Abraham Lincoln.

FROM GENERAL HALLECK TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON

January 21, 1863.

Major-general grant, Memphis.

General:—­The President has directed that so much of Arkansas as you may desire to control be temporarily attached to your department.  This will give you control of both banks of the river.

In your operations down the Mississippi you must not rely too confidently upon any direct co-operation of General Banks and the lower flotilla, as it is possible that they may not be able to pass or reduce Port Hudson.  They, however, will do everything in their power to form a junction with you at Vicksburg.  If they should not be able to effect this, they will at least occupy a portion of the enemy’s forces, and prevent them from reinforcing Vicksburg.  I hope, however, that they will do still better and be able to join you.

It may be proper to give you some explanation of the revocation of your order expelling all Jews from your department.  The President has no objection to your expelling traitors and Jew peddlers, which, I suppose, was the object of your order; but as it in terms proscribed an entire religious class, some of whom are fighting in our ranks, the President deemed it necessary to revoke it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.

Executive Mansion, Washington, January 23, 1863

General Burnside: 

Will see you any moment when you come.

A. Lincoln.

ORDER RELIEVING GENERAL A. E. BURNSIDE AND MAKING OTHER CHANGES.

(General Orders No.20.)

War department, adjutant-general’s office,
Washington, D.C.  January 25, 1863.

I. The President of the United States has directed: 

1st.  That Major-General A. E. Burnside, at his own request, be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac.

2d.  That Major-General E. V. Sumner, at his own request, be relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac.

3d.  That Major-General W. B. Franklin be relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac.

4th.  That Major-General J. Hooker be assigned to the command of the Army of the Potomac.

II.  The officers relieved as above will report in person to the adjutant-general of the army.

By order of the Secretary of War: 
D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General

TO GENERAL J. HOOKER.

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C.,
January 26, 1863.