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.
"Met the President crossing Pennsylvania Avenue, striding like a crane in a bulrush swamp . . . evidently in a hurry, on his way to the White House," President writes Sec. Chase for help in patronage to avoid "a difficulty, or rupture" with Sen. King (N.Y.) and Cong. Galusha A. Grow (Pa.). Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
To Hay, Lincoln remarks on case of Capt. James M. Cutts, Jr., (See October 26, 1863) charged with furtively watching woman undress, that Cutts should be elevated to "peerage" with title of "Count Peeper."
Lincoln's pronunciation resembles name of Count Piper, Swedish diplomat.
J. R. Gilmore reports to Lincoln on interview with President Davis: South fighting for independence and not slavery; terms of peace must be based on recognition of independence.
E. J. Moore, sixth Pennsylvania district, discusses appointments with President.
President converts loan certificates for $26,181.40 into U.S. stocks.
Telegraphs Gen. Sherman who opposes sending recruiting officers into Confederate States: "We here, will do what we consistently can to save you from difficulties arising out of it. May I ask therefore that you will give your hearty cooperation?" Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman
President states position of his government regarding peace, in document to be delivered by Horace Greeley and John Hay to persons in Canada purporting to represent Confederate States: "Any proposition which embraces the restoration of peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery, and which comes by and with an authority that can control the armies now at war against the United States will be received and considered by the Executive government of the United States, and will be met by liberal terms on other substantial and collateral points; and the bearer, or bearers thereof shall have safe-conduct both ways." Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
Spends evening with Sen. Browning (Ill.) and patronage seekers.
E. V. Haughwont and Co., 488-92 Broadway, New York, submits bill for $166.00 for chandeliers purchased by Mrs. Lincoln.
1862 - Saturday
Delegation of Senators waits upon President and full cabinet and endorses policy of subsisting troops on enemy, using slaves indiscriminately, and pushing war forward without delay, negotiation, or parley.
Gen. Dix, invited by President to take charge of exchange of prisoners, arrives in evening and leaves following day.
1863 - Sunday
President in excellent humor; scribbles doggerel for John Hay.
Sec. Seward makes appointment for President with Lord Lyons at Soldiers' Home, 8:30 P.M.
Cabinet meets. Agenda includes riot in Coles County, Ill., of March 28, 1864, between soldiers on leave and "Copperheads," and controversy between Gov. Peirpoint (Va.) and Gen. Butler.
Lincoln writes statement for signatures of three citizens of Philadelphia: "We believe there are in the Philadelphia Post-Office between two hundred and fifty and three hundred employees under the Post-Master, and that no one of them openly supports the renomination of Judge Kelly [Kelley] for Congress, and that several of them say and intimate privately that it is because they are restrained by the Post-Master." Statement of Philadelphia Citizens
Interviews William Grandin of New York, and directs him to leave testimonials at Sec. Cameron's house.
Cameron returns from Gen. McDowell's headquarters at Manassas, Va., and reports orally to President on preparation of army for impending battle.
Lincoln asks John W. Forney, secretary of senate and editor and publisher, to find place for son of Alexander Sympson of Illinois, "one of my best friends whom I have not, so far, been able to recognize in any substantial way." Abraham Lincoln to John W. Forney
1862 - Sunday
[Nothing of note.]
1863 - Monday
Provost Marshal General informs President "that New-Jersey is now behind twelve thousand irrespective of the draft." Abraham Lincoln to Joel Parker
Congs. Lovejoy (Ill.) and Arnold (Ill.) discuss with Lincoln problems of slavery and Border States.
President recognizes Guillermo B. Newberry as consul of Peru at Boston.
1864 - Wednesday
President recognizes Francis A. Hoffmann as consul for Kingdom of Hanover at Chicago.
Replies to Gen. Grant: "Yours of yesterday about a call for 300,000 is received. I suppose you had not seen the call for 500,000 made the day before, and which I suppose covers the case. Always glad to have your suggestions." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Answers Jacob T. Wright, chairman, Republican State Union Central Committee of Indiana, who asks that Gen. Butler be given Sec. Stanton 's place: "All a mistake. Mr. Stanton has not resigned." Abraham Lincoln to Jacob T. Wright
At White House feverish excitement but little, if any, alarm.
