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 receives gift of suit of clothes manufactured by Titsworth & Brothers of Chicago, to be worn on March 4, 1861 [1st Inauguration]. Also receives whistle made from pig's tail.
1862 - Sunday
Prayer for President omitted from church service results in arrest of Alexandria, Va., clergyman. N.Y. Tribune, 10 February 1862.
During Sunday afternoon in War Dept. Sec. Stanton accuses Thomas T. Eckert, superintendent of military telegraphs, of neglecting his duties. Lincoln is present and defends Eckert.
1863 - Monday
President spends typical administrative day: 1. directing sec. of war in military transfer, in project for raising Illinois regiments, and in selecting paymaster; 2. directing commissioner of general land office to hold hearing on 2 per cent fund associated with sale of public lands; 3. directing surgeon general to complete physical examination of Pvt. Henry Williams.
[concerning a physical examination of Private Henry Williams of Company D, First U.S. Sharpshooters, under sentence of imprisonment for desertion.]
1864 - Tuesday
Lincoln confers with F. B. Carpenter in White House study. Judge Adv. Gen. Holt calls and remains most of morning. In afternoon several cabinet members visit Lincoln. At 3 P.M. President and Carpenter walk to M. B. Brady's studio. Several photographs made, including one later used on $5 bill.
Evening White House levee largest of season. Robert Lincoln attends. President in good health.
1865 - Thursday
President receives delegation from New York Young Men's Republican Union.
J. W. Forney calls on Lincoln to announce that Sen. Daniel Clark (N.H.) is president pro tempore of Senate.
O. H. Browning confers with President at night and receives letter, for delivery to Gen. Grant, relative to trading operations of J. W. Singleton.
Willie is reported much better today, but Tad is thought to have contracted same illness. Washington Star, 10 February 1862.
President not attending to much public business owing to severe illness of son. N.Y. Tribune, 12 February 1862.
1863 - Tuesday
President designates Gens. Hunter and Saxton together with three civilians as persons authorized to select lands for government use within state of South Carolina.
Gen. Butler calls and asks President to send Philip Reade to West Point.
Sec. Welles presents to President name of Col. William Hawley for brigadier general.
White House personnel, probably Mrs. Lincoln, borrows book, "Cunningham Nell Gwynn," from Library of Congress. [Peter Cunningham, Story of Nell Gwynn; and the Sayings of Charles II, London, 1852.]
Mrs. Lincoln entertains Gen. and Mrs. Heintzelman in evening.
1864 - Wednesday
President devotes morning to courtmartial cases. Receives public at 1 P.M.
Delegation of 18 gentlemen from convention at Allegheny City, Pa., calls on President to discuss amending Constitution in favor of freedom.
President's private stables, brick building between Executive Mansion and Treasury Dept., "took fire and burned down" at 8:30 P.M.
Lincoln "jumped over the boxwood hedge, threw open the stable doors to try to get the horses out," but fire too far gone.
President's two horses, John Nicolay's two horses, and Tad's two ponies are lost.
Hours later, "Lincoln and others were standing in the East Room looking at the still burning stables. Lincoln was weeping. Tad explained it was because Willie's pony was there."
Mrs. Lincoln continues to send flowers to Sanitary Fair.
1865 - Friday
President sends to House of Representatives copies of all documents pertaining to Hampton Roads Conference.
Confers with Col. Eaton regarding dispute in Congress relative to shifting Freedmen's Bureau from War Dept. to Treasury Dept.
Sen. Davis (Ky.) calls on President to discuss release of certain prisoners of war.
President encloses to Rear Adm. Porter "joint resolution . . . tendering the thanks of Congress to yourself, the officers and men under your command, for their gallantry and good conduct in the capture of Fort Fisher."
Transmits to Senate report from secretary of state "concerning recent conversations or communications with insurgents."
[The extract from Seward's letter, February 7, follows:
``On the morning of the 3d, the President, attended by the Secretary, received Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell on board the United States steam transport River Queen in Hampton Roads.
