Walter, Rionese, Folancy, Lai, and Kuhn appealed to me for mercy, without giving any ground for it whatever. I understand these are very flagrant cases, and that you deem their punishment as being indispensable to the service. If I am not mistaken in this, please let them know at once that their appeal is denied.
A. LINCOLN. [ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]
TELEGRAM TO F. C. SHERMAN AND J. S. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, August 27, 1863.
F. C. SHERMAN, Mayor, J. S. HAVES, Comptroller, Chicago, Ill.:
Yours of the 24th, in relation to the draft, is received. It seems to me the Government here will be overwhelmed if it undertakes to conduct these matters with the authorities of cities and counties. They must be conducted with the governors of States, who will, of course, represent their cities and counties. Meanwhile you need not be uneasy until you again hear from here.
A. LINCOLN. [ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]
TELEGRAM TO GENERAL FOSTER.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 28, 1863.
MAJOR-GENERAL FOSTER, Fort Monroe, Va.: