I saw General
Sickles in the hospital after Gettysburg. They said he couldn't live. I
told him he would get well and he did."
Again the President returned restlessly to the operator's room and Betty
followed him to the door. He waited a long time in silence, shook his
head and turned away. He had almost reached the door when suddenly the
operator sprang to his feet livid with excitement:
"Wait--Mr. President!--It's come--my God, it's here!"
Every operator was on his feet listening in breathless excitement to the
click of that Southern wire.
The President had rushed back to the table.
"It's for you, sir!"
"Read it then--out with it as you take it!" he cried.
"Atlanta, Georgia, September 3rd, 1864."
"Glory to God!" the President shouted.
"Atlanta is ours and fairly won. W. T. Sherman."
"O my soul, lift up thy head!" the sorrowful lips shouted. "Unto thee, O
God, we give all the praise now and forever more!"
He seated himself and quickly wrote his thanks and congratulations:
"EXECUTIVE MANSION,
"WASHINGTON, D. C.
"September 3, 1864.
"The National thanks are rendered by the President to Major General
W. T. Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command
before Atlanta, for the distinguished ability and perseverance
displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which under Divine favor has
resulted in the capture of Atlanta.
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