TO J. W. GRIMES.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, D.C., October 29, 1863.

Hon.  James W. Grimes.

My Dear sir:—­The above act of Congress was passed, as I suppose, for the purpose of shutting out improper applicants for seats in the House of Representatives; and I fear there is some danger that it will be used to shut out proper ones.  Iowa, having an entire Union delegation, will be one of the States the attempt will be made, if upon any.  The Governor doubtless has made out the certificates, and they are already in the hands of the members.  I suggest that they come on with them; but that, for greater caution, you, and perhaps Mr. Harlan with you, consult with the Governor, and have an additional set made out according to the form on the other half of this sheet; and still another set, if you can, by studying the law, think of a form that in your judgment, promises additional security, and quietly bring the whole on with you, to be used in case of necessity.  Let what you do be kept still.

Yours truly,

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to P. F. Lowe.
[Cipher.]
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., October 30, 1863.

Hon.  F. F. Lowe, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Below is an act of Congress, passed last session, intended to exclude applicants not entitled to seats, but which, there is reason to fear, will be used to exclude some who are entitled.  Please get with the Governor and one or two other discreet friends, study the act carefully, and make certificates in two or three forms, according to your best judgement, and have them sent to me, so as to multiply the chances of the delegation getting their seats.  Let it be done without publicity.  Below is a form which may answer for one.  If you could procure the same to be done for the Oregon member it might be well.

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to general Meade. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., October 30, 1863.

Major-general Meade, Army of Potomac: 

Much obliged for the information about deserters contained in your dispatch of yesterday, while I have to beg your pardon for troubling you in regard to some of them, when, as it appears by yours, I had the means of answering my own questions.

A. Lincoln.

MEMORANDUM.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, October 31, 1863.