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.
Lincoln thanks King of Siam for gifts of sword, photograph, and elephant tusks, and declines offer of elephants.
Writes Gen. McClellan: "You and I have distinct, and different plans for a movement of the Army of the Potomac—yours to be down the Chesapeake, up the Rappahannock to Urbana, and across land to the terminus of the Railroad on the York River—, mine to move directly to a point on the Railroad South West of Manassas. If you will give me satisfactory answers to the following questions, I shall gladly yield my plan to yours.
1st. Does not your plan involve a greatly larger expenditure of time, and money than mine?
2nd. Wherein is a victory more certain by your plan than mine?
3rd. Wherein is a victory more valuable by your plan than mine?
4th. In fact, would it not be less valuable, in this, that it would break no great line of the enemie's communications, while mine would?
5th. In case of disaster, would not a safe retreat be more difficult by your plan than by mine?
Yours truly A. LINCOLN"
1863
Cabinet discusses wisdom of shooting deserter as example to army.
1864
President authorizes use of government property in Springfield, Ill., for soldiers' home.
Visits Arsenal to observe trials of Absterdam shell.
1865
President conducts Hampton Roads Peace Conference for four hours in morning aboard "River Queen."
After conference visits with A. H. Stephens and promises to see what can be done to exchange Stephens' nephew.
Leaves Fortress Monroe, Va., for return trip to Washington in "River Queen" at 5 P.M.
Recommends "that Captain Samuel F. DuPont [USN] receive a vote of thanks of Congress for his services and gallantry, displayed in the capture of Forts Walker and Beauregard."
Mrs. Lincoln cancels weekly reception because of private party on 5th.
1863
President receives from Crafts J. Wright of Cincinnati offer to raise, discipline, and command brigade of Negro troops.
Sends report on present conditions in Mexico to House of Representatives.
Telegraphs Gen. Robert C. Schenck: "I hear of some difficulty in the streets of Baltimore yesterday. What is the amount of it?"
Sends to Senate nomination of Comdr. Worden to be captain.
1864
President sends to Edward Everett "the manuscript of my remarks at Gettysburg" for delivery to Ladies Committee of New York Metropolitan Sanitary Fair.
Transmits to Senate correspondence between Union and Confederate authorities on exchange of prisoners.
1865
At 7:30 A.M. President leaves Annapolis, Md., following overnight trip up Chesapeake Bay from Hampton Roads, Va., on "River Queen." Arrives Washington about 9:30 A.M.
Orders Lt. John A. Stephens (CSA), nephew of A. H. Stephens and prisoner of war on Johnson's Island to report in person to White House.
[To Charles W. Hill]
"Office U.S. Military Telegraph,
Officer in command at War Department,
Johnson's Island, Ohio Washington, D.C., Feb. 4 1865
Parole Lieut. John A. Stephens, prisoner of War, to report to me here in person, and send him to me. It is in pursuance of an arrangement I made yesterday with his uncle, Hon. A. H. Stephens. Acknowledge receipt A. LINCOLN"
Cabinet meets in special session to hear reports of President and Sec. Seward on Hampton Roads Conference.
President confers with Sec. Stanton on effect of conference on Gen. Grant's military plans and authorizes Stanton to telegraph Grant "that nothing transpired, or transpiring with the three gentlemen from Richmond, is to cause any change hinderance or delay, of your military plans or operations."
Mrs. Lincoln holds afternoon reception from 1 to 3 P.M.
Thanks Sam. I guess Mr. Lincoln forgot about the 7 years he spent in Spencer County, Indiana. Yep, he wuz a hoozier for a little while. His boyhood home is about 20 miles east of here, and his mom is buried there.
Anyway, hoosier or not, I can see Mr. Abe of Illinois rooting for "da bears".
Yeah, I read you Sam. I'm a huge Abe fan. Keep 'em comin'. Thanks.
Terry
__________________ "In this great struggle, this form of Government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed. There is more involved in this contest than is realized by every one." Abraham Lincoln - August 18, 1864 Speech to the 164th Ohio Regiment
__________________ "In this great struggle, this form of Government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed. There is more involved in this contest than is realized by every one." Abraham Lincoln - August 18, 1864 Speech to the 164th Ohio Regiment
Mrs. Lincoln gives White House ball, feature heretofore untried in social customs of First Lady. Issues invitations to 600-700 people. "A very respectable if not a brilliant success. The East Room was filled with well dressed guests looking very beautiful and the [midnight] supper was magnificent."
1863
President congratulates Francisco Solano Lopez upon his election as President of Republic of Paraguay.
Transmits to Senate two conventions between U.S. and Peru for settlement of claims.
Receives three gentlemen from Boston interested in Navy and directs them to Sec. Seward.
9 P.M. President and Mrs. Lincoln have Gen. and Mrs. Marcy as guests.
Writes Gen. Sigel: "Gen. Schurz thinks I was a little cross in my late note to you. If I was, I ask pardon. If I do get up a little temper I have no sufficient time to keep it up."
1864
Assoc. Justice Davis and friends visit Lincoln in afternoon.
