President sends revised answer to Senate resolution regarding arrest of Gen. Stone. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 1 May 1862, CW, 5:204.

Writes Gen. Halleck: "I am pressed by the Missouri members of Congress to give General Schofield independent command in Missouri. . . . Please answer, telling me whether anything, and what, I can do for them without injuriously interfering with you." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 1 May 1862, CW, 5:203.

Admonishes Gen. McClellan: "Your call for Parrott guns from Washington alarms me—chiefly because it argues indefinite procrastination. Is anything to be done?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 1 May 1862, CW, 5:203-4.

Transmits to Senate petition and auditor's report relative to goods advanced by citizens of Oregon and Washington Territory during Indian uprising in 1855-56. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 1 May 1862, CW, 5:204-5.

[New Orleans is occupied by Federal forces under Admiral David G. Farragut and Gen. Benjamin F. Butler.]

In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) spends hour in family room with Lincoln who has headache. Browning, Diary.

Committee of local citizens accompanied by Sen. Joseph A. Wright (Ind.) confers with President on appointment of George W. Garrett as warden of penitentiary. Memorandum: Appointment of George W. Garrett, 3 May 1862, CW, 5:205.

In the afternoon, Lincoln and his wife, Mary, go to the Navy Yard to "witness some interesting trials of a breech-loading cannon" that James C. C. Holenshade, of Cincinnati, Ohio, demonstrates. A newspaper reports, "A large number of ladies and gentlemen, including several members of Congress," join the Lincolns to watch the demonstration. The paper notes, "The first discharge of the piece interrupted one of the President's stories, after which the experiments proceeded in a satisfactory manner." New York Herald, 4 May 1862, 5:2; Robert V. Bruce, Lincoln and the Tools of War (Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1956), 184-185.

[Irwin withdraws $1,000, interest-free loan to himself, from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 177.]

President receives news that Confederates have evacuated Yorktown, Va. Nicolay to Bates, 4 May 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President Lincoln writes to Dorothea L. Dix, who supervises the corps of U.S. Army nurses. Lincoln consults Dix regarding Nurse Rebecca R. Pomeroy, who assisted the Lincolns following the recent death of their son, Willie. Lincoln explains, "Mrs. [Elizabeth] Edwards (Mrs. L's sister) was suddenly called home to-day by sickness in her own family. Mrs. Pomeroy is now at the White-House, and Miss Dix' permission for her to remain two weeks, or any shorter time, if so long is not possible, would greatly oblige Mrs. L. and the President." Abraham Lincoln to Dorothea L. Dix, 4 May 1862, CW, 10:132; Anna L. Boyden, Echoes From Hospital and White House: A Record of Mrs. Rebecca R. Pomroy's Experience in War-Times (Boston, MA: D. Lothrop and Company, 1884), 77-79.

Lieutenant John Worden, commander of the U.S.S. Monitor, his eyesight still impaired from a wound received in battle with the C.S.S. Virginia, calls on President. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 May 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Samuel Strong, inventor, displays his breechloading carbine at White House. Bruce, Tools of War, 188.

Lincoln interviews Lt. Col. G. Montagu Hicks and orders his appointment as aide-de-camp to Gen. Wool with rank of colonel. Hicks to Lincoln, 22 May 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

About dusk President, Secs. Stanton and Chase, and several others leave Navy Yard on board revenue cutter "Miami" for Fortress Monroe. Spend night on Potomac 15 miles below Alexandria, Va. Nicolay to Bates, 9 May 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Flower, Stanton, 154.

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

At 11 A.M. Lincoln welcomes committee of General Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church. National Intelligencer, 14 May 1862; Response to Evangelical Lutherans, 13 May 1862, CW, 5:212-13.

Addresses 12th Indiana Regiment: "I assure you that the nation is more indebted to you, and such as you, than to me." Washington Star, 14 May 1862; Speech to the Twelfth Indiana Regiment, 13 May 1862, CW, 5:213.

President Lincoln writes to Abraham Hart, who is a member of Temple Mikveh Israel, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hart sent Lincoln a copy of the prayer offered up by Mikveh Israel's Rabbi Sabato Morais in response to Lincoln's April 10 proclamation, in which he asked all the country's religious congregations to pray for the "restoration of peace, harmony, and unity." Rabbi Morais prayed, "Bless the President of the United States . . . for his sterling honesty, [and] . . . for his firmness and moderation." Lincoln thanks Hart "for your expressions of kindness and confidence." Proclamation of Thanksgiving for Victories, 10 April 1862, CW, 5:185-186; Abraham Hart to Abraham Lincoln, 23 April 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Abraham Hart, 13 May 1862, CW, 5:212; Bertram Wallace Korn, American Jewry and the Civil War (Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1951), 35-38.

