Abraham Lincoln - The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VII (Chap. 1.42) lyrics

To Judge Hoffman. Executive Mansion, December 15, 1863. HON. OGDEN HOFFMAN, U. S. District Judge, San Francisco, Cal.: The oath in the proclamation of December 8 is intended for those who may voluntarily take it, and not for those who may be constrained to take it in order to escape actual imprisonment or punishment. It is intended that the latter cla** shall abide the granting or withholding of the pardoning power in the ordinary way. A. LINCOLN.