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.
Committee from New York Chamber of Commerce consults with Lincoln and Secs. Seward and Chase regarding armed vessels in foreign seas to protect Union commerce against rebel privateers.
First White House public reception of season from 8 to 10:30 P.M.
President transmits to Senate for its advice draft for convention with Republic of Mexico. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
"President sends much for Gus [Asst. Sec. Fox] lately—that indicates he is in trouble."
"The President remarked to me the other night . . . that he was very anxious to have us retake Sumter, & that he would man it with negroes . . . President is exceedingly disturbed."
President arranges meeting with senatorial committee for tomorrow evening.
In evening receives from hands of Sen. King (N.Y.) resignations of Sec. Seward and Asst. Sec. Frederick W. Seward following action of Republican senatorial caucus.
Gen. Haupt visits President in evening and interrupts conversation between Cong. Covode (Pa.) and Lincoln.
Lincoln writes Gen. Curtis: "Could the civil authority be reintroduced into Missouri in lieu of the military to any extent, with advantage and safety?" Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
Declines to sign memorandum on behalf of "The colored man William Johnson [who] came with me from Illinois" for fear it will be construed as an order. Memorandum Concerning William H. Johnson
1863 - Thursday
Baltimore delegation of public men calls on President and asks that J. L. Ridgely be reinstated as collector of internal revenue. Memorandum: Removal of James L. Ridgely
President transmits to Senate convention between U.S. and Great Britain relative to claims of Hudson's Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Companies. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Clement Barclay, of Pennsylvania, informs Lincoln that Gen. John Buford cannot live through day, whereupon Lincoln appoints him major general in U.S. Army and Barclay carries news to dying hero.
Justices of Supreme Court pay their annual visit to President.
Benjamin P. Moore, Jr., introduced by Cong. Edwin H. Webster (Md.), interviews President and asks exemption from draft as conscientious objector. President gives him card to Sec. Stanton .
Visits Ford's Theatre to see "Merry Wives of Windsor."
Introduces Joshua F. Speed and Joshua Tevis, of Kentucky, to Thurlow Weed, "and I think their mission an important one." Abraham Lincoln to Thurlow Weed
Lincoln writes James H. Hoes, jeweler of Chicago: "I have received from the Sanitary Commission of Chicago, the Watch which you placed at their disposal, and I take the liberty of conveying to you my high appreciation of your humanity and generosity, of which I have unexpectedly become the beneficiary." [Lincoln received watch for gift of draft of Emancipation Proclamation to Northwest Sanitary Fair, where it sold for $3,000, making him largest individual contributor and award winner.] Abraham Lincoln to James H. Hoes
1864 - Saturday
President confers with Asst. Sec. Fox who explains why President should interview William E. Chandler, New Hampshire lawyer employed by Navy Dept. to investigate frauds.
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
President and cabinet discuss informally "Trent" affair.
Congs. Colfax (Ind.) and Reuben E. Fenton (N.Y.) urge Lincoln to get army into action or find way to offset hostile public sentiment.
President, accompanied by Sec. Seward and Edwin M. Stanton , legal adviser to Sec. Cameron, watches seamen drill at Navy Yard.
Congratulates Alexander II, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, on birth of son to Grand Duchess Olga Teodorowra. Abraham Lincoln to Alexander II
At 9:30 P.M. with John Hay walks to Seward's residence for conference, then with Seward to Gen. McClellan's house, where they discuss war until midnight.
Asks opinion of Gov. Gamble (Mo.) on ability of enrolled militia alone to maintain order north of Missouri River; if so, might other forces be moved south of river? Abraham Lincoln to Hamilton R. Gamble
Committee of nine from Republican senatorial caucus meets with Lincoln at 7 P.M. and confers several hours on resignation of Sec. Seward and reconstruction of cabinet. Abraham Lincoln to Jacob Collamer
Late in evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) calls on Lincoln, D. W. Wise of Boston present. Lincoln will not discuss Wise's proposition for preparing biography.
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) converses with Lincoln and they call on Gen. McClellan.
1862 - Friday
President calls special meeting of cabinet in morning to consider report from Senate caucus committee.
Meets Sen. Browning (Ill.) between White House and War Dept. in afternoon and talks briefly.
At 7:30 P.M. cabinet, except Sec. Seward, meets jointly with members of Senate Republican caucus committee and discusses reconstruction of cabinet until midnight.
Postmaster Gen. Blair offers to resign, but President asks him not to cause any more trouble.
Orders Gen. Curtis to confer with Gov. Gamble (Mo.) and telegraph decision on question whether quiet can be maintained in all counties north of Missouri River by enrolled militia. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis
1863 - Saturday
Sec. Seward reads to President another dispatch from Cassius M. Clay, abusing Emperor Napoleon.
