Civil War History - Secession and PoliticsWas it Slavery, or was it States Rights? Perhaps it was the election of Lincoln? What were the real reasons for Southern Secession and what were the political issues in this time of war? Find your answers here in the Secession and Politics Disussion.
Cabinet in session all forenoon; regular meetings Tuesdays and Fridays at noon.
Comdr. Dahlgren at White House again today, finds Lincoln "ill at ease, and not self possessed."
Sec. Welles reads to President confidential letter to Capt. Samuel Mercer (USN), commanding U.S.S. "Powhatan," that he is to command naval force in supplying Fort Sumter, S.C.
White House levee cancelled because of public business.
President receives first (March) salary warrant for $2,083.33 and opens account by depositing it with Riggs & Co., Washington, DC.
Requests Sec. Chase to pay presidential salary on 5th of each month.
Visits Brady's gallery.
1862 - Saturday
President signifies willingness to sign bill abolishing slavery in District of Columbia.
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House.
President receives March salary warrant for $2,083.33.
In compliance with resolution of House of Representatives sends copy of dispatch from James S. Pike, U.S. minister at The Hague, summarizing methods of taxation in Netherlands.
1863 - Sunday Aquia Creek, VA, Falmouth, VA, and Headquarters, Army of Potomac.
President and party of six arrive mouth of Aquia Creek Sunday morning. Board special train 10 A.M. and reach Gen. Hooker's headquarters at Falmouth about noon.
Occupy three large hospital tents.
Lincoln reads "rebel papers" for news of Charleston.
1864 - Tuesday
President postpones regular Tuesday evening reception one week.
Dennis F. Hanks, relative and lifelong friend of Lincoln, thanks him for $50 check.
Lincoln, accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln, visits Grover's Theatre to hear Flotow's opera "Martha" sung by Orion Society with Grand Orchestra of Academy of Music, N.Y.
Receives March salary warrant for $2,022.33.
Acknowledges petition of "the Children of the United States; that the President will free all slave children" submitted by Mrs. Horace Mann: "Please tell these little people I am very glad their young hearts are so full of just and generous sympathy, and that, while I have not the power to grant all they ask, I trust they will remember that God has, and that, as it seems, He wills to do it." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Horace Mann
1865 - Wednesday Richmond, VA and City Point, VA.
At 9 A.M. President comes ashore in Rear Adm. Porter's barge and goes to army headquarters.
After morning meeting with Campbell, President leaves Richmond for City Point.
President replies to Seward: "Yours of to-day received. I think there is no probability of my remaining here more than two days longer. If that is too long come down. I passed last night at Richmond and have just returned." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
At 6 P.M. receives message that Sec. Seward has been thrown from carriage and dangerously injured.
Receives March salary warrant for $1,981.67.
Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Sen. Sumner (Mass.), Sen. Harlan (Iowa) and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Keckley, and Marquis de Chambrun, leaves Washington at 11 A.M. aboard steamer "Monohasset" for City Point.
Governors of Indiana, Ohio, Maine, and Pennsylvania confer with President about military status of militia.
President interviews Virginia Unionists who want assurances that Forts Sumter, S.C., and Pickens, Fla., will be evacuated. Sends for former Cong. John Minor Botts (Va.), prominent Virginia Unionist, to discuss pacific policy of Government.
Robert S. Chew, clerk in state dept., accompanied by Talbot, carries note from President to Gov. Francis W. Pickens (S.C.) informing him that "an attempt will be made to supply Fort-Sumpter with provisions only; and that, if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition, will be made, without further notice, or in case of an attack upon the Fort." Abraham Lincoln to Robert S. Chew
President learns that orders to reinforce Fort Pickens are not carried out. Federal naval commander at Pensacola Harbor refuses to let troops land.
Sec. Welles confers with President and sends special messenger to Pensacola, Fla., to land troops at Fort Pickens.
Lincoln attends for short time only Mrs. Lincoln's second afternoon reception.
Visits Navy Yard.
