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.
Lincoln prepares letter addressed to Sec. Seward to be used by him at conference of Union governors in New York prompting them to issue new calls for troops: "I expect to maintain this contest until successful, or till I die, or am conquered, or my term expires, or Congress or the country forsakes me." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Writes to Cadet Quintin Campbell who is unhappy at West Point: "Take the advice of a friend, who, though he never saw you, deeply sympathizes with you, and stick to your purpose. Sincerely your friend." Abraham Lincoln to Quintin Campbell
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "Save your Army at all events. Will send re-inforcements as fast as we can. . . . I feel any misfortune to you and your Army quite as keenly as you feel it yourself. . . . It is the nature of the case, and neither you or the government that is to blame. Please tell at once the present condition and aspect of things." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Sunday
At 10 A.M. cabinet meeting President reads reply to resolutions of Ohio Democratic State Convention regarding former Cong. Vallandigham (Ohio). Also reads Gen. Hooker's telegram offering to resign as commander of Army of Potomac. Sec. Welles believes that choice of Gen. Meade to succeed Hooker was made before meeting.
"Gen. Hooker has asked to be relieved and Gen. Meade succeeds him."
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Couch at Harrisburg, Pa.: "What news now? What are the enemy firing at four miles from your works?" Abraham Lincoln to Darius N. Couch
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. President attends "although slightly indisposed."
Transmits to Senate information in regard to maltreatment of passengers and seamen on board ships plying between New York and New Granada. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Communicates to Senate reports on alleged enlistment in foreign countries of recruits for military and naval service of U.S. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Approves act repealing fugitive slave act of 1850 and all acts and parts of acts for rendition of fugitive slaves.
Approves joint resolution of Congress to incorporate Young Men's Christian Association of city of Washington.
Explains to Sec. Chase that for political reasons Maunsell B. Field cannot be appointed assistant treasurer of U.S. at New York. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
President summons military officers to special cabinet meeting on state of Union. Gen. Irvin McDowell presents plan for attacking Confederates under Gen. Beauregard at Manassas. Gen. Scott proposes sending an expedition down the Mississippi, establishing blockade, and starving South into submission as best way to suppress rebellion. Thinks troops too raw for battle and disagrees with military authorities. President and cabinet believe public wants action and further delay might cool Northern zeal.
President officiates at flag-raising and band concert on south lawn of White House.
1862 - Sunday
President breakfasts with Asst. Sec. of War Watson at Stanton residence.
President answers propositions set forth in resolutions of Ohio Democratic State Convention, presented on June 26, 1863 by delegation headed by Matthew Birchard. Abraham Lincoln to Matthew Birchard and Others
Refuses to permit former Cong. William Kellogg (Ill.) or his agent to trade in cotton and other products at Helena, Ark. Abraham Lincoln to William Kellogg
President and Sec. Stanton agree to plan of Asst. Sec. Fox for Rear Adm. Foote and task force commanded by Gen. Dix to attempt capture of Richmond. Gen. Halleck vetoes plan.
1864 - Wednesday
President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in New York: "All well. Tom is moving things out." ["Tom" may have been Thomas H. Cross, furnaceman at White House; Thomas Cross, doorkeeper; or T. Stackpole, watchman.] Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
President interviews L. E. Chittenden relative to temporary administration of treasury following resignation of Chase.
Confers with Gov. Brough (Ohio) regarding Chase's resignation.
Writes Gen. Grant: "Dr. [J. Rutherford] Worster wishes to visit you with a view of getting your permission to introduce into the Army 'Harmon's Sandal Sock.' Shall I give him a pass for that object?" Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Directs Gen. Steele to give new government of Arkansas same support and protection "that you would if the members had been admitted" to Congress. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick Steele
Lincoln, Sec. Seward, and Atty. Gen. Bates arrive at Navy Yard at 11 A.M., drive through yard with Comdr. Dahlgren, and go on board U.S.S. "Pawnee."
