Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history.  We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves.  No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us.  The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.  We say we are for the Union.  The world will not forget that we say this.  We know how to save the Union.  The world knows we do know how to save it.  We, even we here, hold the power and bear the responsibility.  In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free—­honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.  We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last, best hope of earth.  Other means may succeed; this could not fail.  The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just—­a way which if followed the world will forever applaud and God must forever bless.

Abraham Lincoln.

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.

Washington, December 3, 1862.

To the Senate and house of representatives: 

On the 3d of November, 1861, a collision took place off the coast of Cuba between the United States war steamer San Jacinto and the French brig Jules et Marie, resulting in serious damage to the latter.  The obligation of this Government to make amends therefor could not be questioned if the injury resulted from any fault On the part of the San Jacinto.  With a view to ascertain this, the subject was referred to a commission of the United States and French naval officers at New York, with a naval officer of Italy as an arbiter.  The conclusion arrived at was that the collision was occasioned by the failure of the San Jacinto seasonably to reverse her engine.  It then became necessary to ascertain the amount of indemnification due to the injured party.  The United States consul-general at Havana was consequently instructed to confer with the consul of France on this point, and they have determined that the sum of $9,500 is an equitable allowance under the circumstances.

I recommend an appropriation of this sum for the benefit of the owners of the Jules et Marie.

A copy of the letter of Mr. Shufeldt, the consul-general of the United States at Havana, to the Secretary of State on the subject is herewith transmitted.

Abraham Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO H. J. RAYMOND.

Executive Mansion, Washington,
December 7, 1862.

Hon. H. J. Raymond, Times Office, New York: 

Yours of November 25 reached me only yesterday.  Thank you for it.  I shall consider and remember your suggestions.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO B. G. BROWN.

Executive Mansion, Washington December 7, 1862.