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.
Corresponds further with Sec. Chase regarding Pomeroy letter. "Neither of us can be justly held responsible for what our respective friends may do without our instigation or countenance." There is no occasion for Chase's resignation. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Interviews Cong. Rufus P. Spalding (Ohio) and former Cong. Riddle (Ohio), consul at Matanzas, Cuba, representatives of Chase hoping to learn if President was connected with Postmaster Gen. Blair's speech attacking Chase.
Communicates to Senate articles of agreement concluded with Swan Creek, Black River Chippewas, and the Munsees or Christian Indians in Kansas. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Lincoln spends most of day in private interviews. Offers War Dept. cabinet post to Sen. Cameron (Pa.), who accepts.
Receives warning of plot to assassinate him during inauguration parade. Cong.-elect George P. Fisher (Del.) warns Lincoln of possible Negro uprising on March 4, 1861.
Lincoln, Lord Richard Lyons (British Minister), Gen. Scott, and others attend dinner given by Rudolph Schleiden, Bremen Minister.
Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Mrs. Sarah B. McLean, wife of John McLean, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court, calls at White House and visits with Miss Harriet Lane, President Buchanan's niece and hostess.
1862 - Saturday
Lincoln asks Sec. Stanton to appoint Dr. Isaac I. Hayes, surgeon and Arctic explorer, surgeon of volunteers. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Sunday
President confers about military appointments with Sec. Stanton , Gens. Halleck and Heintzelman, and Adjt. Gen. Thomas in Stanton 's office.
1864 - Tuesday
Lincoln receives Mrs. Baird, widow, for second time about son in Army under sentence to serve without pay. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Sends to Senate nomination of Gen. Grant to be lieutenant general.
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
"This evening the President and Mrs. Lincoln will entertain at the Executive Mansion the members of Congress and their families . . . no cards of invitation have been issued to any other person."
On letter of this date from Sec. Chase, introducing "Mr. Metcalf" who wishes to paint Lincoln's portrait, he writes, "Nix."
1865 - Wednesday
Sen. Trumbull (Ill.), Cong. James F. Wilson (Iowa), and Cong. John L. Dawson (Pa.), committee of Congress, notify President of his reelection. Lincoln replies briefly: "With assured reliance on that Almighty Ruler who has so graciously sustained us thus far; and with increased gratitude to the generous people for their continued confidence, I accept the renewed trust, with it's yet onerous and perplexing duties and responsibilities." Reply to Notification Committee
President compliments Thomas W. Conway, general superintendent of freedmen, Dept. of the Gulf, on his "success in the work of their moral and physical elevation." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas W. Conway
Writes Gen. Scott, Howard Potter, William E. Dodge, Jr., and Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., members of Protective War Claim Association of Sanitary Commission: "I shall at all times be ready to recognize the paramount claims of the soldiers of the nation, in the disposition of public trusts. I shall be glad also to make these suggestions to the several Heads of Departments." Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott and Others
Lincoln withholds admittance of uninvited visitors. Goes for drive in carriage presented by New York friends. Receives two delegations from Virginia.
Deputation headed by Simeon Draper, New York merchant and friend of Sen. Seward (N.Y.), protests appointment of Sen.-elect Chase (Ohio) to cabinet. Lincoln proposes alternate slate without Seward's name. Delegation retires nonplussed.
Lincoln promises Vice President-elect Hamlin to appoint two of his friends—Hamlin's first such request.
Dines with Gen. Scott in evening.
1862 - Sunday
[Noting of note.]
1863 - Monday
Lincoln forwards to Congress acceptance by New Mexico Territory of land grants for colleges.
"Last levee of the season of President Lincoln and his lady took place at the Presidential Mansion last evening, and was the best attended and most brilliant one of the many given this winter."
Interviews Messrs. Chase and Earl of Toledo, Ohio, about appointment of postmaster.
Cong. Abel C. Wilder (Kans.) confers with President regarding Kansas affairs.
With family visits Grover's Theatre for Edwin Booth's appearance in "Hamlet."
