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I have just been to the Secretary of War with Dr. Stewart's case. He says that scarsely any case has been so fully heard on both sides, and that he is not clearer of the correctness of any decision made. Of course I can over rule his decision if I will, but I cannot well administer the War Department independent of the Secretary
of War. Besides on a one sided presentation made to me as this is, I have no confidence that my decision would be more correct than the one already made. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN
[1] Copy, DLC-Benjamin F. Wade Papers. Surgeon William D. Stewart had been dismissed for being absent without leave. On July 9, Lincoln revoked the special order of dismissal and reinstated Surgeon Stewart (DNA RG 130, White House Office, Register of U.S. Army Court-Martial Cases).