In didn’t take President Lincoln long to get to his Christmas thank you notes in 1864. Of course, when someone gives you an entire city, it’s probably not a bad idea to make sure you show your gratitude. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:
SHERMAN’S MARCH TO THE SEA
TO GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, December 26, 1864
MY DEAR GENERAL SHERMAN:—Many, many thanks for your Christmas gift, the capture of Savannah.
“But what next?”
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 further than to acquiesce.
And taking the work of General 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 safe if I leave General Grant and yourself to decide.
Please make my grateful acknowledgments to your whole army of officers and men.
Yours very truly,
A. LINCOLN.
Thanks to the Library of Congress we can view the original analog version of the letter (apparently a copy in John Hay’s handwriting).
