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.
Discusses with Gen. Scott and Sec. Cameron expected outbreak of fighting at Frederick, Md., as reported by messenger from Gov. Hicks (Md.). Talks New York patronage until weary and adjourns conference until 9 A.M. tomorrow.
Poses for photographs in M. B. Brady's studio.
Mrs. Lincoln and suite arrive in Philadelphia.
1862 - Saturday Fortress Monroe, VA.
President and Secs. Chase and Stanton accompany Gen. Wool to landing place near Willoughby Point where troops begin march to Norfolk. Lincoln and Stanton return to Fortress Monroe, Va. Chase goes to Norfolk with Wool.
Discovers that troops commanded by Col. Joseph B. Carr and Gen. Mansfield are not taking part in attack on Norfolk. Infuriated he bounces his tall hat off the floor and dictates orders involving these troops.
Retires to bed between 9 and 10 P.M. in Quarters No. 1.
At 11 P.M. Wool arrives and announces to President surrender and possession of Norfolk.
President writes Flag Officer Goldsborough: "You are quite right in supposing the movement made by you and therein reported was made in accordance with my wishes verbally expressed to you in advance." Abraham Lincoln to Louis M. Goldsborough
1863 - Sunday
President announces provost marshals for Maryland appointed under act of March 3, 1863.
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. President reads dispatches from Gens. Grant, Butler, Sherman, and others.
L. Montgomery Bond, on behalf of Sanitary Commission of Philadelphia, requests letter of President to be sold at Great Central Fair in June.
Lincoln asks Gen. Wallace at Baltimore what trouble is with Dr. Francis L. Hawks, rector of Christ Church, ordered to take oath of allegiance or leave city within 24 hours. Order supported by Bishop William R. Whittingham. Abraham Lincoln to Lewis Wallace
President interviews William Ward, introduced by Horace Greeley, regarding employment in New York customhouse. Abraham Lincoln to Hiram Barney
Marine band plays in White House grounds. President holds impromptu levee for children; afterward Carl Schurz stays for tea with Lincoln.
Mrs. Lincoln and party leave Philadelphia for New York at 2 P.M. and expect to remain for several days of shopping.
1862 - Sunday Fortress Monroe, VA and En route to Washington, DC.
Shortly before going aboard U.S.S. "Baltimore" about 5 A.M. for return trip to Washington, President receives news that Confederates have blown up "Merrimac." "Baltimore" passes spot of destruction off Craney Island and proceeds up Elizabeth River to Norfolk where Lincoln visits for an hour. President spends remainder of day and night on board ship.
President telegraphs Gen. Halleck: "Norfolk in our possession, Merrimac blown up, & Monitor & other boats going up James River to Richmond. Be very sure to sustain no reverse in your Department." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
1863 - Monday
President receives "first offer of resignation" from Sec. Chase.
At 12 M. receives Lord Lyons with announcement of marriage of Prince of Wales.
Requests Sec. Welles to call at White House and read two dispatches regarding naval matters written by Sec. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Inquires of Gen. Dix: "Do the Richmond papers have anything about Grand Gulf or Vicksburg?" Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dix
1864 - Wednesday
President offers condolences to Christian IX, King of Denmark, on death of "Madam the Landgrave Louise Charlotte of Hesse." Abraham Lincoln to Christian IX
9 P.M. Sec. Welles visits War Dept. and finds President waiting for reports from battlefront.
Sec. Seward, Thurlow Weed, and President leave Navy Yard about 10 A.M. for three-hour cruise on Potomac.
1862 - Monday En route and Washington, DC.
President arrives on U.S.S. "Baltimore" from Fortress Monroe, Va., and Norfolk.
Raises blockade proclaimed April 19, 1861, on Southern ports of Beaufort, S.C., Port Royal, S.C., and New Orleans as of June 1, 1862 pursuant to treasury regulations except for contraband of war. Proclamation Raising the Blockade of Certain Ports
In conversation with Gen. Carl Schurz, Lincoln predicts that he will be left without support at next congressional election by Republicans and Democrats, by former because he is not radical enough and by latter because he is too radical.
In evening President visits Sec. Seward confined to bed by injuries received when thrown from carriage.
1863 - Tuesday
Dr. John Swinburne of New York and assistant, J. T. Gillett, call on President and volunteer services to Army of Potomac. Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour
President receives from Gen. Hooker's staff confirmation of Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's death on May 10, 1863.
