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.
President approves enrolling loyal citizens of St. Louis for maintaining authority of U.S.
Visits quarters of various regiments stationed near Washington.
Three Potawatomi Indians call on their Great Father.
New York committee calls upon President to state "with great clearness that the people were absolutely determined on maintaining their Government."
In evening Carl Schurz, Postmaster Gen. Blair, and G. V. Fox interview Lincoln.
1862 - Wednesday
John Nicolay returns from visit to his home in Illinois.
1863 - Thursday
Lincoln is notified that he has been made life member of Chicago Young Men's Christian Association, someone having contributed $100 on his behalf.
Writes Gen. Hunter to restore Capt. David Schaadt, Co. D, 176th Pennsylvania Regiment, if there is no evidence but his refusal to sanction resolution endorsing Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
1864 - Saturday
President discusses with O. H. Browning and former Sen. Thomas Ewing (Ohio) case of Commodore Charles Wilkes guilty of unauthorized publication of letters of Sec. Welles, and case of Capt. Samuel Black.
F. B. Carpenter introduces Lincoln to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, leader in women's rights movement, and her brother-in-law, Samuel Wilkeson, head of New York "Tribune" bureau in Washington.
After midnight Lincoln visits offices of John Nicolay and John Hay to show caricature by Thomas Hood and enjoy laugh.
Acknowledges invitation to attend Grand Musical Festival in Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 4, 1864. "I shall be most happy to be present at an entertainment which promises so much, especially as it is in aid of so beneficent a charity as that in which you are interested, if my engagements next week will allow it." Abraham Lincoln to James R. Fry
Writes Gen. Grant and expresses "entire satisfaction with what you have done up to this time, . . . If there is anything wanting which is within my power to give, do not fail to let me know. And now with a brave Army, and a just cause, may God sustain you." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Assures G. V. Fox he need not feel hurt over failure of Sumter expedition. Abraham Lincoln to Gustavus V. Fox [The last sentence of this letter is often taken out of context to 'prove' that Lincoln intended to provoke the hostilities which started the war.]
Assures Gov. Isham G. Harris (Tenn.) that Government had nothing to do with seizure of steamboat "C. E. Hillman." Abraham Lincoln to Isham G. Harris
Sen. Henry Wilson (Mass.) and Judge Ebenezer R. Hoar of Massachusetts call upon Lincoln and members of cabinet and urge adoption of more aggressive war measures.
Western Virginia Unionists ask President for assistance.
Members of 7th New York Regiment and Postmaster Gen. Blair visit President during afternoon.
Seventh New York Regiment band gives evening concert at White House; Lincoln speaks briefly from portico. Remarks at a Band Concert
Writes Gen. Halleck: "I am pressed by the Missouri members of Congress to give General Schofield independent command in Missouri. . . . Please answer, telling me whether anything, and what, I can do for them without injuriously interfering with you." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Admonishes Gen. McClellan: "Your call for Parrott guns from Washington alarms me—chiefly because it argues indefinite procrastination. Is anything to be done?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Transmits to Senate petition and auditor's report relative to goods advanced by citizens of Oregon and Washington Territory during Indian uprising in 1855-56. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1863 - Friday
Cabinet meets.
President dominates supervision of Army of Potomac.
At 8 P.M. consults with Sec. Seward and Chicago detective.
1862 - Friday
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) spends hour in family room with Lincoln who has headache.
1863 - Saturday
Cong. Davis (Md.) interviews President regarding article in Baltimore "American" on Rear Adm. Du Pont's unsuccessful attack on Charleston.
During past week gentleman called on President and asked for pass to Richmond. "Well," said President, "I would be very happy to oblige you, if my passes were respected; but the fact is, sir, I have, within the past two years given passes to 250,000 men to go to Richmond, and not one has got there yet."
Lincoln writes Gov. Curtin (Pa.) that Gen. Schenck says the enemy menacing Pennsylvania will have to fight or run today. "I really do not yet see the justification for incurring the trouble and expense of calling out the militia. I shall keep watch and try to do my duty." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew G. Curtin
Confers with Cong. John F. Farnsworth (Ill.), former general of volunteers, regarding court of inquiry requested by Gen. Hurlbut, recently transferred by order of Gen. Grant. Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Hurlbut
To bring army to total of 156,861 and navy to 25,000, President calls for increase of regular army by ten regiments of 22,714 men, for 42,034 volunteers, and for enlistment of 18,000 seamen. Proclamation Calling for 42,034 Volunteers
Capt. Meigs reports to President on trip to Fort Pickens.
President's account is charged $3.00 for "leather back brush," $1.00 for dandruff brush, and 37¢ for curry comb.
1862 - Saturday
Committee of local citizens accompanied by Sen. Joseph A. Wright (Ind.) confers with President on appointment of George W. Garrett as warden of penitentiary. Memorandum: Appointment of George W. Garrett
President and Mrs. Lincoln at Navy Yard in afternoon to watch trials of breech-loading cannon made by James C. C. Holenshade, Cincinnati promoter.
1863 - Sunday
During Battle of Chancellorsville President telegraphs Gen. Butterfield: "Where is Gen. Hooker? Where is [Gen. John] Sedgwick? where is Stoneman?" Abraham Lincoln to Daniel Butterfield
In afternoon Lincoln meets with Sec. Stanton and Gens. Halleck and Heintzelman at War Dept. They are alarmed about Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
Lincoln at telegraph office with Asst. Sec. Fox in evening until 11 P.M.
"We [President and associates] know very little about what has been accomplished."
1864 - Tuesday
President directs Sec. Seward: "Please invite all members of the Cabinet to be [present at the meeting today]." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
At cabinet meeting President requests each member to give written opinion as to what course government should take in Fort Pillow, Tenn., case. Welles, Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Cabinet Members
Instructs L. E. Chittenden to proceed to Annapolis, Md., and investigate condition of exchanged war prisoners.
Committee of Maryland Legislature waits upon President during morning to protest military occupation of state. He informs committee that public interest and not any spirit of revenge will actuate his measures. Reply to Committee from Maryland Legislature
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler interviews President by invitation, to discuss military situation at Baltimore and Gosport Navy Yard, Va.
1862 - Sunday
President receives news that Confederates have evacuated Yorktown, Va.
1863 - Monday
Sec. Welles meets President in afternoon at War Dept. where they await news from Chancellorsville, Va.
"We [includes President] have been in a terrible suspense here for two days as the result of a battle which Joe Hooker is fighting on the Rappahannock."
Lincoln telegraphs Hooker 3:10 P.M.: "We have news here that the enemy has reoccupied heights above Fredericksburg. Is that so?" Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Wednesday
Richard H. Dana, U.S. district attorney in Massachusetts, calls on Lincoln again after one year and finds him "sober, wise, thoughtful, good decisions but having constant failures in administration."
L. E. Chittenden reports to President at 7 P.M. on terrible condition of exchanged prisoners.
Lincoln writes Gen. Sherman at Chattanooga to do anything he can consistently with military operations for suffering people in Nashville area. Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman
Writes check for $2.50 to Franklin and Co., opticians, 244 Penn. Av. NW.
Baltimore committee urges recognition of independence of Southern States. Lincoln rebukes them for lack of fighting spirit.
Gov. William A. Buckingham (Conn.) assures President of support of people of Connecticut.
President calls meeting of heads of departments 8 P.M. White House.
1862 - Monday Washington, DC and En route to Fortress Monroe, VA
Lt. Worden, eyesight still impaired from wound received in battle, calls on President.
Lincoln interviews Lt. Col. G. Montagu Hicks and orders his appointment as aide-de-camp to Gen. Wool with rank of colonel.
About dusk President, Secs. Stanton and Chase, and several others leave Navy Yard on board revenue cutter "Miami" for Fortress Monroe. Spend night on Potomac 15 miles below Alexandria, Va.
Receives April salary warrant for $2,083.33.
1863 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. President reads telegram from Gen. Hooker admitting that Confederates hold works on heights of Fredericksburg, Va. Little else of importance.
In afternoon Sen. Sumner (Mass.) and Sec. Welles at Navy Dept. discuss army under Hooker. President arrives at department and joins discussion.
Receives April salary warrant for $2,022.33.
1864 - Thursday
In evening Lincoln interviews Congs. Smith (Ky.) and Ashley (Ohio).
Acknowledges gift of pair of socks from Mrs. Abner Bartlett of Medford, Mass.: "I accept them as a very comfortable article to wear; but more gratefully as an evidence, of the patriotic devotion which, at your advanced age, you bear to our great and just cause. May God give you yet many happy days." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Abner Bartlett
Presidential party spends day on journey down river. Docks at 10 P.M. After brief conference with Gen. Wool, commanding at Fortress Monroe, Lincoln visits flagship of Flag Officer Goldsborough.
Makes trip to flagship near midnight in tugboat. Returns to revenue cutter "Miami" for night.