The conference was altogether informal. There was no attendance of secretaries, clerks, or other witnesses. Nothing was written or read. The conversation, although earnest and free, was calm, and courteous, and kind on both sides.
The Richmond party approached the discussion rather indirectly, and at no time did they either make categorical demands, or tender formal stipulations or absolute refusals. Nevertheless, during the conference, which lasted four hours, the several points at issue between the government and the insurgents were distinctly raised, and discussed fully, intelligently, and in an amicable spirit.
What the insurgent party seemed chiefly to favor was a postponement of the question of separation, upon which the war is waged, and a mutual direction of efforts of the government, as well as those of the insurgents, to some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season during which passions might be expected to subside, and the armies be reduced, and trade and intercourse between the people of both sections resumed.
It was suggested by them that through such postponement we might now have immediate peace, with some not very certain prospect of an ultimate satisfactory adjustment of political relations between this government and the States, section, or people now engaged in conflict with it.
``This suggestion, though deliberately considered, was nevertheless regarded by the President as one of armistice or truce, and he announced that we can agree to no cessation or suspension of hostilities, except on the basis of the disbandment of the insurgent forces, and the restoration of the national authority throughout all the States in the Union.
Collaterally, and in subordination to the proposition which was thus announced, the antislavery policy of the United States was reviewed in all its bearings, and the President announced that he must not be expected to depart from the positions he had heretofore assumed in his proclamation of emancipation and other documents, as these positions were reiterated in his last annual message.
It was further declared by the President that the complete restoration of the national authority was an indispensable condition of any assent on our part to whatever form of peace might be proposed.
The President assured the other party that, while he must adhere to these positions, he would be prepared, so far as power is lodged with the executive, to exercise liberality. His power, however, is limited by the Constitution; and when peace should be made, Congress must necessarily act in regard to appropriations of money and to the admission of representatives from the insurrectionary States.
The Richmond party were then informed that Congress had, on the 31st ultimo, adopted by a constitutional majority a joint resolution submitting to the several States the proposition to abolish slavery throughout the Union, and that there is every reason to expect that it will be soon accepted by three-fourths of the States, so as to become a party of the national organic law.
``The conference came to an end by mutual acquiescence, without producing an agreement of views upon the several matters discussed, or any of them.
Nevertheless, it is perhaps of some importance that we have been able to submit our opinions and views directly to prominent insurgents, and to hear them in answer in a courteous and not unfriendly manner.''
(Thirty-eighth Congress, Second Session, Senate Executive Document No. 18).]
Writes A. H. Stephens: "According to our agreement, your nephew, Lieut. Stephens, goes to you, bearing this note. Please, in return, to select and send to me, that officer of the same rank, imprisoned at Richmond, whose physical condition most urgently requires his release."
[Springfield, Illinois]
Shakes hands with friends as they file by. At 8 A.M. boards train and in response to demands of crowd (estimated at 1,000) speaks from rear platform: "My friends—No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. . . . I now leave, . . . with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. . . . Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you . . . I bid you an affectionate farewell." Later, with aid of John G. Nicolay, he writes out farewell remarks at request of reporter. [Farewell Address at Springfield, Illinois]
[Indianapolis, Indiana]
From balcony he says: "The words 'coercion' and 'invasion' are in great use about these days. . . . Would the marching of an army into South Carolina, for instance, without the consent of her people, and in hostility against them, be coercion or invasion? . . . But if the Government, for instance, but simply insists upon holding its own forts, or retaking those forts which belong to it, or the enforcement of the laws of the United States . . . or even the withdrawal of the mails from those portions of the country where the mails themselves are habitually violated; would any or all of these things be coercion? . . . What is the particular sacredness of a State? . . . I am speaking of that assumed right of a State, as a primary principle, that the Constitution should rule all that is less than itself, and ruin all that is bigger than itself. But, I ask, wherein does consist that right? . . . I am deciding nothing, but simply giving something for you to reflect upon."
