From Ambrose W. Thompson to Abraham Lincoln, March 28, 1863

New York March 28. 1863

My dear Sir

I beg to call you attention to the subject of Colonization of the Negroes in Chiriqui1 as provided to be made, under the contract of the United States, with myself.

1 The Chiriqui Improvement Company, headed by Ambrose W. Thompson, owned land in present day Panama and offered to supply the government with coal mined by colonized freedmen. Lincoln had various persons, including his brother-in-law, investigate the plan and on September 11, 1862, he agreed to the contract. Opposition from neighboring countries prevented the scheme from being executed. There are several letters in this collection which pertain to the Chiriqui project.

I do this not more, perhaps not so much in reference to my own, as to the interests of the Government and people of this Country.

It is especially necessary to the prosperity of your Administration that this colonization should commence early this spring.

The Country is distracted with the Negro question, — dissatisfied with all other plans, save that which you projected in your Address to the Negro committee which waited on you at the Executive Mansion.

Throughout the Union that plan gave pleasure. It looked to the solution of the vexed question. It gave at least a safety valve to the high pressure under which free Negroes & “contrabands” were being forced into the free loyal states. It stayed for a time the popular tumults of the working people, against Negro labor.— And it paralyzed for the time the opponents of your Administration.

So soon as it was known that the plan was delayed — that efforts were to be made by extremists to place the negro on a par with the white man — again dissatisfaction became apparent & the elections were carried against republicanism— Mobs began, & are continuing to persecute the poor african, whose race seems thus to meet with disappointment, disaster, and curses, instead of the prosperity which your plan would have opened up for — and poured out upon it.

The causes for delay are at an end. I have obtained the consent of the Government of the U. S of Colombia or New Granada to this emigration. The Letters giving this consent are on file in the Interior Department; since being placed there, instructions from the Secretary of State of that Republic, have authorized their Minister to grant me additional lands in the Valley of the Atrato for the same purpose. This consent would also have come to you through our Minister Mr Barton at Bogota had that gentleman presented his credentials in due form. As he had not, up to that time, the Government there refused to communicate through him

Interested parties who fear the development of this great enterprise, — And others because they cannot get its control, — have said there was no coal — and infamously added, (as I have learned), that I had sent the coal out there to deceive. The contract you have made guards against any one profiting by so base a course were it possible for me to be guilty of it. These parties will be sufficiently punished, by the success which will attend the measure. I beg then that you will order its immediate commencement.

The Contract as its exists, is a sacred obligation, not more to myself than to the African race for whose benefit you made it— It is authorized by law, which leaves the execution solely in your hands. Its terms requires that it shall go on. I have fulfilled all the conditions which pertain to my portion of it, and it is but simple justice that the faith of Government should be kept to the spirit and to the letter — & that the laws should be carried out.

The Country which the Contract secures for the Negro, is rich beyond parallel. Gold — Qucksilver — Coal, other Minerals, and all the agricultural riches of the tropics are there. The Negro is suited to the climate — the planting of him there will secure to the United States more benefits from his labor, than if that labor was employed within its own territorial limits. National wealth is therefore subserved, and a great step will be taken towards National peace, in the sailing of the first colonists.

I contemplate being in Washington in the Coming week, & will call upon your Excellency to ascertain what your decission may be. If there are any obstacles in the way to immediate action, I think they can be overcome or removed.

I have the honor to be

Your obedient Servant

Ambrose W Thompson

From Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks [Draft]1, March 29, 1863

1 After issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln became concerned about the recruitment and most efficient use of African-American soldiers. Here he is proposing the raising of African-American levies to a commander with many potential African-American recruits in his department. Banks responded to Lincoln on April 17, 1863 (q. v.), promising every assistance to General Ullman. For other letters on this subject, see Lincoln to John A. Dix, January 14, 1863, Dix to Lincoln, January 15, 1863, and Lincoln to Andrew Johnson, March 26, 1863.

Private

Executive Mansion,

Washington, March 29, 1863.

My dear Sir

Hon. Daniel Ullmann, with a commission of a Brigadier General, and two or three hundred other gentlemen as officers, goes to your department and reports to you, for the purpose of raising a colored brigade. To now avail ourselves of this element of force is very important, if not indispensable. I therefore will thank you to help Gen. Ullman forward with his undertaking, as much, and as rapidly as you can; and also to carry the general object beyond his particular organization, if you find it practicable. The necissity of this is palpable if, as I understand, you are now unable to effect anything with your present force; and which force is soon to be greatly diminished by the expiration of terms of service, as well as by ordinary causes— I shall be very glad if you will take hold of the matter in earnest. You will receive from the Department, a regular order upon this subject—

Yours truly

A. Lincoln

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To Gen. Banks.

March 29, 1863.

From Francis L. Capen to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, March 29, 1863

1 Francis L. Capen claimed to have the ability to predict the weather and he sought employment by the War Department. Here he reveals an even broader range of interests than meteorology. For more on Capen, see his April 25, 1863 letter to Lincoln.

Washtn, Mch. 29th, 1863,

Dear President,

The subscriber craves a brief interview on the Self Support & profitable Employment of Contrabands; — on the 200.000 white Volunteers, now ready to enlist;—

on the expediency of loyalizing Confederate Prisoners for Emissaries; — & on a Measure for securing the Loyalty of the Democratic Masses, & the Popular Support of the Administration.

Francis L. Capen.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Francis L. Capon.

Mch. 29. 63

From Robert Smith to Elihu B. Washburne1, March 29, 1863

1 Robert Smith was a politician, lawyer and entrepreneur from Alton, Illinois. He had served as a Democrat in Congress (1843-49) and was appointed an army paymaster in 1861.

Alton March 29th,/63

My Dr Sir

I learned yesterday that Saml. A. Buckmaster,2 of Alton, had gone to Washington to get the appointment of Provost Marshal, of the 12th Cong Dist of Ills, under the late Conscription Act.3 Now unless these Offices are filled by by men, “like Caesars Wife” above suspicion — We may as well surrender to Jeff Davis at once— I wrote a line in pencil, on the Case yesterday, & mailed it to Geo. T. Brown Sergt At Arms of U S Senate & asked him to Save us from this outrage being put upon us. You are in place & have the Power, to prevent the unconditional Union men being Curshed with Copperhead Officers— I do not know where Trumbull4 is— I wrote him, some time in Feb, & recd no reply, & do not know whether or not he will take any interest in the appointment of True & loyal men under the late laws— Are these appointments to be made by Col Fry,5 or Will the President supervise them? Col Fry is a good Officer— Will he appoint Copperheads under the late law for Provost Marshals? I hope you as one of the Guardians of the rights of the loyal people, will look to this. I write to you because you are a live Working man— Arms, I am informed are being procured in large quantities by the K. G. C;6 & they are holding frequent meetings in Macoupin Montgomery Christian Shelby & others Counties, to prepare for a armed resistance to the draft when one shall be ordered— Please let me hear from you— Yours

2 Samuel A. Buckmaster was a Democratic politician from Southern Illinois who served several terms in the Illinois General Assembly.

3 Lincoln appointed George Abbott the provost marshal for the 12th District.

4 Lyman Trumbull

5 Colonel James B. Fry was appointed the provost marshal general on March 17, 1863.

6 “K. G. C.” is a reference to the Knights of the Golden Circle: a secret organization that supported the Confederacy.

Truly

Robert Smith

[Endorsed by Elihu B. Washburne:]

Please read this. It it were ever contemplated to appoint Buckmaster, we might as well give up.

EBW

From Edwin M. Stanton to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, March 29, 1863

1 Joshua F. Speed and James Guthrie had written to Lincoln on March 22 and requested that the state of Kentucky be paid $250,000 for the purpose of raising more soldiers. Lincoln referred the matter to Stanton on March 24. See James F. Robinson to Lincoln, March 9, 1863 and Joshua F. Speed and James Guthrie to Lincoln, March 22, 1863.

Washington City,

March 29th 1863.

Mr. President,

Upon investigation of the state of the appropriation for the supply of Arms to loyal citizens of States in rebellion — July 31st 1861. p. 283, it appears that there will not remain sufficient for the purpose specified in the letter of Messrs. Speed and Guthrie herewith returned.

Accounts are pending in the Treasury Department, which when passed, will afford to the State of Kentucky a very large sum that may be applied by the State authorities to the purpose mentioned.

Yours truly

Edwin M Stanton

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Kentucky State.

Sec War

From Charles A. Dana to Edwin M. Stanton1, March 27, 1863

1 The following is a report on the progress of Grant's campaign at Vicksburg.

Recd 330 A. M. 30th

In Cipher

Memphis Tenn

Mar. 27th 330 Pm 1863

The news from Youngs Point is to Monday March 23rd. There is Official information at Helena but none has come here. The report is that Sherman has got twenty regiments landed on the east bank of Yazoo river above Haines Bluff and that the greatest enthusiasm prevails throughout the army at this success. The report that he is supported by Gunboats in Yazoo river is repeated. It is also stated that the channel from Deer Creek into the Sunlfower had to be enlarged by digging in order to pass them, but all reports here on this subject are confused and doubtful. The Yazoo Pass expedition is not abandoned but has received supplies and been reinforced by Quimby's2 division—

2 General Isaac Quinby led his division on an unsuccessful attempt to approach Vicksburg through the Yazoo Pass.

Genl Hurlbut's3 advices of March 17th from Mobile report that five 5 Ironclad Rams are ready for use in the harbor, those built at Selma having been brought down

3 Stephen A. Hurlbut

C. A. Dana

From John B. Henderson to Abraham Lincoln, March 30, 1863

Louisiana Mo

Mch 30 1863.

Dear Sir—

Since my return home I have mixed much the people of the State, attending a Circuit Court in the Country. I am thoroughly impressed with the propriety of an immediate change of our Department Commander Gen — I find a most terrible prejudice existing against Genl Curtis,1 such as your administration should not undertake to carry in the State. If the Union cause depended on it, I would not say a word— I would say let us resist the opposition and brook the consequences. But there is no necessity for it.

1 Special Orders No. 114, dated March 10, 1863, ordered General Edwin V. Sumner to replace Samuel R. Curtis as commander of the Department of the Missouri. General Sumner died before he could assume command and Curtis remained in charge of the department until May, when he was replaced by John M. Schofield.

I am aware there is in St Louis, a strong local feeling in favor of Genl Curtis, but in this Section of the Country I find the Union men, except of the most radical class, unanimous against him. Whether right or wrong, they regard him as contaminated with Cotton speculations. This of itself is enough to damn any man. He may be innocent, I hope, he is; but the masses do not believe it & for the time being, it is the same as if he were guilty

Again I am sure that he and Gov. Gamble will not agree and I believe if he remains, the Gov. will resign. If he does, I fear in the excited state of affairs here, the Sympathisers in disguise, will seize upon it as a pretext for new operations against the Governmnt.

I find much angry excitement in the Country in Consequence of negroes, the slaves of loyal men and even emancipationists, being held as servants and waiting men in Federal Camps, and it is believed that Genl Curtis might stop this work by a simple order, keeping out, all persons white & black from the lines.

From my observation here I can assure you, our prospects are not as bright as they should be and I can further assure you that the simple removal of Genl Curtis will, in my judgmnt, be worth fifty thousand men. The truth is, we must rely on federal Soldiers here to crush out the fires of rebellion or we must rely on the loyal militia of the State. You can't furnish us federal Soldiers enough in case of another outbreak. Hence the policy must be to preserve a strong loyal sentiment amongst the militia in the Country. To do so in my opinion, the action requested would go very far. I much regretted the death of Genl. Sumner for I believe his appearance here would have done much for peace.

You will be urged by the especial friends of Genl Curtis to retain him— Some will do so from interested motives, others because they know nothing of public sentiment amongst the masses in the Country.

It is essential for the peace of our State, to secure an early act of gradual emancipation. The defeat of the Compensation bill2 has had an effect in the Country not felt or realised in the city of St Louis. The defeat of that measure requires a change of programme and I hope you will not hesitate to make the corresponding change in the Department

2 Henderson had introduced a bill in the Senate that would have provided compensated emancipation in Missouri.

With prudence and justice we can secure the peace of the State and achieve future success and loyalty by an act of emancipation.

I suggest no name for Successor I leave that for to you. I telegraphed you a few days since

Your friend

J. B. Henderson

From Thomas J. Pickett to John G. Nicolay1, March 30, 1863

1 Pickett was a newspaper editor and old friend of Lincoln who had been appointed agent for the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island.

Chicago, Ills., March 30, 1863.

Dear Sir— You may recollect that sooner after the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln I obtained, through assistance from yourself and others, the agency of the Island of Rock Island. Things have gone smoothly with me since that time until within a few days. During my absence at Springfield, in attending the Legislature, the Copperhead organ in Rock Island charged me with various delinquencies as Government Agent and sent copies of the paper to Qr. Master Gen. Meigs in Washington. On the strength of these charges, the Qr. Master Gen. notifies the Mustering and Disbursing officer at Davenport, Iowa, to enquire into the truth of the charges and if the charges are sustained — the charges I would say are that I have been selling timber and stone belonging to the Government — to remove me. Well; the Mustering officer happens to belong to the democratic persuasion and consequently leans to the side of my copperhead accuser, and I think has prejudged the case against me. I think he had determined on my removal even before hearing a word in my behalf. Before seeing me, as I am informed, he tendered the agency to another person! My friends have presented to Capt. Hendershott (the Mustering officer alluded to) a paper to the effect that since I have been acting as Government agent, the interests of the Gov't. on the Island of Rock Island have been better attended to than ever before. This paper was signed by the leading men who had the best opportunities of knowing whether the Government's interests were neglected or not. I suppose it will have no effect on Capt. H., and that he will remove me in order to make room for a friend.

