Abraham Lincoln
The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VII (Chap. 1.18)
Telegram To General Schofield.
War Department, Washington, D. C., November 10, 1863.

GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis, Mo.:

I see a dispatch here from Saint Louis, which is a little difficult
for me to understand. It says "General Schofield has refused leave of
absence to members in military service to attend the legislature. All such
are radical and administration men. The election of two Senators from
this place on Thursday will probably turn upon this thing." what does this
mean? Of course members of the legislation must be allowed to attend its
sessions. But how is there a session before the recent election returns
are in? And how is it to be at "this place"—and that is Saint Louis?
Please inform me.

A. LINCOLN.