The foregoing is what I would say if Frank Blair were my brother instead of yours. Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, _Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1863_. Hon. E.M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. SIR: Inclosed I forward to the President my resignation, to take effect on the 5th of December. I respectfully request, however, that I may be relieved from my command at an earlier day, say by the 20th instant, or as soon thereafter as some officer can be ordered to succeed me. While I desire to derange the plans or hurry the action of the Department as little as possible, it will be a great convenience to me to secure some little time before the session of Congress for a necessary journey and for some preparations for myself and family in view of my approaching change of residence and occupation. I could also spend two or three days very profitably, I think, to the service of my successor after his arrival here. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. C. SCHENCK, _Major-General_. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH ARMY CORPS, _Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1863_. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SIR: Having concluded to accept the place of Member of Congress in the House of Representatives, to which I was elected in October, 1862, I hereby tender the resignation of my commission as a major-general of United States Volunteers, to take effect on the 5th day of December next. I shall leave the military service with much reluctance and a sacrifice of personal feelings and desires, and only consent to do so in the hope that in another capacity I may be able to do some effective service in the cause of my country and Government in this time of peculiar trial. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. C. SCHENCK, _Major-General_. [Indorsement on the foregoing letter.] The resignation of General Schenck is accepted, and he is authorized to turn over his command to Brigadier-General Lockwood at any time. EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, November 21, 1863_. Major-General ROBERT C. SCHENCK, _United States Volunteers, Commanding Middle Department, Baltimore, Md._ SIR: Your resignation has been accepted by the President of the United States, to take effect the 5th day of December, 1863. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E.D. TOWNSEND, _Assistant Adjutant-General_. WASHINGTON, _January 1, 1864_. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, _Washington City, D.C._: I hereby tender my resignation as a major-general of the United States Volunteers. Respectfully, FRANK P. BLAIR, _Major-General, United States Volunteers_. JANUARY 12, 1864. Accepted, by order of the President. EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, January 12, 1864_. Major-General FRANCIS P. BLAIR, _U.S. Volunteers_.