President issues additional instructions to direct tax commissioners for district of South Carolina. Additional Instructions to Direct Tax Commissioners, 31 December 1863, CW, 7:98-99.

Lincoln meets with foreign minister Count Edward Piper, who represents Sweden and Norway. As the agent of King Charles XV, Count Piper presents Lincoln with a "volume containing engravings of the Royal collection of arms." Previously, Lincoln "presented to His Majesty, a pair of pistols, of American workmanship." Lincoln and Piper express "mutual good wishes . . . for the continuance of the cordial relations now existing between the two Governments." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 31 December 1863, 2:4.