Saturday, October 21, 2017

Abraham Lincoln to Major-General Joseph Hooker, June 10, 1863

“Cypher”
United States Military Telegraph
War Department.
Washington D.C.  June 10, 1863.
Major General Hooker

Your long despatch of to-day is just received. If left to me, I would not go South of the Rappahannock, upon Lee's moving North of it. If you have Richmond invested to-day, you would not be able to take it in twenty days; meanwhile, your communications, and with them, your Army would be ruined.  I think Lee's Army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point. If he comes towards the Upper Potomac, follow on his flank, and on the inside track, shortening your lines, whilst he lengthens his. Fight him when oppertunity offers. If he stays where he is, fret him, and fret him.

A Lincoln

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