Secs. Seward and Welles and Commodore Silas H. Stringham (USN) go to White House at 11 P.M. for President's decision on conflicting orders given U.S.S. "Powhatan." Lincoln directs Seward to telegraph order to restore "Powhatan" to Sumter expedition.
1862 - Sunday
In evening Comdr. Dahlgren at White House reviews with Lincoln progress of Army of Potomac. Sec. Stanton drops in, makes few slighting remarks, tells President there is no change below. Lincoln refers to his telegram sent Gen. McClellan at 8 P.M.: "I think you better break the enemies' line from York-town to Warwick River, at once." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Monday Falmouth, VA.
Grand review postponed because of weather.
President rides horseback from place to place visiting disabled soldiers.
At 10 A.M. receives officers of Army of Potomac at his tent. Reviews cavalry under Gen. George Stoneman at noon. Is serenaded by army band in evening.
Receives March salary warrant for $2,022.33.
1864 - Wednesday
Mrs. Masson calls on Lincoln and asks that James H. McEwen, prisoner of war at Rock Island, Ill., be pardoned. Abraham Lincoln to John Catron
President decides that Gen. Butler need not come to Washington relative to plan for exchange of prisoners.
Attends meeting in House of Representatives at night, to hear speech of George Thompson, English antislavery orator.
1865 - Thursday City Point, VA
President authorizes Gen. Weitzel to give permission to "gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia, in support of the rebellion" to assemble at Richmond and take measures to withdraw Virginia troops. Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel
In Col. Theodore S. Bowers' tent quotes Artemus Ward's account of escape of "Polly Ann."
Mrs. Lincoln and party join President on board steamer "River Queen."
President informs Gen. Grant of Sec. Seward's accident and of conferences with former Assoc. Justice J. A. Campbell in Richmond. If war is further persisted in South, confiscated property will bear additional cost. Confiscations will be remitted to people of any state which promptly withdraws its troops from resistance to government. If Confederate Legislature of Virginia wishes to meet for this purpose, Weitzel will protect them. "I do not think it very probable that anything will come of this; but I have thought best to notify you." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
President visits military offices, anxious for news from Grant.
Former Cong. Botts (Va.) confers with Lincoln from 7 to 11 P.M. about problems and expedients to prevent Virginia from seceding.
1862 - Monday
President signs treaty with Great Britain for suppression of African slave trade.
Borrows "Plutarch's Lives" from Library of Congress. [Plutarch's Lives, rev. by A. H. Clough, Boston, 1859.]
Mrs. Lincoln's half-brother, Samuel B. Todd, is mortally wounded during second day's fighting at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. (Battle of Shiloh).
Lincoln endorses recommendation of Uri Manly of Marshall, Ill.: "I personally know Mr. Manly to be a good man. . . . His application has been before the Department half a year, and he should be appointed a Quarter-Master, so soon as it can consistently be done." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Tuesday
President authorizes Asst. Sec. Watson to perform duties of secretary of war in absence of Sec. Stanton . Authorization for Peter H. Watson
At Gen. Sickles' headquarters for review of troops President receives kiss from Princess Salm-Salm, whose husband is colonel with New York regiment. [Prince Felix zu Salm-Salm]
1864 - Thursday
Lincoln interviews G. Thompson and friends on subject of emancipation, then conducts them to state dining room to see painting by F. B. Carpenter.
Interviews Asst. Sec. Dana and remarks that "Sheridan seemed to be getting Virginia soldiers out of the war faster than this legislature could think."
Reviews troops and tires himself out shaking hands.
Congs. James G. Blaine (Maine) and Washburne (Ill.), on trip to front, visit President on board steamer "River Queen" in evening.
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Gen. Sheridan says 'If the thing is pressed I think Lee will surrender.' Let the thing be pressed." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Sec. Seward reads to President from London "Times" opinion that citizens of U.S. and Great Britain are of same descent and their ambitions for civilization will always be the same.
President holds public reception.
Describes patronage fight among New York Republicans with endorsement on letter of this date: "Greeley, Opdycke, Field & Wadsworth, in favor of having the two big puddings on the same side of the board—"
1862 - Tuesday
Cabinet meeting occupied with military matters.
1863 - Wednesday Falmouth, VA.
President reviews II, III, V, and VI Corps, about 40,000 infantrymen.
Telegraphs Sec. Welles that Richmond papers report: 1. "'Important movements are taking place here; but for military reasons no particulars can yet be telegraphed;'" 2. "'On yesterday morning eight Monitors and ironclads were off the bar at Charleston. . . . May Heaven shield Charleston from all the rage of her enemies and ours.' " Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1864 - Friday
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
"The President, with Mrs. Lincoln and Sec. Seward and family, will visit Ford's Theatre this evening to witness Edwin Forrest's grand impersonation of King Lear."
1865 - Saturday City Point, VA and En route.
President meets Cong. Washburne (Ill.) on shore in morning and hands him letter for Robert at front.
Marquis de Chambrun and Sen. Sumner (Mass.) go aboard "River Queen," and President shows them seating arrangement of Hampton Roads Conference.
Presidential party, including Mrs. Lincoln and friends, goes by special train to Petersburg.
President inspects hospital camps and confers with generals at headquarters on far side of town. On drive back to railroad station, stops to have everyone admire tree he remembers from previous visit.
In evening military band gives farewell concert on board "River Queen." President requests two numbers: "Marseillaise" and "Dixie."
At 11 P.M. Presidential party leaves City Point, for return trip to Washington.
General Grant was 'invited' to the theatre performance the next evening but 'begged off' to go see his kids in Baltimore. Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Lincoln were not the best of friends. How's that for a 'what if'?
__________________ Ancestors in US Army: 13th TN Cav; 10th TN Cav; 3rd NC Inf
Ancestors in CSA Army: 48th VA; 63rd VA, 5th NC Cav; 37th NC
Wife and Grandson's CSA: 15th AL, 51st GA, 41st TN; 36th TN; GA Mil 1197 Dist
President devotes most of day to minor appointments.
1862 - Wednesday
Sec. Stanton at White House early with report from Gen. McClellan on military operations.
Postmaster Gen. Blair discusses McClellan's conduct with President and writes: "I can see that the President thinks you are not sufficiently confident, and it disturbs him."
Lincoln believes delayed action of Army of Potomac is advantageous to enemy. Writes McClellan: "But you must act." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Sen. Browning (Ill.) visits White House in evening and goes with President to War Dept. for latest news.
Lincoln sends directions to Gen. Halleck: "If the rigor of the confinement of [Col.] Magoffin at Alton is endangering his life, or materially impairing his health, I wish it mitigated so far as it can be, consistently with his safe detention." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
1863 - Thursday
President reviews I Corps. Plans to review three more corps.
Telegraphs Sec. Welles editorial from Richmond "Whig" regarding military situation at Charleston.
Spends more time than usual with guests at last afternoon reception of season.
1865 - Sunday En route and Washington, DC.
"That whole day [steaming up Potomac] the conversation turned on literary subjects. Mr. Lincoln read aloud to us for several hours. Most of the passages he selected were from Shakespeare."
President returns in excellent health. "River Queen" arrives at 6 P.M., bringing President, Mrs. Lincoln, Tad, Atty. Gen. Speed, Asst. Sec. Otto, Sen. Sumner (Mass.), Sen. Harlan (Iowa), Mrs. Harlan and daughter Mary, and Marquis de Chambrun.
Presidential party arrives about sundown. Streets alive with people. Bonfires everywhere. Gen. R. E. Lee has surrendered. [!!!]
President visits Sec. Seward, severely injured by fall from carriage.
Crowds in front of White House call for President. "He responded briefly but pleasantly."
Ambrose W. Thompson, head, Chiriqui Improvement Company with land in Granadian Confederation (Panama near border of Costa Rica), interviews President regarding colonization and coal supply of navy.
