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 visits Navy Yard twice today; during noon visit talks with Comdr. Dahlgren about housing 66 prisoners charged with mutiny in 79th New York Regiment.
During afternoon Gen. Charles W. Sandford visits President and promises to return from New York with 10,000 men whenever required.
Lincoln names five commissioners of police for District of Columbia.
Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "Been answering your messages ever since day before yesterday. Do you receive the answers? The War Department has notified all the governors you designate to forward all available force. So telegraphed you. Have you received these messages? Answer immediately." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont
Telegraphs Gov. Morton (Ind.): "Start your four regiments to Saint Louis at the earliest moment possible. . . . hasten everything forward as soon as any one regiment is ready. . . . We shall endeavor to send you the arms this week." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton
Mrs. Lincoln visits Princess Clothilde, wife of Prince Napoleon, in New York hotel.
1862 - Friday
Sec. Welles meets with President at 9 A.M. to discuss personnel.
President sends Richard M. Blatchford, member of committee of three appointed by Lincoln to superintend disbursement of public monies appropriated to raise troops for Union, to Rome as minister resident.
Calls Secs. Chase and Welles together and settles Connecticut appointments.
1863 - Saturday
President at War Dept. in morning regarding status of Gen. Anderson, who receives assignment to Fort Adams, R.I. Abraham Lincoln to Robert Anderson
Sends printed copy of correspondence with Horace Greeley regarding Niagara Falls peace effort to Henry J. Raymond for publication in New York "Times" when proper time comes. Abraham Lincoln to Henry J. Raymond
Telegraphs Gen. Sherman near Atlanta: "If the government should purchase, on its own account, cotton Northward of you and on the line of your communications, would it be an inconvenience to you, or detriment to the Military service, for it to come to the North on the Railroad?" Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman
Requests Sec. Usher to bring up case of Patrice DeJanon, professor of Spanish dismissed from West Point. Abraham Lincoln to John P. Usher
President meets with Sec. Welles for two hours to select candidates for Naval Academy.
Requests Hiram Barney to buy $200 worth of lemons and $100 worth of oranges for Mrs. Lincoln to distribute to hospitals. Abraham Lincoln to Hiram P. Barney
1863 - Sunday
President asks W. O. Stoddard to serve as audience while he composes letter in which he uses expression "web-feet" in referring to navy [letter to J. C. Conkling, August 26, 1863].
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Sec. Seward and Atty. Gen. Bates dispute over procedures for captured cotton.
Lincoln interviews First Asst. Postmaster Gen. Alexander W. Randall, former governor of Wisconsin, who delivers letter from Charles D. Robinson, editor, Green Bay, Wis., "Advocate," Democratic paper. Abraham Lincoln to Charles D. Robinson
Forwards to Ward Hunt, Utica, N.Y., attorney, letter of Sec. Seward relative to former Cong. Roscoe Conkling (N.Y.) running for Congress. Abraham Lincoln to Ward Hunt
Orders commission for S. B. Buckner as brigadier general of volunteers. [Declined; accepted commission in Confederate Army.] Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Writes Sec. Cameron: "Let Henry Wager Halleck, of California, be appointed a Major General in the Regular Army. I make this appointment on Gen. Scott's recommendation." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Witnesses exhibition of J. D. Mills' gun [dubbed by Lincoln "coffee mill gun"] near Washington Monument and advises government to pay double sum mechanics say it is worth if delivered in 30 days.
Purchases 2 chamois for 75¢ each.
1862 - Sunday
[Nothing of note.]
1863 - Monday
In morning Frederick P. Stanton, Washington attorney and former Congressman (Tenn.), consults with President regarding changing an order in court of inquiry. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick P. Stanton
Christopher M. Spencer, inventor of Spencer rifle, presents rifle to President and demonstrates how to assemble it.
Lincoln writes J. H. Hackett: "For one of my age, I have seen very little of the drama. The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours here, last winter or spring." Abraham Lincoln to James H. Hackett
1864 - Wednesday
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Grant at City Point, Va.: "Hold on with a bull-dog gripe, and chew & choke, as much as possible." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
President receives warning from Marshal Lamon, temporarily in Philadelphia: too many eavesdroppers and traitors lurk about White House; security measures should be tightened, and detective employed.
1862 - Monday
Lincoln invites Secretary of War and Gen. Halleck to dinner in honor of Gens. George A. McCall and Michael Corcoran, and Cols. Orlando B. Willcox and Alfred M. Wood, recently exchanged prisoners. Invitation to Dinner
Confers with J. R. Gilmore and former Sen. Walker (Miss.).
Interviews again E. M. Thomas, chairman of delegation of Negro people who were at White House on August 14, 1862.
Interviews Gen. Henry W. Benham regarding his dismissal by Gen. Hunter for alleged violation of orders in attack on Secessionville, S.C.
Decides Michigan appointments with Sen. Chandler (Mich.) and Gov. Austin Blair (Mich.).
1863 - Tuesday
President does not propose to act on papers in fight between Gov. Carney (Kans.) and Gen. Blunt, commanding at Fort Smith, Ark. Abraham Lincoln to James G. Blunt
In afternoon Lincoln and C. M. Spencer, accompanied by Robert and John Hay, leave White House and walk to Treasury Park, where they test Spencer rifle.
Lincoln buys loan certificate for $3,874.73 with July salary warrant for $2,022.33 and $1,852.40 in greenbacks.
Interviews Leonard Swett, who thinks that Lincoln cannot be reelected and asks if he will withdraw.
Declares by proclamation, "that the port of Newport in the state of Vermont is and shall be entitled to all the privileges in regard to the exportation of merchandise in bond to the British North American Provinces, adjoining the United States." Proclamation Concerning Commercial Regulations
President orders Gen. Henry W. Halleck in California to report to Headquarters of Army in Washington.
Interviews Joseph M. Locke of Ohio, and endorses his papers to serve with Gen. Anderson in Kentucky.
Advises Sec. Cameron: "At the request of Brigadier General Anderson, I have concluded to appoint George H. Thomas, of the 2nd. Cavalry, a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also, let the Hon. James Shields, now of California, be appointed a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also, Col. Michael Corcoran, now a prisoner at Richmond." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
John Hay, assistant secretary to President, returns to post at White House from trip north with Mrs. Lincoln.
1862 - Tuesday
At early hour President visits camps of two regiments of Pennsylvania volunteers.
Cabinet meeting. President uneasy about Gen. Pope and troop distribution in Army of Virginia. Sends to War Dept. for telegrams.
Confers with Secs. Seward and Stanton on conditions in Louisiana as reported by former Sen. Johnson (Md.).
Studies B. & O. Railroad reports on troop movements towards Washington.
President summons Capt. Dahlgren to White House for information on new gunpowder and army matters relating to Gens. Pope and McClellan.
Horace Greeley's anti-slavery editorial, "The Prayer of Twenty Millions," reaches Lincoln.
In evening President consults with A. W. Thompson on colonization of Negroes.
Reads "Address to Maryland" by Anna E. Carroll and writes her: "It is just what is needed now and you were the one to do it." Abraham Lincoln to Anna E. Carroll
Brother of Mrs. Lincoln, Col. Alexander H. Todd, dies of wound received in Battle of Baton Rouge.
1863 - Wednesday
President confers with Sec. Stanton , who promises to return to trustees schoolhouse of First District of Washington. Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin B. French
M. Romero confers with Lincoln concerning proposed intervention of European powers in Mexican affairs.
Zebina Eastman, Chicago newspaper editor, discusses with President antislavery men in U.S. and England, and receives appointment as consul at Bristol. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
1862 - Wednesday
Sen. Harris (N.Y.) reviews with President list of appointments proposed to Sec. Chase.
Sec. Welles at White House for advice on personnel.
Former Lt. Gov. Koerner (Ill.), new minister to Spain, interviews President preparatory to assuming duties.
President discusses colonizing Negroes on Chiriqui land tract with M. T. Goswell of Baltimore, agent for Chiriqui Real Estate Company.
1863 - Thursday
President receives from Gen. Heintzelman notice of death of Gov. Gurley (Arizona Terr.).
Goes down river on invitation of Gen. Barnard to see new fort on Rosier's Bluff about three and one-half miles above Fort Washington, Va. Sec. Stanton , Gens. Wadsworth, John H. Martindale, Meigs, and Barnard in party. Lincoln arrives home after dark.
Refuses request of Mrs. Margaret Preston, probably to go through Union lines to see husband Gen. William C. Preston (CSA), but authorizes Gen. Jeremiah T. Boyle and James Guthrie, former secretary of treasury, to grant request at their discretion. Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Margaret Preston
1863 - Friday
Sec. Welles in conference with President on proposed instructions for U.S. naval officers and appointment of governor for territory of Arizona.
Committee of Negro ministers from American Baptist Missionary Convention calls on President and asks permission to go within military lines and minister to their brethren. Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
Sec. Welles accompanies Richard C. McCormick, secretary, Arizona Territory, and Joseph P. Allyn, associate justice, Arizona Territory, to White House conference with President.
