November 15, 1864
Among the correspondence President Lincoln receives from governors regarding election results and supporters of various candidates for the Supreme Court, he also receives important correspondence from three generals. President Lincoln had written the governors: “Please send, as soon as practicable, exactly, or approximately, the aggregate of votes cast in your State at the late election. It is desired with reference to the forthcoming Message” to Congress.
General George Thomas writes President Lincoln [Union] Gen [Alvan C.] Gillems force consisted of three 3 regiments of Tennessee Cavalry, and one battery of six guns belonging to the Governors Guards, about fifteen hundred men.”
General Carl Schurz writes President Lincoln: “On the 9th I addressed you a few lines asking for permission to visit Washington, but so far received no answer.1 I stated in my letter that, what I desired to speak to you about, had no reference to any personal interests of mine. Yesterday a matter was brought to my notice in which I have a very great personal interest and which renders it extremely important for me to go to Washington. This matter however is of a private nature and has nothing to do with political or military affairs. But it being of very great private importance to me I would most urgently request you to grant me the permission to visit Washington as soon as convenient, if possible by returning mail. The condition of Mrs. Schurz is such that I may now leave her for a few days. Soon this possibility will cease. Now have the kindness to let me hear from you as son as you conveniently can.”
General William Rosencrans writes President Lincoln from St. Louis, Missouri: “While awaiting details of the campaign I deem it my duty to say that abundant evidence accumulates to show that Prices invasion1 had the gravest designs, no less than turning the election in this State for McClellan & preventing in Kansas & by the aid of insurrectionists here & O A K’s from Illinois & Indiana the occupation of it till the new Administration should come in. The complete failure of this scheme Maj Genl Pleasonton by his gallantry & skill in handling our Cavalry in pursuit & action the country is so largely indebted that I most Respectfully recommend him for promotion to the vacant Brigadier in the Regular Army.”
President Lincoln goes to Grover’s Theatre to see Hamlet.
General William T. Sherman begins march from Atlanta to the sea.
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
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