President signs authorization: "During the temporary absence of the Secretary of War his duties will be performed by Assistant Secretary P H Watson." Authorization for Peter H. Watson, 25 November 1863, CW, 7:30.

Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Your despatches as to fighting on Monday & Tuesday [Orchard Knob and Lookout Mountain] are here. Well done. Many thanks to all. Remember Burnside." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 25 November 1863, CW, 7:30-31.

Lincoln expects war news in evening but retires to bed early feeling unwell. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 128.