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Yours of Nov. 25. reached me only yesterday. Thank you for it. I shall consider and remember your suggestions.
A. LINCOLN
[1] ALS, RPB. On November 25, 1862, Raymond wrote Lincoln as follows:
``I beg permission `just once' to intrude upon your time . . . in order to make a suggestion concerning the best mode of carrying into practical effect the policy of your Proclamation.
``1. I think it clear that any attempt to make this war subservient to the sweeping abolition of Slavery, will revolt the Border States, divide the North and West, invigorate and make triumphant the opposition party, and thus defeat itself as well as destroy the Union.
``2. I think it equally clear that an effort to use emancipation, within the limitations of law, against rebels as a military weapon purely & exclusively, will be sustained by the whole loyal country, Border States and all.
``3. I suggest, then, that the Proclamation to be issued in January, take the form of a MILITARY ORDER,---commanding the Generals of the Army, within every designated state and part of a state in rebellion, to deprive the rebel forces of the aid direct & indirect derived from their slaves, by setting them free and protecting them in their freedom.
``. . . The only drawback I can think of is, that such a mode of reaching a result will not suit those who deem the mode of more importance than the result itself.'' (DLC-RTL).