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 replies to Senate resolution of 25th "that at the present moment the publication of it [Fort Sumter dispatches of Maj. Anderson] would be inexpedient." Abraham Lincoln to the United States Senate
Cabinet in session nearly whole morning.
At night Lincoln meets with Secs. Seward and Welles, and Sens. Harris (N.Y.) and Preston King (N.Y.) at state dept. to discuss appointments.
1862 - Wednesday
President and cabinet members conduct meeting in Sec. Stanton's office at War Dept.
Lincoln directs that commission be appointed to examine debts of War Dept. at Cairo, Ill.
Transmits to Congress communication from governor of Nevada Territory requesting private secretary and increase in salaries of Federal officials in Territory.
Writes Sec. Stanton: "I understand a requisition has been made by Governor Yates, according to the memorandum at the bottom of this contract, and that the requisition is refused. Will the Secretary of War please tell me why is this?" Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Thursday
Lincoln expresses opinion to Mil. Gov. Johnson (Tenn.): "The colored population is the great available and yet unavailed of, force for restoring the Union." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew Johnson
"The President is in excellent spirits to-day." N.Y. Herald, 27 March 1863.
Mary F. Carpenter visits President.
Lincoln shakes hands with Mr. Fowler, old Shaker friend of Sec. Seward.
1864 - Saturday
President interviews Sec. Welles in morning relative to transferring 12,000 men from Army to Navy.
Further defines cases entitled to benefits of December 8, 1863, Amnesty Proclamation. Proclamation About Amnesty
Discusses Negro enlistment in Kentucky with Gov. Bramlette (Ky.), former Sen. Archibald Dixon (Ky.), and Albert G. Hodges, editor of Frankfort, Ky., "Commonwealth," presented by Atty. Gen. Bates.
In afternoon sends for Welles and Asst. Sec. Fox and requests order for transfer of 12,000 men from Army to Navy.
John Nicolay arrives in New York to represent President at conference with Thurlow Weed concerning political conditions and patronage.
1865 - Sunday
President is scheduled to start up James River at 11 A.M.
After breakfast goes to Gen. Grant's headquarters. Schedule is planned for him to watch Gen. Sheridan's troops cross river at Harrison's Landing, Va., review naval flotilla, and review Gen. Ord's division near Malvern Hill. Party has lunch on Rear Adm. Porter's flagship. Goes ashore at Aiken's Landing, where Ord with staff and wife meets them for review of troops. Mrs. Lincoln, unhappy about prominent place occupied by Mrs. Ord on horseback, scolds President, to embarrassment of many.
At 9 A.M. telegraphs Sec. Stanton : "I approve your Fort-Sumpter [commemoration] programme. . . . I am on the boat, and have no later war news than went to you last-night." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Chevalier Joseph Bertinatti, chargé d'Affaires from Italy presents credentials; President returns good wishes.
William H. Russell, Washington representative of London "Times," has interview with Lincoln.
Lincoln interviews W. H. P. Denny of Dayton, Ohio, who applies for position of postmaster.
Mrs. Lincoln and friends visit Mount Vernon, home of George Washington.
1862 - Thursday
President pardons two British subjects who have served three years of seven-year sentence in District jail for resisting master of American vessel in Florida.
Acknowledges letter of Henry B. Whipple, bishop of Minnesota, regarding treatment of Indians in Minnesota. Abraham Lincoln to Henry B. Whipple
1863 - Friday
Former Lt. Gov. Daniel S. Dickinson (N.Y.) and friend, Edward J. Westcott, confer with President on trading at Newbern, N.C.
President addresses group of Indian chiefs in East Room of White House: "It is the object of this Government to be on terms of peace with you, and with all our red brethren. We constantly endeavor to be so. We make treaties with you, and will try to observe them; and if our children should sometimes behave badly, and violate these treaties, it is against our wish." Washington Chronicle, 28 March 1863; Speech to Indians[The Round Ball speech]
James Blake of Indianapolis, Ind., discusses appointments with President.
Lincoln receives Jacob Wilson on recommendation of Mayor George Opdyke (N.Y.) and directs him to Sec. Stanton .
