When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic coast, I was anxious, if not fearful; but feeling that you were the better judge, and remembering that “nothing risked, nothing gained,” I did not interfere.  Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went further than to acquiesce.

And taking the work of General Thomas into the count, as it should be taken, it is indeed a great success.  Not only does it afford the obvious and immediate military advantages; but in showing to the world that your army could be divided, putting the stronger part to an important new service, and yet leaving enough to vanquish the old opposing force of the whole,—­Hood’s army,—­it brings those who sat in darkness to see a great light.  But what next?

I suppose it will be safe if I leave General Grant and yourself to decide.

Please make my grateful acknowledgments to your whole army of officers and men.

Yours very truly,

A. Lincoln.

Telegram to officer in command at Lexington. 
Executive Mansion, Washington, December 27, 1864.

Officer in command at Lexington, Ky.: 

If within your power send me the particulars of the causes for which
Lieutenant-Governor Jacob was arrested and sent away.

A. Lincoln.

TO J. MACLEAN.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, December 27, 1864.

Dr. John MACLEAN: 

My Dear sir:—­I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your note of the twentieth of December, conveying the announcement that the Trustees of the College of New Jersey had conferred upon me the degree of Doctor of Laws.

The assurance conveyed by this high compliment, that the course of the Government which I represent, has received the approval of a body of gentlemen of such character and intelligence, in this time of public trial, is most grateful to me.

Thoughtful men must feel that the fate of civilization upon this continent is involved in the issue of our contest.  Among the most gratifying proofs of this conviction is the hearty devotion everywhere exhibited by our schools and colleges to the national cause.

I am most thankful if my labors have seemed to conduct to the preservation of those institutions, under which alone we can expect good government and in its train sound learning, and the progress of the liberal arts.

I am, sir, very truly, your obedient servant,

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO OFFICER IN COMMAND AT NASHVILLE.

Executive Mansion,
Washington, December 28, 1864.

Officer in command at Nashville, Tenn.: