Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth

[RJNorton]

I checked The Collected Works and found a letter written by Lincoln:

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To Hannibal Hamlin


War Department
Washington City, D.C. April 28th. 1862

Sir; In answer to the Resolution of the Senate in relation to General Charles Stone, I respectfully state that he was arrested and imprisoned under my authority and with my sanction, upon evidence which, whether he be guilty or innocent, required in my judgment such proceedings to be had against him for the safety and welfare of the Country. He has not been tried because in the state of Military operations at the time of his arrest, and ever since, the Officers to constitute a Court, and for Witnesses, could not be withdrawn from duty, without serious injury to the service. He will be tried without any unnecessary delay, the Charges and Specifications will be furnished him in due season, and every facility for his defence will be afforded by the War Department. Respectfully Yours, ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Hon. Hannibal Hamlin.

President of the Senate.

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In The Collected Works it also says, "On April 30, 1862, Senator Henry Wilson of the committee on military affairs wrote Lincoln, "I notice that your note is dated at the War Department and I would suggest that it might cause some comment when printed. Would it not be better to change it.'' Recopying and revising the letter somewhat, Lincoln sent it again addressed to the Senate on
May 1.