In the afternoon, President Lincoln speaks to an "immense crowd" gathered "at the east front of the Capitol [building]." Lincoln attempts to dispel rumors that General George McClellan and the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton are feuding. Lincoln states, "McClellan's attitude is such that, in the very selfishness of his nature, he cannot but wish to be successful . . . and [Stanton] is in precisely the same situation." He adds, "If [McClellan] . . . cannot be successful, not only [Stanton], but myself for the time being the master of them both, cannot be but failures." Address to Union Meeting at Washington, 6 August 1862, CW, 5:358-59; The New York Times (NY), 7 August 1862, 1:4-6.

Consults with Stanton , Gen. Halleck, and governors on problem of drafting army replacements. N.Y. Tribune, 7 August 1862.

James C. Conkling of Illinois is dinner guest. CW, 8:497.