Assoc. Justice Davis and friends visit Lincoln in afternoon.
Submits statement to Sec. Stanton : "On principle I dislike an oath which requires a man to swear he has not done wrong. It rejects the Christian principle of forgiveness on terms of repentance. I think it is enough if the man does no wrong hereafter."
1865
President reads to cabinet meeting at 7 P.M. proposal for joint resolution of Congress whereby payment of $400 million would be distributed among 16 states pro rata on their slave population in return for cessation of all resistance to national authority by April 1, 1865. Cabinet unanimously disapproves.
President approves withholding pensions of Southern sympathizers.
1863
"Nothing of special importance at the Cabinet." Welles, Diary.
President congratulates Bartolomé Mitre on election to presidency of Argentine Republic.
["To Bartolome Mitre
February 6, 1863
Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States of America.
To His Excellency Senor Don Bartolome Mitre,
President of the Argentine Republic.
Great and Good Friend: I have received the letter which Your Excellency has addressed to me under date of the 23d. October, last, announcing your election to the Presidency of the Republic by the free suffrages of your fellow-citizens.
I assure Your Excellency that this event has inspired me with the liveliest gratification. After so many years of discord and strife the Provinces of the Argentine Confederation have buried their jealousies and again present themselves to the world as a united nation having a common interest and a common destiny.
No one knows better than Your Excellency that it has been the uniform desire and effort of this Government so far as it could properly do so by the friendly offices of its Ministers in the Plata, to promote conciliation and to effect the consolidation which has happily been accomplished.
I congratulate the nation and Your Excellency upon this result, and upon the elevation of Your Excellency to the Chief Magistracy of the reunited Republic. And I do not doubt that the earnest patriotism and enlightened statesmanship of Your Excellency will speedily obliterate all painful remembrances of the past and inspire the people of the nation to give you a hearty and unanimous support in the development of their best interests.
Sincerely reciprocating Your Excellency's sentiments of friendship for this Government and people and praying God to have your Excellency always in His most holy keeping, I am your Good Friend, ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
Washington 6 February, 1863"]
Sends to Senate documentation regarding ships and guns constructed for Japan.
"I observe that the President never tells a joke now." [Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.]
President sends information to Senate regarding death of Gen. Frederick T. Ward, U.S. citizen in military service of Chinese government. [Ward was killed by rebels at Tse-Kzi near Ning Po during the Tai-Ping rebellion.]
1864
Lincoln makes one of many sick calls on Cong. Lovejoy (Ill.) and remarks: "This war is eating my life out. I have a strong impression that I shall not live to see the end."
During afternoon reception discusses with Francis B. Carpenter, artist, ideas for portraying first reading of Emancipation Proclamation.
At night O. H. Browning approaches Lincoln on behalf of Mrs. Fitz, who owns slaves and cotton and is a refugee. President, in bad humor, will not discuss matter.
"Reception by Mrs. Lincoln exceeded all that have preceded it." Washington Star, 10 February 1864.
Lincoln writes Gen. Banks: "The bearer, Gen. G. [Gustavus] A. Scroggs, of Buffalo, has been appointed colonel of a colored regiment, and is to report with it to you at New Orleans" for assignment in Texas to collect and organize colored men of that state.
1865
President interviews Committee of Board of Supervisors of New York regarding troop quotas.
Establishes board to examine into proper quotas and credits of respective states.
Public reception at White House 8:30 to 11 P.M.
Lincoln receives January salary warrant for $1,981.67.
Lincoln interviews delegation from Congress interested in settling argument between Gen. Hunter and Gen. Lane.
Spends most of time with son Willie who is critically ill.
Borrows "Emerson's Representative Men" from Library of Congress.
Transmits to Senate "correspondence relating to the presentation of American citizens to the court of France."
1863-Saturday
Afternoon reception of President and Mrs. Lincoln attracts many distinguished guests, partly because evening affairs are in abeyance.
1864-Sunday
President endorses request of Union man, impressed into Confederate service: "Mr. [Cong. Portus] Baxter of Vermont is very anxious to have the request granted at once." [ Lincoln's endorsement is written on a letter of A. H. Gray, a Union man impressed into service by the Confederates, asking for his release from prison]
1865-Tuesday
President receives Cong. Colfax (Ind.) for talks about Hampton Roads Conference.
Cabinet meets. "Very little before the Cabinet." Welles, Diary.
President makes brief call on F. P. Blair, Sr.
Interviews A. M. Laws regarding permit to trade in cotton.
[To Ulysses S. Grant
Executive Mansion,
Lieut. Gen. Grant Washington, Feb. [post 7], 1865.
