President transmits to Congress communications from secretary of war and provost marshal general relating to joint resolution, approved December 23, 1863, prohibiting payment of bounties to veteran volunteers after January 5, 1864. "I feel constrained to recommend a re-consideration of the subject." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 5 January 1864, CW, 7:107-8.

Sends Gen. Nathan Kimball to Arkansas with blank books in which to record names of persons taking oath of December 8, 1863. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick Steele, 5 January 1864, CW, 7:108-9.

Cabinet meets with only few members present. Welles, Diary.

President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in Philadelphia: "All very well." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 5 January 1864, CW, 7:106.

Receives December salary warrant for $2,022.33. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

Asks H. T. Blow, president of Western Academy of Art, to thank John W. Schaerff, artist and lithographer at St. Louis, for "photograph of Mr. Schaerpp's picture which you have had the kindness to deliver." Abraham Lincoln to Henry T. Blow, 5 January 1864, CW, 7:105-6.