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‘ [173] years. Congratulate the President for me for the double victory. The election having passed off quietly, no bloodshed or riot throughout the land, is a victory worth more to the country than a battle won. Rebeldom and Europe will so construe it.’ There were no more allusions in Grant's despatches to politics.

McClellan at once resigned his commission in the army, the resignation to date from the 8th of November. Some of Grant's friends urged him to oppose its acceptance, but he refused to interfere.1

Sherman was to move immediately after the election, and on the 11th of November, he sent his last despatch. It was addressed to Halleck as chief of staff, but intended of course for Grant and the government. ‘I have balanced all the figures well,’ he said, ‘and am satisfied that General Thomas has in Tennessee a force sufficient for all probabilities.’ To Thomas he said, on the same day: ‘You could safely invite Beauregard across the Tennessee, and prevent his ever returning. I still believe, however, that the public clamor will force him to turn and follow me, in which event you should cross at Decatur and move directly ’

1 On the 26th of December, Grant wrote to Halleck: ‘I am just in receipt of a letter from General G. B. McClellan, saying that he proposes visiting Europe soon with his family, and that Mrs. McClellan desires to see her father before starting, and requests a leave of absence for Colonel Marcy [Mrs. McClellan's father], that this desire may be gratified. I do not know the special duty Colonel Marcy may be on at this time, and do not therefore wish the leave granted [from here], lest it may interfere with important duties. If not inconsistent with the public service, however, I wish the leave to be granted from Washington.’

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