overthrow the principle that all men were created equal, we have the surrender of a most powerful position and army on that very day.  And not only so, but in the succession of battles in Pennsylvania, near to us, through three days, so rapidly fought that they might be called one great battle, on the first, second, and third of the month of July; and on the fourth the cohorts of those who opposed the Declaration that all men are created equal, “turned tail” and run.

Gentlemen, this is a glorious theme, and the occasion for a speech, but I am not prepared to make one worthy of the occasion.  I would like to speak in terms of praise due to the many brave officers and soldiers who have fought in the cause of the Union and liberties of their country from the beginning of the war.  These are trying occasions, not only in success, but for the want of success.  I dislike to mention the name of one single officer, lest I might do wrong to those I might forget.  Recent events bring up glorious names, and particularly prominent ones; but these I will not mention.  Having said this much, I will now take the music.

SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG TO GENERAL GRANT

Telegram from general Halleck
to general G. C. Meade.

Washington, D.C., July 7, 1863.

Major-general Meade, Army of the Potomac: 

I have received from the President the following note, which I respectfully communicate: 

“We have certain information that Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant on the Fourth of July.  Now if General Meade can complete his work, so gloriously prosecuted this far, by the literal or substantial destruction of Lee’s army, the rebellion will be over.

“Yours truly,
“A.  Lincoln.”

H. W. Halleck. 
General-in-Chief.

TELEGRAM FROM GENERAL HALLECK TO GENERAL G. C. MEADE.

Washington, D. C., July 8, 1863.

Major-general Meade, Frederick, Md.: 

There is reliable information that the enemy is crossing at Williamsport.  The opportunity to attack his divided forces should not be lost.  The President is urgent and anxious that your army should move against him by forced marches.

H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL THOMAS.

War department, Washington, July 8, 1863.12.30 P.M.

General Lorenzo Thomas, Harrisburg, Pa.: 

Your despatch of this morning to the Secretary of War is before me.  The forces you speak of will be of no imaginable service if they cannot go forward with a little more expedition.  Lee is now passing the Potomac faster than the forces you mention are passing Carlisle.  Forces now beyond Carlisle to be joined by regiments still at Harrisburg, and the united force again to join Pierce somewhere, and the whole to move down the Cumberland Valley, will in my unprofessional opinion be quite as likely to capture the “man in the moon” as any part of Lee’s army.