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 recommends by proclamation that people celebrate Washington's Birthday publicly by listening to reading of his "Farewell Address."
Willie continues critically ill though somewhat easier than yesterday. Washington Star, 19 February 1862.
President approves act prohibiting "coolie trade" by American citizens in American vessels.
1863 - Thursday
At special cabinet meeting President presents question of extra session of Senate and breventing of regular officers.
Lincoln requests copy of letter from Asst. Sec. Fox to Rear Adm. Du Pont and hopes that Fox will go to Charleston before attack.
Receives request from Senate for copy of letter written by Gen. Scott to secretary of war relative to insubordination of Gen. McClellan.
Writes W. H. Herndon: "Would you accept a job of about a month's duration at St. Louis, five dollars a day & mileage? Answer."
Sends following nominations to Senate: 1. Commodore Charles H. Davis to be rear admiral; 2. Capt. John A. Dahlgren to be rear admiral; 3. Capt. Stephen C. Rowan to be commodore; 4. Comdr. David D. Porter to be captain. [Davis and Dahlgren were appointed retroactively rear admirals as of February 7, 1863, and Rowan a commodore as of July 16, 1862.]
Writes Thurlow Weed: "The matters I spoke to you about are important; I hope you will not neglect them." [In this connection approximately fifteen New York merchants pledge $1,000 each. Probably raised to finance party machinery.]
1864 - Friday
President recognizes Eli B. Budd as consul of Costa Rica at New York.
"A fair, plump lady" from Dubuque, Iowa, who merely wants to see Lincoln, interrupts cabinet meeting.
President and Mrs. Lincoln hold private afternoon reception for Commodore Foote and his sister, Eliza Nestel, midgets performing before large crowds at Odd Fellows' Hall, 7th St. N.W.
Attend evening performance by Edwin Booth in "Richard the Third" at Grover's Theatre.
1865 - Sunday
Lincoln submits papers of Col. James C. Briscoe to Sec. Stanton , "simply remarking that they seem to be good and ample."
Committee from common council headed by Alderman Cornell escorts Lincoln to City Hall at 11 A.M. to meet Mayor Fernando Wood and council. Replying to Wood's speech, Lincoln says: "There is nothing that can ever bring me willingly to consent to the destruction of this Union, under which . . . the whole country has acquired its greatness, unless it were to be that thing for which the Union itself was made."[Reply to Mayor Fernando Wood at New York City]
Showman P. T. Barnum invites him to museum, but he does not go; Mrs. Lincoln and children accept.
Vice President-elect Hamlin arrives in New York and dines with Lincoln family in its hotel rooms.
Lincoln, Judge Davis, and Alderman Cornell arrive late at Academy of Music for performance of Verdi's new opera "Un Ballo in Maschera."
Lincoln wears black gloves and shocks city's é lite.
After first act takes two bows in response to applause. Audience and cast sing "The Star Spangled Banner." Lincoln returns to hotel after second act.
1862 - Thursday
Willie Lincoln dies at 5 P.M. President sends carriage for Sen. and Mrs. Browning (Ill.). They spend night at White House.
President stops in secretary's office and says: "Well, Nicolay, my boy is gone—he is actually gone," and bursting into tears turns and goes into his own office.
Mrs. Lincoln is inconsolable.
1863- Friday
President in long morning conversation with chiefs of Chippewa Indians.
Borrows for White House, "Richter Werke, vol. 14 to 17 incl." [Johann Paul Freidrich Richter, Jean Paul's Sammtliche Werke, Berlin, 1826-28.] Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 348, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
1864 - Saturday
President attends Mrs. Lincoln's regular Saturday afternoon reception. Band plays for small crowd.
President suspends White House public receptions "for the present."
Notifies James Gordon Bennett of decision to nominate him as minister to France.
