Abraham Lincoln
The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. V (Chap. 4.110)
Message To The House Of Representatives

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 24th instant, asking the grounds, reasons, and evidence upon which the police Commissioners of Baltimore were arrested and are now detained as prisoners at Port McHenry, I have to state that it is judged to be incompatible with the public interest at this time to furnish the information called for by the resolution.

A. LINCOLN. WASHINGTON, JULY 27, 1861