cause to object, I confess to a
sympathy for whatever relieves our general force in Missouri, and
allows it to serve elsewhere. I, therefore, as at present advised,
cannot attempt the destruction of the enrolled militia of Missouri.
I may add that, the force being under the national military control,
it is also within the proclamation in regard to the _habeas corpus_.

"I concur in the propriety of your request in regard to elections,
and have, as you see, directed General Schofield accordingly. I
do not feel justified to enter upon the broad field you present in
regard to the political differences between radicals and conservatives.
From time to time I have done and said what appeared to me proper
to do and say. The public knows it all. It obliges nobody to
follow me, and I trust it obliges me to follow nobody. The radicals
and conservatives each agree with me in some things and disagree
in others. I could wish both to agree with me in all things; for
then they would agree with each other, and would be too strong for
any foe from any quarter. They, however, choose to do otherwise,
and I do not question their right; I, too, shall do what seems to
be my duty. I hold whoever commands in Missouri, or elsewhere,
responsible to me, and not to either radicals or conservatives.
It is my duty to hear all; but at last, I must, within my sphere,
judge what to do and what to forbear.

"Your obt. servt.,
"A. Lincoln."

THE MATTER OF COLORED ENLISTMENTS

On October 13, I wrote in my journal:

"The radical delegation has returned from Washington very much
crestfallen. It is generally conceded that they have accomplished
nothing. Nothing official is yet known on the subject. . . .

"Lane spoke at Turner's Hall last evening; no disturbance; was
silent on the subject of the department commander. He informed me
yesterday, through Major Vaughan, that he had stopped the war upon
me, and intended hereafter not to oppose me unless circumstances
rendered it necessary. Said the President told him that whoever
made war on General Schofield, under the present state of affairs,
made war on him--the President. Said he never had made war on
General S., 'except incidentally.'

"_Oct_. 14--Received yesterday an order from Genl. [Lorenzo] Thomas
appointing officers for the 1st Regt. Mo. Volunteers, of African
descent, and directing that they be detailed to raise the regiment.

"Have