Fate of Chattanooga Pondered

September 22, 1863

President Lincoln telegraphs General William S. Rosecrans, commanding beleaguered troops in Chattanooga: “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.”

President Lincoln telegraphs his wife in New York: “Did you receive my despatch of yesterday? Mrs. Cuthbert did not correctly understand me. I directed her to tell you to use your own pleasure whether to stay or come; and I did not say it is sickly & that you should on no account come. So far as I see or know, it was never healthier, and I really wish to see you. Answer this on receipt.”