you help me out with it? I can conceive that there may be difference to you in days; and I can keep him a few days to accommodate on that point. I have not heard of my son's reaching you.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0627" ], "overlap": 0.82 }, "lapsley:L7-0357": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0627", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U.S. GRANT.", "text": "I am in a little perplexity. I was induced to authorize a gentleman to bring Roger A. Pryor here with a view of effecting an exchange of him; but since then I have seen a despatch of yours showing that you specially object to his exchange. Meantime he has reached here and reported to me. It is an ungracious thing for me to send him back to prison, and yet inadmissible for him to remain here long. Cannot you help me out with it? I can conceive that there may be difference to you in days, and I can keep him a few days to accommodate on that point. I have not heard of my son's reaching you. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0627" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0696": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0366", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "\"Cypher\" Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Lieut. GenL Grant War Department, City-Point, Va. Washington, D.G, March 8. 1865 Your two despatches to the Secretary of War \u2014 one relating to supplies for the enemy going by the Blackwater, and the other to Gen. Singleton and Judge Hughes\u2014 have been laid before me by him. As to Singleton and Hughes, I think they are not in Richmond by any authority, unless it be from you. I remember nothing from me which could aid them in getting there except a letter to you as follows, towit: \"Lieut. Genl. Grant Executive Mansion City-Point, Va. Washington City Feb. 7. 1865 Gen. Singleton \"who bears you this, claims that, he already has arrangements made, if you consent, to bring a large amount of Southern produce through your lines. For it's bearing on our finances, I would be glad for this to be done, if it can be, without injuriously disturbing your military operations, or supplying the enemy. I wish you to be judge and master on these points. Please see and hear him fully; and decide whether anything & if anything, what can be done in the premises. Yours truly A. Ll3NTCOL]Sr. [\" J I believe I gave Hughes a card putting him with Singleton, on the same letter. However this may be I now authorize you to get Singleton and Hughes away from Richmond, if you choose, and can. I also authorize you, by an order, or in what form you choose, to suspend all operations on the Treasury-trade-permits, in all places South Eastward of the Alleghenies. If you make such order, notify me of it, giving a copy, so that I can give corresponding direction to the Navy.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0696" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L7-0366": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0696", "label": "", "text": "Your two despatches to the Secretary of War, one relating to supplies for the enemy going by the Blackwater, and the other to General Singleton and Judge Hughes, have been laid before me by him. As to Singleton and Hughes, I think they are not in Richmond by any authority, unless it be from you. I remember nothing from me which could aid them in getting there, except a letter to you, as follows, to wit: EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON CITY, February 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point, Va.: General Singleton, who bears you this, claims that he already has arrangements made, if you consent, to bring a large amount of Southern produce through your lines. For its bearing on our finances, I would be glad for this to be done, if it can be, without injuriously disturbing your military operations, or supplying the enemy. I wish you to be judge and master on these points. Please see and hear him fully, and decide whether anything, and, if anything, what, can be done in the premises. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN. I believe I gave Hughes a card putting him with Singleton on the same letter. However this may be, I now authorize you to get Singleton and Hughes away from Richmond, if you choose, and can. I also authorize you, by an order, or in what form you choose, to suspend all operations on the Treasury trade permits, in all places southeastward of the Alleghenies. If you make such order, notify me of it, giving a copy, so that I can give corresponding direction to the Navy. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0696" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0724": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0369", "label": "To Thurlow Weed", "text": "Every one likes a compliment. Thank you for yours on my little notification speech, and on the recent Inaugeral Address. I expect the latter to wear as well as \u2014 perhaps better than \u2014 any thing I have produced; but I believe it is not immediately popular. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told; and as whatever of humiliation there is in it, falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0724" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0369": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0724", "label": "LETTER TO THURLOW WEED, | MARCH 15, 1865. | EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.", "text": "Every one likes a compliment. Thank you for yours on my little notification speech and on the recent inaugural address. I expect the latter to wear as well as perhaps better than \u2014 anything I have produced; but I believe it is not immediately popular. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told, and, as whatever of humiliation there is in it falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it. Truly yours, A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0724" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0768": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0379", "label": "To Edwin M. Stanton", "text": "Arrived here, all safe about 9 P.M. yesterday. No war news. Gen. Grant does not seem to know very much about Yeatman, but thinks very well of him so far as he does know. I like Mr. Whiting very much, and hence would wish him to remain or resign as best suits himself. Hearing this much from me, do as you think best in the matter. Gen. Lee has sent the Russell letter back, concluding, as I understand from Grant, that their dignity does not admit of their receiving the document from us. Robert just now tells me there was a little rumpus up the line this morning, ending about where it began.