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, Secs. Seward and Stanton , Capt. John A. Dahlgren, and others spend two hours at Navy Yard in afternoon observing experiments with "Rafael" repeater cannon. Later Dahlgren takes party on board steamboat to cool off and rest.
Mrs. Lincoln orders 23 book titles and 1 box from T. J. Crowen, Publisher, Bookseller, and Stationer, 699 Broadway, New York: "1 set Waverly $16," "1 set Cooper $34," "1 set Shakespeare $12," "1 Spencers Poem $8," "1 Cor. Am. Revolution $15," "1 Sigourney Poems $5," "1 Land & Book $3.25," "1 Field Book $10," "1 Kanes Expeditions $10," "1 Box $0.75," "1 Hist. of New York $4.50," "1 Indian Tales $2.25," "1 Hist. of Revolution $6," "1 Hist. of Washington $9," "1 Hist. of England $5," "1 Hist. of Voyages $2.25," "2 Albums $9," "1 Portrait Gallery $16," "1 Travels $2.25," "1 Hist. of Creation $2.50," "1 Hist. of Birds $0.63," "1 Hist. of Beasts $0.75," "1 Hist. of Art $0.50," "1 Text Book $0.37." For the last 14 items Lincoln pays $61; the remainder, totalling $52, is paid from annual appropriation of $250 for books for White House, administered by Commissioner French.
Notifies Gov. Seymour (N.Y.): "I can not consent to suspend the draft in New-York, as you request, because, among other reasons, time is too important." Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour
Mrs. Lincoln and Robert are in White Mountains.
1864 - Sunday
President, Gens. Grant and Halleck, and Sec. Stanton meet in War Dept. Sec. Welles inquires about Col. Stedman and learns of his death.
President and Postmaster Gen. Blair observe experiments with Maynard's rifle and Alexander's cartridge.
Lincoln reviews Col. Daniel E. Sickles' New York Brigade and two Wisconsin regiments.
Interviews Edward Ellsworth, 4th Regiment Michigan Volunteers, cousin of late Col. Ellsworth, who wishes to be a second lieutenant, and writes Sec. Cameron: "I shall be glad if a place can be found for him." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Thomas M. Key, volunteer aide to Gen. McClellan, delivers to President copy of McClellan's letter to Gen. Scott.
1862 - Friday
Cabinet meeting—"nothing proposed and nothing done of any moment."
President directs secretary of war to issue order for arrest of persons engaged in discouraging enlistments.
Sen. Dixon (Conn.) confers with Lincoln about Connecticut politics.
Lincoln assures Baron de Stoeckl that although enlistments are slow, two or three million men will respond in case of necessity.
Writes Mrs. Lincoln: "All as well as usual, and no particular trouble any way. . . . Tell dear Tad, poor 'Nanny Goat,' is lost; . . . The weather continues dry, and excessively warm here. . . . But enough.
Affectionately." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
1864 - Monday
Sec. Seward arranges 12 M. meeting for President with Count Piper.
Col. Bowman will arrive from Baltimore, accompanied by Lev. E. Straughn, commissioner to examine claims of owners of slaves enlisted in army.
President explains to Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge at Lexington, Ky., that paper was given Emily Todd Helm to protect her against mere fact of her being Gen. Helm's widow, and not against consequences of disloyalty. "If the paper given her by me can be construed to give her protection for such words or acts, it is hereby revoked pro tanto. Deal with her for current conduct, just as you would with any other." Abraham Lincoln to Stephen G. Burbridge
Signs law giving freedom to slaves employed by Confederates in carrying on war.
Do you happen to have the text of this law?
I've had more time to follow up on this.
This refers to what is commonly called the "First Confiscation Act". Lincoln was reluctant to sign it as he thought it unenforcible, etc. It's only practicable effect was to provoke the Confederate Congress to pass their "Sequestration Act" on August 30, 1861.
Here's the text you are looking for:
First Confiscation Act
August 6, 1861
CHAP. LX. — An Act to confiscate Property used for Insurrectionary Purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That if, during the present or any future insurrection against the Government of the United States, after the President of the United States shall have declared, by proclamation, that the laws of the United States are opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the power vested in the marshals by law, any person or persons, his, her, or their agent, attorney, or employe, shall purchase or acquire, sell or give, any property of whatsoever kind or description, with intent to use or employ the same, or suffer the same to be used or employed, in aiding, abetting, or promoting such insurrection or resistance to the laws, or any person or persons engaged therein ; or if any person or persons, being the owner or owners of any such property, shall knowingly use or employ, or consent to the use or employment of the same as aforesaid, all such property is hereby declared to be lawful subject of prize and capture wherever found ; and it shall be the duty of the President of the United States to cause the same to be seized, confiscated, and condemned.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That such prizes and capture shall be condemned in the district or circuit court of the United States having jurisdiction of the amount, or in admiralty in any district in which the same may be seized, or into which they may be taken and proceedings first instituted.
SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the Attorney-General, or any district attorney of the United States in which said property may at the time be, may institute the proceedings of condemnation, and in such case they shall be wholly for the benefit of the United States ; or any person may file an information with such attorney, in which case the proceedings shall be for the use of such informer and the United States in equal parts.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That whenever hereafter, during the present insurrection against the Government of the United States, any person claimed to be held to labor or service under the law of any State, shall be required or permitted by the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due, or by the lawful agent of such person, to take up arms against the United States, or shall be required or permitted by the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due, or his lawful agent, to work or to be employed in or upon any fort, navy yard, dock, armory, ship, entrenchment, or in any military or naval service whatsoever, against the Government and lawful authority of the United States, then, and in every such case, the person to whom such labor or service is claimed to be due shall forfeit his claim to such labor, any law of the State or of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding. And whenever thereafter the person claiming such labor or service shall seek to enforce his claim, it shall be a full and sufficient answer to such claim that the person whose service or labor is claimed had been employed in hostile service against the Government of the United States, contrary to the provisions of this act.
APPROVED, August 6, 1861.
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"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
Lincoln acknowledges receipt of petition from people of East Tennessee presented by John M. Fleming and Robert Morrow: "The Secretary of War , Gen. Halleck, Gen. Burnside, and Gen. Rosecrans are all engaged now in an effort to relieve your section." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Fleming and Robert Morrow
Notifies Gen. Grant: "Gen Thomas has gone again to the Mississippi Valley, with the view of raising colored troops. . . . I believe it is a resource which, if vigorously applied now, will soon close the contest." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
In company of John Hay visits new studio of Alexander and James Gardner, corner of 7th and D Sts., over Shephard and Riley's Bookstore, and poses for several photographs.
1964 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Welles reports that President is willing to have Niagara peace proceedings published.
President orders that Gen. A. J. Hamilton may transport cotton from ports of Galveston or Sabine Pass, Tex., to treasury agents at New Orleans unmolested. Abraham Lincoln to Edward R. S. Canby
Writes Gen. Banks regarding new constitution adopted by convention of Louisiana: "I am anxious that it shall be ratified by the people." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks
Advises Gen. Butler to clean up Norfolk on basis of military necessity, "openly discarding all reliance for what you do, on any election." Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler
Requests Sec. Fessenden to place to credit of Dept. of State sum of $25,000, as appropriated in act to encourage immigration. Abraham Lincoln to William P. Fessenden
President calls on Gen. Scott at home to adjust differences between Scott and Gen. McClellan.
Prince Napoleon takes leave of President and returns to New York.
1862 - Sunday
In conference with President, Judge Wright offers to lead Negro regiments into battle.
1863 - Monday
Lincoln assures Gen. Rosecrans: "I am not casting blame upon you. I rather think, by great exertion, you can get to East Tennessee. . . . I think of you in all kindness and confidence: . . . I am not watching you with an evil-eye." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
Frederick Douglass, freed slave, abolitionist lecturer, and journalist, and Sen. Pomeroy (Kans.) call on President.
At cabinet meeting President reads letter from Gov. Seymour (N.Y.) asking that draft be postponed and his own reply refusing to postpone it.
Writes Mrs. Elizabeth E. Hutter, Miss Claghorn, and Misses Lager of Philadelphia: "If anything could enhance to me the value of this representation of our national ensign, so elegantly executed and so gracefully bestowed, it would be the consideration that its price has been devoted to the comfort and restoration of those heroic men, who have suffered and bled in our flag's defense." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Hutter, Misses Lager, and Miss Claghorn
Sends his ideas regarding treatment of captured neutrals in prize courts to Sec. Seward, and concludes: "My judgment [is] that the within, substantially, should be the answer to Lord Lyons." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Inquires of Sec. Stanton : "I have not heard of any charges being filed against Gen. J. A. McClernand. Are there any?" Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Wednesday
Lincoln discusses plight of Negroes with Col. John Eaton, Jr., superintendent of freedmen for Dept. of the Tennessee.
"Today [Sunday] the President sent for me before I was up; have been at work ever since."
1862 - Monday
President recognizes F. Kuhne as consul of Principality of Reuss-Greitz at New York.
Judge Christian Roselius, Louisiana Unionist, consults with President, Secs. Seward and Stanton and Postmaster Gen. Blair regarding conditions in Louisiana and conduct of Gen. John S. Phelps.
Lincoln writes Stanton : "Gov. Morton is one of our best Governors, but I do not think he would be the best Military commander" for Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Tuesday
At cabinet meeting President reads another letter from Gov. Seymour (N.Y.) on draft. Problem of drafting skilled workers arises in cabinet discussions.
Atty. Gen. Bates presents to cabinet material reflecting on Gen. Halleck.
President writes check: "No. 52 Washington, D.C. Aug. 11 1863 RIGGS & CO. Pay to Colored man, with one leg. or bearer Five . . . . . . Dollars $5/00. A. Lincoln."
By proclamation President appoints "last Thursday in September next, as a day of humiliation, prayer and fasting for all the people of the nation." Proclamation of a National Fast Day
Reappoints William S. Wood, who had charge of special train that brought Lincoln to Washington for his inauguration, commissioner of public buildings, as Senate failed to act on his appointment.
1862 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets; "nothing of special interest."