1865 - Thursday
President requests Provost Marshal General to exempt William H. Crook and Alexander Smith, White House guards, from draft. Abraham Lincoln to James B. Fry
Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "You have not sent contents of Richmond papers for Tuesday or Wednesday. Did you not receive them? If not, does it indicate anything?" [Lincoln apparently was anxious about Gen. Sherman. Grant replied same day: "There is every indication that Genl Sherman is perfectly safe. I am looking every day for direct news from him."] Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Lincoln remains in quarters all day, presumably working on Inaugural Address and cabinet appointments.
Is willing to have convention of all states to adjust differences between North and South.
Sen. Seward (N.Y.) confers at length with Lincoln regarding cabinet appointments.
In morning interview President offers navy cabinet post to Gideon Welles, Connecticut newspaperman and politician, who accepts.
Horatio N. Taft, chief examiner in Patent Office, and wife call on President-elect and Mrs. Lincoln and find few Washington ladies present. The Lincolns are "not welcome."
Lincoln gives dinner for William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Gideon Welles, Montgomery Blair, Simon Cameron, Caleb B. Smith, and Edward Bates, whose names he forwards to Senate as members of cabinet.
Goes to Senate for Sen. Crittenden's (Ky.) farewell speech.
1862 - Monday
President interviews Col. Blair on case of Gen. Sigel.
Transmits to Congress documents relating to: 1. assignment of regular army officers to duty in field and recruiting service; 2. convention with Granadian Confederation; 3. culture of cotton in African possessions of Portugal; 4. interest of Italy in "Trent" affair.
In evening group of congressmen holds long conference with President on state of Union.
Lincoln orders Sec. Stanton to prepare formal nominations for appointment of nine major generals and nine brigadier generals.
1863 - Tuesday
President spends part of day with Asst. Sec. Fox. Seems "depressed."
Approves act authorizing free mail delivery in 49 cities of U.S. and act authorizing grant of public lands to Kansas for railroad and telegraph construction.
Joint congressional committee notifies President of adjournment unless he has further communications.
President approves bill establishing National Academy of Sciences.
Occupies President's Room at Capitol until near 11 P.M. Secs. Seward and Welles, and Postmaster Gen. Blair also present.
1864 - Thursday
President confers with Committee on Conduct of War regarding commander of Army of Potomac.
Interviews Mrs. James Moran, who asks that her minor son be released from service.
Receives report that Maine Legislature has adopted resolutions to continue present administration.
Confers with Sec. Welles on promotion of Col. J. R. Hawley and vote of thanks to Commodore Cadwalader Ringgold (USN).
President orders cotton permit for Charles E. Fuller, who has agreement to sell 10,000 bales to government.
Interviews Sen. William A. Richardson (Ill.) and S. Corning Judd on subject of public interest.
Approves act establishing bureau for relief of freedmen and refugees.
Receives House committee with notice of adjournment unless there are further communications.
Cabinet meets.
Lincoln responds to serenade by delegation of New Yorkers accompanied by Eastman's Business College band of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Goes to Capitol at night to sign final bills passed by Congress.
Cabinet members with President at Capitol. Sec. Welles remains until midnight.
Thirty Eighth Congress remains in session until 8 A.M. March 4, 1865. Sec. Stanton interrupts President to confer about letter from Gen. R. E. Lee to Gen. Grant, proposing meeting to end hostilities. Lincoln instructs Stanton to notify Grant that conference can be granted only on basis of Lee's surrender. Edwin M. Stanton to Ulysses S. Grant
At 9 P.M. Mrs. Lincoln is in Diplomatic Gallery.
President transmits to Congress report and accompanying papers from secretary of state relating to act to regulate diplomatic and consular systems of U.S.
Morning cloudy and raw; 30,000 gather to hear Inaugural Address; no disturbance occurs during day.
Lincoln sends letter to Sen. Seward (N.Y.) asking him to remain in cabinet and to reply by 9 A.M. next day. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
President-elect receives Judge Davis, Edward Bates, Gideon Welles, and others. Gives final touches to Inaugural Address.
