To John J. Astor, Jr., and Others1Jump to section
Executive Mansion Washington DC. Nov. 9. 1863
Gentlemen Upon the subject of your letter I have to say that it is beyond my province to interfere with New-York City politics; that I am very grateful to Gen. Dix for the zealous and able Military, and quasi civil support he has given the government during the war; and that if the people of New-York should tender him the Mayoralty, and he accept it, nothing on that subject could be more satisfactory to me. In this I must not be understood as saying ought against any one, or as attempting the least degree of dictation in the matter. To state it in another way, if Gen. Dix' present relation to the general government lays any restraint upon him in this matter, I wish to remove that restraint. Yours truly
Messrs. J. J. Astor, Jr. A. LINCOLN
R. B. Rosevelt
Nathl Sands.
Annotation
[1] ADfS, DLC-RTL. A petition bearing twenty-one signatures, including those of the men addressed, November 7, 1863, reads as follows: ``The undersigned representing in the City of New York both political parties have offered Gen Dix the nomination for Mayor and finding some hesitation on his part arising from his official position ask President Lincoln in view of the great national importance of the matter to request Gen. Dix to accept the nomination.'' (DLC-RTL).
John A. Dix wrote Lincoln on November 10: ``Your letter in regard to the Mayoralty of this City reached me after I had declined the nomination. There were many insurmountable objections of a personal character to my acceptance; but I was also of the opinion that I could be more useful to your administration where I am, and many of your most discreet friends coincide with me. I did not understand your letter as expressing any opinion or wish on the subject, but merely as an intimation that, so far as depended on you, obstacles would be removed, should I deem an acceptance advisable. If I could have a few minutes' conversation with you, I know you would be satisfied that my decision is right. I am only anxious to be where you think I can be most useful to the country. . . .'' (Ibid.).