To William S. Rosecrans1Jump to section
Major General Rosecrans Washington, D.C.,
Chattanooga, Tenn. Sep. 22. 1863 [8:30 A.M.]
We have not a word here as to the whereabouts or condition of your Army, up to a later point than Sunset Sunday the 20th. Your despatches to me of 9. A.M. and to Gen. Halleck of 2. PM. yesterday tell us nothing later on those points. Please relieve my anxiety as to the position & condition of your army up to the latest moment.
A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. Rosecrans' telegram from Chattanooga, Tennessee, 5 P.M., September 20, is as follows:
``We have met with a serious disaster, extent not yet ascertained. Enemy overwhelmed us, drove our right, pierced our centre, and scattered them. Thomas who had seven divisions remained intact at last news. [Gordon] Granger with two brigades had gone to support Thomas on the left. Every available reserve was used. . . . Burnside will be notified the state of things at once and you will be informed. Troops from Charleston, Florida, Virginia and all along the seaboard are found among the prisoners. It seems that every available man was thrown against us.'' (DLC-RTL).
His telegram of 9 A.M., September 21, is as follows: