In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of yesterday, requesting information regarding the imprisonment of loyal citizens of the United States by the forces now in rebellion against this government, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, and the copy of a telegraphic despatch by which it was accompanied.

Abraham Lincoln.

Washington, August 2, 1861.

MESSAGE TO THE SENATE.

To the Senate of the united states: 

In answer to the resolution of your honorable body of date July 31, 1861, requesting the President to inform the Senate whether the Hon. James H. Lane, a member of that body from Kansas, has been appointed a brigadier-general in the army of the United States, and if so, whether he has accepted such appointment, I have the honor to transmit herewith certain papers, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, which, taken together, explain themselves, and which contain all the information I possess upon the questions propounded.

It was my intention, as shown by my letter of June 20, 1861, to appoint Hon. James H. Lane, of Kansas, a brigadier-general of United States volunteers in anticipation of the act of Congress, since passed, for raising such volunteers; and I have no further knowledge upon the subject, except as derived from the papers herewith enclosed.

Executive Mansion, August 5, 1861

TO SECRETARY CAMERON.

Executive Mansion, August 7, 1861
Hon.  Secretary of war

My dear sir:—­The within paper, as you see, is by Hon.  John S. Phelps and Hon.  Frank P. Blair, Jr., both members of the present Congress from Missouri.  The object is to get up an efficient force of Missourians in the southwestern part of the State.  It ought to be done, and Mr. Phelps ought to have general superintendence of it.  I see by a private report to me from the department that eighteen regiments are already accepted from Missouri.  Can it not be arranged that part of them (not yet organized, as I understand) may be taken from the locality mentioned and put under the control of Mr. Phelps, and let him have discretion to accept them for a shorter term than three years—­or the war—­understanding, however, that he will get them for the full term if he can?  I hope this can be done, because Mr. Phelps is too zealous and efficient and understands his ground too well for us to lose his service.  Of course provision for arming, equipping, etc., must be made.  Mr. Phelps is here, and wishes to carry home with him authority for this matter.

Yours truly, A. Lincoln

PROCLAMATION OF A NATIONAL FAST-DAY, AUGUST 12, 1861.