1862 - Monday
Senate confirms President's nomination of I. Newton to be commissioner of agriculture.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in morning converses with Lincoln about fighting before Richmond. In evening Browning, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. William M. Dorman of Florida, visits President at Soldiers' Home.
Lincoln approves, but does not issue, call for 150,000 men drafted by Sec. Seward at New York conference of governors. Call for Troops
Telegraphs Gen. Halleck that 25,000 men would be welcome but expedition against Chattanooga must not be weakened. "To take and hold the Rail-road at, or East of, Cleveland in East Tennessee, I think fully as important as the taking and holding of Richmond." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
1863 - Tuesday
President in conference with Sec. Stanton and Gen. Halleck; misses cabinet meeting.
Cong. Kelley (Pa.) calls and requests that Gen. McClellan not be placed in command in Pennsylvania.
Gen. Butler at White House for interview with President.
President receives invitation to use residence of J. C. G. Kennedy, 380 H St., at any time.
Telegraphs Gen. Couch at 3:25 P.M.: "I judge by absence of news that the enemy is not crossing, or pressing up to the Susquehannah. Please tell me what you know of his movements." Abraham Lincoln to Darius N. Couch
Replies to Gen. Hunter, who asks permission to publish records relating to his removal from command of Dept. of South: "I assure you, . . . the recent change of commanders . . . was made for no reasons which convey any imputation upon your known energy, efficiency and patriotism. . . . I cannot, by giving my consent to a publication of whose details I know nothing, assume the responsibility of whatever you may write." Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
Answers A. K. McClure, who asserts that people are clamoring for Gen. McClellan to be placed in command in Pennsylvania: "Do we gain anything by opening one leak to stop another? Do we gain any thing by quieting one clamor, merely to open another, and probably a larger one?" Abraham Lincoln to Alexander K. McClure
Acknowledges letter of Gov. Joel Parker (N.J.), who writes that people of New Jersey want McClellan at head of Army of Potomac: "I really think the attitude of the enemies' army in Pennsylvania, presents us the best opportunity we have had since the war began. I think you will not see the foe in New-Jersey. I beg you to be assured that no one out of my position can know so well as if he were in it, the difficulties and involvements of replacing Gen. McClellan in command." Abraham Lincoln to Joel Parker
Nominates former Gov. Tod (Ohio) to be secretary of treasury; Tod declines for reasons of poor health. Abraham Lincoln to David Tod
Interviews Finance Committee from Senate on proposition of retaining Chase in cabinet.
Assents to use of grounds between White House and War Dept. by St. Matthew's Colored Sunday School for Fourth of July celebration. Endorsement
Abandons colonization (Chiriqui) idea. [Plan to send 500 able-bodied Negroes as first colony on Isthmus of Chiriqui was opposed by Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Negroes
Approves act providing internal revenue to support government and pay interest on public debt, and for other purposes.
Lincoln spends time in temporary quarters as his office in the White House is being remodeled. Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull notes that Lincoln's office, "which is upstairs over the room where the President receives company at the Levees...was just being...fitted up with papering...,&c. The papering was done & looked very prettily. Mrs. L. was up taking a look at it." Trumbull meets with Lincoln for about an hour in the evening, and the two men discuss the war: "He said to me that he did not know of any law to authorize some things which he had done; but he thought there was a necessity for them, & that to save the constitution & the laws generally, it might be better to do some illegal acts, rather than suffer all to be overthrown. He seemed to think there was just as much law for increasing the regular army & the Navy as for calling out the three years' men. Every body seems anxious for a forward movement, & indications are not wanting that it will soon be made."
1862 - Tuesday
President decides to call into military service 300,000 volunteers and urges governors of 17 states and military board of Kentucky to furnish their quotas. Call for 300,000 Volunteers
After breakfast discusses confiscation bills with Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House.
Approves act providing for internal revenue tax of 3 per cent on incomes in excess of $600 for support of government and payment of interest on public debt.
President telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "It is impossible to re-inforce you for your present emergency. . . . If you are not strong enough to face the enemy you must find a place of security, . . . save the Army . . . even if you fall back to Fortress-Monroe. We still have strength enough in the country, and will bring it out." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
President visits Sec. Stanton in reference to Surg. William D. Stewart, dismissed for being absent without leave. Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin B. French
1864 - Friday
Lincoln forwards nomination of Sen. William P. Fessenden (Maine) as secretary of treasury to Senate. Confirmed instantly.
Fessenden calls on Lincoln to suggest name of Comptroller of Currency McCulloch to replace Sec. Chase. Lincoln informs Fessenden that his name has already been sent to Senate.
President authorizes General Scott to suspend writ of habeas corpus if necessary at any point of any military line between Washington and New York. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Confers with Gen. John C. Fremont who leaves for command in West.
At 2 P.M. receives Henri Mercier, French minister.
Interviews Cong. Henry May (Md.), about to leave for Richmond.
With Sec. Cameron reviews 2d New Hampshire and 11th Massachusetts Regiments. N.Y. Tribune, 3 July 1861.
Visits camp of 11th Massachusetts Regiment on Pennsylvania Ave.
1862 - Wednesday
President announces signing of treaty of commerce with Ottoman Empire.
In conference with Sec. Stanton on subject of fugitive Negroes President decides that by law they cannot be sent back to masters, should not be allowed to starve, should be given work and paid reasonable wages.
Signs number of important bills; among them, Act to Prohibit Polygamy in Utah, and Pacific Railroad Act.
Reads Gen. McClellan's dispatches to Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House.
Approves Morrill Land Grant College Act donating public lands to states and territories providing colleges of agriculture and mechanic arts.
Again writes Gen. Halleck that reinforcements would be welcome but not at cost of delaying Chattanooga expedition. Asks if Halleck could "make me a flying visit." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Informs McClellan that "the idea of sending you fifty thousand, or any other considerable force promptly, is simply absurd. . . . Save the Army, . . . and I will strengthen it for the offensive again, as fast as I can." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Returns to Senate unapproved bill for additional medical officers because it is superseded by approved bill. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1863 - Thursday
In morning Sec. Welles finds Lincoln at War Dept. reading dispatches from Gen. Meade.
"Lincoln was in the telegraph office hour after hour during those anxious days and nights."
Lincoln asks Sec. Stanton to pay advertising bill of "National Republican." It is "a source of trouble to me." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Saturday
President confers with Cong. Julian (Ind.) on power of Congress to confiscate landed estates of Confederates.
Former Sen. Fessenden (Maine), newly nominated secretary of treasury, has long interview with President at White House.
President interviews Gen. Meigs regarding Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
President and family begin summer residence at Soldiers' Home.
At 10 P.M. Fessenden calls in person to deliver letter declining cabinet post; "but the President was in bed asleep."
President approves act granting lands to aid in construction of railroad and telegraph line from Lake Superior to Puget's Sound on Pacific coast.
Mrs. Lincoln and Robert arrive home.
Lincoln writes Assoc. Justice Davis: "Please give me a summary of the evidence, with your impression, on the Coles county [Ill.] riot cases" [March 28, 1864, involving Copperheads and soldiers of 54th Illinois Regiment on furlough]. Makes identical request of Judge Samuel H. Treat. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel H. Treat
Lincoln calls cabinet meeting for 12 M. to review message to Congress. Meets with Gen. Scott and Secs. Seward and Cameron to discuss assignment of Gen. Fremont. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Confers with Seward and Gen. Meigs on news that Gen. Patterson is across river at Williamsport, Md.
At 4 P.M. 1st Brigade New Jersey Volunteers passes in review at White House.
Sen. Orville H. Browning (Ill.) at Executive Mansion in evening discusses message to Congress with Lincoln. ["Since my return from Illinois (June 18) the President has been engaged almost constantly in writing his message, and has refused to receive any calls whatever, either of friendship or business, except from members of the Cabinet, or high officials."]
