Gen. Butler, invited by President to cabinet meeting at 10 A.M., describes capture of forts at Hatteras Inlet, N.C. In afternoon President, John G. Nicolay, and Seward family visit local army camp. Lincoln describes officer: "There's more in that Colonel than you'd think at first. He begins low, but he goes high." Directs driver to return to city via Capitol. NRR—Diary of Frances Seward Ms.; Nicolay to Bates, 2 September 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In evening President and Sec. Seward review 1st and 3d New York Regiments of Excelsior Brigade. N.Y. Times, 2 September 1861.

President orders Gen. Fremont: "It is therefore my order that you allow no man to be shot, under the proclamation [issued by Fremont August 30], without first having my approbation or consent. Secondly, . . . in relation to the confiscation of property, and the liberating slaves . . . Allow me . . . to ask, that you will . . . modify that paragraph so as to conform to the . . . act of Congress, . . . approved August 6th, 1861." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 2 September 1861, CW, 4:506-7.

Lincoln and Sec. Seward review 2d and 5th Wisconsin Regiments of Gen. Rufus King's brigade. N.Y. Times, 3 September 1861.

[Irwin deposits $60 in Springfield Marine Bank, interest on Isaac Lindsay note. Pratt, Personal Finances, 164.

In New York, Mrs. Lincoln purchases from E. V. Haughwont and Co., 488-92 Broadway, "One fine Porcelain Dining Service of One Hundred and ninety pieces . . . decorated Royal Purple, and double gilt, with the Arms of the United States, on each piece, for the Presidential Mansion. . . . $3,195.00." DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-541.]

President visits and inspects Arsenal most of morning, accompanied by Major George D. Ramsey. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 4 September 1861, 2:2.

In afternoon inspects army installations near Falls Church, Va. Russell, Diary.

At some point during day, visits Navy Yard with General George B. McClellan and Secretary of War Simon Cameron. National Republican (Washington, DC), 4 September 1861, 3:1.

Rides with Secretary of State William H. Seward family in evening. Talks briefly with General Winfield Scott. Frances Seward, Diary.

President receives from commanding officer, Col. George D. Ramsay, statement of serviceable arms at Washington Arsenal. Ramsay to Lincoln, 4 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews Governor Hamilton Gamble (Mo.) in the afternoon regarding recruiting of troops. National Republican (Washington, DC), 5 September 1861, 2:1; New York Times, 5 September 1861.

Appoints Asst. Sec. Fox acting secretary of navy during absence of Sec. Welles. Appointment of Gustavus V. Fox, 4 September 1861, CW, 4:507.

Lincoln confers with Gen. Scott about Military Dept. of Missouri, Gen. Fremont, and Gen. Hunter. Scott to Lincoln, 5 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Appears on Pennsylvania Ave. in rain, carrying parcel, no umbrella. Russell, Diary.

Approves purchase in Europe of 100,000 muskets and "18,000 sabres" through Herman Boker & Co. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 5 September 1861, CW, 4:509.

Receives August salary warrant for $2,083.34. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

Mrs. Lincoln and family return to Washington. National Republican (Washington, DC), 6 September 1861, 2:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 September 1861, 3:1.

[In New York, Mrs. Lincoln purchases books from Daniel Appleton and Co., in amount of $264.00. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-775.]

Commodore Stringham at White House in morning for conference with President. N.Y. Times, 7 September 1861.

White House callers: Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Harvey of Ohio, John F. Winslow, New York businessman, and Maj. John T. Sprague of Massachusetts. Yates to Lincoln, 3 September 1861; Seward to Lincoln, 6 September 1861; and Harris to Lincoln, 4 September 1861, all in Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President and Mrs. Lincoln, Sec. Seward, and Col. Ward H. Lamon visit Lamon's cavalry regiment and 23d Pennsylvania Regiment. New York Times, 7 September 1861.

Writes check to "Master Tad" for "one gold dollar." CW, 8:476.

President interviews Philip L. Fox, F. N. Buck, and Martin Thomas of Philadelphia regarding purchase and resale of arms to government. Memorandum: Interview with Philip L. Fox, 7 September 1861, CW, 4:512-13.

Interviews Arthur Rich about consulate at Shanghai. Rich to Lincoln, 10 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Russian minister, Baron Edouard de Stoeckl, has audience with President and reads friendly letter from Emperor. Lincoln describes message as "the most loyal manifestation of friendship" shown by any European government. National Intelligencer, 9 September 1861; Albert A. Woldman, Lincoln and the Russians (Cleveland: World Publishing Co., 1952), 129.

