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.
Consults with E. Delafield Smith, U.S. district attorney in New York, who favors noninterference by President in case of Capt. Nathaniel Gordon, sentenced to be hanged for slave trading.
1863:
President poses for photographs by Alexander Gardner, M. B. Brady's assistant.
"The reception at the Executive Mansion to-day by the President and Mrs. Lincoln was unusually well attended." N.Y. Herald, 25 January 1863
1865:
President consults with several members of cabinet and decides that Vice President-elect Andrew Johnson should be present for inauguration on March 4, 1865.
(ed. Bet he regretted that decision!)
President telegraphs William A. Menzies of Kentucky: "Wilmington, N.C. is ours, of right and in fact."
Subcommittee of Committee on Conduct of War interviews Lincoln on military administration of Gen. Fremont.
1863
President in 10 A.M. conference with Gens. Burnside and Halleck announces decision to relieve Burnside and put Gen. Hooker in command.
1864
President authorizes former Cong. Maynard (Tenn.) to inform Gov. Johnson (Tenn.): "The oath in the proclamation may be administered by the Military Governor, the Military commander of the Department, and by all persons designated by them for that purpose."
1865
President is "not receiving any calls" during morning.
Directs Sec. Stanton : 1. "I wish you would give Dr. Zacharie a pass to go to Savannah, remain a week and return, bringing with him, if he wishes, his father and sisters or any of them." 2. [Maj. Leopold] "Blumenberg, at Baltimore. I think he should have a hearing. . . . He should not be dismissed in a way that disgraces and ruins him without a hearing."
Irritated by slow production of mortars, Lincoln decides, in interview as reported by Asst. Sec. Fox, "to take these army matters into his own hands." Bruce, Tools of War, 169.
Consults with Sec. Stanton and E. M. Shield, construction engineer, regarding manufacture of mortar beds.
In evening meets with several members of cabinet. Mrs. Lincoln not well enough to receive visitors.
1863
President calls Gen. Hooker to White House and presumably hands him letter: "I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac. . . . And yet I think it best for you to know that there are some things in regard to which, I am not quite satisfied with you. . . . I much fear that the spirit which you have aided to infuse into the Army, of criticising their Commander, and withholding confidence from him, will now turn upon you. . . . Neither you, nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get any good out of an army, while such a spirit prevails in it. . . . Beware of rashness, but with energy, and sleepless vigilance, go forward, and give us victories" [letter remained unknown until after Hooker's death in 1879]. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
Transmits to Senate documents respecting capture of British vessels having on board contraband of war.
Lincoln thanks George E. Fawcett, music teacher of Muscatine, Iowa, "for your thoughtful courtesy in sending me a copy of your 'Emancipation March.'
1864
"There will be a public reception at the Executive Mansion tonight." Washington Star, 26 January 1864.
At reception "about eight thousand pass the President and Mrs. Lincoln and pay their respects. President looks in better health than ever." Washington National Republican, 27 January 1864.
Orders Gen. Sedgwick: "Suspend execution of sentence in all the capital cases mentioned in General Orders No. 1 and 2, where it has not already been done. . . . Forward the records in these cases for examination."
Telegraphs Gen. Foster: "Is a supposed correspondence between Gen. Longstreet and yourself, about the amnesty proclamation, which is now in the newspapers, genuine?"
[To John G. Foster
Majr. Gen. Foster Washington, D.C.,
Knoxville, Tenn. January 27 1864
Is a supposed correspondence between Gen. Longstreet and yourself, about the amnesty proclamation, which is now in the newspapers, genuine? A. LINCOLN
Annotation
ALS, RPB. General Foster had sent copies of his correspondence with Longstreet to Halleck and Grant on January 26, and replied to Lincoln's telegram on January 30, 1864: ``Telegram of twenty seventh (27th) received. I have had a correspondence with Genl Longstreet upon the subject of the amnesty proclamation, but cannot say whether the newspapers have the correct version as I have not seen them. Copies of the letters are on their way to Washington.'' (DLC-RTL).
