Lincoln The President makes a special request

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OTD - January 19, 1865. President Lincoln writes to Lieut.-General Ulysses S. Grant regarding Robert Lincoln, the President's oldest son, who "wishes to see something of the war before it ends." Lincoln instructs Grant to respond with his honest opinion and without regard to Lincoln's position as President. Lincoln directs Grant to reserve commission for more deserving candidates, and asks if Robert " could....without embarrassment to you, or detriment to the service, obtain some nominal rank, I, and not the public, furnishing his needs?"

 

[Reconstructed Rebel]

I think it is a particular burden in life to be the son of a great man.

 

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OTD - January 21, 1865 General Ulysses S. Grant arrives in Washington for brief meeting with the President, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, and General Philip E. Sheridan before returning to City Point, Virginia. President receives word from General Grant suggesting that Robert join his headquarters staff with rank of captain.