President urges General George B. McClellan to stay execution of Private William Scott, Co. K, 3d Vermont Volunteers, ordered to be shot for sleeping on guard duty at Chain Bridge. National Republican (Washington, DC), 10 September 1861, 1:1; Lucius E. Chittenden, Recollections of President Lincoln and his Administration (New York: Harper, 1891), 266-80.

"Mr. Lincoln came this morning to ask me to pardon a man that I had ordered to be shot, suggesting that I could give as a reason in the order that it was by request of the Lady President [Mrs. Lincoln]." McClellan, War for Union, 91.

President and Mrs. Lincoln go for drive toward Arlington in their new open carriage. Russell, Diary.

President writes Gen. Hunter about Gen. Fremont and his difficulty in Dept. of West: "Gen. Fremont needs assistance. . . . His cardinal mistake is that he isolates himself, & allows nobody to see him; and by which he does not know what is going on in the very matters he is dealing with. He needs to have, by his side, a man of large experience. Will you not, for me, take that place? Your rank is one grade too high to be ordered to it; but will you not serve the country, and oblige me, by taking it voluntarily?" Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter, 9 September 1861, CW, 4:513.

Discusses problems of building ironclad boats with Cornelius S. Bushnell, Connecticut industrialist. George H. Robinson, "The Builders of the First Monitor," Century Magazine, XLI, 156; West, Welles, 151.

Meets with a delegation of citizens of Philadelphia, introduced by Secretary of War Simon Cameron, who express commitment to war. National Republican (Washington, DC), 11 September 1861, 2:3.

Lincoln authorizes Gen. Butler "to raise, organize, arm, uniform and equip a Volunteer force for the War, in the New England States." Draft of Order Authorizing Benjamin F. Butler to Raise a Volunteer Force, 10 September 1861, CW, 4:515.

Meets with navy board at 11 A.M. to hear plans of C. S. Bushnell for building ironclad vessels. West, Welles, 151.

Interviews delegation of prominent Kentuckians. New York Herald, 12 September 1861.

Attends presentation of colors to Pennsylvania troops by Governor Andrew Curtin (Pa.) at Tennallytown, north of Georgetown and near Maryland line, followed by public review of Gen. George A. McCall's division. Later, with Secretary of War Simon Cameron, General George B. McClellan, and Curtin, tours fortifications on Virginia side of Potomac and returns at 7 P.M. National Republican (Washington, DC), 11 September 1861, 1:2, 2:3; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 11 September 1861, 3:1.

When Mrs. John C. Fremont, who brings letter and verbal communications from her husband,demands immediate interview, Lincoln responds: "Now, at once [midnight]." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. John C. Fremont, 10 September [1861], CW, 4:515.

President publicly orders Gen. Fremont to modify his proclamation of August 30, 1861 to conform to Act of Congress, August 6, 1861. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 11 September 1861, CW, 4:517-18.

Telegraphs governors of New England states that Gen. Butler proposes raising six regiments in their states and asks their consent. Abraham Lincoln to New England Governors, 11 September 1861, CW, 4:518-19.

Lincoln, on his way to State Dept., walks through White House garden during band concert "quite unnoticed by the crowd." Russell, Diary.

Writes Mrs. Fremont: "It is not exactly correct . . . to say that I sent Post-Master-General Blair to St. Louis to examine into that Department, and report. . . . No impression has been made on my mind against the honor or integrity of Gen. Fremont." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. John C. Fremont, 12 September 1861, CW, 4:519-20.

Meets with Charles H. Foster, ostensible Congressman-elect from North Carolina, who offers brigade of Union soldiers from that state. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 12 September 1861, 2:2; New York Herald, 12 September 1861, 5:2.

Sends Joseph Holt of Kentucky, member of former President Buchanan's cabinet, copy of letter written to Fremont regarding latter's proclamation of August 30, 1861. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt, 12 September 1861, CW, 4:520.

President confers with William P. Thomasson, former congressman from Kentucky, regarding patronage. Note by Lincoln, 13 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Receives telegram addressed to Joshua F. Speed of Kentucky, early Illinois friend of Lincoln, by three citizens of Louisville: "There is not a day to lose in disavowing emancipation or Kentucky is gone over the mill dam." Telegram, 13 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President and Secretary of War Simon Cameron meet with Prince Salm Salm, an officer in the Prussian Royal Guards, who offers his services to the government of the United States. National Republican (Washington, DC), 14 September 1861, 3:2.

