Major-general Butler.

Sir:—­The Secretary of War and myself have concluded to discharge of the prisoners at Point Lookout the following classes:  First, those who will take the oath prescribed in the proclamation of December 8, and issued by the consent of General Marston, will enlist in our service.  Second, those who will take the oath and be discharged and whose homes lie safely within our military lines.

I send by Mr. Hay this letter and a blank-book and some other blanks, the way of using which I propose for him to explain verbally better than I can in writing.

Yours, very truly,

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL MEADE.

Executive Mansion, Washington, January 5, 1864.

Major-general Meade: 

If not inconsistent with the service, please allow General William Harrow as long a leave of absence as the rules permit with the understanding that I may lengthen it if I see fit.  He is an acquaintance and friend of mine, and his family matters very urgently require his presence.

A. Lincoln.

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS,

January 5, 1864.

Gentlemen of the Senate and house of representatives: 

By a joint resolution of your honorable bodies approved December 23, 1863, the paying of bounties to veteran volunteers, as now practiced by the War Department, is, to the extent of three hundred dollars in each case, prohibited after this 5th day of the present month.  I transmit for your consideration a communication from the Secretary of War, accompanied by one from the Provost-Marshal General to him, both relating to the subject above mentioned.  I earnestly recommend that the law be so modified as to allow bounties to be paid as they now are, at least until the ensuing 1st day of February.

I am not without anxiety lest I appear to be importunate in thus recalling your attention to a subject upon which you have so recently acted, and nothing but a deep conviction that the public interest demands it could induce me to incur the hazard of being misunderstood on this point.  The Executive approval was given by me to the resolution mentioned, and it is now by a closer attention and a fuller knowledge of facts that I feel constrained to recommend a reconsideration of the subject.

Abraham Lincoln.

Telegram to governor Bramlette. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, January 6, 1864. 2 P.M.

Governor Bramlette, Frankfort, Kentucky: