Results 31 entries found

Monday, July 1, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln spends time in temporary quarters as his office in the White House is being remodeled. Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull notes that Lincoln's office, "which is upstairs over the room where the President receives company at the Levees . . . was just being . . . fitted up with papering . . . ,&c. The papering was done & looked very prettily. Mrs. L. was up taking a look at it." Trumbull meets with Lincoln for about an hour in the evening, and the two men discuss the war: "He said to me that he did not know of any law to authorize some things which he had done; but he thought there was a necessity for them, & that to save the constitution & the laws generally, it might be better to do some illegal acts, rather than suffer all to be overthrown. He seemed to think there was just as much law for increasing the regular army & the Navy as for calling out the three years' men. Every body seems anxious for a forward movement, & indications are not wanting that it will soon be made." Lyman Trumbull to Julia Trumbull, 2 July 1861, Lyman Trumbull Family Papers, Box 1, folder 12, IHi, Springfield, IL; John M. Palmer, The Bench and Bar of Illinois: Historical and Reminiscent, 2 vols., (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1899), 1:51-54, 2:618.

Tuesday, July 2, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President authorizes General Scott to suspend writ of habeas corpus if necessary at any point of any military line between Washington and New York. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 2 July 1861, CW, 4:419.

Confers with Gen. John C. Fremont who leaves for command in West. N.Y. Times, 4 July 1861.

At 2 P.M. receives Henri Mercier, French minister. Seward to Lincoln, 1 July 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews Cong. Henry May (Md.), about to leave for Richmond. N.Y. Times, 8 July 1861.

With Sec. Cameron reviews 2d New Hampshire and 11th Massachusetts Regiments. N.Y. Tribune, 3 July 1861.

Visits camp of 11th Massachusetts Regiment on Pennsylvania Ave. Allen C. Clark, Abraham Lincoln in the National Capital (Washington, DC: W. F. Roberts Co., 1925), 27.

Wednesday, July 3, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln calls cabinet meeting for 12 M. to review message to Congress. Meets with Gen. Scott and Secs. Seward and Cameron to discuss assignment of Gen. Fremont. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 3 July 1861, CW, 4:419-20.

Confers with Seward and Gen. Meigs on news that Gen. Patterson is across river at Williamsport, Md. Extracts from Meigs Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At 4 P.M. 1st Brigade New Jersey Volunteers passes in review at White House. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 5 July 1861, 3:2.

Sen. Orville H. Browning (Ill.) at Executive Mansion in evening discusses message to Congress with Lincoln. ["Since my return from Illinois (June 18) the President has been engaged almost constantly in writing his message, and has refused to receive any calls whatever, either of friendship or business, except from members of the Cabinet, or high officials." Nicolay to Bates, 3 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.]

In conversation says: "Browning, of all the trials I have had since I came here, none begin to compare with those I had between the inauguration and the fall of Fort Sumpter [sic]. They were so great that could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them." Memorandum, 3 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Browning, Diary.

Thursday, July 4, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln's War Message, communicated to Congress as formal government document, "comprised a history of events, a report of stewardship, a constitutional argument, and an exalted commentary on fundamentals." Randall, Lincoln, 1:381.

President reviews state of Union: As of March 4, 1861, functions of government, except for post office, have been suspended in six seceded states; public revenue has been seized by, and large proportion of Federal rifles sent to, these states; many officers of Army and Navy have resigned, and active forces have been sent to scattered posts; an illegal organization, the Confederate States of America, with openly avowed purpose to sever Federal Union, is invoking aid, recognition, and intervention from foreign powers. Inaugural Address declared government's policy was to prevent destruction of Union, that government would exhaust all peaceful means before using stronger ones, would retain public property not already wrested from it, would collect revenue, and in other matters rely on time, discussion, and ballot box. Attack on Fort Sumter, S.C., the Message continues, was designed to drive out visible authority of Federal Union, and has forced on country distinct issue of dissolution or war. To preserve Union, Executive had no choice but to call out war power to resist force; 75,000 militia have been called out, blockade proclaimed, and writ of habeas corpus suspended. Recommends that Congress place at control of government $400 million and 400,000 men. Doctrine that a state may consistently with Constitution withdraw from Union without consent of Union is sophistry. States have neither more nor less power than that reserved to them by Constitution while in Union. Principle of relations of national power to states rights is no other than principle of relation of generality to locality; whatever concerns whole should be entrusted to whole, and whatever concerns state alone should be left exclusively to state. Principle of secession is one of disintegration. Nation purchased lands now forming state of Florida; if latter secedes and gets free of contributing to cost of land, all states may behave in like fashion. Who, then, would pay nation's debts? Executive, after rebellion has been suppressed, will be guided by Constitution and laws as understood and expressed in Inaugural Address. Regrets that duty of employing war power in defense of government has been forced upon him. Message to Congress in Special Session, 4 July 1861, CW, 4:421-41.

For one hour and forty minutes from pavilion in front of Executive Mansion, President Lincoln, with General Winfield Scott and cabinet, reviews more than 20,000 men of the 23 New York regiments; makes brief remarks from platform both before and after introducing Scott. Remarks at a Review of New York Regiments, 4 July 1861, CW, 4:441-42; National Republican (Washington, DC), 8 July 1861, 3:3-4; Extracts from Meigs Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Escorted to the south front of the Treasury Department building by the Seventy-first New York Volunteers, the President raises a flag on a one-hundred-foot staff. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 5 July 1861, 3:1-2.

Lincoln adds his name to temperance declaration previously signed by ten Presidents from Madison to Buchanan. Edward C. Delavan, noted temperance worker and lecturer, in letter dated July 4, 1861, writes: "President Lincoln has recently returned me, signed, the Presidential Temperance Declaration." Temperance Declaration, [c. 4 July 1861], CW, 4:420.

Lincoln endorses Horatio N. Taft, Jr., to be a page boy "as he is a play-mate of my little boys." Memorandum: Appointment of Horatio N. Taft, Jr., [4 July 1861], CW, 4:441.

Friday, July 5, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Joint Congressional Committee announces to President that Congress is ready to receive communications. Senate Journal, 8.

President's message of July 4, 1861 read before Congress. Globe, 11.

In afternoon, with family and friends, Lincoln reviews 26th Pennsylvania Regiment under Col. William F. Small and 27th Pennsylvania Regiment under Col. Einstein. N.Y. Times, 6 July 1861.

Receives June salary warrant for $2,083.33. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

Saturday, July 6, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President consults with secretary of interior, commissioner of Indian affairs, and commissioner of general land office on appointments. Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith, 6 July 1861, CW, 4:442.

Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in morning interviews Lincoln and meets Secs. Seward and Smith for first time. Browning, Diary.

President, with Col. William Sprague, governor of Rhode Island, and military engineers, views exhibit by 2d Rhode Island Regiment of James's rifled cannon on the grounds of the Washington Monument. New York Times, 7 July 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 July 1861, 1:1.

Accompanies Mrs. Lincoln to concert by Meda Blanchard at Willard's Hotel. National Republican (Washington, DC), 8 July 1861, 3:5; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 8 July 1861, 3:3.

"Colonel Blenker's German Rifles, Eighth N.Y. Volunteers, and a company of singers of the same regiment" serenade President. N.Y. Tribune, 8 July 1861.

[John Alexander, upholsterer, Penn. Ave. between 12th and 13th Sts., who sold blue and white duck tent used for review of July 3, 1861, charges $5.00 for setting up and taking down tent on this date, indicating probability of review at White House. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-505.]

Sunday, July 7, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Robert L. Wilson (one of "long nine" in Illinois Legislature with Lincoln) visits President and declines captaincy, but receives appointment as paymaster. Rufus R. Wilson, ed., Intimate Memories of Lincoln (Elmira, NY: Primavera Press, 1942), 26.

Marshal Lamon reports to President on conditions at Gen. Patterson's headquarters. N.Y. Times, 8 July 1861.

Lincoln and Sec. Seward spend two hours at Navy Yard. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Former Lt. Gov. Koerner (Ill.) and friends from Illinois spend three hours with Lincoln in evening: "I learned a great many things; for Lincoln is naively open-hearted." T. J. McCormack, ed., Memoirs of Gustave Koerner, 1809-1896, 2 vols. (Cedar Rapids, IA: The Torch Press, 1909), 2:153-54.

Monday, July 8, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Sen. Browning (Ill.), with Paymaster Gen. Benjamin F. Larned, calls on President in morning, and is alone with him from 3 to 5:30 P.M. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln receives letter dated July 6, 1861 from Jefferson Davis, President, Confederate States of America, Richmond, concerning capture of Confederate ship "Savannah" and treatment of crew. National Intelligencer, 1 August 1861.

Calls cabinet meeting immediately. N.Y. Times, 9 July 1861.

Interviews W. G. Terrell of Kentucky regarding wisdom of enlisting troops in state. Terrell to Anderson, 9 July 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Rhode Island band, in presence of Governor William Sprague, Colonel Ambrose E. Burnside, and Colonel Henry W. Slocum, serenades President. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 July 1861, 3:3.

President urges Secretary of War Simon Cameron to furnish Adjutant General James S. Wheat, "if possible with what arms, equipage &c. &c. he needs" for defense of western Virginia. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 8 July 1861, CW, 4:443.

Tuesday, July 9, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

"Capt. Butterfield wishing me to go with him to the President's—Went." Browning, Diary.

President and Postmaster Gen. Blair visit Gen. McClellan's quarters. Russell, Diary.

President deposits June salary check for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

In the evening, President Lincoln and his wife, Mary, host a White House reception. A newspaper reports, "The military display was very brilliant, and the ladies never made a finer appearance. Mrs. Lincoln attracted universal attention by her graceful bearing and high social qualities. Vice President [Hannibal] Hamlin and Speaker [of the House Galusha A.] Grow were among the guests. Generals and colonels were as thick as blackberries." New York Herald, 11 July 1861, 1:1; Sun (Baltimore, MD), 11 July 1861, 4:5; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 July 1861, 2:1.

Wednesday, July 10, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President Lincoln writes a memo to Simon B. Buckner, whom Kentucky Governor Beriah Magoffin sent to meet with Lincoln regarding the "condition of public sentiment" in Kentucky. Lincoln writes, "It is my duty . . . to suppress an insurrection existing within the United States. I wish to do this with the least possible disturbance, or annoyance to well disposed people anywhere. So far I have not sent an armed force into Kentucky . . . I sincerely desire that no necessity for it may be presented; but I mean to say nothing which shall hereafter embarrass me in the performance of . . . my duty." Beriah Magoffin to Abraham Lincoln, 25 June 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Simon B. Buckner, 10 July 1861, CW, 4:444.

[Mrs. Lincoln visits camp of Rhode Island Regiment in afternoon. N.Y. Times, 11 July 1861.

Statement of John Alexander, (see July 6, 1861) indicates probability of review at White House on this date. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-505.]

Thursday, July 11, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln goes to Gen. Scott's office in morning. Has brief interview with Sen. Browning (Ill.). Browning, Diary.

Answers request of House of Representatives for correspondence about incorporation of Dominican Republic with Spanish Monarchy. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 11 July 1861, CW, 4:446.

Sends to Senate convention between U.S. and Denmark on subject of deserting seamen. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 11 July 1861, CW, 4:447.

Friday, July 12, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

At 4 A.M. Col. Daniel Butterfield hands Lincoln telegram announcing victory of Union Army at Rich Mountain in "Western Virginia." Emanuel Hertz, ed., Lincoln Talks: A Biography in Anecdote (New York: Viking Press, 1939), 377.

[President's account charged $5.00 for two "fine flank netts." Lutz Account Book.]

Saturday, July 13, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President discusses with Sens. Solomon Foot (Vt.) and Sumner (Mass.) activities of James E. Harvey, minister to Portugal. Requests Foot and Sumner to report to Senate and return for further discussion. Sec. Seward and Sen. Browning (Ill.) interview Lincoln on same subject. Memorandum, 13 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Simeon Draper dines with President. N.Y. Tribune, 14 July 1861.

President approves act further providing for collection of import duties, and for other purposes. Statutes at Large, XII, 255 [cited as Stat. L]; N.Y. Times, 16 July 1861.

[Statement of John Alexander (see July 6, 1861) indicates probability of review at White House on this date. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-505.]

Sunday, July 14, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President visits Navy Yard about 6 P.M. and tells Comd. Dahlgren, as they drive through grounds, that armies are hotly engaged. Madeleine V. Dahlgren, Memoir of John A. Dahlgren, Rear-Admiral United States Navy, by his Widow (Boston: J. R. Osgood, 1882), 339.

Monday, July 15, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

In the evening, Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull meets with Lincoln, and they discuss "business matters." Trumbull arrives home from the meeting at "about 10 ½ oclock." Lyman Trumbull to Julia Trumbull, 16 July 1861, Lyman Trumbull Family Papers, Box 1, folder 12, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Tuesday, July 16, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President holds morning conference with Gen. Meigs regarding expedition against certain Southern ports. Extracts from Meigs Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Recommends such legislation by Congress as necessary for U.S. to participate in industrial fair in London. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, [16] July 1861, CW, 4:450-51.

In the evening, President Lincoln hosts a "reception." A newspaper reports, "Mrs. Lincoln never looked better, and drew around her a large circle of friend[s] and admirers." The "appearance of the old veteran, Gen. [Winfield] Scott" highlights the evening. The seventy-five-year-old Scott is the Commanding General of the U.S. Army. The report continues, "No sooner was it whispered through the east room that . . . Scott was with the President than every body rushed in that direction, and for a few moments the pressure of the crowd was really 'awful.'" Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 July 1861, 2:1.

Wednesday, July 17, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President signs commission of W. O. Stoddard as "Secretary to the President to sign land patents . . . 15th day of July, 1861." William O. Stoddard, Lincoln's Third Secretary: The Memoirs of William O. Stoddard, ed. by William O. Stoddard, Jr. (New York: Exposition Press, 1955), 74.

Approves act authorizing national loan, and for other purposes. Stat. L., XII, 259.

Several Kansas men and Sen. Browning (Ill.) consult with Lincoln from 8:30 to 11 P.M. on treaty with Delaware Indians and construction of railroad. Browning, Diary.

[Statement of John Alexander (see July 6, 1861) indicates probability of review at White House on this date. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-505.]

Thursday, July 18, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

"Met the President crossing Pennsylvania Avenue, striding like a crane in a bulrush swamp . . . evidently in a hurry, on his way to the White House," President writes Sec. Chase for help in patronage to avoid "a difficulty, or rupture" with Sen. King (N.Y.) and Cong. Galusha A. Grow (Pa.). Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 18 July 1861, CW, 4:452.

Friday, July 19, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln sends to Senate draft of treaty with Delaware Indians. Recommends to Congress joint commission with Great Britain on development of fisheries. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 19 July 1861, CW, 4:453-54.

Asks Sec. Seward to call: "I wish to see you a moment this morning on a matter of no great moment." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 19 July 1861, CW, 4:454.

Spends evening with Sen. Browning (Ill.) and patronage seekers. Browning, Diary.

[E. V. Haughwont and Co., 488-92 Broadway, New York, submits bill for $166.00 for chandeliers purchased by Mrs. Lincoln. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-665.]

Saturday, July 20, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President forwards to Senate terms made through Judge Williams with Delaware Indians as basis for treaty. Abraham Lincoln to Orville H. Browning, 20 July 1861, CW, 4:455.

Interviews George W. Harris of Harrisburg, Pa. Harris to Cameron, 23 July 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews William Grandin of New York, and directs him to leave testimonials at Sec. Cameron's house. Grandin to Cameron, 20 July 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cameron returns from Gen. McDowell's headquarters at Manassas, Va., and reports orally to President on preparation of army for impending battle. Memorandum, January 1862, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; N.Y. Times, 27 July 1861.

Lincoln asks John W. Forney, secretary of senate and editor and publisher, to find place for son of Alexander Sympson of Illinois, "one of my best friends whom I have not, so far, been able to recognize in any substantial way." Abraham Lincoln to John W. Forney, 20 July 1861, CW, 4:456.

[Statement of John Alexander (see July 6, 1861) indicates probability of review at White House on this date. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-505.]

Sunday, July 21, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President attends church service. Benjamin P. Thomas, Abraham Lincoln: A Biography (New York: Knopf, 1952), 271.

At White House feverish excitement but little, if any, alarm. Nathaniel W. Stephenson, Lincoln: An Account of his Personal Life, Especially of its Springs of Action as Revealed and Deepened by the Ordeal of War (Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1922), 174; Helm, Mary, 179.

Lincoln spends most of day in telegraph office of War Dept. with members of cabinet and army personnel, analyzing dispatches and studying maps of battlefield. Drops in dozen times during evening and leaves after midnight. Bates, Telegraph Office, 88-92.

From 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. receives dispatches at fifteen-minute intervals from Fairfax Station, three or four miles from battle. [Messages dispatched by Andrew Carnegie, later industrialist and philanthropist.] Nicolay to Bates, 21 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Bates, Telegraph Office, 88.

Sen. Sumner (Mass.) at White House twice today. Pierce, Sumner Memoir and Letters, 4:42.

