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.

Pages

To David Hunter1Jump to section

Executive Mansion,
My Dear General Washington, 30 June, 1863.

I have just received your letter dated the 25th of June.

I assure you, and you may feel authorized in stating, that the recent change of commanders in the Department of the South was made for no reasons which convey any imputation upon your known energy, efficiency and patriotism; but for causes which seemed to me sufficient, while they were in no degree incompatible with the respect and esteem in which I have always held you, as a man and an officer.

I cannot, by giving my consent to a publication of whose details I know nothing, assume the responsibility of whatever you may write. In this matter your own sense of military propriety must be your guide, and the regulations of the service your rule of conduct. I am very truly Your Friend A. LINCOLN

Major General Hunter

Annotation

[1] LS, CSmH. This letter is misdated June 30, 1862, by Hertz (II, 870-71). Hunter had been relieved of his command of the Department of the South on June 3, 1863. On June 25, he wrote Lincoln from Princeton, New Jersey:

``You cannot fail to be aware that my removal from command of the Dept. of the South, has been all but universally regarded as a censure on my conduct. . . .

``Satisfied and well knowing that I acted throughout in strict obedience to orders, and that my record when published will prove an ample vindication of

Return

Page 311

my course,---I now respectfully request . . . liberty to make such publication of official documents and records as may be necessary to set me right in the eyes of my friends and in the justice of history. . . .

``Knowing how greatly your time is occupied, I shall regard your not answering this note as giving me the liberty I ask for, and will act accordingly. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).

Hunter served on courts of inquiry until he assumed command of the Department of West Virginia on May 19, 1864.