To Edwin M. Stanton1Jump to section
Dear Sir, Washington, Jan. 5, 1865.
Since parting with you, it has occurred to me to say that while Gen. Sherman's ``get a good ready'' is appreciated, and is not to be overlooked, time, now that the enemy is wavering, is more important than ever before. Being on the down-hill, & some what confused, keeping him going. Please say so much to Genl. S. Yours truly A LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. On December 31, General Sherman had written General Halleck from Savannah, Georgia: `` . . .I write only to say that since my last . . .there is nothing of importance. . . .The city is perfectly quiet. . . .As soon as I can accumulate a sufficient surplus of forage and provisions to load my wagons, I shall be ready to start. . . .I propose . . .to make lodgments in South Carolina, about Port Royal, opposite this city, and up about Sister's Ferry. When all is ready I can feign at one or more places and cross at the other, after which my movements will be governed by those of the enemy, and such instructions as I may receive from Lieutenant-General Grant before starting. I do not think I can employ better strategy than I have hitherto done, namely, make a good ready and then move rapidly to my objective, avoiding a battle at points where I would be encumbered by wounded, but striking boldly and quickly when my objective is reached. I will give due heed and encouragement to all peace movements, but conduct war as though it could only terminate with the destruction of the enemy. . . .I should like to receive, before starting, the detachments left behind in Tennessee. . . .'' (OR, I, XLIV, 842).