Sec. Seward, in presence of Atty. Gen. Bates, reads to President dispatch announcing success of new Maryland Constitution. Bates, Diary.

Gen. Butler interviews President prior to taking charge of policing polls at national election in New York. Benjamin F. Butler, Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences . . . Butler's Book (Boston: A. M. Thayer, 1892), 775.

W. O. Bartlett calls on Lincoln relative to appointment of James Gordon Bennett as Minister to France. Abraham Lincoln to Abram Wakeman, 26 January 1865, CW, 8:239-40.

Post Office Dept. establishes domestic money order system. J. Duane Squires, "Some Enduring Achievements of the Lincoln Administration, 1861-65," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 5 (December 1848):200.

President endorses letter of Sgt. H. Warren Stimson, 142d Pennsylvania Volunteers: "West-Point. I wish this 'soldier boy' to have a chance." Endorsement Concerning H. Warren Stimson, 1 November 1864, CW, 8:85.

New York commissioners, accompanied by Sec. Stanton , make formal courtesy call on President at 1 P.M. Stanton to Lincoln, 2 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At 2 P.M. Rev. G. H. Blakeslee, Methodist pastor at Binghamton, N.Y., and Rev. E. W. Breckinridge, brother of R. J. Breckinridge, visit President, who autographs their books. Rufus R. Wilson, ed., Intimate Memories of Lincoln (Elmira, NY: Primavera Press, 1942), 432.

Lincoln receives another request from Mrs. Emily Todd Helm for privilege of going south to sell her cotton. Helm to Lincoln, 30 October 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Soldier on furlough to vote for Gen. McClellan has trouble getting transportation and calls on Lincoln, who orders: "Let this man have transportation immediately." Washington Chronicle, 16 November 1864.

President receives report from Dr. Zacharie who has been concentrating on Jewish vote in New York City. Bertram W. Korn, American Jewry and the Civil War (Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1951), 200.

President approves location of first 100 miles of Union Pacific Railroad west from Omaha, Nebr. Approval of First Hundred Miles of Union Pacific Railroad, 4 November 1864, CW, 8:89.

Confers with John A. Stewart, U.S. treasury official in New York, regarding conspiracy among certain bankers to raise price of gold on election day. Benjamin F. Butler, Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences . . . Butler's Book (Boston: A. M. Thayer, 1892), 762-63.

Interviews Mrs. Hutter who urges four asylums in each state to care for war orphans and destitute persons. Memorandum, [c. 4 November 1864], CW, 8:90.

Issues order concerning prisoners involved in Coles County riots: "Let these prisoners be sent back to Coles County, Ill., those indicted be surrendered to the sheriff of said county, and the others be discharged." Order Concerning Prisoners from Coles County, Illinois, 4 November 1864, CW, 8:90.

Lincoln sends autographed photograph to Mrs. Henry A. Wise of Boston for use of National Sailors' Fair. Abraham Lincoln to Charlotte B. Wise, 5 November 1864, CW, 8:92-93.

Receives October salary warrant for $1,981.67. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

Loans M. B. Church, former law student in office of Lincoln & Herndon, $260 for five months. [This was never repaid. Mrs. Lincoln requested administrator not to try to collect it.] Pratt, Personal Finances, 82.

President sends order through Gen. Canby at New Orleans to Rear Adm. Farragut at Mobile Bay: "Do not, on any account, or on any showing of authority whatever, from whomsoever purporting to come, allow the blockade to be violated." Abraham Lincoln to David G. Farragut, 11 November 1864, CW, 8:103-4.

Writes Sec. Seward at Auburn, N.Y.: "Nothing of much importance." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 6 November 1864, CW, 8:94.

President directs Gen. Butler to avoid clash between U.S. military forces and state militia during election in New York. Butler, Correspondence, 5:329.

Orders five-day leave, with pass and transportation to and from Philadelphia, for Lt. A. W. White. Order Concerning A. W. White, 7 November 1864, CW, 8:95.

