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.
Sen. Browning (Ill.), with Paymaster Gen. Benjamin F. Larned, calls on President in morning, and is alone with him from 3 to 5:30 P.M.
Lincoln receives letter dated July 6, 1861 from Jefferson Davis, President, Confederate States of America, Richmond, concerning capture of Confederate ship "Savannah" and treatment of crew.
Calls cabinet meeting immediately.
Interviews W. G. Terrell of Kentucky regarding wisdom of enlisting troops in state.
Rhode Island band, in presence of Cols. Sprague, Ambrose E. Burnside, and Henry W. Slocum, serenades President.
President urges Sec. Cameron to furnish Adjt. Gen. James S. Wheat, "if possible with what arms, equipage &c. &c. he needs" for defense of western Virginia. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Tuesday Fortress Monroe, VA and Harrison's Landing, VA.
President docks at Fortress Munroe early in morning and interviews Gen. Burnside on board. Later Gen. Dix and staff call on Lincoln.
Proceeds up James River and arrives Harrison's Landing at 6 P.M. as cannon from Flag Officer Goldsborough's flagship fire salute. Reviews army by corps and division until 9 P.M. Receives cheers of soldiers as he rides by waving his stovepipe hat.
Gen. McClellan goes aboard U.S.S. "Ariel" and presents his letter of July 7, 1862, the "Harrison Bar Letter," to Lincoln who reads it at once. Lincoln makes no comment on contents, which are McClellan's personal views on current political and military conditions.
1863 - Wednesday
President recognizes Heinrich Otto Sigmund ****z as consul of Grand Duchy of Oldenburg for state of Massachusetts and Henry Bream as vice consul of Denmark for New York, Connecticut, and parts of New Jersey.
Answers telegram of Adjt. Gen. Thomas to Sec. Stanton : "The whole to move down the Cumberland Valley, will, in my unprofessional opinion, be quite as likely to capture the Man-in-the-Moon, as any part of Lee's Army." Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas
Informs Frederick F. Low, collector of port of San Francisco, of Gen. Meade's victory at Gettysburg and Gen. Grant's victory at Vicksburg, Miss. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick F. Low
Answers dispatch of U.S. District Attorney E. D. Smith (N.Y.): "Capture of Vicksburg confirmed by despatch from Gen. Grant himself." Abraham Lincoln to E. Delafield Smith
"Capt. Butterfield wishing me to go with him to the President's—Went."
President and Postmaster Gen. Blair visit Gen. McClellan's quarters.
President deposits June salary check for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank.
"The President's levee last night [July 9] was largely attended. The military display was very brilliant, and the ladies never made a finer appearance."
1862 - Wednesday Harrison's Landing, VA and En route.
Visits with soldiers and examines various features of army.
Stops at Fortress Monroe, Va., in morning on return trip to Washington. Visits several batteries and receives salutes. Dines with Gen. Burnside on board steamer "Alice Price." Departs about 4:30 P.M.
At Hampton Roads, Va., Lincoln receives Capt. E. P. G. Von Duop of H.M.S. "Jason" for brief social call.
Pardons John McCleary, counterfeiter, and Victor La Waer, convicted of attempting to incite soldiers to desert.
1864 - Saturday
President answers Horace Greeley's suggestion for conference with Confederate representatives in Canada: "If you can find, any person anywhere professing to have any proposition of Jefferson Davis in writing, for peace, embracing the restoration of the Union and abandonment of slavery, . . . say to him he may come to me." Abraham Lincoln to Horace Greeley
Lincoln deposits June salary warrant for $2,022.33 in Riggs Bank.
Telegraphs J. W. Garrett: "What have you heard about a battle at Monococy [Monocacy] to-day? We have nothing about it here except what you say." Abraham Lincoln to John W. Garrett
Gen. Rosecrans telegraphed President on July 8, 1864: "A telegram from Secretary of War says you direct the release of Dr. [James A.] Barrett [one of several purported leaders of Order of American Knights]. . . . I respectfully request a revision of the order." Lincoln replies: "When did the Sec. of War telegraph you to release Dr. Barrett? If it is an old thing, let it stand till you hear further." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
Lincoln informs Simon B. Buckner, inspector general of Kentucky State Guard, sent by Gov. Beriah Magoffin (Ky.) to secure President's approval of Kentucky's "neutrality," that he does not at present intend to send an armed force into Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln to Simon B. Buckner
[Mrs. Lincoln visits camp of Rhode Island Regiment in afternoon.
