President confers with Sec. Stanton regarding release of Joseph Howard, Jr., who perpetrated New York newspaper hoax involving purported proclamation of President Lincoln. Harper, Press, 302.

The members of the 166th Ohio Regiment assemble in front of the White House, where President Lincoln remarks, "It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives...I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence...It is for this the struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthright...The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel." Speech to One Hundred Sixty-sixth Ohio Regiment, 22 August 1864, CW, 7:512; Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 23 August 1864, 3:1.