Lincoln spends most of day in telegraph office of War Dept. with members of cabinet and army personnel, analyzing dispatches and studying maps of battlefield.
From 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. receives dispatches at fifteen-minute intervals from Fairfax Station, three or four miles from battle.
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) at White House twice today.
President interviews Gen. Dix.
Sen. Zachariah Chandler (Mich.) gives President eyewitness account of Battle of Bull Run, Manassas.
Lincoln dines at 3:30 P.M. and goes to War Dept. to discuss with Gen. Scott dispatches that indicate Federal troops are retreating. Scott assures him news is not unfavorable. At 6 P.M. Lincoln drives to Navy Yard and talks with Comdr. Dahlgren. Returns to White House about 7 P.M. and learns from Sec. Seward that battle has been lost. Remains awake all night, listening to stories of senators and congressmen returning from battlefield. "By day-break what had been the Union's hopeful army began streaming past, now only a rain-soaked mob."
1862 - monday
At morning cabinet meeting President discusses proposed military action and slavery.
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "This is Monday, I hope to be able to tell you on Thursday, what is to be done with Burnside." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Orders that subjects of foreign powers "cannot be required to take an oath of allegiance to this Government, . . . All such obligations heretofore taken are, therefore, remitted and annulled." Order Concerning Subjects of Foreign Powers
Directs Sec. Welles to investigate dismissal of Asst. Prof. William R. Hopkins from naval school, and to restore him to his place if he is loyal.
1863 - Tuesday
W. Butler and group of businessmen interview President to obtain privileges of trade.
Directs Sec. Stanton to renew effort "to raise colored forces along the shores of the Mississippi," and suggests Adjt. Gen. Thomas as one of best "instruments for this service." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Thursday
Lincoln recommends former landlady: "The bearer of this is a most estimable widow lady, at whose house I boarded many years ago when a member of Congress. She now is very needy; & any employment suitable to a lady could not be bestowed on a more worthy person." [Mrs. Ann G. Sprigg received appointment in Treasury Dept.] Abraham Lincoln to William P. Fessenden
Gen. Scott calls at White House at 2 A.M. and insists that Mrs. Lincoln and boys be sent north out of danger. Mrs. Lincoln refuses to leave.
At 3 A.M. President has long talk with Gen. Meigs, just returned from Bull Run, (Manassas.)
Gen. McClellan ordered to Washington, to command troops defending capital.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) with Lincoln from 5 to 7 P.M. reviewing reports on Battle of Bull Run, (Manassas.)
President approves act authorizing employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing laws and protecting public property.
Purchases whip for 50¢.
1862 - Tuesday
Cabinet in session. Discussion of previous day on slavery continues. President reads first draft of Emancipation Proclamation, to become effective January 1, 1863, and at Sec. Seward's suggestion agrees to withhold announcement until a military victory is obtained.
Sec. Stanton favors decisive blow to slavery as an all-important war measure over opposition to Lincoln and cabinet.
The efficiency of Gen. McClellan is talked over in cabinet.
Sec. Chase consults with President and urges McClellan's removal.
Gen. Marcy confers with President and Sec. Stanton before returning to James River camp.
By order of President, Stanton issues Executive Order providing: 1. Military commanders may seize and use real or personal property in rebel States for military purposes. 2. Military and naval commanders may employ as laborers persons of African descent, giving them reasonable wages for their labors. 3. Accounts of property of all kinds taken from owners shall be kept as basis for proper compensation.
President grants Sec. Stanton "liberty to take the proper steps" to enroll militia of the several states and to draft men therefrom to fill old regiments. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Disgruntled captain tells Lincoln of Gen. Sherman having threatened to shoot him, to which Lincoln replies: "Well, if I were you and he threatened to shoot, I would not trust him, for I believe he would do it."
Lincoln and Sen. Sumner (Mass.) discuss emancipation until midnight.
Mrs. Lincoln receives gift of Confederate flag captured by Zouaves from Louisiana regiment.