1862 - Thursday
President confined to bed. Sen. Browning (Ill.) sits with him for hour in evening.
Writes Gov. Yates (Ill.) and William Butler, treasurer of Illinois: "I fully appreciate Gen. [John] Pope's splendid achievements with their invaluable results; but you must know that Major Generalships in the Regular Army, are not as plenty as blackberries." Abraham Lincoln to Richard Yates and William Butler
1863 - Friday Falmouth, VA, Aquia Creek, VA, and Washington, DC.
President reviews XI and XII Corps and visits Gen. Oliver O. Howard's headquarters before leaving for Aquia Creek.
Invites Gens. Sickles and Schurz to accompany party to Washington.
Leaves Aquia Creek on board "Carrie Martin" in afternoon and arrives home about midnight.
1864 -Sunday
[Nothing of note.]
1865 - Monday
Noah Brooks breakfasts at White House with Lincoln.
President visits Navy Yard in morning and makes brief speech.
Crowds serenade President throughout day. He makes extemporaneous speeches. Response to Serenade
Cabinet meets.
President has photos made by A. Gardner.
At 5 P.M. large crowd with bands assembles at White House. President responds to serenade and promises to prepare speech for tomorrow. Response to Serenade
About 6 P.M. delegation of 15 men enters White House and meets President in hall. Spokesman for group makes speech and presents Lincoln with picture of himself in silver frame.
President confers several hours with Gov. Hicks (Md.).
Interviews Carl Schurz regarding appointment to command of four regiments.
Purchases harness punch from Lutz and Co., leather goods merchants, for $1.25.
1862 - Friday
President summons Asst. Sec. Fox, Postmaster Gen. Blair, and Lt. Wise to White House for evening meeting.
1863 - Saturday
President calls morning meeting of Secs. Welles, Seward, Chase, Stanton , Asst. Sec. Fox, and Gen. Halleck to discuss general military situation.
Group which returned from Gen. Hooker's headquarters together has dinner with President at White House. Gen. Schurz converses privately with Lincoln, who thinks Schurz cannot "forget that he is an adopted citizen of the country."
Interviews L. H. Putnam, "a very intelligent colored man," and sends him to Sec. Stanton to discuss Negro forces. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Endorses military pass issued to John Ehler, aged 10: "They say that by the destruction of a bridge this boy has been unable to pass on this. Might it not be renewed for the little fellow?" Endorsement Concerning John Ehler
1865 - Tuesday
President consults with Gen. Butler on freed Negro problem.
Marshal Lamon and Sec. Usher call on President, who sends Lamon to Richmond on business connected with reconstruction convention.
Makes public address from upper window to crowd on White House lawn.
Grand celebration. President appears at one window and Mrs. Lincoln at another. Reads speech.
In this, his last public speech, President discusses status of Confederate States and his plan for restoring them to their place in Union. Last Public Address
Writes pass: "Allow the bearer, W. H. Lamon &friend, with ordinary baggage to pass from Washington to Richmond and return." Pass for Ward H. Lamon
Mrs. Lincoln writes Gen. Grant that President is ill but "would be very much pleased to see you this . . . evening . . . &I want you to drive . . . with us to see the illumination."
Cabinet discusses general matters in short session.
Lincoln appoints W. H. Lamon marshal for District of Columbia.
Receives unofficially Virginia commissioners: former Cong. William B. Preston (Va.), Alexander H. H. Stuart, and George W. Randolph.
Confides in Sen. Charles Sumner (Mass.) that Fort Sumter, S.C., will not be surrendered.
1862 - Saturday
President confers with Francis Stevens who wants to build ships for government.
Writes check to "Self for Robert" for $25.00.
1863 - Sunday
Lincoln invites Dr. Henry to White House for breakfast. [Anson G. Henry]
President and Sec. Stanton visit Navy Dept. about noon for report on naval action at Charleston. Between 2 and 3 P.M. Sec. Welles receives word of Rear Adm. Du Pont's failure to capture Charleston and goes immediately to White House with news.
