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 receives telegram from Prof. Lowe in balloon "Enterprise" over Columbia Armory grounds: "This point of observation commands an area near fifty miles in diameter. . . . I have the pleasure of sending you this first dispatch ever telegraphed from an aerial station."
Interviews Gen. Butler, Democrat who is dissatisfied with recognition given him by Gen. Scott.
Cabinet meeting on promotions in regular army.
Lincoln confers with Sen. James H. Lane (Kans.) and several members of Congress about accepting new regiments from western states. N.Y.
John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, returns from vacation.
1862 - Wednesday
President recognizes appointment of Baron von der Osten-Sacken as consul general of Russia at New York.
President and Vice President Hamlin ride horseback to Soldiers' Home for evening meal. After dinner they retire to library and behind locked doors Lincoln reads draft of Emancipation Proclamation.
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan regarding transfer of 10,000 Confederate troops from Richmond to Shenandoah Valley: "If this be true, it is as good as a reinforcement to you of an equal force. I could better dispose of things if I could know about what day you can attack Richmond, and would be glad to be informed, if you think you can inform me with safety." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Thursday
President thanks Gen. A. Dingman, 15th Battalion Volunteers, Canada, for offer of battalion to defend Washington.
Mitigates sentence of dismissal in case of Surg. Alfred Wynkoop to severe reprimand for indiscretion in communicating information re troop movements.
President confers with Cong. Lucian Anderson (Ky.) and Judge Rufus K. Williams of Kentucky Court of Appeals relative to suspended assessments and appointment of Gen. Eleazer A. Paine. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Summons C. A. Walborn to Washington relative to article in New York "Tribune" charging official influence in political matters. Abraham Lincoln to Cornelius A. Walborn
Recognizes C. F. Mebius as consul of Bavaria at San Francisco and Joseph Lang as consul of Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg at New Orleans.
Consults with O. H. Browning at night on D. L. Phillips and Commodore Wilkes cases and appointment of Ebenezer Moore of Illinois as secretary of Montana Territory. List of Applicants for Montana Appointments
Writes Sec. Welles: "My old friend C. B. Denio, is in some trouble, pecuniarily, . . . I feel confident he has not meant wrong, and I shall be glad for you to do the best for him you can." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
Transmits to Senate copy of dispatch from "Acting Consul of the United States at Havana" containing further evidence implicating J. A. Arguëlles in fraudulent sale of captured Negroes. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Announces that visitors will not be received until opening of special session of Congress on July 4, 1861.
President and Mrs. Lincoln drive to Navy Yard in evening and see 71st New York Regiment drilling.
1862 - Thuresday
President, accompanied by Sec. Stanton and Gen. Wadsworth, reviews Scott Cavalry Regiment.
Secretary of Senate ordered to "wait upon Presdt. of U.S. and inform him that, in the absence of the V.P., the Senate has chosen the Honorable Solomon Foot Presdt. of the Senate pro tempore."
President approves act securing freedom to all persons within U.S. territories.
Writes Gen. McClellan: "If large re-inforcements are going from Richmond to Jackson, it proves one of two things, either that they are very strong at Richmond, or do not mean to defend the place desperately." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Interviews Hon. F. W. Lincoln, mayor of Boston and member of commission to consult with President on defenses of Boston.
Receives news that Rear Adm. Foote, suffering from incurable disease, is in critical condition.
Instructs John Nicolay to inform Chicago "Tribune" that President will be glad to receive copies "so long as in your kindness you may please to send it."
Attends funeral of 18 women killed in explosion at Arsenal and buried in Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE., on eastern branch of Potomac, about one and a half miles from Capitol.
Accompanied by John Hay, visits Ford's Theatre for sacred concert.
President authorizes suspension of writ of habeas corpus in case of Maj. William H. Chase, charged with treason. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott
Writes sec. of war about additional New York regiment.
1862 - Friday
Sec. Chase at White House during morning.
President announces signing of treaty with Mexico for extradition of criminals.
Delegation of Progressive Friends waits upon President with memorial against slavery. Lincoln responds saying that he had 'sometime thought that perhaps he might be an instrument of God's hands of accomplishing a great work.' Sens. David Wilmot (Pa.) and Wilson (Mass.) accompany group. Remarks to a Delegation of Progressive Friends
Lincoln writes Gen. McClellan that reports on Gen. Jackson being reinforced from Richmond may be contrivance for deception. "If we knew it were not true, we could send you some more force, but as the case stands, we do not think we safely can." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Saturday
President receives inquiry from Gen. Schofield asking whether government will sustain action of Missouri Constitutional Convention regarding gradual emancipation. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield
Leaves Washington at 5 P.M. with Tad and Asst. Sec. Fox on U.S.S. "Baltimore," to visit Gen. Grant and army on James River.
