My dear Sir: Washington, January 22. 1863.
Yours of the 7th. was received yesterday. I need not recite, because you remember the contents. The charges, in their nature, are such that I must know as much about the facts involved, as you can. I have too many family controversies, (so to speak) already on my hands, to voluntarily, or so long as I can avoid it, take up another. You are now doing well---well for the country, and well for yourself---much better than you could possibly be, if engaged in open war with Gen. Halleck. Allow me to beg, that for your sake, for my sake, & for the country's sake, you give your whole attention to the better work.
Your success upon the Arkansas, was both brilliant and valuable, and is fully appreciated by the country and government.
Yours truly A. LINCOLN