I should nevertheless receive with great pleasure the exact information you now have, and also such other as you may in any way obtain.  Such information might be more valuable before the 1st of January than afterwards.

While there is nothing in this letter which I shall dread to see in history, it is, perhaps, better for the present that its existence should not become public.  I therefore have to request that you will regard it as confidential.

Your obedient servant,
A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL CURTIS.

Executive Mansion, Washington, December 14, 1862

Major-general Curtis, St. Louis, Missouri: 

If my friend Dr. William Fithian, of Danville, Ill., should call on you, please give him such facilities as you consistently can about recovering the remains of a step-son, and matters connected therewith.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL H. H. SIBLEY.

Executive Mansion, Washington, December 16, 1862.

Brig.  Gen.  H. H. Sibley, Saint Paul, Minn.: 

As you suggest, let the executions fixed for Friday the 19th instant be postponed to, and be done on, Friday the 26th instant.

A. Lincoln. 
(Private.)
Operator please send this very carefully and accurately.  A. L.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL CURTIS.

Executive Mansion, Washington, December 16, 1862.

Major-general Curtis, Saint Louis, Missouri: 

N. W. Watkins, of Jackson, Mo., (who is half brother to Henry Clay), writes me that a colonel of ours has driven him from his home at Jackson.  Will you please look into the case and restore the old man to his home if the public interest will admit?

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.

War department, Washington city, D. C.,
December 16, 1862.

Major-general Burnside, Falmouth: 

Your despatch about General Stahel is received.  Please ascertain from General Sigel and his old corps whether Stahel or Schurz is preferable and telegraph the result, and I will act immediately.  After all I shall be governed by your preference.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL CURTIS.

Executive Mansion, Washington,
December 17, 1862.

Major-general Curtis: 

Could the civil authority be reintroduced into Missouri in lieu of the military to any extent, with advantage and safety?