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.
Family attends New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, their church preference while in Washington. Dr. Phineas D. Gurley is pastor.
John Hay is working as assistant to John G. Nicolay, detailed to full time White House service from clerkship in Dept. of Interior.
1862 - Monday
At morning cabinet meeting President discusses outcome of battle between U.S.S. "Monitor" and Confederate ship "Merrimac."
Carl Schurz, minister to Spain, reports to President on New York meeting of Emancipation Society. Lincoln describes recent naval engagement to Schurz.
Consults with Border State congressmen on plan of compensated emancipation.
Writes secretary of navy: "The 'Monitor' could be boarded and captured very easily . . . she should not go skylarking up to Norfolk." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
President and everyone at White House excited over naval fight at Fortress Monroe, Va., yesterday.
In evening calls on Lt. Worden, commander of "Monitor" nearly blinded by shell in yesterday's engagement, to express admiration, and "bursts into tears while greeting the sailor."
Writes Gen. Buell: "The evidence is very strong that the enemy in front of us here is breaking up and moving off. General McClellan is after him. Some part of the force may be destined to meet you. Look out and be prepared. I telegraphed Halleck, asking him to assist you, if needed." Abraham Lincoln to Don C. Buell
Check to Tad Lincoln: "Pay to 'Tad' (when he is well enough to present) or bearer Five _____ Dollars $5/00." Check to "Tad" Lincoln
President and Vice President are provided free postage in bill passed by Senate.
Lincoln interviews James M. Scovel of Philadelphia on political affairs.
With Mrs. Lincoln visits Grover's Theatre for performance of "Richard III," last night in series of Shakespearean dramas featuring Edwin Booth. Grant has reservation but does not attend.
Sends invitation to Grant: "Mrs. L. invites yourself and Gen. Meade to dine with us Saturday evening. Please notify him, and answer whether you can be with us at that time." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Instructs Gen. Ramsay, if Absterdam projectile is offered at Hotchkiss prices, take it. "I am for the government having the best articles, in spite of patent controversies." Abraham Lincoln to George D. Ramsay
1865 - Friday
At 9:30 A.M. President discusses with John A. Poor, member of committee from Maine, possibility of offering cabinet post to former Vice President Hamlin.
Cabinet meets at 11 A.M. and decides to withdraw troops from Fort Sumter, S.C.
Lincoln sends nominations to Senate: John Z. Goodrich, collector for port of Boston; George W. McLellan, second assistant postmaster general; Archibald Williams, district judge for Kansas; William P. Dole, commissioner of Indian affairs.
Invites Col. Ferguson of Memphis, Tenn., for whom he once chopped wood, to White House.
Mrs. Lincoln and friends visit Washington Navy Yard, Eastern Branch, Potomac River.
1862 - Tuesday
At cabinet meeting chronic dissatisfaction with conduct of war levelled at Gen. McClellan.
Former Gov. Dennison (Ohio) talks to President about War Order No. 3 and McClellan.
"The President came into the [Navy] Yard, and I drove around with him." [Dahlgren]
President issues War Order No. 3, placing McClellan in command of Dept. of the Potomac, Gen. Halleck in command of Dept. of the Mississippi, and Gen. Fremont in command of Mountain Dept.. President's War Order No. 3
In evening calls several members of cabinet to White House and reads War Order No. 3 to them.
Writes check for $5.00 to "William Johnson (colored)."
Cabinet meets. Gen. Grant interrupts to tell President of plan to leave for Nashville.
Gen. Alexander M. McCook calls on President.
1865 - Saturday
President issues proclamation offering pardon to deserters who return to service and inflicting loss of citizenship on those who do not. Proclamation Offering Pardon to Deserters
Listens to report from Rear Adm. Du Pont in office to Sec. Welles.
1864 - Saturday
President's General Orders No. 98: 1. Gen. Halleck is relieved as General in Chief of Army, and Lt. Gen. Grant is assigned to command Armies of United States. 2. Gen. Halleck is assigned to duty in Washington as Chief of Staff. 3. Gen. Sherman is assigned to command of Military Division of Mississippi. 4. Gen. James B. McPherson is assigned to command of Department and Army of Tennessee. General Orders No. 98
President communicates to Senate report and papers relative to colonization of persons of African descent. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Receives evidence that Knights of Pythias are not a treasonable organization and dismisses their representatives.