Some time ago you telegraphed that you had stopped a Mr. Laws from passing our lines with a boat and cargo, and I directed you to be informed that you must be allowed to do as you please in such matters. To-night Mr. Laws calls on me, and I have told him, and now tell you that the matter, as to his passing the lines is under your control absolutely; and that he can have any relaxation you choose to give him & none other. Yours truly
A. LINCOLN
This letter is supplied with the date ``February [1?], 1865, in Nicolay and Hay (X, 354), but must have been written after February 7, the date on which Grant telegraphed to Stanton: ``A. M. Laws is here with a steamer partially loaded with sugar and coffee, and a permit from the Treasury Department to go through into Virginia and North Carolina, and to bring out 10,000 bales of cotton. I have positively refused to adopt this mode of feeding the Southern army unless it is the direct order of the President. It is a humiliating fact that speculators have represented the location of cotton at different points in the South, and obtained permits to bring it out, covering more than the entire amount of the staple in all the cotton-growing States. . . .'' (OR, I, XLVI, II, 445).
Stanton replied on the same day: ``The President directs that you will regard all trade permits, licenses, or privileges of every kind, by whomsoever signed . . . as subject to your authority and approval as commander of the U.S. forces in the field, and such permits as you deem prejudicial to the military service by feeding or supporting the rebel armies . . . you may disregard and annul, and if necessary to the public safety seize the property of the traders. In short, the President orders that you `as being responsible for military results, must be allowed to be judge and master on the subject of trade with the enemy.' ''
No communication from Laws, or reply from Grant to Lincoln's letter, has been found, and it seems possible that Lincoln's undated draft was never sent.]
Lincoln writes William Lloyd Garrison, antislavery leader and publisher, to thank him and group of donors for painting entitled "Watch Night-, or Waiting for the Hour."
[On January 21, 1865, William Lloyd Garrison had written Lincoln:
``About the first of July, last year, what was deemed by critics . . . an admirable painting, was sent by Adams's Express to your address . . . accompanied by a letter from me in behalf of the donors, whose contributions to the object in view amounted to upwards of five hundred dollars. This meritorious picture . . . was entitled `Watch Night---or, Waiting for the Hour.' It represented a group of negro men, women and children waiting . . . for the midnight hour of December 31, 1862, to pass, and the introduction of that new year which was to make them forever free. Many photographic copies were made of it, and it was by my advice that it was presented to you as the most fitting person in the world to receive it. . . .
``For some cause or other, no acknowledgment has been made . . . of the receipt of the picture, or of my letter, which contained the names of the donors. As . . . Mr. Summer assured me . . . that he had seen the picture again and again at the White House, all anxiety has been relieved as to its safe arrival. . . . But as the money raised . . . was collected by ladies who desire that the donors may be officially apprised of its legitimate application, I write in their behalf to say that it would relieve them of much embarrassment if you would be so obliging . . . as to send me a line, stating that the painting . . . was duly received by you. . . .'']
Telegraphs Col. John Glenn at Henderson, Ky.: "Complaint is made to me that you are forcing negroes into the Military service, and even torturing them---riding them on rails and the like---to extort their consent. I hope this may be a mistake. The like must not be done by you, or any one under you. You must not force negroes any more than white men. Answer me on this. A. LINCOLN"
[No reply from Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn, One Hundred Twentieth Colored Infantry, has been found.]
President receives petition from citizens of Colorado requesting removal of Gov. Gilpin (Colo. Terr.) following repudiation of government drafts issued by him to pay for military equipment, and appointment of W. Larimer, Jr.
Usual Saturday reception is not held because Willie has typhoid fever.
Lincoln writes Gen. McClellan: "Have you any ****her news from the West [Gens. Halleck and Buell]? Have you heard from the Canal-boats [to form a bridge across Potomac at Liverpool Point]? Have you determined, as yet, upon the contemplated movement we last talked of [Gen. Hooker]?"
1863 - Sunday
[Probably took Sunday off ... Willie was sick]
1864 - Monday
President interviews Sen. Doolittle (Wis.) and makes known to him certain views of Sec. Stanton.
Accompanied by family, visits Washington Theatre to see Laura Keene in "Sea of Ice."
Lincoln assures Gov. Isaac Murphy (Ark.) that Gen. Steele will support Murphy's plan to organize state government.
1865 - Wednesday
President signs and return to Congress "Joint Resolution declaring certain States not entitled to representation in the Electoral College," with statement that signing does not express any opinion or judgment of his own upon subject of resolution.
Interviews P. E. Bland and William Wallace, representing District of West Tennessee, relative to hardships of people.
Writes Gen. Grant for permission to use Grant's dispatch of February 1, 1865 to Sec. Stanton , in report to House of Representatives regarding "interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter & Campbell."
Transmits to Congress copy of note addressed to secretary of state relative to gift of sword to Capt. Henry S. Stellwagen (USN) as mark of gratitude for his services to British brigantine "Mersey."
Writes former Gov. John G. Smith (Vt.) regarding "the government's promise to fairly allow credits for men previously furnished," when setting quotas for pending call for 300,00 men.
Hope so, Sam. I can see another Bears/Colts matchup at Superbowl XLII. That Grossman kid is just warming up. When he finally hits his stride he'll be as formidable as Manning, ...almost.
Terry
__________________ "In this great struggle, this form of Government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed. There is more involved in this contest than is realized by every one." Abraham Lincoln - August 18, 1864 Speech to the 164th Ohio Regiment
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