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.
Interviews Col. Julian Allen and Maj. H. Kalusowski, delegates from Polish Battalion of New York, regarding muster in Washington of volunter Polish regiment from all states. Consults with Gens. Robert Patterson and Scott on military plans. N.Y. Times, 21 May 1861; Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, returns from official trip to Fortress Monroe, Va.
Mrs. Lincoln returns to New York City from visit with Robert in Cambridge, Mass.
1862 - Tuesday
President and group of public men observe experiments to test iron armor at Navy Yard.
Says he will not relieve Gen. Hunter even on own request.
At 6 P.M. Mrs. Lincoln and carriage call at Browning residence. President arrives on horseback. Goes riding with Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Capt. James N. Brown, Illinois cattleman.
Approves act securing homesteads to actual settlers on public domain, act providing primary schools for public instruction in District of Columbia outside Washington and Georgetown, and act prescribing qualification (oath of allegiance) for electors in cities of Washington and Georgetown, DC.
Inquires of Gen. McClellan: "Telegraph being open tell us the situation & suggest if you can anything about batteries at Fort Darling." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Complies with request for autograph: "I beg that her ladyship [Sarah Sophia Fane, Lady Villiers] will accept the assurance of my sincere gratification at this opportunity of subscribing myself Very truly, Her Ladyship's obedient servant." Abraham Lincoln to Lady Villiers
1863 -Wednesday
President pardons Albert Horn, convicted upon charge of fitting out vessel to engage in slave trade.
Recognizes Constantine P. Ralli as vice consul of Greece at St. Louis.
President writes order that no person engaged in trade following published regulations of Treasury Dept. shall be hindered by Army or Navy. Order Concerning Trade
President communicates with Senate regarding arrests by military commander in Kentucky of persons suspected of secessionist sympathies. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Approves act providing for education of colored children in cities of Washington and Georgetown, DC, and for other purposes.
"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders from W. F. Richstein: "1 set Stricklands England $21.00, 1 set Stricklands Scotland $20.00, 1 Mrs. Brownings Poems $9.00, 1 Mrs. Sigourneys Poems $1.25, 1 Mrs. Osgood Poems $0.90." [Agnes Strickland, Lives of the Queens of England . . ., Philadelphia, 1847-1859; Lives of the Queens of Scotland, New York, 1851-59; Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Poems; Mrs. Lydia Howard Sigourney, Illustrated Poems, Philadelphia, 1860; Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood, Poems, New York, 1846. The third and fourth items paid for by the President, the remaining ones by Commissioner French from annual appropriation.]
John Douglas, clerk, Reformed Presbyterian Church, calls on President and presents document concerning emancipation.
Library of Congress lends "Sparrowgrass Papers" to White House. [Frederick Swartout Cozzens, The Sparrowgrass Papers; or, Living in the Country, New York, 1856.]
President confirms Gen. McClellan's understanding that in event of junction with Gen. McDowell, McClellan is in command, except that no order can put McDowell out of position to cover Washington. Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Calls attention of Sen. James F. Simmons (R.I.) to distressed girl from "your state" who seeks employment. "See if you can not get Mr. Sec. Chase or friend [Isaac] Newton to find her a place." Abraham Lincoln to James F. Simmons
Writes Sen. Sumner (Mass.) regarding soldier subject to a lethargy arrested for falling asleep: "I should not knowingly let him be punished, if shown he has the infirmity." Abraham Lincoln to Charles Sumner
1863 - Thursday
President withholds permission for Col. James F. Jaquess, 73d Illinois Regiment and Methodist minister, to visit Washington. Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
Calls upon Sec. Welles with protest that American vessels are annoying neutral shipping off coast of Cuba.
Committee with petition on behalf of Gen. C. S. Hamilton, signed by 23 senators and 84 representatives, waits upon President.
1864 - Saturday
President decides to lift publication ban on New York newspapers "World" and "Journal of Commerce."
Recognizes Carl C. Finkler as consul for Duchy of Nassau for California.
Act to provide temporary government for territory of Montana having been passed, Lincoln instructs Atty. Gen. Bates and Sec. Seward to brief applications for offices in so far as they relate to their departments. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Sends identical letters to Govs. Morton (Ind.), Yates (Ill.), William M. Stone (Iowa), and James T. Lewis (Wis.): "The getting forward of hundred day troops to sustain Gen. Sherman's lengthening lines promises much good. Please put your best efforts into the work." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton
Replies to request of Christiana A. Sack, of Baltimore: "I can not postpone the execution of a convicted spy, on a mere telegraphic despatch signed with a name I never heard before. Gen. Wallace may give you a pass to see him, if he chooses." Abraham Lincoln to Christiana A. Sack
President writes Gov. Morgan (N.Y.): "I wish to see you face to face to clear these difficulties about forwarding troops from New York." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin D. Morgan
Accompanied by Sec. Stanton and Comdr. Dahlgren embarks for visit to army at Fredericksburg.
Writes memorandum relative to appointment of Lt. Col. Hicks: "This note, as Col. Hicks did verbally yesterday, attempts to excite me against the Secretary of War , and therein is offensive to me. My 'order' as he is pleased to call it, is plainly no order at all." Memorandum: Appointment of George Montagu Hicks
1863 - Friday
President addresses "The One-Legged Brigade," veterans at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, gathered at White House. Remarks to "The One-Legged Brigade"
Informs Gen. Hurlbut at Memphis, Tenn.: "We have news here in the Richmond newspapers of 20th. & 21st. including a despatch from Gen. Joe Johnson [Johnston (CSA)] himself, that on 15th. or 16th. (a little confusion as to the day) Grant beat [Gen. John C.] Pemberton [(CSA)] & [Gen. William W.] Loring [(CSA)] near Edwards' Station, at the end of a nine hours fight." Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Hurlbut
In afternoon President and Mrs. Lincoln attend presentation of flag exercises and dress parade of 7th New York Regiment at Camp Cameron, DC.
1862 - Friday Fredericksburg, VA and En route.
Gen. McDowell and Col. Herman Haupt, aide-de-camp to McDowell and chief of construction and transportation on military railroads, meet President and party at Aquia Creek, Va., and accompany them in baggage car to McDowell's headquarters on north side of Rappahannock. President reviews various divisions and rides along lines with hat off as men cheer. Leaves headquarters at 9 P.M. Leaves Aquia Creek on return trip at 10 P.M.
President in conference at War Dept. with Secs. Stanton and Welles, Asst. Sec. Fox, and Gen. Halleck regarding attack on Charleston.
Authorizes Stanton to confer with W. Butler, former state treasurer of Illinois, "and see if something definite can not be done in the case" of state claims against Illinois Central Railroad, and claims of railroad against U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Learning of tragedy through War Dept. telegram, Lincoln weeps openly over death of young friend, Col. Ellsworth, shot by proprietor of Marshall House in Alexandria, Va., for removing Confederate flag flying over building. Calls cabinet meeting at noon to discuss incident. Drives with Mrs. Lincoln to Navy Yard to view Ellsworth's body. Receives reporter and Sen. Wilson (Mass.) at White House, but excuses himself as unable to talk. Returns to Navy Yard in evening and arranges for removal of body to White House for funeral.
President and secretary of war interview Judge William F. M. Arny of Kansas, who offers three regiments for protection of northwestern Missouri.
Approves payment of bill for $952.48 for carpetings purchased by Mrs. Lincoln from Alexander T. Stewart and Co., New York.
1862 - Saturday
President arrives at Navy Yard about 5 A.M. on return trip from Fredericksburg, Va.
Visits War Dept. in morning.
Confers with Sec. Stanton regarding troop movements.
Spends much of day in telegraph office directing troop movements under Gens. Fremont and McDowell in consequence of Gen. Banks' critical position resulting from Confederate break-through at Front Royal, Va.
Sends dispatch to Fremont: "The exposed condition of General Banks makes his immediate relief a point of paramount importance. You are therefore directed by the President to move against Jackson at Harrisonberg and operate against the enemy in such way as to relieve Banks." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
Telegraphs Gen. Rufus Saxton at Harper's Ferry, Va.: (1 P.M.) "Please inform us, if possible, what has become of the force which pursued Banks yesterday. Also, any other information you have." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton
To Gen. Halleck near Corinth, Miss., who seeks reinforcements, Lincoln writes: "We do the best we can . . . each of our commanders along our line from Richmond to Corinth supposes himself to be confronted by numbers superior to his own."
J. R. Gilmore reports to President on recent trip to Gen. Rosecrans' headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Trip made at behest of Horace Greeley to measure Rosecrans' fitness to succeed Lincoln as President.
In company with Sen. Doolittle (Wis.) Lincoln visits three principal hospitals and shakes hands with 1,000 soldiers.
Inquires of Col. Anson Stager about report of William G. Fuller at Memphis, Tenn., regarding capture of Vicksburg, Miss. "Did he know what he said, or did he say it without knowing it? Your despatch of this afternoon throws doubt upon it." Abraham Lincoln to Anson Stager
1864 - Tuesday
President cheers Gov. Brough (Ohio) by quoting Gen. Grant: "'Everything looks exceedingly favorable for us.'" Abraham Lincoln to John Brough
Sec. Seward and Simon Cameron spend evening with President.
President recommends to Senate for promotion Lt. Comdr. Francis A. Roe (USN) and 1st Asst. Eng. James M. Hobby (USN) for distinguished conduct in battle between U.S.S. "Sassacus" and rebel ironclad ram "Albermarle." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Writes note to Sec. Stanton on letter of E. A. Paul, New York "Times" correspondent, enclosing pass to Army of Potomac not approved by Stanton : "The Times I believe is always true to the Union, and therefore should be treated at least as well as any." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President and Mrs. Lincoln attend funeral services for Col. Ellsworth at noon in East Room, where body has lain in state since early morning. Mrs. Lincoln places Ellsworth's picture and a wreath on casket.
President rides in military procession to depot with members of cabinet. Train for New York leaves about 2 P.M.
Lincoln writes parents of Ellsworth: "My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago; yet through the latter half of the intervening period, it was as intimate as the disparity of our ages, and my engrossing engagements, would permit. . . . May God give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power. Sincerely your friend in a common affliction." Abraham Lincoln to Ephraim D. and Phoebe Ellsworth
Courier informs President in Ellsworth funeral procession of hostilities on Virginia side of Potomac.
President and Sec. Cameron interview F. B. Cutting of New York, who believes that European public sentiment toward U.S. can be directed best through Rothschild organization.
1862 - Sunday
Following visit to Fredericksburg, Va., Sec. Chase reports to President that Gen. McDowell has begun movement of 20,000 troops as ordered.
President "stampeded all day with news from Gen. Banks' army," which was last reported in retreat to Martinsburg, Va.
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan military situation in vicinity of Front Royal, Va., and Harper's Ferry, Va. Issues orders for placement of men and movements of armies. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:275; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Another dispatch to McClellan concludes: "I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job and come to the defence of Washington." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in evening.
1863 - Monday
President visits number of hospitals in and around city.
Officials of Pittsburgh Fair for benefit of U.S. Sanitary Commission request President's autograph, to be sold at Fair.
Lincoln writes Cong. Arnold (Ill.) letter for use in canvass for reelection: "I take it that your devotion to the Union and the Administration can not be questioned by any sincere man." Abraham Lincoln to Isaac N. Arnold
President directs Sec. Cameron to have Col. Max Einstein's 27th Pennsylvania Regiment mustered into service. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Monday
President remarks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) that Gen. Banks is over Potomac at Williamsport, Md., in good order.
Replies to resolution of censure by Congress. Exonerates former Sec. Cameron and states "that not only the President but all the other heads of departments were at least equally responsible with him for whatever error, wrong, or fault was committed in the premises." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 Pearls of Ord Island $1.25, 1 Agnes of Sorrento $1.25." [Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Pearl of Orr's Island, Boston, 1862; Agnes of Sorrento, Boston, 1862.]
Lincoln reports to Gen. McClellan: "We have Genl Banks official report. He has saved his army & baggage & has made a safe retreat to the river & is probably safe at Williamsport. He reports the attacking force at fifteen thousand (15000)." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Telegraphs McClellan: "Can you not cut the Acquia Creek Railroad also? What impression have you, as to intrenchments—works—for you to contend with in front of Richmond? Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Tuesday
President, in letter to Cong. Arnold (Ill.), denies that Gen. Halleck has driven Gens. Fremont, Butler, and Sigel from the service. "Without claiming to be your superior, which I do not, my position enables me to understand my duty in all these matters better than you possibly can, and I hope you do not yet doubt my integrity." Abraham Lincoln to Isaac N. Arnold
There seems to be a "kind of council of war" in session at White House.
Cabinet discusses release of man condemned as spy.
1864 - Thursday
President discusses pay of Negro chaplains with Atty. Gen. Bates and Sen. Sumner (Mass.).
Sec. Seward arranges 11:30 A.M. appointment for Baron von Gerolt with President.
President recognizes John Hitz as consul general of Swiss Confederation at Washington.
President interviews three members of Eagle Artillery of Baltimore (60 men) who offer services of corps to Government.
Accepts six additional regiments of volunteers from Indiana.
Postmaster Gen. Blair and Gen. Meigs discuss with President appointment of quartermaster general; Meigs consults with President and Sec. Seward about Fort Pickens, Fla. Carl Schurz calls on President.
Robert Lincoln at White House, on vacation from Harvard.
Lincoln drafts letter for Adjt. Gen. Thomas to sign, authorizing Gen. Harney in Missouri to check every movement against Government "however disguised under the pretended State authority." Lorenzo Thomas to William S. Harney
1862 - Tuesday
President notifies Gov. Curtin (Pa.) that only troops who volunteer for three years or for duration will be accepted.
Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "I see you are at Moorefield. You were expressly ordered to march to Harrisonburg. What does this mean?" Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
" Telegraphs Gen. Hooker: "Have you Richmond papers of this morning? If so, what news?" Asks Gen. Rosecrans: "Have you anything from Grant? Where is [Gen. Nathan B.] Forrest's [(CSA)] Head Quarters?" Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans"
Ol Gen. Forrest was a bit like Francis Marion, alias Swamp Fox, whose headquarters was wherever he happened to be, usually 20-25 miles from the location on the day prior!
__________________ 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
Immense throng of civil and military dignitaries attends presidential levee tonight. Afterward President and Mrs. Lincoln entertain small group of friends.
1862 - Wednesday
President appears before Committee on Conduct of War and describes 400-foot railroad bridge across Potomac built by Col. Haupt as having nothing in it but cornstalks and beanpoles.
Spends part of evening at War Dept.
Stops by Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW., where Mrs. Lincoln and party are attending concert by opera star Clara Louise Kellogg.
Recommends Marshal Lamon: "My particular friend, born and raised at Bunker-Hill, an excellent horseman, and, I think, will be most valuable for scouting purposes." Recommendation for Ward H. Lamon
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "I am very glad of Gen: F. J. [Fitz John] Porter's victory [Hanover Court House]. Still, if it was a total rout of the enemy, I am puzzled to know why the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad was not seized. . . . That the whole force of the enemy is concentrating in Richmond, I think can not be certainly known to you or me. . . . I am painfully impressed with the importance of the struggle before you; and I shall aid you all I can consistently with my view of due regard to all points." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Telegraphs Gen. McDowell at Manassas Junction: "You say Gen. [John W.] Geary's scouts report they find no enemy this side of the Blue Ridge. Neither do I. Have they been to the Blue Ridge looking for them? . . . I think the evidence now preponderates that [Gen. Richard S.] Ewell [(CSA)] and Jackson are still about Winchester. Assuming this, it is, for you a question of legs. Put in all the speed you can. I have told Fremont as much, and directed him to drive at them as fast as possible. By the way, I suppose you know, Fremont has got up to Moorefield, instead of going to Harrisonburg." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell
President confers again with J. R. Gilmore and declines to give official countenance to Col. Jaquess' project to try to arrange a peace.
Authorizes Gen. Rosecrans to give Jacquess furlough to go into Confederate territory to seek out members of Methodist Church and others opposed to war and to arrange terms for their return to allegiance which would be acceptable to government. Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
1864 - Saturday
Lincoln replies briefly to resolutions presented by delegation from American Baptist Home Missionary Society. Washington Star, 28 May 1864; Reply to Delegation of Baptists
Transmits to Senate partial report of secretary of state and documentation relative to Mexican affairs. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Answers inquiry of Cornelius A. Walborn, postmaster at Philadelphia, regarding visit to Great Central Fair: "Whether I can during it's continuance must depend on circumstances." Abraham Lincoln to Cornelius A. Walborn
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