The letters as printed in the New York Tribune for January 25, 1864, were substantially correct. The text from the Tribune as given below corresponds with that of the Official Records (III, IV, 50-51) except for the variants given in brackets. In addition to the two letters as given by the Tribune, Longstreet's further letter of January 11 and Foster's reply of January 17 appear in the Official Records, but since they add little to the facts of the story or the humor of the situation they are not reproduced.
COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM LIEUT-GEN. J. LONGSTREET,
AT HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, AND
REPLY OF MAJ. GEN. J. G. FOSTER, COMMANDING
DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Headquarters Confederate Forces, East Tenn.,
To the Commanding General U.S. Forces, East Tenn. Jan. 3, 1864.
Sir: I find the Proclamation of President Lincoln of the 8th of December last, in circulation in handbills among our soldiers. The immediate object of this circulation appears to be to induce our soldiers to quit our ranks and to take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government. I presume, however, that the great object and end in view is to hasten the day of peace.
I respectfully suggest, for your consideration, the propriety of communicating any views that your Government may have upon this subject through me, rather than by handbills circulated among our soldiers. The few men who may desert under the promise held out in the Proclamation can not be men of character or standing. If they desert their cause they degrade [disgrace] themselves in the eyes of God and of man. They can do your cause no good, nor can they injure ours.
As a great nation, you can accept none but an honorable peace; as a noble people, you could have us accept nothing less. I submit, therefore, whether the mode that I suggest would not be more likely to lead to an honorable end than such a circulation of a partial promise of freedom [pardon].
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET, Lieut-Gen. Commanding
REPLY OF MAJ-GEN. JNO. G. FOSTER, COMMANDING
DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO.
Headquarters Department of the Ohio,
Knoxville, E.T.,
Lieut-Gen. Commanding Forces in East Tennessee: Jan. 7, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Jan. 3, 1864: you are correct in the supposition that the great object in view in the circulation of the President's Proclamation, is to induce those now in Rebellion against the Government, to lay aside their arms, and return to their allegiance as citizens of the United States, thus securing the re-union of States now arrayed in hostility against one another and restoration of peace. The immediate effect of the circulation may be to cause many men to leave your ranks, to return home, or come within our lines, and, in view of this latter course, it has been thought proper to issue an order announcing the favorable terms on which deserters will be received.
I accept, however, your suggestion that it would have been more courteous to have sent these documents to you for circulation, and I embrace with pleasure the opportunity thus afforded to enclose to you twenty (20) copies of each of these documents and rely upon your generosity and desire for peace, to give publicity to the same among your officers and men.
I have the honor to be, General, Very Respectfully,
J. G. Foster, Maj.-Gen. Commanding]
"The first draft of the Inaugural Message is now being made by the President-elect, . . . It will not be finished until after consultation with the Republican leaders in Washington. . . . No further invitations will be issued to prominent politicians to visit the President-elect, and none are desired here. The Cabinet will be completed in Washington." N.Y. Tribune, 29 January 1861.
1862
Shakes hands for two hours in Blue Room during levee at White House. Promenades with wife of Sen. Chandler (Mich.) President retires early. N.Y. Herald, 29 January 1862; Washington Star, 29 January 1862.
1863
Recommends vote of thanks of Congress be given Acting Rear Adm. David D. Porter for contributing to surrender of Post of Arkansas (Fort Hindman) on January 10, 1863.
1864
Writes recommendation: "This boy [Solomon J. Johnson] says he knows Secretary Chase, and would like to have the place [messenger for the Treasury Dept.] made vacant by William Johnson's death. I believe he is a good boy and I should be glad for him to have the place if it is still vacant."
1865
President confers with F. P. Blair, Sr., about peace negotiations with President Davis.
Official engagements prohibit Lincoln from attending Mrs. Lincoln's afternoon reception.
