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.
William H. Carryl and brother, "Importers and Dealers in Curtain Materials and Trimmings of Every Description," Philadelphia, submits bill for $7,500 for purchases made by Mrs. Lincoln to refurnish Executive Mansion.
Telegraphs McClellan: "I think we shall be able, within three days, to tell you certainly, whether any considerable force of the enemy, Jackson, or any one else is moving onto Harper's Ferry, or vicinity. Take this expected development into your calculations." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Informs McDowell: "Gen. Fremont's force should, and probably will, be at or near Strasburg by twelve (noon) to-morrow. Try to have your force, or the advance of it, at Front-Royal as soon." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell
In evening Sen. Browning escorts Judge Williams to meeting with Lincoln and later accompanies President to War Dept.
1863 - Friday
Gen. Burnside expresses to President willingness to be relieved of command following arrest of former Cong. Vallandigham (Ohio) if interest of public service requires it. President supports Burnside. Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside
Lincoln and Sec. Stanton visit Navy Yard to observe firing of Ferris gun.
Cabinet meets to discuss procedures relative to Negro volunteers.
Maryland district attorney consults with President concerning John Merryman in prison at Fort McHenry, Md., without benefit of writ of habeas corpus. [On May 25, 1861, John Merryman of Maryland was arrested by military authorities in Pennsylvania, charged with treason, and sent to prison in Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md. Chief Justice Taney issued writ of habeas corpus to be heard before him on May 27, 1861 in Baltimore. Gen. George Cadwalader, in command at Fort McHenry, refused to execute writ. Taney issued writ for person of Cadwalader, who refused to accept service. Taney realized that neither writ could be executed by force, so he referred case to President Lincoln with admonition that laws of U.S. be respected and enforced. Taney contended that: 1. according to Constitution President had no right to suspend writ of habeas corpus; and 2. military can arrest only persons subject to rules and articles of war.] Case of ex parte Merryman, 17 Fed. Cas. No. 9487
At 3 P.M. reviews four newly arrived New York regiments, including Garibaldi Guard, in front of White House. At night visits Navy Yard and boards steamer "Monticello" to see effects of shots from Sewall's Point.
Orders military commission to meet in July for trial of editors who have violated restrictions on publishing news.
Telegraphs Gen. Banks: "If the enemy, in force, is in or about Martinsburg, Charlestown, and Winchester, or any or all of them, he may come in collision with Fremont; in which case I am anxious that your force, with you, and at Harper's Ferry, should so operate as to assist Fremont, if possible." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks
Sends three telegrams to Gen. Fremont: "(11½ A.M.) There can not be more than twenty, probably not more than fifteen thousand of the enemy, at or about Winchester. Where is your force? It ought this minute to be near Strasburg. Answer at once. . . . (2½ P.M.) Yours saying you will reach Strasburg, or vicinity, at five PM, saturday, has been received and sent to Gen. McDowell, & he directed to act in view of it. You must be up to time you promise if possible. . . . (9½ P.M.) I send you a despatch just received from Gen. Saxton at Harper's Ferry. It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to Gen. McDowell." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont [1] Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont [2]Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont [3]
Sends four telegrams to Gen. McDowell: "(10 A.M.) I somewhat apprehend that Fremont's force, in it's present condition, may not be quite strong enough in case it comes in collision with the enemy. For this additional reason, I wish you to push forward your column as rapidly as possible. Tell me what number your force reaching Front Royal will amount to. . . . (12:40 [P.M.]) Your despatch of to-day received, and is satisfactory. Fremont has nominally twenty-two thousand, really about seventeen thousand. . . . I have a despatch from Fremont this morning, not telling me where he is, but he says 'Scouts and men from Winchester represent Jacksons force variously at thirty to sixty thousand. With him Gen. Ewell and [Gen. James] Longstreet [CSA].' The high figures erroneous of course. Do you not know where Longstreet is? . . . (2½ P.M.) Here-with I send a telegram just received from Gen. Fremont. . . . you will act your discretion, taking this information into your calculation. . . . (9½ P.M.) I send you a despatch just received from Gen. Saxton at Harper's Ferry—It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to Gen. Fremont." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell [1] Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell [2]Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell [3] Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell [4]
1863 - Saturday
President addresses committee originating in Dr. George B. Cheever's church in New York and presenting memorial that urges assignment of Gen. Fremont to command 10,000 Negro troops. Remarks to New York Committee
Referring to late Cong. Lovejoy (Ill.), who died March 25, 1864, Lincoln writes: "He was my most generous friend. Let him have the marble monument, along with the well-assured and more enduring one in the hearts of those who love liberty." Abraham Lincoln to John H. Bryant
Writes committee from American Baptist Home Mission Society in response to resolutions presented by them. When those professedly holy men of South, in semblance of prayer, appealed to Christian world "to aid them in doing to a whole race of men, as they would have no man do unto themselves," they contemned and insulted God. "But let me forbear, remembering it is also written 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.'" Abraham Lincoln to George B. Ide, James R. Doolittle, and A. Hubbell
President limits interviews to matters of urgent importance.
Confers with W. P. Dole, commissioner of Indian affairs.
Robert Lincoln, John Hay, assistant secretary to President, and John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, obtain passes to cross Long Bridge and visit Custis mansion, home of Gen. Robert E. Lee (CSA), in Arlington.
1862 - Saturday
President loiters about War Dept. telegraph office in afternoon with Maj. Thomas T. Eckert, anxious for news. Operator sends out requests for news.
At 11 P.M. first dispatch on battle before Richmond reaches White House.
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "(10.20 P.M.) A circle whose circumference shall pass through Harper's Ferry, Front-Royal, and Strasburg, and whose center shall be a little North East of Winchester, almost certainly has within it this morning, the forces of Jackson, Ewell, and [Gen.] Edward Johnson [(CSA)]. . . . Some part of these forces attacked Harper's Ferry at dark last evening, . . . Shields—with McDowell's advance, re-took Front Royal at 11 A.M. yesterday, . . . Fremont . . . promises to be at or near Strasburg at 5 P.M. to-day. Banks, at Williamsport, with his old force, and his new force at Harper's Ferry, is directed to cooperate." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Transmits to Senate report from secretary of state and documents relative to case of José A. Arguëlles, Spanish officer in Cuba, who seized cargo of over 1,000 Negroes landed on coast from slaver and was accused of fraudulently selling 141 of them. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
George Henry Story, painter, sketches President at work three successive mornings.
Lincoln family reserves pew in New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Members of 2d Maryland Regiment elect Capt. John C. McConnell their colonel and send delegation to President to procure colonel's commission for him.
From balcony of White House President and family hear afternoon music by Marine band. Brisk firing (musket practice) on Virginia side of Potomac interrupts program.
1862 - Sunday
President and Asst. Sec. Fox at War Dept. all morning awaiting news of outcome of Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks).
Lincoln sends three telegrams to Gen. McClellan: [9:30 A.M.] "You are probably engaged with the enemy. . . . Stand well on your guard—hold all your ground, . . . This morning we merge Gen. Wool's department into yours, giving you command of the whole, and sending Gen. Dix to Fortress-Monroe, and Gen. Wool to Fort-McHenry. We also send Gen. Sigel to report to you for duty. . . . [1:1 P.M.] I suggest—(do not order) that he [Gen. Sigel] have command of such of the forces about Fort-Monroe, Norfolk, Newports-News, &c. as you may see fit to put into active service. . . . [5. P.M.] . . . If the enemy shall not have renewed the attack this afternoon, I think the hardest of your work is done. Shields' advance came in collision with part of the enemy yesterday evening six miles from Front-Royal . . . driving them back, . . . We have concluded to send Gen. Sigel to Harper's Ferry." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan [1] Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan [2]Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan [3]
In afternoon Joseph C. G. Kennedy, superintendent of census, calls at White House and walks through grounds with President.
At 6 P.M. President and Mrs. Lincoln stroll in White House grounds with Sen. Browning (Ill.). Later Browning accompanies Lincoln to War Dept. for news of fighting near Richmond.
In evening group of generals and senators meet with President in War Dept. to review late war news.
Mrs. Lincoln sends Mrs. G. V. Fox bouquet of roses.
1863 - Monday
President confers with Sec. Stanton about enforcement of Gen. Burnside's Order No. 38 against seditious newspapers in Indiana.
Informs George F. Kelly, agent for California settlers having complaints against action of District Court of California involving land claims, that courts must decide land titles. Abraham Lincoln to William T. Otto
Receives from Sec. Welles list of applicants for appointment to Naval Academy.
Directs Col. William H. Ludlow, agent for exchange of prisoners at Fortress Monroe, Va., to ascertain why A. D. Richardson and Junius Browne, correspondents of New York "Tribune," are detained at Richmond, and to "get them off if you can." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Ludlow
Interviews Gen. John F. Reynolds about command of Army of Potomac.
Cabinet meets, discusses Vicksburg, Miss., campaign, and "confidence is expressed in Grant, but it seems that not enough was doing."
Lincoln telegraphs Grant at Vicksburg: "Are you in communication with Gen. Banks? Is he coming towards you, or going further off? Is there, or has there been any thing to hinder his coming directly to you by water from Alexandria?" Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
1864 - Thursday
Lincoln receives notice from Gen. Rosecrans of conspiracy by Order of American Knights, reputedly led by former Cong. Vallandigham (Ohio) and by C. Hunt, to overthrow government. Documents should be transmitted by courier.
O. H. Browning confers with Lincoln and obtains three weeks' parole for Charles H. Jonas, Confederate prisoner, to visit dying father. [Abraham Jonas of Quincy, Ill., old friend of Lincoln.]
A. K. McClure, delegate-at-large from Pennsylvania to National Union Party Convention, calls on Lincoln.
Mrs. Lincoln attends opera, accompanied by Postmaster Gen. Blair and his daughter.
[Sen. Douglas (Ill.) dies at 9:10 A.M. in Chicago at age 48. Death comes several weeks after attack of acute rheumatism followed by complicated illness.]
President directs that government offices be closed on day of funeral and that Executive Mansion and departments be draped in mourning 30 days.
G. H. Story continues sketching President.
[From contingent fund for expenses of Executive Office, John G. Nicolay purchases "Map of the Seat of War."]
1862 - Monday
President promises Kentucky congressional delegation at White House that Herman Franks, indicted for treason, will be pardoned upon receipt of its written request. Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates
Cautions Gen. McClellan: "With these continuous rains, I am very anxious about the Chickahominy so close in your rear, and crossing your line of communication. Please look well to it." Abraham Lincoln to Geroge B. McClellan
Telegraphs Gen. McDowell: "(6.15 P.M.) Anxious to know whether Shields can head or flank Jackson. Please tell about where Shields and Jackson respectively are, at the time this reaches you." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell
1863 - Tuesday
A. W. Thompson submits to President plan for organizing immigrants and Negroes into military units and employing them eight hours a day building railroads. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Several merchants and shipbuilders from Baltimore interview President and cabinet in special session.
President makes short speech of welcome to Marcelino Hurtado, minister plenipotentiary from Granadian Confederation. Washington Star, 5 June 1861; Reply to Don Marcelino Hurtado
Ignores secession in Texas and recognizes Miguel Zaragosa as consul for Mexico at San Antonio.
President and Mrs. Lincoln give first dinner for diplomatic corps, 34 persons present.
Forwards to Senate documentation on American claims against Paraguay for damages to vessel "Water Witch." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Telegraphs Gen. Halleck at Corinth, Miss., after receiving report that 10,000 prisoners have been captured: "Your despatch of to-day to Sec. of War received. Thanks for the good news it brings. Have you anything from Memphis or other parts of the Mississippi river? Please answer." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Asks Mil. Gov. Johnson at Nashville: "Do you really wish to have control of the question of releasing rebel prisoners so far as they may be Tennesseeans? If you do, please tell us so distinctly. Your answer not to be made public." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson
1863 - Thursday
President receives complaints from Illinois political leaders against Gen. Burnside's Order No. 38 and revokes suspension of Chicago "Times" circulation. Harper, Press, 261; Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President, accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln and party, attends recitation from Shakespeare at private residence near Chain Bridge.
Orders Gen. Hooker to suspend execution of sentences in cases of Enos Daily, Philip Margraff, and Carlos Harrington of 146th New York Volunteers. Situation seems to be that recruits enlisting for six months are required to serve three years. "It is notorious among New-Yorkers that a regular system of deceit was practiced by recruiting officers." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Saturday
President continues to welcome all delegations to Baltimore Convention, knowing many will not be admitted: carpetbaggers, Negroes, sutlers claiming to represent states still in rebellion.
Subcommittee of Union Defense Committee of New York reports to President on forwarding of troops and munitions.
Lincoln's private secretary, John G. Nicolay, leaves for two-week trip to Illinois.
Lincoln prepares order for Gen. George B. McClellan to command Sturges Rifles of Chicago [later McClellan's bodyguard]. Writes Gen. Scott for assistance in preparing way for appointment of Gen. Meigs as quartermaster general. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott
Interviews Henry S. Turner, retired army officer, Missouri farmer, and banking partner of Gen. William T. Sherman.
Receives May salary warrant for $2,083.34.
President's Mounted Guard wanted dead or alive. Southern sources offer $500 reward for each and every member.
1862 - Thursday
President approves bill providing commissioners to Liberia and Haiti, first Negro governments to be recognized by Congress.
Spanish minister presents Gens. Prim and Milans to President and Sec. Seward.
Lincoln receives acclaim of Maine Republican State Convention.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) has tea in Lincoln's room.
President receives May salary warrant for $2,083.34.
Writes Sec. Stanton privately: "The proposed reappointment of William Kellogg, Jr. to a Cadetship . . . [is] . . . painful to me. . . . the father . . . is my personal friend of more than twenty year's standing. . . . This matter touches him very deeply—the feelings of a father for a child—as he thinks, all the future of his child. I can not be the instrument to crush his heart. . . . Let the appointment be made." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Friday
Lincoln discusses with Gen. Halleck telegram from Gen. Hooker concerning disposition of troops in opposition to Gen. R. E. Lee.
Cautions Hooker not to "take any risk of being entangled upon the river [Rappahannock], like an ox jumped half over a fence, and liable to be torn by dogs, front and rear, without a fair chance to gore one way or kick the other." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Reads paper prepared in reply to Cong. "Erastus Corning [N.Y.] & Others."
Interviews Cong. Fernando Wood (N.Y.).
Receives May salary warrant for $2,022.34.
1864 - Sunday
President will not commit himself on subject of candidate for Vice President.
"It was decided by the Cabinet today that all the expenses of the war should be paid by the General Government except such sums as may be expended by the States in the equipment and maintenance of men previous to their being sworn in."
1862 - Friday
President receives Col. John R. Kenly, 1st Maryland Regiment, hero of Front Royal, Va., accompanied by Gov. Bradford (Md.).
Interviews Vincent Colyer, educator from North Carolina, regarding action of Gov. Stanly in closing Colyer's school for loyal Negroes, in order to foster good relations with people of North Carolina.
Directs Sec. Stanton to transfer Gen. McCall's division from Gen. McDowell to Gen. McClellan immediately.
Mrs. Lincoln sends White House flowers to Mrs. Fox.
Lincoln informs Gen. Dix at Fortress Monroe, Va., of conditions at Vicksburg, Miss. While dispatches "show the siege progressing, they do not show any general fighting, since the 21st. and 22nd. We have nothing from Port-Hudson later than the 29th. when things looked reasonably well for us." Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dix
1864 - Monday
President interviews Prof. Eben N. Horsford of Cambridge, Mass., and Lewis H. Morgan, anthropologist of Rochester, N.Y., regarding Pvt. James McCarthy, Co. K, 140th New York Regiment, under sentence for attempt to desert. Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade
Grants audience to Stephen C. Massett, lecturer, and gives him card of introduction to Prof.
Consults Sec. Chase about collector of customs at New York.
Listens while John Hay reads letter from John Nicolay describing pre-convention activities in Baltimore. Instructs Hay to reply. Wishes not to interfere in nomination of Vice President and has no suggestion in regard to platform or organization of convention.
Consults at length with Sen. Lane (Kans.) about national political situation and outlook.
Receives May salary warrant for $2,022.34.
Writes Gen. Henry W. Slocum at Vicksburg: "My friend, Thomas A. Marshall, . . . has some difficulty in managing a plantation in your Department. . . . I personally know, so far as such things can be known that Mr. Marshall is loyal, truthful, and honorable; and that I shall be glad for him to be obliged in any not unreasonable way." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Slocum
Funeral of Sen. Douglas (Ill.). Lincoln receives no visitors.
[Government departments, municipal offices, public schools closed in deference to Douglas.
Joseph Gawler, cabinet maker and undertaker, Penn. Ave. between 17th & 18th Sts. charges Executive Mansion account $28.00 for "224 yds. of Black cambric," $1.12 for "3 yds of Black crape" and $15.00 for "Drapeing the Building."
1862 - Saturday
Approves act for collection of direct taxes in insurrectionary districts within U.S., and for other purposes.
White House announces there will be no music in "President's grounds" this season.
President writes recommendation: "The bearer of this, Edward Burke [Benke?], has been here at the White-House, several months, during my residence here, and has appeared to me to be a quiet, orderly, and faithful man." Recommendation for Edward Burke
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "Your despatch about Chattanooga and Dalton was duly received and sent to Gen. Halleck. I have just received the following answer from him. We have Fort-Pillow, Randolph, and Memphis." Abraham Lincoln to Geroge B. McClellan
1863 - Sunday
[It's Sunday, nothing of note.]
1864 - Tuesday
Frederick C. Meyer, chairman, Baltimore Convention, telegraphs Lincoln: "The Convention has just been called to order everything progressing."
President interviews Burton C. Cook, chairman of Illinois delegation to Baltimore Convention.
Great Central Fair of U.S. Sanitary Commission opens in Philadelphia. President unable to accept invitation to dedicate event.
9 P.M. Marshal Lamon telegraphs Lincoln from Baltimore Convention: "Enthusiastic unanimity beyond even my expectations. Preliminaries not yet settled. Nomination to be made tomorrow."
Lincoln deposits May salary warrant for $2,022.34 in Riggs Bank.
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