Washington, D.C.
Oct. 7. 1861
Brig: Genl. S. R. Curtis
My dear Sir.
Without prejudice, and looking to nothing but justice, and the public interest, I am greatly perplexed about Gen: Fremont: In your position, you can not but have a correct judgment in the case; and I beseech you to answer Gen. Cameron, when he hands you this, “Ought Gen: Fremont to be relieved from, or retained in his present command?” It shall be entirely confidential; but you can perceive how indispensable it is to justice & the public service, that I should have, an intelligent unprejudiced, and judicious opinion from some professional Military man on the spot, to assist me in the case. Yours very truly
A. LINCOLN