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.
Cong. Kelley (Pa.) interviews Lincoln again regarding promotion of Col. Isaac J. Wistar.
Prof. MacLeod hands President letter from Rev. J. B. Pinney, secretary, New York State Colonization Society, urging colonization of Negroes in Liberia.
1863 - Friday
10 A.M. President consults with Gen. Schenck about recruiting Negroes in Maryland and murder by John H. Sothoron and son, secessionists, of Lt. Eben White, recruiting officer, at Benedict, Md. Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck
"Only a portion of the Cabinet present and but little done. The Missouri difficulty discussed."
President converses with John R. Briggs, Jr., assistant clerk of House of Representatives, regarding election results.
1864 - Sunday
President receives group of gentlemen of Hebrew faith who claim to represent the Israelites of New York.
Sends message to Gen. Thomas at Nashville and copy to Gen. Cadwallader C. Washburn at Memphis, Tenn., regarding possible Confederate raid into western Kentucky from Corinth, Miss., on November 4, 1864. Abraham Lincoln to George H. Thomas
President and Mrs. Lincoln attend funeral of Col. Baker at residence of James W. Webb, minister to Brazil. N.Y.
Lincoln sends Leonard Swett with letter containing order for Gen. Fremont's removal to Gen. Curtis for delivery. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
Instructs deputy U.S. marshal for Washington District to refuse to serve any writ of habeas corpus upon a military commander.
Writes Gen. Hunter: "The command of the Department of the West having devolved upon you, I propose to offer you a few suggestions . . . give up the pursuit [of Gen. Sterling Price (CSA)], halt your main army, divide it into two corps of observation, one occupying Sedalia, and the other Rolla . . . then recruit the condition of both corps." Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
1862 - Friday
Charles P. McIlvaine, Episcopal Bishop of Ohio, asks President to name George T. Harris to West Point cadetship.
Lincoln recommends: "The bearer of this, William Johnson (colored), came with me from Illinois; and is a worthy man, as I believe." Recommendation for William H. Johnson
1863 - Saturday
President acknowledges receipt of medal from Union League of Philadelphia, by which he becomes an honorary member. Abraham Lincoln to George H. Boker
Suggests to Gen. Halleck that Army of Potomac "with all possible expedition" get ready to attack Gen. R. E. Lee. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
At 2 P.M. in White House replies to address by moderator of Baltimore Presbyterian Synod.
About 3 P.M. visits Government Printing Office, North Capitol and H Sts. NW., on invitation of Supt. John D. Defrees, and speaks briefly to employees.
Confers with Sec. Chase about appointment of former Gov. Israel Washburn, Jr., (Maine) to collectorship at Portland, Maine.
Comments on difference of outlook in dispatches from Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas.
In evening father, son, and nephew of late Col. Baker call on Lincoln who is in conference with Thurlow Weed.
1862 - Saturday
Cabinet meeting subject is case of Gen. Jefferson C. Davis who shot to death Gen. William Nelson following reprimand by Davis for alleged negligence.
Lincoln wires Gen. McClellan: "I have just read your despatch about sore tongued and fatiegued [sic] horses. Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatigue anything?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Sunday
In afternoon President discusses with Gen. Alfred H. Terry and Col. Joseph R. Hawley proposals for attacking Charleston.
1864 - Tuesday
President suspends execution of Young C. Edmonson. Issues pass to Francis T. King of Baltimore. Inquires about condition of Lt. Charles Saumenig. Sends Mr. Alderson to Sec. Stanton with note, "to get some suitable situation." Abraham Lincoln to John F. Miller
President receives numerous messages over Pacific and Atlantic telegraph opened yesterday.
Visits Navy Yard in evening.
Later, with John Hay, visits Gen. McClellan's headquarters to converse about "Jacobin Club."
Informs McClellan: "A battery of repeating guns, on wheels, can be seen at the arsenal any hour to-day. Could you, without inconvenience, see them at 3. or 4. o clock—please answer." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1862 - Sunday
Mrs. Eliza P. Gurney, wife of Joseph J. Gurney, English Quaker, holds prayer meeting in President's office. Lincoln says: "If I had had my way, this war would never have been commenced; . . . but we find it still continues; and we must believe that He permits it for some wise purpose of his own, mysterious and unknown to us." Reply to Eliza P. Gurney
Records his thoughts on the Divine Will: "The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be wrong. God can not be for, and against the same thing at the same time. . . . By his mere quiet power, on the minds of the now contestants, He could have either saved or destroyed the Union without a human contest. Yet the contest began. And having begun He could give the final victory to either side any day. Yet the contest proceeds." [Lincoln did not date the original manuscript. Nicolay & Hay gives it a tentative date of September 30, 1862. CW gives it a tentative date of September 2, 1862. The date of October 26, 1862 is selected here in order to associate the document with Lincoln's interview with Mrs. Gurney of this day.] Meditation on the Divine Will
"The President keeps poking sharp sticks under little Mac's ribs."
Writes Gen. McClellan: "[Gen. James E. B.] Stuart's [CSA] cavalry outmarched ours, . . . will not a movement of our army be a relief to the cavalry, . . . But I am so rejoiced to learn . . . that you begin crossing the river this morning." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Confides in Cong. Washburne (Ill.): "A second term [presidential] would be a great honor and a great labor, which together, perhaps I would not decline, if tendered." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne
Postmaster Gen. Blair delivers to Lincoln letter containing charges against Alexander Montgomery.
Lincoln writes Sec. Chase: "The writer of the accompanying letter is one of Mrs. L[incoln]'s numerous cousins. . . . I know not a thing about his loyalty beyond what he says. Supposing he is loyal, can any of his requests be granted?" Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Approves courtmartial proceedings in case of Capt. James M. Cutts, Jr., brother of late Sen. Douglas' (Ill.) second wife, and remits sentence. Writes reprimand [that may have been delivered in personal interview]: "You have too much of life yet before you, and have shown too much of promise as an officer, for your future to be lightly surrendered. . . . No man resolved to make the most of himself, can spare time for personal contention." Abraham Lincoln to James M. Cutts, Jr.
Lincoln's opinion, based apparently upon "Review of the Judge Advocate General of the Record of the Court of Inquiry Relative to the Evacuation of Winchester by the command of Maj. Gen. R. H. Milroy," is that no courtmartial "is deemed necessary or proper in the case." Opinion on the Loss of Robert H. Milroy's Division
1864 - Thursday
O. H. Browning and Mr. La Forge of New York confer with Lincoln on case of Shiff, young Frenchman who has served as surgeon with Confederates.
Charles Ballance, Illinois lawyer and old friend of Lincoln, calls at White House.
President recognizes Carl Otto Nilsen as vice consul of Sweden and Norway at La Crosse, Wis.
Orders Gen. Burbridge to investigate collection of money from citizens of Allen and Barren Counties, Ky., to compensate Union men for depredations committed by Rebels and to "make any correction which may seem to be proper." Abraham Lincoln to Stephen G. Burbridge
President authorizes propeller "Pembroke," owned by R. B. Forbes of Boston, "to take any vessel or boat . . . employed in the commission of any piratical aggression." Authorization for the Pembroke
Directs appointment of commission consisting of Judge Davis, J. Holt, and Hugh Campbell of St. Louis, Mo., to examine and report upon all unsettled claims against Dept. of West which may have originated prior to appointment of Gen. Fremont.
With group of military and scientific men witnesses demonstration of Union gun at Arsenal in afternoon.
Writes Sec. Cameron: "I have not sufficient time to study and mature an opinion on this plan [for managing military telegraph]. If the Secretary of War has confidence in it, and is satisfied to adopt it, I have no objections." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Asks Gen. Curtis to read and forward document, "half letter, half order". [probably letter to Commander of Dept. of West, Gen. Hunter, dated October 24, 1861]. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
Members of Synod of Pennsylvania present to President resolutions supporting war.
1863 - Wednesday
President telegraphs Gov. Johnson (Tenn.): "If not too inconvenient, please come at once, and have a personal consultation with me." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson
Writes Gen. Schofield regarding complaints from St. Joseph, and Buchanan County, Mo.: "Federal and State authorities are arming the disloyal, and disarming the loyal. . . . The remarkable fact, that the actual evil is yet only anticipated—inferred—induces me to suppose I understand the case. . . . I wish you to give special attention to this region, particularly on election day. Prevent violence from whatever quarter; and see that the soldiers themselves, do no wrong." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield
1864 - Friday
Lincoln interviews Mrs. Margaret C. Price who asks that her son, prisoner of war, be released from Camp Chase, Ohio. Mrs. George W. Bowen calls on Lincoln and asks that her husband, prisoner of war at Camp Chase, be discharged. Abraham Lincoln to Albert G. Hodges
Cabinet meets. Coming presidential election and minor affairs discussed.
