N, WASHINGTON, May 25,1864.

MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE, Army of Potomac:

Mr. J. C. Swift wishes a pass from me to follow your army to pick up rags
and cast-off clothing. I will give it to him if you say so, otherwise not.

A. LINCOLN.

["No job to big or too small" for this president--not even a request from
a Rag Picker. D.W.]

MEMORANDUM CONCERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE NEW YORK NAVAL BRIGADE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 26, 1864.

WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I am again pressed with the claim of Mr. Marshall O. Roberts, for
transportation of what was called the Naval Brigade from New York to
Fortress Monroe. This force was a special organization got up by one
Bartlett, in pretended pursuance of written authority from me, but in
fact, pursuing the authority in scarcely anything whatever. The
credit given him by Mr. Roberts, was given in the teeth of the express
declaration that the Government would not be responsible for the class of
expenses to which it belonged. After all some part of the transportation
became useful to the Government, and equitably should be paid for; but
I have neither time nor means to ascertain this equitable amount, or any
appropriation to pay it with if ascertained. If the Quartermaster at New
York can ascertain what would compensate for so much of the transportation
as did result usefully to the Government, it might be a step towards
reaching justice. I write this from memory, but I believe it is
substantially correct.

A. LINCOLN.

TO P. A. CONKLING 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 4th 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, of 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 does not prove less than
I expected. He 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, mov