Statement of John Alexander, (see July 6, 1861) indicates probability of review at White House on this date.
1862 - Thursday En route and Washington, DC
President, accompanied by Cols. Blair and James Nagle and Asst. Sec. Watson, arrives at Navy Yard in afternoon aboard U.S.S. "Ariel" from three-day trip to Army of Potomac.
"Ariel" runs aground on Kettle Shoals and is delayed several hours during which time President and party go for swim in Potomac.
Lincoln confers with Gov. Curtin (Pa.) on appointment of commissioner of internal revenue.
1863 - Friday
At Soldiers' Home, President interviews A. C. Dickson, Orloff A. Zane, and John Absterdam regarding Absterdam shell.
Assures Gen. Sickles that no III Corps disaster has been reported.
1864 - Sunday
At 9:20 A.M. Lincoln telegraphs reply to Baltimore committee: "I have not a single soldier but whom is being disposed by the Military for the best protection of all. By latest account the enemy is moving on Washington. They can not fly to either place. Let us be vigilant but keep cool. I hope neither Baltimore or Washington will be sacked." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Swann and Others
Accompanied by Asst. Adjt. Gen. James A. Hardie and mounted escort, visits forts around Washington.
At 10 P.M. President and family leave Soldiers' Home and return to White House, on recommendation of Sec. Stanton who believes them in danger.
At 2 P.M. Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Grant on present emergency: "Gen. Halleck says we have absolutely no force here fit to go to the field. He thinks . . . we can defend Washington, and scarcely Baltimore. . . . there are about eight thousand not very reliable, under [Gen. Albion P.] Howe at Harper's Ferry, with Hunter approaching that point . . . Wallace with some odds and ends, . . . can attempt no more than to defend Baltimore. . . . Now what I think is that you should provide to retain your hold where you are certainly, and bring the rest with you personally, and make a vigorous effort to destroy the enemie's [sic] force in this vicinity." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Writes Halleck: "Gov. Johnson, at Nashville is in trouble and great anxiety about a raid into Kentucky. The Gov. is . . . indispensable to us in Tennessee. Will you please get in communication with him, . . . before you leave for here?" Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Recommends to Congress that thanks be given to following officers of Navy: Capts. James L. Lardner, Charles H. Davis, and Silas H. Stringham; Comdrs. John A. Dahlgren, Stephen C. Rowan, and David D. Porter. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
Interviews Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Sec. Stanton at Executive Mansion.
Approves act implementing Anglo-American treaty for suppression of African slave trade.
1863 - Saturday
"The President seemed in specially good humor today, as he had pretty good evidence that the enemy were still on the north side of the Potomac, and Meade had announced his intention of attacking them in the morning." Hay
Confides in J. K. Dubois: "I am more than satisfied with what has happened North of the Potomac so far, and am anxious and hopeful for what is to come." Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois
Calls at Navy Ordnance Bureau and orders trial of Absterdam shell as soon as possible.
Inquires of Gen. Schenck: "How many rebel prisoners, captured within Maryland & Pennsylvania, have reached Baltimore within this month of July?" Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck
1864 - Monday
At 8 A.M. Lincoln acknowledges Gen. Grant's telegram of last night as very satisfactory and reports: "Some firing between Rockville and here now" Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
About 9 A.M. rides out to front in direction of Tennallytown.
Accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln, visits Fort Stevens, DC.
Present at Fort Stevens during attack. Soldier roughly orders him off parapet
Witnesses skirmish with Gen. Early's troops in front of Fort Stevens.
At wharf to welcome reinforcements sent up Potomac by Gen. Grant.
Orders militia and volunteers of Washington into service of U.S. for period of 60 days.
Signs bill creating national award for valor to be known as Congressional Medal of Honor.
Interviews Gen. Burnside who will leave in evening for Gen. McClellan's headquaters.
Directs Sec. Stanton to write authorization for Gen. Dix to negotiate general exchange of prisoners.
