Buttheycannotberequiredtotakeanoathofallegiancetothisgovernment，becauseitconflictswiththedutytheyowetotheirownsovereigns。Allsuchobligationsheretoforetakenarethereforeremittedandannulled。Militarycommanderswillabstainfromimposingsimilarobligationsinfuture，andwillinlieuthereofadoptsuchotherrestraintsofthecharacterindicatedastheyshallfindnecessary，convenient，andeffectualforthepublicsafety。ItisfurtherdirectedthatwheneveranyordershallbemadeaffectingthepersonallibertyofanalienreportsofthesameandofthecausesthereofshallbemadetotheWarDepartmentfortheconsiderationoftheDepartmentofState。
ByorderoftheSecretaryofWar：
L。THOMAS，Adjutant—General。
ORDERAUTHORIZINGEMPLOYMENTOF\"CONTRABANDS。\"
WARDEPARTMENT，July22，1862。
Ordered：
1。ThatmilitarycommanderswithintheStatesofVirginia，SouthCarolina，Georgia，Florida，Alabama，Mississippi，Louisiana，Texas，andArkansasinanorderlymannerseizeanduseanyproperty，realorpersonal，whichmaybenecessaryorconvenientfortheirseveralcommandsassuppliesorforothermilitarypurposes；andthatwhilepropertymaybedestroyedforpropermilitaryobjects，noneshallbedestroyedinwantonnessormalice。
2。ThatmilitaryandnavalcommandersshallemployaslaborerswithinandfromsaidStatessomanypersonsofAfricandescentascanbeadvantageouslyusedformilitaryornavalpurposes，givingthemreasonablewagesfortheirlabor。
3。ThatastobothpropertyandpersonsofAfricandescentaccountsshallbekeptsufficientlyaccurateandindetailtoshowquantitiesandamountsandfromwhombothpropertyandsuchpersonsshallhavecome，asabasisuponwhichcompensationcanbemadeinpropercases；
andtheseveraldepartmentsofthisgovernmentshallattendtoandperformtheirappropriatepartstowardtheexecutionoftheseorders。
ByorderofthePresident：
EDWINM。STANTON，SecretaryofWar。
WARNINGTOREBELSYMPATHIZERS
PROCLAMATION，JULY25，1862。
THEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA：
AProclamation。
InpursuanceofthesixthsectionoftheactofCongressentitled\"Anacttosuppressinsurrectionandtopunishtreasonandrebellion，toseizeandconfiscatepropertyofrebels，andforotherpurposes，\"
approvedJuly17，1862，andwhichactandthejointresolutionexplanatorythereofareherewithpublished，I，AbrahamLincoln，PresidentoftheUnitedStates，doherebyproclaimtoandwarnallpersonswithinthecontemplationofsaidsixthsectiontoceaseparticipatingin，aiding，countenancing，orabettingtheexistingrebellionoranyrebellionagainsttheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesandtoreturntotheirproperallegiancetotheUnitedStates，onpainoftheforfeituresandseizuresaswithinandbysaidsixthsectionprovided。
IntestimonywhereofIhavehereuntosetmyhandandcausedthesealoftheUnitedStatestobeaffixed。
DoneatthecityofWashington，thistwenty—fifthdayofJuly，A。D。
1862，andoftheindependenceoftheUnitedStatestheeighty—seventh。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
BythePresident：
WILLIAMH。SEWARD，SecretaryofState。
HOLDMYHANDWHILSTTHEENEMYSTABSME
TOREVERDYJOHNSON。
Private。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，July26，1862。
HON。REVERDYJOHNSON。
MYDEARSIR：——Yoursofthe16thisreceived……
YouarereadytosayIapplytofriendswhatisdueonlytoenemies。
Idistrustthewisdomifnotthesincerityoffriendswhowouldholdmyhandswhilemyenemiesstabme。Thisappealofprofessedfriendshasparalyzedmemoreinthisstrugglethananyotheronething。Youremembertellingme，thedayaftertheBaltimoremobinApril，1861，thatitwouldcrushallUnionfeelinginMarylandformetoattemptbringingtroopsoverMarylandsoiltoWashington。Ibroughtthetroopsnotwithstanding，andyettherewasUnionfeelingenoughlefttoelectaLegislaturethenextautumn，whichinturnelectedaveryexcellentUnionUnitedStatessenator！Iamapatientman——alwayswillingtoforgiveontheChristiantermsofrepentance，andalsotogiveampletimeforrepentance。Still，Imustsavethisgovernment，ifpossible。WhatIcannotdo，ofcourse，Iwillnotdo；butitmayaswellbeunderstood，onceforall，thatIshallnotsurrenderthisgameleavinganyavailablecardunplayed。
Yourstruly，A。LINCOLN。
TOCUTHBERTBULLITT。
Private。
WASHINGTON，D。C。，July28，1862。
CUTHBERTBULLITT，Esq。，NewOrleans，Louisiana。
SIR：——ThecopyofaletteraddressedtoyourselfbyMr。ThomasJ。
Duranthasbeenshowntome。Thewriterappearstobeanable，adispassionate，andanentirelysincereman。ThefirstpartoftheletterisdevotedtoanefforttoshowthatthesecessionordinanceofLouisianawasadoptedagainstthewillofamajorityofthepeople。Thisisprobablytrue，andinthatfactmaybefoundsomeinstruction。Whydidtheyallowtheordinancetogointoeffect？
Whydidtheynotassertthemselves？Whystandpassiveandallowthemselvestobetroddendownbyminority？WhydidtheynotholdpopularmeetingsandhaveaconventionoftheirowntoexpressandenforcethetruesentimentoftheState？Ifpreorganizationwasagainstthemthen，whynotdothisnowthattheUnitedStatesarmyispresenttoprotectthem？Theparalysis——thedeadpalsy——ofthegovernmentinthiswholestruggleisthatthisclassofmenwilldonothingforthegovernment，nothingforthemselves，exceptdemandingthatthegovernmentshallnotstrikeitsopenenemies，lesttheybestruckbyaccident！
Mr。Durantcomplainsthatinvariouswaystherelationofmasterandslaveisdisturbedbythepresenceofourarmy，andheconsidersitparticularlyvexatiousthatthis，inpart，isdoneundercoverofanactofCongress，whileconstitutionalguarantiesaresuspendedonthepleaofmilitarynecessity。Thetruthis，thatwhatisdoneandomittedaboutslavesisdoneandomittedonthesamemilitarynecessity。Itisamilitarynecessitytohavemenandmoney；andwecangetneitherinsufficientnumbersoramountsifwekeepfromordrivefromourlinesslavescomingtothem。Mr。Durantcannotbeignorantofthepressureinthisdirection，norofmyeffortstoholditwithinboundstillheandsuchasheshallhavetimetohelpthemselves。
IamnotpostedtospeakunderstandinglyonallthepoliceregulationsofwhichMr。Durantcomplains。Ifexperienceshowsanyoneofthemtobewrong，letthembesetright。IthinkIcanperceiveinthefreedomoftradewhichMr。Duranturgesthathewouldrelievebothfriendsandenemiesfromthepressureoftheblockade。
Bythishewouldservetheenemymoreeffectivelythantheenemyisabletoservehimself。Idonotsayorbelievethattoservetheenemyisthepurpose，ofMr。Durant，orthatheisconsciousofanypurposeotherthannationalandpatrioticones。Still，iftherewereaclassofmenwho，havingnochoiceofsidesinthecontest，wereanxiousonlytohavequietandcomfortforthemselveswhileitrages，andtofallinwiththevictorioussideattheendofitwithoutlosstothemselves，theiradviceastothemodeofconductingthecontestwouldbepreciselysuchashisis。Hespeaksofnoduty——apparentlythinksofnone——restinguponUnionmen。HeeventhinksitinjurioustotheUnioncausethattheyshouldberestrainedintradeandpassagewithouttakingsides。Theyaretotouchneitherasailnorapump，buttobemerelypassengers——deadheadsatthat——tobecarriedsnuganddrythroughoutthestorm，andsafelylandedrightsideup。
