Hence our chief care must still i e direct
ed to our army and navy, who have thus
far borne their harder part so nobly and
well, and it may be esteemed fortunate that
in giving the greatest efficiency to their in
dispensible arms, we do also honorably eo
courage every man, from commanded U)
sentinel, who compose them and to whom,
more than to all others, the world stands
indebted for the home of freedom dHtn
thralled, regenerated, enlarged and perpet
uated. “ ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Annexed to the Message is a Proclama
tion guaranteeing pardon to all who have
been engaged iu the reliellion, upon the
condition that they shall take an oath to
obey the Constititi >n, maintain the Union
and sustain the acts of Congress and the
proclamations of the executive issued since
the commencement of the rebellion. Cer
tain persons are excepted from the lienefits
of the pardon, among whom are diplomatic
and civil officers of the Confederate Slate*,
former officers in the United States Army
above the grade of Colonel, and in the Na
vy above the rank of Lieutenant; member*
of Congress, Ac. It is an i input tant doc
ument,
Letter from Louisiana.
