Hon.  E. B. WASHBURNE.

My dear sir:—­Yours of the 12th has been in my hands several days.  Inclosed I send the leave of absence for your brother, in as good form as I think I can safely put it.  Without knowing whether he would accept it.  I have tendered the collectorship at Portland, Maine, to your other brother, the governor.

Thanks to both you and our friend Campbell for your kind words and intentions.  A second term would be a great honor and a great labor, which, together, perhaps I would not decline if tendered.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

TO SECRETARY CHASE.

Executive Mansion, Washington,
October 26, 1863.

Hon.  Secretary of the treasury.

My dear sir:—­The writer of the accompanying letter is one of Mrs. Lincoln’s numerous cousins.  He is a grandson of “Milliken’s Bend,” near Vicksburg—­that is, a grandson of the man who gave name to Milliken’s Bend.  His father was a brother to Mrs. Lincoln’s mother.  I know not a thing about his loyalty beyond what he says.  Supposing he is loyal, can any of his requests be granted, and if any, which of them?

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.