Mrs. Lincoln sends bouquet of White House flowers to Mrs. Fox. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Recommends to Senate and House of Representatives "that Captain D. G. Farragut receive a vote of thanks of Congress for his services . . . since the 21st December, 1861," as well as "naval officers who commanded vessels engaged in the recent brilliant operations [on the lower Mississippi and capture of New Orleans] of the squadron commanded by Flag-Officer Farragut." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 14 May 1862, CW, 5:214; Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 14 May 1862, CW, 5:214-15.

In evening tells Sen. Browning (Ill.) about trip to Fortress Monroe, Va. Browning, Diary.

President approves establishment of Dept. of Agriculture without cabinet status. Stat. L., XII, 387.

Writes Gen. McClellan: "Have done, and shall do, all I could and can to sustain you—hoped that the opening of James River, and putting Wool and Burnside in communication, with an open road to Richmond, or to you, had effected something in that direction. I am still unwilling to take all our force off the direct line between Richmond and here." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 15 May 1862, CW, 5:216.

Refers to Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Cooper Shop, Philadelphia establishments, in letter to Sen. Wilson (Mass.): "I know nothing of the facts myself, and could only say hypothetically, that if they have dealt so generously with our volunteers, as I have frequently heard, and believe, they are indeed worthy of all praise." Abraham Lincoln to Henry Wilson, 15 May 1862, CW, 5:217-18.

President transmits to Senate treaty with Kansas tribe of Indians. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, [16] May 1862, CW, 5:218-19.

Orders that his thanks for capture of Norfolk be sent to Gen. Wool by War Dept. N.Y. Tribune, 17 May 1862.

Confers with Gen. Charles S. Hamilton recently relieved of command by Gen. McClellan, for reason that he is "not fit to command a Division." N.Y. Tribune, 17 May 1862; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:227.

Asst. Sec. Fox informs Lincoln that gunboats in James River were repulsed eight miles from Richmond. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In afternoon Lincoln confers with Sec. Stanton regarding Gen. McClellan's request for reinforcements. McClellan, War for Union, 345-46.

After 3 P.M. Sen. Browning (Ill.) and President visit soldiers in hospital at Columbia College. Browning, Diary.

At Washington DC's navy yard, President Lincoln and "other distinguished public men" observe a demonstration "to test the capability of the description of iron armor adopted by our Navy Department to resist shot." A newspaper reports that the "experiments . . . proved perfectly satisfactory." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 21 May 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Says he will not relieve Gen. Hunter even on own request. Ely to Chase, 20 May 1862, Salmon P. Chase Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At 6 P.M. Mrs. Lincoln and carriage call at Browning residence. President arrives on horseback. Goes riding with Sen. Browning (Ill.) and Capt. James N. Brown, Illinois cattleman. Browning, Diary.

Approves act securing homesteads to actual settlers on public domain, act providing primary schools for public instruction in District of Columbia outside Washington and Georgetown, and act prescribing qualification (oath of allegiance) for electors in cities of Washington and Georgetown, DC. Stat. L., XII, 392, 394, 403.

Inquires of Gen. McClellan: "Telegraph being open tell us the situation & suggest if you can anything about batteries at Fort Darling." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 20 May 1862, CW, 5:224.

Complies with request for autograph: "I beg that her ladyship [Sarah Sophia Fane, Lady Villiers] will accept the assurance of my sincere gratification at this opportunity of subscribing myself Very truly, Her Ladyship's obedient servant." Abraham Lincoln to Lady Villiers, 20 May 1862, CW, 5:225.

President at War Dept. by 7 A.M.; Sec. Stanton and Gen. Halleck join him there. Later he visits Gen. Burnside at Willard's Hotel. LL, No. 1281.

Congressional delegation presents petition asking that Gen. C. S. Hamilton be restored to command. Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:227.

Lt. Col. Hicks at White House regarding appointment as aide-de-camp to Gen. Wool. Memorandum: Appointment of George Montagu Hicks, 22 May 1862, CW, 5:229.

President communicates with Senate regarding arrests by military commander in Kentucky of persons suspected of secessionist sympathies. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:227.