[Speech from the Balcony of the Bates House at Indianapolis, Indiana]
1862 - Tuesday
President meets with Sec. Seward and Sens. Wade (Ohio) and Chandler (Mich.) to hear stenographic report of testimony relative to Gen. Stone.[Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War - regarding Ball's Bluff battle]
Gives "pretty much all his attention" to Willie and Tad who are ill.
Usual Tuesday reception at White House not held because of Willie's illness.
1863 - Wednesday
President prepares document to "Whom it may concern. Major General Butler, bearer of this, visits the Mississippi River, and localities thereon, at my request, for observation."
1864 - Thursday
Endorses recommendation that $800,000 be appropriated by Congress to reimburse Pennsylvania for cost of militia in U.S. service.
Confers with Commissioner French relative to rebuilding White House stables.
Interviews George Marshall of St. Louis on business, following introduction by Cong. William R. Morrison (Ill.).
Robert consults his father on point of law. Two unidentified Kentucky gentlemen visit Lincoln.
Patterson McGee, dismissed as President's coachman on day White House stables burned, is arrested on charge of having started fire.
President inquires of Sec. Stanton what is to be done about War Dept. order giving Bishop Edward R. Ames control and possession of all Methodist churches in certain southern military departments. "'I will not have control of any church on any side.'"
1865 - Saturday
President interviews George T. Hammond, editor of Newport "Daily News" and gives him card to "Head of any Department."
Receives Jonah M. Davis of Ridge Farm, Ill., who is asking relief for Society of Friends in Ellwood Township.
Assists Mrs. Lincoln in welcoming guests to afternoon reception attended by Gen. and Mrs. Grant.
W. H. Herndon sends draft for $133 on First National Bank of Springfield, as Lincoln's half of current collections of law firm.
[Cincinnati, Ohio]
Attends public reception in hotel dining room during evening. Goes to balcony at 8 P.M. and speaks to several thousand members of German Industrial Association: "I deem it my duty—a duty which I owe my constituents—to you, gentlemen, that I should wait until the last moment, for a development of the present national difficulties, before I express myself decidedly what course I shall pursue. . . . Mr. Chairman, I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind; and therefore, without entering upon the details of the question, I will simply say that I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number."[Speech to Germans at Cincinnati, Ohio]
1862 - Wednesday
President transmits to Congress treaty with King of Hanover for abolition of "Stade Dues."
Spends much time with sick son Willie.
1863 - Thursday
Gen. Thomas F. Meagher interviews President on behalf of Cols. Robert Nugent and Patrick Kelly.
["To Henry W. Halleck
Executive Mansion
Major Gen. Halleck Feb. 12. 1863.
Gen. Meagher, now with me, says the Irish Brigade has had no promotion; and that Col. Robert Nugent &; Col. Patrick Kelly, both of that Brigade have fairly earned promotion. They both hold commissions as Captains in the regular army. Please examine their records with reference to the question of promoting one or both of them. Yours truly
A. LINCOLN"
Lincoln holds conference with Secs. Stanton and Welles and Gen. Halleck on task of patrolling rivers.
Summons Asst. Sec. Fox to White House for information on Charleston expedition.
Transmits to Senate: 1. report and documentation relating to mediation, arbitration, and similar measures looking to termination of existing civil war; 2. nomination of former Comdr. Preble to be commander on active list; 3. nomination of former Comdr. Roger Perry (USN, commission expired) to be commander.
1864 - Friday
"Little of particular importance in the Cabinet meeting." Welles, Diary.
President writes Sec. Chase: "I have felt considerable anxiety concerning the Custom House at New York. . . . I am convinced that he [Hiram Barney] has ceased to be master of his position. . . . I propose sending Mr. Barney Minister to Portugal, as evidence of my continued confidence in him." J. F. Bailey, special agent of Treasury, assumes to be collector. Public interest will suffer in his hands.
1865 - Sunday
President consults with Judge George P. Fisher (Supreme Court of District of Columbia) about insanity of Dr. Edward Worrell of Delaware, sentenced to one year's imprisonment for aiding a prisoner to escape from Fort Delaware, Del.
