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: