President visits Sec. Stanton in reference to Surg. William D. Stewart, dismissed for being absent without leave. Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin B. French, 1 July 1863, CW, 6:312-13.

In morning Sec. Welles finds Lincoln at War Dept. reading dispatches from Gen. Meade. Welles, Diary.

"Lincoln was in the telegraph office hour after hour during those anxious days and nights." Bates, Telegraph Office, 155.

Lincoln asks Sec. Stanton to pay advertising bill of "National Republican." It is "a source of trouble to me." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 2 July 1863, CW, 6:313.

Sec. Welles meets President and Sec. Seward at War Dept. during morning, examining dispatches from Gen. Meade. Welles, Diary.

Mrs. Lincoln receives head injury when thrown from carriage during drive to Soldiers' Home. Helm, Mary, 211-12.

President Lincoln telegraphs his son Robert, who attends Harvard University, regarding Robert's mother, Mary. Lincoln advises, "Dont be uneasy. Your mother very slightly hurt by her fall." The day prior, Mary Lincoln suffered injuries from a carriage accident. A newspaper reports, "Her horses took fright and ran away as she was riding from the Soldier's Home to the city. Seeing her imminent danger she leaped from the carriage, and was stunned and severely bruised, but no bones were broken. Surgeons from Mount Pleasant Hospital were promptly in attendance. She soon recovered sufficiently to be taken to the White House." Abraham Lincoln to Robert T. Lincoln, 3 July 1863, CW, 6:314; New York Times, 3 July 1863, 5:2.

Sends order to Gen. Burnside: "Private [John] Downey, of the Twentieth or Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, is said to have been sentenced to be shot for desertion to-day. If so, respite the execution until I can see the record." Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside, 3 July 1863, CW, 6:313.

11 A.M. Principal discussion at cabinet meeting is request of A. H. Stephens for permission to proceed to Washington for interview with President. Welles, Diary.

In the afternoon, President Lincoln and his son, Tad, visit General Daniel E. Sickles, who is recovering in Washington. During the battle at Gettysburg on July 2, Sickles received a severe injury to his right leg prompting surgeons to remove the leg to a point "five inches above the knee." A newspaper reports, "[Lincoln, Tad,] and a mounted escort, rode on horseback to Gen. Sickles' door." Lincoln "congratulated him on his ability and courage, and expressed the greatest regret that [Sickles's] . . . wound . . . rendered amputation necessary." Washington Chronicle, 6 July 1863; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 July 1863, 3:2; New York Times, 6 July 1863, 4:5.

Special cabinet meeting at 9 A.M. continues consideration of A. H. Stephens' mission and decides that he should communicate through prescribed military channels. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln leaves telegraph office in War Dept. and arrives at Soldiers' Home about 7 P.M. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 6 July 1863, CW, 6:318.

Receives June salary warrant for $2,022.33. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

Suggests to Gen. Halleck that he look to movements of Army of Potomac. Does Gen. Meade intend to cover Baltimore and Washington, and get enemy across river again without further collision, or does he plan to prevent his crossing and to destroy him? Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 6 July 1863, CW, 6:318.

Lincoln at telegraph office in morning receives Gen. Grant's dispatch announcing capture of Vicksburg, Miss. Bates, Telegraph Office, 156; Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, [7 July 1863], CW, 6:319.

Vice President Hamlin and Senators from Maine confer with President and urge better New England coastal defense against piratical depredations of enemy. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 7 July 1863, CW, 6:320-21.

At cabinet meeting President appears despondent because Gen. Meade has lingered at Gettysburg. At 12:40 P.M. Sec. Welles gives President telegram from Acting Rear Adm. David D. Porter [for retroactive promotion see December 8, 1863] announcing surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. Welles, Diary.

In evening, upon learning of the Union Army's victory at Vicksburg, Mississippi, "a procession with bands of music proceed[s] to the Executive Mansion." A newspaper reports, "a crowd enthusiastically cheered the President, [who] . . . appeared at an upper window." Lincoln remarks that it is fitting that the Vicksburg victory occurred on the "Fourth of July just passed," when defeat came to "those who opposed the declaration that all men are created equal." Lincoln "praise[s] . . . the many brave officers and soldiers who have fought in the cause of the Union." Response to a Serenade, 7 July 1863, CW, 6:319-20; New York Daily Tribune (NY), 8 July 1863, 5:3; The New York Times (NY), 8 July 1863, 8:1-2; Daily Morning Chronicle (Washington, D.C.), 8 July 1863, 2:2-3.

President recognizes Heinrich Otto Sigmund Cuntz as consul of Grand Duchy of Oldenburg for state of Massachusetts and Henry Bream as vice consul of Denmark for New York, Connecticut, and parts of New Jersey. Washington Chronicle, 13 July 1863.

A few days after the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battle, President Lincoln responds to a telegram that Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas sent to the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton regarding Union troops in pursuit of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army. Lincoln writes, "The forces you speak of, will be of no immagineable service, if they can not go forward with a little more expedition." Lincoln explains that the troops must move quickly or they "will, in my unprofessional opinion, be quite as likely to capture the Man-in-the Moon, as any part of Lee's Army." Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas, 8 July 1863, CW, 6:321-22.

Informs Frederick F. Low, collector of port of San Francisco, of Gen. Meade's victory at Gettysburg and Gen. Grant's victory at Vicksburg, Miss. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick F. Low, 8 July 1863, CW, 6:321.

Answers dispatch of U.S. District Attorney E. D. Smith (N.Y.): "Capture of Vicksburg confirmed by despatch from Gen. Grant himself." Abraham Lincoln to E. Delafield Smith, 8 July 1863, CW, 6:321.

President instructs Leonard Swett and F. F. Low to avoid riot in taking possession of New Almaden Quicksilver Mine in California. Abraham Lincoln to Leonard Swett and Frederick F. Low, 9 July 1863, CW, 6:322.

Pardons John McCleary, counterfeiter, and Victor La Waer, convicted of attempting to incite soldiers to desert. Washington Chronicle, 10 July 1863.

At Soldiers' Home, President interviews A. C. Dickson, Orloff A. Zane, and John Absterdam regarding Absterdam shell. Bruce, Tools of War, 259.

Assures Gen. Sickles that no III Corps disaster has been reported. Abraham Lincoln to Daniel E. Sickles, 10 July 1863, CW, 6:322-23.

"The President seemed in specially good humor today, as he had pretty good evidence that the enemy were still on the north side of the Potomac, and Meade had announced his intention of attacking them in the morning." Hay, Letters and Diary.

President Lincoln writes to his friend Illinois State Auditor Jesse K. Dubois, of Springfield, Illinois. Dubois had telegraphed Lincoln seeking the outcome of the battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Lincoln writes, "After three days fighting . . . [Confederate General Robert E.] Lee withdrew and made for the Potomac [River] . . . he found the river so swolen as to prevent his crossing . . . he is still this side near Hagerstown and Williamsport, preparing to defend himself . . . I am more than satisfied with what has happened North of the Potomac so far, and am anxious and hopeful for what is to come." Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois, 11 July 1863, CW, 6:323.

Calls at Navy Ordnance Bureau and orders trial of Absterdam shell as soon as possible. Bruce, Tools of War, 259.

President Lincoln writes to New York Governor Horatio Seymour regarding the court martial of Captain John N. Riedenbach, of the 158th New York Volunteers. Lincoln writes, "The evidence shows a good deal of boistrous misconduct, during a single case of intoxication; and I incline to think he does not habitually get in that condition. But I have not the legal power . . . to restore him to his office, nor would I do it . . . without a better knowledge of his character . . . I write this merely to say that if the Governor of New-York shall choose to appoint him to the same or another Military office, the disability is hereby removed, enabling him to do so." Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, 11 July 1863, CW, 10:193.

Telegraphs Robert Lincoln: "Come to Washington." Abraham Lincoln to Robert T. Lincoln, 11 July 1863, CW, 6:323.