Writes Gov. Thomas C. Fletcher (Mo.): "It seems that there is now no organized military force of the enemy in Missouri and yet that destruction of property and life is rampant every where. . . . Each leaving all others alone solves the problem. . . . Please consider whether it may not be well to suggest this to the now afflicted people of Missouri."[Abraham Lincoln to Thomas C. Fletcher]
Lincoln addresses New Jersey Senate: "In my childhood, . . . I got hold of a small book, . . . 'Weem's Life of Washington.' I remember all the accounts there given of the battle fields and struggles for the liberties of the country, and none fixed themselves upon my imagination so deeply as the struggle here at Trenton, . . . I am exceedingly anxious that . . . this Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people shall be perpetuated in accordance with the original idea for which that struggle was made."[ Address to the New Jersey Senate at Trenton, New Jersey]
To General Assembly he says: "I shall do all that may be in my power to promote a peaceful settlement of our difficulties. The man does not live who is more devoted to peace than I am. None who would do more to preserve it. But it may be necessary to put the foot down firmly."[ Address to the New Jersey General Assembly at Trenton, New Jersey]
Toward end of reception N. B. Judd asks Lincoln to meet with him and Frederick W. Seward who has just arrived from Washington with letter to Lincoln from his father, Sen. Seward (N.Y.). Letter, based upon information obtained by Gen. Scott and Capt. Charles P. Stone (USA, resd.) describes plot to assassinate Lincoln while passing through Baltimore. Detectives employed by railroad also report similar plot. Lincoln thanks Seward for bringing letter and comments that he will consider the advice to change time and schedule. Refuses to change plans until commitments in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa., are completed.
Mrs. Lincoln objects to living in private home while waiting to occupy White House. Plans are changed.
1862 - Friday
Cabinet meets at 11 A.M. in State Dept.; President does not attend. Washington Star, 21 February 1862[See January 20, 1862]
Sec. Seward confers with President about England's disapproval of U.S. proposals in Mason-Slidell case.
Lincoln confers with Gen. Butler about New Orleans expedition.
President's recommendations for industrial exhibition in London fail to obtain congressional approval. N.Y. Tribune, 22 February 1862.
Congress meets and adjourns after reading "Journal" because of death in President's family. Cabinet requests Congress to cancel illumination of public buildings on Washington's birthday out of respect for President's family.
Cabinet members and wives call on President and Mrs. Lincoln.
1863 - Saturday
Cong. John S. Watts (New Mexico Terr.) and friends interview President on behalf of John Wilson for surveyor general of Arizona Territory.
"Public reception at White House to-day was very numerously attended. . . . The President was cordial in his greetings, and Mrs. Lincoln manifested towards all visitors the affability for which she is distinguished." N.Y. Herald, 22 February 1863.
"President looks haggard and careworn . . . yet he preserves his good nature." Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 28 February 1863.
Dr. Anson G. Henry, old family friend, is dinner guest.
1864 - Sunday
[Nothing of note.]
1865 - Tuesday
President confers with Atty. Gen. Speed and Sec. Welles on projected decision of Chief Justice Chase relative to suspension of writ of habeas corpus.
In reply to speech of welcome by Theodore L. Cuyler, president of Select Council of Philadelphia, he says: "I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence. . . . in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war." Speech in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Returns to Jones House at 3 P.M. and learns new plans for trip to Washington.
Judge Davis asks his opinion; Lincoln answers: "Unless there are some other reasons besides ridicule I am disposed to carry out Judd's plan."
After public dinner Curtin invites Lincoln to spend night at his home. Instead, he, Lincoln, and W. H. Lamon leave hotel and drive to outskirts of city, where Lincoln and Lamon board special train scheduled to reach Philadelphia in time to connect with 11 P.M. Washington train.
1862 - Saturday
President does not attend Washington's Birthday celebration at Capitol. [See February 20]
Tad Lincoln is sick.
By Joint Resolution of Congress, public buildings are not illuminated this night from condolence for death of President's son.
Charles Edwards Lester calls in evening with Dr. Charles D. Brown, who embalmed Willie's body by new process. Lincoln looks in Green Room where body lies in state.
1863 - Sunday
President declines to preside at meeting of U.S. Christian Commission in House of Representatives.