Shortly after 12 M. President Buchanan and Lincoln emerge from 14th Street door of hotel and join Sens. James A. Pearce (Md.) and Edward D. Baker (Oreg.) of Arrangements Committee. In open carriage they ride in procession to Capitol.
Files of soldiers line streets; riflemen on rooftops watch windows; artillery is posted near Capitol, which Lincoln enters through boarded tunnel.
Senate is called to order, and oath of office administered to Hannibal Hamlin by Vice President Breckinridge. Buchanan and Lincoln occupy seats in front of secretary's desk.
On portico of Capitol about 1 P.M. Baker introduces Lincoln. Weather is bright and clear.
On rising to deliver Inaugural Address Lincoln "could hardly find room for his hat, and Senator Douglas reaching forward, took it with a smile and held it during the delivery of the Address." [The authenticity of this incident has long been in doubt.]
Lincoln adjusts glasses, unfolds manuscript, and reads: "Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States, that by the accession of a Republican Administration, their property, and their peace, and personal security, are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. . . . I take the official oath to-day, with no mental reservations, and with no purpose to construe the Constitution or laws, by any hypercritical rules. . . . I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. . . . It follows from these views that no State, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union,—that resolves and ordnances to that effect are legally void; . . . I therefore consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken; and, to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, . . . that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States. . . . In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence; and there shall be none unless it be forced upon the national authority. . . . One section of our country believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended. This is the only substantial dispute. . . . The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from the people, and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the States. . . . By the frame of the government under which we live, this same people have wisely given their public servants but little power for mischief; . . . While the people retain their virtue, and vigilence [sic], no administration, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government, in the short space of four years. . . . If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied, hold the right side in the dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action. . . . In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. . . . We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, streching [sic] from every battelefield, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." He finishes in half an hour. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney administers oath of office. Marine band plays "God Save Our President," and procession to White House begins. First Inaugural Address—Final Text
Lincoln and Buchanan exchange farewells at Executive Mansion.
President's first official act is to sign John G. Nicolay's appointment as private secretary.
About 17 persons sit down with President to first dinner in White House.
Presidential party arrives at Inaugural Ball at 11 P.M. Sen. Henry B. Anthony (R.I.) and Vice President Hamlin attend President, who leads Grand March arm in arm with Mayor Berret (Washington). Douglas escorts Mrs. Lincoln and dances quadrille with her. President returns to White House at 1 A.M.; Mrs. Lincoln remains at ball.
Later recalls: "The first thing that was handed to me after I entered this room, when I came from the inauguration was the letter from Maj. Anderson saying that their provisions would be exhausted before an expedition could be sent to their relief."
1862 - Tuesday
President and Gen. Hunter appear before Committee on Conduct of War regarding Kansas affairs.
Receives Federico L. Barreda, new minister from Peru.
Asst. Sec. Fox notifies President that U.S.S. "Monitor" is on way to Hampton Roads.
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) accompanies wife and daughter of Col. John Symington of Pittsburgh to see President.
Lincoln writes endorsement: "Edward Burke, the bearer of this, was at service in this Mansion for several months now last past; and during all the time he appeared to me to be a competent, faithful, and very genteel man." Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern
Senate confirms appointment of Sen. Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) as military governor of Tennessee.
1863 - Wednesday
President interviews Jonathan Haines, holder of patent on harvesting machine, and gives him letter of introduction. Abraham Lincoln to David P. Holloway
H. Villard interviews Lincoln for permission to publish letters exchanged between President and Sec. Chase relating to Pomeroy secret circular. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
J. W. White, New York antislavery leader, calls on Lincoln and suggests that Gen. Grant be made general in chief responsible only to President.
"A pleasant Cabinet meeting." Chase and Postmaster Gen. Blair absent. Secs. Seward and Stanton have private laugh about what they regard as Chase's "dilemma" concerning decision to run for President.
President and family visit Grover's Theatre to see Edwin Booth play "Richelieu."
Lincoln deposits January salary warrant for $2,022.33 in Riggs Bank.
Writes memorandum about churches: "I have written before, and now repeat, the United States Government must not undertake to run the churches. . . . It will not do for the United States to appoint trustees, supervisors, or other agents for the churches." Memorandum about Churches
1865 - Saturday
President spends morning at Capitol.