Joshua F. Speed tells Lincoln that he does not want agency at Goose Creek Salt Works near Manchester, Ky.
1864
President inquires of Gen. Sickles: "Could you, without it's being inconvenient, or disagreeable to yourself, immediately take a trip to Arkansas for me?"
1865
President attends third anniversary meeting of U.S. Sanitary Commission, held in House of Representatives at night. Requests Philip Phillips, soloist, to sing "Your Mission" second time.
President works all morning at War Dept. N.Y. Tribune, 31 January 1862.
1863
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
1864
Lincoln receives proposal to aid Sanitary Fair by letting Bell & Bro., photographers, 480 Pennsylvania Ave., make and sell his photograph.
Mrs. Lincoln holds her usual Saturday afternoon reception. Washington National Republican, 30 January 1864.
President again writes Gen. Steele relative to forming state government in Arkansas. "Possibly the best you can do would be to help them on their own plan. . . . Be firm and resolute against such as you can perceive would make confusion and division."
1865
President sends Maj. Eckert to headquarters of Army of James with documents concerning "Peace Mission." One document, prepared for Eckert's signature and addressed to A. H. Stephens, former Justice of Supreme Court John A. Campbell, and former Sen. Robert M. T. Hunter (Va.), provides: "That if you pass through the U.S. Military lines it will be understood that you do so for the purpose of an informal conference, on the basis of the letter, a copy of which is on the reverse side of this sheet."
F. P. Blair, Esq Washington,
Sir: Jan. 18. 1865
Your having shown me Mr. Davis' letter to you of the 12th. Inst., you may say to him that I have constantly been, am now, and shall continue, ready to receive any agent whom he, or any other influential person now resisting the national authority, may informally send to me, with the view of securing peace to the people of our one common country. Yours &c A. LINCOLN.
Major T. T. Eckert Executive Mansion
Sir Washington, Jan. 30. 1865
You will proceed with the documents placed in your hands; and, on reaching Gen. Ord, will deliver him the letter addressed to him by the Secretary of War; then, by Gen. Ord's assistance, procure an interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter and Campbell, or any of them, deliver to him, or them, the paper on which your own letter is written, note on the copy which you retain the time of delivery, and to whom delivered, receive their answer in writing, waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if it contain their decision to come, through, without further condition, will be your warrant to ask Gen. Ord to pass them through as directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to him. If by their answer they decline to come, or propose other terms, do not have them passed through. And this being your whole duty return and report to me. Yours truly A. LINCOLN
Messrs Alex H Stephens, [January 30, 1865]
J. A. Campbell and R. M. T. Hunter.
Gentlemen I am instructed by the President of the United States to place this paper in your hands with the information that if you pass through the U.S. Military lines it will be understood that you do so for the purpose of an informal conference, on the basis of the letter, a copy of which is on the reverse side of this sheet; and that if you choose to pass on such understanding, and so notify me in writing, I will procure the Commanding General to pass you through the lines, and to Fortress-Monroe, under such military precautions as he may deem prudent; and, at which place you will be met in due time by some person or persons for the purpose of such informal conferrence. And further that you shall have protection, safe-conduct, and safe return, in all events.
THOS. T. ECKERT.
Maj & A.D.C.
__________________ -
"It was a very peculiar time." - Franklin D. Cossitt
Ancestors in USA Army: 6th IA Inf, 11th IL Cav, 1st AL Cav; 122nd NY Inf; 6th MI Cav; 35th MA Inf; 100th IL Inf; 1st CO Inf/Cav; 22nd IN Inf
President issues Special War Order No. 1. Army of Potomac formed into expedition to occupy "a point upon the Rail Road South Westward of what is known of Manassas Junction . . . to move before, or on, the 22nd. day of February next."
