Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7 [Nov. 5, 1863-Sept. 12, 1864].

To John G. Foster1Jump to section

Majr. Gen. Foster Washington, D.C.,
Knoxville, Tenn. January 27 1864

Is a supposed correspondence between Gen. Longstreet and yourself, about the amnesty proclamation, which is now in the newspapers, genuine? A. LINCOLN

Annotation

[1]   ALS, RPB. General Foster had sent copies of his correspondence with Longstreet to Halleck and Grant on January 26, and replied to Lincoln's telegram on January 30, 1864: ``Telegram of twenty seventh (27th) received. I have had a correspondence with Genl Longstreet upon the subject of the amnesty proclamation, but cannot say whether the newspapers have the correct version as I have not seen them. Copies of the letters are on their way to Washington.'' (DLC-RTL).

The letters as printed in the New York Tribune for January 25, 1864, were substantially correct. The text from the Tribune as given below corresponds with that of the Official Records (III, IV, 50-51) except for the variants given in brackets. In addition to the two letters as given by the Tribune, Longstreet's further letter of January 11 and Foster's reply of January 17 appear in the Official Records, but since they add little to the facts of the story or the humor of the situation they are not reproduced.

COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM LIEUT-GEN. J. LONGSTREET,

AT HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, AND

REPLY OF MAJ. GEN. J. G. FOSTER, COMMANDING

DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, KNOXVILLE, TENN.

Headquarters Confederate Forces, East Tenn.,

To the Commanding General U.S. Forces, East Tenn. Jan. 3, 1864.

Sir: I find the Proclamation of President Lincoln of the 8th of December last, in circulation in handbills among our soldiers. The immediate object of this circulation appears to be to induce our soldiers to quit our ranks and to take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government. I presume, however, that the great object and end in view is to hasten the day of peace.

I respectfully suggest, for your consideration, the propriety of communicating any views that your Government may have upon this subject through me, rather than by handbills circulated among our soldiers. The few men who may desert under the promise held out in the Proclamation can not be men of character or standing. If they desert their cause they degrade [disgrace] themselves in the eyes of God and of man. They can do your cause no good, nor can they injure ours.

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As a great nation, you can accept none but an honorable peace; as a noble people, you could have us accept nothing less. I submit, therefore, whether the mode that I suggest would not be more likely to lead to an honorable end than such a circulation of a partial promise of freedom [pardon].

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

J. LONGSTREET, Lieut-Gen. Commanding

REPLY OF MAJ-GEN. JNO. G. FOSTER, COMMANDING

DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO.

Headquarters Department of the Ohio,

Knoxville, E.T.,

Lieut-Gen. Commanding Forces in East Tennessee: Jan. 7, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Jan. 3, 1864: you are correct in the supposition that the great object in view in the circulation of the President's Proclamation, is to induce those now in Rebellion against the Government, to lay aside their arms, and return to their allegiance as citizens of the United States, thus securing the re-union of States now arrayed in hostility against one another and restoration of peace. The immediate effect of the circulation may be to cause many men to leave your ranks, to return home, or come within our lines, and, in view of this latter course, it has been thought proper to issue an order announcing the favorable terms on which deserters will be received.

I accept, however, your suggestion that it would have been more courteous to have sent these documents to you for circulation, and I embrace with pleasure the opportunity thus afforded to enclose to you twenty (20) copies of each of these documents and rely upon your generosity and desire for peace, to give publicity to the same among your officers and men.

I have the honor to be, General, Very Respectfully,

J. G. Foster, Maj.-Gen. Commanding