President and Mrs. Lincoln invite members of Congress, other public dignitaries, and officers of Russian vessels now in American waters to reception at White House from 1 to 3 P.M.
In evening Mrs. Charles Craig, of Arkansas, accompanied by H. T. Blow, calls on Lincoln and asks for pass for herself and husband to Arkansas to raise cotton on their farm. Permit to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Craig
Recent report shows President has made 650 appointments of all kinds since August 27, 1861. Thirty-one officers have been honorably retired, and 215 promoted.
Sec. Welles calls on Lincoln after breakfast and urges him not to accept Sec. Seward's resignation. Calls again after visit with Seward and reports that Seward has decided to withdraw resignation.
President considers accepting resignations of Seward and Chase and notifies them "that the public interest does not admit of it. I therefore have to request that you will resume the duties of your Departments respectively." Washington Chronicle, 23 December 1862; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward and Salmon P. Chase
President replies to Henry C. Wright, lecturing agent of Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society: "I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation; nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the acts of Congress." Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Wright
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Three members present.
Lincoln interviews H. T. Blow about case of L. A. Welton.
Confers with Gen. Banks about duties in New Orleans.
Recognizes Dennis Donohoe as consul of Great Britain at New Orleans.
Recognizes Moritz von Baumbach as consul at Milwaukee for Duchy of Saxe Meiningen.
President interviews wife of 1st Lt. Robert F. Hunter on behalf of husband courtmartialed and cashiered for drunkenness on duty. Abraham Lincoln to John F. Lee
In afternoon drives with several friends to Anacostia River near Navy Yard to watch army engineers throw 500-foot pontoon bridge across cove. "The President was invited to ride over, and immediately ordered his carriage to be driven across, remarking that if he should get overboard he could wade ashore."
Sen. Browning (Ill.) in long conference with President discusses: 1. "Trent" affair; 2. treaty with Mexico; 3. Rothschild offer of loan. Later they visit Gen. and Mrs. McClellan.
1862 - Sunday
Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia at Continental Hotel.
1863 - Monday
President interviews Cong. Calvin T. Hulburd (N.Y.) relative to deserters in Canada.
Approves joint resolution tendering thanks of Congress and medal to Gen. Grant.
Remains at War Dept. while decoders read message, intercepted in mail at New York, intended for Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of State (CSA).
Comments, in letter to Sec. Stanton , on aspects of "strikes in the Ship-yards," social influence of St. Louis upon Gen. Pope, and future of Gen. Schofield. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln at Continental Hotel in Philadelphia: "Do not come on the night train. It is too cold. Come in the morning." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
Interviews delegation from Baltimore urging retention of H. W. Hoffman in customhouse.
Writes Gen. Butler: "I now learn, correctly I suppose, that you have ordered an election, . . . to take place on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Let this be suspended, at least until conferrence [sic] with me, and obtaining my approval." Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler
Sends to Senate report of former Sen. Johnson's (Md.) activities as U.S. commissioner at New Orleans during July 1862. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Discusses possible cabinet shake-up with Sen. Browning (Ill.) in evening.
Mrs. Lincoln borrows "Scott Poetical Works" from Library of Congress.
1863 - Tuesday
President transmits to Senate two conventions between U.S. and Belgium relating to Scheldt Dues, imposts upon navigation in inland waters. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Lincoln and Secs. Seward and Welles constitute cabinet meeting.
President recognizes Henry Préant as vice consul of Russia at Philadelphia.
Interviews former Sen. Francis Gillette (Conn.) on recommendation of Sen. Sumner (Mass.).
Replies to petition from citizens of St. Louis: "I have never interfered, nor thought of interfering as to who shall or shall not preach in any church. . . . If, after all, what is now sought, is to have me put Dr. M. [McPheeters] back, over the heads of a majority of his own congregation, that too, will be declined." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver D. Filley
Orders Gen. Gilman Marston, military commander at Point Lookout, Md.: "If you have a prisoner by the name Linder—Daniel Linder, I think, and certainly the son of U[sher] F. Linder, of Illinois, please send him to me by an officer." Abraham Lincoln to Gilman Marston
Directs Sec. Welles to "suppress any further publication of any part of" correspondence captured aboard Confederate ship "Ceres." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1864 - Thursday
President interviews John Bliss, 1st Vermont Cavalry, who for fear of being treated as deserter calls on Lincoln and returns to regiment. Order Concerning John Bliss
Consults with Joseph J. Lewis, commissioner of internal revenue, regarding resolution to correct errors in regulations.
Receives Sen. Lane (Kans.), who returns to Kansas to run for reelection.
Sec. Seward calls on President with letter from former Sen. King (N.Y.) recommending John Bigelow, author, editor, and U.S. consul general in Paris, to be minister to France.
