To General Van Allen.
Executive Mansion, Washington, April 14, 1865

GENERAL VAN ALLEN:

I intend to adopt the advice of my friends and use due precaution.... I thank you for the assurance you give me that I shall be supported by conservative men like yourself, in the efforts I may make to restore the Union, so as to make it, to use your language, a Union of hearts and hands as well as of States.

Yours truly,

A. LINCOLN.