Quincy A. Gillmore to H. W. Hauleeck, November 20, 1863

Maj. Gen. H. W. HAuLeEck, General-in-Chief, U. 8S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I feel that the interests of the service demand that I should see and confer with you. I have no private ends to secure or wishes to gratify. We are secure upon these islands and at other points in the department, and nothing requiring my presence will be done for several days; the navy will not be ready for a month.

There are things that I wish to say to you that I cannot, and that you would not desire to have, put in writing.

I can easily arrange it so that General Terry will be in command during my absence. Do you object to my coming to Washington ?

My aide, Major Brooks, is the bearer of this, with instructions to present it at your headquarters. The steamer which takes him will await him at Baltimore.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,