At 11:45 A.M. Vice President Hamlin escorts President to Senate Chamber to witness swearing-in of Vice-President-elect Johnson. From Senate Chamber President proceeds to platform erected in front of central portico of Capitol.
Lincoln takes oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Chase, shortly after noon and delivers Second Inaugural Address.
Lincoln states that very little can be presented that is new since beginning of war. War came because one party would rather make war than let Nation survive, and other party would accept war rather than let it perish. Lincoln believes that war has lasted longer than anyone expected, that both sides have sought God's assistance, and that the Almighty has his own purpose. "With malice toward none; with charity for all; . . . to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations." Second Inaugural Address
Thousands of Negroes, heretofore excluded from such affairs, mingle with spectators. Frequent applause breaks out during reading of Address.
President, accompanied by Tad and Sen. Foster (Conn.), leaves Capitol and occupies carriage in procession to White House.
Mrs. Lincoln receives from Chase Bible kissed by Lincoln on taking oath of office. Chase comments that sun broke through at same time and was "an auspicious omen of the dispersion of the clouds of war and the restoration of the clear sunlight of prosperous peace."
President and Mrs. Lincoln drive out during afternoon in open barouche. Stop at Willard's Hotel for Mrs. Lincoln to visit friend.
Public reception 8 P.M. at White House. Largest reception this season. President shakes hands with 6,000 persons. Also receives Army officers to discuss military matters.
Senate committee announces to President that Senate is ready to receive communications.
Lincoln sends nominations for cabinet positions to extra session of Senate by private secretary, John G. Nicolay.
Receives letter from Sec. William H. Seward who decides to remain in cabinet.
Several state delegations, including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan, call upon Lincoln. President replies to Massachusetts group: "As President, in the administration of the Government, I hope to be man enough not to know one citizen of the United States from another, nor one section from another."
President's son, Robert, returns to Harvard College. Horace Greeley and Sen. James W. Grimes (Iowa) have interview with Lincoln on questions of internal policy. President confers at late hour with Seward.
Receives and deposits in Riggs Bank February salary warrant for $2,083.34.
1863 - Thursday
President receives $868 in stolen money from conscience-stricken resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. Prepares receipt for treasurer of U.S. to sign and sends money to him. Receipt from Francis E. Spinner
Senate committee announces to President that Senate is ready to receive communications.
Welles spends most of evening until 11 P.M. in President's room.
Lincoln receives February salary warrant for $2,022.34.
1864 - Saturday
President proclaims ratification of treaty with Great Britain settling claims of Hudson's Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Companies.
Receives February salary warrant for $2,022.34.
Mrs. Lincoln holds Saturday afternoon reception.
1865 - Sunday
In morning President and Mrs. Lincoln attend religious service at Capitol and hear sermon by Bishop Simpson.
President comments on sun breaking through clouds as he took oath of office yesterday.
Interviews Comptroller of Currency McCulloch and asks him to take post of secretary of treasury.
Confers again with Thurlow Weed regarding vacancy in Treasury Dept.
Invites Cong. Colfax (Ind.) to accompany family to Inaugural Ball.
1861 - Wednesday [why can't we just call it "Wensday"]?
Lincoln welcomes delegations from California, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, and Vermont.
Confers with Cong. Martin F. Conway (Kans.) about patronage.
Sec. Gideon Welles accompanied by Edward S. Cleveland, postmaster, Hartford, Conn., calls on President to review conditions in Navy Dept.
President nominates N. B. Judd minister to Berlin.
Explains to Sec. Salmon P. Chase, who learns of cabinet nomination through action of Senate, that it would be embarrassing to him if Chase did not accept. Chase resigns seat in Senate and accepts. [Chase always seemed to need to be explained to]
Lincoln holds first cabinet meeting; "introductory," "uninteresting." Bates, Diary.
Delegations from Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island interview President.
Mrs. Lincoln drives out to Soldiers' Home, Upshur St. and Rock Creek Rd., NW.
1862 - Thursday
President invites Sen. Sumner (Mass.) to White House shortly after breakfast to discuss compensated emancipation.