Deposits April salary warrant for $2,022.33 and July salary warrant for $1,981.67 in Riggs Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

Elizabeth S. Comstock, Quaker minister, pays evening call; reads to Lincoln from Book of Isaiah, 9th to 13th verses. "Mr. Lincoln was highly gratified with the interview, and before taking her leave she kneeled in prayer, while he joined in the reverend attitude." Armory Square Hospital Gazette (Washington, DC), 26 November 1864.

President interviews Mary E. Collins about special exchange of Capt. William A. Collins, Co. D, 10th Wisconsin Infantry. Abraham Lincoln to Ethan A. Hitchcock, 8 November 1864, CW, 8:95.

Recognizes Teodoro Manara as consul of Republic of Guatemala at New York. Washington Chronicle, 11 November 1864.

Tad discovers that soldiers quartered in White House grounds are voting for Lincoln and Johnson. Makes father go to window and watch. Noah Brooks, "Personal Reminiscences of Lincoln," Scribner's Monthly 15 (1877/1878):675.

At noon Lincoln discusses election with Noah Brooks. Randall, Lincoln, 4:259.

Receives from Carlos Pierce mammoth ox called "General Grant." Rice to Lincoln, 22 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander H. Rice, 8 November 1864, CW, 8:96-97.

[6:30 P.M. John Nicolay in Springfield, Ill., reports majority of 20 for Lincoln in township. Nicolay to Lincoln, 8 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.]

At 7 P.M. in rain President and John Hay go to Sec. Stanton 's office in War Dept. to receive election returns. Stanton and Sec. Welles, Asst. Secs. Fox and Dana, and others are present. During lull in telegraphic reports Lincoln reads aloud from writings of Nasby. Stanton expresses indignation at nonsense. At mid-night Maj. Eckert provides supper. Lincoln "shovels out fried oysters." During evening and night former Sec. Chase, Col. Eaton, Whitelaw Reid, correspondent for Cincinnati "Gazette," and others pay short visits. Hay, Letters and Diary; Charles A. Dana, Recollections of the Civil War. With the Leaders at Washington and in the Field in the Sixties (New York: Appleton, 1902), 261; Rufus R. Wilson, ed., Intimate Memories of Lincoln (Elmira, NY: Primavera Press, 1942), 577-78.

"I have the honor to resign my commission as a Major General in the Army of the U.S.A., with the request that it may be accepted to take effect today. I am, sir, very respectfully, George B. McClellan." DNA—WR RG 94, Adjt. Gen. Off., Letters Received, M1250 (CB) 1864.

Lincoln writes managing committee of Sailors' Fair in Boston: "Allow me to wish you a great success. . . . To all, from Rear Admiral, to honest Jack I tender the Nation's admiration and gratitude." Abraham Lincoln to the Managing Committee of the Sailors' Fair, 8 November 1864, CW, 8:95.

Informs Sec. Seward at Auburn, N.Y.: "News from Grant, Sherman, Thomas and Rosecrans, satisfactory, but not important. Pirate Florida captured by the Wauchusetts [U.S.S. "Wachusett"] Oct. 7th. on coast of Brazil. The information is certain." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 8 November 1864, CW, 8:97.

Between 1 and 2 A.M. President is serenaded and makes speech. Washington Chronicle, 10 November 1864.

At 2 A.M. is serenaded and makes speech. Randall, Lincoln, 4:260.

Capt. Thomas arrives with band and group of Pennsylvanians about 2:30 A.M. Lincoln speaks from window and then returns to White House. Hay, Letters and Diary; Response to a Serenade, 8 November 1864, CW, 8:96.

"Abraham Lincoln re-elected by an overwhelming majority." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 9 November 1864, 2d ed., Extra, 1:4.

Lincoln dictates telegram to be sent to Dr. Henry; decides "I don't believe it would look well for a message from me to go traveling around the country blowing my own horn"; so Noah Brooks signs it. Noah Brooks, "Personal Reminiscences of Lincoln," Scribner's Monthly 15 (1877/1878):677; Abraham Lincoln to Anson G. Henry, 9 November 1864, CW, 8:98.

