I'm interested in Lincoln as a war leader, and his evolution from early in the war to late in the war. I was hoping someone could point me to places where I might read in full or in part conversations Lincoln had with his Generals over wartime strategy.
I'm hoping perhaps there were meetings where minutes were kept, or secretaries which transcribed meetings verbatim, or even just summaries written in diaries afterwards.
Thanks.
Of conversations I am unaware, although correspondence survives. One letter in particular, from 13 July 1863, is quite an interesting example:
"Major General Grant
My dear General
I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg, I thought you should do, what you finally did -- march the troops across the neck, run the batteries with the transports, and thus go below; and I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I, that the Yazoo Pass expedition, and the like, could succeed. When you got below, and took Port-Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks; and when you turned Northward East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong.
Yours very truly
A. Lincoln"
A link can be found here. If I remember correctly John Keegan included this letter in his book on the ACW as well.