Confers with General Winfield Scott about General John C. Fremont's situation. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 3:151.

Approves payment of bill for dining service purchased by Mrs. Lincoln [See September 2, 1861]. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-451.

President consults with Sec. Cameron and they decide to ask Gen. Fremont to send 5,000 well-armed infantry to Washington. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 3:133.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase on behalf of an old friend. Lincoln explains, "Mr. ThomasAlsop is my personal acquaintance of near twenty years standing, and one of the truest men I ever knew. He is needy now; and if you can at once, or in a reasonable time, find a clerkship for him, I shall be greatly obliged to you." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 14 September 1861, CW, 11:33.

In evening President has long friendly chat at Executive Mansion with Sec. Welles who has just returned from Connecticut. West, Welles, 151.

Steams down Potomac at night to watch test of electro-mercury light invented by Prof. John T. Way. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, 15 September 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Lincoln's account is charged $1.00, again for "altering collar." Lutz Account Book.]

Today President conducts second cabinet meeting regarding removal of Gen. Fremont. Decides to await report of emissaries examining case. Nicolay memorandum of conversation, 17 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sec. Welles at White House in evening. Welles to wife, 15 September 1861, Gideon Welles Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President requests Gen. Scott to prepare order for recruiting North Carolinians at Fort Hatteras, N.C. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 16 September 1861, CW, 4:525.

Receives report through Scott that Gen. Fremont has ordered Col. Blair under arrest. Memorandum of conversation with President, 17 September 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes a letter of introduction to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase on behalf of Mrs. Ryder. Lincoln explains, "Mrs. Ryder—has learned that there is some 'lady'swork' in your Department in connection with the Treasury notes, and wishes a chance for a share of it, if such be the fact. Please give her a fair hearing." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 16 September 1861, CW, 11:34.

President writes Gen. Scott: "Inform me what can be, and ought to be done as a recognition of the gallantry of the officers who fought with Gen. [Nathaniel] Lyon at Wilson's creek?" [Action in Mo., 10 August 1861]; Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 17 September 1861, CW, 4:526-27.

Sec. Chase hands President telegram from Gen. Sherman regarding available troops. Chase to Sherman, 17 September 1861, William T. Sherman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President appoints general officers for new Kentucky brigade under command of General William T. Ward. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 18 September 1861, 3:6; National Republican (Washington, DC), 19 September 1861, 2:1.

Minister for Denmark pays visit of ceremony at 12 M. Seward to Lincoln, 18 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet meets morning and afternoon to hear reports of Gen. Meigs and Postmaster Gen. Blair, who have studied conditions at St. Louis under Fremont regime. N.Y. Times, 19 September 1861.

Miles J. Fletcher, superintendent of public instruction, hands Lincoln report from Gov. Morton (Ind.) on Indiana regiments. Morton to Lincoln, 16 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President alerts secretaries of war and navy that joint expedition agreed upon "must be ready to move by the first of, or very early in, October." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 18 September 1861, CW, 4:527-28.

President interviews James Baker regarding discharge of son under 18 from 2d Michigan Infantry. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 19 September 1861, CW, 4:529.

At request of Sec. Seward holds conference with Col. Isaac M. Tucker, 2d New Jersey Regiment Volunteers. Seward to Lincoln, 19 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In long cabinet meeting, Postmaster General Montgomery Blair reports to President about arrest of Colonel Frank Blair in St. Louis for criticizing General John C. Fremont's policy. Blair to Fremont, 20 September 1861, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 20 September 1861, 2:2.

Mrs. Lincoln has few friends, including General and Mrs. Samuel P. Heintzelman, at White House for evening party. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the afternoon, Lincoln, Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Secretary of State William Seward, Prince de Joinville, of France, and others observe as Colonel Hiram Berdan's "regiment of Sharp-shooters" demonstrates its "efficiency." A newspaper reports, "The Prince De Joinville and son and nephews are receiving unofficial but hospitable attentions from the President and Secretary of State." During the shooting exhibition, "Two hundred and sixty shots were fired, the target being completely riddled. The President made an excellent shot." New York Times, 21 September 1861, 1:1-2.

Lincoln investigates charge of disloyalty against Isaac S. Miller, government employee, and recommends that he retain job at Arsenal. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, [21 September 1861], CW, 4:530-31.