1864 - Thursday
President forwards to Senate correspondence relative to controversy between Republic of Chile and Bolivia. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Declines offer of Francis B. Loomis of New London, Conn., to replace present garrison of Fort Trumbull, Conn., with volunteers. Abraham Lincoln to F. B. Loomis
Grants interview to Miss Evans, who is lecturing in city at Dr. Channing's church.
3 P.M. President reviews District Militia as it passes through White House grounds. Speaks from upper window to group of serenaders.
Mrs. Lincoln, in New York to purchase fittings for Executive Mansion, buys carriage for $900.
Entertains in evening at Metropolitan Hotel.
1862 - Tuesday
At 11 A.M. Lincoln welcomes committee of General Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church. National Intelligencer, 14 May 1862; Response to Evangelical Lutherans
Addresses 12th Indiana Regiment: "I assure you that the nation is more indebted to you, and such as you, than to me." Speech to the Twelfth Indiana Regiment
Thanks Abraham Hart, Philadelphia publisher and president of Congregation Hope of Israel, "for your expressions of kindness and confidence." Abraham Lincoln to Abraham Hart
Mrs. Lincoln sends bouquet of White House flowers to Mrs. Fox.
1863 - Wednesday
Lincoln offers "my sincere sympathy and condolence" to Peruvian nation on death of President Miguel San Roman. Abraham Lincoln to Pedro Diez Canseco
Sec. Stanton confers with President regarding special suspension of writ of habeas corpus in case of former Cong. Vallandigham (Ohio), arrested by military authorities for treasonable utterances. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Lincoln writes Gen. Hooker: "If it will not interfere with the service, nor personally incommode you, please come up and see me this evening." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Hooker at White House in evening on invitation of President.
Lincoln writes Sec. Chase: "I understand there are, or have been, some charges against Lieutenant [James H.] Merryman [of Revenue Service], of which I know nothing. I only wish to say, he was raised from childhood in the town where I lived, and I remember nothing against him as boy or man. His father [Dr. Elias H. Merryman, involved with Lincoln in his imbroglio with Shields. See Sept. 19, 1842.], now dead, was a very intimate acquaintance and friend of mine." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Telegraphs Gen. Totten: "I wish to appoint William Whipple, son of the General who fell in the recent battle on the Rappahannock, to West-Point, next Spring, and I wish to file this with you as a remembrance upon the subject." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph G. Totten
1864 - Friday
Early morning. President and Sec. Seward are reading telegrams when Sen. Nesmith (Oreg.) brings newspaper accounts of Gen. Grant's activities.
Lincoln receives notice that Seward has made appointment for him to interview W. Aime Humbert, envoy extraordinary of Swiss Confederation to Japan, at 11 A.M. tomorrow.
Repeats endorsement concerning church in Memphis, Tenn.: "I say again, if there be no military need for the building, leave it alone, neither putting anyone in or out, of it, except on finding some one preaching or practicing treason." Endorsement Concerning a Church at Memphis, Tennessee
Suggests that Sec. Cameron see Postmaster Gen. Blair "and ascertain what is the trouble with him." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Discusses military commissions with Cameron.
President's account charged $5.50 for "boys' saddle."
1862 - Wednesday
Recommends to Senate and House of Representatives "that Captain D. G. Farragut receive a vote of thanks of Congress for his services . . . since the 21st December, 1861," as well as "naval officers who commanded vessels engaged in the recent brilliant operations [on the lower Mississippi and capture of New Orleans] of the squadron commanded by Flag-Officer Farragut." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives[1] Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives[2]
In evening tells Sen. Browning (Ill.) about trip to Fortress Monroe, Va.
1863 - Thursday
President suggests to Hooker: "I have some painful intimations that some of your corps and Division Commanders are not giving you their entire confidence." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Saturday
President receives request for his photograph and autograph, to be auctioned off at Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair.
Deeply affected by death of Gen. Wadsworth.
Replies to offer of Gov. Carney (Kans.) to furnish 2,000 troops: "I shall neither accept or reject it, until, with reference to the public interest, I shall feel that I am ready." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Carney
Transmits to Senate report of secretary of interior and documentation relative to refugee Indians in Kansas. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
During morning select men from Union Defense Committee interview Lincoln to arrange for reception of New York regiments.
About 5:30 P.M. President reviews 6,000 troops from New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania regiments.
Gen. Butler confers with President and gets commission as major general.
1862 - Thursday
President approves establishment of Dept. of Agriculture without cabinet status.