Nay，more：evenamutineeristogountouched，lestthesesacredpassengersreceiveanaccidentalwound。OfcoursetherebellionwillneverbesuppressedinLouisianaiftheprofessedUnionmentherewillneitherhelptodoitnorpermitthegovernmenttodoitwithouttheirhelp。Now，IthinkthetrueremedyisverydifferentfromwhatissuggestedbyMr。Durant。Itdoesnotlieinroundingtheroughanglesofthewar，butinremovingthenecessityforthewar。ThepeopleofLouisianawhowishprotectiontopersonandpropertyhavebuttoreachforththeirhandsandtakeit。Letthemingoodfaithreinauguratethenationalauthority，andsetupaStategovernmentconformingtheretoundertheConstitution。Theyknowhowtodoitandcanhavetheprotectionofthearmywhiledoingit。ThearmywillbewithdrawnsosoonassuchStategovernmentcandispensewithitspresence；andthepeopleoftheStatecanthen，upontheoldconstitutionalterms，governthemselvestotheirownliking。Thisisverysimpleandeasy。
Iftheywillnotdothis——iftheyprefertohazardallforthesakeofdestroyingthegovernment——itisforthemtoconsiderwhetheritisprobableIwillsurrenderthegovernmenttosavethemfromlosingall。IftheydeclinewhatIsuggest，youscarcelyneedtoaskwhatI
willdo。Whatwouldyoudoinmyposition？Wouldyoudropthewarwhereitis？Orwouldyouprosecuteitinfuturewithelder—stalksquirtschargedwithrosewater？Wouldyoudeallighterblowsratherthanheavierones？Wouldyougiveupthecontest，leavinganyavailablemeansunapplied？Iaminnoboastfulmood。IshallnotdomorethanIcan，andIshalldoallIcan，tosavethegovernment，whichismysworndutyaswellasmypersonalinclination。Ishalldonothinginmalice。WhatIdealwithistoovastformaliciousdealing。
Yourstruly，A。LINCOLN。
TOLOYALGOVERNORS。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，July28，1862。
GOVERNORSOFALLLOYALSTATES：
Itwouldbeofgreatservicehereforustoknow，asfullyasyoucantell，whatprogressismadeandmakinginrecruitingforoldregimentsinyourState。Alsoaboutwhatdaythefirstregimentscanmovewithyou，whatthesecond，whatthethird，andsoon。Thisinformationisimportanttousinmakingcalculations。Pleasegiveitaspromptlyandaccuratelyasyoucall。
A。LINCOLN。
BROKENEGGSCANNOTBEMENDED
EXTRACTFROMLETTERTOAUGUSTBELMONT。
July31，1862。
Brokeneggscannotbemended；butLouisianahasnothingtodonowbuttotakeherplaceintheUnionasitwas，barringthealreadybrokeneggs。Thesoonershedoesso，thesmallerwillbetheamountofthatwhichwillbepastmending。Thisgovernmentcannotmuchlongerplayagameinwhichitstakesall，anditsenemiesstakenothing。Thoseenemiesmustunderstandthattheycannotexperimentfortenyearstryingtodestroythegovernment，andiftheyfail，stillcomebackintotheUnionunhurt。IftheyexpectinanycontingencytoeverhavetheUnionasitwas，Ijoinwiththewriterinsaying，\"Nowisthetime。\"
Howmuchbetteritwouldhavebeenforthewritertohavegoneatthis，undertheprotectionofthearmyatNewOrleans，thantohavesatdowninaclosetwritingcomplaininglettersnorthward！
Yourstruly，A。LINCOLN。
TOCOUNTGASPARIN。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，August4，1863。
TOCOUNTA。DEGASPARIN。
DEARSIR—Yourveryacceptableletter，datedOrbe，CantondeVaud，Switzerland，18thofJuly，1862，isreceived。ThemoraleffectwastheworstoftheaffairbeforeRichmond，andthathasrunitscoursedownward。Wearenowatastand，andshallsoonberisingagain，aswehope。Ibelieveitistruethat，inmenandmaterial，theenemysufferedmorethanweinthatseriesofconflicts，whileitiscertainthatheislessabletobearit。
Withuseverysoldierisamanofcharacter，andmustbetreatedwithmoreconsiderationthaniscustomaryinEurope。Henceourgreatarmy，forslightercausesthancouldhaveprevailedthere，hasdwindledrapidly，bringingthenecessityforanewcallearlierthanwasanticipated。Weshalleasilyobtainthenewlevy，however。Benotalarmedifyoushalllearnthatweshallhaveresortedtoadraftforpartofthis。Itseemsstrangeeventome，butitistrue，thatthegovernmentisnowpressedtothiscoursebyapopulardemand。
Thousandswhowishnottopersonallyentertheserviceareneverthelessanxioustopayandsendsubstitutes，providedtheycanhaveassurancethatunwillingpersons，similarlysituated，willbecompelledtodolikewise。Besidesthis，volunteersmostlychoosetoenternewlyformingregiments，whiledraftedmencanbesenttofilluptheoldones，whereinmanformantheyarequitedoublyasvaluable。
Youask，\"WhyisitthattheNorthwithhergreatarmiessooftenisfoundwithinferiorityofnumbersfacetofacewiththearmiesoftheSouth？\"WhileIpainfullyknowthefact，amilitaryman，whichIamnot，wouldbetteranswerthequestion。ThefactIknowhasnotbeenoverlooked，andIsupposethecauseofitscontinuanceliesmainlyintheotherfactsthattheenemyholdstheinteriorandwetheexteriorlines，andthatweoperatewherethepeopleconveyinformationtotheenemy，whileheoperateswheretheyconveynonetous。
Ihavereceivedthevolumeandletterwhichyoudidmethehonorofaddressingtome，andforwhichpleaseacceptmysincerethanks。YouaremuchadmiredinAmericafortheabilityofyourwritings，andmuchlovedforyourgenerositytousandyourdevotiontoliberalprinciplesgenerally。
Youarequiterightastotheimportancetous，foritsbearinguponEurope，thatweshouldachievemilitarysuccesses，andthesameistrueforusathomeaswellasabroad。Yetitseemsunreasonablethataseriesofsuccesses，extendingthroughhalfayear，andclearingmorethan100，000squaremilesofcountry，shouldhelpussolittle，whileasinglehalf—defeatshouldhurtussomuch。Butletusbepatient。
IamveryhappytoknowthatmycoursehasnotconflictedwithyourjudgmentofproprietyandpolicyIcanonlysaythatIhaveacteduponmybestconvictions，withoutselfishnessormalice，andthatbythehelpofGodIshallcontinuetodoso。
Pleasebeassuredofmyhighestrespectandesteem。
A。LINCOLN。
SPEECHATAWARMEETING，WASHINGTON，AUGUST6，1862
FELLOWCITIZENS：Ibelievethereisnoprecedentformyappearingbeforeyouonthisoccasion，butitisalsotruethatthereisnoprecedentforyourbeinghereyourselves，andIofferinjustificationofmyselfandofyouthat，uponexamination，IhavefoundnothingintheConstitutionagainstit。I，however，haveanimpressionthat；thereareyoungergentlemenwhowillentertainyoubetterandbetteraddressyourunderstandingthanIwillorcould，andthereforeIproposebuttodetainyouamomentlonger。IamverylittleinclinedonanyoccasiontosayanythingunlessIhopetoproducesomegoodbyit。TheonlythingIthinkofjustnownotlikelytobebettersaidbysomeoneelseisamatterinwhichwehaveheardsomeotherpersonsblamedforwhatIdidmyselfTherehasbeenaverywidespreadattempttohaveaquarrelbetweenGeneralMcClellanandtheSecretaryofWarNow，Ioccupyapositionthatenablesmetobelievethatthesetwogentlemenarenotnearlysodeepinthequarrelassomepresumingtobetheirfriends。GeneralMcClellan’sattitudeissuchthatintheveryselfishnessofhisnaturehecannotbutwishtobesuccessful——andIhopehewill——andtheSecretaryofWarispreciselyinthesamesituation。Ifthemilitarycommandersinthefieldcannotbesuccessful，notonlytheSecretaryofWar，butmyself，forthetimebeingthemasterofboth，cannotbutbefailures。IknowGeneralMcClellanwishestobesuccessful，andIknowhedoesnotwishitanymorethantheSecretaryofWarforhim，andbothofthemtogethernomorethanI