1863 - Wednesday Washington, DC and Falmouth, VA.
President sends for Asst. Sec. Fox before breakfast. Asks him to take Richmond newspapers to Gen. Hooker's headquarters.
9:40 A.M. Lincoln telegraphs Hooker: "God bless you, and all with you. I know you will do your best." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
11:40 A.M. Lincoln to Hooker: "We have, through Gen. Dix, the contents of Richmond papers of the fifth (5th). Gen. Dix's despatch in full, is going to you by Capt. Fox of the Navy." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
12:30 P.M. Lincoln to Hooker: "Just as I had telegraphed you contents of Richmond papers, showing that our cavalry has not failed, I received General Butterfield's of 11 a.m. yesterday. This, with the great rain of yesterday and last night, securing your right flank, I think puts a new face upon your case; but you must be the judge." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
4:30 P.M. Hooker to Lincoln: "Have this moment returned to camp. On my way received your telegrams of 11 a.m. and 12.30. The army had previously recrossed the river, and was on its return to camp. . . . I saw no way of giving the enemy a general battle with the prospect of success."
About 3 P.M. President receives news from Chancellorsville, Va., and leaves at 4 P.M. for army, taking Gen. Halleck with him.
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) visits White House and President informs him of defeat at Chancellorsville.
1864 - Friday
Lincoln receives request of George E. Perine, New York engraver, for favorite photograph, to be engraved on steel.
Cabinet meets. Each member reads opinion on Fort Pillow, Tenn., incident. [Massacre of colored troops, April 12, 1864.]
President in conference with Sec. Stanton at War Dept. asks Charles A. Dana, assistant secretary of war, to investigate and report position of Gen. Grant.
Grants permission to Henry E. Wing, correspondent, New York "Tribune," to send 100-word story of fighting in Wilderness to his papers.
Interrupts Sec. Stanton and calls him from conference with Cornelius R. Agnew, surgeon general of New York, and G. T. Strong.
President empowers Col. Robert Anderson to recruit three-year troops from Kentucky and western part of Virginia. Order to Robert Anderson
During morning Col. Ellsworth visits White House.
Lincoln, son Tad, and John Hay, assistant secretary to President, attend exercises of Ellsworth's New York Fire Brigade in square behind Capitol.
John Hay relates items of Illinois news to Lincoln and hears comments on disposition of Sec. Seward.
President, Gen. Scott, and members of cabinet review 3,300 New Jersey Volunteers under Gen. Theodore Runyon.
Committee from convention of governors of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin held in Cleveland, Ohio, visits President and renews pledge of resources and men.
Sen. John Sherman (Ohio) and friends call on President hoping to provide plan by which Capt. William T. Sherman (resigned) will return to army.
With Nicolay and Hay, President discusses the existing contest, remarking that "the real question involved in it, (as he had about made up his mind, though he should still think further about it, while writing his message) was whether a full and representative government had the right and power to protect and maintain itself. Admit the right of a minority to secede at will, and the question for such secession would almost as likely be any other as the slavery question."
1862 - Wednesday Fortress Monroe, VA.
Presidential party arises early and rows out to board yacht "Vanderbilt" before breakfast. After 9 A.M. breakfast with Gen. Wool in Quarters No. 1 Lincoln goes aboard U.S.S. "Monitor" and U.S.S. "Stevens," then visits Fort Wool, Va. Returns to Fortress Monroe, Va., for conference with Flag Officer Goldsborough. In afternoon rides horseback to view ruins of town of Hampton, Va., burned by Confederates, and to review troops at Camp Hamilton, Va. Sends message to Goldsborough to send U.S.S. "Galena" and two other gunboats up James River if they can be spared. Holds conference in Wool's quarters and spends night. Abraham Lincoln to Louis M. Goldsborough
"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from William F. Richstein, bookseller and dealer in foreign and American stationery, 278 Pennsylvania Ave. "1 set Hood's Poems $6.50, 1 Goldsmiths Poems $5.00, 1 Homes of American Authors $6.00." [Thomas Hood, Poems; Oliver Goldsmith, Poems; Homes of American Authors: Comprising Anecdotical, Personal, and Descriptive Sketches, by Various Writers . . ., New York, 1853.] Last item is paid for by President; others out of annual appropriation of $250 for books for White House per Benjamin B. French, Commissioner of Public Buildings.
1863 - Thursday Falmouth, VA and Washington, DC.
President and Gen. Halleck spend day with Gen. Hooker and Army of Potomac.
Lincoln back in Washington tonight from visit to Army of Potomac. Thinks "troops are none the worse for the campaign."
