Annotation
[1] DfS, DLC-RTL; DS, DNA RG 46, Senate 37A F2. The resolution transmitted asked the president to direct the construction of railroads from Washington to the deep waters of Chesapeake Bay and to Hagerstown, Maryland. On January 23, the message was read in the Senate and ordered to lie on the table and be printed. On January 26, the message was read in the House and referred to the committee on roads and canals. There is no record of further action.
[2] Lincoln deleted ``favorable'' at this point in the draft.
[3] The draft is revised in Lincoln's autograph to the present text from this point on. The original reading was: ``I deemed it proper to note that it must be apparent to all, that the Nation in time of peace, will derive great advantages from these Roads, and they will be invaluable to the government in time of war. Their want has been, and is severely felt in suppressing the present rebellion.''