Today, the National Archives announced the discovery of a new Abraham Lincoln message written in President Lincoln’s own hand to Major General Henry Halleck. The message, which was found among the Adjutant General’s Records in the stacks at the National Archives Building, is dated July 7, 1863. . . .
Lincoln’s message said:
Major Genl Halleck
We have certain information that Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant on the 4th of July. Now, if Gen. Meade can complete his work so gloriously prosecuted thus far, by the litteral(sic) or substantial destruction of Lee’s army, the rebellion will be over.
Yours truly,
A. LINCOLN
NewMexiKen found some pretty interesting previously unknown handwritten messages in my career at the Archives — JFK to Nixon, Reagan to Nixon — but I have to admit, no Lincolns. The contents of the Lincoln message above have long been known from the telegram Halleck sent to Meade relaying its content.