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 recognizes Pedro Pablo Ortiz as vice consul of Republic of Chile for port of New York.
Lt. Barstow of Gen. Dix's staff delivers to Lincoln Japanese sword reported stolen in Baltimore.
Mrs. Lincoln holds morning reception.
1862 - Sunday
5 P.M. Sunday dinner party at White House includes Sen. Browning (Ill.), Sen. Harris (N.Y.), and members of President's staff.
1863 - Monday
10:20 A.M. President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in New York: "All doing well. Tad confidently expects you to-night. When will you come?" Mrs. Lincoln replies: "Will leave here positively at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. Have carriage waiting at depot in Washington at 6 p.m. Did Tad receive his book. Please answer." 7 P.M. President telegraphs reply: "Tad has received his book. The carriage shall be ready at 6 P.M. tomorrow." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd LincolnAbraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Issues press release on Union success in Tennessee and recommends that all loyal people assemble informally in churches and render homage to God. Announcement of Union Success in Tennessee
Refers to military situation at Knoxville and comments: "Now if this Army of the Potomac was any good . . . if the Army had any legs, they could move 30,000 men down to Lynchburg and catch Longstreet. Can anybody doubt, if Grant were here in command that he would catch him?"
Transmits to Senate documents relative to aid furnished by British subjects to rebellion. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Interviews Sen. Hicks (Md.) again regarding Maryland commission to investigate character, decide loyalty, and issue certificates. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Consults with Abel R. Corbin, party worker, about vote in House of Representatives on constitutional amendment.
Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase makes social call on President.
President approves idea of telegraph line from Washington to Fortress Monroe, Va. New York interests are advocating submarine line to Hatteras, N.C., Port Royal, S.C., Key West, Fla., and Fort Pickens, Fla.
1862 - Monday
Sen. Doolittle (Wis.) reviews with President case of Gen. C. S. Hamilton.
Borrows "Lyrics by the letter 'H'" from Library of Congress. [Who knew Lincoln was a Sesame Street fan!]
1863 - Tuesday
President receives joint committee from 38th Congress and announces that Annual Message will be communicated to Congress tomorrow at 12:30 P.M.
Annual report describes past year as one of health, sufficient harvests, improved conditions in national affairs, and peace with foreign powers. Treaties with Great Britain have suppressed African slave trade and adjusted possessory claims in Washington Territory. Negotiations with Spain, Chile, Peru, Nicaragua, and Colombia have been satisfactory. Foreigners within lines of insurgents are classed as belligerents, and naturalized persons must serve in military. Condition of organized territories is generally satisfactory. Under sharp discipline of civil war, Nation is beginning a new life. Operations of Treasury during last year have been successfully conducted. Pay of Army and Navy promptly met. People have borne burdens cheerfully. Blockade is increasing in efficiency; but illicit trade is not entirely suppressed. Production of war vessels has created new form of naval power. Post office may become self-supporting in few years. In Dept. of Interior public lands are being taken up, legislation is needed for Indian system, consideration should be given to enlarging water connections between Mississippi River and northeastern seaboard. When Congress assembled year ago, tone of public feeling and opinion at home and abroad was not satisfactory. With emancipation and employment of Negro troops there is new reckoning. Crisis which threatened to divide friends of Union is past. Looking to resumption of national authority within states, proclamation of amnesty and reconstruction is thought fit. State governments set up under prescribed mode will be recognized. War power is still main reliance. Chief care must be directed to Army and Navy. Annual Message to Congress
President issues Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction whereby: 1. Persons in rebellion, with certain exceptions, who take oath to support Constitution are granted full pardon. 2. Exceptions are civil, diplomatic, and specified defense agents of Confederate government, and persons guilty of mistreating Negro prisoners of war. 3. Governments reestablished as prescribed in rebellious states shall be recognized as free governments of such states. 4. President will not object to provisions adopted by reestablished governments in relation to freed people. 5. Proclamation has no reference to states wherein loyal state governments have been maintained. 6. Congress shall have sole right of admitting members representing reestablished governments. Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction [This proclamation is authority for pardons granted by Lincoln throughout remainder of war.]
Lincoln sends "my profoundest gratitude" to Gen. Grant and his command for fighting at Chattanooga and Knoxville. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Deposits in Riggs Bank November salary warrant for $2,022.34.
