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...
Constitution by wire
In the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln eagerly sought the statehood of the pro-Unionist and largely Republican Nevada Territory. Certified copies of...
Dial or dash?
Union forces used two types of telegraphy: the dial (or Beardslee) and the Morse. The dial telegraph could be set up quickly, giving it great flexibility. Operators...
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...