Selected Correspondance of Abraham Lincoln 1863 Letter To General U.S. Grant
by Abraham Lincoln
EXECUTIVE MANSION WASHINGTON,
August 9, 1863.
MY DEAR GENERAL GRANT:
I see by a despatch of yours that you incline quite strongly toward
an expedition against Mobile. This would appear tempting to me also,
were it not that in view of recent events in Mexico I am greatly
impressed with the importance of re-establishing the national
authority in western Texas as soon as possible. I am not making an
order, however; that I leave, for the present at least, to the
general-in-chief.
A word upon another subject: General Thomas has gone again to the
Mississippi Valley, with the view of raising colored troops. I have
no reason to doubt that you are doing what you reasonably can upon
the same subject. I believe it is a resource which if vigorously
applied now will soon close the contest. It works doubly, weakening
the enemy and strengthening us. We were not fully ripe for it until
the river was opened. Now, I think at least one hundred thousand can
and ought to be rapidly organized along its shores, relieving all
white troops to serve elsewhere. Mr. Dana understands you as
believing that the Emancipation Proclamation has helped some in your
military operations. I am very glad if this is so.
Did you receive a short letter from me dated the 13th of July?
