President Lincoln Concerned about Confederates in Shenandoah Valley

September 29, 1864

President Lincoln, worried about the prospect of Confederate troops reenforcing General Jubal Early in the Shenandoah Valley, meets with General Henry W. Halleck.   Lincoln writes General Ulysses S. Grant: “I hope it will lay no constraint on you, nor do harm any way, for me to say I am a little afraid lest Lee sends re-enforcements to Early, and thus enables him to turn upon [General Philip] Sheridan.”

General Grant responds: “Your despatch just received. I am taking steps to prevent Lee sending reenforcements to Early by attacking him here. Our advance is now within six miles of Richmond and have captured some very strong enclosed forts, some fifteen or more pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners. Although I have been at the front I can give no estimate of our losses, about 600 wounded men however have been brought in.”