Writes Gov. Brough (Ohio) and Gen. Heintzelman: "Consult together freely, watch Vallandigham and others closely, and, upon discovering any palpable injury, . . . arrest all implicated." [The envelope containing this letter is endorsed by Lincoln "Brough & Heintzelman—Not sent."] Abraham Lincoln to John Brough and Samuel P. Heintzelman
Mrs. Lincoln and party visit camps on Virginia side of Potomac.
1862 - Saturday
President nominates 255 generals, of whom 19 are major generals.
Receives request from Gen. McClellan for permission "to lay before your Excellency . . . my views as to the present state of Military affairs throughout the whole country." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Interviews D. O. Macomber of firm of Ferriss & Macomber, who urges trial and use of Ferriss gun.
Forwards report from Leesburg, Va., telegraph operator to Gen. Hooker: "Firing commenced about 7 this morning in direction from here of Aldie's Gap and Middleburg; has continued all day, . . . apparently now about White Plains." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Tuesday City Point, VA and General Grant's Headquarters.
Arrives at City Point about noon. Gen. Grant and staff board steamer to welcome President, who has upset stomach. Lincoln refuses champagne because too many fellows get "seasick ashore from drinking that very stuff." Rests briefly at headquarters, then mounts Grant's horse "Cincinnati" and visits lines before Petersburg, Va. Grant rides "Jeff Davis." President reviews Negro troops under Gen. Edward W. Hinks and receives hearty cheers. Sits with Grant and staff in front of Grant's tent in evening for spell of story-telling. Sleeps on steamer.
President communicates to Senate convention between U.S. and Delaware Indians of Kansas. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
President directs heads of bureaus in war, navy, and other departments to prepare, under direction of John G. Nicolay, reports showing number of men enlisted as soldiers or seamen in service of U.S., and number and description of war vessels and transports owned or chartered by government. Abraham Lincoln to Heads of Bureaus
Approves, if agreeable to secretary of war, receiving cavalry regiment as one of infantry regiments already accepted from Indiana. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Sunday
President announces signing of postal convention with Mexico.
1863 - Monday
President allots Assoc. Justice Stephen J. Field to 10th circuit of U.S. Circuit Court for Districts of California and Oregon. Assignment of Stephen J. Field
Appoints Asst. Atty. Gen. Titian J. Coffey attorney general ad interim, in absence of Edward Bates. Assignment of Stephen J. Field,
Begins summer residence at Soldiers' Home.
Sends another Leesburg, Va., report to Gen. Hooker: "'I heard very little firing this a.m. about daylight, but it seems to have stopped now. It was in about the same direction as yesterday, but ****her off.' " Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Replies to Gen. Schofield: "My impulse is to say that such protection would be given" under gradual emancipation as might be required by slaveowners in Missouri. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield
1864 - Wednesday City Point, VA and En route.
At 8 A.M. President and Gen. Grant steam up James River to see that portion of lines and to visit flagship of Acting Rear Adm. Lee. Pick up Gen. Butler at Bermuda Hundred. Lee joins party and they go up river as far as considered safe. After 2 P.M. Butler and President return by steamer "Greyhound," and Lincoln leaves City Point soon afterward on U.S.S. "Baltimore" for trip to Washington.
Accompanied by Gen. Pope leaves Washington at 4 P.M. on special train arriving New York at 1:30 A.M.
1863 - Tuesday
At request of Cong. Kelley (Pa.) President interviews Pvt. Wilton M. Herpert [Milton L. Hupert?] and sends him to Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Lincoln at cabinet meeting "sad and careworn." "Nothing of special interest was submitted."
President inquires of Maj. Stewart Van Vliet, quartermaster at New York: "Have you any idea what the news is, in the despatches of Gen. Banks to Gen. Halleck?" Abraham Lincoln to Stewart Van Vliet
1864 - Thursday En route and Washington, DC.
President and Asst. Sec. Fox, who have been visiting Gens. Grant and Butler and Acting Rear Adm. Lee at City Point, Va., Bermuda Hundred, Va., and below Fort Darling, Va., arrive about 5 P.M. on U.S.S. "Baltimore."
President returns from front sunburned and tired, but refreshed and cheered.
At 2 P.M. President, Sec. Cameron, and Chief of Ordnance Col. James W. Ripley watch experiments with rifled cannon at Arensal.
L. Molina presents letters again accrediting him as minister from Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
In evening 1st and 2d Rhode Island Regiments pass in review at Executive Mansion before President and cabinet.
1862 - Tuesday New York, NY and West Point, NY
President changes trains in New York after 1:30 A.M. and proceeds to West Point for conference with Gen. Scott. Crosses Hudson River by ferry from Garrison, N.Y., and registers at Cozzen's Hotel in West Point about 3 A.M.