The simple facts in reference to the editorial charges of my assailant (who richly deserves a cell in Fort Warren) is this: The Island of Rock Island contains nearly a thousand acres of timbered land. At the upper end of the Island in Illinois is the town of Moline — at the lower end in the same State, the city of Rock Island, and opposite in Iowa, is Davenport. Its nearness to these towns and cities would render a regiment of soldiers necessary to prevent all depredations. This being true I do not pretend that trespassers have not encroached; but I do maintain and can establish by the testimony of our best citizens that less depredations have been committed than under Democratic administrations. I utterly deny the truth of the allegations, and shall look to Mr. Lincoln for justice in the matter. I trust you will take the trouble to favor me I in this, as you have in times past, and present it to the President, at a time when great affairs are not pressing him for imminent attention.2

2 Lincoln became personally involved in the case and ordered that Pickett be reappointed. See Pickett to Lincoln, April 3, 1863; Lincoln to Calvin Truesdale, April 20, 1863; and Collected Works, VI, 196.

Our republicans think it a queer state of affairs if a copperhead editor, acting on his malicious feelings, can have the power to remove a loyal man from office.

If it is necessary, I can send on affidavits of our leading men as to my faithful discharge of the duties of my office, — and furthermore, that the leader in the crusade against me is not worthy of credence in any statement he may make against a political adversary.

Yours truly,

T. J. Pickett

From Charles Weston to Abraham Lincoln1, March 30, 1863

1 Charles Weston was appointed a military storekeeper at the Watertown Arsenal in November 1861. He was dismissed in September 1862, but Lincoln reviewed the case and revoked the dismissal order. See Thomas J. Rodman to James W. Ripley, September 10, 1862; Peter H. Watson to Lincoln, October 21, 1862; and Charles Weston to Lincoln, August 8, 1863.

Portland Me. March 30, 1863.

Sir:

Senator Fessenden2 says, the charges do not amount to much, but that the War Dept. is under the impression, the business at the Arsenal was not done and that it was my fault.

2 William P. Fessenden

Among the papers furnished by the Dept. is a letter from Capt. Rodman of 19th Sept. but not mine of the 20th (copy annexed written before I received my dismissal) from which I infer, it was suppressed by Ch. of Ord.

The cash accounts were never behind as the books of the 2d Auditor will show. The “property returns”, which Capt. R. calls “accounts”, in order to deceive the Dept. were more than eight months in arrears, when I took charge. This fact can be ascertained at the Ordnance Office, by examining the dates of the letters accompanying the returns for 3d & 4th quarters of 1861, and 1st quarter of 1862; also from letter-book at Watertown Arsenal. You will please consider, I was there but six months and ten days when ordered to turn over the property. The current business was not only promptly done during my administration but two months were gained on the arrearages.

In letter of Sept. 19th Capt. R. says; “the accounts being so far in arrears as to render it impossible to know precisely what ought to be on hand at this time”.

How dishonorable in him, to leave it to be inferred, that it was owing to my neglect.

I had sent him word, to which he paid no attention, that I needed two additional clerks, temporarily, to bring up arrearages. As soon as I turned over the funds, and the office was no longer mine, he put there the additional clerks.

I disbursed, from Philadelphia to Portland, four hundred and twenty five thousand dollars. I paid the operatives, whose number increased from six hundred and fifty to eight hundred, seven times, occupying almost the whole of five and six days each month. Any Paymaster will say, that in the safe-keeping and disbursement of the money, and supervision of the cash accounts, I earned my pay, without taking into consideration what I did as Military Storekeeper.

You appointed me, yourself, and I can not believe, when the facts are brought to your notice, that for such charges, you will allow the disgrace of dismissal to remain upon me.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect,

Your obt. svt.

Charles Weston.

[Enclosure:]

{Copy.}

Watertown Arsenal, Sept. 20, 1862.

Genl. J. W. Ripley, Ch. of Ord. Wash. D. C.

Sir:

In obedience to your orders of the 13th, I on the 18th inst., turned over, to the officer designated, all the funds, books and papers, in my possession, as Military Storekeeper.

In regard to the property, I have to say, that so greatly was the business of my office in arrears, and so pressing its current duties, when I took charge of it, that no return of property was made to me, by Capt. Leonard, my predecessor; Capt. Rodman saying, there was no necessity for it; that I could take the property as it was, and receipt for it, on the quarterly return, when it should be made out.

Up to the 1st inst., the force of the office, when not engaged with current business, was employed on property returns, for the 3d & 4th quarters of 1861, and 1st quarter of 1862; the last named I signed, though only twenty six days of said quarter, appertained to me.

Having received the property, in the manner above indicated, I pass it to my successor, in the same way.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully

Your obt. svt.

Charles Weston.

M. S. K.

Abraham Lincoln, Endorsement on the Case of David Schaadt [Draft]1, April 30, 1863

1 This endorsement concerns General David Hunter's order dismissing Captain David Schaadt for disloyalty and appears on the verso of a copy of that order (see below). Lincoln's objections to the order are further clarified in his letter to Hunter of April 30, 1863 (q. v.), in which he asserted that the charge of disloyalty was made without evidence to prove it, and asked Hunter to “inquire into the case more minutely.” Apparently Schaadt had refused to sanction resolutions endorsing the Emancipation Proclamation. A member of a regiment of nine-months drafted militia, Schaadt was able to serve his nine months.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 30, 1863.

Such facts are brought to my notice as induces me to withhold, for the present, my approval of the dismissal of Capt. Schaadt, named within. He is satisfactorly proved to me to be of good character for candor and manliness, and generally; and that he was most active and efficient, in Pennsylvania last autumn, in raising troops for the Union— All this should not retain him in the service, if, since then, he has given himself in any way, to the injury of the service. How this is I must understand better than I now do, before I can approve his dimissal— What has he done? What has he said? If, as is claimed for him, he is guilty of nothing, but the withhoding his vote or sanction, from a certain resolution or resolutions, I think his dismissal is wrong, even though I might think the resolution itself right, and very proper to be adopted by such as choose— Capt. Schaadt will report himself to Gen. Hunter, and deliver him this paper, for his further action.

A. Lincoln

[On verso:]

Copy

Head Quarters Dept. of the South

Hilton Head, Port Royal S. C.

March 30. 63

General Orders

No 28

It having been unanimously certified to the Major Genl. Commanding by the Colonel, Lt. Col, Major & Surgeon of the 176th Regt. of Pa M. that they consider Captain David Schaadt Commanding Co D. of Said Regt. a very disloyal officer & a traitor to his Country: and they unanimously recommending (in which recommendation their Brigade Commander joins) that Capt. D. Schaadt be summarily dismissed the Service without pay or Emoluments.

It is hereby ordered that the Said Captain D. Schaadt Co D 176th Regt Pa Ma be dishonorably dismissed the Service of the United States without pay or Emoluments Subject to the approval of His Excellency the President of the United States.

By Command of Major Genl D Hunter

Chas. G. Halpine

Lieut Col & A. A. G.

10th Army Corps & Dept. of the South

Official

Jos T Walton

1st Lt. & adjt.

176th Regt. Pa Ma

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hunter. Capt. Schaadt.

From John W. Forney to Abraham Lincoln, March 31, 1863

The following Telegram received at Washington 2 30 P. M Mch 31st 1863,

From New York

Dated, Mch 31st 1863.

Authentic advices lead me to believe we shall Certainly Carry Rhode Island1

1 Rhode Island Republicans were victorious in the gubernatorial and Congressional elections in 1863.

J. W. Forney

From D. Y. Kilgore to Abraham Lincoln1, March 31, 1863

1 Kilgore was principal of a seminary at Evansville, Wisconsin.

Evansville, Wis., March 31st 1863.

Mr President—

By a letter from Hon. Thomas Hood I learn that you consider my plan of a Secret police at the North “impracticable” and that you expressed some surprise that I had not consulted Senators Howe and Doolittle2 and our Representatives. You will readily perceive that to be efficient such a force must be secret, even unsuspected. To have those men know of it would do no good, and perhaps it might do accidental injury. Indeed my own life's safety depends upon You and Judge Hood — to whom alone I have confided the matter — keeping it in your own bosoms.

2 Timothy O. Howe and James R. Doolittle

On the 19th of Jan'y last I was told who excited the Indians to insurrection and in a very peculiar way. Testimony reached me of the intention of traitors to assassinate certain men whom I warned in season to save them. I sent spies to distant parts of the state and from their united testimony, learned some startling facts which I intended to lay before you. Your time forbade full details. I told Judge Hood sufficient facts to interest him in the matter. I also told Bishop Simpson3 of the Methodist E. Church, an old friend — some facts. He advised me to lay the matter before you. In other respects I have acted entirely without advice. That it is the intention of a few men to resist the draft and overthrow our State Government I have no doubt. That they are now supplying poor, ignorant foreigners with costly arms, and ammunition and drilling them in companies and squads in different parts of the state is true.

3 Matthew Simpson, a prominent and well respected bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was an opponent of slavery who actively spoke for the Union cause during the Civil War. Bishop Simpson delivered an address at Lincoln's funeral service in Springfield.

They are learning the manual of arms and military evolutions or movements at midnight in secluded places.

In the hope that I might be instrumental in thwarting their schemes I left my school and went to Washington. Since my return more facts confirmatory of former evidence, have come to me. Had I the means, necessary to employ suitable agencies, I would leave everything, and spend everything in this work. So important do I deem it. But I am poor, and must earn the money, and refund the two hundred dollars already expended in getting this information and in my journey to Washington; consequently I can do nothing more than to urge you to try the method suggested. For myself I ask nothing. I will cheerfully aid, and coöperate with, any man you may send here for the purpose of preventing a great and perhaps fatal calamity.

If you postpone action, depend upon it you may expect an organized and open resistance to the draft which will require many valuable lives to overcome. I do no know that any human power can save us, but I feel compelled to make this earnest appeal to you in behalf of means yet untried. Perhaps I am too much alarmed but if this Government is destroyed, all hope of this generation to me is lost. May God's wisdom guide and His grace sustain you against all our Country's open or concealed enemies.

With the Highest Respect,

Yours Truly

D. Y. Kilgore.

From Samuel B. McPheeters to Samuel R. Curtis1, March 31, 1863

1 McPheeters was a St. Louis minister ordered to leave the state for his alleged rebel sympathies. Lincoln instructed General Curtis to suspend the expulsion order on December 27, 1862. Several documents in this collection pertain to the McPheeters case.

Saint Louis, March 31st 1863.

General:

I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 28th — the Sabbath intervening between its date and reception.

Allow me, General, to express my thanks for the kind manner in which you received and heard my friends, and for your further kindness in reviewing the decision in my case. Under circumstances, other than those in which I find myself placed, it might be proper and becoming in me, to express freely and fully, both my desires and opinions, as far as I have cherished desires or formed opinions, in relation to our sad national calamities; but, the position in which my seemingly hard fate has placed me is peculiar and embarrassing, and my answer to your interrogatories must be determined in views of all the circumstances surrounding me, and my convictions of duty.— I do not mean that I have, or that any citizen, however situated, can or ought to have any difficulty in acknowledging his allegiance to his country, — certainly no such difficulty is in my way; when in the General Assembly of my church it was insinuated that I was disloyal, I promptly and thoroughly repelled the insinuation, openly and before the whole country. When the Convention of this State by ordinance required an oath of allegiance (one most carefully prepared) — to be taken by those who solemnize the rites of matrimony, in obedience to the teachings of my church on that particular matter, and from a conviction of duty, I voluntarily subscribed this oath and filed it with the proper officer, as required. And, in this connection. allow me to say, that one of the things which I have found the hardest for me to bear, in the course which the authorities have adopted toward me, is, that I have not only been treated as though I had taken this oath without honor or conscience, but whatever influence my office or my character give me, is made to encourage and sustain those who are shaking the very foundations of society, by denying the solemn and binding obligation of an oath— But I forbear— I have said so much as due not only to the kind friends who have interposed in my behalf, but as due to myself.

Now, as to the particular interrogatories propounded, they are of the same import as those, to which certain members of my church and congregation demanded of me answers. I denied their right to require an answer from me, and in doing so, used this language — “this position I take, not from any disposition to stand out captiously upon an abstract question of right, nor from any disposition improperly to conceal my views on political questions, but from a conscientious conviction that I cannot yield the thing you claim, without to the full extent of my example compromising the rights of every minister and endangering the peace of all our churches”— When I thus refused to answer their questions, they made appeal to the public, and directly or indirectly to the military authorities — the result was that the military Order No. 152. was made and issued; which, for my silence or refusal to answer these church members, banished me from my pulpit — and, as originally made, from the State— For this order is, in express terms on its face, based on my position, above quoted, taken with then members of my Church.

If I was right then, it cannot now be proper that I should give an answer which I declined to give on principle and solemn conviction of duty— a principle, upon the maintenance of which I then and now believe, depends in a great degree, the peace, the purity and the spiritual power of the church.

I do not expect you, General, to see all the consequences which a precedent such as my answering the questions proposed would establish, as I think I see them; but this, I think I have a right to expect; that you will see, that believing as I do, I cannot answer the questions you propound, and under the circumstances in which they are propounded without wounding my conscience— Whatever therefore may be the consequence, I dare not make such a reply to your kind letter as you probably expected.

But I think I have said enough to satisfy you that all charges of disloyalty against me are without any foundation— In this connection I may be pardoned for quoting from your own circular letter, defining loyalty. You say: — : — “Prima facie an oath of allegiance is evidence of loyalty, and when men have taken upon themselves such obligations and have lived and acted consistantly then they should be regarded as loyal”.— I have taken the oath — taken it voluntarily and conscientiously.— I have lived consistantly with it. Your own words decide the rest — “should be regarded as loyal.” Under your order and with any construction that can be put upon it, I would be allowed to buy and sell, to practice medicine, — plead law — why not to preach the Gospel?

But I will not weary your patience, I thank you for reading so much as I have written.— I have never believed that in any thing that has occured that you designed to do me injustice, and I now hope that you will see your way clear to remove all hinderances to my returning to work and calling.— In any event, I shall try and so live and act that all who know me will be constrained to confess that I am not a bad — much less a dangerous citizen.

I have the honor to be, General,

Your obedient Servant.

(Signed) Saml. B. McPheters.

A true copy

From William B. Thomas to Abraham Lincoln, March 31, 1863

Custom House, Philadelphia,

Collector's Office, March 31 — 1863

Dear Sir

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterdays date.1

1 This letter has not been located.

Mr. Levi Short2 of the state of New York is the inventor of the article, known as “Solidified Greek Fire”, I have written to him informing him of your desire to witness his expermnts.

