War and Politics:
Lincoln, Virginia and the Election of 1864
How did the bloody military stalemate in Virginia affect the presidential election of 1864?
Also, how did candidates and generals respond to events during that long summer?
Ulysses S. Grant to Elihu B. Washburne
Wednesday, September 21, 1864
Description:
This telegram gives Lincoln permission to use anything Grant has written to him for political purposes. It specifically references a May 1, 1864 letter that would be used to counter claims by the Democratic Party that Lincoln meddled in the affairs of the Army.
Partial Transcription:
I have no objection to the President using any thing I have ever written to him as he sees fit-- I think however for him to attempt to answer all the charges the opposition will bring against him will be like setting a maiden to work to prove her chastity--
Ulysses S. Grant - Primary Source Documents
Ulysses S. Grant decided to launch a large-scale continental assault in 1864, while focusing his efforts on eliminating Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Grant continued to keep up relentless pressure even after high casualty numbers and very little success. But would his efforts pay off or would they hurt Lincoln's presidential bid?
Below are documents created by (or sent to) Ulysses S. Grant.
Click on the image beside each description to be connected to the document.
Ulysses S. Grant to Major General Halleck
2:00pm June 3, 1864
Description:
This telegram gives Halleck/Lincoln an update on the events of the Battle of Cold Harbor, Geneal Lee's last major victory of the Civil War. Within this correspondence, Grant downplays the Union loss, leading many to suppose it was part of a political ploy.
Partial Transcription:
We assaulted at 4 30 A. M this moming driving the Enemy within his entrenchments at all points but without gaining any decisive advantage—Our troops now occupy a position close to the Enemy—some places within fifty yards—and are remaining. Our loss was not severe nor do I suppose the Enemy to have lost heavily. We captured over 300 prisoners mostly from Breckenridge
The Papers of
Ulysses S. Grant
(courtesy of Mississippi State University's Digital Collections)
See Volume 11, Page 9
(v11_037_page9)
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln
Sunday, July 10, 1864
Description:
This telegram, concerning the defense of Washington, informs Lincoln of the reinforcments sent north to protect the Capital. This action was in response to Confederate General Jubal Early's northern moves/threats against Wasington, D.C.
Partial Transcription:
I have sent from here a whole corps commanded by an excellent Officer [Horatio Wright], besides over three 3 thousand other troops...I think on reflection, it would have a bad effect for me to leave here...I have great faith that the Enemy will never be able to get back with much of his force--
Note: See Lincoln and Documents page for the July 18 Proclamation Calling for Troops
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, May 12, 1864 (6:30pm)
Description:
This telegram consists of an update on military affairs, four days into the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (eight days into the Overland Campaign). Grant summarizes the damage given to the enemy, including prisoners of war totals and destroyed enemy divisions.
Partial Transcription:
The eighth day of battle closes leaving between three and four thousand prisoners in our hands for the days work, including two General officers, and over thirty pieces of Artillery. The enemy are obstinate and seem to have found the last ditch...
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln
Sunday, May 1, 1864 (Reply to Lincoln's Letter of April 30)
Description:
Grant expresses appreciation for the kind words given him by the Commander-in-Chief and gratitude for the support promised by the adminstration in what all hope to be the final military campaign of the Civil War.
Partial Transcription:
Indeed since the promotion which placed me in command of all the Armies...I have been astonished at the readiness with which every thing asked for has been yielded without even an explainatin being asked. Should my success be less than I desire, and expect, the least I can say is, the fault is not with you...
Note: See Lincoln and Documents page to see Lincoln's April 30th Letter
Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, July 19, 1864
Description:
This telegram, (received at 8:30pm) recommends Lincoln and his administration make call for 300,000 additional soldiers to join the field. This larger force would be able to more easily attack Richmond and hopefully speed up the end of the war. Grant was proabably unaware that Lincoln called for 500,000 additional troops the day before.
Partial Transcription:
The presence of this number of reinforcements would save the annoyance of raids and would enable us to drive the enemy from his present front, particularly from Richmond without attacking fortifications--
The greater number of men we have, the shorter and less sanguinary will be the war-
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, August 17, 1864
Description:
This telegram (a response to Lincoln's earlier request) discusses the idea of an agreement between the Union and Confederate armies to halt the burning of private property. Grant was hesitant of such an agreement, saying their should be disclaimers (Union should be able to destroy property out of military necessity). Within a month, Sheridan would carry out "The Burning" throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Sherman would implement similar policies in Atlanta.
Partial Transcription:
Experience has taught us that agreements made with rebels are binding upon us but are not observed by them longer than suits their convenience. On the whole I think the best that can be done is to publish a prohibitory order against burning private property...
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Philip H. Sheridan to Ulysses S. Grant
Monday, September 19, 1864
Description:
This telegram is a preliminary report of the Union victory in the Third Battle of Winchester (Opequon). Sheridan had been given charge to follow and defeat General Jubal Early, as well as cut off the agricultural supply of the Shenandoah Valley. Despite heavy losses, Sheridan states Early has been defeated.
Partial Transcription:
I have the honor to report that I attacked the forces of Genl Early...and after a most stubborn and sanguinary engagement... completely defeated him and driving him through Winchester, capturing about twenty five hundred (2500) prisoners -- five (5) of Artillery, nine (9) Army Flags and most of their wounded--
Benjamin F. Butler to Ulysses S. Grant
Thursday, May 5, 1864
Description:
General Benjamin Butler, given the task of securing Bermuda Hundred (land south of Richmond), explains how Union forces were successful in securing Wilson's Wharf. Butler also discusses how African-American regiments helped with securing this land near the target.
Partial Transcription:
The "New York" Flag of Truce boat was found lying at the wharf with four hundred Rebel prisoners which she had not had time to deliver. She went up yesterday morning. We are landing the troops during the night a hazardous service in face of the enemy.
Courtesy of
the Library of Congress
Ulysses S. Grant to E. M. Stanton
Octber 24, 1864
Description:
Grant responds to a request from the Secretary of War to send troops to New York, in order to promote the peace and regulate the upcoming election. There was reason to believe Rebel sympathizers were being imported from Canada to throw the election votes in favor of McClellan. Grant offered suggestions for sending troops from elsewhere, but was willing to comply.
Partial Transcription:
I see the absolute necessity of further reinforcing [General Dix]... I do not like the idea of sending troops from here, but if they can not be spared from elswhere, they must go from here. Cannot two or three of the new regiments now raised in the North be sent there?... Please telegraph me whether you can send Gen. Dix the necessary reinforcements in the manner here proposed.
The Papers of
Ulysses S. Grant
(courtesy of Mississippi State University's Digital Collections)
See Volume 12, Pgs 339-340
(v12_369_page339)
Ulysses S. Grant to Major General Alfred H. Terry
November 7, 1864
Description:
Grant, knowing many Union soldiers have left to vote in the presidential election, informs Union leaders of a possible attack by Confederate forces in thier absence. Major General Terry, leading the Army of the James and assisting with the siege of Petersburg, is given instructions on holding off - then pursusing the enemy, if there was an attack.
Partial Transcription:
I see our papers announce that large numbers of the A[rmy] have gone home to vote...[The enemy] think this depletion is mostly from the Army of the James...that nothing is left but a skelleton line to hold our works... If the enemy should attack and be repulsed he should be followed up at once and no officer should hold back for orders to do so.
The Papers of
Ulysses S. Grant
(courtesy of Mississippi State University's Digital Collections)
See Volume 12, Pgs 393-394
(v12_423_page339)
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