November 19, 1863 (Thursday): To Lincoln at Gettysburg

Tad Lincoln with President Lincoln

WAR DEPARTMENT, November 19, 1863-10.10 a.m.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT,
Gettysburg, Pa.:
    Dispatch from Grant, dated November 18, 9 o'clock p.m., states that Sherman's movement had commenced, and that a battle or falling back of the enemy by Saturday, at furthest, is inevitable. He had received Burnside's dispatch down to 10 o'clock Tuesday night, but says nothing concerning his opinion of Burnside's position. Four dispatches from Dana at Chattanooga, dated respectively yesterday, 18th, 12 o'clock, 1,3, and 7 p.m. He reached Chattanooga Tuesday night. Speaks of Burnside's position as safe at Knoxville, and gives details of matters occurring while with Burnside. The details of movements at Chattanooga are given, but you could not understand them without a map. His latest dispatch 7 o'clock, reports everything in successful progress to that hour. There is nothing from Burnside later than my telegram of last night. Nothing from elsewhere, except that Kelley reports Averell's return and that the enemy have been entirely driven out of West Virginia. Averell did not succeed in reaching the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. Mrs. Lincoln reports your son's health as a great deal better, and that he will be out to-day.

 
      EDWIN M. STANTON,
      Secretary of War.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 31, Part 3, Page 190.

This telegram was sent to Lincoln in Gettysburg, who was at that hour attending dedication ceremonies at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.  Secretary of War Stanton sends news that Lincoln's son Tad, who was recovering from Scarlett fever, was on his way to a full recovery.  The news from Tennessee was a mixed bag, although Burnside was now safely with his lines in Knoxville.  After the battle at Droop Mountain, Confederate troops were, as reported here, driven out of West Virginia.