August 11, 1863---Jefferson Davis Tells Robert E. Lee: "You can't quit."

AUGUST 11, 1863:     

Following the triple defeats at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Tullahoma, Confederate desertions reach an all-time high. Confederate President Jefferson Davis issues an amnesty to all deserters, asking them to return to their units; he rejects Lee’s offer to resign in a heartfelt letter.

Elsewhere in the world, the British lead an international fleet, including the U.S.S. WYOMING, in bombarding the Japanese engaged in the Satsuma Rebellion at Kagoshima. 

August 10, 1863---Lincoln confers with Douglass

AUGUST 10, 1863:    

President Lincoln meets with Frederick Douglass to discuss the disposition of the newly-freed. Douglass presses Lincoln to do away with the pay disparity between white and black soldiers. 

This memorabilia of the U.S.C.T. interestingly has the State motto of Virginia upon it: Sic Semper Tyrannis: “Thus Always To Tyrants,” the same words shouted by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theatre.

August 9, 1863---Lincoln to Grant: "Retake Texas before the French get there."

AUGUST 9, 1863:       

France has invaded Mexico, and has set up a puppet regime under Emperor Maximilian I. The puppet regime, though officially neutral, is friendly to the Confederacy. Although the United States is outraged at this gross violation of the Monroe Doctrine, there is little that the U.S. can do so long as the Rebels hold the border. However, with the Confederacy on the wane, Lincoln fears that France may seize the opportunity to occupy the Trans-Mississippi States. President Lincoln writes a letter to General Grant which reads in part:

“I see by a despatch of yours that you incline quite strongly towards an expedition against Mobile. This would appear tempting to me also, were it not that in view of recent events in Mexico, I am greatly impressed with the importance of re-establishing the national authority in Western Texas as soon as possible.”

On this same day, Lincoln sits for a new portrait photograph at Alexander Gardiner’s studios.

August 8, 1863---The resignation of Robert E. Lee

AUGUST 8, 1863:       

Robert E. Lee, dispirited and ailing after the defeat at Gettysburg, tenders his resignation to C.S. President Jefferson Davis. Lee writes:

"I have been prompted by these reflections more than once since my return from Pennsylvania to propose to Your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army... No one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire... I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measure to supply my place."

Davis refuses to accept Lee’s resignation.

August 7, 1863---C.S.S. H. L. HUNLEY

AUGUST 7, 1863:       

The C.S.S. H.L. HUNLEY, the Confederacy’s handcranked combat submarine, is dispatched to break the blockade of Charleston, South Carolina.