EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, November 17, 1862.
Honorable F. P. BLAIR:
Your brother says you are solicitous to be ordered to join
General McClernand. I suppose you are ordered to Saint Helena; this means that you are to form part of McClernand's expedition as it moves down the river; and General McClernand is so informed. I will see General Halleck as to whether the
additional force you mention can go with you.
A. LINCOLN.