the States not included in the Emancipation Proclamation, are
matters of profound gratulation, and while I do not repeat in
detail what I have heretofore so earnestly urged upon this
subject, my general views and feelings remain unchanged, and I
trust that Congress will omit no fair opportunity of aiding these
important steps to a great consummation.

In the midst of other cares, however important, we must not lose
sight of the fact that the war power is still our main reliance.
To that power alone can we look, for a time, to give confidence
to the people in the contested regions that the insurgent power
will not again over-run them. Until that confidence shall be
established, little can be done anywhere for what is called
reconstruction. Hence our chiefest care must still be directed to
the Army and Navy, who have thus far borne their hardest part
nobly and well. And it may be esteemed fortunate that in giving
the greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms, we do also
honorably recognize the gallant men, from commander to sentinel,
who compose them, to whom, more than to others, the world must
stand indebted for the home of freedom disenthralled,
regenerated, enlarged and perpetuated.

Abraham Lincoln.
December 8, 1863.

The following is the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction
referred to in the foregoing Message, and further illustrates Mr.
Lincoln's plan for the restoration of the Union:

PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY AND RECONSTRUCTION.