Inquires of Gen. Schenck: "How many rebel prisoners, captured within Maryland & Pennsylvania, have reached Baltimore within this month of July?" Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck, 11 July 1863, CW, 6:323-24.

Lincoln at telegraph office receives word of Gen. Meade's plan to attack tomorrow. Paces floor, wringing his hands and muttering, "Too late." Bates, Telegraph Office, 157.

Assures Gen. Schenck that Gen. Isaac R. Trimble (CSA) has not been imprisoned in Baltimore for fear traitorous associates will contact him. Abraham Lincoln to Robert C. Schenck, 12 July 1863, CW, 6:325.

President receives call for help to subdue mob resisting draft in New York. John Jay and others to Lincoln, 13 July 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Sec. Welles calls on President and suggests that Acting Rear Adm. Porter be made rear admiral. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln writes Gen. Grant: "I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. . . . When you got below, and took Port-Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, I thought you should go down the river and join Gen. Banks; and when you turned Northward East of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 13 July 1863, CW, 6:326.

Writes Gen. Schofield in St. Louis: "I regret to learn of the arrest of the Democrat editor. . . . but I care very little for the publication of any letter I have written. Please spare me the trouble this is likely to bring." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield, [13 July] 1863, CW, 6:326-27.

Shortly before cabinet meeting President learns that Gen. R. E. Lee has crossed into Virginia. Sec. Welles walks to War Dept. with Lincoln, who is depressed by Lee's escape. Two hours later Welles returns to War Dept. and finds Lincoln there lying on sofa, dejected and discouraged. Welles, Diary.

After noon Lincoln visits Navy Yard and witnesses firing of 20 Absterdam shells from army field gun. Bruce, Tools of War, 259.

President recognizes Carlos Enrique Leland as vice consul of Oriental Republic of Uruguay at New York. Washington Chronicle, 16 July 1863.

Telegraphs Robert Lincoln in New York: "Why do I hear no more of you?" Abraham Lincoln to Robert T. Lincoln, 14 July 1863, CW, 6:327.

Writes Gen. Meade: "I have just seen your despatch to Gen. Halleck, asking to be relieved of your command, because of a supposed censure of mine. . . . But I was in such deep distress myself that I could not restrain some expression of it. . . . I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of the misfortune involved in Lee's escape. He was within your easy grasp, and to have closed upon him would, in connection with our other late successes, have ended the war. . . . Your golden opportunity is gone, and I am distressed immeasurably because of it." [The letter was never signed or sent.] Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 14 July 1863, CW, 6:327-29.

President Lincoln writes to Leonard Swett, whom he "authorized . . . to take possession of" the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine after the U.S. Supreme Court voided Andres Castillero's ownership claim. Lincoln rethinks the order concerning the Santa Clara County, California mine, and writes, "Many persons are telegraphing me from California, begging me, for the peace, of the State, to suspend the military enforcement of the writ of possession . . . while you are the single one who urges the contrary. You know I would like to oblige you, but it seems to me my duty . . . is the other way." Abraham Lincoln to Charles W. Rand, 8 May 1863, CW, 6:205-206; Abraham Lincoln to Leonard Swett, 15 July 1863, CW, 6:333-34; Milton H. Shutes, Abraham Lincoln and the New Almaden Mine (San Francisco, CA: Lawton R. Kennedy, 1936), 6-8.

Approves letter of J. R. Gilmore to Gov. Zebulon B. Vance (N.C.) regarding restoration of peace between states, reunion of states on basis of abolition of slavery, and reinstatement of Confederate citizens in all rights of citizenship. Endorsement on Letter of James R. Gilmore to Zebulon B. Vance, [15? July 1863], CW, 6:330-31.

Robert Lincoln quotes President as saying after Confederate army's escape following Battle of Gettysburg: "If I had gone up there I could have licked them myself." Nicolay, Lincoln's Secretary, 171; Hay, Letters and Diary.