Gen. Sherman sends President following dispatch: "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah with 150 heavy guns & plenty of ammunition & also about 25000 bales of cotton." Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman
Receives memorial from Mil. Gov. Andrew Johnson and prominent men of state asking that Emancipation Proclamation not apply to Tennessee.
Considers proposal of Gen. Haupt to form military council of seven to plan campaigns and determine policies.
John Pitcher, boyhood friend, calls on Lincoln about son recovering from wound received at Battle of Cedar Mountain.
Mrs. Lincoln prepares to serve Christmas dinner to wounded in hospitals.
Lincoln concludes letter of condolence to Fanny McCullough, daughter of former court clerk of Bloomington, Ill., killed in action, December 5, 1862: "The memory of your dear Father, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad sweet feeling in your heart, of a purer, and holier sort than you have known before." Abraham Lincoln to Fanny McCullough
1863 - Wednesday
Lincoln interviews William H. Craft, corporal in Co. C., 82d New York Volunteers, who fears arrest as deserter, and gives him protection back to Army of Potomac. Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
Confers with Sen. Lane (Kans.) about affairs in Missouri and Kansas and about nomination of Gen. Schofield to be major general.
Relates dream in which he is among plain people. One of them remarks: "He is a very common-looking man." President replies: "Common-looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them."
Lincoln has third interview with Sen. B. Gratz Brown (Mo.) concerning conditions in Missouri.
Requests Sec. Stanton : "Please see this Lady who is a Sister to our gallant and brave friend, Gen. Reynolds, who fell at Gettysburg. Please oblige her if you can." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Friday
Cabinet meets. Welles tardy. President and Secs. Seward and Stanton discuss Welles' presentation of case against Beverly S. Osborn, New York newspaperman.
President issues order for protection and safe conduct from New Orleans or Memphis, Tenn. to Red River and its tributaries to James Harrison, of St. Louis, trading under rules of Treasury Dept. Order Concerning James Harrison
President approves act authorizing allotment certificates for volunteers.
Endorses letter of Robert J. Breckenridge, Danville, Ky., who opposed him for Presidency in 1860 campaign: "I have before said, and now repeat, I would like Dr. Breckenridges son to be appointed as soon as he consistently can." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron
1862 - Wednesday
President sends congratulations to Francis Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, on forthcoming marriage of brother. Abraham Lincoln to Francis Joseph I
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) spends evening with President discussing Emancipation Proclamation.
Mrs. Lincoln borrows "Read, Thomas B. The Wagoner of the Alleghanies; a poem of the days of seventy-six" from Library of Congress.
1864 - Saturday
Lincoln recognizes R. Barth as consul of Grand Dukedom of Baden at St. Louis.
Receives Richard C. Parsons, representative of Common Council of Cleveland, who presents importance of establishing navy yard on Great Lakes.
Sec. Welles calls on President and gets death sentence commuted and obtains pass to Richmond for Laura Jones.
O. H. Browning confers with Lincoln about permitting James W. Singleton, Illinois politician and cotton and tobacco buyer, to go to Richmond for purpose of buying cotton.
President and Mrs. Lincoln send letters to Soldiers' Fair in Springfield, Mass.
President acknowledges receipt of volume "commemorative of the celebration in honor of the passage of the Ordinance of Emancipation of the State of Louisiana." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas J. Durant
Writes Sec. Seward: "Gen. C. S. Todd, once much of a man, is now superannuated, and would be an incumbrance upon the Commander in New-Orleans, unjustifiable in me to impose upon him." [Charles S. Todd, assessor of internal revenue at Owensboro, Ky., asked for military appointment under Gen. Banks.] Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Cabinet meets 10 A.M. behind closed doors to consider release of Mason and Slidell, involved in "Trent" affair. Meeting lasts until 2 P.M.
Sen. Sumner (Mass.) on invitation reads letters from Richard Cobden and John Bright of England to cabinet urging release of men. French minister appears before cabinet and requests President to give up men and avert war.
Cabinet adjourns to meet next day and make decision. President concludes: "Governor Seward, you will go on, of course, preparing your answer, which, as I understand, will state the reasons why they ought to be given up."
At Christmas dinner in evening Lincolns entertain large number of guests, including several members of official family and old friends from Kentucky and Illinois.
After dinner President tells Sen. Browning (Ill.) that "Trent" affair has been settled amicably.
1862 - Thursday
President and Mrs. Lincoln visit many hospitals in afternoon.
1863 - Friday
Lincoln reads to John Hay and others article he wrote last summer upholding constitutionality and expediency of draft.
Suggests to Bayard Taylor that he prepare lecture on "Serfs, Serfdom, and Emancipation in Russia." Abraham Lincoln to Bayard Taylor
Plans to extend practical benefits of Amnesty and Reconstruction Proclamation to people of rebellious districts. Record books will be sent to various points to receive subscriptions to oath.
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