Nominates "Commander D. D. Porter, to be a Rear Admiral in Navy, on the Active List, from the 4th. July 1863." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Recommends to Congress that "Capt. John Rodgers, U.S. Navy, receive vote of thanks" for skill and gallantry exhibited in engagement with rebel steamer "Fingal," alias "Atlanta." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
1864 - Thursday
President interviews David McDonald, of Indianapolis, Ind., who thanks him for appointment as judge of U.S. District Court. Abraham Lincoln to Godlove S. Orth
Inquires of Gen. McClellan: "Is it true that [Gen. John M.] Schofield is, or is to be ordered East? My expectation & wish was for him to remain in Mo. Please answer." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
1862 - Tuesday
President sends to Senate correspondence relative to attempted seizure of Joseph Fauchet, minister from France, by commander of "Africa" [on August 1, 1795]. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Cautions Gen. Henry H. Sibley not to hang innocent Indian as a result of confusing similar names.
1863 - Wednesday
"The President's Message will be read this morning in both Houses of Congress, at half-past twelve o'clock."
Many call at White House to congratulate President on message to Congress. Lincoln says that only person who objected to message was Sec. Chase.
1864 - Friday
Cabinet meets.
Lincoln attends theater accompanied by Sen. Summer (Mass.) and others.
Dr. Robert K. Stone, Lincoln family physician, to call at 9 A.M. tomorrow to talk about way to oblige his wife's family in Richmond. Abraham Lincoln to Robert K. Stone
Cabinet meets. New York deputation, consisting of Judge Henry E. Davies, New York Court of Appeals, and Messrs. Richard O'Gorman, New York lawyer, and Savage (probably James W.), argues importance of exchange of prisoners. Gen. Hunter's application to muster brigade of Indians dropped. Sec. Chase to discuss organization of courts at Beaufort, S.C., with Atty. Gen. Bates and make recommendation.
Sen. Timothy O. Howe (Wis.) and two colleagues call on Lincoln in interest of Gen. Egbert L. Viele.
Lincoln writes J. K. Dubois: "In the summer of 1859 when Mr. Freeman visited Springfield, Illinois, in relation to the McCallister & Stebbins bonds I promised that, . . . I would ask the members of the Legislature to give him a full and fair hearing of his case. . . . I sincerely wish it may be given him." Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois
1863 - Thursday
Lincoln telegraphs Gov. Johnson (Tenn.) at 10:30 A.M.: "I still desire very much to see you can you not come" Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson
Lincoln "intended" to give chief justiceship to Montgomery Blair "but was forced to give it to Chase. L. said he would sooner have eat flat irons than do it." [Fox Diary]
[See December 8, 1864.] Interviews Mr. Blondeel and H. A. Risley about "some countrymen of Mr. Blondeel."
Sees Thomas Nast, illustrator for "Harper's Weekly," on introduction of George W. Curtis of New York, leading member of National Union Convention.
Receives letter of resignation from Marshal Lamon, because Lincoln does not take proper precautions against assassination.
President interviews Rabbi Arnold Fischel of New York regarding appointment of Jewish chaplains for army.
Sens. Browning (Ill.) and Trumbull (Ill.) escort Lincoln to Senate Chamber for proceedings marking death of Sen. Baker (Oreg.). "Visits of the President to either House of Congress are of rare occurrence. This is the first instance of the kind certainly within the past quarter of a century."
"The President of the United States having entered the Senate chamber, he was conducted to the chair of the Vice-President."
Lincoln receives account of funeral services for Baker in San Francisco by telegraph.
Restates original purpose of his Administration: 1. to regard Union as unbroken; 2. to restore national laws over seceded states as rapidly as possible; 3. to protect lives and property of all citizens in seceded states who have not engaged in rebellion.
1862 - Thursday
President recognizes Ludwig von Baumbach, consul of Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt for Wisconsin and Minnesota, and B. B. Haagsma consul of Netherlands for Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois.
Recommends to Sec. Stanton: "John Speed named within [2d Lt. John Speed, son of James Speed], is a son of a particular friend of mine." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Friday
"President Lincoln, we are happy to state, is now convalescent, and yesterday passed several hours in the transaction of official business."
President in cabinet meeting, unable to see Rabbi Fischel as arranged yesterday.