Attends regular Saturday afternoon reception between 1 and 3 P.M.
Invites Gen. Lewis Wallace to Executive Mansion for dinner with "some other General officers" at 6:45 P.M. Abraham Lincoln to Lewis Wallace
Entertains party of about 15 military men at White House banquet. Guests include Gens. Meade, Wool (retd.), Hunter, Sickles, Doubleday, and McCook. Grant accepted invitation, but is out of town.
1865 - Sunday
President confers with former Cong. Arnold (Ill.) and offers him position as auditor for Treasury Dept.
Dr. Henry and Noah Brooks visit with Lincoln for half hour.
President instructs Sec. Seward to refuse an audience to John Forsyth of Alabama and former Cong. Martin J. Crawford (Ga.). To receive them would be to admit that states they represent are out of Union.
Interviews M. W. Delahay, whom he appoints surveyor general for Kansas.
Cabinet holds short session on appointments.
President consults with Lt. Gustavus V. Fox (USN, resigned), brother-in-law of Mrs. Montgomery Blair, and Postmaster Gen. Montgomery Blair on plan for provisioning Fort Sumter, S.C.
Receives request from Cong. Corwin (Ohio) to recall his nomination as minister to Mexico if it has not been acted upon.
1862 - Thursday
Lincoln makes short acceptance speech to Massachusetts delegation for gift of whip.
Interviews Pascal Plant, inventor who shows small wooden model of submarine gunboat.
Approves additional article of war, prohibiting all officers or persons in military service from employing any forces under their respective commands for purposes of returning fugitives from service or labor.
Thanks Henry A. Brown, Boston representative of London company, for engraving of Gen. McClellan.
Composes letter for Sec. Stanton to send to McClellan: "1st. Leave such force at Manassas Junction as shall make it entirely certain that the enemy shall not repossess himself of that position and line of communication. 2d. Leave Washington secure. 3d. Move the remainder of the force down the Potomac, choosing a new base at Fortress Monroe, or anywhere between here and there; or, at all events, move such remainder of the army at once in pursuit of the enemy by some route." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Mrs. Lincoln on sick list.
1863 - Friday
President receives Mrs. Winston from Tennessee and permits her to remove wounded son from prison in Fort McHenry, Md. Abraham Lincoln to William W. Morris
Cabinet continues to discuss letters of marque.
Senate committee notifies President of adjournment unless he has further communications.
Lincoln attends Washington Theatre to see James H. Hackett as Falstaff in "King Henry IV."
1864 - Sunday
J. H. Hackett, in Washington for week's theatrical engagement, visits Lincoln.
Judge Hughes interviews President on behalf of A. Montgomery.
Lincoln writes Gov. Michael Hahn (La.): "I congratulate you on having fixed your name in history as the first-free-state Governor of Louisiana. Now you are about to have a Convention which, among other things, will probably define the elective franchise. I barely suggest for your private consideration, whether some of the colored people may not be let in—as, for instance, the very intelligent, and especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks. They would probably help, in some trying time to come, to keep the jewel of liberty within the family of freedom." Abraham Lincoln to Michael Hahn
Informs Gen. Schurz that he cannot take part in approaching political canvass without separating from military service. Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz
1865 - Monday
"Mr. Lincoln is reported quite sick to-day, and has denied himself to all visitors."
President asks Gen. Grant to interview former Judge Hughes regarding destruction of tobacco at Fredericksburg, Va., by Union troops.
Lincoln sends to Senate nomination of Jacob S. Haldeman, president, Harrisburg (Pa.) National Bank, as minister to Sweden.
Cabinet meets in morning and afternoon; busy with appointments and policy regarding Fort Sumter, S.C.
1862 - Friday
Former Gov. Dennison (Ohio) confers with President again this morning, probably on behalf of Gen. McClellan.
Lincoln demonstrates statistically to Sen. James A. McDougall (Calif.) that gradual compensated emancipation can be accomplished in Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, and Missouri for a sum equivalent to cost of 87 days of war. Abraham Lincoln to James A. McDougall
Sends for Asst. Sec. Fox and wants him to go to New York tonight.
Transmits to Congress correspondence concerning case of Danish barque "Jorgen Lorentzen," with recommendation that award of referees be paid. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
1863 - Saturday
President sends congratulations to Isabel II, Queen of Spain, on birth of nephew, son of Duchess of Montpensier.
Transmits to Congress treaty with Great Britain regarding claims of Hudson's Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Companies and recommends "appropriation to carry into effect the first, second, and third articles thereof." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
Receives Gov. Curtin (Pa.) at 7 P.M. on official business.
Transmits to Senate report of secretary of interior regarding sale of Wea trust lands in Kansas. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate
Invites early attention of Congress to convention with Ecuador requiring appointment of commissioners to adjust claims.
Gen. Scott consults with cabinet on present military crisis.
Lincoln nominates Elisha O. Crosby as minister to Guatemala.
Receives written opinions from three cabinet members on wisdom of sending supplies to Fort Sumter: Sec. Seward, no; Sec. Welles, no; Postmaster Gen. Blair, yes.
1862 - Saturday
Lincoln interviews his friend, George C. Bestor, boat builder, and sends him with note to Gen. Meigs.
Atty. Gen. Bates has private talk with Lincoln to warn him against extremists in Congress.
Sen. Harris (N.Y.) and G. Opdyke see President and urge appointment of Mr. Gray (probably J. G. C. Gray) as minister to Rome in case former Gov. Randall (Wis.) declines.
Sec. Stanton escorts Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock to consult with Lincoln regarding Gen. McClellan.
Col. Le Grand B. Cannon, stationed at Fortress Monroe, Va., interviews President in presence of Sens. Harris (N.Y.) and King (N.Y.) in attempt to remove difficulties presented by order to McClellan to advance toward Richmond.
Lincoln assigns Gen. James S. Wadsworth to post of military governor of Washington, DC.
Interviews Sen. Foot (Vt.) regarding appropriation for new Capitol dome.
Approves act authorizing joint commission representing U.S., Great Britain, and France for preservation of Atlantic fisheries.
Buys $14,200 worth of Treasury notes of 1861 with accumulation of seven salary warrants, July 1861 to January 1862.
1863 - Sunday
President receives members of committee from New York who "enumerate ships now building in English yards professedly for the Emperor of China, but really for our rebels."
In evening Lincoln and Sen. Sumner (Mass.) read aloud to each other from Theodore D. Woolsey's "Introduction to the Study of International Law." [Boston: 1860]
1864 - Tuesday
President directs land and naval forces to assist Gen. Sickles on official tour from Washington by way of Cairo, Ill., and New Orleans.
Notifies Gov. Hahn (La.): "You are hereby invested with the powers exercised hitherto by the Military Governor of Louisiana." Abraham Lincoln to Michael Hahn
Interviews "gallant drummer boy," Robert H. Hendershot, who rendered meritorious service at Battle of Fredericksburg, and gives him letter to Sec. Stanton .
Receives Gen. G. R. Davis upon introduction by Sen. Harris (N.Y.).
Cabinet meets and discusses issuance of proclamation calling for draft of 200,000 men.
Lincoln expresses his view: "The U.S. should not appoint trustees for or in any way take charge of any church as such. If the building is needed for military purposes, take it; if it is not so needed, let its church people have it, dealing with any disloyal people among them, as you deal with other disloyal people."
1865 - Wednesday
President has recovered from illness and is at his office today. He receives only his cabinet and others on urgent business.
Receives credentials of Count Wydenbruck, Austrian minister, and replies to his speech.
Conducts long interview with delegation from Louisiana regarding organization of civil government.
Converses with Rev. Samuel Roberts, who is writing articles on America for newspapers in England and Wales.
President and Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Clara Harris, daughter of Sen. Harris (N.Y.), and Gen. James G. Wilson, visit Grover's Theatre for performance of opera "The Magic Flute."
Lincoln writes Thurlow Weed: "Thank you for yours on my little notification speech, and on the recent Inaugeral [sic] Address. I expect the latter to wear as well as—perhaps better than—any thing I have produced; but I believe it is not immediately popular. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them."
Lincoln receives written opinions from four cabinet members on wisdom of sending supplies to Fort Sumter, S.C.: Sec. Chase, yes; Sec. Cameron, no; Sec. Caleb B. Smith, no; Atty. Gen. Edward Bates, no.
Recognizes Luis Molina as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Nicaragua.
Sends message to Senate relative to "dispute now existing between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain concerning the boundary line between Vancouver's Island and the American Continent."
Asks Sec. Welles to give employment to W. Johnson, "a servant who has been with me for some time."
1862 - Sunday
Postmaster Gen. Blair calls on President for news about agitation to remove Gen. McClellan from command, but learns nothing.
Cabinet meets. Discusses whether to issue letters of marque under new statute.
1864 - Wednesday
Congress approves act extending franking privilege to all mail matter to or from President and Vice President.
Lincoln inquires of Gov. Murphy (Ark.): "What of your election on the 14th.?"
1865 - Thursday
Early in morning, Lincoln tells O. H. Browning at White House that Sec. Stanton has gone to see Gen. Grant about operations of J. W. Singleton.
Takes short ride accompanied by Tad. Still feeble.
Writes Gov. John Evans (Colorado Terr.): "As you are Governor of the Territory of Colorado, and Hon. J. M. Ashley, of Ohio is, and probably will again be, Chairman of the Committee on Territories, of the H. R. there is no objection to your corresponding with him about territorial matters." Abraham Lincoln to John Evans
Lincoln attends morning church service with Gen. Scott.
Discusses diplomatic appointments with Sec. Seward.
1862 - Monday
President confers with Gen. Fremont, assigned to command new department.
Rumor reaches Lincoln of resolution that may be offered by Cong. John Covode (Pa.) to remove Gen. McClellan from command.
"War politicians of the 'Tribune' school have seen the President . . . with a view to displacing McClellan."
President welcomes committee bearing resolutions passed by East Baltimore Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church.
In presence of Sec. Stanton , interviews Cornelius Vanderbilt, railroad builder and philanthropist, and accepts yacht offered as gift to government.
1863 - Tuesday
Lincoln sends for Asst. Sec. Fox to learn about failure of Rear Adm. Farragut to run by Port Hudson, La.
Cong. Henry W. Davis (Md.) discusses organization of new House of Representatives with President.
Cabinet meeting continues subject of privateering.
President and Mrs. Lincoln visit patent office.
Lincoln writes Gen. Rosecrans: "You wrong both yourself and us, when you even suspect there is not the best disposition on the part of us all here to oblige you." Rosecrans complains that his requests regarding paymasters, his own commission, and appointment of aide were not granted. He cites Sec. Stanton 's promise that, "Anything you & your command want, you can have." Lincoln explains: "The promise must have a reasonable construction." Paymaster assignments are temporary purposely to prevent them from speculating upon soldiers. "You should remember that precisely so much as you should gain by it [changing date of commission] others would lose by it. . . . I do not appreciate this matter of rank on paper, as you officers do. The world will not forget that you fought the battle of 'Stone River' and it will never care a fig whether you rank Gen. Grant on paper, or he so, ranks you." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
Writes Joshua F. Speed: "Confidential. . . . Lyman Guinnip [dealer in agricultural implements at Danville, Ill.], is under an indictment at Louisville, something about slaves. I knew him slightly. . . . I scarcely think he is guilty of any real crime Please try if you can not slip him through."
Writes Cong. Creswell (Md.): "It needs not be a secret, that I wish success to emancipation in Maryland. It would aid much to end the rebellion." Abraham Lincoln to John A. J. Creswell
About 4 P.M. from balcony of National Hotel presents captured flag to governor of Indiana and makes speech to 140th Indiana Regiment, which captured it at Fort Anderson, N.C.
