SPECIAL MESSAGES.
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 1863.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
In conformity to the law of July 16, 1862, I most cordially recommend that Captain John Rodgers, United States Navy, receive a vote of thanks from Congress for the eminent skill and gallantry exhibited by him in the engagement with the rebel armed ironclad steamer Fingal, alias Atlanta, whilst in command of the United States ironclad steamer Weehawken, which led to her capture on the 17th June, 1863, and also for the zeal, bravery, and general good conduct shown by this officer on many occasions.
This recommendation is specially made in order to comply with the requirements of the ninth section of the aforesaid act, which is in the following words, viz:
That any line officer of the Navy or Marine Corps may be advanced one grade if upon recommendation of the President by name he receives the thanks of Congress for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy or for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
Congress, on my recommendation, passed a resolution, approved 7th February, 1863, tendering its thanks to Commander D.D. Porter "for the bravery and skill displayed in the attack on the post of Arkansas on the 10th January, 1863," and in consideration of those services, together with his efficient labors and vigilance subsequently displayed in thwarting the efforts of the rebels to obstruct the Mississippi and its tributaries and the important part rendered by the squadron under his command, which led to the surrender of Vicksburg.
I do therefore, in conformity to the seventh section of the act approved 16th July, 1862, nominate Commander D.D. Porter to be a rear-admiral in the Navy on the active list from the 4th July, 1863, to fill an existing vacancy.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, December 10, 1863.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit herewith a report, dated the 9th instant, with the accompanying papers, received from the Secretary of State in compliance with the requirements of the sixteenth and eighteenth sections of the act entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of the United States," approved August 18, 1856.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded at Le Roy, Kans., on the 29th day of August, 1863, between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and William G. Coffin, superintendent of Indian affairs of the southern superintendency, commissioners on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and headmen of the Great and Little Osage tribe of Indians of the State of Kansas.
A communication from the Secretary of the Interior, dated the 12th instant, accompanies the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded on the 7th day of October, 1863, at Conejos, Colorado Territory, between John Evans, governor and ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs of said Territory; Michael Steck, superintendent of Indian affairs for the Territory of New Mexico; Simeon Whitely and Lafayette Head, Indian agents, commissioners on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and warriors of the Tabeguache band of Utah Indians.
I also transmit a report of the Secretary of the Interior of the 12th instant, submitting the treaty; an extract from the last annual report of Governor Evans, of Colorado Territory, relating to its negotiation, and a map upon which is delineated the boundaries of the country ceded by the Indians and that retained for their own use.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded at the city of Washington on the 6th day of April, 1863, between John P. Usher, commissioner on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and headmen of the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes of Indians, duly authorized thereto.
A letter of the Secretary of the Interior of the 12th instant accompanies the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded at the Sac and Fox Agency, in Kansas, on the 2d day of September, 1863, between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, commissioner on the part of the United States, and the New York Indians, represented by duly authorized members of the bands of said tribe.
A letter of the Secretary of the Interior of the 12th instant accompanies the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded at the Sac and Fox Agency, in Kansas, on the 3d day of September, 1863, between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and William G. Coffin, superintendent of Indian affairs for the southern superintendency, on the part of the United States, and the Creek Nation of Indians, represented by its chiefs.
A letter from the Secretary of the Interior, dated the 12th instant, accompanies the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, December, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded at the Sac and Fox Agency, in Kansas, on the 4th day of September, 1863, between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and Henry W. Martin, agent for the Sacs and Foxes, commissioners on the part of the United States, and the united tribes of Sac and Fox Indians of the Mississippi.
A letter from the Secretary of the Interior, dated the 12th instant, accompanies the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, December 15, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 11th of March last, requesting certain information touching persons in the service of this Government, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, December 17, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a convention between the United States and Her Britannic Majesty for the final adjustment of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies, signed in this city on the 1st day of July last (1863).
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
DECEMBER 17, 1863.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:
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.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, December 22, 1863.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, two conventions between the United States and His Belgian Majesty, signed at Brussels on the 20th May and the 20th of July last, respectively, and both relating to the extinguishment of the Scheldt dues, etc. A copy of so much of the correspondence between the Secretary of State and Mr. Sanford, the minister resident of the United States at Brussels, on the subject of the conventions as is necessary to a full understanding of it is also herewith transmitted.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, December 23, 1863
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a copy of the report to the Secretary of State of the commissioners on the part of the United States under the convention with Peru of the 12th of January last, on the subject of claims. It will be noticed that two claims of Peruvian citizens on this Government have been allowed. An appropriation for the discharge of the obligations of the United States in these cases is requested.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
JANUARY 5, 1864.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:
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 $300 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.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, January 7
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a copy of the decree of the court of the United States for the southern district of New York, awarding the sum of $17,150.66 for the illegal capture of the British schooner Glen, and request that an appropriation of that amount may be made as an indemnification to the parties interested.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, January, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon the following-described treaties, viz:
A treaty made at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, on the 2d day of July, 1863, between the United States and the chiefs, principal men, and warriors of the eastern bands of the Shoshonee Nation of Indians.
