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

To Robert Anderson1Jump to section

Executive Mansion, Washington,
My dear General Anderson August 15, 1863.

I have been through the War Department this morning looking up your case. Section 20 of ``An act providing for the better Organization of the Military Establishment'' Approved August 3, 1861, seems to leave no discretion to President, Secretary of War, General-in-Chief, or any one else2Jump to section. The General-in-Chief, however says that, if agreeable to you, he will give you command of Fort-Adams

(I think) at New-Port, R.I. by which your pay will be the same as if this law did not exist. I advise you to try it, at all events. Gen. Halleck says it will require substantially no labor, or thought, whatever. Please telegraph whether you conclude to try it.

And now, my dear General allow me to assure you that we here are all your sincere friends. Very truly A LINCOLN

Annotation

[1]   ALS, RPB. General Robert Anderson, in ill health, had been awaiting orders since October 8, 1861. He was assigned to command of Fort Adams on August 19, 1863, but was retired on October 27 for disability.

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[2]   Section 20 provided that officers ``absent from appropriate duties for a period exceeding six months, either with or without leave, shall not receive the allowances for servants, forage, fuel, quarters & transportation of baggage, either in kind or in commutation.''

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