Gen. Burnside consults with President and restates part of conversation in letter: "Doubtless this difference of opinion between my general officers and myself results from a lack of confidence in me. . . . It is my belief that I ought to retire to private life." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 1 January 1863, CW, 6:31-33.

New Year's Day reception at White House begins at 10 a.m. with reception of foreign ministers, followed by the general public at noon until 2 p.m. The President "looked well---was never nearer gay or buoyant." Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 2 January 1863, 2:3; Washington Chronicle, 2 January 1863; Notes, 1 January 1863, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC..

Army officers assemble at War Department and attend reception in body. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles exchanges greetings with President and colleagues at Executive Mansion. Welles, Diary.

At noon Secretary of State William H. Seward and Assistant Secretary of State Frederick W. Seward take official copy of Emancipation Proclamation to room in White House where cabinet meets. Shortly afterward President signs it. Frederick W. Seward, Reminiscences of a War-Time Statesman and Diplomat, 1830-1915. By Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State during the Administrations of Lincoln, Johnson, and Hayes (New York: Putnam, 1916), 227.

After White House reception Lincoln goes to telegraph office in War Department, settles at Major Thomas T. Eckert's desk, puts feet on nearby table, and relaxes in conversation with General Henry W. Halleck and Assistant Secretary Fox. Bates, Telegraph Office, 143.

Prepares instructions for General Halleck to visit Burnside's headquarters and pass judgment on plan to move army across Rappahannock, then withdraws instructions because considered harsh by Halleck. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 1 January 1863, CW, 6:31-33.

Directs Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to investigate "piteous appeal . . . made . . . by an old lady" who had been ordered to evacuate her boarding house. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 1 January 1863, CW, 6:33.