the members of the division under your command, who were in the U. S. service at the time the draft commenced in New York, may be excused from its operation. In reply the Secretary instructs me to say that while he duly appreciates the services and patriotism of the troops named, he cannot consistently, with a proper regard to the interests of the service and the legal execution of the enrollment law, comply with your request.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. A. HARDIE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

OFFICE ACTG. ASST. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, NORTHERN DIVISION, STATE OF NEW YORK,

Albany, August 29, 1863.

Colonel JAMES B. FRY,

Provost-Marshal-General, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a telegram from Major-General Dix informing me that he can send me troops for the execution of the draft for the remainder of the Fifteenth District, but that he cannot spare troops at present for the draft in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Districts. the draft will be renewed in Troy on Tuesday next, September 1. I intended to execute the draft in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Districts both on the 2nd of September, but must now await the convenience of General Dix, for the supply of troops, or the completion of the draft in Troy. The Governor has been notified.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

FREDK. TOWNSEND,

Major, U. S. Army, Actg. Asst. Provost-Marshal-General.

[Inclosure.]

NEW YORK, August 29, 1863.

Major F. TOWNSEND:

The troops for the Fifteenth District, Troy, will be sent. For the Twelfth and Thirteenth Districts none can at present be spared.

By command of Major-General Dix:

C. T. DIX,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

EXECUTIVE MANSION,

Washington, August 31, 1863.

Honorable JAMES C. CINKLING,

Springfield, Ill.:

In my letter of the 26th, insert between the sentence ending 'since the issue of the emancipation proclamation, as before," and the next, commencing "You say you will not fight, &c.," what follows below my signature hereto.*

A. LINCOLN.

VICKSBURG, MISS., August 31, 1863.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: This month closes with but seemingly little done in the way of organization of blacks, but I have not been idle, and now as

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* See amendment inclosed in brackets, p. 733.

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