Personally escorts Joshua F. Speed to office of Adjt. Gen. Thomas to see that arms, equipment, and officers are supplied Gen. Anderson's department without delay. Speed to Anderson, 24 September 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President receives telegram from Gov. Morton (Ind.) and forwards it to Gen. Fremont: "Owensboro, 40 miles above Evansville, in possession of secessionists. Green river is navigable. Owensboro, must be seized. We want a gunboat sent up from Paducah for that purpose." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 22 September 1861, CW, 4:533.

Explains in letter to Sen. Browning (Ill.) that Gen. Fremont's proclamation as to confiscation of property and liberation of slaves "is purely political." Abraham Lincoln to Orville H. Browning, 22 September 1861, CW, 4:531-33.

President receives telegram from Gen. Anderson, Louisville, Ky.: "Company of regular infantry absolutely necessary for ordnance stores and a provost guard." Anderson to Lincoln, 23 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sec. Seward at White House at 8 P.M. to discuss Gen. Fremont. Seward to Lincoln, 23 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[John G. Nicolay adds to furnishings of Executive Offices with purchase of mahogany sofa ($24.00) and 6 chairs ($18.00) from G. M. Wight. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-060.]

At 4 P.M. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Generals McClellan, Mansfield, and McDowell, heads of departments, foreign ministers, and many distinguished personages assemble on plain three miles east of Capitol to witness grand review of artillery and cavalry. New York Times, 25 September 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC) 25 September 1861, 2:2.

President interviews Christopher C. Denny, probably clothing manufacturer of Leicester, Mass., and directs him to secretary of war. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 25 September 1861, CW, 4:535.

Messenger from Gov. William Gilpin (Colorado Terr.) calls upon Lincoln to obtain military supplies. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 25 September 1861, CW, 4:536.

President approves proposals of Samuel A. Pancoast, resident Hampshire County, Va., for procuring salt and sends him to Gen. Scott for military clearance. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 25 September 1861, CW, 4:536.

President receives report from Governor Richard Yates (Ill.) that to date war effort has cost state $3,533,511.02. Yates to Lincoln, 26 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Attends divine service "on day of humiliation, prayer and fasting for all people of the nation." New York Times, 27 September 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 25 September 1861, 3:2.

At telegraph office jokes with employees: "Gentlemen, this is a fast day and I am pleased to observe that you are working as fast as you can." David H. Bates, Lincoln Stories Told by him in the Military Office in the War Department during the Civil War (New York: Rudge, 1926), 31-32.

Attends afternoon lecture on the U.S. Constitution by Professor Amasa McCoy in House of Representatives in observance of National Fast Day. National Republican (Washington, DC), 25 September 1861, 3:1, 26 September 1861, 2:1; Invitation, 25 September 1861, Gideon Welles Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Telegraphs Governor Oliver P. Morton (Ind.): "We are supplying all the demands for arms as fast as we can . . . a week ago we heard that the enemy was encamped on Muldroughs hill now our friends are encamped upon it . . . that is an improvement." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton, 26 September 1861, CW, 4:537-38.

Lincoln invites Gen. McClellan to attend cabinet meeting in Gen. Scott's office. "Before we got through the General 'raised a row with me.' " McClellan, War for Union, 91.

Interviews Miss Laura Redden, deaf writer from Missouri, about book she is writing. Bates to Lincoln, 27 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Withholds pass to accompany vessel down Potomac solicited by Henry Wikoff, correspondent for New York "Herald". Abraham Lincoln to James G. Bennett, 28 September 1861, CW, 4:539.

Lincoln receives Indiana delegation seeking military commission for Thomas A. Morris, former brigadier general of volunteers. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 28 September 1861, CW, 4:539.

Interviews Charles Weston, former military storekeeper at Watertown Arsenal, Conn., who wants appointment as storekeeper. Abraham Lincoln to George M. Weston, 28 September 1861, CW, 4:540.

President receives letter written by Col. Blair to Adjt. Gen. Thomas containing charges against official conduct of Gen. Fremont. Blair to Thomas, 26 September 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Tells Gov. Morton (Ind.): "We are doing the very best we can" in sending arms. Supply limited and must be sent where needed most. "Army in our front may make a half circle around Southward, and move on Louisville; but when they do, we will make a half circle around Northward, and meet them." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton, 29 September 1861, CW, 4:541-42.

President confers with three gentlemen from Baltimore concerning release of Mayor Brown arrested for "complicity with those in armed rebellion against the Government of the United States." Statement Concerning Arrests in Maryland, [c. 15 September 1861], CW, 4:523; N.Y. Times, 4 October 1861.