"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. The marches, battles and sieges that have signalized this campaign must render it famous in the annals of war, and have entitled you to the applause and thanks of the Nation.
"Abraham Lincoln,
"President of the United States."
His sombre eyes flamed with a new light. He took the copy of his message from Sherman and started to the White House with long, swift strides.