Hiram Barney introduces George Bancroft to President and Mrs. Lincoln.
President wishes Rev. George H. Stuart, chairman of U.S. Christian Commission, success in "your christian and benevolent undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers." Abraham Lincoln to George H. Stuart
Joins Gen. Totten at military armament board to examine inventions in gun carriages.
Writes Gen. Curtis: "I snatch a moment to both thank you, and apologize to you." Thanks him for executing trusts and apologizes for publication of Totten's report on conditions in Missouri containing confidential interviews with Curtis. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
Writes Sec. Seward asking him to look at resolution in House of Representatives of Dec. 9 by Cong. Clement Vallandigham (Ohio) and "mention in Cabinet to-morrow." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
1862 - Friday
President at War Dept. early to get news of Army of Potomac near Fredericksburg, Va.
Approves action of Sec. Welles in dismissing Comdr. George H. Preble (USN) for failure to do his duty in permitting Confederate ship "Florida" to run blockade at Mobile, Ala.
J. W. Forney and friends from Pennsylvania call at White House and present cane to President.
Maj. Moses Gist of 4th Delaware Infantry reports to President on firing tests given Peckham rifle cartridges designed to make ramrods unnecessary in loading by muzzle. They drop to bottom of bore and stay in place by means of powder released from cartridge in loading.
At 6 P.M. President talks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) about army matters and Gen. Cassius M. Clay.
President answers Mayor Fernando Wood's (N.Y.) proposal for armistice and peace effort: "The war would cease on the part of the United States," if the people of the Southern States would cease resistance and maintain national authority. "Nor do I think it proper now to suspend military operations to try any experiment of negotiation." Abraham Lincoln to Fernando Wood
1863 - Saturday
Sen. Alexander Ramsey (Minn.) and Capt. Thomas A. P. Champlin interview President regarding courtmartial of Champlin.
President sees no callers today because of illness.
Notifies Sec. Stanton that resignation of Gen. Palmer was not accepted. "I do not want him to resign, unless there be some reason not yet known to me." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Directs Sec. Seward to study problem of seizure by Danish government of 2,200 carbines belonging to U.S. citizens.
Reviews for Gen. Canby motive of government in questions of cotton and Louisiana state government. "I do not wish either . . . to take precedence of the military . . . but there is a strong public reason for treating each with so much favor as may not be substantially detrimental to the military." Abraham Lincoln to Edward R. S. Canby
Prepares pardon: "This may be his [Maj. John Pope (CSA)] full pardon for all political offenses" committed prior to January 1, 1862, provided he leaves ranks of rebellion and thereafter does nothing against government of U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
1862 - Saturday
President decides that Thomas Thoroughman disloyalty case may be settled at discretion of Abraham Jonas and Henry Asbury, lawyers of Quincy, Ill. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Notifies Senate that name of Capt. William M. Glendy (USN) has been withdrawn from list of promotions because he is eligible for retirement. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1863 - Sunday
Lincoln confides in O. H. Browning that Emily Todd Helm, half-sister to Mrs. Lincoln, is at White House and fact should not be made public.
Sends message to Gen. Schofield: "On the 11th. I telegraphed, asking you to come here and see me. Did you receive the despatch?" Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield
Discusses Missouri affairs and seems inclined to remove Schofield and put Gen. Resecrans in his place.
In evening Gens. Sickles and Wadsworth call on President, who has special guest, J. H. Hackett.
Writes recommendation: "I shall be glad if Capt. Goodenow [Ira Goodnow, doorkeeper of House of Representatives] can & will find a suitable position for this fine little boy." Abraham Lincoln to Ira Goodnow
Lincoln informs Rabbi Fischel: "I shall try to have a new law broad enough to cover what is desired by you in behalf of the Israelites." Abraham Lincoln to Arnold Fischel
President recognizes Carl F. Adac as consul of Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz for Western U.S.
Sends to Senate copies of documents in case of Col. Dixon S. Miles accused of drunkenness at Bull Run. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Mrs. Lincoln holds reception from 1 to 3 P.M.
1862 - Sunday
President summons Gen. McDowell and Simon Cameron to White House. Gen. Heintzelman interviews President prior to McDowell's arrival. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
Gen. Herman Haupt calls at White House. Meets Mrs. Lincoln. Goes with President to Gen. Halleck's office for conference.
