I accept with emotions of profoundest gratitude, the beautiful gift you have been pleased to present to me.  You will, of course, expect that I acknowledge it.  So much has been said about Gettysburg and so well, that for me to attempt to say more may perhaps only serve to weaken the force of that which has already been said.  A most graceful and eloquent tribute was paid to the patriotism and self-denying labors of the American ladies, on the occasion of the consecration of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, by our illustrious friend, Edward Everett, now, alas! departed from earth.  His life was a truly great one, and I think the greatest part of it was that which crowned its closing years, I wish you to read, if you have not already done so, the eloquent and truthful words which he then spoke of the women of America.  Truly, the services they have rendered to the defenders of our country in this perilous time, and are yet rendering, can never be estimated as they ought to be.  For your kind wishes to me personally, I beg leave to render you likewise my sincerest thanks.  I assure you they are reciprocated.  And now, gentlemen and ladies, may God bless you all.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL GRANT.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, January 25, 1865.

Lieutenant-general grant, City Point

If Newell W. Root, of First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, is under sentence of death, please telegraph me briefly the circumstances.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL GRANT.

War department,
Washington, D. C., January 25, 1865.

Lieutenant-general grant, City Point, Va.: 

Having received the report in the case of Newell W. Root, I do not interfere further in the case.

A. Lincoln.

EARLY CONSULTATIONS WITH REBELS

Instructions to major Eckert.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, January 30, 1865.

Major T. T. Eckert.

Sir:-You will proceed with the documents placed in your hands, and on reaching General Ord will deliver him the letter addressed to him by the Secretary of War.  Then, by General Ord’s assistance procure an interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, or any of them, deliver to him or them the paper on which your own letter is written.  Note on the copy which you retain the time of delivery and to whom delivered.  Receive their answer in writing, waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if it contain their decision to come through without further condition, will be your warrant to ask General Ord to pass them through as directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to him.  If by their answer they decline to come, or propose other terms, do not have them pass through.  And this being your whole duty, return and report to me.