wishit。SometimeswehaveadisputeabouthowmanymenGeneralMcClellanhashad，andthosewhowoulddisparagehimsayhehashadaverylargenumber，andthosewhowoulddisparagetheSecretaryofWarinsistthatGeneralMcClellanhashadaverysmallnumber。Thebasisforthisis，thereisalwaysawidedifference，andonthisoccasionperhapsawiderone，betweenthegrandtotalonMcClellan’srollsandthemenactuallyfitforduty；andthosewhowoulddisparagehimtalkofthegrandtotalonpaper，andthosewhowoulddisparagetheSecretaryofWartalkofthoseatpresentfitforduty。GeneralMcClellanhassometimesaskedforthingsthattheSecretaryofWardidnotgivehim。GeneralMcClellanisnottoblameforaskingforwhathewantedandneeded，andtheSecretaryofWarisnottoblamefornotgivingwhenhehadnonetogive。AndIsayhere，sofarasI
know，theSecretaryofWarhaswithheldnoonethingatanytimeinmypowertogivehim。Ihavenoaccusationagainsthim。Ibelieveheisabraveandableman，andIstandhere，asjusticerequiresmetodo，totakeuponmyselfwhathasbeenchargedontheSecretaryofWaraswithholdingfromhim。IhavetalkedlongerthanIexpectedtodo，andnowIavailmyselfofmyprivilegeofsayingnomore。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORANDREW。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTONCITY，D。C。，August12，1862。
GOVERNORANDREW，Boston，Mass。：
Yourdespatchsaying\"Ican’tgetthoseregimentsoffbecauseIcan’tgetquickworkoutoftheV。S。disbursingofficerandthepaymaster\"
isreceived。PleasesaytothesegentlementhatiftheydonotworkquicklyIwillmakequickworkwiththem。Inthenameofallthatisreasonable，howlongdoesittaketopayacoupleofregiments？Wewerenevermoreinneedofthearrivalofregimentsthannow——evento—day。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORCURTIN。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August12，1862。
GOVERNORCURTIN，Harrisburg，Penn。：
Itisveryimportantforsomeregimentstoarrivehereatonce。Whatlackyoufromus？Whatcanwedotoexpeditematters？Answer。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALS。R。CURTIS。
WASHINGTON，D。C。，August12，1862。
MAJOR—GENERALCURTIS，St。Louis，Missouri：
WouldthecompletionoftherailroadsomedistancefartherinthedirectionofSpringfield，Mo。，beofanymilitaryadvantagetoyou？
Pleaseanswer。
A。LINCOLN。
ADDRESSONCOLONIZATIONTOADEPUTATIONOFCOLOREDMEN。
WASHINGTON，Thursday，August14，1862。
ThisafternoonthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesgaveanaudiencetoacommitteeofcoloredmenattheWhiteHouse。TheywereintroducedbyRev。J。Mitchell，CommissionerofEmigration，E。M。Thomas，thechairman，remarkedthattheyweretherebyinvitationtohearwhattheExecutivehadtosaytothem。
Havingallbeenseated，thePresident，afterafewpreliminaryobservations，informedthemthatasumofmoneyhadbeenappropriatedbyCongress，andplacedathisdisposition，forthepurposeofaidingthecolonization，insomecountry，ofthepeople，oraportionofthem，ofAfricandescent，therebymakingithisduty，asithadforalongtimebeenhisinclination，tofavorthatcause。Andwhy，heasked，shouldthepeopleofyourracebecolonized，andwhere？Whyshouldtheyleavethiscountry？Thisis，perhaps，thefirstquestionforproperconsideration。Youandwearedifferentraces。Wehavebetweenusabroaderdifferencethanexistsbetweenalmostanyothertworaces。WhetheritisrightorwrongIneednotdiscuss；butthisphysicaldifferenceisagreatdisadvantagetousboth，asIthink。
Yourracesufferverygreatly，manyofthem，bylivingamongus，whileourssufferfromyourpresence。Inaword，wesufferoneachside。Ifthisisadmitted，itaffordsareason，atleast，whyweshouldbeseparated。Youherearefreemen，Isuppose。
[Avoice—\"Yes，sir！\"]
Perhapsyouhavelongbeenfree，orallyourlives。Yourracearesuffering，inmyjudgment，thegreatestwronginflictedonanypeople。Butevenwhenyouceasetobeslaves，youareyetfarremovedfrombeingplacedonanequalitywiththewhiterace。Youarecutofffrommanyoftheadvantageswhichtheotherraceenjoys。
Theaspirationofmenistoenjoyequalitywiththebestwhenfree，butonthisbroadcontinentnotasinglemanofyourraceismadetheequalofasinglemanofours。Gowhereyouaretreatedthebest，andthebanisstilluponyou。Idonotproposetodiscussthis，buttopresentitasafact，withwhichwehavetodeal。IcannotalteritifIwould。Itisafactaboutwhichweallthinkandfeelalike，Iandyou。Welooktoourcondition。Owingtotheexistenceofthetworacesonthiscontinent，Ineednotrecounttoyoutheeffectsuponwhitemen，growingoutoftheinstitutionofslavery。
Ibelieveinitsgeneralevileffectsonthewhiterace。Seeourpresentcondition——thecountryengagedinwar——whitemencuttingoneanother’sthroats——noneknowinghowfaritwillextend——andthenconsiderwhatweknowtobethetruth：Butforyourraceamongustherecouldnotbewar，althoughmanymenengagedoneithersidedonotcareforyouonewayortheother。NeverthelessIrepeat，withouttheinstitutionofslaveryandthecoloredraceasabasis，thewarcouldnothaveanexistence。Itisbetterforusboth，therefore，tobeseparated。Iknowthattherearefreemenamongyou，who，eveniftheycouldbettertheircondition，arenotasmuchinclinedtogooutofthecountryasthosewho，beingslaves，couldobtaintheirfreedomonthiscondition。Isupposeoneoftheprincipaldifficultiesinthewayofcolonizationisthatthefreecoloredmancannotseethathiscomfortwouldbeadvancedbyit。YoumaybelievethatyoucanliveinWASHINGTON，orelsewhereintheUnitedStates，theremainderofyourlife，aseasily，perhapsmoreso，thanyoucaninanyforeignCountry；andhenceyoumaycometotheconclusionthatyouhavenothingtodowiththeideaofgoingtoaforeigncountry。
ThisisIspeakinnounkindsenseanextremelyselfishviewofthecase。Yououghttodosomethingtohelpthosewhoarenotsofortunateasyourselves。Thereisanunwillingnessonthepartofourpeople，harshasitmaybe，foryoufreecoloredpeopletoremainwithus。Now，ifyoucouldgiveastarttothewhitepeople，youwouldopenawidedoorformanytobemadefree。Ifwedealwiththosewhoarenotfreeatthebeginning，andwhoseintellectsarecloudedbyslavery，wehaveverypoormaterialtostartwith。Ifintelligentcoloredmen，suchasarebeforeme，wouldmoveinthismatter，muchmightbeaccomplished。
Itisexceedinglyimportantthatwehavemenatthebeginningcapableofthinkingaswhitemen，andnotthosewhohavebeensystematicallyoppressed。Thereismuchtoencourageyou。Forthesakeofyourraceyoushouldsacrificesomethingofyourpresentcomfortforthepurposeofbeingasgrandinthatrespectasthewhitepeople。Itisacheeringthoughtthroughoutlifethatsomethingcanbedonetoamelioratetheconditionofthosewhohavebeensubjecttothehardusagesoftheworld。ItisdifficulttomakeamanmiserablewhilehefeelsheisworthyofhimselfandclaimskindredtothegreatGodwhomadehim。IntheAmericanRevolutionarywarsacrificesweremadebymenengagedinit，buttheywerecheeredbythefuture。GeneralWASHINGTONhimselfenduredgreaterphysicalhardshipsthanifhehadremainedaBritishsubject，yethewasahappymanbecausehehadengagedinbenefitinghisrace，indoingsomethingforthechildrenofhisneighbors，havingnoneofhisown。
ThecolonyofLiberiahasbeeninexistencealongtime。Inacertainsenseitisasuccess。TheoldPresidentofLiberia，Roberts，hasjustbeenwithme——thefirsttimeIeversawhim。Hesaystheyhavewithintheboundsofthatcolonybetweenthreeandfourhundredthousandpeople，ormorethaninsomeofouroldStates，suchasRhodeIslandorDelaware，orinsomeofournewerStates，andlessthaninsomeofourlargerones。TheyarenotallAmericancolonistsortheirdescendants。Somethinglessthan12，000havebeensentthitherfromthiscountry。Manyoftheoriginalsettlershavedied；yet，likepeopleelse—where，theiroffspringoutnumberthosedeceased。Thequestionis，ifthecoloredpeoplearepersuadedtogoanywhere，whynotthere？
