Dear Major General Halleck

Lincoln Message Discovered at the National Archives

Excerpt:

Washington, DC…Today, the National Archives announced the discovery of a new Abraham Lincoln message written in President Lincoln’s own hand to Major General Henry Halleck. The message, which was found among the Adjutant General’s Records in the stacks at the National Archives Building, is dated July 7, 1863. It is part of a collection of “Generals’ Papers” which includes miscellaneous documents relating to Halleck.

After General Halleck received the note from the President, he quoted the information verbatim in a telegram to General Meade on the same day. The telegram, but not the note, was first published in 1889 as part of The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Subsequent histories and collections have cited the telegram, but President Lincoln’s original note itself remained elusive and has never been cited by historians. At the press conference, the original note was shown for the first time.

Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein hailed this discovery as a "significant find." He added that "it shows us that there are still exciting discoveries to be made at the National Archives. History is never a closed book. The document displayed today contributes to our understanding of some of the major figures of the Civil War."

Text of Message:

Major Genl Halleck
We have certain information that Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant on the 4th of July. Now, if Gen. Meade can complete his work so gloriously prosecuted thus far, by the litteral(sic) or substantial destruction of Lee's army, the rebellion will be over.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN

Comment: Thousands would have been spared if Halleck would have gone on hot pursuit and taken Lee!