[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/JgfLLQy.gif[/img][/center]

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION 

As of this day, January 1st in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three (1863) all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of the States: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

--Abraham Lincoln

-

[b]Emancipation Proclamation Sets Rebel Slaves Free, Nation Wide Emancipation Next?[/b]
[i]New York Tribune[/i] Headline
-
-
Secretary of War Edwin Stanton 
Washington, DC

Mr. Secretary,

Greetings from Richmond. My youngest son and I went on a tour of the fallen city, I cannot say that it has been a cheerful tour. I have witnessed plenty of destruction and ruin of that once great city. As spring swiftly approaches we are still trying to hack that Gordian Knot. For many long months now we have not had a man in charge at the top. I have your offices recommendations for McClellan's replacement, but all seem unsatisfactory. Halleck has shown he is little more than a office clerk, all his victories in the West coming from the man besieging Vicksburg. Burnside is a capable corps commander but seems not able to take the pressure of high command, and General Hooker has more fighting spirit than common sense. I remain at an impasse, and would appreciate your counsel on the matter.

Your humble servant,
A. Lincoln
-Letter

-
Mr. President,

You call this conundrum a Gordian Knot. Like Alexander's solution to that riddle, I have an equally simple solution: Appoint the man besieging Vicksburg.

Yours,
Edwin M. Stanton
--Telegram

-
Maj, General Ulysses S. Grant
Vicksburg, MS

General Grant, you have orders to report to Washington as soon as possible to assume the post of Commanding General of the Army. I look forward to meeting you in person and developing a plan of action to end this rebellion. God be with you and bless your travels.

Your humble servant,
A. Lincoln
-- Telegram