President signs "An act for the release of certain persons held to service, or labor in the District of Columbia," and for appointment of board of commissioners to appraise slaves of loyal citizens and allow payment not exceeding an average of $300. Message to Congress, 16 April 1862, CW, 5:192; Stat. L., XII, 376.

Approves act authorizing establishment of branch post offices in cities. Stat. L., XII, 379.

Appoints J. G. Berret, former mayor of Washington, former Cong. Samuel F. Vinton (Ohio), and Daniel R. Goodloe, formerly of North Carolina, commissioners to act for abolition of slavery in District of Columbia. N.Y. Tribune, 17 April 1862.

Asst. Sec. Fox at White House in evening. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.