unattainable crest
From The New-York Times December 18, 1862:
GEN. BURNSIDE’S SUNDAY DISPATCH.
The following is a copy of a dispatch from Gen. BURNSIDE to the President, sent and received on Sunday morning last, concerning the precise import and phraseology of which there has been some disputation in the newspapers:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC
Four o’clock A.M., 14th December.
THE PRESIDENT: I have just returned from the field. Our troops are all over the river, and hold the first ridge outside the town and three miles below. We hope to carry the crest to-day. Our loss is heavy–say five thousand. A.E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General Commanding.
Thankfully, General Burnside was dissuaded.
