Annotation
[1] ALS, ICHi. Isaac N. Arnold's letter of May 18 reads in part: ``I desire as one of your old & true friends to respectfully suggest whether in view of the condition of military affairs . . . the office of General in Chief should not either be discontinued, or filled by a person other than Halleck. . . . The people generally believe that it is his personal hostility & prejudice that has driven from the public service, & keeps out of employment such men as Butler, Fremont, & Sigel . . . .
``Whether this opinion is right or wrong a change is needed to inspire confidence. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).
[2] See Lincoln's letter to whom it may concern, February 11, supra.
[3] Major General James B. McPherson.
[4] Brigadier General Alvin P. Hovey of Indiana was a division commander under Grant.
[5] Lincoln's reference is not entirely clear. Of the men named all were confirmed by the Senate in March, 1863, except Sherman, McClernand, and Hovey. No one of these three, however, appears in the Executive Journal as being up for re-appointment or promotion at this time. It is possible that Lincoln was confusing Alvin P. Hovey with Colonel Charles E. Hovey of the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteers, whose appointment as brigadier general expired on March 4, 1863, without having had confirmation by the Senate.