Abraham Lincoln to John Dix, January 14, 1863

January 14, 1863.

 

Major General Dix

 

My dear Sir:

The proclamation has been issued. We were not succeeding---at best, were progressing too slowly---without it. Now, that we have it, and bear all the disadvantage of it, (as we do bear some in certain quarters) we must also take some benefit from it, if practicable. I therefore will thank you for your well considered opinion whether Fortress-Monroe, and York-Town, one or both, could not, in whole or in part, be garrisoned by colored troops, leaving the white forces now necessary at those places, to be employed elsewhere.

Yours very truly

A. LINCOLN