Executive Mansion, Washington, Nov. 24, 1862. Major John J. Key Dear Sir A bundle of letters, including one from yourself, was, early last week, handed me by Gen. Halleck, as I understood, at your request. I sincerely sympathise with you in the death of your brave and noble son. In regard to my dismissal of yourself from the military service, it seems to me you misunderstand me. I did not charge, or intend to charge you with disloyalty. I had been brought to fear that there was a class of officers in the Army, not very inconsiderable in numbers, who were playing a game to not beat the [inserted: enemy] when they could, on some peculiar notion as to the proper way of saving the Union; and when you were proved to me, in your [inserted: own] presence to have avowed yourself to be in favor of that "game" and did not attempt to controvert the proof, I dismissed you as an example, and a warning, to that supposed class. I bear you no ill will; and I regret that I could not have the example without wounding you personally. But can I now in view of the public interest, restore you to the service, by which the [2] army would understand that I indorse, and approve that game myself? If there was any doubt of your having made the avowal, the case would be different. But when it was proved to me, in your presence, you did not deny or attempt to deny it, but confirmed it in my mind by attempting to sustain the position by argument. I am really sorry for the pain this case gives you, but I do not see how, consistently with duty, I can change it. Yours &c. A. Lincoln [Lincoln's added note on verso of blank second leaf:] The within, as appears, was written some time ago. On full reconsideration, I can not find sufficient ground to change the conclusion therein arrived at. A. Lincoln Dec. 27, 1862