Sen. Doolittle (Wis.) and Gen. Heintzelman confer with Lincoln about changing date of Gen. C. S. Hamilton's commission.
1864 - Monday
Lincoln receives endorsement of Republican National Committee by majority of four to one.
Approves act of Congress creating office of lieutenant general and nominates Gen. Grant for honor.
Discusses Missouri politics with Atty. Gen. Bates in afternoon.
At 7:30 P.M., with Mrs. Lincoln and Robert, takes part in opening of Patent Office Fair for benefit of Christian Commission and families of District volunteers. Following speech by L. E. Chittenden and poem by Commissioner French, Lincoln makes impromptu speech, which Mrs. Lincoln describes as "the worst speech I ever listened to in my life."
Lincoln, presumably, drafts letter to Cong. Benjamin F. Loan (Mo.) for signature of Sec. Stanton : "The President's wish is that no objection shall be made to any paper respectfully expressing it's preference for the nomination of any candidate; but that the patronage of the government shall be given to none which engages in cultivating a sentiment to oppose the election of any when he shall have been fairly nominated by the regular Union National Convention."
Transmits to Congress copy of correspondence regarding presentation of watch to master of American schooner "Highlander" by Lords of the Committee of Her Majesty's Privy Council for Trade.
Telegraphs Gen. Steele: "Your conferrence [sic] with citizens [Arkansas] approved. Let the election be on the fourteenth of March, as they agreed."
1865 - Wednesday
President interviews Gov. Pickering (Washington Terr.) upon official business and refers him to Sec. Fessenden.
Receives Mrs. Lurton of Tennessee, who requests and obtains release from prison of ailing son, Horace H. Lurton [later Associate Justice of U.S. Supreme Court].
Sec. Welles goes to White House with Lt. Comdr. Cushing, who reports on capture of Fort Anderson, N.C.
President asks Sec. Stanton if anything can be done regarding appeal from citizens of Philadelphia that enforcement of draft be delayed one week.
Philadelphia-to-Washington train, with Lincoln, W. H. Lamon, and detective Allan Pinkerton on board, switches to Baltimore & Ohio tracks about 4 A.M. at Baltimore and arrives Washington 6 A.M.
Cong. Washburne (Ill.) surprises Lincoln by meeting train with carriage and driving him to Willard's Hotel, 14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Lincoln breakfasts with Sen. Seward (N.Y.), after which they call upon President Buchanan at White House and meet members of cabinet. Calls on Gen. Scott, who is not home. Returns to Willard's.
Telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Harrisburg, Pa., of safe arrival Washington 6 A.M.
At 2 P.M. Scott returns Lincoln's call.
Visitors include Montgomery Blair [soon to be postmaster general] and father, Francis P. Blair, Sr., Washington newspaperman and political figure.
[About this date Lincoln visits Mathew B. Brady, 352 Pennsylvania Ave. and poses for several photographs.]
Receives Illinois delegation headed by Sen. Stephen A. Douglas (Ill.) in late afternoon.
Goes by carriage to Seward's residence at 7 P.M. to dine privately.
On return from dinner finds long hall at Willard's lined with people and is so interested in greeting friends on either hand that he forgets to remove hat.
Delegates to Peace Conference meeting in Washington call upon Lincoln at 9 P.M. Sen.-elect Chase (Ohio) [soon to be secretary of treasury] and Lucius E. Chittenden, delegate from Vermont, introduce them.
Lincoln holds impromptu public reception for members of Congress and persons of distinction crowding parlor and anterooms.
Buchanan's cabinet calls at 10 P.M.
Group of New York businessmen presents compromise scheme to restore Southern commerce.
Mrs. Lincoln leaves Harrisburg at 9 A.M. on Presidential train, dines at home of John S. Gittings, Baltimore financier and director of B. & O., arrives Washington about 4 P.M., and rides to hotel with Seward and Washburne.
"Hon. A. Lincoln & Family 5 persons Meals in Room for 6" is assigned at Willard's to "No. 6." Private dinners, entertaining, liquor and cigars for numerous visitors bring bill to total of $773.75.