A treaty made at Box Elder, Utah Territory, on the 30th day of July, 1863, between the United States and the chiefs and warriors of the northwestern bands of the Shoshonee Nation of Indians.
A treaty made at Ruby Valley, Nevada Territory, on the 1st day of October, 1863, between the United States and the chiefs, principal men, and warriors of the Shoshonee Nation of Indians.
A treaty made at Tuilla Valley, Utah Territory, on the 12th day of October, 1863, between the United States and the chiefs, principal men, and warriors of the Goship bands of Shoshonee Indians.
A treaty made at Soda Springs, in Idaho Territory, on the 14th day of October, 1863, between the United States and the chiefs of the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshonees, occupying the valley of the Shoshonee River.
A letter of the Secretary of the Interior of the 5th instant, a copy of a report of the 30th ultimo, from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, a copy of a communication from Governor Doty, superintendent of Indian Affairs, Utah Territory, dated November 10, 1863, relating to the Indians parties to the several treaties herein named, and a map, furnished by that gentleman, are herewith transmitted.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, January, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty made at the Old Crossing of Red Lake River, in the State of Minnesota, on the 2d day of October, 1863, between Alexander Ramsey and Ashley C. Morrill, commissioners on the part of the United States, and the chiefs, headmen, and warriors of the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Chippewa Indians.
A letter of the Secretary of the Interior of the 8th instant, together with a communication from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the 5th instant and copies of Mr. Ramsey's report and journal, relating to the treaty, and a map showing the territory ceded, are herewith transmitted.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
January 12, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In accordance with the request of the Senate conveyed in their resolution of the 16th of December, 1863, desiring any information in my possession relative to the alleged exceptional treatment of Kansas troops when captured by those in rebellion, I have the honor to transmit a communication from the Secretary of War, accompanied by reports from the General in Chief of the Army and the Commissary-General of Prisoners relative to the subject-matter of the resolution.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
JANUARY 20, 1864.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:
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.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, January 21, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of yesterday, respecting the recent destruction by fire of the Church of the Compañía at Santiago, Chile, and the efforts of citizens of the United States to rescue the victims of the conflagration, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with the papers accompanying it.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, January 23, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit to the Senate a copy of a dispatch of the 12th of April last, addressed by Anson Burlingame, esq., the minister of the United States to China, to the Secretary of State, relative to a modification of the twenty-first article of a treaty between the United States and China of the 18th of June, 1858, a printed copy of which is also herewith transmitted.
These papers are submitted to the consideration of the Senate with a view to their advice and consent being given to the modification of the said twenty-first article, as explained in the said dispatch and its accompaniments.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, January 29, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to the resolution of the Senate respecting the correspondence with the authorities of Great Britain in relation to the proposed pursuit of hostile bands of the Sioux Indians into the Hudson Bay territories.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 4, 1864.
To the Senate:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 26th ultimo, requesting "a copy of all the correspondence between the authorities of the United States and the rebel authorities on the exchange of prisoners, and the different propositions connected with that subject," I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War and the papers with which it is accompanied.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 5, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of yesterday on the subject of a reciprocity treaty with the Sandwich Islands, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 16, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a report from the Secretary of State, with the accompanying papers, relative to the claim on this Government of the owners of the French ship La Manche, and recommend an appropriation for the satisfaction of the claim, pursuant to the award of the arbitrators.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 16, 1864.
To the House of Representatives of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 8th instant, requesting information touching the arrest of the United States consul-general to the British North American Provinces, and certain official communications respecting Canadian commerce, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was accompanied.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 22, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress the copy of a correspondence which has recently taken place between Her Britannic Majesty's minister accredited to this Government and the Secretary of State, in order that the expediency of sanctioning the acceptance by the master of the American schooner Highlander of a present of a watch which the lords of the committee of Her Majesty's privy council for trade propose to present to him in recognition of services rendered by him to the crew of the British vessel Pearl may be taken into consideration.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, February, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I communicate to the Senate herewith, for its constitutional action thereon, the articles of agreement and convention made and concluded at the city of Washington on the 25th day of the present month by and between William P. Dole, as commissioner on the part of the United States, and the duly authorized delegates of the Swan Creek and Black River Chippewas and the Munsees or Christian Indians in Kansas.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, February 29, 1864.
