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.
I want to thank you again for this thread and your tireless effort to keep it current and up-to-date.
It has become a priceless historical resource for me and others.
Thanks again,
Unionblue
Well, thanks for that. I've often wondered if it was worth it and whether it had any utility or if folks took a look at it once in a while. It won't be long before I run into where I started. I think it's like each day is a picture of a unique slice of time in the life of President Lincoln in which the trival as well as the significant are both in evidence.
-
-
__________________ -
"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
President reads part of Annual Message at cabinet meeting.
Writes Sec. Chase on behalf of W. Johnson: "If you can find him the place [i] shall really be obliged." [Placed in Treasury Dept.] Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Receives an estimated 50 letters per week from officers of European armies offering their services to government.
1862 - Saturday
Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House for long talk about war conditions and elections.
President asks Atty. Gen. Bates for an opinion about status of troops put in field by Gov. Gamble (Mo.). Are state troops or U.S. troops involved? "Can Gov. Gamble make a vacancy, by removing an officer, or accepting a resignation?" Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates
1863 - Sunday
"President Lincoln is much better to-day, and will be able to resume his office duties to-morrow or next day."
1864 - Tuesday
President interviews Judge Samuel M. Breckinridge of St. Louis regarding case of Capt. John B. Castleman, Confederate prisoner charged with spying and released without trial on condition that he leave U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Alvin P. Hovey
Addresses identical letters to nine governors: "May I renew my request for the exact aggregate vote of your State cast at the late election? My object fails if I do not receive it before Congress meets." Abraham Lincoln to William M. Stone and Others
President examines plans of Anna Ella Carroll, pamphleteer, for Tennessee River campaign submitted by Asst. Sec. Scott.
Meets with Sec. Seward, Comdr. Dahlgren, and others at Gen. McClellan's residence in evening.
Endorses letter of former President Fillmore regarding appointment of nephew, George M. Fillmore: "Respectfully submitted to the Sec. of War, remarking that it be very agreeable to me for Mr. Fillmore to be obliged." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Sunday
President and Mrs. Lincoln attend services at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Asst. Sec. Fox at White House to see Mrs. Lincoln.
1863 - Monday
"President has been sick ever since Thursday [November 26]."
Lincoln still confined to bed but resumes work on message to Congress.
1864 - Wednesday
John W. Tatum, Delaware, and Joseph Tatum, New Jersey, members of Society of Friends, call on President in interest of three Friends confined among Confederate prisoners at Point Lookout, Md. Endorsement Concerning John W. and Joseph Tatum
Lincoln consults with Judge Adv. Gen. Holt regarding position of attorney general. Holt recommends James Speed.
Recognizes Nicola Nicolas as vice consul of Italy at Louisville, Ky.
Confers with Atty. Gen. Bates, who asks release of Dr. Richard G. Wharton from Vicksburg, Miss., prison.
John Nicolay returns to his post after recovering from serious illness.
Joint congressional committee announces to President that Congress is ready to receive communications.
President communicates Second Annual Message to Congress: Foreign relations are more satisfactory than might be expected. Treaty with Great Britain for suppression of slave trade is in operation with prospect of success. Negro colonies from U.S. may soon migrate to Liberia and Haiti. Commercial relations with leading nations are undisturbed. System of banking associations will circulate notes of uniform appearance and security. Treasury receipts amounted to $583 million, expenditures to $570 million. Public lands are no longer source of revenue. System for Indian affairs may need remodeling. Progress has been made on construction of Pacific railroad. Department of Agriculture has been organized. President recommends that Congress propose three amendments to Constitution: 1. Every State that abolishes slavery before January 1, 1900, shall receive compensation from the U.S. 2. All slaves who shall have enjoyed actual freedom by chances of war shall be forever free. 3. Congress may appropriate money, and otherwise provide for colonizing free colored persons with their own consent, at any place or places outside U.S. Annual Message to Congress
President writes Judge Adv. Gen. Joseph Holt: "Three hundred Indians have been sentenced to death in Minnesota by a Military Commission, and execution only awaits my action. I wish your legal opinion whether if I should conclude to execute only a part of them, I must myself designate which." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt
1863 - Tuesday
"President is steadily recovering from his indisposition and it is not doubted that he will in a day or two be equal to the active resumption of his arduous duties."
Recognizes J. B. Gossler as vice consul of Austria at Boston.
1864 - Thursday
President telegraphs James Speed: "I appoint you to be Attorney General. Please come on at once." Abraham Lincoln to James Speed
Resignation of Atty. Gen. Bates effective today. On taking leave, President promises to write to him.