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0768" ], "overlap": 0.98 }, "lapsley:L7-0379": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0768", "label": "TELEGRAM TO SECRETARY STANTON.", "text": "CITY POINT, VIRGINIA, March 25, 1865. 8.30 A.M. HON. SECRETARY OF WAR, Washington, D. C.: Arrived here all safe about 9 P.M. yesterday. No war news. General Grant does not seem to know very much about Yeatman, but thinks very well of him so far as he does know. I like Mr. Whiting very much, and hence would wish him to remain or resign as best suits himself. Hearing this much from me, do as you think best in the matter. General Lee has sent the Russell letter back, concluding, as I understand from Grant, that their dignity does not admit of their receiving the document from us. Robert just now tells me there was a little rumpus up the line this morning, ending about where it began. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0768" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0789": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0396", "label": "To Edwin M. Stanton", "text": "Weitzel telegraphs from Richmond that of Railroad stock, he found there twenty-eight (28) Locomotives, forty-four passenger & baggage cars, and two hundred and six freight cars.2 At 3/20 this morning Grant, from Southerland station, ten miles from Petersburg towards Burkesville, telegraphs as follows, towit:8 A. LINCOLN* \"General Sheridan picked up 1,200 prisoners to-day and from 300 to 500 more have been gathered by other troops. The majority of the arms that were left in the hands of the remnant of Lee's army are now scattered between Richmond and where his troops are. The country is also full of stragglers, the line of retreat marked with artillery, ammunition, burned or charred wagons, caissons, ambulances, &c.\"", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0789" ], "overlap": 0.76 }, "lapsley:L7-0396": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0789", "label": "TELEGRAM TO SECRETARY STANTON.", "text": "CITY POINT, VA., April 4, 1865 (Received 8.45 A.M.) HON. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: General Weitzel telegraphs from Richmond that of railroad stock he found there twenty-eight locomotives, forty-four passenger and baggage cars, and one hundred and six freight cars. At 3.30 this evening General Grant, from Sutherland's Station, ten miles from Petersburg toward Burkevllle, telegraphs as follows: \"General Sheridan picked up twelve hundred prisoners to-day, and from three hundred to five hundred more have been gathered by other troops. The majority of the arms that were left in the hands of the remnant of Lee's army are now scattered between Richmond and where his troops are. The country is also full of stragglers; the line of retreat marked with artillery, ammunition, burned or charred wagons, caissons, ambulances, etc.\" A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0789" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0793": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0398", "label": "To Ulysses S. Grant", "text": "Secretary Seward was thrown from his carriage yesterday and seriously injured. This, with other matters, will take me to Washington soon. I was at Richmond yesterday and the day before, when and where Judge Campbell (who was with Messrs. Hunter and Stephens in February) called on me and made such representations as induced me to put in his hands an informal paper, repeating the propositions in my letter of instructions to Mr. Seward (which you remember) and adding that if the war be now further persisted in by the rebels, confiscated property shall, at the least, bear the additional cost; and that confiscations shall be remitted to the people of any State which will now promptly, and in good faith, withdraw its troops and other support, from resistance to the government. Judge Campbell thought it not impossible that the rebel Legislature of Virginia would do the latter, if permitted; and accordingly, I addressed a private letter to Gen. Weitzel (with permission for Judge Campbell to see it) telling him, Gen. W. that if they attempt this, to permit and protect them, unless they attempt something hostile to the United States, in which case to give them notice and time to leave, and to arrest any remaining after such time. I do not think it very probable that anything will come of this; but I have thought best to notify you, so that if you should see signs, you may understand them. From your recent despatches it seems that you are pretty effectually withdrawing the Virginia troops from opposition to the government. Nothing I have done, or probably shall do, is to delay, hinder, or interfere with you in your work.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0793" ], "overlap": 0.87 }, "lapsley:L7-0398": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0793", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT.", "text": "Secretary Seward was thrown from his carriage yesterday and seriously injured. This, with other matters, will take me to Washington soon. I was at Richmond yesterday and the day before, when and where Judge Campbell, who was with Messrs. Hunter and Stephens in February, called on me, and made such representations as induced me to put in his hands an informal paper, repeating the propositions in my letter of instructions to Mr. Seward, which you remember, and adding that if the war be now further persisted in by the rebels, confiscated property shall at the least bear the additional cost, and that confiscation shall be remitted to the people of any State which will now promptly and in good faith withdraw its troops and other support from resistance to the Government. Judge Campbell thought it not impossible that the rebel legislature of Virginia would do the latter if permitted; and accordingly I addressed a private letter to General Weitzel, with permission to Judge Campbell to see it, telling him (General Weitzel) that if they attempt this, to permit and protect them, unless they attempt something hostile to the United States, in which case to give them notice and time to leave, and to arrest any remaining after such time. I do not think it very probable that anything win come of this, but I have thought best to notify you so that if you should see signs you may understand them. From your recent despatches it seems that you are pretty effectually withdrawing the Virginia troops from opposition to the Government. Nothing that I have done, or probably shall do, is to delay, hinder, or interfere with your work.