Declines invitation to meeting in rooms of Union League Club of New York, honoring Prof. Goldwin Smith of Oxford. Abraham Lincoln to Charles Butler, 9 November 1864, CW, 8:97-98.

Presents ox, "General Grant," to National Sailors' Fair in Boston. Washington Chronicle, 13 November 1864; Rice to Lincoln, 22 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Informs Commissioner French: "If Commissioner of Public Buildings chooses to give laborers at White House a holiday I have no objections." Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin B. French, 9 November 1864, CW, 8:98.

President interviews Miss Brady, daughter of former Cong. Jasper E. Brady (Pa.), who is probably seeking employment. Abraham Lincoln to William Dennison, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:99.

Informs H. W. Hoffman that Baltimore soldiers in Army of Potomac cast 1,428 votes, of which 1,160 were for Union ticket. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Hoffman, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:100.

Interviews Mrs. Ella E. G. Hobart, who wants to be chaplain of 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and sends her to Sec. Stanton , who refuses appointment to a woman. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:102-3.

Lincoln and Johnson Clubs of Washington, Georgetown, and Giesboro Point (opposite Arsenal) march to White House at night and serenade President, who appears at second-floor window and makes speech. Washington Chronicle, 10 November 1864, 11 November 1864; Hay, Letters and Diary; Response to a Serenade, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:100-2.

Writes Gov. Bramlette (Ky.): "If however, Gen. [John B.] Houston has been arrested for no other cause than opposition to my re-election Gen. Burbridge will discharge him at once, I sending him a copy of this as an order to that effect." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas E. Bramlette, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:98-99.

Requests Gen. Burbridge to report on arrest of Houston. Abraham Lincoln to Stephen G. Burbridge, 10 November 1864, CW, 8:99.

Cabinet meets. President gives John Hay sealed document and asks him to open it. Cabinet members learn contents for first time, although they signed it on August 23, 1864. Contents pledged them to support President-elect after November election. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Atty. Gen. Bates presents several of his friends to President. Bates, Diary.

President discusses with J. W. Forney and F. Carroll Brewster, city solicitor of Philadelphia, case of Cozzens, charged with supplying tents to government in violation of army regulations. Forney to Lincoln, 5 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Confers with Sec. Seward on seizure of steamer "Florida" in Brazilian port. Washington Chronicle, 31 December 1864.

Receives from General Ulysses S. Grant congratulations on victory at polls. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 11 November 1864, 2d ed., Extra, 2:1.

President interviews Col. Julius C. Kretchmar, 103d New York Volunteers, and sends him to Gen. Marsena R. Patrick, provost marshal general, Army of Potomac. Abraham Lincoln to Marsena R. Patrick, 12 November 1864, CW, 8:105-6.

Receives former Cong. Bingham (Ohio) regarding pass for Mrs. E. M. Bradley of Kentucky. Endorsement, [c. 12 November 1864], CW, 8:104.

Notifies Gen. John A. Logan that leave for him to visit Washington was granted some days ago, subject to countermand by Gen. Sherman. Abraham Lincoln to John A. Logan, 12 November 1864, CW, 8:105.

President continues to receive many telegrams relative to election. November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In morning Lincoln meets with General Ambrose E. Burnside. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 14 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:5.

President accepts resignation of General George B. McClellan and appoints General Philip Sheridan to rank of major general. Washington Chronicle, 16 November 1864.

O. H. Browning at White House in evening learns that President has not started on his Message to Congress. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln writes Gen. Hurlbut: "Few things, since I have been here, have impressed me more painfully than what, for four or five months past, has appeared as bitter military opposition to the new State Government of Louisiana." Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Hurlbut, 14 November 1864, CW, 8:106-8.

Lincoln interviews Mrs. Gimber and directs her to Gen. Hitchcock. Abraham Lincoln to Ethan A. Hitchcock, 15 November 1864, CW, 8:110.

Attends Grover's Theatre to see E. L. Davenport in title role in Shakespeare's Hamlet. N.Y. Herald, 17 November 1864.