Recommends to Congress gradual, compensated emancipation. Message to Congress
Attends funeral service for Gen. Frederick W. Lander at residence of Sec. Chase.
Approves act requiring that oath of allegiance be administered to masters of American vessels clearing for foreign or other ports during present rebellion.
1863 - Friday
President confers with Marshal Lamon and Atty. Gen. Bates regarding execution of Augustus Ford for murder.
In evening sees Gen. Fremont by appointment and promises to tell him something definite about new command. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Sunday
President and Sec. Stanton call at Rear Adm. Dahlgren's residence with telegram from Gen. Butler announcing that Dahlgren's son, on raid against Richmond, is alive. [Unfotunately this was not true]
1865 - Monday
Lincoln converses with former Cong. John T. Stuart (Ill.) and gives him card to H. A. Risley.
Senate committee announces to President that Senate is ready to receive communications.
At noon President receives diplomatic corps.
In conference with Marcus L. Ward, philanthropist, "soldiers' friend," and later governor of New Jersey, reiterates value of Vice President Johnson in work before administration.
Sec. Fessenden resigns.
Chief Justice Chase consults with President an hour in effort to exempt counties in eastern Virginia from "insurrectionary proclamation."
Lincoln receives members of Perseverance Fire Co. of Philadelphia in East Room at 4 P.M.
Appoints Comptroller of Currency McCulloch secretary of treasury.
Notifies Sen. Sumner (Mass.): "Unless you send me word to the contrary, I shall this evening call with my carriage at your house, to take you with me to the Inauguration Ball."
Between 10 and 11 P.M. Presidential party arrives at Patent Office, where Inaugural Ball is in progress. Robert is present with Mary, daughter of Sen. Harlan (Iowa). Shortly after midnight, supper is served; Presidential party withdraws about 1 A.M.
Lincoln receives February salary warrant for $1,976.22.
Writes Sec. Seward: "I have some wish that Thomas D. Jones, of Cincinnati, and John J. Piatt [poet], now of this city, should have some of those moderate sized consulates which facilitate artists a little [in] their profession. Please watch for chances."
Lincoln rides horseback before breakfast to Soldiers' Home.
Holds conference with several members of cabinet on supplying Fort Sumter, S.C. No decisions.
Diplomatic corps, in national dress, pays official visit. Cabinet members and Mrs. Lincoln present. Lincoln replies to speech by Comdr. J. C. de Figaniere é Moraô minister from Portugal.
President discusses selection of marshal for District of Columbia with Sec. Simon Cameron. Interviews Lucius H. Chandler, Virginia politician, on Union sentiment in state.
Writes note of recommendation for William Johnson, "a colored boy" who has been "with me about twelve months."
1862- Friday
Confers with James F. B. Marshall of Massachusetts and Hawaii "on the question of the Honolulu Commissioner." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Consults with Gen. McClellan about his peninsular plan of campaign to capture Richmond. [We know how that went.]
Visits Fox's residence and in his absence talks half hour with Mrs. Gustavus V. Fox.
Transmits to Senate treaty and papers signed at Paola, Kans., with united tribes of Kaskaskia, Peoria, Piankashaw, and Wea Indians. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
1863 - Saturday
Rear Adm. Dahlgren visits President and finds him nervous and uneasy.
Sen. Wade (Ohio), chairman, Committee on Conduct of War, confers with President at 8 P.M.
White House public receptions over for season. Saturday afternoon receptions from 1 to 3 P.M. begin.
Directs Sec. Stanton : "Please see Gen. Halleck to-day; and if you can get him half agreed, I agree" to an appointment for Gen. Fremont. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Refers letter of this date to Secs. Stanton and Welles with endorsement: "Submitted to Mars & Neptune."
1864 - Monday
Directs that application of French government to import tobacco from insurgent territory be granted.
Interviews Gov. Willard P. Hall (Mo.) on status of affairs in Missouri.
Attends Grover's Theatre for performance of Edwin Booth in "The Fool's Revenge."
Telegraphs Gen. Butler: "Gen. Meade has Richmond Sentinel, saying that Col. Dahlgren was killed, and ninety of his men captured at King & Queen C. H. When did Kilpatrick's informant last see Col. Dahlgren?"
Writes Cong. John A. J. Creswell (Md.): "My wish is that all who are for emancipation in any form, shall co-operate, all treating all respectfully, and all adopting and acting upon the major opinion, when fairly ascertained." Abraham Lincoln to John A. J. Creswell
1865 - Tuesday
President interviews Judge Dixon (probably Judge William M. Dickson of Cincinnati) and issues pass to Nashville.
Spends much time endorsing applications for jobs and issuing orders for persons who own products of insurrectionary states to bring such products within military lines for sale to agents of government.
Interviews H. de Mareil, editor of French newspaper in New York, and gives him letter to Sec. Welles. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
Cabinet meets.
Writes Gen. Grant: "In accordance with a Joint Resolution of Congress, approved December 17, 1863, I now have the honor of transmitting, and presenting to you, in the name of the People of the United States of America, a copy of said resolution, engrossed on parchment, together with the gold medal therein ordered and directed. Please accept, for yourself and all under your command, the renewed expression of my gratitude for your and their arduous and well-performed public service." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Lincoln writes Cong. Colfax (Ind.) about selection of Indiana representative in cabinet.
President's "first reception a motley crowd and terrible squeeze."
"The event was voted by all the oldest inhabitants to have been the most successful ever known there."
Sec. Welles presents officers of navy in full uniform to President and Mrs. Lincoln.
For two and a half hours the President shakes hands with all who pass him.
At 10:30 P.M. passes through East Room and withdraws to private apartment. Hundreds "gave up in despair and went home without seeing the President."
Ladies connected with foreign legations call upon Mrs. Lincoln.
1862 - Saturday
President summons Gen. McClellan to White House at 7:30 A.M. Reports rumor that McClellan intends to turn capital and government over to enemy. McClellan protests. Lincoln disclaims intent to accuse him.
Asks Asst. Sec. Fox to go to Fortress Monroe, Va., and report on situation.
Meets with division commanders at White House after they voted eight to four in favor of McClellan's plan for peninsular campaign.
Issues General War Order No. 2: "That the Major General commanding the Army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organize that part of said Army destined to enter upon active operations (including the reserve, but excluding the troops to be left in the fortifications about Washington) into four Army corps." President's General War Order No. 2
Issues General War Order No. 3: "That no change of the base of operations of the Army of the Potomac shall be made without leaving in, and about Washington, such a force as, in the opinion of the General-in-Chief, and the commanders of all the Army corps, shall leave said City entirely secure." President's General War Order No. 3
Lincoln approves memorandum of Sec. Seward to Lord Lyons suggesting that England allow no more ships built and slipped out of her ports for ultimate service to Confederate States of America.
Interviews Edward L. Baker, editor, "Illinois State Journal," relative to brevets in Marine Corps.
1864 - Tuesday
Interviews Col. Marcellus Mundy regarding use of property in Mound City, Ill., for government hospital.
Receives report that New Hampshire elections have gone to Union ticket by large majority.
President Lincoln meets Gen. Grant face to face for first time.
President and Mrs. Lincoln begin receiving guests at 8 P.M. Tremendous crowd. Grant arrives at 9:30 P.M.
Lincoln confers with Grant about ceremony following day, when new commission of lieutenant general will be presented Grant.
Promenades with Mrs. W. H. Seward, Grant with Mrs. Lincoln.
1865 - Wednnesday
President receives resignation of Sec. Usher.
Confers with Sec. Seward about appointments suitable for Montgomery Blair and decides to offer him post of minister to either Spain or Austria.
Confers with Sec. Stanton about dispatches from Gen. Grant relative to supplies getting through to enemy. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Receives delegation from first congressional district of Pennsylvania, which questions application of draft law.
Sends to Senate nomination of Comdr. John J. Young (USN, retd.) to be captain in Navy on reserved list, "from the 12th August, 1854." Transmits to Senate report from secretary of state relative to certain joint resolution regarding railroads. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Lincoln makes brief remarks to delegation from Oregon.