In conversation says: "Browning, of all the trials I have had since I came here, none begin to compare with those I had between the inauguration and the fall of Fort Sumpter [sic]. They were so great that could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them."
1862 - Thursday
President telegraphs governors of loyal states: "If I had fifty thousand additional troops here now, I believe I could substantially close the war in two weeks." Abraham Lincoln to Union Governors
Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "All accounts say better fighting was never done. Ten thousand thanks for it." Help should come soon from Gens. Burnside and Hunter, but not from Gen. Halleck. Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Friday
Sec. Welles meets President and Sec. Seward at War Dept. during morning, examining dispatches from Gen. Meade.
Mrs. Lincoln receives head injury when thrown from carriage during drive to Soldiers' Home.
Sends order to Gen. Burnside: "Private [John] Downey, of the Twentieth or Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, is said to have been sentenced to be shot for desertion to-day. If so, respite the execution until I can see the record." Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside
1864 - Sunday
In morning former Sen. Fessenden (Maine) calls again to deliver letter declining cabinet post, but President persuades him to accept it.
Lincoln's War Message, communicated to Congress as formal government document, "comprised a history of events, a report of stewardship, a constitutional argument, and an exalted commentary on fundamentals."
President reviews state of Union: As of March 4, 1861, functions of government, except for post office, have been suspended in six seceded states; public revenue has been seized by, and large proportion of Federal rifles sent to, these states; many officers of Army and Navy have resigned, and active forces have been sent to scattered posts; an illegal organization, the Confederate States of America, with openly avowed purpose to sever Federal Union, is invoking aid, recognition, and intervention from foreign powers. Inaugural Address declared government's policy was to prevent destruction of Union, that government would exhaust all peaceful means before using stronger ones, would retain public property not already wrested from it, would collect revenue, and in other matters rely on time, discussion, and ballot box. Attack on Fort Sumter, S.C., the Message continues, was designed to drive out visible authority of Federal Union, and has forced on country distinct issue of dissolution or war. To preserve Union, Executive had no choice but to call out war power to resist force; 75,000 militia have been called out, blockade proclaimed, and writ of habeas corpus suspended. Recommends that Congress place at control of government $400 million and 400,000 men. Doctrine that a state may consistently with Constitution withdraw from Union without consent of Union is sophistry. States have neither more nor less power than that reserved to them by Constitution while in Union. Principle of relations of national power to states rights is no other than principle of relation of generality to locality; whatever concerns whole should be entrusted to whole, and whatever concerns state alone should be left exclusively to state. Principle of secession is one of disintegration. Nation purchased lands now forming state of Florida; if latter secedes and gets free of contributing to cost of land, all states may behave in like fashion. Who, then, would pay nation's debts? Executive, after rebellion has been suppressed, will be guided by Constitution and laws as understood and expressed in Inaugural Address. Regrets that duty of employing war power in defense of government has been forced upon him. Message to Congress in Special Session
From ******** in front of Executive Mansion President, with Gen. Scott and cabinet, reviews more than 20,000 men of the 23 New York regiments; makes brief remarks from platform both before and after introducing Scott. Remarks at a Review of New York Regiments
Lincoln adds his name to temperance declaration previously signed by ten Presidents from Madison to Buchanan. Edward C. Delavan, noted temperance worker and lecturer, in letter dated July 4, 1861, writes: "President Lincoln has recently returned me, signed, the Presidential Temperance Declaration." Temperance Declaration
Soldiers of War of 1812 assemble in Post Office Dept. at 11 A.M. and march to White House to pay their respects. Lincoln replies to remarks of Col. William W. Seaton, president of Association of Surviving Soldiers of War of 1812 and editor of Washington "Intelligencer."
Asks Gen. Halleck at Corinth, Miss., to send 10,000 infantry if it can be done without changing any plans. "Some part of the Corinth Army is certainly fighting McClellan in front of Richmond. Prisoners are in our hands from the late Corinth Army." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Meets train of ambulances on road to Soldiers' Home and rides along some distance talking to casualties from peninsular campaign.