President nominates: Cong. Charles Francis Adams (Mass.), minister to England; former Cong. George P. Marsh (Vt.), minister to Sardinia; James W. Webb, minister to Turkey; W. L. Dayton, minister to France.
Horace Greeley talks briefly to Lincoln.
President prepares draft of proposed order to establish military bureau and sends it to attorney general for opinion. Bates rules that President does not have power to establish bureau. Draft of a Proposed Order to Establish a Militia Bureau
Lincoln writes memorandum on "Some considerations in favor of withdrawing the Troops from Fort Sumpter." Memorandum on Fort Sumter
Asks secretary of treasury whether goods are being imported without duties being paid. Chase replies that he has no information of illegal importations. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase
Lincoln requests information from secretary of navy on "what amount of Naval force you could at once place at the control of the Revenue service." Welles replies that 12 vessels could be put at control of revenue service. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
1862 - Tuesday
Increased activity of President and military officers denotes immediate action by Army of Potomac.
"Wendell Phillips [prominent Massachusetts antislavery leader], by special invitation, has an interview with the President."
Lincoln writes Sec. Stanton: "In going to Fortress-Monroe, Gen. McClellan gets into Gen. Wool's Department. He must not be interfered with by Gen. Wool. Yet I do not wish Gen. Wool's feelings hurt, and I am ready to make him a Major Genl. if it will do any good." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Wednesday
President proclaims treaty of commerce and navigation with Republic of Liberia.
Cong. Julian (Ind.) confers with President about appointments and refers to unemployment of Gen. Fremont. Lincoln admits that he does not know where to put him.
Writes Cong. Davis (Md.): "As you ask my opinion, I give it that the supporters of the war should send no man to congress who will not go into caucus with the unconditional supporters of the war, . . . Let the friends of the government first save the government, and then administer it to their own liking." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Davis
1864 - Friday
Cabinet meets. Sec. Seward reads proposed bill for law on emigration.
President and Mrs. Lincoln on invitation attend closing night of fair held in Patent Office for benefit of Christian Commission and District volunteers. Lincoln makes brief speech, ending: "God bless the women of America."
Writes recommendation for Benjamin A. Watson of Springfield, Ill., who wants commission of post sutler for Camp Butler, Ill.: he is "an intimate acquaintance and friend, and is of good character, and good qualification for the business he seeks. . . . I know nothing of the particular case."
Sends Sec. Stanton descriptions of several types of prisoners of war that might well be discharged. "I shall be glad therefore to have your cheerful assent to the discharge of those whose names I may send." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1865 - Saturday
President authorizes Gen. Canby to assist in raising funds for orphanage, discharges Charles T. Dorsett from draft, annuls sentence against Smith brothers of Boston for fraud, revokes order dismissing Dr. George Burr, and passes Rev. Thomas C. Teasdale through military lines.
G. V. Fox confers with President about Fort Sumter, S.C.
Cong. James M. Ashley (Ohio) sees President about appointment of Francis M. Case (Ohio) as surveyor general for Utah Territory.
1862 - Wednesday
President calls special meeting of cabinet in morning, "purpose unknown."
Recognizes José Maria Duran as consul general of Mexican Republic at New York.
At 6 P.M. discusses with Sen. Browning (Ill.) gift of yacht from Cornelius Vanderbilt to navy. Browning introduces Peter Peckham and Mr. Taylor, inventors of new type of fuse.
In evening artist George P. A. Healy confers with President on placing in Executive Mansion series of paintings of Presidents ordered by Congress.
Lincoln acknowledges letter from Society of Friends for New England: "I look forward hopefully to an early end of war, and return of peace." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel B. Tobey
1863 - Thursday
Gov. John A. Gurley (Arizona Terr.) and John N. Goodwin, chief justice, Arizona Territory, consult further with President about troops. Sec. Stanton and Postmaster Gen. Blair are present.
1864 -Saturday
President recommends discharge of 16 Indians as named.
Attends Saturday afternoon reception given by Mrs. Lincoln.
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