2 Short was an inventor from Buffalo, New York who first met Lincoln in 1862. In January 1862 Lincoln attended two demonstration's of Short's “Solidified Greek Fire” and in 1863 Short supplied shells to the navy which were used in the bombardment of Vicksburg.

He will doubtless wait upon you in a very few days—

Your Ob Svt

Wm B Thomas

From Charles K. Tuckerman to Abraham Lincoln1, March 31, 1863

1 Tuckerman was an associate of Bernard Kock, the “governor” of Vache Island off the coast of Haiti. Kock proposed to colonize the island with 5,000 former slaves from the United States. Lincoln had signed a contract with Kock on December 31, 1862, but this contract was canceled in April 1863 and the U. S. agreed to a different contract with Tuckerman and Paul S. Forbes. By the end of April 1863, nearly 500 colonists had sailed for the island. Less than a year later the project was an utter failure and the 350 remaining colonists on Vache Island returned to the United States. There are several documents in this collection that pertain to the project.

Washington, March 31, 1863.

Mr. President,

In accordance with your request I called upon the Secr. of the Interior and examined the draft of Contract which it is proposed to make with the gentlemen who are undertaking to carry forward your Policy in regard to Colonisation.

I observe in it but two points which can interfere with our prosecution of the matter. The first is that we are required to wait until the Haytien authorities signify their assent to the terms upon which this government are willing to promote colonisation. To wait for this assent will utterly prevent us from sending this ship forward which has been loaded & ready for sailing over ten days & on which we are paying a demurrage of about $100 pr. day. It will also make the Season too far advanced for cultivating the soil & initiating the colony. We should therefore decline undertaking the business at all if this ship is to be detained until we can hear officially from Hayti. The Haytien Govt. we know to be willing to receive & protect emigrants & the very laws of Hayti give that encouragement & guarantee that protection. Moreover the Haytien Minister resident here approves your Policy & asserts that his Government will meet it in the fullest degree.

Under these circumstances I cannot suppose that you desire to lose this good beginning of a whole & humane & commercially advantageous enterprise when the spirit & intention of the two governments are so well understood. But if you do, there is nothing more to be said & we will withdraw from the enterprise altogether.

The other point is on the question of support to be afforded these emigrants. If the enterprise should fail, the Haytien Govt. at once takes them under its protection as “naturalised citizens.” If the enterprise succeeds then the prosperity of these people is assured during their lives & to their descendents after them.

I have not said anything about the rate of bounty money. If you decide to keep it at $50 pr. head we shall abide by it, but we had far rather that you should allow the cost of transportation & the cost of subsistence for say four or six months than to allow even $75 or $100 pr. head. We pay $11.000 charter party on the first ship & will probably have to pay as much for the second ship which goes immediately after this one with supplies only. not men. Beside this we support the emigrants on the passage & for many months after their arrival before one dollar comes back to us in the shape of returns. Add to this wages, medical attendance, clothing, houses for shelter &c. &c. attending a colonial enterprise of this magnitude & you will at a glance see that only men of wealth can undertake it & that liberal government aid is after all but a tithe of the expenditure which is thus undertaken.

I trust Mr. President that if you are satisfied with the gentlemen who have come forward in this matter that you will expedite matters & permit this ship to depart upon such guarantee as may be necessary of good faith on their part. If not it must fall to the ground.

Very Respectfully

Your obt. Sevt

Chas. K. Tuckerman

From Archibald Williams to Abraham Lincoln, March 31, 1863

Washington March 31 1863

Dear sir

I dislike, in the midst of your arduous cares & duties to annoy you with the consideration of Kansas affairs. Yet I wish to make one suggestion. Gen Blunt1 is a brave soldier, but not a wise & prudent politician Besides he is so hampered by past & present partisan associations as greatly to impair his efficiency & usefulness as a Military Commander of the Department of Kansas & also to embarrass the administration of the State government. Could he not be transfrd to a command where he would have more fighting to do & less tempation to engage in partisan intrigues? If this could be done & some person assigned to the Department of Kansas who would have nothing to do with the little partisan intriges of Kansas politicians I do assure you it would be a great relief to our State. Law & order would be restored & maintained There will be no peace & quiet there so long as the Military attempt to control the Civil functionarees.

1 James G. Blunt

I know Mr President that certain factions in Kansas who wish to control & use the Military authority for the promotion of their own private ends will object to this

You will please observe that any suggestion requires the appointment of an impartial person who will do his duty without regard to any faction in Kansas To remove the partisan of one faction & appoint the partisan of an other would do no good Nothing short of an impartial administration of the department will give us permanent quiet

Very respectfully

Your obt Servt

Archibald Williams

From Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, [1861]

Monday [Morn?]

My dear Sir,

Your request in behalf of Mr. Wynn1 will have prompt compliance.

1 The 1861 Official Register lists Lewis B. Wynne of Illinois as a clerk in the Treasury Department.

The California brief will be sent over as soon as possible — say an hour.

Yours most truly

S P Chase

I hope Sunday has restored you and that you are well this morning.

From Joseph Hertford to Abraham Lincoln [With Copied Endorsement by Lincoln]1, March 1863

1 Hertford had lived in Chicago and had known Leonard Swett and Ward Hill Lamon. It is not clear if his quest was successful; the 1863 Official Register lists him as a clerk in the Internal Revenue office of the Treasury Department.

Washington, March 1863.

Dear Sir:

I trust you will pardon me for asking a favor of you. Some months ago I handed you a letter from the Hon. Leonard Swett, which you placed in one of the compartments of your desk, deeming it worthy of a future consideration.

On the 6th ulto, you placed on that letter the following endorsement viz;

“I should be glad for my friend Swett to be obliged; and besides, Mr. Hertford is a very worthy and competent gentleman.”

(signed) A. Lincoln

Feb. 6. 1863.

My application was for appointment from this office, as Special Agent, for the prevention of frauds upon Internal Revenue.

I have learned, that by an amendment to the Act, the appointing power is vested in the President.

From my general Knowledge of business pursuits, I am peculiarly adapted to fill the position above referred to, and I feel persuaded I could render the Government efficient aid in the capacity of Special Agent of Internal Revenue.

Very Respectfully

Your Obedt. Servt.

Joseph Hertford

From Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter [Copy in an Unknown Hand]1, April 1, 1863

1 After issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln became concerned about the recruitment and most efficient use of African-American soldiers. In that regard, he was most gratified to learn of the successful use of black troops, as in the expedition on March 10, 1863, by two African-American regiments recruited on the Sea Islands of South Carolina against Jacksonville, Florida.

(Copy)

“Private”

Executive Mansion

Washington, D. C. April 1st 1863

My Dear Sir:

I am glad to see the accounts of your colored force at Jacksonville, Florida. I see the enemy are driving it driving at them fiercely, as is to be expected.

It is important to the enemy that such a force shall not take shape, and grow, and thrive, in the South; and in precisely the same proportion, it is important to us that it shall. Hence the utmost certain caution and vigilence is necessary on our part. The enemy will make extra efforts to destroy them; and we should do the same to preserve and increase them.

Yours Truly

A. Lincoln

From Murat Halstead to Salmon P. Chase1, April 1, 1863

1 Halstead was a Cincinnati newspaper editor.

Copy—

Cincinnati, Apl— 1st., 1863.

Gov. Chase

You do once in a while, don't you, say a word to the President, or Stanton, or Halleck, about the conduct of the War?

Well, now, for God's sake say that Genl. Grant, entrusted with our greatest army, is a jackass in the original package. He is a poor drunken imbecile. He is a poor stick sober, and he is most of the time more than half drunk, and much of the time idiotically drunk.

About two weeks ago, he was so miserably drunk for twenty-four hours, that his Staff kept him shut up in a state-room on the steamer where he makes his headquarters — because he was hopelessly foolish.

I know precisely what I am writing about and the meaning of the language I use.

Now are our Western heroes to be sacrificed by the ten thousand by this poor devil?

Grant will fail miserably, hopelessly, eternally. You may look for and calculate upon his failure in every position in which he may be placed, as a perfect certainty.

Don't say I am grumbling. Alas! I know too well I am but faintly outlining the truth.

Grant is shamefully jealous of Rosecrans, just as such an imbecile would naturally be of his superior; and he and his staff would chuckle to see Rosecrans cut to pieces.

Anybody would be an improvement on Grant!

If nothing else can be done, now while the Cumberland River is up send all Grant's army at once, except a division or two, to join Rosecrans and he can instantly penetrate to Georgia.

Or let me suggest a plan. Have Grant's Army withdrawn from below Memphis, and suddenly, without warning, send the force amounting to at least 50.000 men up the Tennessee River as far as it is navigable. This would throw them in the rear of Bragg.2

2 Braxton Bragg was commander of the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

Anything to get the army of the Mississippi out of the control of the horrible fool, Grant!

There is another plan of operations. Here is Burnside's3 corps in Kentucky. The rebel invasion of Kentucky is “played out”— Now then order Burnside to secure with his troops just arrived all the places in Ky., and the Louisville & Nashville R. R: and order a division of Grant's wasting and useless army instantly up the Cumberland to garrison Nashville. Then Rosecrans4 can have concentrated in a mass all the old troops of his and Wright's5 command now in Ky., and at Gallatin, Tenn., and Nashville. He will thus have 120.000 men; and give Rosecrans that many men, and he will with absolute certainty, break the enemy's center. He will destroy Bragg's Army utterly, this side the Tennessee River.

3 Ambrose E. Burnside

4 William S. Rosecrans

5 Horatio G. Wright

Rosecrans is the man to strike the blow. For Christ's and the country's sake, put the weapon in his hands.

With any sort of handling of the troops we have in the West under Grant, Rosecrans & Burnside, and our enormous steamboat transportation, not ten men of Bragg's Army of 65.000 should escape beyond the Tennessee River. All that is wanted is concerted action — that can only be had through an impulse from headquarters, which shall subordinate the proceedings of Grant & Burnside to those of Rosecrans who is in the center, at the post of danger; is the fighting man; and has the absolute and enthusiastic confidence of his troops

Can you not do something to put the spear in his hands? That is our only hope. If Burnside is allowed to fool away 50.000 men in Ky., and Grant to bury 100.000 in the Mississippi swamps, we are gone up.

M. H.

From C. Edwards Lester to Abraham Lincoln1, April 1, 1863

1 Lester was a former Presbyterian minister who had been active in the anti-slavery movement. He served as consul at Genoa in the 1840s and was the author of numerous biographies and popular histories. During the Civil War, Edwards worked at hospitals in the Washington D. C. area.

Washington D. C.

1 April 1863.

Mr President;

I am requested by Messrs. G. & C. Merriam, the publishers of Websters Dictionary, to present to you in their name, a superbly bound copy of that great National Work.

Regarding it as the most valuable contribution of American Genius to the learning of mankind yet produced, I feel honored in being requested to offer it for your acceptance.

Noah Webster has been the Great School master of our Republic, from the publication of his Spelling Book, in Washingtons time. He has educated three generations of Americans; and so omni-present is his influence, that no human being who steps on this continent can escape it. I doubt not that his Dictionary had been your companion from your boyhood, and that you will cheerfully pay to your venerable master your manhoods gratitude.

I have the honor to remain,

with the greatest respect,

Your Servant, Friend

and Fellow-citizen

C Edwards Lester

From Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln, April 1, 1863

Springfield April 1 1863

Dear Sir

President Sturtevant1 at the request of some of his strong personal friends, and warm friends of the country, visits England for the express purpose of presenting his views upon the subject of the present crisis. It is believed by them, and I most firmly believe, that very much good may be done by a proper presentation to the English mind of the true causes, present condition and probable results of the contest, and President Sturtevant in his most able and interesting essays speeches has convinced many of us that his visit to England may be attended with the best results.

1 Julian M. Sturtevant

Could you not appoint Mr. Sturtevant a Bearer of Dispatches or entrust him with some duties which would give him a favorable introduction and some compensation? This is my own personal suggestion, and without even the slightest intimation on his part.

I am sure that he would command the respect of even the highest Court, and would leave it with a high favorable opinion of our cause, of the President and of himself.

You will excuse this request from one who makes so many of you, for in this instance, I find it so much in my heart to make it, th as to be unable not to do so.

Very truly Your friend

Richd. Yates

[Endorsed by Julian M. Sturtevant:]

If there is nothing useful in this letter let it give Mr Pres Lincoln no trouble. My address for the next eight days will be “Care Rev. Theron Baldwin D D. 80 Wall St New York

J. M. Sturtevant

From Abraham Lincoln to William Lilley [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 2, 1863

1 Lilley's appointment as assistant quartermaster had been revoked by the Senate early in 1862. Lincoln urged Secretary of War Stanton in August of that year that Lilley be reinstated if Senator Preston King of New York would vouch for him. For more on this case, see Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, August 9, 1862, Lilley to Lincoln, March 20, 1863, and James W. Nesmith to Lincoln, April 12, 1863.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 2, 1863.

Sir:

Possibly there has been some misunderstanding in your case— You were nominated to, and rejected by the Senate. I have thought it a good rule, and have tried to act upon it, not to renominate any one whom the Senate has already rejected, unless I have evidence that the Senate would do differently on a second trial. In your case I now distinctly say that if any Senator, continuing in the Senate, will say in writing, that he voted against you, and that he has since investigated the case, and would now vote for you, and that he believes you would now be confirmed, I will renominate you— Without this, or something as strong, I can not do it.

