Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general grant. 
Washington, November 25, 1863. 8.40 A.M.

Major-general U.S.  Grant: 

Your despatches as to fighting on Monday and Tuesday are here.  Well done!  Many thanks to all.  Remember Burnside.

A. Lincoln.

TO C. P. KIRKLAND.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, December 7, 1863.

Charles P. Kirkland, Esq., New York: 

I have just received and have read your published letter to the Hon.  Benjamin R. Curtis.  Under the circumstances I may not be the most competent judge, but it appears to me to be a paper of great ability, and for the country’s sake more than for my own I thank you for it.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNION SUCCESS IN EAST TENNESSEE.

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C.,
December 7, 1863.

Reliable information being received that the insurgent force is retreating from East Tennessee, under circumstances rendering it probable that the Union forces cannot hereafter be dislodged from that important position; and esteeming this to be of high national consequence, I recommend that all loyal people do, on receipt of this information, assemble at their places of worship, and render special homage and gratitude to Almighty God for this great advancement of the national cause.

A. Lincoln.

PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY AND RECONSTRUCTION DECEMBER 8, 1863.

By the president of the united states of America: 

A Proclamation.

Whereas in and by the Constitution of the United States it is provided that the President “shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment;” and,

Whereas a rebellion now exists whereby the loyal State governments of several States have for a long time been subverted, and many persons have committed and are now guilty of treason against the United States; and

Whereas, with reference to said rebellion and treason, laws have been enacted by Congress declaring forfeitures and confiscation of property and liberation of slaves, all upon terms and conditions therein stated, and also declaring that the President was thereby authorized at any time thereafter, by proclamation, to extend to persons who may have participated in the existing rebellion in any State or part thereof pardon and amnesty, with such exceptions and at such times and on such conditions as he may deem expedient for the public welfare; and