Onereasonforunwillingnesstodosoisthatsomeofyouwouldratherremainwithinreachofthecountryofyournativity。Idonotknowhowmuchattachmentyoumayhavetowardourrace。Itdoesnotstrikemethatyouhavethegreatestreasontolovethem。Butstillyouareattachedtothem，atallevents。
TheplaceIamthinkingaboutforacolonyisinCentralAmerica。ItisnearertousthanLiberianotmuchmorethanonefourthasfarasLiberia，andwithinsevendays’runbysteamers。UnlikeLiberia，itisagreatlineoftravel——itisahighway。Thecountryisaveryexcellentoneforanypeople，andwithgreatnaturalresourcesandadvantages，andespeciallybecauseofthesimilarityofclimatewithyournativesoil，thusbeingsuitedtoyourphysicalcondition。TheparticularplaceIhaveinviewistobeagreathighwayfromtheAtlanticorCaribbeanSeatothePacificOcean，andthisparticularplacehasalltheadvantagesforacolony。Onbothsidesthereareharbors——amongthefinestintheworld。Again，thereisevidenceofveryrichcoal—mines。Acertainamountofcoalisvaluableinanycountry。WhyIattachsomuchimportancetocoalis，itwillaffordanopportunitytotheinhabitantsforimmediateemploymenttilltheygetreadytosettlepermanentlyintheirhomes。Ifyoutakecolonistswherethereisnogoodlanding，thereisabadshow；andsowherethereisnothingtocultivateandofwhichtomakeafarm。Butifsomethingisstartedsothatyoucangetyourdailybreadassoonasreachyouthere，itisagreatadvantage。CoallandisthebestthingIknowofwithwhichtocommenceanenterprise。Toreturn——youhavebeentalkedtouponthissubject，andtoldthataspeculationisintendedbygentlemenwhohaveaninterestinthecountry，includingthecoal—mines。Wehavebeenmistakenallourlivesifwedonotknowwhites，aswellasblacks，looktotheirself—interest。Unlessamongthosedeficientofintellect，everybodyyoutradewithmakessomething。Youmeetwiththesethingshereandeverywhere。Ifsuchpersonshavewhatwillbeanadvantagetothem，thequestioniswhetheritcannotbemadeofadvantagetoyou。Youareintelligent，andknowthatsuccessdoesnotsomuchdependonexternalhelpasonself—reliance。Much，therefore，dependsuponyourselves。Astothecoal—mines，IthinkIseethemeansavailableforyourself—reliance。
Ishall，ifIgetasufficientnumberofyouengaged，haveprovisionmadethatyoushallnotbewronged。Ifyouwillengageintheenterprise，Iwillspendsomeofthemoneyintrustedtome。Iamnotsureyouwillsucceed。Thegovernmentmaylosethemoney；butwecannotsucceedunlesswetry，andwethinkwithcarewecansucceed。
ThepoliticalaffairsinCentralAmericaarenotinquiteassatisfactoryaconditionasIwish。Therearecontendingfactionsinthatquarter，butitistrueallthefactionsareagreedalikeonthesubjectofcolonization，andwantit，andaremoregenerousthanwearehere。
ToyourcoloredracetheyhavenoobjectionIwouldendeavortohaveyoumadetheequals，andhavethebestassurancethatyoushouldbetheequals，ofthebest。
ThepracticalthingIwanttoascertainiswhetherIcangetanumberofable—bodiedmen，withtheirwivesandchildren，whoarewillingtogowhenIpresentevidenceofencouragementandprotection。CouldI
getahundredtolerablyintelligentmen，withtheirwivesandchildren，andableto\"cuttheirownfodder，\"sotospeak？CanI
havefifty？IfIcouldfindtwenty—fiveable—bodiedmen，withamixtureofwomenandchildren——goodthingsinthefamilyrelation，I
think，——Icouldmakeasuccessfulcommencement。Iwantyoutoletmeknowwhetherthiscanbedoneornot。Thisisthepracticalpartofmywishtoseeyou。Thesearesubjectsofverygreatimportance，worthyofamonth’sstudy，insteadofaspeechdeliveredinanhour。
Iaskyou，then，toconsiderseriously，notpertainingtoyourselvesmerely，norforyourraceandoursforthepresenttime，butasoneofthethings，ifsuccessfullymanaged，thegoodofmankind——notconfinedtothepresentgeneration，butas\"FromagetoagedescendsthelayTomillionsyettobe，TillfaritsechoesrollawayIntoeternity。\"
TheaboveismerelygivenasthesubstanceofthePresident’sremarks。
Thechairmanofthedelegationbrieflyrepliedthattheywouldholdaconsultation，andinashorttimegiveananswer。
ThePresidentsaid：Takeyourfulltime—nohurryatall。
Thedelegationthenwithdrew。
TELEGRAMTOOFFICERATCAMPCHASE，OHIO。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August14，1862。
OFFICERinchargeofConfederateprisonersatCampChase，Ohio：
ItisbelievedthataDr。J。J。Williamsisaprisonerinyourcharge，andifsotellhimhiswifeishereandallowhimtotelegraphtoher。
A。LINCOLN。
TOHIRAMBARNEY。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，August16，1862。
HON。HIRAMBARNEY，NewYork：
Mrs。L。has$1000forthebenefitofthehospitalsandshewillbeobliged，andsendthepay，ifyouwillbesogoodastoselectandsendher$200worthofgoodlemonsand$100worthofgoodoranges。
A。LINCOLN。
NOTEOFINTRODUCTION。
TheSecretaryoftheTreasuryandtheCommissionerofInternalRevenuewillpleaseseeMr。Talcott，oneofthebestmenthereis，and，ifanydifference，onetheywouldlikebetterthantheydome。
August18，1862
A。LINCOLN
TELEGRAMTOS。B。MOODY
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON
August18，1862
S。B。MOODY，Springfield，Ill。：
Whichdoyouprefer——commissaryorquartermaster？Ifappointeditmustbewithoutconditions。
A。LINCOLN。
OperatorpleasesendaboveforPresident。
JOHNHAY
TOMrs。PRESTON。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August21，1862。
Mrs。MARGARETPRESTON，Lexington，Ky。：
YourdespatchtoMrs。L。receivedyesterday。Sheisnotwell。Owingtoherearlyandstrongfriendshipforyou，Iwouldgladlyobligeyou，butIcannotabsolutelydoit。IfGeneralBoyleandHon。JamesGuthrie，oneorboth，intheirdiscretionseefittogiveyouthepasses，thisismyauthoritytothemfordoingso。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALBURNSIDEORGENERALPARKE。
WASHINGTON，August21。
TOGENERALBURNSIDEORGENERALPARKE：
Whatnewsaboutarrivaloftroops？
A。LINCOLN。
TOG。P。WATSON。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August21，1862。
GILLETF。WATSON，Williamsburg，Va。：
Yourtelegraminregardtothelunaticasylumhasbeenreceived。Itiscertainlyacaseofdifficulty，butifyoucannotremain，Icannotconceivewhoundermyauthoritycan。Remainaslongasyousafelycanandprovideaswellasyoucanforthepoorinmatesoftheinstitution。
A。LINCOLN。
TOHORACEGREELEY。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，August22，1862。
HON。HORACEGREELEY。
DEARSIR：——Ihavejustreadyoursofthe19th，addressedtomyselfthroughtheNewYorkTribune。IftherebeinitanystatementsorassumptionsoffactwhichImayknowtobeerroneous，Idonotnowandherecontrovertthem。IftherebeinitanyinferenceswhichI
maybelievetobefalselydrawn，Idonotnowandhereargueagainstthem。Iftherebeperceptibleinitanimpatientanddictatorialtone，Iwaiveitindeferencetoanoldfriend，whoseheartIhavealwayssupposedtoberight。
AstothepolicyI\"seemtobepursuing，\"asyousay，Ihavenotmeanttoleaveanyoneindoubt。
IwouldsavetheUnion。IwouldsaveittheshortestwayundertheConstitution。Thesoonerthenationalauthoritycanberestored，thenearertheUnionwillbe，\"theUnionasitwas。\"IftherebethosewhowouldnotsavetheUnionunlesstheycouldatthesametimesaveslavery，Idonotagreewiththem。IftherebethosewhowouldnotsavetheUnionunlesstheycouldatthesametimedestroyslavery，I