["To Edwin M. Stanton
February 12, 1865
In a long verbal conversation with me Judge Fisher assured, as within, of his confident belief that Dr. Worrell is partially insane. I suppose that on this ground, he should be discharged.
Feb. 12. 1865 A. LINCOLN"
Sen Dixon (Conn.) and brother-in-law, Col. James G. Wilson, visit President.
Lincoln orders Gen. Pope not to allow provost marshals in different parts of Missouri to seize and sell property.
[Columbus, Ohio]
At 4:30 P.M. receives telegram from Washington, informing him that he is duly elected President of the United States. Attends levee in full evening dress for members of legislature, army and militia officers, Lincoln party, and special guests at residence of Gov. William Dennison (Ohio).
1862 - Thursday
President appears before House Judiciary Committee in matter of premature publication of last Annual Message.
His two youngest children continue ill of typhoid fever. Washington Star, 13 February 1862.
White House borrows "Goethe's Werke v. 14/15, v. 17/18" from Library of Congress [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe's Werke.]
1863 - Friday
On invitation of Gen. John G. Barnard, President and Sec. Stanton drive across Potomac to Fort Dekalb, Va., for demonstration of George W. Beardslee's electric detonating system or blasting apparatus.
Cong. George H. Yeaman (Ky.) confers with Lincoln about transfer of Gen. Richard W. Johnson.
President communicates to House of Representatives all information in Dept. of Interior respecting causes of recent outbreaks of Indian tribes in Northwest.
Forwards to Senate report concerning employment by French Emperor of African troops in Mexico.
Gen Cassius M. Clay is in Washington awaiting President's decision on appointment of minister to Russia.
Mrs. Lincoln gives small evening reception for 50 guests in honor of "Gen. Tom Thumb" [Charles S. Stratton] and bride [Lavinia Warren].
1864 - Saturday
Lincoln interviews Gen. Judson Kilpatrick from Army of Potomac.
Atty. Gen. Bates calls on Lincoln to discuss presidential election.
President gets new stables to replace those destroyed by fire. Congress appropriates $12,000.
President attends afternoon reception but is unwell.
Mrs. Lincoln's Saturday afternoon reception draws large crowd, including Gen. Sickles and member of staff.
1865 - Monday
President transmits to Congress dispatch relating to an international exhibition to be held at Bergen, Norway, and note from Portuguese minister calling attention to proposed international exhibition at Oporto, Portugal.
Interviews John M. Bulloch and writes order for his brother, Lt. Waller R. Bulloch (CSA), aged 15, nephew of Gen. (former Vice President) John C. Breckinridge (CSA), to be paroled.
Endorses written request for relief presented by Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson on behalf of people of District of West Tennessee: "To the Military Officers Commanding in West-Tennessee. . . . it is my wish for you to relieve the people from all burthens, harrassments, and oppressions, so far as is possible, consistently with your Military necessities; that the object of the war being to restore and maintain the blessings of peace and good government, I desire you to help, and not hinder, every advance in that direction." [Abraham Lincoln to Military Officers Commanding in West Tennessee]
Cabinet meets. Report on Gen. Burnside's expedition read.
"The children [Willie and Tad] we are glad to say are on the mend." Washington Star, 14 February 1862.
President issues Executive Order No. 1, relating to political prisoners. As far as public welfare will permit, all political prisoners now held in military custody will be released on their subscribing to parole not to aid or comfort enemy. Extraordinary arrests will hereafter be made under direction of military authorities alone.
President anxiously awaits news from Gen. Ulysses S. Grant on fighting before Fort Donelson, Tenn.
Confers with Sen. Sherman (Ohio) at Capitol regarding assignment of Robert C. Kirk of Ohio as consul to Tangier.
1863 - Saturday
Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Stratton leave White House, having been overnight guests.
President, secretary of war, and party travel across Potomac to watch "Col. Alexander set off a forigarre."[?]
