Historical Documents
PROCLAMATION
TO THE CITIZENS OF
PADUCAH!
I have come among you not as an enemy, but as your friend an fellow-citizen, not to injure or annoy you, but to respect the rights, and to defend and enforce the rights of all loyal citizens. An enemy, in rebellion against our common Government, has taken possession of, and planted its guns upon the soil of Kentucky and fired upon our flag. Hickman and Columbus are in his hands. He is moving upon your city. I am here to defend you against this enemy and to assert and maintain the authority and sovereignty of your Government and mine. I have nothing to do with opinions. I shall deal only with armed rebellion and its aiders and abettors. You can pursue your usual avocations without fear or hindrance. The strong arm of the Government is here to protect its friends, and to punish only its enemies. Whenever it is manifest that you are able to defend yourselves, to maintain the authority of your Government and protect the rights of all its loyal citizens, I shall withdraw the forces under my command from your city.
U. S. Grant,
Brig. Gen. U.S.A., Commanding
Paducah, Sept 6th, 1861
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Hd Qrs, Army in the Field
Camp near Donelson, Feb 16th, 1862
GEN. S. B. Buckner,
Confed. Army,
Sir:
Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of commissioners, to settle terms of capitulation is just received. No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.
I propose to move immediately upon your works.
I am sir; very respectfully
your obt. servt.
U.S. Grant
Brig. Gen.
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Near Vicksburg
July 4th 10:30 A.M. 1863
MAJ GEN H. W. HALLECK
GEN IN CHIEF
The Enemy surrendered this morning. The only terms allowed is their parole as prisoners of war. This I regarded as of great advantage to us at this juncture. It saves probably several days in the capture term-leaves troops and transports ready for immediate service. Gen Sherman with a large force will face immediately on Johnston and drive him from the state. I will send troops to the relief of Gen Banks and return the ninth Corps to Gen Burnside.
U.S. Grant
Maj Genl
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Chattanooga November 28th 1863
MAJOR GENERAL J. G. FOSTER
CUMBERLAND GAP
After three days fighting we have defeated Bragg and driven him completely out of this portion of the country. Captured near 7000 pisoners, 42 cannon and many Colors. Our forces are still in pursuit beyond Ringgold. The 4th Corps Major Geneal Granger still commanding, left here today with orders to push with all possible speed through to Knoxville. Sherman is already in motion for Hiwassee and will go all the way if necessary. All the cavalry has been ordered to march into East Tennessee by the most practicable routes joining with yours to harass the enemy. Communicate this information to Burnside s soon as possible, and at any cost; with directions to hold to the very last moment, and we shall not only relieve him, but destroy Longstreet.
U.S. Grant, Major General
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March 10, 1864
"Mr. President, I accept the commission, with gratitude for the high honor conferred. With the aid of the noble armies that have fought in so many fields for our common country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your expectations. I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now devolving on me; and I know that if they are met, it will be due to those armies, and above all, to the favor of that Providence which leads both nations and men."
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May 11, 1864
Major General Halleck, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D.C.
We have now ended the 6th day of very hard fighting. The result up to this time is much in our favor. But our losses have been heavy as well as those of the enemy...I purpose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer...
U.S. Grant