1864 - Sunday
President at War Dept. in evening for conference with Gens. Grant and Halleck and secretary of war.
1865 - Monday
Lt. Comdr. Barnes reports as usual aboard "River Queen" and walks with President to Gen. Grant's headquarters. Lincoln returns for lunch. After lunch President's party, including Barnes and Robert, makes trip to Appomattox River to Point of Rocks.
Gen. Sherman arrives at City Point, Va., in evening, and President has conference with him, Grant, and Rear Adm. Porter aboard "River Queen."
Lincoln telegraphs Sec. Stanton : "Yours inclosing Fort-Sumpter order received. I think of but one suggestion. I feel quite confident that Sumpter fell on the thirteenth (13th.) and not on the fourteenth (14th.) of April as you have it. . . . Look up the old Almanac &other data and see if I am not right." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Cassius M. Clay calls at White House and declines appointment to Spain; decides to accept St. Petersburg post and receives thanks of President.[Not the boxer]
Carl Schurz calls at White House and learns he is appointed minister to Spain.
Lincoln sends 50 nominations to Senate
Senate committee notifies President of adjournment unless he has further communications.
President and Mrs. Lincoln hold first state dinner for cabinet and special guests including Gen. Scott. During evening Lincoln informs cabinet that Scott recommends evacuation of Fort Sumter, S.C., and Fort Pickens, Fla.
1862 - Friday
President places frigate at disposal of Minister Simon Cameron for trip to Europe. Offer declined.
Nominates five brigadiers from among Indiana colonels.
Takes short trip down Potomac with Comdr. Dahlgren.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) visits with Lincoln short while in evening.
Lincoln endorses letter of Sen. Trumbull (Ill.): "I believe Dr. [John] Evans [of Illinois] has already been appointed Governor of Colorado. If not, let it be done at once, while, at all events, the within is a good voucher to place on file." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
1863 - Saturday
"There will be no more Saturday afternoon receptions at the Executive Mansion during the remainder of the season." Washington Chronicle, 28 March 1863.
1864 - Monday
President disturbed in morning by Francis Xavier, who reaches Lincoln's room and begins speech proving that Xavier was elected President in 1856.
Receives note from Peter McConnell of Kansas, who wishes to present Rocky Mountain pony to Tad.
1865 - Tuesday
Gens. Grant and Sherman and Rear Adm. Porter ride out to "River Queen" in tugboat and have general conversation with President about military situation and strategy.
Writes Sec. Stanton : "After your explanation, I think it is little or no difference whether the Fort-Sumpter ceremony takes place on the 13th. or 14th. Gen. Sherman tells me he is well acquainted with James Yeatman, &that he thinks him almost the best man in the country for any thing he will undertake."
Discusses California appointments with Sen. Baker (Oreg.) and several California politicians.
Interviews Edward Stabler of Maryland, Quaker and friend of F. P. Blair, Sr., relative to Maryland patronage.
1862 - Saturday
John Nicolay leaves Washington for trip to home in Illinois.
President writes Sec. Stanton: "I really wish Jesse W. Fell, of Illinois, to be appointed a Paymaster in the Regular Army, at ****hest, as early as the 1st. of July 1862. I wish nothing to interfere with this; and I have so written as much as two months ago, I think." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1863 - Sunday
President informs Gen. Banks, commanding Dept. of the Gulf, that Gen. Daniel Ullmann will undertake to raise Negro brigade in department and will need help. Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks
President in chief clerk's room at Navy Dept. conversing with Sec. Welles and Asst. Sec. Fox; "looks thin and badly—is very nervous and complains of everything."
[Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.]
Writes Sec. Stanton : "I fear—in fact, believe—the despatch you mentioned is utter humbuggery. . . . Besides there are no six-iron-clads, nor 15000 men at Vicksburg to pass through the canal, even if the Mississippi river had risen fifteen feet in as many minutes." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
1864 - Tuesday
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary
Sec. Welles accompanies group or rear admirals, including Hiram Paulding (retd.) commanding Navy Yard at New York, C. H. Davis, Chief, Bureau of Navigation, S. H. Stringham (retd.), special duty, and Francis H. Gregory (retd.), superintending construction of gunboats, to White House and introduces them to President.
