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Wednesday, April 12, 1865.+-

Washington, DC.

After breakfast O. H. Browning introduces to President William C. Bibb, influential Unionist of Montgomery, Ala., interested in reconstruction, and receives various passes and orders. Browning, Diary.

Col. William P. Kellogg (resd.), former chief justice of Nebraska Territory, and Sen. Harlan (Iowa) interview President in morning about appointment of governor of Nebraska and in evening discuss problem of rehabilitation of Southern States. Paul M. Angle, ed., "The Recollections of William Pitt Kellogg," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 3 (September 1945):332-35.

In conversation with Marquis de Chambrun, Lincoln "spoke at length of the many struggles he foresaw in the future and declared his firm resolution to stand for clemency against all opposition." Adolphe de Pineton, marquis de Chambrun, Impressions of Lincoln and the Civil War: A Foreigner's Account (New York: Random House, 1952), 93.

Visits Sec. Stanton in War Dept. about 5 P.M. and decides to revoke permission for convocation of Virginia Assembly. Flower, Stanton, 271-72.

Telegraphs Gen. Weitzel: "Is there any sign of the rebel Legislature coming together on the understanding of my letter to you? If there is any such sign, inform me what it is; if there is no such sign you may as [well] withdraw the offer." Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel, 12 April 1865, CW, 8:405-6.

Explains to Weitzel that former Assoc. Justice J. A. Campbell is in error if he understands Confederate Legislature of Virginia is accepted as rightful legislature of State. It is but "the gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia in support of the rebellion." However they have de facto power "to withdraw the Virginia troops, and other support from resistance to the General Government," and for this purpose they were encouraged to meet. Since Virginia troops have been captured by Gen. Grant, do not let them assemble. Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel, 12 April 1865, CW, 8:406-8; Official Records—Armies 1, XLVI, pt. 3, 725.

Writes Weitzel: "I do not remember hearing prayers spoken of while I was in Richmond; but I have no doubt you have acted in what appeared to you to be the spirit and temper manifested by me while there." [ Stanton had reprimanded Weitzel for not ordering prayers for President in churches.] Abraham Lincoln to Godfrey Weitzel, 12 April 1865, CW, 8:405-6; Official Records—Armies 1, XLVI, pt. 3, 724.