About 10 P.M. Sen. Wilson (Mass.) brings H. Villard, war correspondent present at Battle of Fredericksburg, to see President.
Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Sen. Browning (Ill.) attends church. Tells Browning President would like to have him in cabinet.
1863 - Monday
Lincoln interviews former Cong. Samuel L. Casey (Ky.) and orders safe-conduct for him from Cairo, Ill. to Red River and return with any cargoes he may bring. Agreement Signed by Samuel L. Casey
Restores all rights of person and property to Emily Todd Helm who takes oath of December 8, 1863. Amnesty to Emily T. Helm
Declines to see Cong. Fernando Wood (N.Y.), who seeks amnesty for Northern sympathizers with rebellion.
President and family visit Ford's Theatre to see J. H. Hackett play Falstaff in "Henry IV."
1864 - Wednesday
President proclaims ratification of treaty with Tabeguache Band of Utah Indians.
Presents case to Sec. Stanton : "I think a man who offers to volunteer and is rejected, should not afterwards be drafted and forced to serve. This lady alleges that such is the case of her husband. Please have the case investigated and reported on." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Lincoln studies plans prepared by Cyrus W. Field, promoter of Atlantic cable, for laying submarine cables to link Washington with principal forts as far south as Key West, Fla.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Coleman C. Sympson, Senate clerk, call on President at 5 P.M. Browning remains for tea.
Sec. Seward arrives at White House, while Lincoln and friends are having tea, alarmed over news that Great Britain considers capture of Mason and Slidell violation of international law.
1862 - Monday
President enters into agreement with Capt. Isaac R. Diller of Philadelphia to make further tests of new formula gunpowder. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac R. Diller
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) discusses with Lincoln bill creating new state of West Virginia.
1863 - Tuesday
"The President this morning was able to be in his office and attend to business."
Capt. Champlin returns to ask Lincoln to discharge penalty adjudged against him by courtmartial.
Lincoln explains to Judge Ogden Hoffman, of San Francisco, that "oath in the proclamation of Dec. 8th is intended for those who may voluntarily take it, and not for those who may be constrained to take it, in order to escape actual imprisonment." Abraham Lincoln to Ogden Hoffman
Attends Ford's Theatre, accompanied by John Nicolay and John Hay, to see J. H. Hackett play Falstaff in "Henry IV." Criticizes Hackett's reading of a passage.
Writes Mother Mary Gonyeag, Superior, Academy of Visitation, Keokuk, Iowa: "The President has no authority as to whether you may raffle for the benevolent object you mention. If there is no objection in the Iowa laws, there is none here." Abraham Lincoln to Mother Mary Gonyeag
Transmits to Senate "certain information touching persons in the service of this Government." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1864 - Thursday
President holds conference in War Dept. with Sec. Stanton and Gens. Grant and Halleck on removal of Gen. Thomas.
Receives news of Battle of Nashville in nightshirt and holding candle on second-story landing. Stanton and Maj. Eckert carry dispatch to White House.
Meets Sen. Chandler (Mich.) and Gen. Heintzelman on way to Seward's house. Heintzelman inquires about appointment for son to Military Academy. Lincoln suggests making application. At Seward's house President sends for Gen. McClellan.
Submits to Senate for consideration amendments to treaty of peace, friendship, commerce, and navigation concluded May 13, 1858, with Bolivia. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1862 - Tuesday
President approves change in date for execution of Minnesota Indians from December 19, 1862 to December 26, 1862. Abraham Lincoln to Henry H. Sibley
Orders Gen. Curtis to investigate evacuation incident involving Nathaniel W. Watkins, halfbrother of Henry Clay, "and restore the old man to his home, if the public interest will admit." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
1863 - Wednesday
As public mark of esteem felt by U.S. for high character and steady friendship of John Bright, President pardons Alfred Rubery, youthful British subject sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and to pay fine of $10,000 for aiding Confederacy. Pardon of Alfred Rubery
Confers for an hour with Cong. Fernando Wood (N.Y.), about amnesty for Northern sympathizers with rebellion. President's Amnesty Proclamation of December 8, 1863 is not specific with respect to Northern sympathizers.
Lincoln interviews C. C. Fulton, introduced by Postmaster Gen. Blair.
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