Instructions from Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States
to
Major General Quincy Adams Gillmore
Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces, Department of the South.

(APPENDIX A.)

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, January 13, 1864.

Major-General GILLMORE:

I understand an effort is being made by some worthy gentlemen to reconstruct a loyal State government in Florida. Florida is in your department, and it is not unlikely that you may be there in person. I have given Mr. Hay a commission of major and sent him to you with some blank books and other blanks to aid in the reconstruction. He will explain as to the manner of using the blanks, and also my general views on the subject. It is desirable for all to co-operate; but if irreconcilable differences of opinion shall arise, you are master. I wish the thing done in the most speedy way possible, so that when done it will be within the range of the late proclamation on the subject. The detail labor, of course, will have to be done by others, but I shall be greatly obliged if you will give it such general supervision as you can find convenient with your more strictly military duties.
Yours, very truly,

Copied from The Official Records of the War of Rebellion.