Irritated by slow production of mortars, Lincoln decides, in interview as reported by Asst. Sec. Fox, "to take these army matters into his own hands." Bruce, Tools of War, 169.

Consults with Sec. Stanton and E. M. Shield, construction engineer, regarding manufacture of mortar beds. Shield to Chase, 1 February 1862, Salmon P. Chase Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In evening meets with several members of cabinet. Mrs. Lincoln not well enough to receive visitors. Journal, 27 January 1861, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.