donotagreewiththem。MyparamountobjectinthisstruggleistosavetheUnion，andisnoteithertosaveordestroyslavery。IfI
couldsavetheUnionwithoutfreeinganyslave，Iwoulddoit；andifIcouldsaveitbyfreeingalltheslaves，Iwoulddoit；andifI
coulddoitbyfreeingsomeandleavingothersalone，Iwouldalsodothat。WhatIdoaboutslaveryandthecoloredrace，IdobecauseI
believeithelpstosavethisUnion；andwhatIforbear，IforbearbecauseIdonotbelieveitwouldhelptosavetheUnion。IshalldolesswheneverIshallbelievewhatIamdoinghurtsthecause，andI
shalldomorewheneverIshallbelievedoingmorewillhelpthecause。Ishalltrytocorrecterrorswhenshowntobeerrors；andI
shalladoptnewviewssofastastheyshallappeartobetrueviews。
Ihaveherestatedmypurposeaccordingtomyviewofofficialduty，andIintendnomodificationofmyoftexpressedpersonalwishthatallmen，everywhere，couldbefree。
Yours，A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORYATES。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August13。1862。8A。M。
HON。R。YATES，Springfield，Ill。：
Iampainedtohearthatyourejecttheserviceofanofficerwesenttoassistinorganizingandgettingofftroops。PennsylvaniaandIndianaacceptedsuchofficerskindly，andtheynowhavemorethantwiceasmanynewtroopsinthefieldasalltheotherStatestogether。IfIllinoishadgotforwardasmanytroopsasIndiana，CumberlandGapwouldsoonberelievedfromitspresentperil。Pleasedonotruinusonpunctilio。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORRAMSEY。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，August27，1862
GOVERNORRAMSEY，St。Paul，Minnesota：
Yoursreceived。AttendtotheIndians。Ifthedraftcannotproceed，ofcourseitwillnotproceed。Necessityknowsnolaw。Thegovernmentcannotextendthetime。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTONCITY，August27，18624P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN，Alexandria，Virginia：
Whatnewsfromthefront？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALA。E。BURNSIDE。
August27，18624。30p。m。
MAJOR—GENERALBURNSIDE，Falmouth，Virginia：
DoyouhearanythingfromPope？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALA。E。BURNSIDE。
August28，1862。2。40P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALBURNSIDE，Falmouth，Virginia：
AnynewsfromGeneralPope？
A。LINCOLN
TELEGRAMTOCOLONELHAUPT。
August28，1862。2。40p。m。
COLONELHAUPT，Alexandria，Virginia：
Yoursreceived。HowdoyoulearnthattherebelforcesatManassasarelargeandcommandedbyseveraloftheirbestgenerals？
A。LINCOLN，TELEGRAMTOGENERALA。E。BURNSIDE。
WASHINGTON，D。C。，August29，1862。2。30P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALBURNSIDE，Falmouth，Virginia：
Anyfurthernews？DoesColonelDevonmeanthatsoundoffiringwasheardindirectionofWarrenton，asstated，orindirectionofWarrentonJunction？
A。LINCOLN
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTON，August29，1862。2。30p。m。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN
WhatnewsfromdirectionofManassasJunction？
Whatgenerally？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTON，August29，1862。4。10P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN：
Yoursofto—dayjustreceived。Ithinkyourfirstalternative——towit，\"toconcentrateallouravailableforcestoopencommunicationwithPope\"——istherightone，butIwishnottocontrol。ThatInowleavetoGeneralHalleck，aidedbyyourcounsels。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOCOLONELHAUPT。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，August30，1862。10。20A。M。
COLONELHAUPTAlexandria，Virginia：
Whatnews？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOCOLONELHAUPT。
WARDEPARTMENT，August30，1862。3。50P。M。
COLONELHAUPT，Alexandria，VirginiaPleasesendmethelatestnews。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALBANKS。
August30，1862。8。35P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALBANKS，ManassasJunction，Virginia：
Pleasetellmewhatnews。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALJ。T。BOYLE。
WARDEPARTMENT，August31，1862。
GENERALBOYLE，Louisville，Kentucky：
Whatforce，andwhatthenumbersofit，whichGeneralNelsonhadintheengagementnearRichmondyesterday？
A。LINCOLN。
ORDERTOGENERALH。W。HALLECK。
WASHINGTON，D。C。，September3，1862。
Ordered，Thatthegeneral—in—chief，Major—GeneralHalleck，immediatelycommence，andproceedwithallpossibledespatch；toorganizeanarmy，foractiveoperations，fromallthematerialwithinandcomingwithinhiscontrol，independentoftheforceshemaydeemnecessaryforthedefenseofWashingtonwhensuchactivearmyshalltakethefield。
ByorderofthePresident：
EDWINM。STANTON，SecretaryofWar。
[Indorsement。]
CopydeliveredtoMajor—GeneralHalleck，September3，1862，at10p。m。
E。D。TOWNSEND，Assistant—AdjutantGeneral。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALH。G。WRIGHT。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，September7，1862。
GENERALWRIGHT，Cincinnati，Ohio：
DoyouknowtoanycertaintywhereGeneralBraggis？MayhenotbeinVirginia？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALJ。T。BOYLE。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，September7，1862。
GENERALBOYLE，Louisville，Kentucky：
WhereisGeneralBragg？Whatdoyouknowonthesubject？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALJ。E。WOOL。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。
September7，1862。
MAJOR—GENERALWool，Baltimore：
WhataboutHarper’sFerry？Doyouknowanythingaboutit？HowcertainisyourinformationaboutBraggbeinginthevalleyoftheShenandoah？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B，McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTON，September8，1862。5P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN，Rockville，Maryland：
Howdoesitlooknow？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALD。C。BUELL。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，September8，1862。7。20P。M。
GENERALBUELL：
WhatdegreeofcertaintyhaveyouthatBragg，withhiscommand，isnotnowinthevalleyoftheShenandoah，Virginia？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOT。WEBSTER。
WASHINGTON，September9，1862。
THOMASWEBSTER，Philadelphia：
Yourdespatchreceived，andreferredtoGeneralHalleck，whomustcontrolthequestionspresented。WhileIamnotsurprisedatyouranxiety，Idonotthinkyouareinanydanger。IfhalfourtroopswereinPhiladelphia，theenemycouldtakeit，becausehewouldnotfeartoleavetheotherhalfinhisrear；butwiththewholeofthemhere，hedaresnotleavetheminhisrear。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTONCITY，September10，1862。10。15AM。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN，Rockville，Maryland：
Howdoesitlooknow？
A。LINCOLN。
TOGOVERNORCURTIN。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，September11，1862。
HISEXCELLENCYANDREWG。CURTIN，GovernorofPennsylvania，Harrisburg，Pennsylvania。
SIR：——TheapplicationmadetomebyyouradjutantgeneralforauthoritytocalloutthemilitiaoftheStateofPennsylvaniahasreceivedcarefulconsideration。Itismyanxiousdesiretoafford，asfaraspossible，themeansandpoweroftheFederalGovernmenttoprotecttheStateofPennsylvaniafrominvasionbytherebelforces；