Yours truly

A. Lincoln

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

The conditions of this note being complied with by the attached letters of Senators Wilson2 & Nesmith,3 it is hereby directed that William Lilly be reappointed a Quarter Master; and, if not inconsistent, let the appointment date with the original appointment

2 Henry Wilson

3 Senator James W. Nesmith of Oregon

A. Lincoln

April 20. 1863

From Cassius M. Clay to Abraham Lincoln, April 2, 1863

(Private.)

ap: 2. 1863

New-York

St Nicholas:

My dear Mr. Lincoln,

I have just received a letter from Mr. Henry Berg stating that Mr. Seward received him very Cavaleirly; threw my letter of recommendation, similar to the one I wrote you, aside; and said in an irritated manner — that he “disliked the manner of (my) his whole proceeding in the matter” — that he “had written (me) him a letter yesterday, desiring (me) him to set off to St Petersburg, and leave the subject of secretary of legation — there was already one at that place — that he did not approve of this treatment of Bayard Taylor &c” And concluded by wondering at my delay! Now I have been urging Mr Seward for an answer for near a month — on the 31. ulto. I received for the first time an answer from F: W. Seward. That is to say the day that Mr Seward was [lathering] to Mr Bergh I was reading his letter of the day before! Again I wrote to B. Taylor asking him to remain as my secretary: this he preemtorely declined. And on the 4th day of Febuary he wrote to the department that he resigned his office — which letter is now on file! And yet Mr Seward accuses me of treating B. Taylor badly, by asking my legal rights of a secretary! You see all this is merely a pretext to insult me, by insulting my friend. Mr Henry Berg is a descendent of American ancestors of revolutionary fame: is a man of fortune — of the highest associations in this City — an man who speaks most of the modern languages — is an author — a travell'd gentleman — and every way my or W. H. Sewards' equal in any way! Yet he is insulted because I ask his appointment. The custom in all Europe is for the minister to appoint his secretary — for the most obvious reasons. It has always been the custom in this country. I feel that I have this right — I name Mr Bergh, in the same state and same City that B. Taylor came from — in order to obviate all objections on the score of equal distribution of the offices in the states. He can give any recommendations needed — his qualifications cannot be questioned: and yet he is insulted: and I am to be put into the position of having a Seward Spy in my house — or doing my own book keeping for my mission— I don't think this just to me. I name Mr H. Bergh as my secretary — and no other can render me any service. If a Sewardite is thrust upon me, I shall regard it as an unfriendly act on your part. For your sake I agreed to bury the tomahawk with this man: I agreed to go away from home [touch] in my character by his partial presentation of my correspondence — and all the calumnies of his tools of the press, unanswered; I write him friendly letters, which he treats with contempt; and I send him supplicants for the poor office of secretary, whom he insults! He sends my letters directed to the “care of the state department” to the care of a mercantile house in Boston, for shipment to St Petersburg! Cox of the State-department, tells me I can draw upon Baring Brothers and Co. of London for the amount due me in passing from home to St Petersburg at the time of my arrival there: and now F. W. Seward writes me that I will not be allowed a credit on the Barings till I inform the state department of my arrival, and Baring is advised of their approval! Can this be the law? Am I dependent upon W. H. Seward's promptness in answering my letters of credit, as I have been in waiting a civil answer upon business here? Mr Lincoln I am poor, but honest — you have given me an office: I have discharged it faithfully and to the interest of the Country — treat me justly. I have drawn upon the amount due for passing to my place of trust at 40 days from the 11th day of March the date of my Commission — order me with the Baring Brothers & Co. a credit for ($1000) 200£s which I shall draw in the usual way, after I reach my place of duty. The rebels have ruined my already scanty means of living by their continual raids — I have taken my passage on the Wednesday steamer for Liverpool: I am in the employ of the government, and they owe me a support: let me have my just rights, and no more. I grieve to trouble you with this matter, or any matter: but I am not master of my own movements — I am in the hands of men who seek my ruin! I ask your protection.1

1 Henry Bergh received the appointment as secretary of the legation at St. Petersburg. Bergh was a philanthropist who later founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Please answer at once

Your Obt Svt.

& friend, C. M. Clay.

From James W. White to Abraham Lincoln1, April 2, 1863

1 White was a justice of the New York City Superior Court. His wife Rhoda was one of Mrs. Lincoln's closest friends.

New York 341 Fifth Avenue

April 2. 1863

Dear Sir,

I have learned indirectly from the Police Authorities of our City, and I presume they have informed you, that arrangements are being extensively made by the disloyal portion of our population to resist the enforcement of the Conscription act in this City.

Unless you heard those disloyal men speak in private, as we sometimes do here, you could not form a proper conception of the bitter, malignant, deadly hatred which they bear towards the Government; and they are determined, if they can, to raise a riot here, which would do more to discredit and damage us at home and abroad than the loss of half a dozen battles in the field. A mob of twenty thousand men (and they can raise that number and more) would in a few hours leave our City a wreck if we are not properly prepared to meet them.

Many of our friends here apprehend, that you may be induced to discredit the possibility of such a Calamity as we believe to be in preparation for us; not because you are deficient in that vigilance and anxiety that properly belong to the Chief Magistrate, but because men, who ought to be well informed, may commit the mistake of endeavoring to persuade you that there is no danger.

We shall all (I speak of the loyal men) Stand by you, and by the enforcement of the laws, at the cost of our lives if necessary. But we desire that the Government should leave nothing for its own and our defence unprovided.

We entreat you not to hesitate, or delay the enforcement of the act in this city, which is now some Eighteen thousand men behind the rest of the State in the first quota to the former calls that were made for men. But we trust you will be prepared for any exigency.— It is better to take precautions that prove to be unnecessary, than to run the risk of finding yourself unprovided in an hour of peril.

Permit me to suggest, that Genl. Wool is too old and deficient in foresight, activity and vigor to be at the head of this department (the worst spot in the whole United States) at such a time as that immediately before us.2 We ought to have Genl Butler,3 or some such man, whom the traitors would know to be in earnest, and whom they would know they could neither intimidate, wheedle, nor circumvent. Every preparation should be made secretly and quietly. But we should have a strong military force where they could be readily called out, and plenty of artillery for nothing but grape will answer for those men.

2 John A. Dix replaced John E. Wool as commander of the Department of the East following the outbreak of the New York Draft Riots in July.

3 Benjamin F. Butler

I am, dear Sir, with great respect

Your Obt Servt James W. White

From Abraham Lincoln to Charles F. Adams [Draft]1, April 3, 1863

1 Reverend Sturtevant's intention in travelling to Europe was “to present his views on the subject of the present crisis.” Although writing to introduce an old friend, Lincoln misnames Sturtevant, whose first name was Julian. See Sturtevant to Lincoln, March 27, 1863, and Richard Yates to Lincoln, April 1, 1863.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 3., 1863

My dear Sir.

This will introduce to you, Rev. John M. Sturtevant, President of Illinois College— He visits Europe in no official character. He is a worthy and capable gentleman; and also is one of my most highly valued personal friends— I shall be much obliged for any kind attention you may find it convenient to show him.

Your Obt Servt.

A. Lincoln

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To Hon. C. F Adams — Apl. 3. 1863. Introducing Prof. Sturtevant.

From Samuel R. Curtis to Abraham Lincoln, April 3, 1863

St. Louis, April 3d 1863.

Your Excellency so modified the banishment of the Revd. Saml B McPheters1 as to permit him to return to Missouri and invited my attention to a clause in the order of the Provost Marshall which seemed to imply that we took charge of the clerical functions of the church. The order was rescinded so far as to avoid any such inference and no action was taken by the Committee to whom it was supposed the ordered dedicated such irreverent power.—

1 Samuel B. McPheeters was a St. Louis minister ordered to leave the state for his alleged rebel sympathies. Lincoln instructed General Curtis to suspend the expulsion order on December 27, 1862. Several documents in this collection pertain to the McPheeters case.

The Reverend Gentleman has been allowed to remain in the city, suspended from the exercise of any public functions on the ground of his disloyalty.

Recently some of his friends appealed to me for a release from all restraints which I assure your Excellency it would be my wish to do if I believed him loyal.

I transmit a correspondence which I had with him in relation to the fact of his loyalty supposing Your Excellency might desire to know my action in the premises.2

2 See McPheeters to Curtis, March 31, 1863.

He declines to answer my questions for reasons which do not seem to me sufficient.—

He says he has refused to respond to similar questions asked by others. I certainly did not originate mine from such as he had previously declined to answer

As another reason for refusing to answer he expresses his fears of subverting “the peace the purity and the spiritual power of the church”.—

Your Excellency will see that my questions only seek to ascertain his loyalty, and the idea of an assault on the Divinity of Christs Church is as he apprehends quite too refined for my intellectual comprehension.—

If your Excellency can perceive any reasonable ground for further clemency towards this man, who very politely evades answers to questions which would either convict him of disloyalty or remove my misgivings; it will afford me great pleasure to receive Your further instruction in the premises.—

I have the honor to remain Mr President

Your Excy's Obt Sevt

S. R. Curtis

Major Genl

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln, April 3, 1863

Recd in cipher

530 PM

Head Quarters Army

of the Potomac

Apl 3” 1863

5 PM

Your telegram of today has just been received by me1 I am rejoiced to learn, that you have appointed a time to visit this Army and only regret that your party is not as large as our hospitality Your wishes will be secured at Aquia Creek on your arrival

1 Lincoln had informed Hooker of his plans to visit the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln and his party left Washington on April 4 and returned on April 10. For Lincoln's telegram to Hooker, see Collected Works, VI, 161.

Very Respectfully

Jos Hooker

Maj Gen

From Thomas J. Pickett to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 3, 1863

1 Pickett was a newspaper editor and old friend of Lincoln who had been appointed agent for the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island. In 1859 he had urged Lincoln to allow himself to be promoted as a candidate for the presidency. Pickett had been accused of selling government timber and stone for his own benefit. For more on Pickett's case, see Pickett to John G. Nicolay, March 30, 1863, Pickett to Montgomery C. Meigs, April 18, 1863, Lincoln to Calvin Truesdale, April 20, 1863 and Collected Works, VI, 196. For Pickett's earlier promotion of Lincoln, see Pickett to Lincoln, April 13, 1859, and Lincoln to Pickett, April 16, 1859.

The following Telegram received at Washington 615 PM Apl 3d 1863,

From Rock Island

via Davenport

Dated, Apl 3d 1863.

Am removed from agency Island Rock Island without chance to be heard in defense desire investigation: will send Evidence by mail

B. Pickett2

2 The telegraph operator misspelled Pickett's name.

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

What, if anything, does the Sec. of Interior know about this?

A Lincoln

[Endorsed by Watton J. Smith:]

Apl. 3 — 1863.

Dept of the Interior

April 5th 1863—

This Dept has no information upon the Subject within referred to, & no officer there—

Very respectfully Submitted—

Wtt J Smith

ch clerk.

From W. W. Thomas to Abraham Lincoln, April 3, 1863

City of Portland.

Mayor's Office,

April 3d 1863.

Dear Sir

Desirous as an American citizen of expressing to you my grateful appreciation of the satisfactory manner in which you have discharged the high & responsible duties which have rested upon you during the two momentous years of your administration, I have taken the liberty of making you an honorary member of the “American Board of Comissioners for Foreign Missions”

I send you herewith a certificate of membership which be pleased to accept—

May the blessing of “Him who seeth the end from the beginning” be with you and guide you successfully though this conflict for human liberty—

With great respect I am most

Sincerely Yours

— W. W. Thomas —

From Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Newton [Copy in John G. Nicolay's Hand]1, April 4, 1863

1 Isaac R. Diller, a Springfield businessman, politician and old friend of Lincoln, had been appointed consul at Bremen by President Buchanan. While in Germany Diller learned of a new gunpowder and when he returned to the U. S., he convinced President Lincoln to sponsor tests of the new substance. The results of the tests convinced the government that the powder should not be adopted for use by the military. There are a number of letters in this collection relating to Diller and his powder, but see Diller to Lincoln, September 10, 1862, Charles M. Wetherill to Lincoln, October 17, 1862, Lincoln to Diller, December 15, 1862, Abraham Lincoln, Memorandum of Instructions for Test of Isaac Diller's Powder [c. November 2, 1863], and Diller to Lincoln, December 15, 1863.

Isaac Newton, the recipient of the note, was commissioner of agriculture, from whose agency Wetherill was to be reassigned. Lincoln's note, which relates to Wetherill's pending assignment to assist Diller in the testing of the latter's gunpowder, is part of a file consisting of several related documents copied in secretarial hands. They are (A) Lincoln to Newton, April 4, 1863; (B) Newton to Wetherill, April 6, 1863; (C) James Grinnell to Wetherill, May 2, 1863; (D) Newton to Wetherill, October 1, 1863; (E) Wetherill to Newton, October 5, 1863.

[Document A:]

Copy.

Executive Mansion

Washington, April 4th 1863.

Dear Sir:—

You will please detail Dr. C. M Wetherill Chief Chemist and F. G. Murray, Esq both of your Department for special service, to report to Capn I. R. Diller2 at Philadelphia Pa for one month from date, also giving Dr. Wetherill permission to close his laboratory in the Agricultural Department during that period, and to take its key with him for the security of its contents during his absence.

2 Isaac R. Diller

Yours Truly

(signed) Abraham Lincoln

[Document B:]

Department of Agriculture,

Washington, D. C. April 6th 1863.

Dear Sir:—

Agreeably to the request of the President of the United States, I detail you for special service for the period of one month from date, to report to Capt. I. R. Diller at Philadelphia Pa. You will close your laboratory for that period, taking the key with you.

Yours truly

(signed) Isaac Newton,

Commissioner

Department of Agriculture

[Document C:]

Washington, D. C. May 2nd, 1863.

My dear Sir;—

By the Commissioners order you and Murray will remain in Philadelphia until notified to the contrary.

I telegraphed to Capt. Diller as soon as I received a definite answer, and he will please consider this as an acknowledgement of his letter.

I enclose a letter for you.

Very truly Yours

(signed) James Grinnell

Chief Clerk.

[Document D:]

Department of Agriculture,

Washington, D. C. Octr 1st 1863.

Sir:—

At the request of I. R. Diller, Esq. a private citizen, You were detailed by the President of the U. S. for thirty days from the 6th of April last, to make experiments in matters in no way connected with this Department.

The leave of absence was granted, for the reason, that the contemplated experiments, if successful, would materially aid the Government in crushing the rebellion.

In consequence of your absence beyond the period agreed upon, that service which you were specially appointed to conduct in this Department has materially suffered, and indeed, the object intended to be secured through you as analytical Chemist, has been entirely frustrated.

