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 and Mrs. Lincoln attend Presbyterian Church services. Meet Sen. Browning (Ill.), who accepts invitation to dinner at Executive Mansion.
1862 - Monday
President at War Dept. for 10 A.M. conference with Gens. Halleck and Burnside. They consider recommendation of Gen. Keyes that Army of Potomac be withdrawn from James River base unless it is reinforced by 100,000 men.
Lincoln discloses attitude toward prosecuting war in letter to C. Bullitt: "What would you do in my position? Would you drop the war where it is? Or, would you prosecute it in future, with elder-stalk squirts, charged with rose water? . . . I am in no boastful mood. I shall not do more than I can, and I shall do all I can to save the government, which is my sworn duty as well as my personal inclination. I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing." Abraham Lincoln to Cuthbert Bullitt
Announces signing of treaty with Ottawa Indians of Kansas.
Appoints Chief Clerk Charles E. Mix to be acting commissioner of Indian affairs during absence of Commissioner Dole. Appointment of Charles E. Mix
Writes Gov. Gamble (Mo.): "You ask four Regiments for Gen. Schofield, and he asks the same of the Sec. of War. Please raise them for me, as I have them not, nor can have, till some governor gives them to me." Abraham Lincoln to Hamilton R. Gamble
Sends note to Sec. Stanton: "Sec. of War, please put Bob [Lincoln] on the way to find where John Reed of Co. C, 11 Mass. may be found." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Tuesday
Lincoln telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in New York: "Bob went to Fort-Monroe & only got back to-day. Will start to you at 11. AM tomorrow. All well." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Recommends to Sec. Stanton that wounded Confederate, Capt. Robert Brown, prisoner in Gettysburg, be transferred to care of relatives in Washington. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Thursday
President asks J. W. Forney and Morton McMichael, editor of Philadelphia "North American," to come to Washington tomorrow or Saturday. Abraham Lincoln to John W. Forney
Lincoln authorizes Gen. Halleck to inform Gen. Meade that government is not "demanding of him to bring on a general engagement with Lee as soon as possible." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
Requests sec. of war to consult with general in chief on subject of organizing force to go to western Texas. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Deposits July 1862 salary warrant for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank.
1864 - Friday
President changes purpose and decides to meet Gen. Grant at Fortress Monroe, at 10 A.M. Sunday, the 31st. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Writes Mrs. Anne Williamson, age 81, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who sent him shepherd's check plaid: "I thank you for that pretty and useful present, but still more for those good wishes to myself and our country which prompted you to present it." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Anne Williamson
Hugh McCulloch, Indiana banker, and friends visit President, who surprises them by relating anecdotes when government seems in peril.
President sends communications to Senate regarding quasi-armistice with Florida and imprisonment of Lt. John L. Worden (USN). Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Selects Gen. Andrew Porter to succeed Gen. Frederick W. Lander as provost marshal of Washington.
Appears in good spirits and hopeful at White House evening levee. Cong. (former Sen.) John J. Crittenden (Ky.) promenades with Mrs. Lincoln.
President recognizes appointment of Theodor Schwartz as consul in Kentucky for Kingdom of Saxony.
1863 - Thursday
President prepares order of retaliation, issued by Adjutant General's Office July 31, 1863, as "General Orders No. 252.": "That for every soldier of the United States killed in violation of the laws of war, a rebel soldier shall be executed; and for every one enslaved by the enemy or sold into slavery, a rebel soldier shall be placed at hard labor on the public works." Order of Retaliation, 30 July 1863, CW, 6:357.
Writes F. P. Blair, Sr.: "Yesterday I commenced trying to get up an expedition for Texas. I shall do the best I can." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Sr.
1864 - Saturday Washington, DC and En route to Fortress Monroe, VA.
At 12 M. Sec. Seward escorts Chevalier Bertinatti to White House for presentation of credentials as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Italy. President replies to presentation. Reply to Joseph Bertinatti
Lincoln appoints Maj. John A. Bingham, judge advocate of volunteers and former congressman (Ohio), to Court of Claims; appointment declined. Abraham Lincoln to John A. Bingham
Marine band gives regular Saturday evening concert on White House grounds. President probably did not attend.
President approves treasury regulations governing commercial intercourse and directs military personnel to assist agents of Treasury Dept. in executing them. Approval of Treasury Regulations
Confers with Sen. Browning (Ill.), Cong. William P. Sheffield (R.I.), and Pope of Bloomington, Ill.
Lincoln and Sec. Seward visit hospital at Georgetown; President shakes hands with wounded.
President approves act empowering Chief Executive to decide when a state of insurrection exists.
