Annotation
[1] ADfS, DLC-RTL; LS-F, ISLA. See note to Lincoln's letter to Seward, February 18, supra. The letter of invitation from the U.S. Christian Commission of February 12, 1863, signed by George H. Stuart and others, reads in part:
``Under the auspices of the U.S. Christian Commission public meetings have been recently held in Phila. and New York, to be followed up by another next Sunday night in Boston, and it is proposed to complete the series by a final one in Washington.
``These meetings are doing great good for our countrys cause as well as for the noble men of our Army and Navy.
``If we may believe the united testimony of press and people their influence to check distrust and disloyalty and to restore confidence and support to the Government has been very great. . . .
``To give the meeting in Washington the greatest possible weight for the Sacred interests involved the House of Representatives as the place, the 22nd of February the anniversary of Washingtons birth day, as the time, and the President of the United States as the Chairman, have been suggested. . . .
``Rev Alex Reed General Superintendent for the Christian Commission is commended to your kindness, and is authorized to act in regard to the meeting. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).