TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN WASHINGTON, D. C., May 4, 1864. Major-General Sherman, Chattanooga, Tenn.: I have an imploring appeal in behalf of the citizens, who say your Order No. 8 will compel them to go north of Nashville. This is in no sense an order, nor is it even a request that you will do anything which in the least shall be a drawback upon your military operations, but anything you can do consistently with those operations for those suffering people I shall be glad of. A. LINCOLN. *TELEGRAM TO GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C., May 5, 1864. Major-General Rosecrans, Saint Louis, Mo.: The President directs me to inquire whether a day has yet been fixed for the execution of citizen Robert Louden, and if so what day? JOHN HAY, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. MESSAGE TO THE SENATE, May 7, 1864 To the Senate of the United States: In compliance with the request contained in a resolution of the Senate, dated April 30, 1864, I herewith transmit to your honorable body a copy of the opinion by the Attorney-General on the rights of colored persons in the army or volunteer service of the United States, together with the accompanying papers. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. RECOMMENDATION OF THANKSGIVING EXECUTIVE MANSION, May 9, 1864. To the Friends of Union and Liberty: Enough is known of army operations within the last five days to claim an especial gratitude to God, while what remains undone demands our most sincere prayers to, and reliance upon, him without whom all human effort is vain. I recommend that all patriots, at their homes, in their places of public worship, and wherever they may be, unite in common thanksgiving and prayer to almighty God. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. RESPONSE TO A SERENADE, May 9, 1864 F ELLOW-CITIZENS: I am very much obliged to you for the compliment of this call, though I apprehend it is owing more to the good news received to-day from the army, than to a desire to see me. I am indeed very grateful to the brave men who have been struggling with the enemy in the field, to their noble commanders who have directed them, and especially to our Maker. Our commanders are following up their victories resolutely and successfully. I think, without knowing the particulars of the plans of General Grant, that what has been accomplished is of more importance than at first appears. I believe, I know-and am especially grateful to know that General Grant has not been jostled in his purposes, that he has made all his points, and to-day he is on his line as he purposed before he moved his armies. I will volunteer to say that I am very glad at what has happened, but there is a great deal still to be done. While we are grateful to all the brave men and officers for the events of the past few days, we should |