When I fixed a plan for an election in Arkansas I did it in ignorance that your convention was doing the same work.  Since I learned the latter fact I have been constantly trying to yield my plan to them.  I have sent two letters to General Steele, and three or four despatches to you and others, saying that he, General Steele, must be master, but that it will probably be best for him to merely help the convention on its own plan.  Some single mind must be master, else there will be no agreement in anything, and General Steele, commanding the military and being on the ground, is the best man to be that master.  Even now citizens are telegraphing me to postpone the election to a later day than either that fixed by the convention or by me.  This discord must be silenced.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general Steele. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, February 17, 1864.

Major-general Steele, Little Rock, Arkansas: 

The day fixed by the convention for the election is probably the best, but you on the ground, and in consultation with gentlemen there, are to decide.  I should have fixed no day for an election, presented no plan for reconstruction, had I known the convention was doing the same things.  It is probably best that you merely assist the convention on their own plan, as to election day and all other matters I have already written and telegraphed this half a dozen times.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO A. ROBINSON.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, February 18, 1864.

A. Robinson, Leroy, N. Y.: 

The law only obliges us to keep accounts with States, or at most Congressional Districts, and it would overwhelm us to attempt in counties, cities and towns.  Nevertheless we do what we can to oblige in particular cases.  In this view I send your dispatch to the Provost-Marshal General, asking him to do the best he can for you.

A. Lincoln.

PROCLAMATION CONCERNING BLOCKADE, FEBRUARY 18, 1864.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

A Proclamation.

Whereas, by my proclamation of the nineteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, the ports of the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas were, for reasons therein set forth, placed under blockade; and whereas, the port of Brownsville, in the district of Brazos Santiago, in the State of Texas, has since been blockaded, but as the blockade of said port may now be safely relaxed with advantage to the interests of commerce: