General Sherman's Christmas Gift for President Lincoln

December 22nd, 1864

The following is a telegram sent by General Sherman to President Lincoln concerning the progress of Sherman's 'March to the Sea.' The success of this campaign helped clinch the 1864 election for Lincoln.

SAVANNAH, GA., December 22, 1864
(Via Fort Monroe 6.45 p.m. 25th)

His Excellency President LINCOLN:

I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about 25,000 bales of cotton.

W.T. Sherman,
Major General.

Join t Fight

Donate today to preserve Civil War battlefields and the nation’s history for generations to come.

Donate Now

EXPLORE THE WARS

Firemen and Irishmen defend the 69th New York’s Irish flag at the Battle of Bull Run.

American Battlefield Trust Store

Shop Battlefield Art: Marked 50% Off For a Limited Time, Two New Maps Added!

Civil War

Slaughter Pen Farm Still Needs You

Civil War

News

‘Road to Freedom’ Tour Highlights Civil War-Era Black Experience

Classroom Resources

Attention Educators: Sign Up For the Battlefield Bulletin

Topics

Celebrate Women’s History Month: Discover More About Women in America’s Wars

Video

Watch Exclusive Videos on our YouTube Channel

53,000

ACRES SAVED

The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 53,000 acres in 24 states!

SEE THE LAND WE'VE SAVED

Shop and Preserve

Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. Every purchase supports the mission.

BROWSE THE STORE

Give with Confidence!

The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education.

OUR FINANCIALS

General Sherman's Christmas Gift for President Lincoln

You are here