President interviews Gen. Dix. Dix to President, 21 July 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sen. Zachariah Chandler (Mich.) gives President eyewitness account of Battle of Bull Run, Manassas. Zachariah Chandler: An Outline Sketch of His Life and Public Services (Detroit: Post and Tribune Company, 1880), 211.

Lincoln dines at 3:30 P.M. and goes to War Dept. to discuss with Gen. Scott dispatches that indicate Federal troops are retreating. Scott assures him news is not unfavorable. At 6 P.M. Lincoln drives to Navy Yard and talks with Comdr. Dahlgren. Returns to White House about 7 P.M. and learns from Sec. Seward that battle has been lost. Remains awake all night, listening to stories of senators and congressmen returning from battlefield. "By day-break what had been the Union's hopeful army began streaming past, now only a rain-soaked mob." Bruce, Tools of War, 47-48; Nicolay, Lincoln's Secretary, 109-10; Nicolay to Bates, 21 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Monday, July 22, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Gen. Scott calls at White House at 2 A.M. and insists that Mrs. Lincoln and boys be sent north out of danger. Mrs. Lincoln refuses to leave. Helm, Mary, 179.

At 3 A.M. President has long talk with Gen. Meigs, just returned from Bull Run, (Manassas.) Extracts from Meigs Diary, 21 July 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Gen. McClellan ordered to Washington, to command troops defending capital. Official Records—Armies 1, II, 753.

Sen. Browning (Ill.) with Lincoln from 5 to 7 P.M. reviewing reports on Battle of Bull Run, (Manassas.) Browning, Diary.

President approves act authorizing employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing laws and protecting public property. Stat. L., XII, 268.

Purchases whip for 50¢ . Lutz Account Book.

Tuesday, July 23, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward "visit . . . various camps over the [Potomac] river." When they arrive at Fort Corcoran, located in Alexandria, Virginia, the soldiers with the New York Sixty-ninth Infantry Regiment greet them "with the greatest enthusiasm." A newspaper reports, "The President asked if they intended to re-enlist? The reply was that 'they would if the President desired it.' He announced emphatically that he did . . . This was received with cheers, and the determination expressed to go in for the war and stand by the government and the old flag for ever." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 July 1861, 3:1; New York Herald (NY), 24 July 1861, 1:1-2; Remarks to the Sixty-Ninth New York Regiment, 23 July 1861, CW, 4:458.

Lincoln writes memorandum on military policy suggested by Bull Run defeat. Memoranda of Military Policy Suggested by the Bull Run Defeat, 23 July 1861, CW, 4:457-58.

Disgruntled captain tells Lincoln of Gen. Sherman having threatened to shoot him, to which Lincoln replies: "Well, if I were you and he threatened to shoot, I would not trust him, for I believe he would do it." William T. Sherman, Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, by Himself, 2 vols. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1957), 1:188-91.

Lincoln and Sen. Sumner (Mass.) discuss emancipation until midnight. Pierce, Sumner Memoir and Letters, 4:42.

[Mrs. Lincoln receives gift of Confederate flag captured by Zouaves from Louisiana regiment. N.Y. Tribune, 25 July 1861.]

Lincoln approves payment of bill for $1,500.00 to A. P. Zimandy for set of glass ware "rich cut and Engd with U.S. Coat of Arms." DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-158.

Wednesday, July 24, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President notifies Gov. Charles S. Olden (N.J.) that a total of eight regiments of three-year volunteers will be accepted. Abraham Lincoln to Charles S. Olden, 24 July 1861, CW, 4:458-59.

In afternoon President sees experiments with Sherwin's rifled cannon, orders construction of six-pounder. N.Y. Tribune, 25 July 1861.

President and Sec. Seward visit 71st New York Regiment at Navy Yard. N.Y. Tribune, 25 July 1861.

Thursday, July 25, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln interviews Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Lt. George P. Ihrie (resigned) about paymaster appointment. Browning, Diary.

Receives Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe. Bruce, Tools of War, 87.

Sends communications to House of Representatives regarding foreign correspondence on subjects of insurrection in U.S. and maritime rights. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 25 July 1861, CW, 4:459; Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 25 July 1861, CW, 4:459-60.

Friday, July 26, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

In morning Lincoln receives Missouri patronage group, including Cong. James S. Rollins (Mo.). Browning, Diary.