At Soldiers' Home in evening reviews recent military actions around Richmond with Gen. Meigs and Henry H. Sibley, former governor of Minnesota.
1863 - Saturday
Gen. Haupt rushes from Gettysburg and confers with Lincoln and Gen. Halleck on military matters.
Archimedes C. Dickson, Springfield (Ill.) friend known as "Dick," calls at White House as salesman to interest Lincoln in Absterdam projectile patterned after Dyer's rifle shell, "distinguished chiefly by a cup or sabot of soft metal at the base, which was supposed to expand and take the grooves like a Minié bullet."
Union League of Philadelphia presents gold medal to President.
In evening Sec. Welles receives dispatch from Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of Confederate States of America; shows it to President.
Mrs. Lincoln assists W. C. Stoddard in preparation of Fourth of July celebration in White House grounds.
President writes Acting Rear Adm. Samuel P. Lee (USN): "The request of A. H. Stephens is inadmissible. The customary agents and channels are adequate for all needful communication and conference between the United States forces and the insurgents." [In the absence of the original, it is not certain that Lincoln composed or signed this, and that it was prepared on July 4, 1863 may be questioned.] Abraham Lincoln to Samuel P. Lee
Writes Gen. Schenck at Baltimore: "Your despatches about negro regiment are not uninteresting or unnoticed by us, but we have not been quite ready to respond. You will have an answer tomorrow." Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck
1864 - Monday
At 10 A.M. President issues press release announcing that "news from the Army of the Potomac, up to 10 P.M. of the 3rd. is such as to cover that Army with the highest honor." Announcement of News From Gettysburg
President records agreement reached with newly appointed Sec. of Treasury William P. Fessenden: "I will keep no person in office in his department, against his express will, so long as I choose to continue him; . . . In Cabinet my view is that in questions affecting the whole country there should be full and frequent consultations." Memorandum of Interview with William P. Fessenden
Lincoln works in President's Room at Capitol in morning, signing bills and conferring with members of Congress.
In conference with Sen. Chandler (Mich.), Lincoln doubts legal right of Congress to act on "Wade-Davis Bill." Chandler angrily walks out. President pockets bill.
Congressional committee notifies President of adjournment unless he has further communications. Senate Journal, 752.
Cong. Arnold (Ill.) complains to President that John L. Scripps, postmaster at Chicago and candidate for Congress against him, is influencing votes of postal employees. Lincoln writes Scripps: "My wish therefore is, that you will do just as you think fit with your own suffrage in the case, and not constrain any of your subordinates to other than he thinks fit with his. This is precisely the rule I inculcated and adhered to on my part, when a certain other nomination now recently made, was being canvassed for." Abraham Lincoln to John L. Scripps
President raises flag at plaza on south front of Treasury building, 15th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW., at 8 A.M. after reviewing New York troops.
Joint Congressional Committee announces to President that Congress is ready to receive communications.
President's message of July 4, 1861 read before Congress.
In afternoon, with family and friends, Lincoln reviews 26th Pennsylvania Regiment under Col. William F. Small and 27th Pennsylvania Regiment under Col. Einstein.
Receives June salary warrant for $2,083.33.
1862 - Saturday
President recognizes Enrique de Ainz as consul of Spain at Portland, Maine and Friedrich Kuhne as consul for Principality of Reuss Schleitz at New York.
At telegraph office in afternoon joins conversation of Sec. Stanton and Maj. Eckert.
Thanks Gen. McClellan for relief afforded by recent dispatches. "If you can hold your present position, we shall 'hive' the enemy yet." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) and friends visit Lincoln at Soldiers' Home.
Lincoln retires early, too exhausted to keep any appointments.
Receives June salary warrant for $2,083.33.
Mrs. Lincoln in carriage on way to Soldiers' Home tells Comdr. Dahlgren that President frequently passes sleepless nights.