1864 - Sunday
President establishes ordnance board, with Gen. Gillmore as president, to test H. Ames' wrought-iron rifled cannon. Order for Testing Wrought Iron Cannon
President consults with Messrs. Dudley and Hunt, Kentucky Unionist commissioners, on neutrality of state.
Reviews Col. Baker's California regiment on parade.
Asks Atty. Gen. Bates: "Will the Attorney General please make out pardons in the Missouri cases he and I spoke of, and place them in my hands?" Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates
Writes Sec. Cameron: "Victor B. Bell [Illinois businessman], now of Colorado, is one of my most valued friends; . . . I would like for him to be an Asst. Quarter Master or Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers. Can you not fix it for me?" Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Mrs. Lincoln and party attend demonstration of lifesaving equipment at Long Branch, N.J., in afternoon escorted by former Gov. William A. Newell (N.J.), who gives "grand hop" in her honor in evening at Mansion House.
1862 - Friday
Archbishop Hughes attended by Sec. Seward pays a morning visit to White House.
Lincoln answers Horace Greeley's editorial, "The Prayer of Twenty Millions": "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it." Abraham Lincoln to Horace Greeley
Lincoln informs Sec. Welles that a record is kept of recruits answering late call. Over 18,000 reached Washington in one week.
1863 - Saturday
In Panoche Grande, Calif., land grant case of Gen. Sickles, Lincoln decides: "I do not think I should meddle as a volunteer." Abraham Lincoln to Daniel E. Sickles
In evening President, John Hay, and Mrs. Long visit observatory, 23d and E Sts. NW. Hay goes to Soldiers' Home with President and falls asleep listening to him read Shakespeare.
1864 - Monday
President confers with Sec. Stanton regarding release of Joseph Howard, Jr., who perpetrated New York newspaper hoax involving purported proclamation of President Lincoln.
Addresses 166th Ohio Regiment at White House, on its way home after completing term of service: "It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. . . . I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence; . . . The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel." Speech to One Hundred Sixty-sixth Ohio Regiment
President and Sec. Seward spend forenoon visiting encampments on Virginia side of river.
Cabinet in session. No subject announced.
1862 - Saturday
Mrs. Gabriel R. Paul urges Lincoln to promote her husband to brigadier general. "She is a saucy woman and I am afraid she will keep tormenting till I may have to do it." Memorandum: Appointment of Gabriel R. Paul
Gen. Stone applies to President for explanation of his arrest.
1863 - Sunday
Soon after breakfast Lincoln and John Hay return to White House, and Lincoln drafts letter to J. C. Conkling.
1864 - Tuesday
At 10 A.M. President thanks 147th Ohio Regiment, commanded by Col. Benjamin F. Rosson, for its services.
Authorizes Sec. Stanton to release J. Howard, Jr., from Fort Lafayette, N.Y.
Recognizes D. T. Arnaldo Marques as consul of Peru at San Francisco.
Confers with Cong. Fenton (N.Y.) about campaign for governor and Fenton's chances of winning against Gov. Seymour (N.Y.).
Cabinet meets. President asks members to sign, without reading, back of following memorandum: "This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he can not possibly save it afterwards." Memorandum Concerning His Probable Failure of Re-election
Robert Lincoln arrives at White House with instructions for John Hay, assistant secretary to President, to join Mrs. Lincoln in New York.
1862 - Sunday
Dr. Orestes A. Brownson, editor of "Brownson's Review," discusses questions of emancipation and colonization with President. Lincoln selects Sen. Pomeroy (Kans.) for commissioner of African colonization.
1863 - Monday
President requests Sec. Welles to identify naval officer killed at Fort Wagner, Charleston Harbor. [He was Comdr. George W. Rodgers (USN).]
John Hay leaves in afternoon for New York and Long Branch, N.J.
President hears from Gen. McClernand, who writes: "Feeling that I have done my duty I shrink from no charges that Genl. Grant may prefer. . . . I only ask . . . for an impartial court. Such investigation would bring to light . . . many things, both military and personal, which are unwritten or unheeded." Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand
1864 - Wednesday
President interviews John J. Jarmey, of Ohio, concerning political matters in state.
In evening at Soldiers' Home, Lincoln and group of officials witness demonstration of Morse signalling from tower of Soldiers' Home to roof of Smithsonian Institution.
President acknowledges suggestion of Henry J. Raymond, chairman, National Executive Committee of Union Party, that commissioner be appointed to make proffers of peace to President Davis by asking Raymond to "proceed forthwith and obtain, if possible, a conference for peace with Hon. Jefferson Davis, or any person by him authorized for that purpose." Abraham Lincoln to Henry J. Raymond
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