1862 - Sunday
President and Sec. Stanton in conference at War Dept. are interrupted by Gen. Butler with instructions from Gen. McClellan to go ahead with expedition to New Orleans. Apparently President is not in favor of it.
Body of Willie Lincoln is viewed at White House by many friends of family.
1863 - Monday
President receives resignation of Simon Cameron as U.S. minister to Court of St. Petersburg.
Lincoln promises to write Sec. Chase further about "paper issued by Senator Pomeroy," [printed circular opposing renomination of Lincoln and advocating nomination of Chase.][Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase]
Receives information that Indianapolis, Ind., convention unanimously instructed delegates for Lincoln.
Interviews Hugh McCulloch, comptroller of currency, on money matters.
Cabinet meets without Chase and two other members.
Judge Henniker of Pennsylvania calls on President with note from Cong. Stevens (Pa.).
President confers with William H. Schofield, who is interested in Baker University at Baldwin, Kans.
"The reception at the Presidential Mansion last evening was undoubtedly the largest that has taken place this winter." Washington Star, 24 February 1864.
Lincoln writes Master Willie Smith: "Your friend, Leroy C. Driggs, tells me you are a very earnest friend of mine, for which please allow me to thank you. You and those of your age are to take charge of this country when we older ones shall have gone; and I am glad to learn that you already take so lively an interest in what just now so deeply concerns us."[Abraham Lincoln to Willie Smith]
1865 - Thursday
President receives J. W. Forney and W. McLean regarding pardon for J. Y. Beall.
Informs Montgomery Blair and friends, who call at White House, that if their visit concerns Beall they will not be granted an audience.
In evening O. H. Browning sees Lincoln about Beall. President undecided. Looks badly and feels badly.
Lincoln attends St. John's Episcopal Church, opposite Executive Mansion, with Sen. Seward (N.Y.) and after service spends two hours at Seward's home.
Receives many callers including Sen. John J. Crittenden (Ky.) and Cong. Charles Francis Adams (Mass.).
In evening Vice President John C. Breckinridge calls.
Lincoln speaks briefly from hotel window to crowd attending serenade by Marine Band.
Seward returns copy of Inaugural Address with written comments.
1862 - Monday
Dr. Phineas D. Gurley conducts simple funeral service for Willie Lincoln at 2 P.M. in East Room while body remains in adjoining Green Parlor. Large crowd includes cabinet officers, foreign ministers, members of Congress, and citizens in general.
Robert Lincoln, and Sens. Browning (Ill.) and Trumbull (Ill.) accompany President to Oak Hill Cemetery, Road and Washington Sts., Georgetown, where body of Willie is placed in W. T. Carroll's vault.
Government departments closed.
Tad Lincoln decidedly better.
1863 - Tuesday
Cabinet discusses propriety of sending letter of Gen. Scott, written just before his retirement, to Senate, and rumor of loss of U.S.S. "Queen of the West."
Delegation from West Virginia calls on President and asks for greater military protection against increasing guerrilla warfare.[Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck]
Lincoln converses with Judge William H. Robertson of New York on current political problems.
Occupies private box at Grover's Theatre, E St., bet. 13th and 14th Sts. NW., for performance by Barney Williams, blackface minstrel and Irish comedian.
1864 - Wednesday
President meets with political delegation from New York, as arranged by Sen. Morgan (N.Y.).
Issues pass to Simon Cameron and friends to Fortress Monroe, Va., and return.
1865 - Friday
Delegation visits White House in morning relative to J. Y. Beall case, but President refuses to see them, saying his mind is made up.
Hiram Hibbard, 50th New York Engineers, voluntarily calls on President and receives pardon for any supposed desertion.
President writes Gen. Grant: "I am in a little perplexity. I was induced to authorize a gentleman to bring R. A. Pryor here with a view of effecting an exchange of him. But since then I have seen a despatch of yours showing that you specially object to his exchange. . . . Can not you help me out with it?"[Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant]
Lincoln, escorted by Sen. Seward (N.Y.), attends informal reception in both houses of Congress and visits justices of Supreme Court during afternoon.
