Abraham Lincoln to Major John J. Key, September 26, 1862

Executive Mansion

Washington, Sept. 26. 1862.

Major John J. Key

Sir:

I am informed that in answer to the question “Why was not the rebel army bagged immediately after the battle near Sharpsburg?” propounded to you by Major Levi C. Turner, Judge Advocate &c. you answered “That is not the game. The object is that neither army shall get much advantage of the other; that both shall be kept in the field till they are exhausted, when we will make a compromise and save slavery.”

I shall be very happy if you will, within twenty four hours from the receipt of this, prove to me by Major Turner, that you did not, either litterally, or in substance, make the answer stated.

Yours,

A. LINCOLN

[Endorsement]

Copy delivered to Major Key at 10.25 A.M. September 27th. 1862.  John Hay.

SOURCES: Roy P. Basler, editor, Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Volume 5, p. 442; a copy of this letter may be found at the Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.