Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

To Robert C. Schenck1Jump to section

Private
Major General Schenck Executive Mansion,
My dear Sir: Washington, July 23, 1863.

Returning to the Executive Room yesterday, I was mortified to find you were gone, leaving no word of explanation. I went down stairs, as I understood, on a perfect understanding with you that you would remain till my return. I got this impression distinctly from ``Edward''2Jump to section whom I believe you know. Possibly I misunderstood him. I had been very unwell in the morning, and had scarcely tasted food during the day, till the time you saw me go down. I beg you will not believe I have treated you with intentional discourtesy. Yours as ever A. LINCOLN

Annotation

[1]   ALS, owned by Roy A. Heymann, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Schenck answered on July 25:

``I did not for a moment suppose there was any discourtesy intended me. But I left your ante-room without waiting longer, because I was hurried by the approach of the hour when I was to take a little dinner with a friend, & get ready for the train by which I was to return to Baltimore. I left this explanation with Edward, who seems to have failed a little in making either of us clearly understood by the other

``I do want to see you for a few minutes; I will call the next time I can find leisure to go over.'' (DLC-RTL).

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[2]   Edward McManus (Burke?) doorkeeper and messenger at the White House

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