Executive Mansion
Washington, October 10, 1864.

Hon.  Henry W. Hoffman.

My dear sir:—­A convention of Maryland has framed a new constitution for the State; a public meeting is called for this evening at Baltimore to aid in securing its ratification by the people, and you ask a word from me for the occasion.  I presume the only feature of the instrument about which there is serious controversy is that which provides for the extinction of slavery.  It needs not to be a secret and I presume it is no secret, that I wish success to this provision.  I desire it on every consideration.  I wish all men to be free.  I wish the material prosperity of the already free, which I feel sure the extinction of slavery would bring.  I wish to see in process of disappearing that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war.  I attempt no argument.  Argument upon the question is already exhausted by the abler, better informed, and more immediately interested sons of Maryland herself.  I only add that I shall be gratified exceedingly if the good people of the State shall, by their votes, ratify the new constitution.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR CURTIN.

War department,
Washington, D. C., October 10, 1864, 5 P.M.

Governor Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa.: 

Yours of to-day just this moment received, and the Secretary having left it is impossible for me to answer to-day.  I have not received your letter from Erie.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to Robert T. Lincoln, Cambridge, Mass.: 

Your letter makes us a little uneasy about your health.  Telegraph us how you are.  If you think it would help you, make us a visit.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general U. S. Grant. 
Washington, D. C., October 12, 1864.

Lieutenant-general grant, City Point, Va.: 

Secretary of War not being in, I answer yours about election.  Pennsylvania very close, and still in doubt on home vote.  Ohio largely for us, with all the members of Congress but two or three.  Indiana largely for us,—­Governor, it is said, by fifteen thousand, and eight of the eleven members of Congress.  Send us what you may know of your army vote.

A. Lincoln.

RESPONSE TO A SERENADE,

October 19, 1864.