My dear Sir. Washington, January 22, 1863.
Yours of the 17th. to Mr. Washburne has been shown me. As your friend, which you know I am, I would advise you not to come to Washington, if you could safely come without leave. You now stand well with the Sec. of War, and with Gen. Halleck, and it would lessen you with both for you to make your appearance here. I advise you by all means to dismiss the thought of coming here. Yours very truly A. LINCOLN.