A. LINCOLN

TO GENERAL D. HUNTER.

Executive Mansion, Washington,
June 30, 1863.

Major-general Hunter.

My dear general:—­I have just received your letter of the 25th of
June.

I assure you, and you may feel authorized in stating, that the recent change of commanders in the Department of the South was made for no reasons which convey any imputation upon your known energy, efficiency, and patriotism; but for causes which seemed sufficient, while they were in no degree incompatible with the respect and esteem in which I have always held you as a man and an officer.

I cannot, by giving my consent to a publication of whose details I know nothing, assume the responsibility of whatever you may write.  In this matter your own sense of military propriety must be your guide, and the regulations of the service your rule of conduct.

I am very truly your friend,
A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL BURNSIDE.

War department, Washington, D. C., July 3, 1863

Major-general Burnside, Cincinnati, Ohio: 

Private Downey, of the Twentieth or Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, is said to have been sentenced to be shot for desertion to-day.  If so, respite the execution until I can see the record.

A. Lincoln.

REASSURING SON IN COLLEGE

Telegram to Robert T, Lincoln.

Executive Mansion, Washington, July 3,1863.

Robert T. Lincoln, Esq., Cambridge, Mass.: 
Don’t be uneasy.  Your mother very slightly hurt by her fall.

A.L. 
Please send at once.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS FROM GETTYSBURG.

Washington,

July 4, 10.30 A.M.

The President announces to the country that news from the Army of the Potomac, up to 10 P.M. of the 3d, is such as to cover that army with the highest honor, to promise a great success to the cause of the Union, and to claim the condolence of all for the many gallant fallen; and that for this he especially desires that on this day He whose will, not ours, should ever be done be everywhere remembered and reverenced with profoundest gratitude.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general French.
[Cipher]
war department, Washington, D. C., July 5, 1863.

Major-general French, Fredericktown, Md.: 

I see your despatch about destruction of pontoons.  Cannot the enemy ford the river?

A. Lincoln.