so exposes Kentucky to ruin.
Military men here do not perceive how it exposes Kentucky, and I am sure
Grant would not permit it if it so appeared to him.

A. LINCOLN.

TO GENERAL Q. A. GILLMORE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 13, 1864.

MAJOR-GENERAL GILLMORE:

I understand an effort is being made by some worthy gentlemen to
reconstruct a legal State government in Florida. Florida is in your
Department, and it is not unlikely you may be there in person. I have
given Mr. Hay a commission of major, and sent him to you, with some
blank-books and other blanks, to aid in the reconstruction. He will
explain as to the manner of using the blanks, and also my general views on
the subject. It is desirable for all to co-operate, but if irreconcilable
differences of opinion shall arise, you are master. I wish the thing done
in the most speedy way, so that when done it be within the range of the
late proclamation on the subject. The detail labor will, of course, have
to be done by others; but I will be greatly obliged if you will give
it such general supervision as you can find consistent with your more
strictly military duties.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GOVERNOR BROUGH. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 15,
1864.

GOVERNOR BROUGH, Columbus, Ohio:

If Private William G. Toles, of Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, returns to
his regiment and faithfully serves out his term, he is fully pardoned for
all military offenses prior to this.

A. LINCOLN.

TO CROSBY AND NICHOLS.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, January 16, 1864.

MESSRS. CROSBY AND NICHOLS.

GENTLEMEN: The number for this month and year of the North American Review
was duly received, and for which please accept my thanks. Of course I am
not the most impartial judge; yet, with due allowance for this, I venture
to hope that the article entitled "The President's Policy" will be of
value to the country. I fear I am not worthy of all which is therein
kindly said of me personally.

The sentence of twelve lines, commencing at the top of page 252, I could
wish to be not exactly what it is. In what is there expressed, the writer
has not correctly understood me. I have never had a theory that secession
could absolve States or people from their obligations. Precisely the
contrary is asserted in the inaugural address; and it was because of my
belief in the continuation of those obligations that I was puzzled, for
a time, as to denying