Asks governors to tell him exactly, or approximately, number of votes cast in their states in late election. Information needed for forthcoming Annual Message. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel A. Cony and Others, 15 November 1864, CW, 8:108-10.

Telegraphs chairman, Maryland State Central Committee of Union Party: "I shall be happy to receive the committee on Thursday morning (17th.) as you propose." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Purnell, 15 November 1864, CW, 8:111.

Asks Gen. Thomas how much force and artillery Gen. Gillem had, when attacked and routed near Morristown, Tenn., last night. Abraham Lincoln to George H. Thomas, 15 November 1864, CW, 8:111-12.

Lincoln interviews Jean J. Giers, of Alabama, who asks for small-arm ammunition needed by loyal people in northern Alabama. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 16 November 1864, CW, 8:112.

Consults with Thurlow Weed about recent elections. Weed to Lincoln, 16 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Union Maryland Central Committee calls on President by appointment. Montgomery Blair introduces each member to Lincoln. William H. Purnell, chairman, delivers an address, and President replies that his pleasure from recent election consists in belief that policy he has pursued will be the best and only one that can save the country. Washington Chronicle, 18 November 1864; Reply to Maryland Union Committee, 17 November 1864, CW, 8:113-14.

Asst. Sec. Dana delivers two letters forwarded by Gen. Dix to President. President looks at letters and seems to think them of little importance. [Letters were picked up in New York by Mrs. Hudspeth and sent to Dix. They later became part of evidence in trial of Lincoln conspirators.] Charles A. Dana, Recollections of the Civil War. With the Leaders at Washington and in the Field in the Sixties (New York: Appleton, 1902), 276.

[John Nicolay confined to sickbed in Lindell Hotel, St. Louis. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:1; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 19 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:6.]

Lincoln submits to Secretary of State William H. Seward plan of H. P. Livingston to assist in putting down rebellion by purchasing controlling interest in Southern newspapers. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 17 November 1864, CW, 8:114.

President confers with William P. Wood, superintendent, Old Capitol Prison, regarding Negro soldier sentenced to die. Grants respite of one week. [Soldier hanged 25th.] Washington Chronicle, 19 November 1864.

Proclaims treaty and convention between U.S. and Belgium for abolition of Scheldt Dues. Washington Chronicle, 30 November 1864.

Deposits September salary warrant for $1,981.66 in Riggs Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

The Rev. and Mrs. Phineas D. Gurley are dinner guests. CW, 8:567.

President lifts blockade on Norfolk, Fernandina, Fla., and Pensacola, Fla. Washington Chronicle, 21 November 1864; Proclamation Concerning Blockade, 19 November 1864, CW, 8:115.

Issues second order to release Indian "Big Eagle" from confinement at Davenport, Iowa. Abraham Lincoln to Alfred Sully, 19 November 1864, CW, 8:116.

Writes Charles A. Dana, asking him to see Mr. Stokes. CW, 8:568.

Lincoln writes famous letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby. [Although original manuscript is generally believed to be lost, an authentic text appeared in Boston "Transcript," November 25, 1864.] Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, 21 November 1864, CW, 8:116-17.

Interviews Cyrus M. Allen of Vincennes, Ind., who speaks for appointment of Joseph G. Bowman, colleague of Lincoln in Illinois Legislature in 1839, as assessor of internal revenue. Abraham Lincoln to William P. Fessenden, 21 November 1864, CW, 8:117.

Lincoln writes to 104-year-old John Phillips, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts. In his lifetime, Phillips voted in many presidential elections, and he recently cast a vote for Lincoln's re-election. Lincoln thanks Phillips "for the compliment paid me by the suffrage of a citizen so venerable." Lincoln notes Phillips's "devotion to civic duties," and adds, "It is not for myself only, but for the country which you have in your sphere served so long and so well, that I thank you." F. W. Emmons to Abraham Lincoln, 9 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to John Phillips, 21 November 1864, CW, 8:118; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 9 December 1864, 1:6; New York Daily Tribune, 9 December 1864, 4:6; Harper's Weekly, 10 December 1864, 797.

[John Nicolay not seriously ill, expects to be out in few days. Washington Star, 21 November 1864.]