Rear Adm. John A. Dahlgren goes to White House to check report that ironclads at Charleston need ammunition. Later President calls him back for conference with Gen. Halleck and Asst. Sec. Fox. Lincoln "is restless about Charleston."
"Reception at White House to-day unusually largely attended. For two hours the throng of visitors pressed in a steady current." N. Y. Herald, 15 February 1863.
Mrs. Fox calls on Mrs. Lincoln and finds her in high spirits.
1864 - Sunday
[Observed the Sabbath?]
1865 - Tuesday
President approves resolution providing for "Congressional Directory."
Grants audience to Mrs. Hutter and committee from Philadelphia with recommendations relative to caring for orphans of soldiers and sailors.[Elizabeth E. Hutter]
Interviews W. O. Bartlett, probably about appointment of James Gordon Bennett as minister to France.
Signs commission of W. O. Stoddard as marshal of eastern district of Arkansas.
Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief of Army and Navy officially thanks officers and men taking part in capture of Fort Henry, Tenn., and Roanoke Island, N.C. Washington Star, 15 February 1862.
Recommends to Congress that Capt. Louis M. Goldsborough (USN) receive vote of thanks for gallantry displayed in capture of Roanoke Island.
Sends to Isabel II, Queen of Spain, letter of congratulation on birth of prince and letter of condolence on death of daughter.
Committee on Conduct of War requests 8 P.M. interview with Lincoln.
"Reception at White House due today is omitted in consequence of the continued illness in the family of the President." Philadelphia News, 17 February 1862.
Harness shop charges Lincoln $6.00 for repairs, chamois, and sponges.
1863 - Sunday
Gen. Andrew J. Hamilton recommends to President that separate department be created for Texas.
President studies plan to attack Charleston with Gens. Halleck and John G. Foster and with Sec. Stanton and Asst. Sec. Fox.
6 P.M. Gen. Butler is guest at informal White House dinner.
1864 - Monday
Lincoln calls at Treasury Dept. to discuss replacement for Hiram Barney as collector of customs at New York.
Requests Gen. Sickles to make tour for observation and information from Cairo, Ill., to New Orleans and return by sea.
Does not approve bill to guarantee republican form of government to states in rebellion.
Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Robert and Harvard friends, attends evening tableaux at Willard's. Performance by amateurs of élite of Washington for benefit of Sanitary Commission.
Confers with Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt on courtmartial cases.
Requests, through Nicolay, that James E. Murdoch read enclosed poem, "Am I For Peace? Yes!," at benefit for U.S. Sanitary Commission this evening.
1865 -Wednesday
Lincoln authorizes Dr. Ray to carry on certain trade, subject to treasury regulations, in enemy territory. Authorization for Charles H. Ray,
Interviews Mary McCook Baldwin of Tennessee and gives her card to see H. A. Risley.
President and Mrs. Lincoln usually breakfast at 9 A.M. President goes to office at 9:30 A.M.
Orders that prisons designated for confinement of prisoners under sentence of courtmartial "shall be deemed and taken to be military prisons." Order Concerning Prisoners
During stop at Westfield he seeks out Grace Bedell, little girl who suggested that he grow beard, and kisses her.[Remarks at Westfield, New York]
1862 - Sunday
President announces that public safety renders it necessary to withhold reasons for arresting members of Maryland Legislature.
Lincoln writes Gen. Halleck that Gen. Grant can hold Fort Donelson, Tenn., unless overwhelmed from outside. To prevent this disaster enemy forces from Bowling Green, Ky., could be cut off by having gunboat destroy railroad bridge at Clarksville, Tenn. In the event Nashville is defended by forces from all South, "Could not a cavalry force from Gen. Thomas on the upper Cumberland, dash across, almost unresisted, and cut the Railroad at or near Knoxville, Tenn.?"
1863 - Monday
President requests secretaries of war and navy to appoint an officer from each department to test incendiary shell and fluid of Alfred Berney, chemist at Jersey City.
Confers with Sec. Welles on sending Asst. Sec. Fox to advise Rear Adm. Samuel F. Du Pont at Charleston.
