Executive Office Iowa
October 9. 1861
His Excellency
The President
There is a painful degree of uncertainty among our people in
regard to the position of General Fremont and my convictions on that subject
are so strong as to induce me to violate the rule I have laid down for myself
and give an unasked opinion
I am well satisfied that the removal of Gen Fremont at this
time would be as disastrous to our cause in this state as another lost battle
in Missouri, unless it can be demonstrated to our people that his conduct has
been such as to demand his removal.
Let me entreat that he be sustained with men and means until
he shall have shown unmistakeably his unfitness if that time shall ever come.
He has the full & complete confidence of our people now and his removal
would have a most disheartening effect.
The recent telegraphic rumor that he had been removed spread
as much dismay among us as the news of the disaster at Bulls run, and the
authorized contradiction of that rumor was received with unbounded
satisfaction.
I hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken and believe
that nothing but a clear conviction of public duty has led me to address you.
Vy Truly
Samuel J Kirkwood
SOURCE: This letter can be found among The Abraham Lincoln
Papers at the Library of Congress.
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