President at War Dept. early to get news of Army of Potomac near Fredericksburg, Va. Philadelphia News, 15 December 1862.

Approves action of Sec. Welles in dismissing Comdr. George H. Preble (USN) for failure to do his duty in permitting Confederate ship "Florida" to run blockade at Mobile, Ala. Welles, Diary.

J. W. Forney and friends from Pennsylvania call at White House and present cane to President. Washington Chronicle, 12 December 1862.

Maj. Moses Gist of 4th Delaware Infantry reports to President on firing tests given Peckham rifle cartridges designed to make ramrods unnecessary in loading by muzzle. They drop to bottom of bore and stay in place by means of powder released from cartridge in loading. Bruce, Tools of War, 220-22.

At 6 P.M. President talks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) about army matters and Gen. Cassius M. Clay. Browning, Diary.

John Nicolay makes trip to Fredericksburg; sent by President with letter of introduction to Gen. Burnside. Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside, 12 December 1862, CW, 5:552.

Lincoln forwards to Congress three swords formerly belonging to Gen. David E. Twiggs (CSA) and sent from New Orleans by Gen. Butler. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 12 December 1862, CW, 5:552-53.

President answers Mayor Fernando Wood's (N.Y.) proposal for armistice and peace effort: "The war would cease on the part of the United States," if the people of the Southern States would cease resistance and maintain national authority. "Nor do I think it proper now to suspend military operations to try any experiment of negotiation." Abraham Lincoln to Fernando Wood, 12 December 1862, CW, 5:553-54.