Informs James Gordon Bennett that secretary of war "mixes no politics whatever with his duties." Abraham Lincoln to James G. Bennett, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:225-26.

Approves act providing for education of colored children in cities of Washington and Georgetown, DC, and for other purposes. Stat. L., XII, 407.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders from W. F. Richstein: "1 set Stricklands England $21.00, 1 set Stricklands Scotland $20.00, 1 Mrs. Brownings Poems $9.00, 1 Mrs. Sigourneys Poems $1.25, 1 Mrs. Osgood Poems $0.90." [Agnes Strickland, Lives of the Queens of England . . ., Philadelphia, 1847-1859; Lives of the Queens of Scotland, New York, 1851-59; Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Poems; Mrs. Lydia Howard Sigourney, Illustrated Poems, Philadelphia, 1860; Mrs. Frances Sargent Osgood, Poems, New York, 1846. The third and fourth items paid for by the President, the remaining ones by Commissioner French from annual appropriation. Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.]

John Douglas, clerk, Reformed Presbyterian Church, calls on President and presents document concerning emancipation. Douglas to Lincoln, 14 October 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Library of Congress lends "Sparrowgrass Papers" to White House. [Frederick Swartout Cozzens, The Sparrowgrass Papers; or, Living in the Country, New York, 1856.] Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President confirms Gen. McClellan's understanding that in event of junction with Gen. McDowell, McClellan is in command, except that no order can put McDowell out of position to cover Washington. Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:226-27.

Calls attention of Sen. James F. Simmons (R.I.) to distressed girl from "your state" who seeks employment. "See if you can not get Mr. Sec. Chase or friend [Isaac] Newton to find her a place." Abraham Lincoln to James F. Simmons, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:228.

Writes Sen. Sumner (Mass.) regarding soldier subject to a lethargy arrested for falling asleep: "I should not knowingly let him be punished, if shown he has the infirmity." Abraham Lincoln to Charles Sumner, 21 May 1862, CW, 5:228.

Gen. McDowell and Col. Herman Haupt, aide-de-camp to McDowell and chief of construction and transportation on military railroads, meet President and party at Aquia Creek, Va., and accompany them in baggage car to McDowell's headquarters on north side of Rappahannock. President reviews various divisions and rides along lines with hat off as men cheer. Leaves headquarters at 9 P.M. Leaves Aquia Creek on return trip at 10 P.M. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Correspondence, typewritten copy prepared by H. H. Chapman, 6, Correspondence of Herman Haupt, Bureau of Railway Economics, Washington, DC; Official Records—Armies 1, XI, pt. 1, 30.

Transmits report on Mexican affairs to House of Representatives. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 23 May 1862, CW, 5:230.

President arrives at Navy Yard about 5 A.M. on return trip from Fredericksburg, Va. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 May 1862, 2:1.

Visits War Dept. in morning. Browning, Diary.

Confers with Sec. Stanton regarding troop movements. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:274.

Spends much of day in telegraph office directing troop movements under Gens. Fremont and McDowell in consequence of Gen. Banks' critical position resulting from Confederate break-through at Front Royal, Va. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:230; Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231; Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231-32; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:232; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:232-33; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:233; Abraham Lincoln to Dixon S. Miles, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234; Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

Sends dispatch to Fremont: "The exposed condition of General Banks makes his immediate relief a point of paramount importance. You are therefore directed by the President to move against Jackson at Harrisonberg and operate against the enemy in such way as to relieve Banks." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:230.

Telegraphs Gen. Rufus Saxton at Harper's Ferry, Va.: (1 P.M.) "Please inform us, if possible, what has become of the force which pursued Banks yesterday. Also, any other information you have." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

To Gen. Halleck near Corinth, Miss., who seeks reinforcements, Lincoln writes: "We do the best we can . . . each of our commanders along our line from Richmond to Corinth supposes himself to be confronted by numbers superior to his own." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231.

Transmits report of secretary of state on Mexican affairs to Senate. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

Following visit to Fredericksburg, Va., Sec. Chase reports to President that Gen. McDowell has begun movement of 20,000 troops as ordered. Donald, Chase Diaries, 88.

President "stampeded all day with news from Gen. Banks' army," which was last reported in retreat to Martinsburg, Va. Nicolay to Bates, 25 May 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Telegraphs Gen. Saxton: (10½ P.M.) "Tell me the exact number you now have in hand." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:238.

Telegraphs Gen. McClellan military situation in vicinity of Front Royal, Va., and Harper's Ferry, Va. Issues orders for placement of men and movements of armies. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:275; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:236-37.

