I am pressed with a difficulty not yet mentioned—­one which threatens division among those who, united, are none too strong.  An instance of it is known to you.  General Hunter is an honest man.  He was, and I hope still is, my friend.  I valued him none the less for his agreeing with me in the general wish that all men everywhere could be free.  He proclaimed all men free within certain States, and I repudiated the proclamation.  He expected more good and less harm from the measure than I could believe would follow.  Yet, in repudiating it, I gave dissatisfaction, if not offence, to many whose support the country cannot afford to lose.  And this is not the end of it.  The pressure in this direction is still upon me, and is increasing.  By conceding what I now ask you can relieve me, and, much more, can relieve the country in this important point.

Upon these considerations, I have again begged your attention to the message of March last.  Before leaving the Capital, consider and discuss it among yourselves.  You are patriots and statesmen, and as such I pray you consider this proposition; and, at the least, commend it to the consideration of your States and people.  As you would perpetuate popular government for the best people in the world, I beseech you that you do in nowise omit this.  Our common country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views and boldest action to bring a speedy relief.  Once relieved, its form of government is saved to the world; its beloved history and cherished memories are vindicated, and its happy future fully assured and rendered inconceivably grand.  To you, more than to any others, the privilege is given to assure that happiness and swell that grandeur, and to link your own names therewith forever.

To general G. B. McCLELLAN. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 13, 1862.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

My dear sir:—­I am told that over 160,000 men have gone into your army on the Peninsula.  When I was with you the other day we made out 86,500 remaining, leaving 73,500 to be accounted for.  I believe 23,500 will cover all the killed, wounded, and missing in all your battles and skirmishes, leaving 50,000 who have left otherwise.  No more than 5000 of these have died, leaving 45,000 of your army still alive and not with it.  I believe half or two-thirds of them are fit for duty to-day.  Have you any more perfect knowledge of this than I have?  If I am right, and you had these men with you, you could go into Richmond in the next three days.  How can they be got to you, and how can they be prevented from getting away in such numbers for the future?

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL H. W. HALLECK.

War department, July 13, 1862.

Major-general Halleck, Corinth, Mississippi: