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 interviews former Cong. Emerson Etheridge (Tenn.) who will direct distribution of arms sent to Cairo, Ill. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Approves U.S. Sanitary Commission authorized by secretary of war, consisting of Rev. Dr. Henry W. Bellows, Unitarian pastor, president, Profs. Alexander D. Bache, Wolcott Gibbs, Jeffries Wyman, Drs. William H. Van Buren, Samuel G. Howe, Robert C. Wood, Col. George W. Cullum, and Maj. Alexander E. Shiras.
President and party review Garibaldi Guard at Camp Grinnell, DC, on eastern branch of Potomac.
1862 - Sunday
President examines cases of soldiers imprisoned by courts-martial in District of Columbia penitentiary.
1863 - Monday
President instructs Sec. Welles to decide question of weekly performances of Marine band at White House.
Sec. Chase reads to Lincoln letter from Benjamin H. Brewster, prominent Philadelphia lawyer, on Pennsylvania political situation.
President accompanies Mrs. Lincoln and Tad to 3 P.M. train for Philadelphia.
Writes Gen. Curtis upon removing him from command of Dept. of the Missouri: "It became almost a matter of personal self-defence to somehow break up the state of things in Missouri. I did not mean to cast any censure upon you, nor to indorse any of the charges made against you by others. With me the presumption is still in your favor that you are honest, capable, faithful, and patriotic." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
Sends two dispatches to Gen. Dix: "We have despatches from Vicksburg of the 3rd. Siege progressing. No general fighting recently. All well." And: "The substance of the news sent of fight at Port-Hudson on the 27th. we have had here three or four days. . . . We knew that Gen. Sherman was wounded. . . . We still have nothing of that Richmond newspaper story of [Gen. Edmund] Kirby Smith [(CSA)] crossing & of Banks losing an arm." Abraham Lincoln to John A. DixAbraham Lincoln to John A. Dix
1864 - Wednesday
National Union Convention, meeting in Baltimore, nominates Lincoln for President.
Lincoln busy in morning at War Dept., in constant telegraphic communication with Gen. Grant. Hurries to White House for quick lunch and returns to War Dept. About 4:30 P.M. sees dispatch announcing nomination of Mil. Gov. Johnson (Tenn.) for Vice President. Learns announcement of his own nomination received two hours ago.
Interviews James G. McAdam of New York on behalf of James A. McCrea, accused of procuring whiskey for soldiers at Beaufort, S.C. Abraham Lincoln to James G. McAdam
Receives visit and congratulations from Mayor Wallach (Washington). Washington Star, 9 June 1864.
Attends Grover's Theatre in evening alone.
President submits to Congress recommendation of secretary of war that "clause in the enrolment act known as the three hundred dollar clause," which allows persons to pay that amount in lieu of personal service, be repealed. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
President does not accompany Mrs. Lincoln to church today.
"In Christ Church, at Alexandria, today the Reverend Dr. Cornelius B. Walker, a Disunionist, preached a strong Secession sermon, significantly omitting the prayer for the President of the United States from the regular service."
1862 - Monday
President receives Capt. Com. Schonheyden and Lt. Steen Bitlee of Danish Navy.
Telegraphs Gen. Banks at Winchester, Va.: "We are arranging a general plan for the valley of the Shenandoah; . . . move your main force to the Shenandoah at or opposite Front-Royal as soon as possible." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks
Orders Gen. Fremont at Harrisonburg, Va.: "Halt at Harrisonburg, pursuing Jackson no ****her; . . . stand on the defensive, . . . and await further orders." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
1863 - Tuesday
President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia: "Think you better put 'Tad's' pistol away. I had an ugly dream about him." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
1864 - Thursday
President grants audience to Elisha H. Allen, envoy and minister from Hawaii, and exchanges short speeches with him. Reply to Elisha H. Allen
Confers with A. H. Markland, post office official with army, regarding postal service orders which Sec. Stanton refuses to issue.
Replies to notification committee headed by former Gov. Dennison (Ohio): "I will neither conceal my gratification, nor restrain the expression of my gratitude, that the Union people, through their convention, in their continued effort to save, and advance the nation, have deemed me not unworthy to remain in my present position." Reply to Committee Notifying Lincoln of His Renomination
Receives delegation from National Union League in East Room and replies to their resolutions: "I have not permitted myself, gentlemen, to conclude that I am the best man in the country; but I am reminded, in this convention, of a story of an old Dutch farmer, who remarked to a companion once that 'it was not best to swap horses when crossing streams.'" Reply to Delegation from the National Union League
Receives congratulations of Philadelphia delegation to recent convention in Baltimore.
Responds to serenade by Ohio delegation and Capt. A. Menter's American Cornet Band.
Consults with John Hay just before bedtime about message from Gen. Rosecrans concerning conspiracy to overthrow government.
Appoints resident ministers: former Cong. Edward J. Morris (Pa.) to Constantinople, Henry T. Blow of Missouri to Venezuela, Charles N. Riotte of Texas to Costa Rica.
At 5 P.M. President and Gen. Scott review 2d Michigan Regiment at White House.
In evening group of army chaplains is entertained by President and Mrs. Lincoln.
President deposits May salary check for $2,083.34 in Riggs Bank.
Witnesses experiments with gun made by Orison Blunt and writes Comdr. Dahlgren: "I really think it worthy the attention of the government." Endorsement: John A. Dahlgren to Lincoln
For $2.50, Joseph Gawler, cabinet maker, mounts 4 maps in the President's house.
Mrs. Lincoln sends strawberries and flowers to Mrs. G. V. Fox.
1863 - Wednesday
President forgets 12 M. appointment with Mr. Molina arranged by Sec. Seward [probably Luis Molina, minister from Nicaragua]. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Accompanied by Sec. Stanton , Gen. Heintzelman, and staff, visits Fort Lyon, Va. Explosion there yesterday did no serious damage.
Replies to dispatch of Gen. Hooker: "If left to me, I would not go South of the Rappahannock, upon Lee's moving North of it. . . . I think Lee's Army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Friday
President hands John Hay note for Gen. Rosecrans at St. Louis, before Hay is out of bed.
Issues order: "Major John Hay, Assistant Adjutant General, will repair at once to St. Louis Missouri, and having executed my verbal instructions will return to his station here." Order to John Hay
Interviews O. H. Browning at night relative to appointing Mrs. Abraham Jonas postmaster of Quincy, Ill. [See June 2, 1864.]
Acknowledges receipt of Triennial Congregational Convention resolutions regarding day of national prayer, and atrocities committed on colored troops. Abraham Lincoln to Julian M. Sturtevant
Lincoln's former pastor, Dr. James A. Smith of Springfield, is visiting at Executive Mansion.
Prof. Joseph Henry, secretary of Smithsonian Institution, introduces Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, balloonist, to President.
Lincoln visits Navy Yard, receives artillery salute, witnesses gun practice.
Reviews Ohio and New York regiments at White House. Washington Star, June 12, 1861. Accepts six additional regiments from Indiana. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Informs Gen. Meigs that his appointment as quartermaster general will probably be made tomorrow.
Authorizes Commissioner Dole to select superintendent of Indian affairs in Washington Territory. Anson Dart of Wisconsin, former superintendent of Indian affairs in Oregon, is designated. Adverse reports on Dart cause Lincoln to write Dole "that neither you or I could knowingly be for such a man." Abraham Lincoln to William P. Dole
1862 - Wednesday
President confers with Gen. Burnside who leaves shortly for Fortress Monroe, Va.
In evening at White House, Lincoln, Sen. Browning (Ill.), Marshal Lamon, and Gen. Wadsworth discuss operation of Fugitive Slave Law in District of Columbia.
Telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia: "Your three despatches received. I am very well; and am glad to know that you & 'Tad' are so." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Confers with Gen. Halleck on movement of troops under Gen. Hooker.
Confers with Atty. Gen. Bates, who protests confiscation Orders Nos. 30 and 33 of Gen. Wallace at Baltimore.
Approves act providing for execution of treaties between U.S. and foreign nations regarding consular jurisdiction over crews of foreign vessels in U.S. waters and ports.
Turns over to secretary of treasury for reinvestment salary warrants for February 1864 and March 1864, with balance of $89 from purchase of notes on January 12, 1864, and all his government securities, total amount $54,515.07.
Gen. Meigs accompanies Gen. Erasmus D. Keyes to see President about field command and promotion for Keyes.
1862 - Thursday
At 9 A.M. former Sen. Johnson (Md.) and Sen. Browning (Ill.) confer with Lincoln about appointment of collector of customs at New Orleans.
Kentucky delegation in Congress waits upon President and protests against prisoner exchange of Gen. Simon B. Buckner (CSA) for Gen. Benjamin M. Prentiss. N.Y.
Writes Gen. Fremont: "Accounts which we do not credit, represent that Jackson is largely reinforced, and is turning upon you. . . . keep us well and frequently advised; and if you find yourself really pressed . . . fall back cautiously towards, or to, Winchester, . . . and we will in, due time, have Gen. Banks in position to sustain you." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
Mrs. Lincoln spends part of day visiting military hospitals.
1863 - Friday
President replies to resolutions of public meeting held at Albany, N.Y., in letter to "Hon. Erastus Corning & Others." Differences exist in construing war powers of President under Constitution. Abraham Lincoln to Erastus Corning and Others
Visits Gen. Meigs' office to discuss Army of Potomac.
Spends part of afternoon at War Dept.
1864 - Sunday
President receives request from Gen. George W. Dietezeler, Kansas Militia, for permission to call out 2,000 militia for 80 days to protect state against bushwhackers.
Hiram Berdan, mechanical engineer and expert rifleman, in morning interview with President regarding formation of regiment of sharpshooters is referred to secretary of war.
Hiram Barney, collector, Port of New York, and friends interview President about appointments.
Secs. Chase and Cameron accompany President in carriage with cavalry escort on trip to entrenchments on Virginia side of Potomac. Review troops at 7 P.M. Recross Long Bridge on foot because of damaged sleepers.
1862 - Friday
Lord Lyons has audience with President on eve of departure for Europe and several weeks' vacation.
Lincoln's family moves to Soldiers' Home for summer.
President recognizes appointment of Jorge Federico Darby as consul general of Uruguay at New York.
Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "We can not afford to keep your force, and Banks', and McDowell's, engaged in keeping Jackson South of Strasburg and Front-Royal. . . . The orders already sent you and Banks place you and him in the proper positions for the work assigned you. . . . Please do as I directed in the order of the 8th. and my despatch of yesterday, the 12th. and neither you nor Banks will be overwhelmed by Jackson." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
1863 - Saturday
President thanks Leopold I, King of the Belgians, for acting as arbiter in U.S.S. "Macedonian" case. Abraham Lincoln to Leopold
At 1 P.M. President and Gen. Meigs board tug for trip to Army of Potomac. Gen. Hooker telegraphs to postpone visit. Tug turns back at Alexandria, Va., and reaches Washington at 3:30 P.M. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Lincoln directs Sec. Welles: "Please allow the bearer, Mr. [Azel S.] Lyman, to take his new cannon into the Navy-Yard where I wish to see it fired next week." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1864 - Monday
President notifies officials of Great Central Fair in Philadelphia that he will leave Washington for Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, June 16, 1864, and remain in Philadelphia till Thursday afternoon, June 17, 1864. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Webster
Directs Atty. Gen. Bates to give Gen. Wallace's confiscation Orders Nos. 30 and 33 to Sec. Stanton , who will issue order revoking them.
Thanks John Rogers, sculptor, for statuette groups, "Wounded Scout" and "Friend in the Swamp." Abraham Lincoln to John Rogers
Transmits to Senate convention with United Colombian States to revive joint commission on claims. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Sends to Senate report from secretary of war on case of William Yocum, convicted of kidnaping. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Directs Adjt. Gen. Thomas to verify complaint that in vicinity of Henderson, Ky., "our military are seizing negroes and carrying them off without their own consent." Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas
John Nicolay starts on trip west because of poor health.
President orders secretary of war: "Let Hon. John A. Dix be a Major General of Volunteers. Let Captain John Pope of the U.S.A. and Hon. Stephen A. Hurlbut of Ills. each be a Brigadier General, of (Illinois) volunteers." Memorandum: Appointment of John Pope and Stephen A. Hurlbut
Lincoln and two boys at depot in afternoon to meet Mrs. Lincoln arriving from Philadelphia.
Lincoln spends evening at Navy Yard.
1862 - Saturday
Lincoln directs Atty. Gen. Bates to remit fine of $20 imposed on Hermann Kirchner, Washington restaurateur, for sending brandy to wounded soldier in neighboring house, if in his opinion President has legal power to order remittance. Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates
1863 - Sunday
At 5:50 P.M. President telegraphs Gen. Hooker: "If the head of Lee's army is at Martinsburg and the tail of it on the Plank road between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the animal must be very slim somewhere. Could you not break him?" Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Meeting in evening at War Dept. consists of President, Secs. Stanton and Welles, and Gen. Halleck. Lincoln is "trying to find out what Lee's army is up to."
President authorizes secretary of treasury to "co-operate by the revenue cutters under your direction with the navy in arresting rebel depredations on American commerce and transportation and in capturing rebels engaged therein." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Replies to Hooker's dispatch inquiring if Winchester, Va., is surrounded: "I really fear—almost believe, it is. No communication has been had with it during the day, either at Martinsburg, or Harper's Ferry. . . . It is quite certain that a considerable force of the enemy is thereabout; and I fear it is an overwhelming one, compared with [Gen. Robert H.], Milroy[']s." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Tuesday
President communicates with Robert: "My dear Son Of course I will try to give the sittings for the 'Crayon.' Your Father." [Probably Col. David H. Strother, whose pseudonym was "Porte Crayon," writer and artist employed by "Harper's New Monthly Magazine."] Abraham Lincoln to Robert Todd Lincoln
In conversation with Noah Brooks, Lincoln says that he will be satisfied if war in Virginia is over within a year.
Directs Sec. Chase to issue warrant to William H. Carryl and brother, Philadelphia merchants, for $7,500 for furnishings for Executive Mansion purchased by Mrs. Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
1862 - Sunday
President writes Gen. Fremont that Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's "game" is to keep "our troops" away from Richmond, and "our game" is not to allow this. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
1863 - Monday
President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia: "Tolerably well. Have not rode out much yet, but have at last got new tires on the carriage wheels, & perhaps, shall ride out soon." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Interviews E. L. Baker about charges against N. W. Edwards, commissary, and William H. Bailhache, quartermaster at Springfield, Ill., of having used their positions to amass personal fortunes. Abraham Lincoln to Edward L. Baker
Informs Gen. Hooker at Fairfax Station, Va.: "The facts are now known here that Winchester and Martinsburg were both besieged yesterday; the troops from Martinsburg have got into Harper's Ferry without loss; those from Winchester, are also in, having lost, in killed, wounded and missing, about one third of their number." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Communicates with Gen. Daniel Tyler at Harper's Ferry, W. Va.: "It would be useful, if we could tell Hooker, about what number of the enemy is about Winchester and all North of it—also what troops they are. I will be obliged, if you will ascertain as nearly as you can, and inform me." Abraham Lincoln to Daniel Tyler
1864 - Wednesday
President orders arrest of John S. Carlisle of West Virginia, engaged in treasonable correspondence with enemy of U.S. Order for Arrest of John S. Carlisle
Writes Sec. Chase: "The Governor of Iowa and some of the M.C.'s have a little embarrassment about the removal of a Mr. [Robert J.] Atkinson, in your department, . . . Please help me a little. If you will write me a note that you do not wish Atkinson removed, that will end the matter." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Have just read your despatch of 1 P.M. yesterday. I begin to see it. You will succeed. God bless you all." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Lincoln and Sec. Seward visit camps along Potomac, and Lincoln shakes hands with each member of Cayuga (N.Y.) Regiment. "He goes [at] it with both hands, and hand over hand . . . gives good honest hearty shake, as if he meant it."
1862 - Monday
President orders Gen. R. E. Lee's house at Arlington Heights converted into hospital.
Borrows "Stowe's Key to Uncle Tom" from Library of Congress. [Harriet Beecher Stowe, A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin; Presenting the Original Facts and Documents upon which the Story is Founded. Together with Corroborative Statements Verifying the Work, Boston and Cleveland, 1853.]
In letter to Gen. Fremont, Lincoln reviews their understandings relative to number of troops for Mountain Dept. He concludes: "I am not demanding of you to do the work of thirtyfive thousand. I am only asking of you to stand cautiously on the defensive, get your force in order, and give such protection as you can to the valley of the Shenandoah, and to Western Virginia." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
Acknowledges letter of Gen. Schurz from Mount Jackson, Va., and thinks Schurz in error about superior force of Gen. Jackson and his victory over Gen. Shields. Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz
1863 - Tuesday
President interviews district attorney in assault and battery case against John Knowles.
Telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia: "It is a matter of choice with yourself whether you come home. There is no reason why you should not, that did not exist when you went away. As bearing on the question of your coming home, I do not think the raid in Pennsylvania amounts to anything at all." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
At cabinet meeting Sec. Chase suggests that an attempt be made to capture Richmond, but Lincoln blocks idea.
President and Sec. Stanton at War Dept. in evening. Sec. Welles drops in and finds them jubilant over report that no Confederates have reached Carlisle, Pa.
Telegraphs Gen. Hooker: "Your idea to send your cavalry to this side of the river may be right—probably is; still, it pains me a little that it looks like defensive merely, and seems to abandon the fair chance now presented of breaking the enemy's long and necessarily slim line, stretched now from the Rappahannock to Pennsylvania." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Sends letter to Hooker by hand of Capt. Ulric Dahlgren regarding lack of confidence Gen. Halleck displays toward Hooker. "You state the case much too strongly. . . . I believe Halleck is dissatisfied with you to this extent only, that he knows that you write and telegraph ('report' as he calls it) to me. . . . I need and must have the professional skill of both, and yet these suspicions tend to deprive me of both. . . . Now, all I ask is that you will be in such mood that we can get into our action the best cordial judgment of yourself and General Halleck, with my poor mite added, if indeed he and you shall think it entitled to any consideration at all." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Thursday Philadelphia, PA
President and party, accompanied by committee of escort, leave Washington on special train at 7 A.M. for Philadelphia, to attend Great Central Fair in aid of U.S. Sanitary Commission.
Stop briefly at Baltimore and Wilmington, Del.; arrive at Philadelphia and Continental Hotel about 11:30 A.M.
President leaves hotel after lunch and arrives Logan Square fairgrounds at 4:15 P.M. Responds to toast at banquet in main assembly hall of fair: "War, at the best, is terrible, and this war of ours, in its magnitude and in its duration, is one of the most terrible. . . . It has destroyed property, and ruined homes; . . . We accepted this war for an object, a worthy object, and the war will end when the object is attained. . . . I have never been in the habit of making predictions in regard to the war, but I am almost tempted to make one.—If I were to hazard it, it is this: That Grant is this evening, with General Meade and General Hancock, of Pennsylvania, and the brave officers and soldiers with him, in a position from whence he will never be dislodged until Richmond is taken." Speech at Great Central Sanitary Fair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Gen. Wallace, Edward Everett, and others speak, following President's address. Several presents, including silver medal from ladies of fair, accepted by Lincoln with words of appreciation. President leaves fair for Union League Club in torchlight procession, without committee assigned to escort him. Speaks briefly at Union League Club in response to welcome by Daniel Dougherty, prominent Philadelphia lawyer and political orator. After reception by members of club, speaks again from front steps. LL, No. 1315; Speech Accepting Medal Presented by Ladies of the Fair
Near midnight returns to hotel, where crowd insists upon an appearance. Speaks from balcony: "I attended the Fair at Philadelphia to-day in the hope that possibly it might aid something in swelling the contributions for the benefit of the soldiers in thefield, . . . I thought I might do this without impropriety. It did not even occur to me that a kind demonstration like this would be made to me. . . . I have really appeared before you now . . . to show to you that I am not wanting in due consideration and respect for you, when you make this kind of demonstration in my honor." Speech at Hotel Continental, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Unable to accept invitation to occupy reserved boxes at Arch Street Theatre in evening.
In afternoon reviews 4th Pennsylvania Regiment at White House.
Witnesses first presentation of havelocks to regular Cos. I, B and G, 2d Cavalry.
Asks Cameron to furnish "Navy-revolvers and Sabre" so that Mrs. Lincoln may send them to John Fry of Boyle County, Ky., "an acquaintance of hers, and a good & brave man." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Approves payment of bill for $7,500 to Wm. H. Carryl and brother for purchases made by Mrs. Lincoln.
Receives Henry Segur, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of San Salvador.
Replies to Gen. Hooker: "Mr. Eckert, Superintendent in the Telegraph Office, assures me that he has sent, and will send you everything, that comes to the office." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Friday Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC.
President and party depart Philadelphia 8 A.M. in special train for Washington.
John Hay returns from St. Louis and reports to President on interview with Gen. Rosecrans.
Lincoln replies to request of Sen. Trumbull (Ill.) for information on reorganization of state government in Arkansas, that copies of documentation have been furnished Cong. Henry L. Dawes (Mass.). Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull
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