President proclaims "Thursday the 6th. day of August next, to be observed as a day for National Thanksgiving, Praise and Prayer." Proclamation of Thanksgiving, 15 July 1863, CW, 6:332-33.

President interviews Gov. Carney (Kans.) regarding right of governor to appoint military officers. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Carney, 21 July 1863, CW, 6:339-40.

At night John Hay accompanies President to Soldiers' Home. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Lincoln explains to Gov. Parker (N.J.) that it would breed trouble to "have a special stipulation with the Governor of any one State" regarding draft quotas. "As it stands, the best I can say is, that every volunteer you will present us within thirty days from this date . . . shall be, pro-tanto—an abatement of your quota of the draft." Abraham Lincoln to Joel Parker, 25 July 1863, CW, 6:347-48.

Orders Sec. Welles to: 1. cease "using any neutral port, to watch neutral vessels, and then to dart out and seize them on their departure"; 2. cease detaining "the crew of a captured neutral vessel . . . on board such vessel, as prisoners of war." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 25 July 1863, CW, 6:348-50.

Joseph J. Grimshaw calls and asks President to make Col. Arthur H. Grimshaw a brigadier general. Memorandum: Appointment of Arthur H. Grimshaw, 27 July 1863, CW, 6:351.

Lincoln inquires of Gen. Meade: "I have not thrown Gen. Hooker away; and therefore I would like to know whether, it would be agreeable to you, all things considered, for him to take a corps under you, if he himself is willing to do so." Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 27 July 1863, CW, 6:350.

Explains to Gen. Burnside that Gen. Grant said he would return IX Corps. "Grant is a copious worker, and fighter, but a very meagre writer, or telegrapher. No doubt he changed his purpose in regard to the Ninth Corps, for some sufficient reason, but has forgotten to notify us of it." Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside, 27 July 1863, CW, 6:350.

Lincoln telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in New York: "Bob went to Fort-Monroe & only got back to-day. Will start to you at 11. AM tomorrow. All well." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 28 July 1863, CW, 6:353.

Recommends to Sec. Stanton that wounded Confederate, Capt. Robert Brown, prisoner in Gettysburg, be transferred to care of relatives in Washington. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 23 July 1863, CW, 6:353.

Lincoln authorizes Gen. Halleck to inform Gen. Meade that government is not "demanding of him to bring on a general engagement with Lee as soon as possible." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 29 July 1863, CW, 6:354.

Requests sec. of war to consult with general in chief on subject of organizing force to go to western Texas. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 29 July 1863, CW, 6:354-55.

Deposits July 1862 salary warrant for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

President Lincoln signs an Oder of Retaliation in which he outlines measures "to give protection to . . . citizens, of whatever class, color, or condition, and especially to those who are duly organized as soldiers in the public service." Lincoln pledges, "The government of the United States will give the same protection to all its soldiers, and if the enemy shall sell or enslave anyone because of his color, the offense shall be punished by retaliation upon the enemy's prisoners in our possession." Order of Retaliation, 30 July 1863, CW, 6:357.

Writes F. P. Blair, Sr.: "Yesterday I commenced trying to get up an expedition for Texas. I shall do the best I can." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Sr., 30 July 1863, CW, 6:356.

President sends condolences to Frederick VII, King of Denmark, on death of Prince Frederick Ferdinand. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick VII, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:357-58.

Interviews L. H. Chandler acting as counsel for Dr. David M. Wright of Norfolk in murder case before military commission. Chandler to Lincoln, 1 August 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet listens for two hours to report presented by Col. John A. Rawlins on capture of Vicksburg, Miss. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln asks Gen. Hurlbut to reconsider question of resigning. Hay, Letters and Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Hurlbut, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:358-59.

Writes Samuel W. Moulton, enrollment commissioner for 10th District of Illinois: "Your removal has been strongly urged on the ground of 'presistent disobedience of orders and neglect of duty.' . . . I consider your services in your district valuable, and should be sorry to lose them. . . . I hope you will conclude to go on in your present position under the regulations of the Department." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel W. Moulton, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:359-60.