I therefore inform you, that I do not consider the Department of Agriculture liable for the payment of your salary as Chemist, from the time of your departure from this office; and further you are informed, that Your services ceased on and after the said 6th day of April last, and are no longer required by this Department.

You will therefore give the Dep't immediate possession of the room occupied as the Laboratory.

I am, Very Respectfully

Your Ob't Ser't

(Signed) Isaac Newton

Commissioner

[Document E:]

Copy of answer to the foregoing.

Philadelphia Oct. 5th 1863

Sir:—

I have this day received a letter from you dated October 1st in which, after certain statements erroneous in fact, you dismiss me from the Dep't of Agriculture, and demand possession of my laboratory.

In answer I would beg leave to remind you that I have two letters from your Department; one detailing me for thirty (30) days, the other extending my detail, and that you have no right to dismiss me until I am remanded to your Department. The above would be a sufficient reason for retaining possession of my laboratory; but perhaps I had better remind you further that the said laboratory is locked up by direction of the President for reasons not necessary here to mention.

I expect to be able to return to Washington during the present week.

I am your ob't servant,

(Signed) Charles M. Wetherill

Chemist Dep't of Agrl on special detail.

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

Dr. Wetherill.

From Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, April 4, 1863

Apl. 4, 1863.

My dear Sir,

The letter which I enclose was written by Mr. Halsted of the Cin. Commercial, a paper which contributed materially to your election, and which has now great circulation and influence all through the West and especially in Southern Ohio & Northern & Eastern Kentucky. I have had it copied to make it readable.1

1 See Murat Halstead to Chase, April 1, 1863.

The reports concerning Gen Grant, similar to the statement made by Mr. H— are too common to be safely or even prudently disregarded: and though there is a tone in Halsteds letter which I wish were other than it is, I am sure he writes sincerely & from no selfish or personal motive. Yours Sincerely

S P Chase

From Theodore Roosevelt to Abraham Lincoln1, April 4, 1863

1 Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., the father of the future president of the same name, was a New York City glass importer and philanthropist who was active in support of the war effort.

New-York, April 4th 1863

Sir

Enclosed is copy of letter forwarded to the Secretary of War March 18th, a duplicate of which was enclosed March 27th.2

2 See Roosevelt to Edwin M. Stanton, March 18, 1863.

No notice has been taken of it and as we have made arrangements for six millions of dolls to be returned to the State of New York above, we are obliged to ask justice for the soldiers from you.

Paymaster have refused duplicate checks to soldiers although originally promised by Paymaster General Larned and I await your decision anxiously upon this matter which will save great injustice, to which the soldiers would otherwise be subjected

An early answer will much oblige

Yours Truly

Theodore Roosevelt

U. S. A. C.

From William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 4, 1862

1 Federico L. Barreda was the new minister from Peru who was to be presented to Lincoln.

State Department

April 4,

My Dear Sir

I have taken the liberty of appointing, Mr Bareda the Confidential agent of Peru whose credentials have just been received an opportunity to pay his respects to you tomorrow at 11. A. M.

As he is not accredited publicly, he will neither make nor expect a speech.

William H Seward

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

Sec. State

From Edward Wallace to Abraham Lincoln1, April 4, 1863

1 Edward Wallace, the brother of William S. Wallace, was appointed the naval officer at the Philadelphia customs house in 1861.

Naval Office,

District of Philadelphia,

April 4. 1863.

My dear Sir

I take with me to day, to Reading, papers from the U. S. District Attorney, to arrest the Ring-Leader of the Secret Organizations which have been organized all over our Country, the oath of which we now know, requires them to resist the draft.

If the Court does its duty, we hope the effect will be good.

Let me entreat you to appoint Hoff, Donahower & Bertolet,2 as our Board of Enrollments.

2 Jacob C. Hoff and Peter Bertolet received appointments under the Conscription Act.

And heed not, the lies which I understand, their opponents, are circulating against them.

The freinds of Kupp3 & Lauman have promised Gov. Curtin the delegates from Berks which will explain his interest in this matter.

3 Henry S. Kupp was appointed a provost marshal for the 8th District of Pennsylvania.

I am, Very Truly,

Yours.

Edwd Wallace.

From Adolph Von Steinwehr to Oliver O. Howard1, April 5, 1863

1 General Von Steinwehr was a division commander in the 11th Corps.

Private.

Stephenson's Farm Va., April 5th 1863.

General,

I am informed, that General Schurz endeavors to obtain the Command of the German troops of this Corps & to be ordered with them to Kentucky or elsewhere.—2

2 See Carl Schurz to Lincoln, April 6, 1863.

Neither myself nor the Germans under my Command have any desire to be detached from this Corps. I therefore earnestly beg you, that you will retain us in this Corps & under your Command.— I hope the time is not far of, when these political moves may cease, and when we may be allowed to do simply our duty in the field, without to be obliged to constantly watch political manoeuvres in the rear.—

I am

General

Very respectfully Yours

A. von Steinwehr

Brig. Gen'l.

From Henry Addison to Abraham Lincoln, April 6, 1863

Mayors Office

Ggetown D. C.

April 6th 1863

Sir

Mrs Catherine Boucher of this town is a lady whom I have long known and in whose welfare I take a deep interest. She calls to make an appeal to your kind nature in behalf of her husband who is now confined in the Capital Prison for some offence with the facts of which I am not acquainted but hope they are not of a very serious character. Mrs Boucher is now left alone with four little children while her husbands business is seriously suffering for the want of his care. Mr Boucher and his whole family have always been much respected here and was surprised to hear that any thing unfavorable to his character had been alleged against him.

If you can oblige Mrs Boucher by releasing her husband to his family they will always gratefully remember your kindness and I will regard it as an obligation conferred upon1

1 Lincoln pardoned Boucher in September 1864.

Yours with great Respect

H Addison

From Carl Schurz to Abraham Lincoln, April 6, 1863

April 6th 1863.

Dear Sir,

You were so much occupied to-day that I had no opportunity to speak to you, although Gen. Howard1 and myself had much desired to do so.

1 General Oliver O. Howard was commander of the 11th Corps.

Please give me a moments attention. You remember that I received the command of the 11th Corps by your order under the Grand Division arrangement— When the latter was abolished, Gen. Sigel2 resumed Command of the Corps. Soon afterwards he left is on leave of absence, and as I was the ranking officer of the Corps, I assumed the command. But Gen. Hooker3 assigned Maj. Genl. Howard to the command of the Corps, which reduced me to my old Division. I have no right to object to Gen Hookers orders, and I am far from objecting to Gen. Howard, whom I have learned to esteem highly in every respect.

2 Franz Sigel

3 Joseph Hooker

But this measure of Gen. Hookers, for which he had undoubtedly unobjectionable reasons, placed me in a very embarrassing, if not untenable position. A majority, I think more than two thirds of the troops of the 11th Corps, are Germans. They expected, as well as the German population in the country, that this Corps, the only compact representation of the 90 or 100,000 Germans who have entered the Army, would remain in the hands of one of their own. Perhaps this is wrong, but it is so. A large number of the German troops in the 11th Corps were dissatisfied by the change, and I find myself untennably urged on by a large number of our officers, to endeavor to change this state of things. This, of course, I will not do. But they look to me as their natural head and representative, and are placing me in a false position, which I do not want to occupy. All the dissatisfied elements come to me, while I want to remain loyal and true to my new commander as well as to my old friends— As I know the latter, this will not only continue to be so, but it will grow worse as the fatigues and hardships of an active campaign arrive— This is a position so embarrassing that I want to get out of it—

I do not want to interfere with the arrangements already made but should be happy to be assigned to another Department. But I cannot go without my old troops. They are as attached to me as I am to them. We have grown up together, and as the whole consists of only 3800 to 4000 effective men, the change would not be very considerable. I should be glad to be ordered off to Gen. Burnside or Gen. Rosencranz,4 and I am sure every man in my command would hail the order with enthusiasm— We have always been outsiders in this Army, we never belonged to the family, and I have no doubt this Army will see us leave without regret, provided our place be filled by an equal number of American troops. There are certainly plenty of regiments in the Department of Washington, that are not needed there and might fill up the gap, while on the one hand the 11th Corps under Gen. Howard would be benefitted by an increase of the American and an increase of the German element, and while on the other hand reenforcements are wanted in the West. The change will, I think, be beneficial in every respect.

4 Ambrose E. Burnside and William S. Rosecrans

I have spoken to my superiors about it; Gen. Howard agrees with me perfectly, and Gen. Hooker, as I conclude from what he told me, will have no objection, if the gap left by my Division, which is one of the smallest anyhow, can be filled with other troops.

Thus, dear Sir, I do not ask for the nullification of arrangements made by Gen. Hooker, nor for a command more in proportion to my present rank; but only for a change, which will be beneficial in every respect and take me out of a very embarrassing and untenable position, while it will delight my troops—

If you send me West with my boys, which I sincerely hope you will, I will take my chance without asking for anything more, except a good opportunity to fight.5

5 The Germans in the 11th Corps were not detached as Schurz requested. See Lincoln to Schurz, April 11, 1863.

Yours as ever

C. Schurz.

From Henry J. Hunt to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 6, 1863

1 General Hunt was the chief of artillery for the Army of the Potomac. The following tabulation was prepared for Lincoln during his visit to the army, April 5-10, 1863.

Artillery Headquarters Army of the Potomac,

April 6th 1863.

Confidential

Artillery of the Army of the Potomac.

Heavy RiflesLight RiflesNapoleon GunsTotal

With Infantry Corps184142326

With Cavalry — Horse Artillery2222

In Reserve

Horse Artillery1818

Field Guns121022

Siege Guns88

Position Guns1616

24236152412

Henry J. Hunt.

Chief of Arty.

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

Technically Present for duty136.724—

On other duty33-188 — 169.912

Sick, absent & in arrest44-855

214-767

From Albert Bushnell to Abraham Lincoln, April 7, 1863

New York, April 7th 1863

Honored Sir,

Pardon the liberty I take in asking you to accept an Ebony Cane, which I send you by Express, which I brought from the Upper bank, of the Gaboon River Equatorial Western Africa, where I have resided as a Missionary during nearly twenty years. In a few days I return to that dark land via of England, where I propose to stop a few weeks, hoping from my acquaintance with British Philanthropists to be able to exert some influence in behalf of our national cause.

With heartfelt thanks for what you have done, & are doing, to suppress the Slave Trade: & with the assurance of the sympathy & prayers of all the Missionaries in Africa, & those of thousands of native christians in that dark land, I subscribe myself most truly & Respectfully yours &c

Albert. Bushnell

From McKee & Fishback to Abraham Lincoln1, April 6, 1863

1 William McKee and George W. Fishback were the editors of the Missouri Democrat.

The following Telegram received at Washington 12.50 A. M. Apl 7th 1863,

From St. Louis 11.30 P. M.

Dated, April 6th 1863.

The Radical emancipation party has beaten the Blair conservative & copperhead Parties twenty five hundred votes in St. Louis today. Your administration & policy fully endorsed.—2

2 For more on the rather chaotic political situation in Missouri, see Truman Woodruff to Lincoln, April 9, 1863 and Samuel T. Glover to Lincoln, April 13, 1863.

McKee & Fisback

Mo. Dem.

From William B. Thomas to Abraham Lincoln, April 7, 1863

Custom House, Philadelphia,

Collector's Office, April 7th 1863

Sir

I enclose herewith an exact copy of an Anonymous letter received by me this morning.1 I have recd several of somewhat similar import, and have also information from individual members of the “Southern League” alias “K. G. C.”2 sufficient to convince me that a devilish and deep laid scheme is already concocted throughout the North to seize all the Arms at a favorable moment, and use them against the Government.

1 See Anonymous to William B. Thomas, April 7, 1863.

2 “K. G. C.” is an abbreviation for Knights of the Golden Circle.

The time supposed to be best suited for this rally of northern traitors is when the Government shall attempt the execution of the Conscript Act: At that moment the Government will have against it all the cowards outside of the Democratic Party, as well as all that large class of Mercenaries, who would as leave live under a Despotism as a Republic, provided, they are permitted to fill their filthy purses with gold.

Advice from such an humble source I admit may be presumptuous, and yet I venture to say that it is highly important before arrests of leading Northern Seccessionists are attempted, or the draft commenced, the Loyal people of the North should be put in a position by being organized into regiments to sustain the Government.

Every man holding office especially should be required to qualify himself to perform Military duty: Every loyal citizen should be requested to do the same.

I am endeavoring to do my duty in this respect, Almost the entire Custom House force are now armed and engaged qualifying themselves as Soldiers: I have intimated to such as hold back, that those who will not exert their most strenuous efforts to sustain the Government are not worthy of the favors of office: That all Governments being based upon the principle of coersion or force, the non-resistant who holds office, particularly at a time when the life of the Nation is menaced, is extremely in-consistent, and should at once resign,

I am Your

Excellency's

Obt. Sevt.

Wm B Thomas

From Copeland Townsend to Abraham Lincoln1, April 7, 1863

1 Lincoln had appointed Townsend the U. S. Marshal for the Colorado Territory in 1861 and removed him in 1862.

Washington D. C.

April 7th 1863.

Sir;

I beg leave very respectfully to call your attention to my case as late U. S. Marshal for the Territory of Colorado.— I do not propose to occupy a great deal of your time, which I know to be extremely precious, but I have simply to state to you the erroneous impression under which the Government has labored in regard to me, and to say in as few words as possible that I have faithfully and satisfactorily settled all my affairs with the Government, and as an evidence of the same, I beg leave to enclose herewith for your information a copy of a letter from the First Comptroller of the Treasury, which will speak for itself.—2 On the last occasion on which I had the honor of an interview with you, you may reccollect, in view of my stating to you that I was laboring under some embarrassment with regard to parties in Colorado, connected with the Government, who had evinced a determination to have me removed from my office, — you laid your hand upon my arm and replied “Mr Marshal, you shall be fairly dealt with.”