Cabinet meeting "upon the State of the Country," meaning Fort Sumter, held at night.
Consensus of opinion is that Federal garrison will be evacuated in five days.
1862 - Sunday
President discusses with Col. Blair value of conference of Border State congressmen on compensated emancipation.
At 10 A.M. sends carriage for Sen. Browning's (Ill.) family.
Receives report from Gen. Wool at Fortress Monroe, Va., that Confederate ship "Merrimac" entered Hampton Roads preceding day and destroyed U.S.S. "Cumberland" and U.S.S. "Congress," and that other ships and Fortress Monroe itself are in danger. Calls emergency cabinet meeting to discuss defense measures in event "Merrimac" starts toward Washington.
Drives with Browning to Navy Yard about 2 P.M.; Comdr. Dahlgren returns with them to White House.
Most of cabinet at White House in afternoon, but not by appointment. Sec. Stanton divulges information that preparations are under way to stop "Merrimac" from reaching Washington by blocking river channel.
President awaits news of battle between U.S.S. "Monitor" and "Merrimac" at telegraph office in evening with members of cabinet.
After 4 P.M. dispatch reaches War Office describing fight between "Monitor" and "Merrimac" from 8 A.M. to 12 M., when "Merrimac" withdrew. Lincoln and two cabinet members present. Lincoln walks to White House.
Asks Henry J. Raymond to reconsider compensated emancipation and print another article in New York "Times." "One half-day's cost of this war would pay for all the slaves in Delaware, at four hundred dollars per head." Abraham Lincoln to Henry J. Raymond
1863 - Monday
Cong. Thaddeus Stevens (Pa.) asks President to give Col. Joseph W. Fisher place of Gen. Edwin H. Stoughton, captured in bed at 2 A.M., March 9, 1863, at Fairfax, Va., by Gen. John S. Mosby (CSA). Memorandum Concerning Joseph W. Fisher
Sen. Lemuel J. Bowden (Va.), Mr. Boyd, editor, and John Hawxhurst, Virginia legislator, call on President and ask promotion of Col. Joseph Snider, 7th Virginia Regiment, to brigadier general. Memorandum Concerning Joseph Snider
President interviews Mil. Gov. John S. Phelps (Ark.) in presence of Sec. Stanton on proposition for placing army of 12,000 to 15,000 men in Arkansas, ready to move immediately on fall of Vicksburg, Miss.
Asks War Dept.: "Can any thing be done for this Lady-friend of Marshal Lamon? I do not see how." [Probably Miss Maria A. Donnelly of Martinsburg, Va., whose sister had been recently released from imprisonment in Richmond.] Endorsement
1864 - Wednesday
President presents commission as lieutenant general to Gen. Grant at 1 P.M. in cabinet chamber in presence of cabinet, Gens. Halleck and John A. Rawlins, Cong. Lovejoy (Ill.), and John Nicolay.
Reads brief remarks: "The nation's appreciation of what you have done, and it's reliance upon you for what remains to do, in the existing great struggle, are now presented with this commission, constituting you Lieutenant General in the Army of the United States." Grant replies: "I feel the full weight of the responsibilities now devolving on me and know that if they are met it will be due to those armies, and above all to the favor of that Providence which leads both Nations and men."Speech to Ulysses S. Grant
Following ceremony President hears half-hour discussion of military affairs and operations of Gen. Sherman.
In afternoon receives copy of Sec. Chase's letter withdrawing from presidential race.
Telegraphs Gen. Meade: "New York City votes 9,500 majority for allowing soldiers to vote, and the rest of the State nearly all on the same side. Tell the soldiers." Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade
Transmits to Senate report from secretary of interior respecting points of commencement of Union Pacific Railroad. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Telegraphs W. O. Bartlett at Philadelphia: "It will soon be too late if you are not here." [Bartlett, delayed by inclement weather, was carrying James Gordon Bennett's refusal of appointment to French court. The Senate was to adjourn on March 11, 1865, hence further delay might be too late for getting appointment confirmed.] Abraham Lincoln to William O. Bartlett
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