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

Annotation

[1]   AES, NHi. Lincoln's endorsement is written on the back of a letter from General William S. Rosecrans, dated Winchester, Tennessee, July 27, 1863, recommending the formation of a new mounted force to be enlisted by General Lovell H. Rousseau. The proposal was further advocated by General Rousseau in a letter to Stanton, August 7, 1863, but Halleck disapproved the proposal on August 10: ``I fully appreciate the importance of increasing the cavalry force of the army, but I see no advantages in this project over the usual plan of enlisting. . . . It greatly increases the number of officers, already out of proportion

to the men. Moreover, it carries on its face the idea of a special organization for a special purpose and with a special commander. . . .'' (OR, I, XXIII, II, 599). See Lincoln to Stanton, August 17, infra.