Mrs. Lincoln and Robert leave New York for West Point, N.Y
1863 - Sunday
Lincoln at telegraph office receives word of Gen. Meade's plan to attack tomorrow. Paces floor, wringing his hands and muttering, "Too late."
Assures Gen. Schenck that Gen. Isaac R. Trimble (CSA) has not been imprisoned in Baltimore for fear traitorous associates will contact him. Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck
1864 - Tuesday
President telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Vague rumors have been reaching us for two or three days that Longstreet's corps is also on its way this vicinity. Look out for it's absence from your front." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Cabinet meets. Discussion centers around Gen. Early's raid on Washington.
Each day of skirmishing President rides to suburbs and watches "the soldiers repulse the invaders."
President, Mrs. Lincoln, and several members of Congress visit Fort Stevens, DC, at 4 P.M. and watch operations from parapet.
Asst. Sec. Seward and father, Sec. Seward, drive out to Fort Stevens with President.
President tours fortifications again. Under fire again at Fort Stevens. Man shot at his side.
Gen. Wright tells Lincoln to get out of danger. Lincoln does not move. Young officer, Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr., shouts: "Get down, you fool." President moves back.
At night President and Mrs. Lincoln drive along line of city defenses and are greeted by soldiers.
President discusses with Sens. Solomon Foot (Vt.) and Sumner (Mass.) activities of James E. Harvey, minister to Portugal. Requests Foot and Sumner to report to Senate and return for further discussion. Sec. Seward and Sen. Browning (Ill.) interview Lincoln on same subject.
Simeon Draper dines with President.
President approves act further providing for collection of import duties, and for other purposes.
1862 - Sunday
Lincoln calculates strength of Army of Potomac on paper and sends figures to Gen. McClellan for explanation. Records show 160,000 men sent to army on peninsula. Lincoln counted 86,500 when with army on 8th and 9th—five days ago. Returns show 23,500 killed, wounded, and missing. "Have you any more perfect knowledge of this than I have?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
President rides with Secs. Seward and Welles to funeral of Sec. Stanton 's infant child. Discloses intention to emancipate slaves if war does not end soon.
Receives James W. White, Robert H. McCurdy, and Frederick S. Winston, committee with invitation from patriotic bodies in New York to attend mass meeting.
1863 - Monday
President receives call for help to subdue mob resisting draft in New York.
Sec. Welles calls on President and suggests that Acting Rear Adm. Porter be made rear admiral.
Lincoln writes Gen. Grant: "I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. . . . When you got below, and took Port-Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks; and when you turned Northward East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Writes Gen. Schofield in St. Louis: "I regret to learn of the arrest of the Democrat editor. . . . but I care very little for the publication of any letter I have written. Please spare me the trouble this is likely to bring." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield
1864 - Wednesday
Atty. Gen. Bates calls on President and presents his views on Baltimore Convention.
President visits Navy Yard about 6 P.M. and tells Comd. Dahlgren, as they drive through grounds, that armies are hotly engaged.
1862 - Monday
[Nothing of note today.]
1863 - Tuesday
Shortly before cabinet meeting President learns that Gen. R. E. Lee has crossed into Virginia. Sec. Welles walks to War Dept. with Lincoln, who is depressed by Lee's escape. Two hours later Welles returns to War Dept. and finds Lincoln there lying on sofa, dejected and discouraged.
After noon Lincoln visits Navy Yard and witnesses firing of 20 Absterdam shells from army field gun.
President recognizes Carlos Enrique Leland as vice consul of Oriental Republic of Uruguay at New York.
Writes Gen. Meade: "I have just seen your despatch to Gen. Halleck, asking to be relieved of your command, because of a supposed censure of mine. . . . But I was in such deep distress myself that I could not restrain some expression of it. . . . I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of the misfortune involved in Lee's escape. He was within your easy grasp, and to have closed upon him would, in connection with our other late successes, have ended the war. . . . Your golden opportunity is gone, and I am distressed immeasurably because of it." [The letter was never signed or sent.] Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade
1864 - Thursday
President resumes schedule for living at Soldiers' Home.