In evening Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln receive visitors for two hours in hotel parlors.
1862 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets and discusses paroling prisoners of war.
President approves Treasury Note (Legal Tender) Bill that results in issuance of "Greenbacks."
Gen. Butler calls on Lincoln before leaving Washington for Ship Island, Miss., and New Orleans. President tells him to get into New Orleans and thus break back of rebellion.
Consults with Committee on Conduct of War in evening and hears its recommendations that Army of Potomac be divided into corps.
President approves act establishing system of national banks.
Sends nominations to Senate for "Passed Midshipman Samuel Pearce and Nathaniel T. West, now on the retired list, to be ensigns in the Navy on the retired list."
1864 - Thursday
President interviews Joseph Merrifield, who has filed complaint against Gen. Butler.
Former Cong. Casey (Ky.) consults with Lincoln about bringing cotton out of Red River area.
President notifies Sec. Chase to arrange 7 P.M. White House interview for J. F. Bailey about New York customs organization.
President and Mrs. Lincoln visit Grover's Theatre for performance by Edwin Booth in role of Brutus in "Julius Caesar."
Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Steele: "General Sickles is not going to Arkansas. He probably will make a tour down the Mississippi, and home by the Gulf and ocean, but he will not meddle in your affairs."
1865 - Saturday
Lincoln issues pass for R. A. Pryor to report to Gen. Grant for exchange. [Pass for Roger A. Pryor]
President and Mrs. Lincoln greet guests at afternoon reception.
Charles Adolphe de Pineton, Marquis de Chambrun, French diplomat and friend of Sen. Sumner (Mass.), meets President at reception in White House and two days later writes of him: "He dominates everyone present and maintains his exalted position without the slightest effort."
President transmits to Senate report of Secretary of War and "General Orders No. 23, issued by Major General Banks," promulgating regulations concerning compensated plantation labor.
Tad Lincoln no longer on critical list. Mrs. Lincoln improving but still confined to her room.
1863 - Thursday
President interviews William W. Danenhower, Chicago attorney who wants to be fourth auditor of treasury.
Receives request from Gen. Cassius M. Clay to push his nomination to Court of St. Petersburg in spite of congressional objection.
Atty. Gen. Bates consults with Lincoln at War Dept. about antidraft riots in Missouri.
1864 - Friday
President directs that sentences of deserters condemned to death be commuted to imprisonment at Dry Tortugas, Fla., during war. [Order Commuting Sentence of Deserters]
Lincoln walks two miles and holds long interview with former Sen. John Bell (Tenn.) before breakfast.
Mayor James G. Berret (Washington) and Common Council of Washington call at hotel; Lincoln replies to their official welcome: "I have not now any purpose to withhold from you any of the benefits of the constitution, under any circumstances, that I would not feel myself constrained to withhold from my own neighbors." [Reply to Mayor James G. Berret at Washington, DC]
Receives clerks of executive departments. Talks with Sen. Douglas (Ill.) who stays late to make impassioned plea for conciliation of South.
Goes to Capitol and receives justices of Supreme Court in afternoon.
At 9 P.M. group of border statesmen, including former Sec. of Treasury James Guthrie of Kentucky and Alexander W. Doniphan of Missouri, calls to talk compromise.
1862 - Thursday
President appoints commission to examine cases of state prisoners remaining in military custody.
Converses with Cong. William D. Kelley (Pa.) at White House about Gen. McClellan and Harper's Ferry, Va., secretary of war arrives at 7 P.M. with dispatches from McClellan. Long conference interrupted by entrance of Gen. Randolph B. Marcy, McClellan's father-in-law and chief of staff. President, obviously dissatisfied with McClellan, says: "The general impression is daily gaining ground that the General does not intend to do anything."
Because of ill health Gen. Scott declines appointment to Mexico as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.
Mrs. Lincoln is ill today.