2 See William H. Jones to Copeland Townsend, March 30, 1863.

While in Washington during the last winter after my removal from Office, — while endeavoring to obtain an adjustment of my a/c's with the Treasury Department, I was arrested and taken to Colorado Territory under a charge of Malfeasance in Office.— But I have fairly and fully proved to the satisfaction of the Accounting Officers, that that, and every other charge brought against me by parties who were anxious for my removal from office, has utterly failed, and I now stand before the Government and the world fairly acquitted of all charges that have been made against me.

I have been removed from Office, upon a charge of crime, and the charge has utterly fallen to the ground. I have been disgraced; and have been put to great pecuniary cost because of these false charges brought against me by the Agents of the Government and without asking that I be reinstated to the office from which I claim to have been so unjustly removed, I do ask that I may at least be placed where I can be of use to the Government, and at the same time be enabled to show to those whose good opinion I desire to enjoy, that the Government will not only promptly punish its Officers when the offend; but will as promptly reward those who have shown that they are entitled to such reward.

While I was Marshal of Colorado, I was offered great pecuniary inducements, if I would consent to resign the office, the party offering, alleging that I was not a proper respector of persons, and executed the law without favor or affection, and failing to compel me to acquiesce in their nefarious schemes, it was immediately determined to raise a hue and cry against me, which would ruin and remove me from office, and thereby accomplish the end they had in view, — namely to have appointed as Marshal a man who was more pliable and more easily influenced.

Every act of my official life while U. S. Marshal has been keenly scrutinized and sifted, and although charged with numberless frauds and violations of law, the Government has utterly failed to substantiate any one charge it has brought against me.

I respectfully request that you will read the enclosed letter from the Comptroller of the Treasury, and in view of the statement therein made grant me an interview, in which I may briefly tell you personally of the great wrong that has been done me by the Government, and show you, if you are so disposed, in what manner I may be of use to you, to the Government, and myself.

I have the honor to be sir;

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt.

Copeland Townsend

Late Marshall of Colorado Terty.

[Endorsed by Edward Bates:]

At the request of Mr Townsend, I forward this letter to the President

Edwd. Bates

From W. B. Crisler to Abraham Lincoln, April 8, 1863

New-Albany Indiana

April 8th 1863—

Dear Sir

I address you for two reasons for which I render no excuse than necessity.

1st I wish to find out where my old friend & classmate Jas.. E. Wyche1 — formerly of Charleston, Coles Co. Ill — is located. I understood from his sister Mrs D Raney of Mississippi that you & he were personal friends; and that he held an office under you. When I left that state, fleeing from the Rebellion I promised her I would correspond with him, but I have not been able to learn his location. Will you be so kind as to inform me of his address as you are the only person in the country from whom I could hope to get this information

1 Lincoln appointed James E. Wyche an associate justice for the Washington Territory in 1861.

2d I was driven from my home in Mississippi by this wicked Rebellion, leaving a father, the grave of a mother, a brother, and relatives together with property I had made, prefering, with my family to be an exile, rather than to help to pull down the fair fabric of my government. I am thus here in necessitous circumstances, and if you could give me any aid you would certainly relieve one whom has suffered some of the persecutions and deprivations of being true to our glorious Flag— If you wish any account of my character & qualifications I refer you to Wyche. I may say of myself that I was at the head of a Male & Female College near my father,s at the time of the secession of Miss— I was also engaged in preaching the Gospel. I must appologize to you for this intrusion upon your time, praying the Great Ruler of the Universe that you may have wisdom so to guide the affairs of this great Nation that peace and Union may be given to us long ere your term of office expires. I desire most earnestly to find out where Wyche is located—

With Great Respect

I am yours most truly

W. B. Crisler—

[Endorsement:]

Where is James E. Wyche formerly of Charleston Coles Co. Ills.

The President is supposed to know

From William H. Irwin to Abraham Lincoln1, April 8, 1863

1 Irwin, the colonel of the 49th Pennsylvania, resigned his commission in October 1863.

Head Quarters 49th Pa. Vol's

3d Brige. 1st Divn 6th Corps d'Armíe

Apl. 8th 1863

Your Excellency,

The Colors of my Regiment, which will have the honor to pass You in Review to-day, is inscribed with these names, “Garrett's Hill”, “Goldings Farm”, “White Oak Swamp”, “Williamsburg”, “Yorktown”, “Antietam”; in these actions I had the honor to command the 49th except at “Antietam” where by special assignment I commanded the 3d Brigade of Smiths Divn. Franklin's Corps— In 1847 in Mexico, I commanded my Company at “Contreras, “Churubusco & “El Molino del Rey— I have been recommended for my grade of Brigadier, by Major Genls McClellan, Cadwalader, Franklin, & Hancock & Brigr. Genl. Pratt. The Army list has the names of many Brigr. & several Major Genls. who were unknown to the service when I had won with my sword & sealed with my blood my on the immortal field of “El Molino”, my Brevet for gallant and Meritorious service, & now concurrent & cumulative & unimpeachable testimony is submitted to Your Excellency in regard to my services in this War, and yet I am ordered to command four Companies! What, Your Excellency, have I done, what neglected to do that I am thus treated? if a dark shadow which I trust will disappear, now rests upon some under whom I have served should it conceal my just claims? I have fought fairly, my whole heart is & was in our righteous cause— I will stand by Genl. Hooker to the last as I would have done by Genl. McClellan— I ask justice, nothing more— The Country The Army believe Your Excellency to be honest & Just, in this belief I share & therefore thus write.

I am, with the utmost respect,

Your Excellencys

Friend & Obt Servt

W. H Irwin

Col. 49th R. P. V

From William Kellogg to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 8, 1863

1 This letter, like many in this collection, underlines how difficult the issue of patronage was for Lincoln, especially as it concerned his old associates in Illinois. Kellogg had apparently asked for any office for which he was qualified, but refused the consulship he was offered as unworthy. Shortly before the end of his life Lincoln desired a commission for William Kellogg as a Federal judge in Nebraska Territory. That intention was carried through by Andrew Johnson who nominated him chief justice there, and gained the Senate's approval. See Collected Works, VIII, 410.

Canton Illinois

April 8. 1863

Sir

I am in receipt of a note from your private Secretary informing me that as a “mark” of your “confidence and esteem” you had appointed me Consul at Valaparaiso, Chile.

Certainly the Honor, attached to the office ought to satisfy the Ambition of the most aspiring, and the Salary (which would but little if any more than defray the expenses of myself and family to & from the place of duty,) is as much as a reasonable man should desire; Yet I feel myself compelled to decline the appointment.

At one time, I was indiscreet enough to indicate to your Excellency a desire for an appointment to any office, for which, I was vain enough to believe I was qualified but from the position now offered I am forced to conclude, that your Excellency held a decidedly different opinion from my own on that subject, or that my political status was such that the administration would suffer by my appointment to an office of the grade of those held by Peck, Wilmot; Olin, Fisher, Swett, Gurley and Carter and many other recent appointees—2

2 Ebenezer Peck and David Wilmot had recently been appointed judges on the Court of Claims. Abram B. Olin and George P. Fisher were appointed associate justices of the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Leonard Swett was appointed a commissioner to settle claims with Peru. John A. Gurley was appointed governor of the Arizona Territory. David K. Cartter was appointed the chief justice of the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

If I have lost the confidence and esteem and regard of those for whom I have had a most ardent esteem and whom I have most faithfully served, I must not loose my own self respect. I am therefore compelled to decline the position tendered

Sir

My first and strongest desire is that your Administration may be sucessful in maintaining the Supremacy of the Govermmnt and in restoring peace and prosperity to our distracted Country and for your own hapiness & success permit me to tender you my best and sincere wishes

I am Sir your Obt

Sevt

Wm Kellogg

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

I understand my friend Kellogg is ill-natured — therefore I do not read his letters.

AL

From Caroline M. Kirkland to Abraham Lincoln1, April 8, 1863

1 Caroline Kirkland was a prolific author, early feminist, and associate editor of Sartain's Union Magazine.

Danville, Illinois—

April 8th 1863

Sir— Please pardon an informal address from a lady. I come, like all the rest to ask a favor, but it is not for myself. I have just learned that my poor old uncle, Arthur J. Stansbury, 82 years of age, has been “retrenched” out of the Patent Office, and so condemned to abject poverty for the remainder of his life, for he has not a rich relation in the world.2 He has been a faithful servant of the Government for many years, — how many I cannot say, not being on the spot to inquire, — and it does seem hard that this blow should fall when in all human probability there is but a little space between him and the grave. Will not you, Sir, take his case into consideration as an exceptional one, and exert your benevolent influence in favor of the old man? Our national policy allows no retiring pension, such as in other countries preserves old public servants from want, but our Government does, in some cases at least, make up some measure for this, by allowing them to hold on even though their powers of usefulness may be diminished. It is no great stretch of justice in favor of mercy.

2 Arthur J. Stansbury is not listed as an employee of the Patent Office in the Official Registers for 1857, 1859 and 1861.

I should blush to urge in my own behalf any thing I have done or can ever do for my country and its Government — but when my poor old uncle is in question, and considering that persons impudently disloyal dare sometimes to ask you for favors, I will stretch a point so far as to mention that I am now and have been ever since the war began, giving my time thoughts and services to the cause, according to my poor ability. I took the camp fever in the Washington hospitals and lay there ill at a boarding house for several weeks, and since I came westward I have distributed hundreds of Doctor Bellow's3 Sermon on Unconditional Loyalty, and am now engaged in circulating the publications of the Loyal League, by thousands all over this north-west country. My own pen is constantly employed in the public service — I only wish it were abler! I mention these thing to assure you of my loyalty — and to show you that I belong to loyal people. I will also say that C. P. Kirkland,4 who wrote the “letter to Hon B. R. Curtis,” of which I know, Sir, that you approved, is my good brother-in-law, and the two pamphlets which have done so much to enlighten the public mind on the anxious questions of the day, are the work of Mr C. Stillé,5 my cousin. I desire to make my record clear before you, hoping you may be persuaded to interest yourself for what I so much wish to accomplish. And I can truly promise that “your petitioner will ever pray” for you — whether you grant her prayer or not.

3 Henry W. Bellows was a Unitarian minister and orator who served as president of the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War.

4 Charles P. Kirkland sent Lincoln a copy of his pamphlet: A Letter to the Hon. Benjamin R. Curtis, late Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, in review of his recently published pamphlet on the “Emancipation Proclamation” of the President (1862). This was written in response to Curtis's pamphlet Executive Power. See Charles P. Kirkland to Lincoln, December 5, 1862 and Lincoln to Kirkland, December 7, 1862.

5 Charles J. Stillé was a historian and college educator who contributed to the Union war effort by serving as a member of the U. S. Sanitary Commission and writing pamphlets. As many as 500,000 copies of Stillé's pamphlet, How a Free People Conduct a Long War (1862) were distributed.

I have never had the pleasure of seeing you, although I have been so much in Washington, and once brought letters of introduction to you from Mr Cyrus Field,6 Dr Bellows &c — friends in New York, where I belong. I think my sons once had the honor of a call from you, here at their house at “Carbon Coal-mines” near Danville — and I once called on Mrs Lincoln, introduced by Mr Willis.

6 Cyrus Field had been responsible for promoting and organizing the laying of the first transatlantic cable that was completed in 1858. During the Civil War, Field continued to promote the laying of submarine cables.

Hoping and praying for a favorable answer,

I am, Sir,

with the greatest respect

your obedient Servant

Caroline M. Kirkland

From William Butler to Abraham Lincoln, April 9, 1863

Springfield April 9th 1863

My Dear Sir

pleas take time to read this note; we have just returned from Vicksbug; where you have the finest Army the world ever produced; & all in fine spirits; Commanded as a general thing by Western Men; Your Commander;1 I have grate Confidence in as a brave man; but Mr Lincoln he is the right man in the rong place. If Speedy change is not made, you may Surely Calculate disaster & defeat; not in assault particularly, but by detachments & the Climate. I have the Same interest in what I Say that you have, no more no less

1 This is a reference to Ulysses S. Grant.

Send Burnside or Some Competent man. If you will Save the Country. I have as much Confidence in Grants bravery as any man in the Service; but in his Capacity to take Vicksburg I have but little

You may be in a condition just now that it is not practicable to act different from what the Goverment is doing, but I am sure delay will be Certain disaster

Oh If you could only personally look over this grate Western Army & See its efficency; If properly led by a Competant Commander; and Contemplate its inevitable destiny. If not quickly, Commanded by a Competant General — this Army is not to be distroyed by a reble enemy in front; but by one ten fold more Certain, the Climate

I am glad General Thomas2 Came West I have Confidence in his giving you a full report of the Country and the army also

2 Lorenzo Thomas

You may not read this. If you do you reasonably may Say I know nothing of what I Speak, time will tell the truth of what I predict— I would right giving my reasons for my Conclusions but I know you have no time to read it

I am Sir yours Respectfully

William Butler

From Charles A. Dana to Edwin M. Stanton, April 6, 1863

Milliken's Bend, Apl 6. 3. P. M

Via Cairo Ill. 840 PM apl 10,

By Boat from Memphis Tenn

6. P. M. Apl. 9.

I arrived here today at noon Gen. Grant is very confident that Vicksburg will soon be taken, not only from the result of the operations now on foot, but also from the starvation of the garrison.

He tells me that all supplies from this side of the river are already entirely cut off and those from the Yazoo country are greatly diminished, that he expects them to be altogether stopped by the operations of Steele's divn whose movement to Greenville was mentioned in my dispatch from Helena yesterday.

His advices from the town represent the people as already suffering much and the garrison on reduced rations.

McClernand's Corps occupied New Carthage yesterday and that McPherson is about to move from Lake Providence to that this place.

The new cut-off is already half completed. Thirty five hundred 3500 men are at work on it today and Col. Pride, the Engineer in charge says that he will be ready for it just as soon as the necessary tugs and barges can be got here from up the river.

The length of navigation in this cut-off will be some thirty miles and the plan is to take through it small tugs with some fifty (50) barges, Enough to cross the whole army with artillery & baggage in twenty four hours.

The channel will only be wide enough for narrow crafts.

The half dozen Steamboats protected by defences of Sand bags and wet hay will be floated down the river past the batteries to serve as transports, of Supplies, after the crossing is Effected, the landing to be made at or about Grand Gulf and the army is to operate on the Southern or Eastern Shore of the Big Black, where the land is Elevated and the roads good, threatening both the bridge across the Big Black, and Jackson. The one point some fifty miles, and the other some seventy five miles from the place of debarkation The enemy will be compelled to come out and fight.

The wagon train left behind when the army left Memphis has now been ordered down for the purposes of this movement.

Of course, this dispatch is hurried and incomplete as regards details, but I deemed it best to lose no time in sending it forward.

C. A. Dana

From Jacob M. Howard to Abraham Lincoln1, April 9, 1863

1 Howard was a Republican member of the U. S. Senate (1862-71) from Michigan.

Detroit Apl 9. 1863.

Sir

Hon. John B. S. Todd of Dacotah territory was I believe rejected as a Brigr General by the Senate. I do not recollect whether I voted on his nomination or not, (I may have been out of the Chamber at the moment); but I was opposed to his confirmation — & for the reason (sufficient for me in all cases civil & military) that I was informed upon what I regarded as credible authority, that he was opposed to the policy of the Government for the prosecution of the war, including the proclamation of emancipation, the military arrests of traitors & seditionists in the free states, & confiscation act & the conscription act. I have no personal knowledge of his sentiments on these subjects, but if he is opposed to them still I am opposed to him & can not aid him in obtaining a military position; if he is not, I beg to that I cheerfully recommend his appointment as a brigr Genl.

I write this note at the suggestion of a relative of his of this city, for whom I entertain a very high esteem

I remain very truly & with high

respect Yr obt Sevt

J. M. Howard

From Elihu B. Washburne to Abraham Lincoln, April 9, 1863

Galena, Illinois.

April 9. 1863.

Mr. Lincoln:

If you have time I wish you would run your eye over this list of the members elected to the present House, which I have made out. So far as the elections have taken place it is a good showing — eleven majority. Now in regard to the States that are to elect — cant we do as well as I estimate? In Maryland we certainly ought to elect men in the two Baltimore districts who will be with us, and in the Cumberland district we ought to have an out and out union and administration man. In Kentucky we ought certainly to have two, but I must confess I am not so hopeful about that. In Louisiana we should certainly be able to return Hahn & Flanders1 if Butler2 were only in N. Orleans. Tennessee is very much mixed any way. We ought certainly to have one out of the three in Western Virginia.

1 Michael Hahn and Benjamin F. Flanders

2 Benjamin F. Butler

Yours, &c,

E B Washburne

From Peter H. Watson to Abraham Lincoln, April 9, 1863

Received Apl 9 1863.

From Washington April 9.

To The President

The intelligence of Walcotts1 death greatly affected Mr Stanton and he left on Tuesday afternoon to attend his funeral and arrange for the care of his family expecting that you would return the same evening He requested me to act as Secretary until his return & in order that I might sign requisitions some of which are very urgent he left a paper for your signature in the following words, “April 7th 1863. Peter H Watson Esqr Asst Secry of War is authorized to perform the duties of Secretary of War during the temporary absence of Secretary Stanton from Washington”2

1 Christopher P. Wolcott, Stanton's brother-in-law, served as an assistant secretary of war (1862-63).

2 Lincoln signed the document prepared by Stanton. See Collected Works, VI, 165.

It will greatly facilitate the public business if you will execute such a paper and send it by a special messenger. We have no news of importance except what came yesterday from you & no important public business connected with the War Dept is suffering from your absence or that of the Secretary.

P. H. Watson

Asst Secy War

From Truman Woodruff to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 9, 1863

1 Woodruff had recently been elected the auditor for St. Louis. Here he contributes his bit to the Unionist factional quarrel in Missouri that so exasperated Lincoln.

Saint Louis Apl. 9. 1863

Sir— some times your most substantial friends about here feel almost disposed to give up the contest, in trying to sustain you, for, we get so little encouragement, from the departments at Washington to sustain us. The Government department here, has done more in detering your plans and opperations here, then all other causes put together.

The “Missouri Democrat” a paper that has sustained you from the start has been neglected by the different departments here; and the printing patronage has been bestowed upon your most bitter opponents — reason why, its because, there is too many secessionists and Administration opponents allowed to remain in the departments — even while they are known to be as such— I fully advised you, not long since the whole fact in relation to the position of each paper— Subsequently there was an order sent out from Washington requesting the departments here, to have the printing of the quarter Masters department done at the Democrat— It now appears they construe the order to be, that the Democrat should mearly have the simple advertisements and all the profitable job-work, is distrubited through the city — and many are now getting Government work who are the most contemptable secessionists in the city— Sir — we do not expect you to read the News Papers much for we know how your time has been and is now take up.

If you did only know, the fact about the position the papers here have take in relation to you — you would be cut to the raw — to see how the “Missouri Democrat” has been neglected by the different departments here — (thinking I suppose they were under the dictum of F. P. Blair)2 — but thank God the people are with the “Democrat” as the late election will show.

2 Francis P. Blair, Jr.

And again

Here is the auction firm of Messrs. E C W. Morgan who have been selling Govermnt condemd property — and have been to an enormious outlay to accomodate all of the Governmnts wants — and more Loyal men we have not among us then these same Morgans — they have been extremely liberal in their public donations — more so, I believe than any other have in the city.

I have understood there has been an order sent from Washington — giving considerable portion of the Govermnt Sales to the Auction house of Miles and Woodruff — whose opposition to you and the great Republican principles are not questioned! — we know of no particular favour that they have ever granted to the cause of the union—

You may think we are troublesome, but, if you only knew one half of the insults we get from those who pretend to be your friends — you would not blame us— Shall we be sustand by you?

Please accept from

Yours Truly

Truman Woodruff

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]3

3 This appears to be a draft of a reply to Woodruff's letter, but such a letter is not known and may not have been sent.

In answer to the within question “Shall we be sustained by you?” I have to answer that at the beginning of the administration I appointed one whom I understood to be an editor of the “Democrat” to be Post-Master at St. Louis4 — the best office in my gift within Missouri— Soon after this, our friends at St. Louis, must needs break into factions, the Democrat being, in my opinion, justly chargeable with a full share of the blame for it. I have stoutly tried to keep out of the game, quarrel, and so mean to do— As to contracts, and jobs, I understand that, by the law, they are awarded to the best bidders; and if the government agents at St. Louis do differently, it would be good ground to prosecute them upon.

4 Lincoln appointed Peter L. Foy the postmaster at St. Louis.

A. Lincoln

April 16. 1863.

From Stephen V. Benet to James W. Ripley1, April 10, 1863

1 Benet was a captain in the Ordnance Department and grandfather of the famous writer of the same name.

West Point N. Y.

April 10th 1863.

Sir:

In compliance with the instructions contained in your letters of the 20th Feby & 2d March ulto., & in the enclosed copy of Orders from the President of the United States & the Hon Secretary of War, in regard to the trial of A. Berney's “incendiary shell & fluid”, I have the honor to report as follows:2

2 For Lincoln's instructions concerning Alfred Berney's incendiary shells, see Collected Works, VI, 107.

The invention was presented for trial on the 4th inst: & the experiments have been conducted as rapidly as the preparations of the inventor permitted, & were completed this afternoon—

The Parrott rifled guns & shells were used in the trial: the arrangement of the interior of the latter to receive separately the incendiary fluid & the bursting charge, being shown in the accompanying drawing.

1. Several of the shells, with percussion fuzes, were fired, with service charges, from the 8 inch Rifle, 100 pdr & 30 pdr guns, against the side of the mountain, across the river, distant 2500 yds. Although the large majority — 10 out of 14 — exploded but showed no flame from the ignition of the fluid, this was attributed to the shell being embedded deep into the earth &c, at the instant of the explosion, & the flame smothered as a consequence.

Four rounds were fired from the 8 inch rifle, with service charges & time fuzes— In two instances the flame was seen in the air on the bursting of the shells— It is not always certain to see the flame in such cases, with a clear sky & the sun shining brightly.

2. Several rounds were fired at a wooden target of oak timbers, 30 ft long, 12 ft high & 3 feet thick— In front & against the target were piled timbers & scantling about 2 feet thick, covering one third of the target— Distance from gun to target 1060 yds.

Six rounds were fired from the 100 pdr Parrott gun, with service charges & percussion fuzes— The fuzes acted badly, exploding but three out of the six shell—: those that did not explode were dug out of the bank in rear of the target, & the fuze plunger found wedged & not in working condition— Three of the shells did explode on striking, igniting & scattering the fluid— No 4. passing through the right edge of target & setting it on fire — the flame caught only the edge of it— Nos. 5 & 6, both exploded in the target setting it on fire—

In other words, every shell that struck the target & exploded, did ignite the incendiary fluid, & set the target in a blaze—

Four rounds were also fired from a 30 pdr gun — two shells struck the target, exploding & setting it on fire— The third & fourth shells missed the target—

Fragments of two of the 100 pdrs shells were found, after the target was burned down—

3. A 9 inch shell, an 11 inch shell & a 100 pdr shell, were, in succession, burst under a pile of logs, by means of a slow match— In each case, the pile was instantly in flames—x The pile measured 7 feet square & 4 feet high; & the flames were extinguished by water after each explosion.

In the same manner two 30 pdrs were exploded under the pile; in the one case, the powder chamber was burst without breaking into the fluid, the partition being too strong; in the other case, from a defect in the shell, the fluid had all leaked out leaving the cotton waste in a moist state only — the charge did not ignite the cotton—

4. In order to ascertain the number of fragments into which an incendiary shell is broken when exploded, a 100 pdr shell was burst in a confined space, & 45 fragments found, comprising however not more than two thirds of the shell; — a portion of the fragments were lost— An 8 inch Parrott shell was also burst, & the pieces collected. 109 fragments were found, 3 of which — (the bottom & two pieces of the front end) weighed 66 3/4 lbs — the remaining 106 fragments weighing 50 lbs

Total weight of fragments — — 116 3/4 lbs

Original wght of empty shell — — 120 lbs—

5. A stream of the fluid was thrown, by a rotary pump, through a 3/8 inch nozzle, to the distance of 30 or 40 feet. By applying a lighted torch to the fluid near the nozzle, the flame was instantly communicated to the entire stream, making a steam of flame— This so continued as long as the torch was held in contact with the fluid— As soon as the plank & timbers were thus set on fire, the torch was removed & a steam of fluid of a thicker consistency was poured upon the burning mass, by the pump— This generated a most intense flame & large volumes of thick smoke — the flames leaping to the height of 20 feet.

The fluid when thrown upon water & ignited, burns without difficulty, until all the fluid is consumed—

Conclusions.

1. The trial shows conclusively that the bursting charge will ignite the fluid without fail.; & I am of the opinion that rifle shells with percussion fuzes & spherical shells with concussion fuzes, thus arranged with the incendiary fluid, will prove very destructive to all wooden & other combustible structures. The cotton waste used with the fluid, when scattered by the explosions, adheres wherever it strikes, & keeps burning sufficiently long to make ignition of the wood certain—

I doubt the feasibility of using time fuzes, from the impossibility of bursting the shell at the instant required— Unless the explosion takes place in contact with the object, the fluid would fail in its effects, as the flame is not scattered to a very great distance—

2. In the event of a failure in igniting the fluid, the bursting of the shell into so large a number of fragments as shown by the trial, would prove very efficient. The shell combines in a great degree the destructive power of the ordinary shell with the incendiary power of the fluid—

3. There is no reason to doubt that with proper machinery, a stream of flame could be thrown to any reasonable distance — ; & even when the object attacked is not combustible, the burning fluid itself with its volumes of flame & clouds of black smoke would make its use of great effectiveness— There was no indication of any tendency in the flame to run back into the nozzle & cause an explosion of the tubing, & the inventor held the tube at the nozzle, during the experiment with entire safety—

4. The trial was satisfactory, & for incendiary purposes I do no hesitate to recommend it to the Department. For Army service, its great merit lies in its use with shells from rifle guns with percussion fuzes—3

3 Lincoln attended a demonstration of Berney's incendiary shells on May 9, 1863.

Very Resply. I am sir

Yr. Obt. Servt

S. V. Benét

Capt Ordn

From Delphy Carlin to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 10, 1863

1 Carlin followed this letter with a visit to Lincoln on April 20, at which time apparently some assurance was given that Carlin's son Sylvan would be made a lieutenant. See Carlin to Lincoln, April 21, 1863.

Brooklyn New York April 10 1863

Sir

In 1814 Mr Neemo, an English born gentleman, but then an American citizen, neighbor of my Father on the Bayou Téche Louisiana had to join the army at New Orleans. Whilst there he received a letter from his Brother, informing him that he was in the British army only a few miles from the City. Mr. Neemo forthwith went to General Jackson, and told him of the circomstance, showed him the letter, and said, “General, I am English born, but am now an American citizen, and I promise you that I will faithfully do my duty, can you not employ me in some way, that I may not come in contact with my Brother, & perhaps kill him.” General Jackson, in a few minutes conversation, found him competent to aid one of his secretaries, said to him; Go there to that desk and you will have employment.”

Sir my object in relating this anecdote is to illustrate the fact, that I have two sons; one of them Sylvan my oldest aged 28 years is in the Federal army a volunteer in the 1st Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade Co K. and the other James my youngest son unfortunately went to Louisiana a few months before this war commenced, and, before I could extricate him from those mad people he had enlisted in the rebel army, a boy less than 18 years old.

I assure you that nothing could be more painful, both to my wife & myself.

My son Sylvan is a true and loyal man, and was in the Fr battle of Fredericksburg. he is an educated man; was admitted to practice law at the Bar of New York, write a good hand, & is intelligent & amiable, I think that he can serve you & the country more advantageously with the pen & head, than with the musket.

Our prayer to you is that you may give him employment as General Jackson, did to Mr. Neemo, so that he may not come in contact in battle with his Brother, and perhaps kill him.

He is a private in the ranks of the army of the Rappahannock, and capable of performing duties of a much higher grade. No other consideration than patriotism induced him to enlist in the Federal army, & will do his duty faithfully there or wherever els he may be placed

I am Sir

very Respectfully

Your Obt. Servt.

