W. T. Sherman, Major-General, Commanding
Savannah, Ga
Dec 27th, 4.28 pm
General: I have the honor to forward the following dispatch received at
City Point on the 27th Instant. My humble thanks are added to the
President's message. I have arranged for Admiral Porter to provide you
with any supplies you require.
This country is in debt to you for you late campaign across Georgia. As
soon as the weather improves, we shall continue our campaign to destroy
the rebel armies.
My congratulations to you and your men. History will record your campaign
with Alexander and Caesar.
I remain, General Sherman, your obedient servant,
U.S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General
Executive Mansion, Washington,
My dear General Sherman. Dec. 26, 1864.
Many, many, thanks for your Christmas-gift---the capture of Savannah.
When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic coast, I was anxious,
if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and
remembering that ``nothing risked, nothing gained'' I did not interfere.
Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I
believe none of us went farther than to acquiesce. And, taking the work of
Gen. Thomas into the count, as it should be taken, it is indeed a great
success. Not only does it afford the obvious and immediate military
advantages; but, in showing to the world that your army could be divided,
putting the stronger part to an important new service, and yet leaving
enough to vanquish the old opposing force of the whole---Hood's army---it
brings those who sat in darkness, to see a great light. But what next? I
suppose it will be safer if I leave Gen. Grant and yourself to decide.
Please make my grateful acknowledgments to your whole army, officers and
men.
Yours very truly
A. LINCOLN. |