Escorts Prof. Lowe to see Gen. Scott. Bruce, Tools of War, 87.

Cabinet in session more than four hours. N.Y. Times, 27 July 1861.

New York delegation (Judge McKean, Gen. Bullard, and Prof. McCoy) urges recall of Gen. Wool to active service. N.Y. Tribune, 27 July 1861.

In evening, accompanied by Senator William P. Fessenden, President visits Navy Yard to observe experiments with a new weapon. Evenig Star (Washington, DC), 27 July 1861, 3:3.

Saturday, July 27, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President calls Gen. McClellan to White House and places him in command of all troops in vicinity of Washington. McClellan, War for Union, 66.

Summons McClellan to cabinet meeting that does not include Gen. Scott, who learns of arrangement and detains McClellan in conference until meeting is over. Randall, Lincoln, 1:393.

"I explained to the President the cause of my apparent lack of courtesy, at which he seemed more amused than otherwise." McClellan, War for Union, 66.

President approves letter of Sec. Seward to Henry S. Sanford, American minister in Brussels, offering commission in army to Giuseppe Garibaldi, liberator of Italy. Nelson H. Gay, "Lincoln's Offer of a Command to Garibaldi," Century Magazine 75 (November 1907):67.

Sends communication to House of Representatives regarding arrest of Baltimore police commissioners. Answers Senate resolution relative to instructions given American ministers about rebellion in Southern portion of Union. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 27 July 1861, CW, 4:461-62.

President and Mrs. Lincoln visit 27th New York Regiment and chat with wounded. N.Y. Tribune, 28 July 1861.

President greets everyone at White House levee. Russell, Diary.

Adds to memorandum written July 23, 1861 on military policy suggested by defeat at Bull Run. Memoranda of Military Policy Suggested by the Bull Run Defeat, 27 July 1861, CW, 4:457-58.

Sunday, July 28, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President and Mrs. Lincoln attend Presbyterian Church services. Meet Sen. Browning (Ill.), who accepts invitation to dinner at Executive Mansion. Browning, Diary.

Monday, July 29, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Lincoln receives first of series of letters from Horace Greeley advocating negotiated peace. Lloyd A. Dunlap, "President Lincoln and Editor Greeley," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 5 (June 1948):100.

Advises Gov. Morgan (N.Y.) to stop three-month enlistment and send 25,000 men for three-year period or duration of war. DNA—WR RG 107, Off. Sec. War, Letters Received, Irregular Books, II, 143.

Receives list of brigadier appointments from Sen. Browning (Ill.). Browning, Diary.

Transmits articles of agreement with Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians to Senate. Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 29 July 1861, CW, 4:464.

Asks Kentucky delegation in Congress if they will consent to "my friend Jesse Bayles" raising "a Kentucky Regiment." Abraham Lincoln to the Kentucky Delegation in Congress, 29 July 1861, CW, 4:464.

Tuesday, July 30, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

Hugh McCulloch, Indiana banker, and friends visit President, who surprises them by relating anecdotes when government seems in peril. Hugh McCulloch, Men and Measures of Half a Century: Sketches and Comments (New York: Scribner, 1888), 161.

President sends communications to Senate regarding quasi-armistice with Florida and imprisonment of Lt. John L. Worden (USN). Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 30 July 1861, CW, 4:465.

Selects Gen. Andrew Porter to succeed Gen. Frederick W. Lander as provost marshal of Washington. N.Y. Times, 31 July 1861.

Appears in good spirits and hopeful at White House evening levee. Congressman (former Senator) John J. Crittenden (Ky.) promenades with Mrs. Lincoln. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 31 July 1861, 2:2; National Republican (Washington, DC), 1 August 1861, 3:1; N.Y. Tribune, 31 July 1861.

Wednesday, July 31, 1861.+-

Washington, DC.

President directs U.S. marshals to supply "decent lodging and subsistence" to political prisoners. DNA—WR RG 108, Off. Hdqrs. Army, Register of Letters Received, LXX, 302; Abraham Lincoln to United States Marshal, 31 July 1861, CW, 4:466.

Confers with Sen. Browning (Ill.), Cong. William P. Sheffield (R.I.), and Pope of Bloomington, Ill. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln and Sec. Seward visit hospital at Georgetown; President shakes hands with wounded. N.Y. Times, 2 August 1861.

President approves act empowering Chief Executive to decide when a state of insurrection exists. Stat. L., XII, 284.