Lincoln approves payment of bill for $1,500.00 to A. P. Zimandy for set of glass ware "rich cut and Engd with U.S. Coat of Arms."
1862 - Wednesday
President, Sec. Stanton, and Gen. Halleck hold extended conference in War Dept. Gens. Pope and Burnside attend part of meeting.
Borrows from Library of Congress "Longfellow's Hiawatha, Shakespeare, IV., Neills Minnesota."
1863 - Thursday
Lincoln interviews Nehemiah G. Ordway, chairman of Republican Central Committee of New Hampshire, regarding Col. Walter Harriman and equalization of draft. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Refuses to read letter of Gov. Gamble (Mo.) complaining that President described him in letter to Gen. Schofield as leader of faction in Missouri. Abraham Lincoln to Hamilton R. Gamble
Writes Gen. Schenck to clear up any misunderstanding about their meeting. "I beg you will not believe I have treated you with intentional discourtesy." Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck
1864 - Saturday
John W. North, associate justice of district court, Nevada Territory, asks President for a hearing before taking action on charges against him.
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Hunter at Harper's Ferry, W. Va.: "Are you able to take care of the enemy when he turns back upon you, as he probably will on finding that Wright has left?" Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
President notifies Gov. Charles S. Olden (N.J.) that a total of eight regiments of three-year volunteers will be accepted. Abraham Lincoln to Charles S. Olden
In afternoon President sees experiments with Sherwin's rifled cannon, orders construction of six-pounder.
President and Sec. Seward visit 71st New York Regiment at Navy Yard.
1862 - Thursday
Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in morning studies maps with Lincoln, who points out importance of having Mississippi River opened.
President interviews Bronson Murray of Connecticut (formerly of Illinois) relative to appointment. Abraham Lincoln to James Dixon
Attends school program at Smithsonian Institution and hands out awards.
Receives word of former President Martin Van Buren's death.
1863 - Friday
At cabinet meeting inquiries are made about army, but no information is communicated. Sec. Seward confers with President for an hour before meeting.
President suspends action in six courtmartial cases of men sentenced to be shot for desertion. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt
Writes Postmaster Gen. Blair regarding soldier patronage: "My conclusion is that, other claims and qualifications being equal, they have the better right; and this is especially applicable to the disabled soldier, and the deceased soldier's family." Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery Blair
1864 - Sunday
President writes Sec. Usher: "I know nothing personally of Mr. Rohrer, but shall be very glad if the Sec. of Interior can oblige the gentlemen who write the within letter." Abraham Lincoln to John P. Usher
President at War Dept. in morning discusses opening of Mississippi River with Sec. Stanton. Sec. Chase drops in during meeting. Stanton recommends sending Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchel to clear the river.
Announces to group waiting outside office door: "It is a matter of no importance to me whether I spend my time with half a dozen of you or with the whole of you, but it is of importance to you. Therefore when you come in, don't stay long."
As mark of respect for memory of former President Van Buren orders that Executive Mansion and departments, except War and Navy, be placed in mourning, and that business be suspended during tomorrow. Order for Observance of Death of Martin Van Buren
Discusses with Mitchel plans for opening Mississippi.
In evening at Soldiers' Home has conversation with Sen. Browning (Ill.) on public affairs.
1863 - Saturday
At night John Hay accompanies President to Soldiers' Home.
Lincoln explains to Gov. Parker (N.J.) that it would breed trouble to "have a special stipulation with the Governor of any one State" regarding draft quotas. "As it stands, the best I can say is, that every volunteer you will present us within thirty days from this date . . . shall be, pro-tanto—an abatement of your quota of the draft." Abraham Lincoln to Joel Parker
Orders Sec. Welles to: 1. cease "using any neutral port, to watch neutral vessels, and then to dart out and seize them on their departure"; 2. cease detaining "the crew of a captured neutral vessel . . . on board such vessel, as prisoners of war." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1864 - Monday
President confers with Gen. Meigs relative to destroying fords across Potomac from Washington to Harper's Ferry, W. Va., by means of dams.
