Annotation
[1] ADf and copy, DLC-RTL. The draft is dated July 24, but the copy is dated July 25, and endorsed by Lincoln ``To Gov. Parker---July 25, 1863.'' The draft shows considerable revision in handwriting not Lincoln's. The copy does not follow the draft in all details and must have been made from Lincoln's final version. The text above follows the copy rather than the draft.
On July 21, Governor Parker had replied to Lincoln's letter of the 20th (supra):
``I feel quite confident that I can raise the 8000 men in sixty days, and I entertain little or no doubt that the men can be had in 90 days at the furthest.
``You speak . . . of New Jersey being behind 12000 men irrespective of those now ordered. . . . I can only say that New Jersey has sent in her own regiments more than the state has been required or authorized by the General Government to send. My only reason, however for alluding to this matter now is that I may be assured that if the 8000 men are raised in the time fixed upon, there will be no draft; that is, of course, none until a new call is made. No draft for the 12000.
``It would aid me very much . . . if I could assure the several Townships of the state that if any Township raised its quota, no draft would be made from such township. . . . All I desire on this point is that you will say that if a draft should be deemed to become necessary it should be conducted by Townships, if it is feasible so to do. The matters I desire information on are:
Whether the time named in which to raise the 8000 men is satisfactory?
Am I to understand, then no draft is contemplated for the 12000 men?
[3] If feasible, and if you should [find?] a draft to become necessary can it be made by Townships?'' (DLC-RTL).