Hon.  William H. Seward, Auburn, New York: 

News from Grant, Sherman, Thomas and Rosecrans satisfactory, but not important.  Pirate Florida captured by the Wachusett October 7, on the coast of Brazil.  The information is certain.

A. Lincoln.

RESPONSE TO A SERENADE, NOVEMBER 9, 1864.

Friends and fellow-citizens:—­Even before I had been informed by you that this compliment was paid me by loyal citizens of Pennsylvania, friendly to me, I had inferred that you were of that portion of my countrymen who think that the best interests of the nation are to be subserved by the support of the present administration.  I do not pretend to say that you, who think so, embrace all the patriotism and loyalty of the country, but I do believe, and I trust without personal interest, that the welfare of the country does require that such support and indorsement should be given.

I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day’s work, if it be as you assume, and as now seems probable, will be to the lasting advantage, if not to the very salvation, of the country.  I cannot at this hour say what has been the result of the election.  But, whatever it may be, I have no desire to modify this opinion:  that all who have labored to-day in behalf of the Union have wrought for the best interests of the country and the world; not only for the present, but for all future ages.

I am thankful to God for this approval of the people; but, while deeply grateful for this mark of their confidence in me, if I know my heart, my gratitude is free from any taint of personal triumph.  I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me.  It is no pleasure to me to triumph over any one, but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people’s resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity.

Telegram to H. W. Hoffman. 
War department, Washington, D. C. November 10, 1864.

H. Hoffman, Baltimore, Md.: 

The Maryland soldiers in the Army of the Potomac cast a total vote of fourteen hundred and twenty-eight, out of which we get eleven hundred and sixty majority.  This is directly from General Meade and General Grant.

A. Lincoln.

ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

Response to A serenade,
November 10, 1864.

It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its existence in great emergencies.  On this point the present rebellion brought our government to a severe test, and a presidential election occurring in regular course during the rebellion, added not a little to the strain.