Executive Mansion
Presidents special} Washington January 31, 1862
War Order, No. 1. }
Ordered that all the disposable force of the Army of the Potomac, after providing safely for the defense of Washington, be formed into an expedition, for the immediate object of siezing and occupying a point upon the Rail Road South Westward of what is known of Manassas Junction, all details to be in the discretion of the general-in-chief, and the expedition to move before, or on, the 22nd. day of February next. ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Sends additional documentation on "Trent" affair to Congress.
Directs that "Lane Expedition" against region west of Missouri and Kansas [Arkansas] be under supervision of Gen. McClellan and under command of Gen. Hunter.
Approves act authorizing President of U.S. in certain cases to take possession of railroad and telegraph lines, and for other purposes.
1863
Writes Gen. Meigs on behalf of James C. Conkling of Illinois: "He has ample business qualifications, is entirely trustworthy; and with all is my personal friend of long standing."
Writes Col. Joseph P. Taylor, Commissary General: "Please see the bearer, Edward D. Baker, who is a son of my old friend Col. Baker, . . . He now wishes to be a Commissary . . . if you can inform me that he can be made such consistently with the rules of the service, I will oblige him."
White House reception in evening attended by Gen. Heintzelman and wife.
1864
President answers Gen. Banks' query regarding loyal people in Louisiana who wish to avoid taking oath of December 8, 1864: "You are at liberty to adopt any rule which shall admit to vote any unquestionably loyal free-state men and none others."
1865
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
President directs Sec. Seward to proceed to Fortress Monroe, Va., and confer informally with A. H. Stephens, former Sen. Hunter (Va.), and former Assoc. Justice Campbell, Confederate representatives.
At 11 P.M. Lincoln locates document relative to Confederate commissioners at Fortress Monroe and sends it to Sec. Seward.
In writing Sen. Seward (N.Y.) of meeting with Cong. Kellogg (Ill.) on January 21, 1861, he states: "On the territorial question—that is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices,—I am inflexible. I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by the nation."
1862
Lincoln writes letter of sympathy to Queen Victoria of England on death of husband.
In afternoon Seward escorts Baron F. von Gerolt, Prussian minister, to White House for ceremonial call on President.
President sends for Asst. Sec. Fox, who arrives after dinner.
1863
President explains to Gov. Morton (Ind.): "I think it would not do for me to meet you at Harrisburg." [Peace Democrats were advocating a Northwest Confederacy. Secret societies were being formed for purpose of sabotaging Union.]
1864
President directs Sec. Stanton to have transport sent to Negro colony established on Ile à Vache and to bring back all who wish to return.
Orders that draft for 500,000 men, to serve for three years or during war, be made on March 10, 1864 next.
Interviews Capt. Ulric Dahlgren, who has waited from 11 A.M. until 4 P.M. They discuss personal and military matters while Lincoln is being shaved.
1865
President approves resolution submitting Thirteenth Amendment to states.
Interviews J. W. Singleton, who has talked with President Davis.
Interviews Henry Ward Beecher relative to outlook for peace.
President seldom gets to bed before midnight. William H. Crook, "Lincoln as I Knew Him. Compiled and written down by Margarita S. Gerry," Harper's Monthly Magazine 114 (December 1906):110-11.
Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Let nothing which is transpiring, change, hinder, or delay your Military movements, or plans."
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) introduces Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet and philosopher, to President, who reviews case of slave trader Capt. Gordon during interview.
1863
President acknowledges New Year's address from workingmen of London.
1864
President sends message of sorrow to Kamehameha V, King of Hawaiian Islands, on death of brother.
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
1865
President telegraphs Gen. Grant at 9 A.M.: "Say to the gentlemen [Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell] I will meet them personally at Fortress-Monroe, as soon as I can get there."
Writes check to John G. Nicolay for $20.00.
Goes by train to Annapolis, Md., where he boards steamer "Thomas Collyer," and late in evening arrives at Fortress Monroe. Immediately goes on board steamer "River Queen," where Sec. Seward is waiting.
"The President and Mr. Seward have gone to Hampton Roads to have an interview with the Rebel commissioners,—Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell." Welles, Diary.
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