To the House of Representatives:
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 26th instant, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War, relative to the reenlistment of veteran volunteers.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, February 29, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I nominate Ulysses S. Grant, now a major-general in the military service, to be lieutenant-general in the Army of the United States.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, March, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith a report[11] of the Secretary of the Interior of the 11th instant, containing the information requested in Senate resolution of the 29th ultimo.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 9, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 1st instant, respecting the points of commencement of the Union Pacific Railroad, on the one hundredth degree of west longitude, and of the branch road, from the western boundary of Iowa to the said one hundredth degree of longitude, I transmit the accompanying report from the Secretary of the Interior, containing the information called for.
I deem it proper to add that on the 17th day of November last an Executive order was made upon this subject and delivered to the vice-president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, which fixed the point on the western boundary of the State of Iowa from which the company should construct their branch road to the one hundredth degree of west longitude, and declared it to be within the limits of the township in Iowa opposite the town of Omaha, in Nebraska. Since then the company has represented to me that upon actual surveys made it has determined upon the precise point of departure of their said branch road from the Missouri River, and located the same as described in the accompanying report of the Secretary of the Interior, which point is within the limits designated in the order of November last; and inasmuch as that order is not of record in any of the Executive Departments, and the company having desired a more definite one, I have made the order of which a copy is herewith, and caused the same to be filed in the Department of the Interior.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, March 12, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In obedience to the resolution of the Senate of the 28th of January last, I communicate herewith a report, with accompanying papers, from the Secretary of the Interior, showing what portion of the appropriations for the colonization of persons of African descent has been expended and the several steps which have been taken for the execution of the acts of Congress on that subject.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a copy of a treaty between the United States and Great Britain for the final settlement of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies, concluded on the 1st of July last, the ratifications of which were exchanged in this city on the 5th instant, and recommend an appropriation to carry into effect the first, second, and third articles thereof.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, March 14, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
On the 25th day of November, 1862, a convention for the mutual adjustment of claims pending between the United States and Ecuador was signed at Quito by the plenipotentiaries of the contracting parties. A copy is herewith inclosed.
This convention, already ratified by this Government, has been sent to Quito for the customary exchange of ratifications, which it is not doubted will be promptly effected. As the stipulations of the instrument require that the commissioners who are to be appointed pursuant to its provisions shall meet at Guayaquil within ninety days after such exchange, it is desirable that the legislation necessary to give effect to the convention on the part of the United States should anticipate the usual course of proceeding.
I therefore invite the early attention of Congress to the subject.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Washington, March 22, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty made and concluded in Washington City on the 18th instant by and between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the Shawnee Indians, represented by their duly authorized delegates.
A report of the Secretary of the Interior and a communication of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs accompany the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, March 24, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 15th instant, in relation to the establishment of monarchical governments in Central and South America, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the subject was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
MARCH 29, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
Mr. Charles B. Stuart, consulting engineer, appointed such by me upon invitation of the governor of New York, according to a law of that State, has made a report upon the proposed improvements to pass gunboats from tide water to the northern and northwestern lakes, which report is herewith respectfully submitted for your consideration.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Washington, April 4, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded June 9, 1863, between C.H. Hale, superintendent of Indian affairs, Charles Hutchins and S.D. Howe, Indian agents, on the part of the United States, and the chiefs, headmen, and delegates of the Nez Percé tribe of Indians in Washington Territory.
A report of the Secretary of the Interior of the 1st instant, with a letter from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the 2d ultimo, proposing amendments to the treaty, together with a report of Superintendent Hale on the subject and a synopsis of the proceedings of the council held with the Nez Percé Indians, are herewith transmitted for the consideration of the Senate.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, April 7, 1864.
To the House of Representatives:
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War, in answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 4th instant, in relation to Major N.H. McLean.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON CITY, April 15, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a supplemental treaty negotiated on the 12th of April, 1864, with the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Chippewa Indians.
A report of the Secretary of the Interior of this date and a communication from the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs accompany the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, April 23, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War, in answer to the resolutions passed by the Senate in executive session on the 14th and 18th of April, 1864.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington City, April 22, 1864.