Judge David Noggle of Wisconsin talks to Lincoln regarding courtmartial of son, Lt. Charles L. Noggle.
Lincoln interviews Sydney H. Gay, editor of New York "Tribune," and remarks: "I regard Gen. Banks as one of the best men in the Army. He makes me no trouble."
Mrs. Lincoln receives from Boston merchant donation of $1,000 for relief work in military hospitals.
Lincoln informs Gen. Cassius M. Clay: "I shall be quite willing, and even gratified, to again send you to Russia," if present minister, Simon Cameron, resigns with "full notice of my intention." Abraham Lincoln to Cassius M. Clay
1863 - Wednesday
William G. Greene of Illinois calls and presents letter on behalf of Gen. McClernand signed by Gov. Yates (Ill.), O. M. Hatch, and J. K. Dubois. Lincoln writes McClernand: "For me to force you back upon Gen. Grant, would be forcing him to resign. I can not give you a new command, because we have no forces except such as already have commanders. . . . This is now your case, which, as I have before said, pains me, not less than it does you." Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand
Interviews Gen. Blair, former Cong. Edward Haight (N.Y.), and former Cong. R. Holland Duell (N.Y.).
1864 - Friday
Walt Whitman, poet and hospital attendant, records: "I see the President almost every day, as I happen to live where he passes to or from his lodgings out of town. . . . I saw him this morning about 8:30 coming in to business, riding on Vermont Avenue, near L Street. He always has a company of twenty-five or thirty cavalry, with sabres drawn and held upright over their shoulders."
Cabinet meets. Secs. Stanton and Fessenden absent.
Thurlow Weed confers with Lincoln and warns him that his reelection is impossible.
President issues pass to Col. Eaton to visit Gen. Grant and instructs him to ascertain Grant's reaction to becoming presidential candidate. Pass for John Eaton
John Hay leaves on trip home and expects to be gone five or six weeks.
President orders Maj. John Hay to proceed to Keokuk, Iowa, and having executed his verbal instructions to return.
Gen. Anderson, appointed to command in Kentucky on completion of convalescence, dines with President. Gen. McClellan spends most of evening at White House.
Lincoln writes Sec. Cameron: "Let now Brigadier Genl. David Hunter be a Major General of Volunteers . . . let George H. Stoneman, and William F. Smith, both now in the service, each be a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also Henry W. Benham, a Brigadier General of Volunteers." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Wednesday
Delegation from Delaware, headed by Cong. George P. Fisher (Del.) discusses with President effects of draft in state, and military situation in general.
Gen. Cassius M. Clay "struts around" White House, anxious to go back to Russia.
1863 - Thursday
Alexander Montgomery, dismissed quartermaster at Pittsburgh, denies charges, and President grants him trial by court-martial. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt
Group of Republican leaders including Sen. Harris (N.Y.) and Gov. David Tod (Ohio) confers at White House with President.
Lincoln and John Hay visit Capitol to see progress of rebuilding program.
President interviews Silas M. Hamilton of Baltimore, who has a plan for bringing North Carolina "once more into terms of harmony with the mother government of these States."
Lincoln writes Gen. Scott: "I have only a slight acquaintance with Mr. Villard, as a gentlemanly newspaper correspondent; and as such I commend him to others." Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott
Visits Navy Yard.
Decides to send assistance to Union men in Kentucky and Tennessee. Selects Gen. Anderson to lead three brigades. Consults again with Sen. Johnson (Tenn.) and Cong. Maynard (Tenn.).
During interview with President and cabinet, William S. Rowland of New York offers two additional regiments of sharpshooters to government.
Mrs. Lincoln instructs White House gardener to send flowers to Anderson.
Accompanied by Robert, Elizabeth Todd Grimsley and John Hay, assistant secretary to President, Mrs. Lincoln leaves for Long Branch, N.J.
W. O. Stoddard is acting secretary to President in absence of Messrs. Nicolay and Hay.
Another "whip crack" @ 25¢ is charged to Lincoln's harness account.
1862 - Thursday
President by arrangement addresses deputation of five Negroes, headed by Edward M. Thomas, president of Anglo-African Instituition, on colonization. "The practical thing I want to ascertain is whether I can get a number of able-bodied men, with their wives and children, who are willing to go" to Central America. Address on Colonization to a Deputation of Negroes
Telegraphs officer in charge of Confederate prisoners at Camp Chase, Ohio: "It is believed that a Dr. J. J. Williams is a prisoner in your charge, and if so, tell him his wife is here, and allow him to Telegraph to her." Abraham Lincoln to Henry M. Lazella
1863 - Friday
Lincoln and cabinet hear Gen. Meade describe parts of Battle of Gettysburg.
Lincoln writes: "My dear Cousin Lizzie [Elizabeth Todd Grimsley] I have, by the law, two classes of appointments to make to the Naval-School. . . . if I have a vacancy in the first class, I can not appoint Johnny [John Todd Grimsley], to it; and I have intended for months, and still intend, to appoint him to the very first vacancy I can get in the other class." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Grimsley
1864 - Sunday
President confers with Sec. Stanton on destruction of private property and suggests to Gen. Grant that he make an agreement with Gen. R. E. Lee on subject. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
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