Writes Gen. McClellan: "Have done, and shall do, all I could and can to sustain you—hoped that the opening of James River, and putting Wool and Burnside in communication, with an open road to Richmond, or to you, had effected something in that direction. I am still unwilling to take all our force off the direct line between Richmond and here." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Refers to Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Cooper Shop, Philadelphia establishments, in letter to Sen. Wilson (Mass.): "I know nothing of the facts myself, and could only say hypothetically, that if they have dealt so generously with our volunteers, as I have frequently heard, and believe, they are indeed worthy of all praise." Abraham Lincoln to Henry Wilson
1863 - Friday
President visits Sec. Welles to discuss Lord Lyons' dispatch concerning confiscated mails.
Announces renewal of Saturday concerts of Marine band on White House grounds.
"The President has been closeted for two hours today with Gen. Sickles, Commander of the Third army corps."
Receives deputation from Union League of Philadelphia and accepts invitation to attend exercises commemorating anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 1863.
President addresses letter to H. T. Blow, Charles D. Drake, and others at St. Louis: "It is very painful to me that you in Missouri can not, or will not, settle your factional quarrel among yourselves. I have been tormented with it beyond endurance for months, by both sides. Neither side pays the least respect to my appeals to your reason. I am now compelled to take hold of the case." Abraham Lincoln to Henry T. Blow, Charles D. Drake and Others
1864 - Sunday
"The President is cheerful and hopeful—not unduly elated, but seeming confident."
Lincoln endorses request of Allison C. Poorman, of Illinois, for permit to trade within lines of "Western Army": "The writer of the within is a family connection of mine, & a worthy man; and I shall be obliged if he be allowed what he requests, so far as the rules and exigencies of the public service will permit." Endorsement Concerning Allison C. Poorman
Endorses request of William F. Shriver, of Illinois, for permit to trade within lines of "Armies of the Cumberland, Mississippi and Arkansas." Endorsement Concerning William F. Shriver
President attends wedding of Lt. Lorenzo Thomas, Jr., son of Adjt. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, and Miss Bradley, 9 A.M. Trinity Church, 3d and C Sts. NW.
Witnesses dress parade of 7th New York Regiment with Sec. Seward and reviews troops.
Gen. Butler arrives by special train and spends evening in consultation with Lincoln, Gen. Scott, Postmaster Gen. Blair, and Sec. Cameron. Group of Alexandria citizens visits President and assures him town would vote one thousand majority against secession.
Empire City Regiment band serenades Mrs. Lincoln at Metropolitan Hotel in New York.
Mrs. Lincoln orders dinner service for White House and purchases mantel ornaments for Blue and Green Rooms.
Orders that his thanks for capture of Norfolk be sent to Gen. Wool by War Dept.
Confers with Gen. Charles S. Hamilton recently relieved of command by Gen. McClellan, for reason that he is "not fit to command a Division." N.Y. Tribune, 17 May 1862; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan [Grant later had issues with Hamilton during the Vicksburg campaign]
1863 - Saturday
President, accompanied by Secs. Seward and Stanton , leaves Navy Yard about 11 A.M. for trip down Potomac to inspect troop transports.
Directs secretary of war to instruct Gen. Burnside to parole Maj. Clarence Prentice (CSA), rebel prisoner in Camp Chase, Ohio, "to remain outside the limits of both the loyal and disloyal States, or so-called 'Confederate States' of the United States of America, during the present rebellion." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Monday
President sends to Mrs. Augustus C. French, wife of former governor of Illinois, autograph to be used at Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair.
In possession of Cyrus French Wicker, Miami, Fla. Holds financial conference relative to converting existing 5 per cent loan to 6 per cent. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Representative of Washington County, Md., asks President to interfere in local matters to prevent civil war.
Gen. Lewis Cass parades with 1st Michigan Regiment to White House and receives compliments of Lincoln.
John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, makes official trip to Fortress Monroe, Va., in connection with newly formed army.
Mrs. Lincoln and party visit encampment in City Hall Park.
Mrs. Lincoln leaves New York at 5 P.M. for Boston.
Lincoln pays $5.50 on harness account.
Writes check for $8.00 to "William."
Sec. Seward shows Lincoln letter from James W. Webb. "He asked me not to require him to read it. I shall not say what else he said." Seward comments, "It is the P—Gen. S[cott]—& I against the two C's [Chase and Cameron]. . . . The P. is all right."
1862 - Saturday
President recognizes Christian Friedrich Mebius as consul at San Francisco of Free Hanse City of Lübeck.
Reviews with Sec. Stanton military situation in regard to Gen. McClellan's request for reinforcements. Gen. McDowell is to move toward Richmond and at same time keep approaches to Washington covered.
Orders McDowell to retain separate command, obey orders of McClellan while co-operating with him, and use own judgment in placing troops for greatest protection of capital. Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell
Writes Mary Motley, daughter of John L. Motley: "A friend of yours (a young gentleman of course) tells me you do me the honor of requesting my autograph. I could scarcely refuse any young lady—certainly not the daughter of your distinguished father." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Motley
1863 - Sunday
President drives to office of Rear Adm. Dahlgren at Navy Yard; later Dahlgren returns to town with him.
Cong. George S. Boutwell (Mass.) meets President on White House steps and goes upstairs with him to locate on map Gen. Grant's position in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., after crossing Black River today.
Lincoln declares Judge H. H. Leavitt's denial of motion for habeas corpus in Vallandigham case is equal to three victories in field. [Writ denied May 16, 1863.]
Lincoln prepares order for draft of 300,000 men, "to increase the active and reserved force of the Army, Navy, & Marine Corps of the United States." [Order seems not to have been issued.] Order for Draft of 300,000 Men
Instructs Sec. Stanton : "Please notify the insurgents, . . . that the government of the United States has satisfactory proof of the massacre, . . . at Fort-Pillow," and outlines action government proposes to take. [Presumably these instructions to Sec. Stanton were never signed and sent.] Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President inspects banks of Potomac, crosses Chain Bridge, visits Great Falls, Va., and twice passes pickets in Virginia without being recognized.
Requests Col. Francis P. Blair, Jr., Congressman from Missouri, to withhold delivery of order removing Gen. William S. Harney from command of Dept. of West, "unless in your judgment the necessity to the contrary is very urgent." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Jr.
Sec. Seward and President inspect ordnance office at Navy Yard.
Lincoln attends evening concert by Marine band in White House grounds.
Answers inquiry of Sec. Chase: "I believe I have told you fully what it was, and is, that pressed me to appoint him [George Denison, as naval officer in New York]: the urgent solicitation of an old friend who has served me all my life, and who has never before received or asked anything in return." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Mrs. Lincoln arrives in Boston.
1862 - Sunday
Asst. Sec. Fox informs Lincoln that gunboats in James River were repulsed eight miles from Richmond.
In afternoon Lincoln confers with Sec. Stanton regarding Gen. McClellan's request for reinforcements.
After 3 P.M. Sen. Browning (Ill.) and President visit soldiers in hospital at Columbia College.
1863 - Monday
President congratulates Victoria, Queen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on marriage of Prince of Wales. Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria
President orders arrest of editors and publishers of New York "World" and "Journal of Commerce" for printing spurious proclamation purporting to be signed by President. Publication of newspapers suspended. Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dix
Interviews Dr. Winston, who knows topography of Virginia, bears letters of recommendation, and asks to be allowed to join Gen. Grant. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
11 A.M. Responds to address presented by delegation from General Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church: "God bless the Methodist Church—bless all the churches—and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches." Response to Methodists
Confers with Secs. Seward and Stanton at War Dept. regarding fraudulent proclamation published in two New York newspapers. Rescinds order for arrest of editors and publishers.
Attends lecture on Battle of Gettysburg by Dr. J. R. Warner in hall of House of Representatives.
Suggests to Sec. Chase: "Suppose you change your five per cent loan to six, allowing the holders of the fives already out to convert them into sixes, upon taking each an equal additional amount at six." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Sec. Seward, Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, and Lincoln drive to Great Falls, Va., returning about dark.
Mrs. Lincoln in Cambridge, Mass., with Robert.
1862 - Monday
President declares Gen. Hunter's General Orders No. 11 freeing slaves in Dept. of South void, and "that neither General Hunter, nor any other commander, or person, has been authorized by the Government of the United States, to make proclamations declaring the slaves of any State free." [See May 9, 1862.] Proclamation Revoking General Hunter's Order of Military Emancipation of May 9, 1862
Congressional delegation from Maryland, with 50 constituents from Prince George's County, visits President regarding Fugitive Slave Law. Lincoln assures delegation that Gen. Wadsworth will enforce law in District of Columbia. Reply to Maryland Slaveholders
Appoints Asst. Sec. of Treasury George Harrington "to discharge the duties of Secretary of the Treasury, during the absence of Salmon P. Chase." Appointment of George Harrington
1863 - Tuesday
President proclaims convention with Peru whereby settlement will be made on two captured ships.
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