Washington Dec 19. 1864
To President Lincoln
Sir
I respectfully call attention to the case of George N. heard now a prisoner of war in Fort Delaware where he has been for more than a year. He emigrated from my district in Penna some ten years ago to Tennessee where he was at the commencement of the rebellion + was forced as he alleges into the Rebel army + taken prisoner. He has no family in the south all his relatives are good loyal men residing in my district + he is extremely anxious to take the oath of allegiance 7 return & live with his friends in Penna c. I am not personally acquainted with the prisoner but am with many of his relatives + from their good character in all respects have no hesitation in saying that I believe Geo. N. Heard may safely be allowed to take the oath & go north.
Your &c James T. Hale
Let this man take the oath of Dec. 8. 1863 and be discharged. A. Lincoln Dec. 20. 1864
Citation: James T. Hale, autograph letter signed to Abraham Lincoln. Washington, D.C., 19 Dec. 1864. AMs 777/3