Lincoln acknowledges receipt of Gen. Hooker's letter by hand of Gen. Daniel Butterfield. Hooker proposes to cross Rappahannock and move against enemy as soon as cavalry gets between Richmond and enemy to block his retreat. Cavalry marches on 13th. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Joint committee of City Councils of Washington visits President and calls attention to excess of quota set for District
Cabinet meets. Principal subjects of discussion are exportation of French tobacco and national debt.
1865 - Wednesday
After breakfast O. H. Browning introduces to President W. J. Bibb, influential Unionist of Montgomery, Ala., interested in reconstruction, and receives various passes and orders.
Col. William P. Kellogg (resd.), former chief justice of Nebraska Territory, and Sen. Harlan (Iowa) interview President in morning about appointment of governor of Nebraska and in evening discuss problem of rehabilitation of Southern States.
In conversation with Marquis de Chambrun, Lincoln "spoke at length of the many struggles he foresaw in the future and declared his firm resolution to stand for clemency against all opposition."
Visits Sec. Stanton in War Dept. about 5 P.M. and decides to revoke permission for convocation of Virginia Assembly.
Telegraphs Gen. Weitzel: "Is there any sign of the rebel Legislature coming together on the understanding of my letter to you? If there is any such sign, inform me what it is; if there is no such sign you may as [well] withdraw the offer." Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel
Explains to Weitzel that former Assoc. Justice J. A. Campbell is in error if he understands Confederate Legislature of Virginia is accepted as rightful legislature of State. It is but "the gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia in support of the rebellion." However they have de facto power "to withdraw the Virginia troops, and other support from resistance to the General Government," and for this purpose they were encouraged to meet. Since Virginia troops have been captured by Gen. Grant, do not let them assemble. Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel
Writes Weitzel: "I do not remember hearing prayers spoken of while I was in Richmond; but I have no doubt you have acted in what appeared to you to be the spirit and temper manifested by me while there." [ Stanton had reprimanded Weitzel for not ordering prayers for President in churches.] Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel
Lincoln grants William O. Stoddard of Illinois, White House assistant secretary, permission to join National Rifles, but active service is superseded by civilian duties.
Receives no information on Charleston except through press.
Sec. Cameron, Robert J. Walker, former secretary of treasury and senator from Mississippi, James R. Gilmore of Cincinnati, editor and author of "Among the Pines," and Lincoln converse for two hours about conditions in South.
President replies in writing to commissioners appointed by Convention of State of Virginia on April 8, 1861: "In case it proves true, that Fort-Sumpter has been assaulted, as is reported, I shall perhaps, cause the United [States] mails to be withdrawn from all the States which claim to have seceded— . . . I consider the Military posts and property situated within the states, which claim to have seceded, as yet belonging to the Government. . . . I shall not attempt to collect the duties, and imposts, by any armed invasion of any part of the country—not meaning by this, however, that I may not land a force, deemed necessary, to relieve a fort upon a border of the country." Abraham Lincoln to a Committee from the Virginia Convention
Attends for few minutes reception in Mrs. Lincoln's drawing room.
1862 - Sunday
Delegates from Freedmen's Associations urge President to provide for Negroes on abandoned plantations at Port Royal, S.C.
In conversation with Sen. Sumner (Mass.), seems more hopeful for outcome of expedition to Charleston.
1864 - Wednesday
[Nothing of note.]
1865 - Thursday
President visits telegraph office early in morning. Exchanges pleasantries with operator, Charles A. Tinker, and goes to Sec. Stanton 's office.
Interviews Gen. Grant and Stanton on military problems.
Confers again with Sec. Welles regarding reestablishment of authority in Confederate States.
Rides horseback to Soldiers' Home. Discusses various topics with Asst. Sec. of Treasury Maunsell B. Field, who is riding in carriage. Appears weary and sad.
Issues series of passes: to "visit Mobile, if, and when the city shall be in our possession;" to "our lines into Virginia & return;" and "to Richmond if he chooses."
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