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
SIR: In answer to the Senate resolutions of April 14 and April 18, I have the honor to state that the nominations of Colonel Hiram Burnham, Colonel Edward M. McCook, Colonel Lewis A. Grant, and Colonel Edward Hatch are not either of them made to fill any vacancy in the proper sense of that term. They are not made to fill a command vacated by any other general, but are independent nominations, and if confirmed the officers will be assigned to such command as the General Commanding may deem proper. But in consequence of the resignations of Generals Miller, Boyle, and Beatty and the death of General Champlin, their confirmations will be within the number of brigadiers allowed by law.
Your obedient servant,
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, April 23, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I transmit to Congress a copy of a note of the 19th instant from Lord Lyons to the Secretary of State, on the subject of two British naval officers who recently received medical treatment at the naval hospital at Norfolk. The expediency of authorizing Surgeon Solomon Sharp to accept the piece of plate to which the note refers, as an acknowledgment of his services, is submitted to your consideration.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
APRIL 28, 1864.
To the House of Representatives:
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 a 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 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 LINCOLN.
APRIL 28, 1864.
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives:
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.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, April 29, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 27th instant, requesting information in regard to the condition of affairs in the Territory of Nevada, I transmit a copy of a letter of the 25th of last month addressed to the Secretary of State by James W. Nye, the governor of that Territory.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
MAY 2, 1864.
To the Honorable the House of Representatives:
In compliance with the request contained in your resolution of the 29th ultimo, a copy of which resolution is herewith returned, I have the honor to transmit the following:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, November 2, 1863.
Hon. MONTGOMERY BLAIR.
MY DEAR SIR: Some days ago I understood you to say that your brother, General Frank Blair, desired to be guided by my wishes as to whether he will occupy his seat in Congress or remain in the field. My wish, then, is compounded of what I believe will be best for the country and best for him, and it is that he will come here, put his military commission in my hands, take his seat, go into caucus with our friends, abide the nominations, help elect the nominees, and thus aid to organize a House of Representatives which will really support the Government in the war. If the result shall be the election of himself as Speaker, let him serve in that position; if not, let him retake his commission and return to the Army. For the country, this will heal a dangerous schism. For him, it will relieve from a dangerous position. By a misunderstanding, as I think, he is in danger of being permanently separated from those with whom only he can ever have a real sympathy—the sincere opponents of slavery. It will be a mistake if he shall allow the provocations offered him by insincere timeservers to drive him from the house of his own building. He is young yet. He has abundant talents, quite enough to occupy all his time without devoting any to temper. He is rising in military skill and usefulness. His recent appointment to the command of a corps by one so competent to judge as General Sherman proves this. In that line he can serve both the country and himself more profitably than he could as a Member of Congress upon the floor. The foregoing is what I would say if Frank Blair were my brother instead of yours.
Yours, truly,
A. LINCOLN.
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1863.
Hon. E.M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
SIR: Inclosed I forward to the President my resignation, to take effect on the 5th of December.
I respectfully request, however, that I may be relieved from my command at an earlier day, say by the 20th instant, or as soon thereafter as some officer can be ordered to succeed me. While I desire to derange the plans or hurry the action of the Department as little as possible, it will be a great convenience to me to secure some little time before the session of Congress for a necessary journey and for some preparations for myself and family in view of my approaching change of residence and occupation. I could also spend two or three days very profitably, I think, to the service of my successor after his arrival here.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. C. SCHENCK,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1863.
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
SIR: Having concluded to accept the place of Member of Congress in the House of Representatives, to which I was elected in October, 1862, I hereby tender the resignation of my commission as a major-general of United States Volunteers, to take effect on the 5th day of December next.
I shall leave the military service with much reluctance and a sacrifice of personal feelings and desires, and only consent to do so in the hope that in another capacity I may be able to do some effective service in the cause of my country and Government in this time of peculiar trial.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. C. SCHENCK,
Major-General.
[Indorsement on the foregoing letter.]
The resignation of General Schenck is accepted, and he is authorized to turn over his command to Brigadier-General Lockwood at any time.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, November 21, 1863.
Major-General ROBERT C. SCHENCK,
United States Volunteers, Commanding Middle Department, Baltimore, Md.
SIR: Your resignation has been accepted by the President of the United States, to take effect the 5th day of December, 1863.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E.D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WASHINGTON, January 1, 1864.
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Washington City, D.C.:
I hereby tender my resignation as a major-general of the United States Volunteers.
Respectfully,
FRANK P. BLAIR,
Major-General, United States Volunteers.
JANUARY 12, 1864.