andsince，inyourjudgment，themilitiaoftheStatearerequired，andhavebeencalleduponbyyou，toorganizeforhomedefenseandprotection，Isanctionthecallthatyouhavemade，andwillreceivethemintotheserviceandpayoftheUnitedStatestotheextenttheycanbearmed，equipped，andusefullyemployed。ThearmsandequipmentsnowbelongingtotheGeneralGovernmentwillbeneededforthetroopscalledoutforthenationalarmies，sothatarmscanonlybefurnishedforthequotaofmilitiafurnishedbythedraftofninemonths’men，heretoforeordered。Butasarmsmaybesuppliedbythemilitiaunderyourcall，these，withthe30，000inyourarsenal，willprobablybesufficientforthepurposecontemplatedbyyourcall。
Youwillbeauthorizedtoprovidesuchequipmentsasmayberequired，accordingtotheregulationsoftheUnitedStatesservice，which，uponbeingturnedovertotheUnitedStatesQuartermaster’sDepartment，willbepaidforatregulationprices，ortheratesallowedbythedepartmentforsucharticles。Railroadtransportationwillalsobepaidfor，asinothercases。Suchgeneralofficerswillbesuppliedastheexigenciesoftheservicewillpermit。
Yourstruly，A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORCURTIN。
WASHINGTON，September11，186212M
HON。ANDREWG。CURTIN：
PleasetellmeatoncewhatisyourlatestnewsfromortowardHagerstown，oroftheenemy’smovementinanydirection。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALC。B。McCLELLAN。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，SEPTEMBER11，1862。6PM
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN：
Thisisexplanatory。IfPorter，Heintzelman，andSigelweresentyou，itwouldsweepeverythingfromtheothersideoftheriver，becausethenewtroopshavebeendistributedamongthem，asI
understand。Porterreportshimself21，000strong，whichcanonlybebytheadditionofnewtroops。Heisorderedtonighttojoinyouasquicklyaspossible。Iamforsendingyouallthatcanbespared，andIhopeotherscanfollowPorterverysoon，A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTONCITY，D。C。，SEPTEMBER12，1862
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN，Clarksburg，Maryland：
Howdoesitlooknow？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORCURTIN。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTOND。C。，SEPTEMBER12，186210。35AM
HON。ANDREWG。CURTIN，Harrisburg，Pennsylvania：
Yourdespatchaskingfor80，000disciplinedtroopstobesenttoPennsylvaniaisreceived。Pleaseconsiderwehavenottoexceed80，000disciplinedtroops，properlysocalled，thissideofthemountains；andmostofthem，withmanyofthenewregiments，arenowcloseintherearoftheenemysupposedtobeinvadingPennsylvania。
StarthalfofthemtoHarrisburg，andtheenemywillturnuponandbeattheremaininghalf，andthenreachHarrisburgbeforethepartgoingthere，andbeatittoowhenitcomes。ThebestpossiblesecurityforPennsylvaniaisputtingthestrongestforcepossibleinrearoftheenemy。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALH。G。WRIGHT。
MILITARYTELEGRAPH，WASHINGTON，September12，1862。
MAJOR—GENERALWRIGHT，Cincinnati，Ohio：
IambeingappealedtofromLouisvilleagainstyourwithdrawingtroopsfromthatplace。WhileIcannotpretendtojudgeoftheproprietyofwhatyouaredoing，youwouldmuchobligemebyfurnishingmearationalanswertomaketothegovernorandothersatLouisville。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALJ。T。BOYLE。
WASHINGTON，September12，1862。
MAJOR—GENERALBOYLE，Louisville，Kentucky：
Yourdespatchoflasteveningreceived。WhereistheenemywhichyoudreadinLouisville？Howneartoyou？WhatisGeneralGilbert’sopinion？Withallpossiblerespectforyou，ImustthinkGeneralWright’smilitaryopinionisthebetter。HeisasmuchresponsibleforLouisvilleasforCincinnati。GeneralHallecktelegraphedhimonthisverysubjectyesterday，andItelegraphhimnow；butforusheretocontrolhimthereonthegroundwouldbeababelofconfusionwhichwouldbeutterlyruinous。WheredoyouunderstandBuelltobe，andwhatishedoing？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOA。HENRY。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C，September12，1862。
HON。ALEXANDERHENRY，Philadelphia：
Yoursofto—dayreceived。GeneralHalleckhasmadethebestprovisionhecanforgeneralsinPennsylvania。PleasedonotbeoffendedwhenIassureyouthatinmyconfidentbeliefPhiladelphiaisinnodanger。GovernorCurtinhasjusttelegraphedme：
\"IhaveadvicesthatJacksoniscrossingthePotomacatWilliamsport，andprobablythewholerebelarmywillbedrawnfromMaryland。\"
Atallevents，Philadelphiaismorethan150milesfromHagerstown，andcouldnotbereachedbytherebelarmyintendays，ifnohindrancewasinterposed。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WASHINGTONCITY，D。C。，September12，1862。5。45PM
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN：
GovernorCurtintelegraphsme：
\"IhaveadvicesthatJacksoniscrossingthePotomacatWiliiamsport，andprobablythewholerebelarmywillbedownfromMaryland。\"
ReceivingnothingfromHarper’sFerryorMartinsburgto—day，andpositiveinformationfromWheelingthatthelineiscut，corroboratestheideathattheenemyiscrossingthePotomac。Pleasedonotlethimgetoffwithoutbeinghurt。
A。LINCOLN。
[Buthedid！D。W。]
REPLYTOACOMMITTEEFROMTHERELIGIOUSDENOMINATIONSOFCHICAGO，ASKINGTHATTHEPRESIDENTISSUEAPROCLAMATIONOFEMANCIPATION。
September13，1862。
ThesubjectpresentedinthememorialisoneuponwhichIhavethoughtmuchforweekspast，andImayevensayformonths。Iamapproachedwiththemostoppositeopinionsandadvice，andthatbyreligiousmen，whoareequallycertainthattheyrepresenttheDivinewill。Iamsurethateithertheoneortheotherclassismistakeninthatbelief，andperhapsinsomerespectsboth。IhopeitwillnotbeirreverentformetosaythatifitisprobablethatGodwouldrevealhiswilltoothers，onapointsoconnectedwithmyduty，itmightbesupposedhewouldrevealitdirectlytome；for，unlessIammoredeceivedinmyselfthanIoftenam，itismyearnestdesiretoknowthewillofProvidenceinthismatter。AndifIcanlearnwhatitisIwilldoit！Thesearenot，however，thedaysofmiracles，andIsupposeitwillbegrantedthatIamnottoexpectadirectrevelation。Imuststudytheplainphysicalfactsofthecase，ascertainwhatispossible，andlearnwhatappearstobewiseandright。
Thesubjectisdifficult，andgoodmendonotagree。Forinstance，theotherday，fourgentlemenofstandingandintelligencefromNewYorkcalledasadelegationonbusinessconnectedwiththewar；butbeforeleavingtwoofthemearnestlybesoughtmetoproclaimgeneralemancipation，uponwhichtheothertwoatonceattackedthem。YouknowalsothatthelastsessionofCongresshadadecidedmajorityofantislaverymen，yettheycouldnotuniteonthispolicy。Andthesameistrueofthereligiouspeople。Why，therebelsoldiersareprayingwithagreatdealmoreearnestness，Ifear，thanourowntroops，andexpectingGodtofavortheirside：foroneofoursoldierswhohadbeentakenprisonertoldSenatorWilsonafewdayssincethathemetnothingsodiscouragingastheevidentsincerityofthosehewasamongintheirprayers。Butwewilltalkoverthemeritsofthecase。