Consults with Rear Adm. Dahlgren about "some inflammable humbug" and plan of attack on Charleston.
Inquires of Atty. Gen. Bates if it is lawful for President to return fine of $40 to Nathan Darling, captain of Capitol police. [Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates]
1864 - Tuesday
"No matters of much moment at the Cabinet." Welles, Diary.
President forwards to House of Representatives documentation touching arrest of [J. R. Giddings] U.S. consul general to British North American Provinces.
Transmits to Congress information about claim of owners of French ship "La Manche."
Receives copy of Gen. Blair's speech on confiscated property through Postmaster Gen. Blair.
1865 - Thursday
President suspends two death sentences, paroles prisoner of war, issues pass through lines, and recommends an appointment.
At night Sec. Stanton takes nomination of Gen. Grant as major general of volunteers to White House and President signs it.
Lincoln writes Stanton : "Some time ago I directed Henry M. Judah, of the regular Army, to be appointed a Brig. Genl. of volunteers. I understand my note on the subject, is lost or mislaid; and I now renew the direction."
1863 - Tuesday
President transmits to Senate treaty with Potawatomi Nation in Kansas.
Reads to cabinet letters between himself and Cong.-elect Fernando Wood, former mayor of New York.
Interviews Thurlow Weed who asks that Charles Heintzelman be sent to West Point.
At 7 P.M. receives W. H. Tyler, chairman, and members of New York committee bearing resolutions concerning colonization of Florida with "armed free labor colonies."
Suggests to Gen. Rosecrans that Union army try using small bands of troops for counter raids patterned after raiding parties of Confederate forces.[ Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans]
1864 - Wednesday
President of Washington Lecture Association calls on Lincoln and invites him to attend lecture on "The Nation after the Ordeal of Battle."
Lincoln explains to William M. Fishback, of Little Rock, Ark., that Gen. Steele, commanding the military, must be master of situation leading to formation of state government; "but that it will probably be best for him to merely help the convention on it's own plan."
Instructs Steele to fix day for election; but it "is probably best that you merely assist the convention on their own plan."
1865 - Friday
President issues proclamation convening Senate in extra session on March 4, 1865.
Receives Washington McLean, publisher of Cincinnati "Enquirer," and gives him card to Sec. Stanton asking for release of Gen. Roger A. Pryor (CSA), former U.S. congressman from Virginia and newspaper editor.[Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant]
Confers from 3 to 4 P.M. with O. H. Browning on case of John Y. Beall, charged with violating rules of war and sentenced to death as spy.
Signs Army commission of Capt. Robert Lincoln.
Writes Judge Adv. Gen. Holt for concurrence in proposal to free group of Washington and Baltimore clothing merchants, convicted of illegal practices.[Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt]
Cong. Arnold (Ill.) accompanies Col. Joseph H. Tucker of Chicago to interview President on probability of getting Henry R. Tucker, not yet 16 years old, into West Point.
President transmits to Senate additional article to treaty with Great Britain regarding suppression of African slave trade.
Instructs Sec. Seward to convene cabinet at 10 A.M. tomorrow.
1864 - Thursday
President raises blockade on port of Brownsville, Tex.
Baltimore Constitutional Convention adopts resolutions endorsing Lincoln for reelection. Washington Star, 19 February 1864
President interviews Gen. George R. Davis of Troy, N.Y., regarding "a case of peculiar hardship."
Writes Gov. Andrew (Mass.) that, if Massachusetts wishes to afford homes for large number of Negroes, "I would not for a moment hinder from going, any person who is free by the terms of the proclamation or any of the acts of Congress."
1865 - Saturday
President refuses request of Asst. Sec. Fox for pass permitting Mrs. Kate K. Picket to come through lines and suggests that Mrs. Fox make request.
Receives Sen. Pomeroy (Kans.) and Mr. King of Washington, DC, to discuss case of son, Norman L. King, pardoned from death sentence.[ Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton]
Mrs. Lincoln holds regular Saturday afternoon reception. Washington Chronicle, 19 February 1865
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