Accepted, by order of the President.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, January 12, 1864.
Major-General FRANCIS P. BLAIR,
U.S. Volunteers.
(Care of Hon. M. Blair, Washington, D.C.)
SIR: Your resignation has been accepted by the President of the United States, to take effect this day.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. HARDIE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Telegram.]
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, D.C., March 15, 1864.
Lieutenant-General GRANT,
Nashville, Tenn.:
General McPherson having been assigned to the command of a department, could not General Frank Blair, without difficulty or detriment to the service, be assigned to command the corps he commanded a while last autumn?
A. LINCOLN.
[Telegram.]
NASHVILLE, TENN., March 16, 1864—10 a.m.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT:
General Logan commands the corps referred to in your dispatch. I will see General Sherman in a few days and consult him about the transfer, and answer.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
[Telegram.]
NASHVILLE, TENN., March 17, 1864.
His Excellency A. LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
General Sherman is here. He consents to the transfer of General Logan to the Seventeenth Corps and the appointment of General F.P. Blair to the Fifteenth Corps.
U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
[Telegram.]
HUNTSVILLE, ALA., March 26, 1864.
His Excellency A. LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
I understand by the papers that it is contemplated to make a change of commanders of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, so as to transfer me to the Seventeenth. I hope this will not be done. I fully understand the organization of the Fifteenth Corps now, of which I have labored to complete the organization this winter. Earnestly hope that the change may not be made.
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Major-General.
[Telegram.]
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH,
War Department.
The following telegram received at Washington 9 a.m. March 31, 1864, from Culpeper Court-House, 11.30 p.m., dated March 30, 1864:
"Major-General W.T. SHERMAN,
"Nashville:
"General F.P. Blair will be assigned to the Seventeenth (17th) Corps, and not the Fifteenth (15th). Assign General Joseph Hooker, subject to the approval of the President, to any other corps command you may have, and break up the anomaly of one general commanding two (2) corps.
"U.S. GRANT,
"Lieutenant-General, Commanding."
From a long dispatch of April 2, 1864, from General Sherman to General Grant, presenting his plan for disposing the forces under his command, the following extracts, being the only parts pertinent to the subject now under consideration, are taken:
After a full consultation with all my army commanders, I have settled down to the following conclusions, to which I would like to have the President's consent before I make the orders:
Third. General McPherson. * * * His [three] corps to be commanded by Major-Generals Logan, Blair, and Dodge. * * *
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH,
War Department.
The following telegram received at Washington 3 p.m. April 10, 1864, from Culpeper Court-House, Va., 10 p.m., dated April 9, 1864:
"Major-General H.W. HALLECK,
"Chief of Staff:
"Will you please ascertain if General F.P. Blair is to be sent to General Sherman. If not, an army-corps commander will have to be named for the Fifteenth Corps.
"U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General."
WASHINGTON, April 20, 1864.
The PRESIDENT:
You will do me a great favor by giving the order assigning me to the command of the Seventeenth Army Corps immediately, as I desire to leave Washington the next Saturday to join the command. I also request the assignment of Captain Andrew J. Alexander, of Third Regiment United States Cavalry, as adjutant-general of the Seventeenth Corps, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. The present adjutant, or rather the former adjutant, Colonel Clark, has, I understand, been retained by General McPherson as adjutant-general of the department, and the place of adjutant-general of the corps is necessarily vacant.
I also request the appointment of George A. Maguire, formerly captain Thirty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, as major and aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant Logan Tompkins, Twenty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, as captain and aid-de-camp on my staff.
Respectfully,
FRANK P. BLAIR.
[Indorsements.]
APRIL 21, 1864.
HONORABLE SECRETARY OF WAR:
Please have General Halleck make the proper order in this case.
A. LINCOLN.
Referred to General Halleck, chief of staff.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, April 23, 1864.
HONORABLE SECRETARY OF WAR.
MY DEAR SIR: According to our understanding with Major-General Frank P. Blair at the time he took his seat in Congress last winter, he now asks to withdraw his resignation as major-general, then tendered, and be sent to the field. Let this be done. Let the order sending him be such as shown me to-day by the Adjutant-General, only dropping from it the names of Maguire and Tompkins.
Yours, truly,
A. LINCOLN.
[Indorsement.]
APRIL 23, 1864.
Referred to the Adjutant-General.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON CITY, D.C., April 23, 1864.
Hon. E.M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
I respectfully request to withdraw my resignation as major-general of the United States Volunteers, tendered on the 12th day of January, 1864.
