I am again pressed with the claim of Mr. Marshall O. Roberts, for transportation of what was called the Naval Brigade from New York to Fortress Monroe.  This force was a special organization got up by one Bartlett, in pretended pursuance of written authority from me, but in fact, pursuing the authority in scarcely anything whatever.  The credit given him by Mr. Roberts, was given in the teeth of the express declaration that the Government would not be responsible for the class of expenses to which it belonged.  After all some part of the transportation became useful to the Government, and equitably should be paid for; but I have neither time nor means to ascertain this equitable amount, or any appropriation to pay it with if ascertained.  If the Quartermaster at New York can ascertain what would compensate for so much of the transportation as did result usefully to the Government, it might be a step towards reaching justice.  I write this from memory, but I believe it is substantially correct.

A. Lincoln.

To P. A. Conkling and others. 
Executive Mansion,
Washington, June 3, 1864.

Hon.  F. A. Conkling and others.

Gentlemen:—­Your letter, inviting me to be present at a mass meeting of loyal citizens, to be held at New York on the 4th instant, for the purpose of expressing gratitude to Lieutenant-General Grant for his signal services, was received yesterday.  It is impossible for me to attend.  I approve, nevertheless, of whatever may tend to strengthen and sustain General Grant and the noble armies now under his direction.  My previous high estimate of General Grant has been maintained and heightened by what has occurred in the remarkable campaign he is now conducting, while the magnitude and difficulty of the task before him does not prove less than I expected.  He and his brave soldiers are now in the midst of their great trial, and I trust that at your meeting you will so shape your good words that they may turn to men and guns, moving to his and their support.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

INDORSEMENT ON A LETTER TOUCHING THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION.

June 5, 1864.

(Indorsement.)

Swett is unquestionably all right.  Mr. Holt is a good man, but I had not heard or thought of him for Vice-President.  Wish not to interfere about Vice-President.  Cannot interfere about platform.  Convention must judge for itself.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general Meade. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, June 6, 1864.

Major-general Meade, Army of the Potomac: 

Private James McCarthy, of the One-hundred and fortieth New York Volunteers, is here under sentence to the Dry Tortugas for an attempt to desert.  His friends appeal to me and if his colonel and you consent, I will send him to his regiment.  Please answer.