Mrs. Blair and friends visit Mrs. Lincoln.
President writes Hooker: "The recent movement of your army is ended without effecting its object. . . . What next? Have you already in your mind a plan wholly, or partially formed? If you have, prosecute it without interference from me. If you have not, please inform me, so that I, incompetent as I may be, can try [to] assist in the formation of some plan for the Army." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Saturday
President receives first-hand report on Wilderness campaign from H. E. Wing, who arrives about 2 A.M. on special locomotive.
Recognizes C. E. Leland as consul of Oriental Republic of Uruguay at New York and John H. Snyder as vice consul.
Marine band, after long intermission, inaugurates series of concerts in White House grounds. President appears on portico and remarks: "In lieu of a speech, I propose that we give three cheers for Major General Grant and all the armies under his command." Remarks at Marine Band Concert
Transmits to Senate opinion by attorney general on "rights of colored persons in the army or volunteer service." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
In afternoon Lincoln goes for drive in open carriage with Sec. Seward and receives greetings of respect everywhere.
Attends flag-raising ceremony of 69th New York Regiment on Georgetown Heights.
Deposits April salary check for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank.
Writes Sec. Welles to ignore criticism of appointment of G. V. Fox as chief clerk of navy dept., adding: "He is a live man, whose services we cannot well dispense with." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1862 - Thursday Fortress Monroe, VA.
President consults with Flag Officer Goldsborough at Fortress Monroe, Va., on attempt to land troops on Sewell's Point under cover of navy fire. Lincoln, with Secs. Chase and Stanton , goes to Fort Wool, Va., to watch action. Later from tugboat stationed mile behind gunboats watches shelling of Sewell's Point and Craney Island all afternoon.
1863 - Friday
President by proclamation orders that no plea of alienage be allowed to exempt from military service any person who has declared his intention to become citizen of U.S. Proclamation Concerning Aliens
Orders U.S. marshal for northern district of California to deliver New Almaden mining property to Leonard Swett, agent for U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Charles W. Rand
At cabinet meeting Sec. Welles reports capture of Grand Gulf, Miss., by Acting Rear Adm. Porter.
Inscribes Bible "For Charles W. Merrill of 19th Massachusetts."
1864 -Sunday
Cong. Colfax (Ind.) with Lincoln in White House after Battle of Wilderness, watches him pace "up and down in the Executive chamber." An hour afterward sees Lincoln receiving congressional visitors and telling story after story to hide his saddened heart.
White House party, including President, spends afternoon at Navy Yard. Views dress parade of 71st New York Regiment and attends band concert. Boards steamer U.S.S. "Pensacola" and watches target practice by 11-inch Dahlgren gun.
President and Mrs. Lincoln hold brilliant White House reception for commissioned officers and families of army, navy, marine corps, and volunteer militia in Washington.
1862 - Friday Fortress Monroe, VA.
President takes cruise around Hampton Roads in revenue cutter "Miami." Holds conference at Fortress Monroe, Va., and decides to send force against Norfolk under Gen. Wool. Reads from Shakespeare to Col. Cannon during day. At dinner converses with Wool about plan to take Norfolk. Wool remarks: "If you stay here 48 hours, I will present Norfolk to you." Lincoln and Sec. Stanton use tugboat in searching for possible landing places whence to begin march on Norfolk. About 2 P.M. crosses to place selected for landing, about one mile below Fort Wool, Va. Lincoln goes ashore. Returns to Fortress Monroe where troops are embarking.
President assists Stanton in framing dispatch to Gen. McClellan relating to army corps, and writes directly: "Do the Commanders of Corps disobey your orders in anything? . . . are you strong enough, even with my help—to set your foot upon the necks of Sumner, Heintzelman, and Keyes all at once?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan[1] Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan[2]
President interviews Gen. Sigel regarding assignment.
Receives report of Capt. Diller that 1,000 pounds of new gunpowder is ready for trial at Frankford Arsenal, Pa.
Walks to Treasury Park with Sec. Stanton to watch demonstration of liquid fire by A. Berney.
Directs Gen. Dix: "It is very important for Hooker to know exactly what damage is done to the Railroads, at all points between Fredericksburg and Richmond. . . . Please ascertain fully what was done, & what is the present condition, as near as you can, and advise me at once." Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dix
1864 - Monday
At request of Cong. Garfield (Ohio), President interviews Lt. Harrison Millard (resigned) relative to civil appointment. Abraham Lincoln to Hiram Barney
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