Respectfully,
FRANK P. BLAIR.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 178.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, April 23, 1864.
I. Major-General F.P. Blair, jr., is assigned to the command of the Seventeenth Army Corps.
II. Captain Andrew J. Alexander, Third Regiment United States Cavalry, is assigned as assistant adjutant-general of the Seventeenth Army Corps, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, under the tenth section of the act approved July 17, 1862.
By order of the President of the United States:
E.D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
The foregoing constitutes all sought by the resolution so far as is remembered or has been found upon diligent search.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
MAY 7, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with the request contained in a resolution of the Senate dated April 30, 1864, I herewith transmit to your honorable body a copy of the opinion by the Attorney-General on the rights of colored persons in the Army or volunteer service of the United States, together with the accompanying papers.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, May 12, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 9th instant, requesting a copy of correspondence relative to a controversy between the Republics of Chile and Bolivia, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, May 14, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of the Interior of the 14th instant, and accompanying papers, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 14th ultimo, in the following words, viz:
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate the reasons, if any exist, why the refugee Indians in the State of Kansas are not returned to their homes.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, May 17, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty concluded on the 7th instant in this city between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and Clark W. Thompson, superintendent of Indian affairs, northern superintendency, on the part of the United States, and the chief Hole-in-the-day and Mis-qua-dace for and on behalf of the Chippewas of the Mississippi, and the Pillager and Lake Winnibigoshish bands of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota.
A communication from the Secretary of the Interior of the 17th instant, with a statement and copies of reports of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the 12th and 17th instant, accompany the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I recommend Lieutenant-Commander Francis A. Roe for advancement in his grade five numbers, to take rank next after Lieutenant-Commander John H. Upshur, for distinguished conduct in battle in command of the United States steamer Sassacus in her attack on and attempt to run down the rebel ironclad ram Albemarle on the 5th of May, 1864.
I also recommend that First Assistant Engineer James M. Hobby be advanced thirty numbers in his grade for distinguished conduct in battle and extraordinary heroism, as mentioned in the report of Lieutenant-Commander Francis A. Roe, commanding the United States steamer Sassacus in her action with the rebel ram Albemarle on the 5th May, 1864.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, May 24, 1864.
To the House of Representatives:
In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of yesterday on the subject of the joint resolution of the 4th of last month relative to Mexico, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, May 28, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In reply to a resolution of the Senate of the 25th instant, relating to Mexican affairs, I transmit a partial report from the Secretary of State of this date, with the papers therein mentioned.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, May 31, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 28th instant, a report[12] from the Secretary of State, with accompanying documents.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 8, 1864.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of Congress, a letter and inclosure[13] from the Secretary of War, with my concurrence in the recommendation therein made.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, June 13, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 4th of March, 1864, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of War in the case of William Yokum, with accompanying papers.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, June 13, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith, for consideration with a view to ratification, a convention between the United States of America and the United Colombian States, signed by the plenipotentiaries of the contracting powers on the 10th February last, providing for a revival of the joint commission on claims under the convention of 10th September, 1857, with New Granada.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, June 18, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In further answer to the Senate's resolution of the 28th ultimo, requesting to be informed whether the President "has, and when, authorized a person alleged to have committed a crime against Spain or any of its dependencies to be delivered up to officers of that Government, and whether such delivery was had, and, if so, under what authority of law or of treaty it was done," I transmit a copy of a dispatch of the 10th instant to the Secretary of State from the acting consul of the United States at Havana.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, June 21, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith communicate to the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, the articles of agreement and convention made and concluded at the city of Washington on the 15th instant between the United States and the Delaware Indians of Kansas, referred to in the accompanying communication of the present date from the Secretary of the Interior.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, June 24, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
I herewith lay before the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a treaty made and concluded at the city of Washington on the 11th day of June, 1864, by and between William P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and Hiram W. Farnsworth, United States Indian agent, commissioners on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and headmen of the Kansas tribe of Indians.
A communication of the Secretary of the Interior of the 18th instant, with a copy of report of Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the 13th instant, accompany the treaty.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, June 28, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 24th instant, requesting information in regard to the alleged enlistment in foreign countries of recruits for the military and naval service of the United States, I transmit reports from the Secretaries of State, of War, and of the Navy, respectively.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, June 28, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 16th of last month, requesting information in regard to the maltreatment of passengers and seamen on board ships plying between New York and Aspinwall, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON, July 2, 1864.
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 6th ultimo, requesting information upon the subject of the African slave trade, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the papers by which it was accompanied.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.