1863 - Sunday
11 A.M. Principal discussion at cabinet meeting is request of A. H. Stephens for permission to proceed to Washington for interview with President.
Lincoln and Tad visit Gen. Sickles at private residence on F St., where he is recuperating from leg amputation following first day's battle at Gettysburg.
President consults with secretary of interior, commissioner of Indian affairs, and commissioner of general land office on appointments. Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith
Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in morning interviews Lincoln and meets Secs. Seward and Smith for first time.
President, with Col. William Sprague, governor of Rhode Island, and military engineers, views exhibit by 2d Rhode Island Regiment of James rifled cannon on Monument grounds.
Accompanies Mrs. Lincoln to concert by Meda Blanchard at Willard's Hotel.
"Colonel Blenker's German Rifles, Eighth N.Y. Volunteers, and a company of singers of the same regiment" serenade President.
John Alexander, upholsterer, Penn. Ave. between 12th and 13th Sts., who sold blue and white duck tent used for review of July 3, 1861, charges $5.00 for setting up and taking down tent on this date, indicating probability of review at White House.
1862 - Sunday
President consents to request of Col. Sprague to visit Gen. Halleck at Corinth, Miss., for purpose of getting part of his forces directed against Richmond.
Sends Gen. McClellan message signed by Gen. King stating that Richmond "Examiner" censures "the confederate Generals severely for failing to capture Genl. McClellan and his army and pronounces McClellans whole movement a masterpiece of strategy."
1863 - Monday
Special cabinet meeting at 9 A.M. continues consideration of A. H. Stephens' mission and decides that he should communicate through prescribed military channels.
Lincoln leaves telegraph office in War Dept. and arrives at Soldiers' Home about 7 P.M.
Receives June salary warrant for $2,022.33.
Suggests to Gen. Halleck that he look to movements of Army of Potomac. Does Gen. Meade intend to cover Baltimore and Washington, and get enemy across river again without further collision, or does he plan to prevent his crossing and to destroy him?
1864 - Wednesday
President interviews J. R. Gilmore regarding another effort to negotiate peace.
Gen. Hitchcock confers with Lincoln about defense of Washington against approaching forces of Gen. Jubal A. Early (CSA).
Robert L. Wilson (one of "long nine" in Illinois Legislature with Lincoln) visits President and declines captaincy, but receives appointment as paymaster.
Marshal Lamon reports to President on conditions at Gen. Patterson's headquarters.
Lincoln and Sec. Seward spend two hours at Navy Yard.
Former Lt. Gov. Koerner (Ill.) and friends from Illinois spend three hours with Lincoln in evening: "I learned a great many things; for Lincoln is naively open-hearted."
1862 - Monday
President and military party leave Washington aboard U.S.S. "Ariel" at early hour to visit Gen. McClellan with Army of Potomac at Harrison's Landing, Va.
Vice President Hamlin and Senators from Maine confer with President and urge better New England coastal defense against piratical depredations of enemy. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
At cabinet meeting President appears despondent because Gen. Meade has lingered at Gettysburg. At 12:40 P.M. Sec. Welles gives President telegram from Acting Rear Adm. David D. Porter [for retroactive promotion see December 8, 1863] announcing surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863.
In evening large crowd accompanied by band serenades President at White House. Lincoln responds: "I do most sincerely thank Almighty God for the occasion on which you have called. How long ago is it?—eighty odd years—since on the Fourth of July for the first time in the history of the world a nation by its representatives, assembled and declared as a self-evident truth that 'all men are created equal.' . . . Gentlemen, this is a glorious theme, and the occasion for a speech, but I am not prepared to make one worthy of the occasion." Response to a Serenade
1864 - Thursday
President, in obedience to concurrent resolution of Congress, proclaims first Thursday of Aug. next as day of national humiliation and prayer. Proclamation of a Day of Prayer
Inquires of Sec. Stanton : "Please tell me what is there of the Maryland matter?" reported as infamous designs to "gobble up" money intended for Negro volunteers. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
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