T. Shaffer interviews President regarding difficulty of getting cotton out of Military Division of West Mississippi. Abraham Lincoln to Edward R. S. Canby
President writes Abram Wakeman, post-master at New York, that men from South recently at Niagara Falls, N.Y., were empowered to assist in selecting candidate and platform for Chicago convention. Next presidential contest will "be no other than a contest between a Union and a Disunion candidate." Abraham Lincoln to Abram Wakeman
Writes William O. Snider, probably of Philadelphia: "The cane you did me the honor to present throough [sic] Gov. Curtin was duly placed in my hand by him. Please accept my thanks; and at the same time, pardon me for not having sooner found time to tender them." Abraham Lincoln to William O. Snider
In morning Lincoln receives Missouri patronage group, including Cong. James S. Rollins (Mo.).
Escorts Prof. Lowe to see Gen. Scott.
Cabinet in session more than four hours.
New York delegation (Judge McKean, Gen. Bullard, and Prof. McCoy) urges recall of Gen. Wool to active service.
1862 - Saturday
Sen. Browning (Ill.) visits White House in morning to say goodbye to President.
Gen. George F. Shepley, military governor of Louisiana, reports to President and Secs. Seward and Stanton on conditions at New Orleans. Abraham Lincoln to Reverdy Johnson
Gen. Mitchel reports to President his plans for opening Mississippi River
1863 - Sunday
Sec. Welles confers with President about reinforcements for Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore who is cooperating with Rear Adm. Dahlgren in siege of Charleston.
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Secs. Welles and Usher, Atty. Gen. Bates, and Lincoln present.
Col. Shaffer discusses Gen. Butler's position with President. Butler
In evening Sec. and Mrs. Welles visit for hour with Lincoln at Soldiers' Home.
President writes Gen. Sherman who complains about promotion of Gens. Alvin P. Hovey and Peter J. Osterhaus: "My recollection is that both Gen. Grant and yourself recommended both H & O. . . . I beg you to believe we do not act in a spirit disregarding merit. We expect to await your programme, for further changes and promotions in your army. My profoundest thanks to you and your whole Army for the present campaign so far." Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman
President calls Gen. McClellan to White House and places him in command of all troops in vicinity of Washington.
Summons McClellan to cabinet meeting that does not include Gen. Scott, who learns of arrangement and detains McClellan in conference until meeting is over.
"I explained to the President the cause of my apparent lack of courtesy, at which he seemed more amused than otherwise."
President approves letter of Sec. Seward to Henry S. Sanford, American minister in Brussels, offering commission in army to Giuseppe Garibaldi, liberator of Italy.
Sends communication to House of Representatives regarding arrest of Baltimore police commissioners. Answers Senate resolution relative to instructions given American ministers about rebellion in Southern portion of Union. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives
President and Mrs. Lincoln visit 27th New York Regiment and chat with wounded. N
Sec. Chase in conference with Lincoln discusses financial reasons for removing Gen. McClellan, hopes Gen. Halleck will approve sending Gen. Mitchel to open Mississippi River, suggests giving sculptor Thomas D. Jones consulate in Italy, and comments on draft of letter addressed to Cuthbert Bullitt, Louisiana Unionist.
Lincoln inquires of Gen. Meade: "I have not thrown Gen. Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether, it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so." Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade
Explains to Gen. Burnside that Gen. Grant said he would return IX Corps. "Grant is a copious worker, and fighter, but a very meagre writer, or telegrapher. No doubt he changed his purpose in regard to the Ninth Corps, for some sufficient reason, but has forgotten to notify us of it." Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside
Telegraphs Gen. Hunter at Harper's Ferry, W. Va.: "Please send any recent news you have—particularly as to movements of the enemy." Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
Promises Gov. Johnson (Tenn.) to look after matter of Gen. Alvan C. Gillem. As for Gen. Schurz, "I appreciate him certainly as highly as you do; but you can never know until you have the trial, how difficult it is to find a place for an officer of so high rank, when there is no place seeking him." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson
Directs Sec. Stanton to examine petition of female workers in Philadelphia Arsenal and provide relief consistent with law and public service. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
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