NY Times 5-10-1864
From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:
RECOMMENDATION OF THANKSGIVING.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 9, 1864
TO THE FRIENDS OF UNION AND LIBERTY:
Enough is known of army operations, within the last five days, to claim our special gratitude to God. While what remains undone demands our most sincere prayers to and reliance upon Him (without whom all effort is vain), I recommend that all patriots at their homes, in their places of public worship, and wherever they may be, unite in common thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God.
A. LINCOLN.
RESPONSE TO A SERENADE,
MAY 9, 1864.
FELLOW-CITIZENS:—I am very much obliged to you for the compliment of this call, though I apprehend it is owing more to the good news received to-day from the Army, than to a desire to see me. I am indeed very grateful to the brave men who have been struggling with the enemy in the field, to their noble commanders who have directed them, and especially to our Maker. Our commanders are following up their victories resolutely and successfully. I think, without knowing the particulars of the plans of General Grant, that what has been accomplished is of more importance than at first appears. I believe, I know (and am especially grateful to know) that General Grant has not been jostled in his purposes, that he has made all his points, and to-day he is on his line as he purposed before he moved his armies. I will volunteer to say that I am very glad at what has happened, but there is a great deal still to be done. While we are grateful to all the brave men and officers for the events of the past few days, we should, above all, be very grateful to Almighty God, who gives us victory.
There is enough yet before us requiring all loyal men and patriots to perform their share of the labor and follow the example of the modest General at the head of our armies, and sink all personal consideration for the sake of the country. I commend you to keep yourselves in the same tranquil mood that is characteristic of that brave and loyal man. I have said more than I expected when I came before you. Repeating my thanks for this call, I bid you good-bye.
“has not been jostled in his purposes”
partly undeciphered, but just has to be great news
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As we can see in the left column, President Lincoln’s call for Thanksgiving was the lead piece in the May 10, 1864 issue of The New-York Times. The second column on the front page included a note from Secretary of War Stanton to General Dix saying that dispatches from General Grant hadn’t been fully deciphered yet but he was “On to Richmond”. All the talk of Lee’s retreat was actually Lee beating Grant to Spotsylvania Court House.
“The advance upon Spotsylvania”
The image of general Grant is from wpclipart