From breakfast at 7:30 A.M. until noon consults with Gen. Scott on further dispositions of military forces.
Makes inspection tour of Military Academy from noon until 3 P.M. dinner party at hotel.
After dinner visits Parrott's Cold Spring Foundry three miles away and sees rifled cannon in production.
From 9 to 11 P.M. receives guests in hotel parlor. Military Academy band serenades him at midnight.
President transmits order through State Dept. to Gen. Butler in New Orleans to discontinue requiring loyalty oaths of foreigners, including British consul.
1863 - Wednesday
Sec. Seward introduces Lt. Theron B. Luckey, recently discharged from 143d New York Infantry. President sends him to Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Telegraphs Gen. Darius N. Couch at Harrisburg, Pa.: "Have you any reports of the enemy moving into Pennsylvania? and if any, what?"
1864 - Friday
President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Boston: "All well, and very warm. Tad and I have been to Gen. Grant's army. Returned yesterday safe and sound." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Asks Atty. Gen. Bates for "opinion in writing as to what pay, bounty, and clothing are allowed by law to persons of color who were free on the 19th. day of April, 1861, and who have been enlisted and mustered into the military service of the United States between the month of December, 1862 and the 16th. of June 1864." Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates
Requests Gen. Rosecrans to report on complaint that Gen. Egbert B. Brown does not do his best to suppress bushwhackers.
President, Mrs. Lincoln, and party attend, by invitation, funeral of soldier conducted with military honors and Hungarian obsequies at camp of Garibaldi Guard.
Lincoln notifies Marshal Lamon that companies recruited from Virginians will be mustered in immediately. Abraham Lincoln to Ward H. Lamon
Calls conference with Gens. Scott, Meigs, and John A. Dix, and cabinet to consider military situation. "The President expresses a strong desire to bag [Gen. Thomas J. ('Stonewall')] Jackson [(CSA)]."
1862 - Wednesday West Point, NY and Washington, DC
President and party consisting of Gen. Scott, Col. Daniel C. McCallum, director of military railroads, and reporters leave West Point at 10:10 A.M..
Arriving Jersey City approximately 11:30 A.M., Lincoln responds to request of crowd at depot: "I can only say that my visit to West Point did not have the importance which has been attached to it." Philadelphia News, 26 June 1862; Remarks at Jersey City, New Jersey
Reaches Washington at 6:50 P.M., setting record run from New York.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) and friends visit Lincoln at Soldiers' Home in evening.
1863 - Thursday
Delegation from Ohio State Democratic Convention visits President to present set of resolutions relating to civil liberties. Submits written resolutions following day. Abraham Lincoln to Matthew Birchard and Others
Writes check to "Rev. Dr. [Phineas D.] Gurley (for church)" for $25.00.
1864 - Saturday
In morning Lincoln interviews Gen. Gillmore, who is awaiting orders.
Assures Atty. Gen. Bates that Gen. Wallace's two confiscation orders have been revoked.
At night President, Asst. Sec. Fox, and O. H. Browning go from White House to Navy Yard and witness throwing of rockets and signals from six- and twelve-pound guns. Return at 10 P.M. Browning, Diary.
President informs Senate that resolution consenting to appointment of John H. Goddard to be justice of peace is part of permanent records of Dept. of State. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Thanks Mrs. Louisa Drew for gift of theater tickets.
Receives honorary degree of LL.D. from Columbia College; Dr. Francis Lieber, president of Columbia, presents award personally.
1862 - Thursday
President issues order combining forces under Gens. Fremont, Banks, and McDowell into new Army of Virginia under command of Gen. Pope. Order Constituting the Army of Virginia
Lincoln commutes six death sentences pending in army.
"The President in a single remark today betrayed doubts of Hooker, to whom he is quite partial."
About 9 P.M. Col. Daniel T. Van Buren and Col. Silas W. Burt visit President at Soldiers' Home to tell him that Gov. Seymour (N.Y.) will stand behind him.
Sec. Seward and Lincoln attend flag-raising ceremonies at camp near Chain Bridge and visit camps on heights.
Camp of 37th New York Volunteers, under command of Col. John H. McCunn, becomes Camp Mary in honor of First Lady in bottle-breaking ceremony attended by Mrs. Lincoln.
1862 - Friday
President orders that Gen. Fremont be relieved of command and resignation accepted.
1863 - Saturday
President at conference in War Dept. agrees to relieve Gen. Hooker of command of Army of Potomac and replace him with Gen. George G. Meade.
Telegraphs Hooker: "It did not come from the newspapers, nor did I believe it, but I wished to be entirely sure it was a falsehood." [This probably refers to rumor that Hooker was AWOL from army.] Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
CivilWarTalk.com -
A free and friendly Civil War community. 
Linear Mode