Two ladies from Tennessee visit President again and ask release of husbands from Johnson's Island prison. Story Written for Noah Brooks
Cabinet meets. "President's conservative policy is sustained by his Cabinet with entire unanimity."
Justices of Supreme Court call on President.
At 2 P.M. Joint Committee announces to President that Congress is ready to receive communications. Lincoln informs them that Annual Message will be communicated to Congress tomorrow.
President empowers Gen. Halleck, commanding at St. Louis, "to suspend the Writ of Habeas Corpus within the limits of the military division." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck
1862 - Tuesday
In afternoon Lincoln repeats to Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House, "McClellan is too slow."
Informs Sec. Stanton of order that officers of military forces organized by Gov. Gamble (Mo.) may be removed and resignations accepted by Gov. Gamble, whose action will be confirmed by War Dept. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President communicates Annual Message to Congress: "In the midst of unprecedented political troubles, we have cause of great gratitude to God for unusual good health, and most abundant harvests. . . . A disloyal portion of the American people have, during the whole year, been engaged in an attempt to divide and destroy the Union. . . . The Union must be preserved, and hence, all indispensable means must be employed. We should not be in haste to determine that radical and extreme measures, which may reach the loyal as well as the disloyal, are indispensable. The inaugural address at the beginning of the Administration, and the message to Congress at the late special session, were both mainly devoted to the domestic controversy out of which the insurrection and consequent war have sprung. Nothing now occurs to add or subtract, to or from, the principles or general purposes stated and expressed in those documents. . . . It continues to develop that the insurrection is largely, if not exclusively, a war upon the first principle of popular government—the rights of the people. . . . The struggle of today, is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also." Annual Message to Congress
White House detectives arrest Francis X. Rabstock for annoying President.
Mrs. Lincoln sends bouquet to Mrs. Fox.
1863 - Thursday
President ill. "We are glad to say that he is in a fair way for speedy recovery."
Mrs. Lincoln arrives Metropolitan Hotel, New York, in evening.
1864 - Saturday
President orders that war steamer "Funayma Solace" "should not be allowed to proceed to Japan," and Secretary of Navy is authorized to buy it. Order Concerning the Steamer Funayma Solace
Talks with Noah Brooks about people speculating on appointment of S. P. Chase to be chief justice.
Reads next Annual Message at special cabinet meeting.
Indianapolis "Sentinel" calls attention to fact that Robert Lincoln is still not in uniform.
Orders release of husbands of Tennessee ladies who had visited him December 1, 1864 and yesterday. Story Written for Noah Brooks
President confers with Sen. James Harlan (Iowa) and Sen. Browning (Ill.) about military appointments.
Thanks Mrs. Susannah Weathers of Rossville, Ind., for pair of socks and infers that "an uncle of mine by marriage was a relative of yours." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Susannah Weathers
Interviews Alexander T. Galt, minister of finance for Canada, regarding uneasiness in Canada over possible aggressive designs of U.S.
With Mrs. Lincoln attends presentation of colors by Sen. Harris (N.Y.) to Harris Light Cavalry near Arlington, Va.
Authorizes Sec. Seward to answer request of Methodist ministers of California for permission to attend convention at New Orleans.
Visits Asst. Sec. Fox in evening to consult on navy affairs.
Transmits to House of Representatives report relative to correspondence with foreign nations on rights of blockade, privateering, and "recognition of the so called Confederate States," and report "upon the subject of increasing and extending trade and commerce of the United States with Foreign Countries." Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives
Harness account charged 38¢ for "whip thong."
1862 - Thursday
Lincoln endorses John W. True of 54th Regiment Illinois Volunteers: "I personally know the writer of this to be a good man." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Congs. Brutus J. Clay (Ky.) and Green Clay Smith (Ky.) present to President petition for release of Clifton F. Estill, prisoner of war at Camp Douglas, Ill., whose mother was active Union lady in Fayette County. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President, still confined to room, is working on Annual Message to Congress.
1864 - Sunday
President plans to send Annual Message to Congress on Tuesday, December 6, 1864.
President and Secs. Cameron and Seward receive Col. David B. Birney's 23d Philadelphia Zouaves after their parade.
Lincoln proclaims treaty with Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians.
Interviews Mrs. John Nininger, sister of Gov. Alexander Ramsey (Minn.), who wants son appointed to Naval Academy, Newport, R.I. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
Receives November salary warrant for $2,083.34.
