Page:Life and Works of Abraham Lincoln, v8.djvu/197

Rh CONKLING, F. A., AND OTHERS. Executive Mansion, Washington, June 3, 1864. Hon. F. A. Conkling and Others. Gentlemen: Your letter inviting me to be present at a mass-meeting of loyal citizens to be held at New York on the fourth instant, for the purpose of expressing gratitude to Lieutenant-General Grant for his signal services, was received yesterday. It is impossible for me to attend. I approve, nevertheless, whatever may tend to strengthen and sustain General Grant and the noble armies now under his direction. My previous high estimate of General Grant has been maintained and heightened by what has occurred in the remarkable campaign he is now conducting, while the magnitude and difficulty of the task before him do not prove less than I expected. Fie and his brave soldiers are now in the midst of their great trial, and I trust that at your meeting you will so shape your good words that they may turn to men and guns, moving to his and their support. Yours truly, A. Lincoln. Conkling, James C. [Private.] War Department, Washington City, D. C, August 17, 1863. My Dear Conkling: I cannot leave here now. Herewith is a letter instead. You are one of the best public readers. I have but one sug