Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

About this Item

Title: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].
Author: Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
Publication: New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press; 1953.
Rights/Permissions: The University of Michigan Library provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes, with permission from their copyright holder. If you decide to use any of these materials, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
Link to this Item: http://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln6
Cite this Item: "Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863]." In the digital collection Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/lincoln6. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 17, 2024.

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To Samuel R. Curtis1Jump to section

Majr. Gen. Curtis Executive Mansion,
St. Louis, Mo. Washington, Dec. 19, 1862

Hon. Hall,2Jump to section M.C. here, tells me, & Gov. Gamble Telegraphs me, that quiet can be maintained in all the counties North of the Missouri river, by the enrolled militia. Confer with Gov. Gamble, and telegraph me. A. LINCOLN

Annotation

[1] ALS, RPB. Curtis' reply received at 6 P.M. is as follows: ``Only 2 skeleton Regts united States troops north of River the Governor is absent. Some Enrolled Militia not so reliable Will write you'' (DLC-RTL). On December 20, he wrote:

``In regard to your telegraphic inquiry as to the propriety of relying entirely on the Enrolled Militia . . . I proceed to enlarge on my telegraphic reply.

``We have just driven the rebels out of Missouri, and hold them south by a force almost continuous along the southern border. . . . Their anxiety exists to return . . . where the wealthy secessionists in many neighborhoods are ready

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to receive and replenish them. In such neighborhoods the pro-slavery influence seeks to exclude the Union troops, hoping to hold their negroes better under the Enrolled Militia, many of whom are commanded by pro-slavery officers. I try to study the surrounding elements, and move troops away just as fast as I think the safety of community will permit, and will probably soon withdraw all or nearly all the volunteers from Northern Missouri. Another trouble intervenes. The Enrolled Militia when in actual service are fed by the United States, and levy contributions from the secessionists to indemnify themselves for losses. . . . So far I have got along without much difficulty with mixed forces, but I have required of my officers and acted myself with great caution and courtesy toward State troops, for fear of trouble. . . . I, and all good Union men, dread the least conflict of sovereignties. . . . The object of all this is to present . . . the delicacy of my position . . . . wherever a community can maintain the peace with civil laws and the Enrolled Militia, I shall gladly relinquish military authority. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).

[2] William A. Hall.