Transmits to Senate treaty with King of Hanover "concerning the abolition of the Stade or Brunshausen Dues" [tolls levied on vessels ascending River Elbe and passing mouth of Schwinge River]. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1862 - Friday
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) interviews President in interest of Gen. Butler.
President receives Senate resolution requesting "all information in his possession touching the late Indian barbarities in the State of Minnesota." Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith
Is toasted at banquet by city authorities to commemorate turning of Potomac water into aqueduct.
Receives November salary warrant for $2,022.34.
1864 - Monday
President interviews A. H. Markland, who leaves for Savannah, Ga., to meet Gen. Sherman.
Lord Lyons takes leave of President and Sec. Seward. Goes to New York to improve his health.
President, with Mrs. Lincoln and Sec. Seward, attends Grover's Theatre for performance of Gounod's "Faust" by Grand German Opera Company. ["Robert Le Diable" was postponed.]
Lincoln receives November salary warrant for $1,981.67.
President recommends to Senate that Comdr. William H. Macomb (USN) be advanced in grade 10 numbers for distinguished conduct at capture of Plymouth, N.C., and that Lt. Comdr. James B. Thornton (USN), executive officer of U.S.S. "Kearsarge," be advanced in grade 10 numbers for faithful discharge of duties in action against Confederate steamer "Alabama" on June 19, 1864. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Recommends to Congress that Lt. [Lt. Comdr. as of October 27, 1864, by retroactive promotion] William B. Cushing (USN) receive vote of thanks from Congress for destroying Confederate steamer "Albemarle" on October 27, 1864, and that Capt. [Commodore as of June 19, 1864, by retroactive promotion] John A. Winslow (USN) receive vote of thanks from Congress for skill and gallantry while commanding "Kearsarge" at time "Alabama" was destroyed. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives[1] Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives[2]
Cabinet considers report of secretary of treasury.
Lincoln interviews David L. Phillips, marshal of southern Illinois, regarding arrests of secessionists. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Receives Capt. Kennedy's Artillery Company from Auburn, N.Y., accompanied by Sec. Seward.
Interviews Capt. Francis G. Young of late Col. Baker's California regiment and gives him letter to Gen. McClellan. Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Library of Congress lends copy of "Musäus, Volksmärchen" to White House. [Johann Karl August Musäus, Volksmärchen der Deutschen, Leipzig, 1842.]
1862 - Saturday
President orders execution on December 19, 1862 of 39 Indians sentenced to be hanged for barbarities in Minnesota. Abraham Lincoln to Henry H. Sibley
Sen. John B. Henderson (Mo.) and Cong. Thomas L. Price (Mo.) interview President on behalf of Rufus K. Sanders. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Sends for Cong. Colfax (Ind.), nominated for Speaker of House by acclamation.
Confers with Colfax about plans of clerk of House of Representatives to give control of House to Peace Party by excluding members with old certificates.
1864 - Tuesday
Joint Committee announces to President that Congress is ready to receive communications.
President communicates Annual Message to Congress: Condition of foreign affairs reasonably satisfactory. No differences of any kind have arisen with republics to the south, and their sympathies are constantly expressed with cordiality. China seems to be accepting conventional laws which regulate commercial intercourse, and friendship of Japan toward U.S. has increased. Several ports have been opened and immigration encouraged. Financial affairs have been administered successfully. Public debt is $1,740,690,489. Money required to meet expenses of war derived from taxes should be increased. National banking system is proving to be acceptable to capitalists and to the people. Organization and admission of state of Nevada completed. Territories growing rapidly. Newly established Agriculture Dept. recommended to continued care of Congress. Movements that mold society for durability have occurred—Arkansas and Louisiana have organized loyal state governments. President recommends reconsideration and passage of proposed amendment to Constitution, abolishing slavery. In midst of war nation's material resources and manpower are more complete and abundant than ever. On basis of accessible evidence it would seem that no attempt at negotiation with insurgent leader could result in any good. "The war will cease on the part of the government, whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it." Annual Message to Congress
President sends nomination to Senate: "I nominate Salmon P. Chase of Ohio, to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States vice Roger B. Taney, deceased." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Responds to crowd assembled at White House to congratulate him on Annual Message: "I have no good news to tell you, and yet I have no bad news to tell. . . . We all know where he [Gen. Sherman] went in at, but I can't tell where he will come out at." Response to a Serenade
CivilWarTalk.com -
A free and friendly Civil War community. 
Linear Mode