President writes Gen. Meade that there is no need for court of inquiry regarding publication of accounts discrediting Meade's operations at Gettysburg. Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade
Transmits to Congress report of Charles B. Stuart, consulting engineer of New York, regarding improvements to pass gunboats from tidewater to northern and northwestern lakes. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives
Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Your three despatches received. From what direction did the enemy come that attacked [Gen. Charles] Griffin? How do things look now?" Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
President announces visiting hours from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Again discusses California appointments with Sen. Baker (Oreg.) and James W. Simonton, Washington representative of San Francisco "Bulletin," who opposes Baker. Simonton makes personal remarks about Baker and offends President, who throws Simonton's list of appointments in fire.
Mrs. Lincoln establishes White House "at home" between 2 and 4 P.M. each Saturday until further notice.
President declines to appoint son-in-law of J. K. Dubois, because "it is unprecedented, [to] send an officer into a state against the wishes of the members of congress of the State, and of the same party."
Troubled over suggested appointment of "Lizzie" (Elizabeth Todd Grimsley), cousin of Mrs. Lincoln, to Springfield post office, Lincoln writes former law partner, John T. Stuart: "Will it do for me to go on and justify the declaration that Trumbull and I have divided out all the offices among our relatives?"
1862 - Sunday
In evening Gen. McClellan visits President preparatory to sailing down Potomac to begin campaign.
President summons Capt. Meigs and instructs him to prepare, in conjunction with Col. Erasmus D. Keyes, military secretary to Gen. Scott, a project for relief of Fort Pickens, Fla.
Meigs and Keyes report to President with plans for relief of Fort Pickens. Lincoln, after discussing plans, orders them to go to Scott with instructions that the President wishes this thing done without fail.
1862 - Monday
President writes Gen. McClellan: "This morning I felt constrained to order Blenker's Division to Fremont; and I write this to assure you that I did so with great pain, understanding that you would wish it otherwise." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan
Transmits to Senate treaty of commerce and navigation with Ottoman Empire.
Mrs. Lincoln has "a dozen Todds of the Edwards breed in the house" from Springfield.
Accompanied by Secs. Seward, Chase, and Usher, and Postmaster Gen. Blair, attends Union meeting at Capitol. "The greatest popular demonstration ever known in Washington." Washington Chronicle, 1 April 1863.
Tad climbs on and off President's lap several times. "Father Abe looks so careworn that one could but pity him." Robert L. Kincaid
1864 - Thursday
President interviews Col. Thomas Worthington (resigned) and states in writing: "I did not think him fit for a Colonel."
Confers with Gen. Wallace on progress of bringing together Gov. Bradford (Md.) and Cong. Davis (Md.) on subject of emancipation.
Writes Sec. Stanton that Wallace is getting along very satisfactorily. "I have told him to be fair, but to give the benefit of all doubts to the emancipationists." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Asks Stanton for favor: "I sincerely wish that something satisfactory to Lt. Col. Scates—an old personal friend & most worthy gentleman—may be done for him."
[About this date sends check for $50.00 to Dennis Hanks, second cousin and boyhood companion.]
1865 - Friday
Lincoln is depressed. Knows Gen. Grant expects to make general attack on Petersburg, Va. with great loss of life. William H. Crook
Gen. Sherman confers with President during evening.
Lincoln informs Sec. Stanton : "At 12:30 p.m. to-day Gen. Grant telegraphed me as follows: There has been much hard fighting this morning. The enemy drove our left from near Dabney's house back well toward the Boydton plank road. . . . Later he telegraphed again as follows: Our troops, after being driven back on the Boydton plank road, turned and drove the enemy in turn and took the White Oak road, . . . There have been four flags captured to-day. . . . I infer that he moved his headquarters about one mile since he sent the first of the two dispatches." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
President is urged by Stanton to remain few days more at front. "A pause by the army now would do harm; if you are on the ground there will be no pause."
Sec. Seward sends President document headed: "Some thoughts for the President's consideration." It contains thoughts relating to office seekers, relief of forts, blockade, martial law, foreign affairs, war with European powers, and Lincoln's responsibilities. Lincoln insists: "I remark that if this must be done, I must do it." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward
Sec. Welles goes to White House to protest recent instructions for expedition to Vera Cruz, Mexico and Pensacola, Fla. Welles, Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles
President writes: "Would it impose too much labor on General Scott to make short, comprehensive daily reports to me of what occurs in his Department?" Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott
1862 - Tuesday
President, N. W. Edwards, and Comdr. Dahlgren journey to Alexandria, Va., in forenoon to see Gen. McClellan, who plans to leave for Old Point Comfort, Va., and peninsula today.
1863 - Wednesday
President interviews John B. S. Todd whose commission expired July 17, 1862, and promises to nominate him again for brigadier general, if one or two senators agree to change their votes.
Confers with Gov. Edward Salomon (Wis.) regarding establishment of U.S. general hospital in that state.
Discusses Missouri affairs with S. T. Glover and Atty. Gen. Bates.
Writes Gen. Hunter: "I am glad to see the accounts of your colored force at Jacksonville, Florida. . . . The enemy will make extra efforts to destroy them; and we should do the same to preserve and increase them." Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter
1864 - Friday
President confers with Sen. Harlan (Iowa) who asks that Col. Edward Hatch be nominated for brigadier general.
Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.
Lincoln thanks Rev. Frederick A. Farley, secretary of Brooklyn and Long Island Fair, who transmitted from "a few of your fellow-citizens" gift of silk bedspread formed of "National Colors." Abraham Lincoln to Frederick A. Farley
President announces that visitors will be received between 10 A.M. and 1 P.M.
Presidential family spends two hours at Navy Yard and receives 21-gun salute.
During afternoon drive Lincoln visits military barracks.
Lincoln directs Sec. Seward to pay Capt. Meigs $10,000 "from the secret service fund" before Meigs leaves on expedition to reinforce Fort Pickens, Fla.
1862 - Wednesday
President, members of family, and Comdr. Dahlgren visit Mount Vernon by steamer. Lincoln remains in boat.
Asst. Sec. Fox introduces to President, John ******** and A. C. Stimers, engineers who designed and helped build U.S.S. "Monitor." [E-rricson]
Atty. Gen. Bates calls to see Lincoln on personal matters.
In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) talks to President and Sec. Stanton about Gen. McClellan.
Lincoln writes to Michael Crock of Philadelphia: "Allow me to thank you in behalf of my little son for your present of White Rabbits. He is very much pleased with them."
Convinces Sec. Welles that Rear Adm. Farragut's position should be strengthened. Accordingly Welles orders Rear Adm. Du Pont to send all but two ironclads to New Orleans as soon as Charleston surrenders.
President and Mrs. Lincoln receive at public White House reception. Jane Grey Swisshelm, abolitionist journalist, meets Lincoln for first time.
In evening President calls at Welles' house to read letter prepared by Welles concerning privateers.
Deposits June 1862 salary warrant for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank.
1864 - Saturday
President discusses with A. W. Thompson fiscal and political plan devised by latter.
Prepares draft of order to prohibit exportation of salted provisions except those packed and shipped from state or territory bordering on Pacific Ocean.
Gen. Butler invites President and Mrs. Lincoln to visit Fortress Monroe, Va.
President, Mrs. Lincoln, and Mrs. Grant attend performance of "Faust" at Grover's Theatre.
1865 - Sunday
President remains at front. Mrs. Lincoln arrives in Washington on steamer "Monohasset." Washington Star, 3 April 1865
Lincoln goes ashore in barge ordered by Rear Adm. Porter.
Rides out to entrenchments near battleground and watches fighting for short while.
Sends message 7:45 A.M. to Mrs. Lincoln: "This morning Gen. Grant, . . . telegraphs as follows. . . . 'The battle now rages furiously. . . . All now looks highly favorable.'" Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
In afternoon telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln: "Gen. Grant telegraphs that he has Petersburg completely enveloped . . . suggests that I shall go out and see him . . . which I think I will do. Tad and I are both well." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln
At 2 P.M. sends Grant's report to Stanton: "'We are now closing around the works of the line immediately enveloping Petersburg. All looks remarkably well.'" Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
At 8:15 P.M. telegraphs Grant: "Allow me to tender to you, and all with you, the nations grateful thanks for this additional, and magnificent success. At your kind suggestion, I think I will visit you to-morrow." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant
Cabinet in session most of forenoon discussing Fort Sumter, S.C., situation.
President attends wedding of Commandant Franklin Buchanan's (USN) daughter at Navy Yard, but arrives too late for ceremony.
Confers with Allan B. Magruder and sends him to Richmond to arrange consultation between Lincoln and Virginia Unionist, preferably former Cong. George W. Summers (Va.).
Col. Keyes interviewed by President, who signs blanket order authorizing him to organize expedition to Fort Pickens, Fla.
1862 - Thursday
President directs secretary of war to keep in front of Washington corps of either Gen. McDowell or Gen. Sumner, and to send corps not kept to Gen. McClellan who will commence forward movement from new base at once. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Writes Gen. Meigs: "I do not personally know Capt. [Asher R.] Eddy [of Rhode Island], so as to be able to ask a personal favor for him: yet I protest now, as heretofore, that my asking to have him relieved from duty . . . shall, to no extent, be set down to his disadvantage." Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery C. Meigs
1863 - Friday
Mr. Martin, Philadelphia artist, is engaged in painting full-length portraits of President and his two sons.
At cabinet meeting Secs. Welles and Seward discuss letters of marque.
President notifies Gen. Hooker of plans to visit Army of Potomac for few days, leaving Washington Saturday, April 4, 1863. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker
1864 - Sunday
Lincoln confers with Joseph H. Barrett, commissioner of pensions, concerning attempted movement to postpone Baltimore Convention, called to meet in June. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph H. Barrett
At night O. H. Browning calls on President on behalf of Ludwell Y. Browning, prisoner at Camp Douglas, Ill., and sees draft of Lincoln's letter addressed to A. G. Hodges.
Receives message from Grant suggesting that he come to headquarters. Train is made up and takes Presidential party to Patrick Station, about mile from town. President and Tad proceed in ambulance.
Lincoln on special train receives message at Pitkin Station from Robert: "I am awaiting you at Hancock Station."
Lincoln and Grant talk for hour and half in small house in Petersburg.
President returns to train and to U.S.S. "Malvern," flagship of Rear Adm. Porter, in high spirits. Receives message from Gen. Weitzel in evening that Richmond is being evacuated.
[Weitzel takes possession of Richmond at 8:15 A.M. Official Records—Armies 1, XLVI, pt. 3, 510.]
At 5 P.M. President telegraphs Sec. Stanton from City Point: "Yours received. Thanks for you caution; but I have already been to Petersburg, staid with Gen. Grant an hour & a half and returned here. It is certain now that Richmond is in our hands, and I think I will go there to-morrow. I will take care of myself." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton
Comdr. John A. Dahlgren (USN) on duty at Navy Yard, calls on Lincoln regarding howitzers to be sent to New York.
At 11 A.M. President holds secret meeting with John B. Baldwin, Virginia Unionist, regarding secession. Considers idea of yielding Fort Sumter, S.C., in exchange for loyal pledge from Virginia, but rejects it.
Informs G. V. Fox that decision has been made to let expedition go to Fort Sumter.
Writes instructions for Sec. Cameron to send to Maj. Anderson at Fort Sumter: "Hoping still that you will be able to sustain yourself till the 11th. or 12th. inst. the expedition will go forward." Abraham Lincoln to Robert Anderson
1862 - Friday
President receives Sen. Wade (Ohio) and makes appointment to meet with Committee on Conduct of War in evening.
Sen. Browning (Ill.) has interview at night with President.
Mrs. Lincoln instructs John Hay to pay to her the White House steward's salary.