Whatgoodwouldaproclamationofemancipationfrommedo，especiallyaswearenowsituated？Idonotwanttoissueadocumentthatthewholeworldwillseemustnecessarilybeinoperative，likethePope’sbullagainstthecomet！Wouldmywordfreetheslaves，whenIcannotevenenforcetheConstitutionintherebelStates？Isthereasinglecourt，ormagistrateorindividualthatwouldbeinfluencedbyitthere？AndwhatreasonistheretothinkitwouldhaveanygreatereffectupontheslavesthanthelatelawofCongress，whichI
approved，andwhichoffersprotectionandfreedomtotheslavesofrebelmasterswhocomewithinourlines？YetIcannotlearnthatthatlawhascausedasingleslavetocomeovertous。Andsupposetheycouldbeinducedbyaproclamationoffreedomfrommetothrowthemselvesuponus，whatshouldwedowiththem？Howcanwefeedandcareforsuchamultitude？GeneralButlerwrotemeafewdayssincethathewasissuingmorerationstotheslaveswhohaverushedtohimthantoallthewhitetroopsunderhiscommand。Theyeat，andthatisall；thoughitistrueGeneralButlerisfeedingthewhitesalsobythethousand；foritnearlyamountstoafaminethere。If，now，thepressureofthewarshouldcalloffourforcesfromNewOrleanstodefendsomeotherpoint，whatistopreventthemastersfromreducingtheblackstoslaveryagain？forIamtoldthatwhenevertherebelstakeanyblackprisoners，freeorslave，theyimmediatelyauctionthemoff。TheydidsowiththosetheytookfromaboatthatwasagroundintheTennesseeRiverafewdaysago。AndthenIamveryungenerouslyattackedforit！Forinstance，when，afterthelatebattlesatandnearBullRun，anexpeditionwentoutfromWashingtonunderaflagoftrucetoburythedeadandbringinthewounded，andtherebelsseizedtheblackswhowentalongtohelp，andsentthemintoslavery，HoraceGreeleysaidinhispaperthatthegovernmentwouldprobablydonothingaboutit。WhatcouldIdo？
Now，then，tellme，ifyouplease，whatpossibleresultofgoodwouldfollowtheissuingofsuchaproclamationasyoudesire？Understand，Iraisenoobjectionsagainstitonlegalorconstitutionalgrounds；
for，ascommander—in—chiefofthearmyandnavy，intimeofwarI
supposeIhavearighttotakeanymeasurewhichmaybestsubduetheenemy；nordoIurgeobjectionsofamoralnature，inviewofpossibleconsequencesofinsurrectionandmassacreattheSouth。I
viewthismatterasapracticalwarmeasure，tobedecidedonaccordingtotheadvantagesordisadvantagesitmayoffertothesuppressionoftherebellion。
Iadmitthatslaveryistherootoftherebellion，oratleastitssinequanon。Theambitionofpoliticiansmayhaveinstigatedthemtoact，buttheywouldhavebeenimpotentwithoutslaveryastheirinstrument。IwillalsoconcedethatemancipationwouldhelpusinEurope，andconvincethemthatweareincitedbysomethingmorethanambition。Igrant，further，thatitwouldhelpsomewhatattheNorth，thoughnotsomuch，Ifear，asyouandthoseyourepresentimagine。Still，someadditionalstrengthwouldbeaddedinthatwaytothewar，andthen，unquestionably，itwouldweakentherebelsbydrawingofftheirlaborers，whichisofgreatimportance；butIamnotsosurewecoulddomuchwiththeblacks。Ifweweretoarmthem，Ifearthatinafewweeksthearmswouldbeinthehandsoftherebels；and，indeed，thusfarwehavenothadarmsenoughtoequipourwhitetroops。Iwillmentionanotherthing，thoughitmeetonlyyourscornandcontempt。TherearefiftythousandbayonetsintheUnionarmiesfromtheborderslaveStates。Itwouldbeaseriousmatterif，inconsequenceofaproclamationsuchasyoudesire，theyshouldgoovertotherebels。Idonotthinktheyallwould——notsomany，indeed，asayearago，orassixmonthsago——notsomanyto—dayasyesterday。EverydayincreasestheirUnionfeeling。Theyarealsogettingtheirprideenlisted，andwanttobeattherebels。Letmesayonethingmore：Ithinkyoushouldadmitthatwealreadyhaveanimportantprincipletorallyandunitethepeople，inthefactthatconstitutionalgovernmentisatstake。Thisisafundamentalideagoingdownaboutasdeepasanything。
DonotmisunderstandmebecauseIhavementionedtheseobjections。
Theyindicatethedifficultiesthathavethusfarpreventedmyactioninsomesuchwayasyoudesire。Ihavenotdecidedagainstaproclamationoflibertytotheslaves，butholdthematterunderadvisement；andIcanassureyouthatthesubjectisonmymind，bydayandnight，morethananyother。WhatevershallappeartobeGod’swill，Iwilldo。ItrustthatinthefreedomwithwhichIhavecanvassedyourviewsIhavenotinanyrespectinjuredyourfeelings。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALH。G。WRIGHT。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，D。C。，September14，1862。
GENERALWRIGHT，Cincinnati，Ohio：
Thanksforyourdespatch。Canyounotpursuetheretreatingenemy，andrelieveCumberlandGap？
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALG。B。McCLELLAN。
WARDEPARTMENT，WASHINGTON，September15，1862。2。45P。M。
MAJOR—GENERALMcCLELLAN：
Yourdespatchofto—dayreceived。Godblessyou，andallwithyou。
Destroytherebelarmyifpossible。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOJ。K。DUBOIS。WASHINGTON，D。C。，September15，1862。3P。M。
HON。K。DUBOIS，Springfield，Illinois：
InowconsideritsafetosaythatGeneralMcClellanhasgainedagreatvictoryoverthegreatrebelarmyinMaryland，betweenFredericktownandHagerstown。Heisnowpursuingtheflyingfoe。
A。LINCOLN。
[Butnotveryfast——andhedidnotcatchthem！D。W。]
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORCURTIN，WASHINGTON，D。C。，September16，1862。Noon。
GOVERNORCURTIN，Harrisburg：
WhatdoyouhearfromGeneralMcClellan’sarmy？Wehavenothingfromhimto—day。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGOVERNORMORTON。
WASHINGTON，D。C。，September17，1862。
GOVERNORO。P。MORTON，Indianapolis，Indiana：
IhavereceivedyourdespatchinregardtorecommendationsofGeneralWright。Ihavereceivednosuchdespatchfromhim，atleastnotthatIcanremember。IreferyoursforGeneralHalleck’sconsideration。
A。LINCOLN。
TELEGRAMTOGENERALKETCHUM。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，WASHINGTON，September20，1862。
GENERALKETCHUM，Springfield，Illinois：
HowmanyregimentsarethereinIllinois，readyforservicebutforwantofarms？Howmanyarmshaveyoutherereadyfordistribution？
A。LINCOLN。
PRELIMINARYEMANCIPATIONPROCLAMATION，SEPTEMBER22，1862。
THEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA：
AProclamation。
I，AbrahamLincoln，PresidentoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandCommander—in—ChiefoftheArmyandNavythereof，doherebyproclaimanddeclarethathereafter，asheretofore，thewarwillbeprosecutedfortheobjectofpracticallyrestoringtheconstitutionalrelationbetweentheUnitedStatesandeachoftheStatesandthepeoplethereofinwhichStatesthatrelationisormaybesuspendedordisturbed。
Thatitismypurpose，uponthenextmeetingofCongress，toagainrecommendtheadoptionofapracticalmeasuretenderingpecuniaryaidtothefreeacceptanceorrejectionofallslaveStates，socalled，thepeoplewhereofmaynotthenbeinrebellionagainsttheUnitedStates，andwhichStatesmaythenhavevoluntarilyadopted，orthereaftermayvoluntarilyadopt，immediateorgradualabolishmentofslaverywithintheirrespectivelimits；andthattheefforttocolonizepersonsofAfricandescentwiththeirconsentuponthiscontinentorelsewhere，withthepreviouslyobtainedconsentofthegovernmentsexistingthere，willbecontinued。