Another dispatch to McClellan concludes: "I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job and come to the defence of Washington." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:235-36.

Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in evening. Browning, Diary.

President remarks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) that Gen. Banks is over Potomac at Williamsport, Md., in good order. Browning, Diary.

Replies to resolution of censure by Congress. Exonerates former Sec. Cameron and states "that not only the President but all the other heads of departments were at least equally responsible with him for whatever error, wrong, or fault was committed in the premises." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:240-43.

Takes military possession of all railroads in U.S. National Intelligencer, 26 May 1862.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 Pearls of Ord Island $1.25, 1 Agnes of Sorrento $1.25." [Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Pearl of Orr's Island, Boston, 1862; Agnes of Sorrento, Boston, 1862.] Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.

Lincoln reports to Gen. McClellan: "We have Genl Banks official report. He has saved his army & baggage & has made a safe retreat to the river & is probably safe at Williamsport. He reports the attacking force at fifteen thousand (15000)." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239.

Telegraphs McClellan: "Can you not cut the Acquia Creek Railroad also? What impression have you, as to intrenchments—works—for you to contend with in front of Richmond? Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239-40.

President notifies Gov. Curtin (Pa.) that only troops who volunteer for three years or for duration will be accepted. Philadelphia News, 28 May 1862.

Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "I see you are at Moorefield. You were expressly ordered to march to Harrisonburg. What does this mean?" Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 27 May 1862, CW, 5:243.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 East Lynne $0.50, 1 Castle Wafer $0.50, 1 Earl Herr $0.50, 1 Chemmings $0.50, 1 Heir to Ashley $0.50, 1 Life Secret $0.50." Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.

[It is not possible to specify editions, but titles of these novels by Mrs. Ellen Price Wood are: East Lynne; Castle Wafer, or the Plain Gold Ring; The Earl's Heirs, A Tale of Domestic Life; The Channings. A Domestic Novel of Real Life; The Heir to Ashley; A Life's Secret. A Story of Woman's Revenge.]

President appears before Committee on Conduct of War and describes 400-foot railroad bridge across Potomac built by Col. Haupt as having nothing in it but cornstalks and beanpoles. Flower, Stanton, 225.

Spends part of evening at War Department. Browning, Diary.

Stops by Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW., where Mrs. Lincoln and party are attending concert by opera star Clara Louise Kellogg. David R. Barbee, "The Musical Mr. Lincoln," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 5 (December 1949):450-51.

Recommends Marshal Ward H. Lamon as "my particular friend, born and raised at Bunker-Hill, an excellent horseman, and, I think, will be most valuable for scouting purposes." Recommendation for Ward H. Lamon, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:247.

Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "I am very glad of Gen: F. J. [Fitz John] Porter's victory [Hanover Court House]. Still, if it was a total rout of the enemy, I am puzzled to know why the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad was not seized. . . . That the whole force of the enemy is concentrating in Richmond, I think can not be certainly known to you or me. . . . I am painfully impressed with the importance of the struggle before you; and I shall aid you all I can consistently with my view of due regard to all points." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:244-45.

Telegraphs Gen. McDowell at Manassas Junction: "You say Gen. [John W.] Geary's scouts report they find no enemy this side of the Blue Ridge. Neither do I. Have they been to the Blue Ridge looking for them? . . . I think the evidence now preponderates that [Gen. Richard S.] Ewell [(CSA)] and Jackson are still about Winchester. Assuming this, it is, for you a question of legs. Put in all the speed you can. I have told Fremont as much, and directed him to drive at them as fast as possible. By the way, I suppose you know, Fremont has got up to Moorefield, instead of going to Harrisonburg." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:246; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:246.

Lincoln communicates with Gens. Fremont, Banks, McClellan, McDowell, and Marcy on military matters. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:247; Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:247; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Randolph B. Marcy, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Randolph B. Marcy, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:249.

Telegraphs McClellan: "I think we shall be able, within three days, to tell you certainly, whether any considerable force of the enemy, Jackson, or any one else is moving onto Harper's Ferry, or vicinity. Take this expected development into your calculations." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248.

Informs McDowell: "Gen. Fremont's force should, and probably will, be at or near Strasburg by twelve (noon) to-morrow. Try to have your force, or the advance of it, at Front-Royal as soon." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248.

In evening Sen. Browning escorts Judge Williams to meeting with Lincoln and later accompanies President to War Dept. Browning, Diary.