| Tuesday, December 8, 1863.Washington,
DC. | President receives joint committee from 38th
Congress and announces that Annual Message will be communicated to Congress
tomorrow at 12:30 P.M. Senate Journal, 8.
Annual report describes past year as one of health, sufficient harvests,
improved conditions in national affairs, and peace with foreign powers.
Treaties with Great Britain have suppressed African slave trade and adjusted
possessory claims in Washington Territory. Negotiations with Spain, Chile,
Peru, Nicaragua, and Colombia have been satisfactory. Foreigners within lines
of insurgents are classed as belligerents, and naturalized persons must serve
in military. Condition of organized territories is generally satisfactory.
Under sharp discipline of civil war, Nation is beginning a new life. Operations
of Treasury during last year have been successfully conducted. Pay of Army and
Navy promptly met. People have borne burdens cheerfully. Blockade is increasing
in efficiency; but illicit trade is not entirely suppressed. Production of war
vessels has created new form of naval power. Post office may become
self-supporting in few years. In Dept. of Interior public lands are being taken
up, legislation is needed for Indian system, consideration should be given to
enlarging water connections between Mississippi River and northeastern
seaboard. When Congress assembled year ago, tone of public feeling and opinion
at home and abroad was not satisfactory. With emancipation and employment of
Negro troops there is new reckoning. Crisis which threatened to divide friends
of Union is past. Looking to resumption of national authority within states,
proclamation of amnesty and reconstruction is thought fit. State governments
set up under prescribed mode will be recognized. War power is still main
reliance. Chief care must be directed to Army and Navy. Annual
Message to Congress, 8 December 1863, CW, 7:36-53. President issues
Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction whereby: 1. Persons in rebellion,
with certain exceptions, who take oath to support Constitution are granted full
pardon. 2. Exceptions are civil, diplomatic, and specified defense agents of
Confederate government, and persons guilty of mistreating Negro prisoners of
war. 3. Governments reestablished as prescribed in rebellious states shall be
recognized as free governments of such states. 4. President will not object to
provisions adopted by reestablished governments in relation to freed people. 5.
Proclamation has no reference to states wherein loyal state governments have
been maintained. 6. Congress shall have sole right of admitting members
representing reestablished governments. Proclamation
of Amnesty and Reconstruction, 8 December 1863,
CW, 7:53-56. [This
proclamation is authority for pardons granted by Lincoln throughout remainder
of war.] Lincoln sends "my profoundest gratitude" to Gen. Grant and his command
for fighting at Chattanooga and Knoxville. Abraham
Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 8 December 1863,
CW, 7:53. Deposits in Riggs Bank
November salary warrant for $2,022.34. Pratt,
Personal Finances, 183.
Nominates "Commander D. D. Porter, to be a Rear Admiral in Navy, on the Active
List, from the 4th. July 1863." Abraham
Lincoln to the Senate, 8 December 1863, CW, 7:56-57. Recommends to
Congress that "Capt. John Rodgers, U.S. Navy, receive vote of thanks" for skill
and gallantry exhibited in engagement with rebel steamer "Fingal," alias
"Atlanta." Abraham
Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 8 December 1863,
CW, 7:57. |