Lincoln pays $21.25 on harness bill.
Writes check to John Hay for $1,002.19.
1863 - Saturday [Washington, DC and En route to Headquarters, Army of Potomac.]
President receives several members of Joint Committee on Conduct of War.
Recognizes George Papendick as consul of Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg Schwerin.
Confers with Sec. Welles and Asst. Sec. Fox about granting letters of marque to applicant.
Congratulates Isabel II, Queen of Spain, on birth of son to Infanta Maria Christina. Abraham Lincoln to Isabel II
Interviews Miss Davis who asks for appointment of her brother, John M. K. Davis, to West Point.
President and party consisting of Mrs. Lincoln and Tad, Noah Brooks, California journalist, Dr. Henry, Atty. Gen. Bates, and Capt Medorem Crawford of Oregon leave Navy Yard about 5 P.M. aboard steamer "Carrie Martin." Snowstorm forces them to stop for night in cove on Potomac opposite Indian Head, Md.
"Castine" [Noah Brooks], Washington, April 12, 1863, in Sacramento Union, May 8, 1863. Lincoln writes memorandum on harbor defenses: "I have a single idea of my own about harbor defences. It is a Steam-ram, built so as to sacrifice nearly all capacity for carrying, to those of speed and strength. . . . her business would be to guard a particular harbour, as a Bull-dog guards his master's door." Memorandum Concerning Harbor Defenses
1864 - Monday
President sends congratulations to Isabel II, Queen of Spain, on birth of daughter. Abraham Lincoln to Isabel II
Discusses French-Mexican situation with Sec. Seward. Administration supports neither country. House of Representatives passes resolution disapproving French occupation of Mexico.
Lincoln interviews Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, who is introduced by Gen. Halleck.
With Mrs. Lincoln visits Grover's Theatre for performance of Weber's "Der Freischütz."
Lincoln puts in writing substance of interview with A. G. Hodges, Gov. Bramlette (Ky.), and former Sen. Dixon (Ky.): "I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel. . . . I have done no official act in mere deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on slavery. . . . I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensible to the preservation of the constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it. . . . I made earnest, and successive appeals to the border states to favor compensated emancipation, . . . They declined the proposition; and I was, in my best judgment, driven to the alternative of either surrendering the Union, and with it, the Constitution, or of laying strong hand upon the colored element. I chose the latter. . . . It shows a gain of quite a hundred and thirty thousand soldiers, seamen, and laborers. . . . I add a word which was not in the verbal conversation. In telling this tale I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me." Abraham Lincoln to Albert G. Hodges
Offers suggestions to Gen. Rosecrans regarding: 1. Order No. 61 concerning oaths of allegiance;2. Reported assassinations of returned Confederates; 3. Enlistment of Negroes not conducted in orderly manner. Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans
1865 - Tuesday
At 8 A.M. President orders Samuel A. Beckwith, cipher operator at Gen. Grant's headquarters, to accompany him to Richmond.
Presidential party travels on "River Queen" to meet Rear Adm. Porter's fleet. Transfers to flagship U.S.S. "Malvern" for trip to Richmond. Abandons "Malvern" for Captain's gig manned by 12 sailors. With President are Porter, Capt. Penrose, Tad, and W. H. Crook. Party lands at point called Rocketts on edge of town, 100 or more yards back of Libby Prison. With six sailors in front of President and six in rear, with Porter and Penrose on one side and Tad and Crook on other, party proceeds on foot to Gen. Weitzel's headquarters, house recently occupied by President Davis.
At Davis house is shown into room used for office. Sits and remarks, "This must have been President Davis's chair." Inspects house accompanied by aide to Gen. Weitzel.
Lunches with Gens. Weitzel and Shepley; rides around in ambulance through crowded streets to various points of interest, stopping only at Capitol, before returning to "Malvern" for night. Among visitors to see President is Duff Green, diplomat and journalist.
Interviews former Assoc. Justice Campbell on subject of peace.
Lincoln's reception at Richmond is described by Weitzel as "enthusiastic in the extreme."
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