Writes former Cong. Augustus R. Wright (Ga.): "Admitting that your cotton was destroyed by the Federal Army, I do not suppose any-thing could be done for you now. Congress has appropriated no money for that class of claims, and will not, I expect, while the active war lasts." Abraham Lincoln to Augustus R. Wright, 21 November 1864, CW, 8:119-20.

President confers with A. G. Hodges and Gen. Samuel G. Suddarth, of Kentucky State Militia, in hope of devising means of harmony for Kentucky. Hodges to Lincoln, 1 December 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas E. Bramlette, 22 November 1864, CW, 8:120.

Interviews Gov. Morton (Ind.) regarding war news printed in Indianapolis "Daily Journal." Harper, Press, 332.

Receives information that ox presented to National Sailors' Fair brought $3,200. Rice to Lincoln, 22 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Elizabeth Todd Grimsley seeks appointment as postmaster at Springfield, Ill. Grimsley to Lincoln, 22 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

General Ulysses S. Grant and staff in Washington conduct long interviews with President, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, and General Henry W. Halleck. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 23 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.

Senator Ramsey (Minn.) visits President and secretary of war. "President in fine spirits." LL, No. 1250.

President receives letter of resignation from Atty. Gen. Bates. Bates to Lincoln, 24 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet meets. President reads draft of Annual Message to Congress. Welles, Diary.

Replies to inquiry of Gov. Curtin (Pa.): "I have no knowledge, information, or belief, that three States, or any state, offer to resume allegiance." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew G. Curtin, 25 November 1864, CW, 8:121.

[John Hay, for Lincoln, thanks George B. Smith for present of piece of beef. CW, 8:569.]

At 10 A.M., before an informal gathering in White House, President receives gift of elkhorn chair from its maker, Seth Kinman, California hunter. Clinton Lloyd of Pennsylvania makes presentation speech to which Lincoln replies briefly. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 26 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:4; Washington Chronicle, 27 November 1864.

President consults with Sec. Stanton in morning about sending Gen. Banks to New Orleans. [They concluded that he should go; but Banks remained in Washington four months longer.] Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 26 November 1864, CW, 8:121.

Interviews Banks at 7 P.M. by appointment. Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 2 December 1864, CW, 8:131.

Offers Judge Adv. Gen. Holt post of attorney general. Holt to Lincoln, 30 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sec. Welles calls on President and presents abstract for Annual Message. Welles, Diary.

President continues to receive many appropriate gifts of Thanksgiving Day season. November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President interviews Judge Samuel M. Breckinridge of St. Louis regarding case of Capt. John B. Castleman, Confederate prisoner charged with spying and released without trial on condition that he leave U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Alvin P. Hovey, 29 November 1864, CW, 8:123; Jonathan T. Dorris, Pardon and Amnesty under Lincoln and Johnson: The Restoration of the Confederates to their Rights and Privileges, 1861-1898 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1953), 83-84.

Addresses identical letters to nine governors: "May I renew my request for the exact aggregate vote of your State cast at the late election? My object fails if I do not receive it before Congress meets." Abraham Lincoln to William M. Stone and Others, 29 November 1864, CW, 8:124.

John W. Tatum, Delaware, and Joseph Tatum, New Jersey, members of Society of Friends, call on President in interest of three Friends confined among Confederate prisoners at Point Lookout, Md. Endorsement Concerning John W. and Joseph Tatum, 30 November 1864, CW, 8:124-25.

Lincoln consults with Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt regarding position of attorney general. Holt declines office and recommends James Speed. Joseph Holt to Abraham Lincoln, 1 December 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 2 December 1864, 2d ed., 2:1.

Recognizes Nicola Nicolas as vice consul of Italy at Louisville, Ky. Washington Chronicle, 2 December 1864.

Confers with Atty. Gen. Bates, who asks release of Dr. Richard G. Wharton from Vicksburg, Miss., prison. Bates to Lincoln, 2 December 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

John Nicolay returns to his post after recovering from serious illness. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 1 December 1864, 2d ed., 2:1.