Prepares memorandum relative to cabinet: "I must myself be the judge, how long to retain in, and when to remove any of you from, his position. It would greatly pain me to discover any of you endeavoring to procure anothers removal, or, in any way to prejudice him before the public. Such endeavor would be a wrong to me; and much worse, a wrong to the country. My wish is that on this subject, no remark be made, nor question asked, by any of you, here or elsewhere, now or hereafter." [Whether or not Lincoln read memorandum to cabinet on this day, or any day, is in doubt.] Memorandum Read to Cabinet
Replies, through Sec. Stanton , to letter of Gen. Halleck who proposes that names of officers described by Postmaster Gen. Blair as poltroons be stricken from rolls of Army, or Blair be dismissed from cabinet. "If they [remarks of Blair] were made I do not approve them; and yet, under the circumstances, I would not dismiss a member of the Cabinet therefor. . . . Besides this, truth is generally the best vindication against slander. I propose continuing to be myself the judge as to when a member of the Cabinet shall be dismissed." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Presents Gen. John B. S. Todd with inscribed copy of Herman Haupt, Military Bridges, 1864.
In the evening, Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull meets with Lincoln, and they discuss "business matters." Trumbull arrives home from the meeting at "about 10 ½ oclock."
1862 - Tuesday
Sen. Browning (Ill.) visits Lincoln in morning and reports that he "looks weary, care-worn and troubled."
Lincoln writes Sen. Foot (Vt.) that he may return with objection bill for an act to suppress insurrection. Abraham Lincoln to Solomon Foot
Asks Congress to postpone adjournment at least one day.
Request granted.
1863 - Wednesday
President reverses position on New Almaden Mine and suspends military enforcement of writ of possession. Abraham Lincoln to Leonard Swett
Approves letter of J. R. Gilmore to Gov. Zebulon B. Vance (N.C.) regarding restoration of peace between states, reunion of states on basis of abolition of slavery, and reinstatement of Confederate citizens in all rights of citizenship. Endorsement on Letter of James R. Gilmore to Zebulon B. Vance
Robert Lincoln quotes President as saying after Confederate army's escape following Battle of Gettysburg: "If I had gone up there I could have licked them myself."
President proclaims "Thursday the 6th. day of August next, to be observed as a day for National Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer." Proclamation of Thanksgiving
1864 - Friday
Gov. Peirpoint (Va.) and party make an appointment for 10:30 A.M.
Sec. Seward arranges audience for 11 A.M. with F. L. Barreda.
President confers with Atty. Gen. Bates, who expresses contempt for Gen. Halleck.
Cabinet meets. Discussion mainly on Gen. Early's raid.
O. H. Browning meets President between White House and War Dept. and discovers Lincoln displeased that Confederates molesting Washington escaped.
President acknowledges with thanks receipt of suit made to his measurements by Rockhill & Wilson and donated to Great Central Fair in Baltimore. Abraham Lincoln to L. J. Leberman
Lincoln refers to Sec. Stanton letter from Ninian W. Edwards concerning raising troops.
1863 - Thursday
President interviews Gov. Carney (Kans.) regarding right of governor to appoint military officers. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Carney
1864 - Saturday
O. H. Browning and Lincoln discuss for hour letter of Gen. Halleck to Sec. Stanton asking that Postmaster Gen. Blair be dismissed from cabinet.
President authorizes John Hay in New York to write safe-conduct order for Confederate representatives in Canada to travel to Washington. Abraham Lincoln to John Hay
Lincoln signs "An act to suppress insurrection, and to punish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate property of rebels, and for other purposes," together with joint resolution explanatory of act, and draft of Message stating objections to bill before it becomes law. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
Approves act amending act of February 28, 1795, and subsequent amendments, authorizing call-up of militia, and for other purposes.
Joint Congressional Committee notifies President of adjournment unless he has further communications.
Mrs. Lincoln leaves New York at 6 A.M. for Washington accompanied by Lt. S. Long and Thomas W. Sweney, assessor of internal revenue at Philadelphia, former colonel of 99th Pennsylvania Infantry and apparently friend of Tad.
1863 - Friday
President at cabinet meeting affirms his faith in Gen. Meade.
Directs Sec. Stanton to place governor of Kansas on same ground as other loyal governors in giving original commissions. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Assures Gen. Hunter that Gen. Grant wishes him to remain in command and no one is scapegoat. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
Telegraphs Grant hope that desperate effort to get position "shall not be desparate [sic] in the sense of great loss of life." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
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