1862 - Thursday
President answers suggestion in letter addressed to August Belmont, New York financier, that "Mr. Lincoln must take a decisive course" as to restoration of Union. Lincoln writes that such a course is declared "in the inaugural, in each of two regular messages to Congress, and in many, if not all, the minor documents issued by the Executive since the inauguration." Those in rebellious states "must understand that they cannot experiment for ten years trying to destroy the government, and if they fail still come back into the Union unhurt. If they expect . . . to ever have the Union as it was, I join with the writer in saying 'Now is the time'." Abraham Lincoln to August Belmont
1863 - Friday
President sends condolences to Frederick VII, King of Denmark, on death of Prince Frederick Ferdinand. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick VII
Interviews L. H. Chandler acting as counsel for Dr. David M. Wright of Norfolk in murder case before military commission.
Cabinet listens for two hours to report presented by Col. John A. Rawlins on capture of Vicksburg, Miss.
Writes Samuel W. Moulton, enrollment commissioner for 10th District of Illinois: "Your removal has been strongly urged on the ground of 'presistent disobedience of orders and neglect of duty.' . . . I consider your services in your district valuable, and should be sorry to lose them. . . . I hope you will conclude to go on in your present position under the regulations of the Department." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel W. Moulton
1864 - Sunday Fortress Monroe, VA and En route to Washington, DC.
President at Fortress Monroe to confer with Gen. Grant.
August 1, 1864. Waits at wharf for Grant to come from Gen. Butler's house. Mrs. Butler does not see President or Mrs. Lincoln and ladies.
Lincoln receives Grant aboard U.S.S. "Baltimore" at 10 A.M. for conference. Begins return trip to Washington at 3 P.M.
Grant and members of staff accompany President to Norfolk.
President addresses communication to Tycoon of Japan on subject of extending time for opening certain ports and cities in Japan. Abraham Lincoln to the Tycoon of Japan
8 P.M. Sens. Trumbull (Ill.) and Browning (Ill.), and others consult with Lincoln about appointments.
In response to resolution of Senate, Lincoln prods Sec. Cameron for information concerning appointment of Sen. Lane (Kans.) as general in army of U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Harness account is charged .25¢ for "whip crack."
1862 - Friday
Cabinet meeting on current problems of government.
Col. Henry C. Deming of Connecticut delivers to Lincoln swords sent from Louisiana by Gen. Butler.
President, in conference with gentleman from Ohio, expresses astonishment at speech of Cong. (former Gov.) Charles A. Wickliffe (Ky.)
In compliance with recent act of Congress, pardons approximately 90 soldiers imprisoned by courtmartial.
1863 - Saturday
President interviews Patrick Murphy of New York, father of Col. Murphy, regarding employment. Abraham Lincoln to Hiram Barney
J. G. Hamilton of Illinois sees President in interest of William T. Smithson, held in Old Capitol Prison, 1st St., on charge of treason. Endorsement Concerning William T. Smithson
President transmits to adjutant general petition of citizens of Shenandoah Valley requesting that Gen. Milroy be restored to command.
President and John Hay attend dedication of new printing office, home of Washington "Chronicle," on 9th St.
President converts eleven salary drafts, August 1862 to June 1863, amounting to $22,306.67 into U.S. treasury loan certificate bearing 5 per cent interest.
1864 - Monday
Presidential party, including Mrs. Lincoln, Asst. Sec. Fox, and several others, arrives at Navy Yard in morning.
Sec. Welles confers with Lincoln about trial of Benjamin G. and Franklin W. Smith ("Smith Brothers") of Boston, charged with attempt to defraud government.
Receives memorandum from Gen. McClellan outlining his plans and state of war.
Reviews Col. Edward D. Baker's California Regiment consisting of troops enlisted in New York.
Informs Gen. Fremont that Sanitary Commission has selected Dr. Godfrey Aigner to inspect sanitary condition of camps. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
1862 - Saturday
President in regular cabinet meeting reviews problems facing administration, particularly emancipation.
Cabinet meets at 10 A.M. Memorandum of Gen. McClellan on military matters under consideration.
Prince Napoleon [Napoleon Joseph Charles Paul Bonaparte] of France, traveling in U.S. as private citizen, visits President at noon.
"The Prince, arriving (at White House) with Baron Mercier, found no one—neither butler nor doorman—at the main entrance to show him in . . . I do not remember which employee, who happened to be passing by, took care of this duty." The meeting was "not so gay"; the Prince, huffed at his reception, "took a cruel pleasure in remaining silent."
President approves act providing for construction of armed ships and floating batteries, and for other purposes.
In early afternoon, with Sec. Seward and Mrs. F. W. Seward, drives to General Hospital in Georgetown.
Drafts letter from Sec. Cameron to Gov. Hamilton R. Gamble (Mo.) assuring governor that if he promises security to citizens in arms who become peaceable and loyal, the government will cause promise to be respected. Simon Cameron to Hamilton R. Gamble
In honor of Prince Napoleon, gives dinner for 40 invited guests, Executive Mansion, 7 P.M.