Thatonthe1stdayofJanuary，A。D。1863，allpersonsheldasslaveswithinanyStateordesignatedpartofaStatethepeoplewhereofshallthenbeinrebellionagainsttheUnitedStatesshallbethen，thenceforward，andforeverfree；andtheexecutivegovernmentoftheUnitedStates，includingthemilitaryandnavalauthoritythereof，willrecognizeandmaintainthefreedomofsuchpersonsandwilldonoactoractstorepresssuchpersons，oranyofthem，inanyeffortstheymaymakefortheiractualfreedom。
ThattheExecutivewillonthe1stdayofJanuaryaforesaid，byproclamation，designatetheStatesandpartsofStates，ifany，inwhichthepeoplethereof，respectively，shallthenbeinrebellionagainsttheUnitedStates；andthefactthatanyStateorthepeoplethereofshallonthatdaybeingoodfaithrepresentedintheCongressoftheUnitedStatesbymemberschosentheretoatelectionswhereinamajorityofthequalifiedvotersofsuchStateshallhaveparticipatedshall，intheabsenceofstrongcountervailingtestimony，bedeemedconclusiveevidencethatsuchStateandthepeoplethereofarenottheninrebellionagainsttheUnitedStates。
ThatattentionisherebycalledtoanactofCongressentitled\"Anacttomakeanadditionalarticleofwar，\"approvedMarch13，1862，andwhichactisinthewordsandfigurefollowing：
\"BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmericainCongressassemb1ed，ThathereafterthefollowingshallbepromulgatedasanadditionalarticleofwarforthegovernmentoftheArmyoftheUnitedStatesandshallbeobeyedandobservedassuch。
\"ART。AllofficersorpersonsinthemilitaryornavalserviceoftheUnitedStatesareprohibitedfromemployinganyoftheforcesundertheirrespectivecommandsforthepurposeofreturningfugitivesfromserviceorlaborwhomayhaveescapedfromanyperson，towhomsuchserviceorlaborisclaimedtobedue，andanyofficerwhoshallbefoundguiltybyacourt—martialofviolatingthisarticleshallbedismissedfromtheservice。
SEC。2。Andbeitfurtherenacted，Thatthisactshalltakeeffectfromandafteritspassage。\"
Alsototheninthandtenthsectionsofanactentitled\"Anacttosuppressinsurrection，topunishtreasonandrebellion，toseizeandconfiscatethepropertyofrebels，andforotherpurposes，\"approvedJuly17，1862，andwhichsectionsareinthewordsandfiguresfollowing：
\"SEC。9。Andbeitfurtherenacted，ThatallslavesofpersonswhoshallhereafterbeengagedinrebellionagainsttheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates，orwhoshallinanywaygiveaidorcomfortthereto，escapingfromsuchpersonsandtakingrefugewithinthelinesofthearmy，andallslavescapturedfromsuchpersonsordesertedbythemandcomingunderthecontroloftheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates，andallslavesofsuchpersonsfoundonorbeingwithinanyplaceoccupiedbyrebelforcesandafterwardsoccupiedbytheforcesoftheUnitedStates，shallbedeemedcaptivesofwarandshallbeforeverfreeoftheirservitudeandnotagainheldasslaves。
\"SEC。9。Andbeitfurtherenacted，ThatnoslaveescapingintoanyState，Territory，ortheDistrictofColumbiafromanyotherStateshallbedelivereduporinanywayimpededorhinderedofhisliberty，exceptforcrime，orsomeoffenceagainstthelaws，unlessthepersonclaimingsaidfugitiveshallfirstmakeoaththatthepersontowhomthelabororserviceofsuchfugitiveisallegedtobedueishislawfulowner，andhasnotbornearmsagainsttheUnitedStatesinthepresentrebellion，norinanywaygivenaidandcomfortthereto；andnopersonengagedinthemilitaryornavalserviceoftheUnitedStatesshall，underanypretensewhatever，assumetodecideonthevalidityoftheclaimofanypersontotheserviceorlaborofanyotherperson，orsurrenderupanysuchpersontotheclaimant，onpainofbeingdismissedfromtheservice。\"
AndIdoherebyenjoinuponandorderallpersonsengagedinthemilitaryandnavalserviceoftheUnitedStatestoobserve，obey，andenforce，withintheirrespectivespheresofservice，theactandsectionsaboverecited。
AndtheExecutivewillinduetimerecommendthatallcitizensoftheUnitedStateswhoshallhaveremainedloyaltheretothroughouttherebellionshallupontherestorationoftheconstitutionalrelationbetweentheUnitedStatesandtheirrespectiveStatesandpeople，ifthatrelationshallhavebeensuspendedordisturbedbecompensatedforalllossesbyactsoftheUnitedStates，includingthelossofslaves。
Inwitnesswhereof，IhavehereuntosetmyhandandcausedthesealoftheUnitedStatestobeaffixed。
DoneattheCityofWashington，thistwenty—seconddayofSeptember，intheyearofourLordonethousandeighthundredandsixty—two，andoftheindependenceoftheUnitedStatestheeighty—seventh。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
BythePresident：
WILLIAMH。SEWARD，SecretaryofState。
PROCLAMATIONSUSPENDINGTHEWRITOFHABEASCORPUS，SEPTEMBER24，1862。
THEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA
AProclamationWhereasithasbecomenecessarytocallintoservicenotonlyvolunteers，butalsoportionsofthemilitiaoftheStatesbydraft，inordertosuppresstheinsurrectionexistingintheUnitedStates，anddisloyalpersonsarenotadequatelyrestrainedbytheordinaryprocessesoflawfromhinderingthismeasure，andfromgivingaidandcomfortinvariouswaystotheinsurrection：
Now，therefore，beitorderedFirst。Thatduringtheexistinginsurrection，andasanecessarymeasureforsuppressingthesame，allrebelsandinsurgents，theiraidersandabettorswithintheUnitedStates，andallpersonsdiscouragingvolunteerenlistments，resistingmilitiadrafts，orguiltyofanydisloyalpracticeaffordingaidandcomforttorebelsagainsttheauthorityoftheUnitedStates，shallbesubjecttomartiallaw，andliabletotrialandpunishmentbycourts—martialormilitarycommissions。
Second。Thatthewritofhabeascorpusissuspendedinrespecttoallpersonsarrested，orwhoarenow，orhereafterduringtherebellionshallbe，imprisonedinanyfortcamp，arsenal，militaryprisonorotherplaceofconfinementbyanymilitaryauthorityorbythesentenceofanycourt—martialormilitarycommission。
InwitnesswhereofIhavehereuntosetmyhandandcausedthesealoftheUnitedStatestobeaffixed。
DoneatthecityofWASHINGTON，thistwenty—fourthdayofSeptember。
A。D。eighteenhundredandsixty—two，andoftheindependenceoftheUnitedStatestheeighty—seventh。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
BythePresident：
WILLIAMH。SEWARD，SecretaryofState。
REPLYTOSERENADE，SEPTEMBER24，1862。
Iappearbeforeyoutodolittlemorethanacknowledgethecourtesyyoupayme，andtothankyouforit。Ihavenotbeendistinctlyinformedwhyitisthatonthisoccasionyouappeartodomethishonor，thoughIsupposeitisbecauseoftheproclamation。WhatI
did，Ididafteraveryfulldeliberation，andunderaveryheavyandsolemnsenseofresponsibility。IcanonlytrustinGodIhavemadenomistake。IshallmakenoattemptonthisoccasiontosustainwhatIhavedoneorsaidbyanycomment。Itisnowforthecountryandtheworldtopassjudgmentand，maybe，takeactionuponit。
Iwillsaynomoreuponthissubject。InmypositionIamenvironedwithdifficulties。Yettheyarescarcelysogreatasthedifficultiesofthosewhouponthebattle—fieldareendeavoringtopurchasewiththeirbloodandtheirlivesthefuturehappinessandprosperityofthiscountry。Letusneverforgetthem。Onthefourteenthandseventeenthdaysofthispresentmonththerehavebeenbattlesbravely，skillfully，andsuccessfullyfought。Wedonotyetknowtheparticulars。Letusbesurethat，ingivingpraisetocertainindividuals，wedonoinjusticetoothers。Ionlyaskyou，attheconclusionofthesefewremarks，togivethreeheartycheersforallgoodandbraveofficersandmenwhofoughtthosesuccessfulbattles。