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Dear Sir Yours of the 15th. has been received, and considered by the Secretary of War and myself. I was pained to be informed this morning by the Provost-Marshal-General that New-Jersey is now behind twelve thousand irrespective of the draft. I did not
have time to ascertain by what rule this was made out; and I shall be very glad if it shall, by any means, prove to be incorrect. He also tells me, that 8000 will be about the quota of New-Jersey on the first draft; and the Sec. of War says the first draft in that State would not be made for some time in any event. As every man obtained otherwise lessens the draft so much, and this may supersede it altogether, I hope you will push forward your volunteer regiments as fast as possible. It is a very delicate matter to postpone the draft in one State, because of the argument it furnishes others to have postponements also. If we could have a reason in, one case, which would be good if presented, in all cases, we could act upon it.
I will thank you therefore to inform me if you can, by what day, at the earliest, you can promise to have ready to be mustered into the U.S. service, the 8000, men. If you can make a reliable promise (I mean one which you can rely on yourself) of this sort, it will be of great value, if the day is not too remote.
I beg you to be assured I wish to avoid the difficulties you dread, as much as yourself. Your Obt. Servt. A LINCOLN
[1] ALS (copy), DLC-RTL. Governor Parker wrote Lincoln on July 15:
``A few weeks since authority was given me . . . to raise new regiments in this state and also to recruit for the old regiments. . . . When I asked for authority to raise these troops, I did it, not only for the purpose of adding to the strength of the Union Army, but also to give the people an opportunity to avoid the draft.
`` . . . I understand that no draft has yet been ordered in New Jersey, and the object of this communication is to request that it will not be ordered. . . . If New Jersey can raise the men required of her, by the volunteer system, I take it for granted you do not desire to execute the draft. . . . I deem it my duty to state to you that there is a deep rooted hostility . . . to . . . the conscription act, which is liable to lead to popular outbreak if it be enforced. . . .'' (Ibid.).
See further Lincoln to Parker, July 25, infra.