1862 - Sunday
In cabinet meeting Sec. Chase urges policy of: 1. assuring freedom to Negroes in seceded states on condition of loyalty; 2. organizing best of them into military companies; 3. providing for cultivation of plantations by remaining ones.
Lincoln writes Gen. Grant: "'Putting our army South of the enemy' or of following [']him to the death' . . . will neither be done nor attempted unless you watch it every day, and hour, and force it." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Instructs Sec. Stanton to suspend order of Gen. Hunter, who directed arrest and shipment south of Union lines of secessionist residents of Frederick, Md. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Delegation of Western men, including two congressmen, calls upon President to offer two Negro regiments from Indiana. President agrees to use men as laborers, but will not make them soldiers. Remarks to Deputation of Western Gentlemen
Orders draft of 300,000 militia to serve for nine months.
Answers question of Swiss liberal author, Agénor-Etienne de Gasparin, as to whether U.S. is able to press on with war: "I can only say that I have acted upon my best convictions without selfishness or malice, and that by the help of God, I shall continue to do so." Abraham Lincoln to Agénor-Etienne de Gasparin
1863 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Seward talks on subject of prizes and prize courts.
1864 - Thursday
President receives dispatch at noon that Gen. Grant leaves City Point, Va., in two hours for Washington.
Consults with Gen. Butler on military and slavery topics.
Approves congressional resolution to observe a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer.
Approves act levying income tax of 3 per cent on income exceeding $800 per year, and other taxes.
Receives July salary warrant for $2,083.33.
Mrs. Lincoln borrows "Oeuvres de Victor Hugo, vol. 9" from Library of Congress.
1862 - Tuesday
At 10 A.M. President, Sec. Seward, and Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis begin inspection of forts and camps on south side of Potomac between Chain Bridge and Long Bridge.
Theodore S. Fay, former minister to Switzerland, tells Lincoln Union cause is suffering "on account of a poorly defined policy."
President receives July salary warrant for $2,083.33.
Reviews production of gunpowder by Capt. Diller and Dr. Charles M. Wetherill in letter to I. Newton and discusses Wetherill's salary. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Newton
1864 - Friday
President receives note from Sec. Stanton that Gen. Grant is at War Dept. Replies: "I will come over in a few minutes." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Cabinet meets. Only four members present.
Atty. Gen. Bates calls on President to deliver letter of Col. James O. Broadhead, provost marshal general of Missouri, on Missouri affairs.
Lincoln interviews Gen. Sheridan, who has been called to Washington and ordered to join Grant at Monocacy Junction.
In evening Sec. Seward reads Davis Protest [Wade-Davis Manifesto] to Lincoln, who wants to know if protestors intend openly to oppose his election.
Lincoln receives July salary warrant for $1,981.67, reduced $101.66 by income tax enacted June 30, 1864.
President and cabinet members at Capitol to approve and sign bills. Lincoln hesitates before signing bill authorizing confiscation of property used for insurrectionary purposes.
Approves act authorizing penalty for recruiting soldiers or sailors, and for enlisting, against U.S.
Congress passes and Lincoln signs army bill establishing pay of private soldier with amendment legalizing proclamations and orders of President since inauguration.
Appoints Hezekiah G. Wells, state officeholder of Michigan, minister to Honduras.
Consults with Sen. Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) and Cong. Horace Maynard (Tenn.) about conditions in Tennessee and troops to support Gen. Robert Anderson.
Senate and House committees notify President of adjournment unless he has further communications.
1862 - Wednesday
President addresses Union meeting in front of Capitol at 5 P.M., defending both Gen. McClellan and Sec. Stanton. Resolutions in support of Union read and adopted. Address to Union Meeting at Washington
Consults with Stanton , Gen. Halleck, and governors on problem of drafting army replacements.
James C. Conkling of Illinois is dinner guest.
1863 - Thursday
President attends church services, having proclaimed August 6, 1863 day of thanksgiving.
Speaks at Union meeting in city.
Informs John Hay that danger of war with England is past, temporarily at least.
1864 - Saturday
President interviews Sec. Welles regarding promotion of Col. Griffin A. Stedman, who is reported dying from wounds received in action before Petersburg, Va., and endorses recommendation of Gen. Edward O. C. Ord that Col. Stedman be promoted to brigadier general. "I shall be glad to have this done."
Requests interview and receives notice that Col. Samuel M. Bowman, chief mustering officer for Negro troops in Maryland, will call on August 8, 1864. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel M. Bowman
Approves publication of correspondence between himself and Horace Greeley relative to Niagara Falls peace effort. Abraham Lincoln to Horace Greeley
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