To William Lilley1Jump to section
Sir: Washington, April 2, 1863.
Possibly there has been some misunderstanding in your case. You were nominated to, and rejected by the Senate. I have thought
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Possibly there has been some misunderstanding in your case. You were nominated to, and rejected by the Senate. I have thought
it a good rule, and have tried to act upon it, not to renominate any one whom the Senate has already rejected, unless I have evidence that the Senate would do differently on a second trial. In your case I now distinctly say that if any Senator, continuing in the Senate, will say in writing, that he voted against you, and that he has since investigated the case, and would now vote for you, and that he believes you would now be confirmed, I will renominate you. Without this, or something as strong, I can not do it. Yours truly A. LINCOLN
[1] ALS, DLC-RTL. See Lincoln's communication to Stanton concerning Lilley, March 25, supra, and April 20 and May 9, infra.