Abraham Lincoln: “I transmit herewith the letter of the Secretary of War, with accompanying report of the Adjutant-General, in reply to…”

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.

Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.