The joint resolution entitled “Joint resolution declaring certain States not entitled to representation in the electoral college” has been signed by the Executive in deference to the view of Congress implied in its passage and presentation to him.  In his own view, however, the two Houses of Congress, convened under the twelfth article of the Constitution, have complete power to exclude from counting all electoral votes deemed by them to be illegal, and it is not competent for the Executive to defeat or obstruct that power by a veto, as would be the case if his action were at all essential in the matter.  He disclaims all right of the Executive to interfere in any way in the matter of canvassing or counting electoral votes, and he also disclaims that by signing said resolution he has expressed any opinion on the recitals of the preamble or any judgment of his own upon the subject of the resolution.

Abraham Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT.  EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 8, 1865

Lieutenant-general grant, City Point.  Va.: 

I am called on by the House of Representatives to give an account of my interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, and it is very desirable to me to put your despatch of February 1, to the Secretary of War, in which, among other things, you say:  “I fear now their going back without any expression from any one in authority will have a bad influence.”  I think the despatch does you credit, while I do not see that it can embarrass you.  May I use it?

A. Lincoln.

REPLY TO A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS, REPORTING THE RESULT OF THE ELECTORAL COUNT,

February 9, 1865.

With deep gratitude to my countrymen for this mark of their confidence; with a distrust of my own ability to perform the duty required under the most favorable circumstances, and now rendered doubly difficult by existing national perils; yet with a firm reliance on the strength of our free government, and the eventual loyalty of the people to the just principles upon which it is founded, and above all with an unshaken faith in the Supreme Ruler of nations, I accept this trust.  Be pleased to signify this to the respective Houses of Congress.

CHRONOLOGIC REVIEW OF PEACE PROPOSALS

Message to the house of representatives.

Executive Mansion,
February 10, 1865

To the honorable the house of representatives: 

In response to your resolution of the eighth instant, requesting information in relation to a conference recently held in Hampton Roads, I have the honor to state that on the day of the date I gave Francis P. Blair, Sr., a card, written on as follows, to wit: