Lincoln gives original draft of Emancipation Proclamation to ladies having charge of Northwestern Fair for Sanitary Commission in Chicago. Abraham Lincoln to Ladies in Charge of Northwestern Fair, 26 October 1863, CW, 6:539-40.

Lincoln writes to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, of Galena, Illinois. Washburne urged Lincoln "to let some of your confidential friends know your wishes and feelings" about running for re-election. Washburne informed Lincoln that their mutual friend Thompson Campbell, a California state legislator, supports Lincoln's candidacy. Lincoln responds, "Thanks to both you and . . . Campbell, for your kind words and intentions. A second term would be a great honor and a great labor, which together, perhaps I would not decline, if tendered." Elihu B. Washburne to Abraham Lincoln, 12 October 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 26 October 1863, CW, 6:540-41.

Postmaster Gen. Blair delivers to Lincoln letter containing charges against Alexander Montgomery. Montgomery to Blair, 24 October 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes Sec. Chase: "The writer of the accompanying letter is one of Mrs. L[incoln]'s numerous cousins. . . . I know not a thing about his loyalty beyond what he says. Supposing he is loyal, can any of his requests be granted?" Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 26 October 1863, CW, 6:537-38.

Approves courtmartial proceedings in case of Capt. James M. Cutts, Jr., brother of late Sen. Douglas' (Ill.) second wife, and remits sentence. Writes reprimand [that may have been delivered in personal interview]: "You have too much of life yet before you, and have shown too much of promise as an officer, for your future to be lightly surrendered. . . . No man resolved to make the most of himself, can spare time for personal contention." Abraham Lincoln to James M. Cutts, Jr., 26 October 1863, CW, 6:538-39. [See July 18, 1863.]

In evening, President and Tad go to see the comedies Handy Andy and A Lesson for Husbands, starring Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence at Grover's Theatre. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 October 1863, 2d ed., 3:5, 27 October 1863, 2d ed., 2:1.