Yours as ever,

A. Lincoln.

P. S.—­I forgot to say that Hon. James S. Rollins, member of Congress from one of the Missouri districts, wishes that, upon his personal responsibility, Rev. John M. Robinson, of Columbia, Missouri; James L. Matthews, of Boone County, Missouri; and James L. Stephens, also of Boone County, Missouri, may be allowed to return to their respective homes.  Major Rollins leaves with me very strong papers from the neighbors of these men, whom he says he knows to be true men.  He also says he has many constituents who he thinks are rightly exiled, but that he thinks these three should be allowed to return.  Please look into the case, and oblige Major Rollins if you consistently can.

Yours truly,
A. Lincoln.
[Copy sent to Governor Gamble.]

TO CALEB RUSSELL AND SALLIE A. FENTON.

Executive Mansion, Washington,
January 5, 1863.

My good friends:  The Honorable Senator Harlan has just placed in my hands your letter of the 27th of December, which I have read with pleasure and gratitude.

It is most cheering and encouraging for me to know that in the efforts which I have made and am making for the restoration of a righteous peace to our country, I am upheld and sustained by the good wishes and prayers of God’s people.  No one is more deeply than myself aware that without His favor our highest wisdom is but as foolishness and that our most strenuous efforts would avail nothing in the shadow of His displeasure.

I am conscious of no desire for my country’s welfare that is not in consonance with His will, and of no plan upon which we may not ask His blessing.  It seems to me that if there be one subject upon which all good men may unitedly agree, it is imploring the gracious favor of the God of Nations upon the struggles our people are making for the preservation of their precious birthright of civil and religious liberty.

Very truly your friend;

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL ROSECRANS.

Executive Mansion, Washington, January 5. 1863.

Major-general W. S. Rosecrans, Murfreesborough, Tenn.:  Your despatch announcing retreat of enemy has just reached here.  God bless you and all with you!  Please tender to all, and accept for yourself, the nation’s gratitude for your and their skill, endurance, and dauntless courage.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.

War department, Washington, D.C., January 7, 1863.

Major-general Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.: 

Do Richmond papers of 6th say nothing about Vicksburg, or if anything, what?