← The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 7: 1863-1865
Chapter 302
Response to a Call,
Let the Thing Be Pressed.
Telegram to General U. S. Grant.
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
CITY POINT, April 7, 11 A.M., 1865.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT:
Gen. Sheridan says:
"If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender."
Let the thing be pressed.
A. LINCOLN.
Note on a Card to Secretary Stanton.
April 10, 1865.
Tad wants some flags—can he be accommodated?
A. LINCOLN.
April 10, 1865
If the company had assembled by appointment, some mistake had crept in their understanding. He had appeared before a larger audience than this one to-day, and he would repeat what he then said, namely, he supposed owing to the great, good news, there would be some demonstration. He would prefer to-morrow evening, when he should be quite willing, and he hoped ready, to say something. He desired to be particular, because every thing he said got into print. Occupying the position he did, a mistake would produce harm, and therefore he wanted to be careful not to make a mistake.