It’s always fascinating to review the source artifacts of history, devoid of editorialization and selective interpretation…
I found this photograph on-line of President Lincoln’s brief telegram to General Grant from August 17, 1864 – nearly 160 years ago (see image embedded below). To put some context around this telegram, it’s important to note that Lincoln fired many of the Union Generals during the early years of the war because they were not aggressive in their hunt of the Confederate Army. Since Ulysses Grant was relentless in his pursuit of the enemy, Lincoln held Grant in high regard and made him the top General of the Army.
I believe that this telegram was sent during the time that the Union Army was close to capturing Atlanta. The telegram appears to say:
Lieut. General Grant
“I have seen your dispatch expressing your unwillingness to break your hold where you are. Neither am I willing. Hold on with a bulldog grip, and chew and chop, as much as possible”.
A. Lincoln
