The route of my return is at present
uncertain, but in all probability it will be through Columbia, Camden,
Charlotte, Salisbury, Salem, Guilford, Hillsborough, Harrisburg,
Williamsburg to Taylor's Ferry on the Roanoke, and thence to
Fredericksburg by the nearest and best road.
After thus explaining to you, as far as I am able at present, the
direction and probable progress of my journey, I have to express my
wish, if any serious and important case should arise during my absence
(of which the probability is but too strong), that the Secretaries for
the departments of State, Treasury, and War, may hold consultations
thereon, to determine whether they are of such a nature as to require my
personal attendance at the seat of government, and if they should be
so considered, I will return immediately from any place at which
the information may reach me; or should they determine that measures
relevant to the case may be legally and properly pursued, without
the immediate agency of the President, I will approve and ratify the
measures which may be conformed to such determination.
Presuming that the Vice-President will have left the seat of government
for Boston, I have not requested his opinion to be taken on the supposed
emergency. Should it be otherwise, I wish him also to be consulted.
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