Lincoln writes to General Carl Schurz, who questions the wisdom of appointing Democratic generals to high-command positions. Lincoln responds, "I certainly know that if the war fails, the administration fails, and that I will be blamed for it . . . I wish to disparage no one—certainly not those who sympathize with me; but I must say I need success more than I need sympathy, and that I have not seen the so much greater evidence of getting success from my sympathizers, than from those who are denounced as the contrary." Carl Schurz to Abraham Lincoln, 20 November 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz, 24 November 1862, CW, 5:509-11.

Explains to George S. Boutwell, commissioner of internal revenue, that by oversight "the Eastern Shore counties of Virginia, and some other counties of Hon. Mr. [Cong. Joseph E.] Segar's District, were not classed as loyal in the proclamation of July." Abraham Lincoln to George S. Boutwell, 24 November 1862, CW, 5:507-8.

Writes Maj. Key: "In regard to my dismissal of yourself from the military service, it seems to me you misunderstand me. . . . I bear you no ill will; . . . I am really sorry for the pain the case gives you, but I do not see how, consistently with duty, I can change it." Abraham Lincoln to John J. Key, 24 November 1862, CW, 5:508-9.