O. H. Browning confers with Lincoln again about Shiff case.
Sec. Welles complains to President that all ships are tied up at Hampton Roads, Va., and Beaufort, N.C., behind army, consequently blockade is being neglected.
Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Gen. Scott, visits Brooklyn Navy Yard, N.Y., and goes aboard U.S.S. "North Carolina."
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "I am much pleased with the movement of the Army. When you get entirely across the river let me know. What do you know of the enemy?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1863 - Thursday
President replies to speech made by M. Romero as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Mexico. Reply to Matias Romero
Contributes to efforts of former Cong. Etheridge (Tenn.) to retain job as clerk of House of Representatives.
Willie Lincoln writes poem eulogizing late Col. Baker.
"Believing there is no law conferring the power upon me to appoint" chaplains at hospitals, Lincoln thinks fit to write Rev. F. M. Magrath, "that if you will voluntarily enter upon, and perform the appropriate duties of such position, I will recommend that Congress make compensation therefor at the same rate as Chaplains in the army are compensated." Abraham Lincoln to F. M. Magrath
Lincoln interviews George I. Bergen, former resident of Springfield, Ill., and directs him to Gen. Stoneman. Abraham Lincoln to George Stoneman
President and Mrs. Lincoln visit Ford's Theatre on occasion of Maggie Mitchell's benefit in performance of "Fanchon, the Cricket."
1864 - Sunday
President confers with William Millward, U.S. marshal, eastern district of Pennsylvania, regarding late vote as compared to last election of Gov. Curtin (Pa.).
Sec. Cameron lays before President Gen. Scott's letter requesting retired officer status.
Gen. McClellan requests President's permission to have purchase of arms made through his staff.
1862 - Friday
Lincoln confers with Mayor Richard Wallach (Washington), president of council, and special committee about construction of railroad from Point of Rocks, Md., to Washington.
1863 - Saturday
President continues to notify congressmen-elect of provisions relating to credentials in act approved March 3, 1863. Abraham Lincoln to William Sprague
Confers with "Gen. Todd" regarding outcome of exempting about 5,000 men from draft in Pennsylvania and putting them on duty defending border. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Acknowledges communication from Rev. William Nast covering resolutions of Central German Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church. Abraham Lincoln to William Nast
Cabinet accepts resignation of Gen. Scott and decides upon appointment of Gen. McClellan as successor. President orders Bvt. Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott placed on list of retired officers of Army of U.S. Later calls at Scott's residence with members of cabinet. Order Retiring Winfield Scott from Command
In evening, with John Hay, visits McClellan and Sec. Seward at their homes.
Capt. McKinney (Thomas J. McKenny?) delivers President's order dated October 24, 1861 relieving Gen. Fremont of command of Dept. of West. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
1862 - Saturday
President expresses entire satisfaction with Capt. David V. Derickson and Co. K, 150th Pennsylvania Volunteers, as presidential guard. Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
1863 - Sunday
President reports night fighting of Gen. Hooker to Sec. Seward, who is in Auburn, N.Y., because of illness of son. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
In evening consults with Gen. Schenck, Cong. James A. Garfield (Ohio), and Cong. Kelley (Pa.) about orderly Maryland elections November 4, 1863.
Prepares order concerning draft: "It is ordered that every citizen who has paid the $300 commutation shall receive the same credit therefor as if he had furnished a substitute, and is exonerated from military service for the time for which he was drafted, to wit, for three years." Order Concerning the Draft
1864 - Tuesday
Sec. Seward, in presence of Atty. Gen. Bates, reads to President dispatch announcing success of new Maryland Constitution.
Gen. Butler interviews President prior to taking charge of policing polls at national election in New York.
W. O. Bartlett calls on Lincoln relative to appointment of James Gordon Bennett as Minister to France. Abraham Lincoln to Abram Wakeman
Post Office Dept. establishes domestic money order system.
President endorses letter of Sgt. H. Warren Stimson, 142d Pennsylvania Volunteers: "West-Point. I wish this 'soldier boy' to have a chance." Endorsement Concerning H. Warren Stimson
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