President Lincoln signs an Oder of Retaliation in which he outlines measures "to give protection to . . . citizens, of whatever class, color, or condition, and especially to those who are duly organized as soldiers in the public service." Lincoln pledges, "The government of the United States will give the same protection to all its soldiers, and if the enemy shall sell or enslave anyone because of his color, the offense shall be punished by retaliation upon the enemy's prisoners in our possession." Order of Retaliation, 30 July 1863, CW, 6:357.

Writes F. P. Blair, Sr.: "Yesterday I commenced trying to get up an expedition for Texas. I shall do the best I can." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Sr., 30 July 1863, CW, 6:356.