Yours of this morning received.  You misconceive.  The order you complain of was only nominally mine, and was framed by those who really made it with no thought of making you a scapegoat.  It seemed to be General Grant’s wish that the forces under General Wright and those under you should join and drive at the enemy under General Wright.  Wright had the larger part of the force, but you had the rank.  It was thought that you would prefer Crook’s commanding your part to your serving in person under Wright.  That is all of it.  General Grant wishes you to remain in command of the department, and I do not wish to order otherwise.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general W. T. Sherman. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 18, 1864. 11.25 A.M.

Major-general Sherman, Chattahoochee River, Georgia: 

I have seen your despatches objecting to agents of Northern States opening recruiting stations near your camps.  An act of Congress authorizes this, giving the appointment of agents to the States, and not to the Executive Government.  It is not for the War Department, or myself, to restrain or modify the law, in its execution, further than actual necessity may require.  To be candid, I was for the passage of the law, not apprehending at the time that it would produce such inconvenience to the armies in the field as you now cause me to fear.  Many of the States were very anxious for it, and I hoped that, with their State bounties, and active exertions, they would get out substantial additions to our colored forces, which, unlike white recruits, help us where they come from, as well as where they go to.  I still hope advantage from the law; and being a law, it must be treated as such by all of us.  We here will do what we consistently can to save you from difficulties arising out of it.  May I ask, therefore, that you will give your hearty co-operation.

A. Lincoln.

ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING TERMS OF PEACE.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, July 18, 1864.

To whom it may concern: 

Any proposition which embraces the restoration of peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery, and which comes by and with an authority that can control the armies now at war against the United States, will be received and considered by the Executive Government of the United States, and will be met by liberal terms on other substantial and collateral points; and the bearer or bearers thereof shall have safe conduct both ways.

Abraham Lincoln.

PROCLAMATION CALLING FOR FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND VOLUNTEERS,

July 18, 1864,

By the president of the united states of America: