"The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you…"
This telegram to Mrs. Edith Munro broke the news of her son's death during World War II. Signalman First Class Douglas Albert Munro was later posthumously awarded the...
Attacking the cover story
This telegram from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is a translation of a reply from the USSR to a U.S. request for information about the fate of the U.S. pilot flying the...
Coded message
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann sent this encoded message to the President of Mexico on January 16, 1917, offering United States territory to Mexico in...
Congratulations from abroad
This telegram from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile congratulates the United States on its “marvelous feat.” It is one of many telegrams and letters from...
Discontinue house burning
Throughout the Civil War private property of both sides was destroyed by soldiers. Usually this was accomplished by burning private homes. Many commanders on both...
Economy of beer
In April 1917 the California Hop Growers telegrammed Congressman John Edward Raker objecting, on economic grounds, to possible legislation banning the brewing of beer...
Fort Sumter has fallen
This telegram notified Secretary of War Simon Cameron of the outcome of the battle that began the Civil War in earnest. It was sent by Maj. Robert Anderson, commander...