1863 - Friday
President and Sec. Chase discuss appointment of collectors for Hartford district in Connecticut.
Several senators and representatives call on President concerning report on California trade.
Lincoln writes B. Williams, who seeks appointment for nephew: "I really wish to oblige you; but the best I can do is to keep the papers, and try to find a place before long." [Abraham Lincoln to Barney Williams]
1864 - Saturday
Lincoln visits Capitol to see "Antrobus," a picture of Gen. Grant.
[See http://www.artnet.com/artwork/34335/...ttlefield.html] [This was 2 days before congress passed a bill to restore the rank of Lieutnant General and 5 days before Grant was ordered to Washington to receive that commission. Lincoln had never met Grant and probably wondered what he looked like.]
White House reception "pretty well" attended by visitors and foreign dignitaries.
Lincoln replies to Sec. Stanton 's request for instructions in relation to report of special commission to revise the enrollment and quotas of the city and state of New York: "I think this report may, on full consideration, be shown to have much that is valuable in it, . . . and that it be especially considered whether it's suggestions can be conformed to without an alteration of the law." [Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton]
1865 - Monday
President lays before Senate treaty with Indian tribes in Oregon.
Interviews Cong. Arnold (Ill.), who is seeking an appointment.
Writes note: "Will Mr. Dickson, Chief Engineer of Hibernia please pump the water out of a certain well, which Tad will show?" ["Hibernia" was fire engine sent from Philadelphia during War and remained in capital for some time.]
Inquires of Gov. Fletcher (Mo.): "Have you received my letter of the 20th? I think some such thing as therein suggested, is needed. If you put it before the people, I will direct the Military to co-operate. Please answer." [Lincoln proposed policy of each leaving all others alone as possible solution of Missouri's problem of unorganized fighting.]
Sen. Crittenden (Ky.) calls to talk compromise. Several New York delegations see Lincoln about cabinet appointments and other matters.
Cong. Elbridge G. Spaulding (N.Y.), capitalist, gives private dinner at National Hotel in honor of Lincoln and Vice President-elect Hamlin; Gen. Scott present, also some Republican leaders depressed by prospect of losing Southern business. Evening enlivened by Lincoln remarking, apropos news item about Georgian oath to wear no clothes produced under Republican regime, that he would like to see some Georgia gentlemen clad in the costume produced in their state—a shirt collar and a pair of spurs.
Lincoln and Hamlin make speeches responding to serenade by Republican Association. Baltimore Sun, 2 March 1861; Response to a Serenade
George S. Boutwell, former governor of Massachusetts, and Gen. Wool hold long interviews with Lincoln.
1862 - Friday
Cabinet meets. Discusses license to trade in seceded territory.
President visits Navy Yard and Arsenal.
Interviews Gen. McClellan on failure of program at Harper's Ferry, Va. Sen. Wade (Ohio) and Mil. Gov. Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) present.
Drinks tea with Elizabeth Todd Edwards, sister of Mrs. Lincoln, at White House during evening.
Issues order: "I hereby license and permit such commercial intercourse in all cases within the Rules and Regulations which have been, or may be, prescribed by the secretary of the treasury for the conducting and carrying on of the same, on the inland waters and ways of the United States." Order Relating to Commercial Intercourse
1863 - Saturday
President calls special session of Senate for March 4, 1863 to handle backlog of appointments and promotions. Proclamation Convening the Senate
Arthur M. Eastman, arms manufacturer of Massachusetts, confers with Lincoln about guns as directed by Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Lincoln in President's Room at Capitol attending to public business.
Does not attend usual Saturday afternoon reception at White House.
1864 - Sunday
President receives report that in joint caucus Union members of Ohio Legislature voted unanimously for his renomination.
Telegraphs Adjt. Gen. Thomas at Louisville, Ky.: "I wish you would go to the Mississippi river at once, and take hold of, and be master in, the contraband and leasing business." Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas
Transmits to Senate communication from secretary of war and report of court of inquiry into explosion of mine in front of Petersburg, Va. Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin
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