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0793" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0794": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0399", "label": "To Godfrey Weitze", "text": "It has been intimated to me that the gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia, in support of the rebellion, may now now -sic desire to assemble at Richmond, and take measures to withdraw the Virginia troops, and other support from resistance to the General government. If they attempt it, give them permission and protection, until, if at all, they attempt some action hostile to the United States, in which case you will notify them and give them reasonable time to leave; & at the end of which time, arrest any who may remain. Allow Judge Campbell to see this, but do not make it public.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0794" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L7-0399": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0794", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. WEITZEL.", "text": "It has been intimated to me that the gentlemen who have acted as the legislature of Virginia in support of the rebellion may now desire to assemble at Richmond and take measures to withdraw the Virginia troops and other support from resistance to the General Government. If they attempt it, give them permission and protection, until, if at all, they attempt some action hostile to the United States, in which case you will notify them, give them reasonable time to leave, and at the end of which time arrest any who remain. Allow Judge Campbell to see this, but do not make it public. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0794" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0812": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0409", "label": "To Godfrey Weitze", "text": "\"Cypher\" Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Major General Weitzel War Department, Richmond, Va. Washington, D.C., April 12. 1865 I have seen your despatch to Col. Hardie about the matter of prayers. I do not remember hearing prayers spoken of while I was in Richmond; but I have no doubt you have acted in what appeared to you to be the spirit and temper manifested by me while there. Is there any sign of the rebel Legislature coming together on the understanding of my letter to you? If there is any such sign, inform me what it is; if there is no such sign you may as well withdraw the offer.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0812" ], "overlap": 0.9 }, "lapsley:L7-0409": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0812", "label": "TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. WEITZEL.", "text": "I have seen your despatch to Colonel Hardie about the matter of prayers. I do not remember hearing prayers spoken of while I was in Richmond; but I have no doubt you have acted in what appeared to you to be the spirit and temper manifested by me while there. Is there any sign of the rebel legislature coming together on the understanding of my letter to you? If there is any such sign, inform me what it is; if there is no such sign, you may withdraw the offer. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0812" ] }, "basler:basler-VIII-0813": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "basler", "pair": "L7-0410", "label": "To Godfrey Weitze", "text": "\"Cypher\" Office U.S. Military Telegraph, Major General Weitzel War Department., Richmond, Va Washington, D.G., April 12. 1865 I have just seen Judge Campbell's letter to you of the /th. He assumes as appears to me that I have called the insurgent Legislature of Virginia together, as the rightful Legislature of the State, to settle all differences with the United States. I have done no such thing. I spoke of them not as a Legislature, but as \"the gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia in sup- port of the rebellion.\" I did this on purpose to exclude the assumption that I was recognizing them as a rightful body. I dealt with them as men having power de facto to do a specific thing, towit, \"to withdraw the Virginia troops, and other support from resistance to the General Government,\" for which in the paper handed Judge Campbell I promised a specific equivalent, to wit, a remission to the people of the State, except in certain cases, the confiscation of their property. I meant this and no more. In as much however as Judge Campbell misconstrues this, and is still pressing for an armistice, contrary to the explicit statement of the paper I gave him; and particularly as Gen. Grant has since captured the Virginia troops, so that giving a consideration for their withdrawal is no longer applicable, let my letter to you, and the paper to Judge Campbell both be withdrawn or, countermanded, and he be notified of it. Do not now allow them to assemble; but if any have come, allow them safe-return to their homes.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0813" ], "overlap": 0.84 }, "lapsley:L7-0410": { "author": "lincoln", "edition": "lapsley", "pair": "basler-VIII-0813", "label": "", "text": "I have just seen Judge Campbell's letter to you of the 7th. He assumes, as appears to me, that I have called the insurgent legislature of Virginia together, as the rightful legislature of the State, to settle all differences with the United States. I have done no such thing. I spoke of them, not as a legislature, but as \"the gentlemen who have acted as the legislature of Virginia in support of the rebellion.\" I did this on purpose to exclude the assumption that I was recognizing them as a rightful body. I deal with them as men having power de facto to do a specific thing, to wit: \"To withdraw the Virginia troops and other support from resistance to the General Government,\" for which, in the paper handed Judge Campbell, I promised a specific equivalent, to wit: a remission to the people of the State, except in certain cases, of the confiscation of their property. I meant this, and no more. Inasmuch, however, as Judge Campbell misconstrues this, and is still pressing for an armistice, contrary to the explicit statement of the paper I gave him, and particularly as General Grant has since captured the Virginia troops, so that giving a consideration for their withdrawal is no longer applicable, let my letter to you and the paper to Judge Campbell both be withdrawn, or countermanded, and he be notified of it. Do not now allow them to assemble, but if any have come, allow them safe return to their homes. A. LINCOLN.", "parents": [ "basler-VIII-0813" ] } }