Delphy Carlin

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gentlemanly Frenchman,

April 10, 1863.

From James C. Conkling to Abraham Lincoln, April 10, 1863

Springfield Ills

April 10 1863

Dear Sir

When I was about to leave Washington City in February last I placed in the hands of Col in the War Department the necessary papers from the Treasury Department upon which the Secretary of War could make a requisition for Three Hundred and Twenty Thousand for disbursements by the State of Illinois on account of the United States. Secretary Chase had already informed me that I might be able to obtain the money in the course of a week and I confidently expected to leave in a few days after my arrival at Springfield that the requisition had been made and the money was placed to my credit as agent for the State — but I have not yet been able to obtain any information concerning the prospect of receiving the money at an early date

The delay is producing a great hardship upon our creditors and also rendering it very inconvenient for us to carry on the ordinary affairs of our Government For if we do not pay our past indebtedness we cannot purchase readily on a credit. Our creditors are exceedingly anxious to obtain what is due to them and in justice to them as well as to sustain the credit of the State this money ought to be paid. We cannot sell any Bonds, as the Legislature have not authorized any more to be sold and have not made even the ordinary appropriations for supporting the State Government so as to be available Can we not obtain this sum of $320000 very soon?

Yours very Respectfully

James C Conkling

Agent for the State of Illinois

From David Hunter to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 10, 1863

1 On April 7, 1863, a Union naval force under the command of Admiral Samuel F. Dupont attacked Charleston, and was driven off after less than two hours of fighting. Dupont was surprised and impressed by the strength of the city's fortifications, and skeptical of success in taking Charleston in the immediate future. General David Hunter, however, believed that an attack on the city's outer fortifications by land would be successful. On April 13, Lincoln directed Dupont and Hunter to continue operations in the Charleston vicinity. See Hunter to Edwin M. Stanton, April 10, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 170, 173-74.

Head Quarters Dept of the South.

Stone Inlet, So Ca., Apl 10th 1863.

Sir:

I have the honor to introduce herewith Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, my Chief of Staff and of Artillery, who is sent to report to Major General H. W. Halleck the condition of affairs in this Department and to make requisition for the means necessary to the prosecution of future operations for the reduction of Charleston.

General Seymour was in Fort Sumter at the time of its capture by the Rebels, and is thoroughly and minutely acquainted with the problems presented in the various approaches to that work. He has my fullest confidence and I cheerfully bear testimony to his zeal, skill, untiring industry and devotion to the best interests of the Country.

I am still confident that the problem of reducing Charleston only needs for its solution that the necessary means be placed at my command; and, to this end, I cordially commend Gen. Seymour's representations to your consideration and confidence.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your Most Obedt. Servt.

D: Hunter,

Major Gen.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen Hunter

From David Hunter to Edwin M. Stanton, April 10, 1863

Head Quarters Dept of the South

Stono Inlet, So Ca Apl 10. 1863.

Sir: This letter will be handed to you by Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, my Chief of Staff and of Artillery, whom I have sent on to Washington to report the condition of affairs in this Department to Major General Halleck, and to explain verbally the increased means which will be necessary with a view to further operations.

Had our original plans proved successful, it would have given me pleasure to commend Gen. Seymour to your favorable notice as an officer to whose abilities and untiring energy, much of that success would have been due. As it is, I have only to state that no portion of the disappointment created by the temporary failure of operations against Charleston should be visited upon Gen. Seymour, who certainly used all industry, skill and foresight in his executive management of that part of the plan depending on the Army.

I am still confident that the problem before us is capable of certain solution; and to this end respectfully commend Gen. Seymour's representations to your consideration and confidence.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most Obedt. Servant.

D: Hunter,

Major Gen.

Abraham Lincoln, Memorandum on Military Tactics1, [April 6-10, 1863]

1 During his visit to the Army of the Potomac and its commander, General Joseph Hooker, on April 6-10, 1863, Lincoln was troubled by constant references by Hooker and his staff to Richmond as their major military objective, and to the best route through which to attack the city. Here, in a memorandum probably written while Lincoln was still with the army, the president clarifies matters for himself. Probably he also intended that this memorandum would be seen by Hooker; certainly that its contents would be delivered to him orally.

My opinion is, that just now, with the enemy directly ahead of us, there is no eligible route for us into Richmond; and consequently a question of preference between the Rappahannock route, and the James River route is a contest about nothing. Hence our prime object is the enemie's army in front of us, and is not with, or about, Richmond — at all, unless it be incidental to the main object.

What then? The two armies are face to face with a narrow river between, them, Our communications are shorter and safer than are those of the enemy. With For this reason, we can, with equal power we can fret him more than he can us. I do not think that by raids towards Washington he can derange the Army of the Potomac at all. He has no distant opperations which can call any of the Army of the Potomac away; we have such operations which will call him away, at least in part. While he remains in tact, I do not think we should take the disadvantage of attacking him in his entrenchments; but we should continually harrass and menace him, so that he shall have no leisure, nor safety in sending away detachments. If he weakens himself, then pitch into him.

From Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz [Copy] 1, April 11, 1863

1 In a letter written to Lincoln on April 6, 1863 (q. v.), Schurz requested that the German troops in his division of the Army's 11th Corps be moved from the command of General Oliver O. Howard to either that of General Ambrose P. Burnside or of William S. Rosecrans. Not all the officers among these German troops agreed, however. And, as the following shows, neither did Lincoln. See Adolph von Steinwehr to O. O. Howard, April 5, 1863.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 11. 1863.

My dear Sir

I can not comply with your request to take your Division away from the Army of the Potomac— Gen. Hooker does not wish it done. I do not myself see a good reason why it should be done. The Division will do itself, and its officers, more honor, and the country more service, where it is. Besides these general reasons, as I understand, the Army of the Potomac will move before these proposed changes could be conveniently made. I always wish to oblige you, but I can not in this case—

Yours truly

A. Lincoln

From Henry P. H. Bromwell to Abraham Lincoln1, April 11, 1863

1 Bromwell was a Republican politician, newspaper editor and attorney at Charleston, Illinois. In 1864 he was elected to Congress and served until 1869.

Charleston Ills., April 11th, 1863.

Sir:

I hereby respectfully apply for the appointment of 5th Auditer of the Treasury; when said office shall become vacant by the resignation of Judge Underwood, which I am informed will be shortly.2

2 Charles M. Walker replaced John C. Underwood as the Fifth Auditor of the Treasury.

Very Respectfully

H. P. H. Bromwell.

From Charles Henry Foster to Samuel C. Pomeroy, April 11, 1863

Newbern, N. C. April 11th/63

My dear Sir:

When I left Washington to return to North Carolina, I had the written promise of the President to commission me as Captain for the purpose of recruiting upon my obtaining the approval of Maj. Gen. Foster, Commanding this Department.1 This was given by Gen Foster, on March 18th, in my presence, & forwarded next day to Washington. Gen. Foster recommended that my commission should be dated Sept 1st 1862, in consideration of my services in recruiting for the First South Carolina from that date.—

1 This letter has not been located.

More than three weeks have now elapsed, and my commission has not arrived. Will you be so kind as to inquire about the matter of the President, & write me.2

2 Foster did not receive a commission in the U. S. Army.

Very respy & Truly yours,

Charles Henry Foster.

[Endorsed by Samuel C. Pomeroy:]

Refered to the President of the U. S—

S. C. Pomeroy

U S. S

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 11, 1863

1 The following letter shows some evidence that Hooker was responding to the sentiments expressed by Lincoln in his Memorandum on Military Tactics, [April 6-10], 1863. Hooker's emphasis here is on the means of crippling the rebel army, rather than of taking Richmond. See also Hooker to George Stoneman, April 12, 1863.

Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac,

Near Falmouth Va, April 11th 1863.

Mr President.

After giving the subject my best reflection, I have concluded that I will have more chance of inflicting a serious blow upon the Enemy by turning his position to my right, and if practicable to sever his communication with Richmond with my Dragoon force, and such Batteries as it may be deemed advisable to send with them:— I am apprehensive that he will retire from before me the moment I should succeed in crossing the river, and over the shortest line to Richmond, and thus escape being seriously crippled:—

I hope that when the Cavalry have established themselves on the line between him and Richmond, they will be able to hold him, and check his retreat until I can fall on his rear — or if not that, I will compel him to fall back by the way of Culpepper, and Gordonsville over a longer line than my own, with his supplies cut off:—

The Cavalry will probably cross the river above the Rappahannock bridge, thence to Culpepper and Gordonsville, and across to the Aquia Railroad somewhere in the vicinity of Hanover Court house:— They will probably have a fight in the vicinity of Culpepper, but not one that should cause them much delay or embarrassment:—

I have given directions for the Cavalry to be in readiness to commence the movement on Monday morning next— While the Cavalry are moving, I shall threaten the passage of the river at various points, and after they have passed well to the Enemies rear, shall endeavor to effect the crossing.—

I hope Mr President, that this plan will receive your approval— It will obviate the necessity of detaching a force from Washington in the direction of Warrenton, while I think it will enhance my chances for inflicting a heavy blow upon the enemies forces.—

We have no news from over the river today, the Enemy refusing to let us have the Newspapers.—

I sincerely trust that you reached home safely, and in good time yesterday:— We all look back to your visit with great satisfaction.—

With great respect

Your Obedient Servant

Joseph Hooker

Major General Com'dg

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker. April 11-12, 1863

From Ezra Webb to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 11, 1863

1 Webb was commissioned an army paymaster on June 30, 1862 and honorably discharged on December 17, 1862. There is no evidence that he was reappointed after that discharge, in spite of indications to the contrary here.

Washington 11 Ap 1863

Dr Sir

On 14th ulto my friend Senator Wade2 who attended to my restoration, as Paymaster, informed me you had (through him restored me some 10 days previously—) I then said I would return to Cincinnati and return here and file my accounts and vouchers with as little delay as possible, in order to return here before he would leave, he replied that should he not be here, that all I would have to do, was to report to you & that you would see me restored at once. Mr Wade left on Tuesday Consequently I report to you. Would like an interview, when your engagements will permit. I was paying troops on big Sandy — in Jany & could not file accts as early as those who quit in Nov & Decr—

2 Benjamin F. Wade

Most Respectfully

Ezra Webb

Cincinnati Ohio

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

I do not remember about this case.

How is it?

A Lincoln

Apl. 15. 1863.

[Endorsed by Edwin M. Stanton:]

I know nothing about the case.

EMS.

From Joseph Hooker to George Stoneman, April 12, 1863

Confidential

April 12th 1863.

General

I am directed by the Maj. General Commanding to inform you that you will march at 7 o'cl'k A. M. on the 13th inst, with all your available force, except one Brigade for the purpose of turning the enemy's position on his left, and of throwing your command between him — and Richmond — and isolating him from his supplies, checking his retreat and inflicting on him every possible injury which will tend to his discomfiture and defeat— To accomplish this, the General suggests that you ascend the Rappahannock, by the different routes keeping well out of the view of the Enemy and throwing out well to the front and flanks small parties to mask your movement and to cut off all communication with the Enemy by the people in their interests living on this side of the river— To divert suspicion it may not be amiss to have word given out that you are in pursuit of Jones' Guerrillas, as they are operating extensively in the Shenandoah Valley in the direction of Winchester— He further suggests that you select for your place of crossing the Rappahannock some point to the West of the Alexandria and Orange Rail Road — which can only be determined by the circumstances as they are found on the arrival of your advance. In the vicinity of Culpepper you will be likely to come against Fitz Hugh Lee's Brigade of Cavalry, consisting of about 2000 men which it is expected that you will be able to disperse and destroy without delay to your advance or detriment to any considerable number of your Command— At Gordonsville the enemy have a small Provost Guard of Infantry which it is expected you will destroy if it can be done without delaying your forward movement— From there it is expected you will be able to push forward to the Aquia and Richmond Rail Road, some where in the vicinity of Saxton's Junction — destroying along your whole route the Rail Road bridges, trains of cars, depots of provisions, lines of telegraphic communications &c— The General directs that you go prepared with all the means necessary to accomplish this work effectually— As the line of the Rail Road from Aquia to Richmond presents the shortest one for the enemy to retire on, it is more than probable that he will avail himself of it, and the usually travelled highways on each side of it, for this purpose— In which event you will select the strongest positions, such as the banks of streams, commanding heights &c. in order to check or prevent it: and if unsuccessful you will fall upon his flanks, attack his Artillery and trains, and harass and delay him until he is exhausted and out of supplies— Moments of delay will be hours and days to the Army in pursuit— If the enemy should retire by Culpepper and Gordonsville you will endeavor to hold your force in his front and harass him day and night on the march and in the camp, unceasingly— If you cannot cut of from his column large slices, the General desires that you will not fail to take small ones— Let your watchword be fight and let all your orders be fight, fight, fight, — bearing in mind that time is as valuable to the General as the rebel carcasses.

It is not in the power of the rebels to oppose you with more than 5000 Sabres, those badly mounted and after they leave Culpepper without forage and rations— Keep them from Richmond and sooner or later they must fall into our hands—

The General desires you to understand that he considers the primary object of your movement, the cutting of the enemy's communications with Richmond by the Fredericksburg route, checking his retreat over those lines; and he wishes to make everything subservient to that object— He desires that you will keep yourself informed of the enemy's whereabouts and attack him wherever you find him—

If in your operations an opportunity should present itself for you to detach a force to Charlottesville, which is almost unguarded, and destroy the Depots of supplies said to be there — or along the line of the Aquia R. Road in the direction of Richmond, to destroy the bridges &c. or the crossing of the Panunkey in the direction of West Point, destroying the Ferries, felling trees to prevent or check the crossing, they will all greatly contribute to our complete success— You may relay upon the General's being in communication with you before your supplies are exhausted— Let him hear from you as often as is necessary and practicable— A brigade of Infantry will march to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock for Kelley's Ford with one Battery and a Regiment to the U. S. Ford and Banks Ford to threaten and hold those places—

It devolves upon you General, to take the initiative in the forward movement of this Grand Army, and on you and your noble command must depend, in a great measure the extent and brilliancy of our success— Bear in mind that celerity, audacity, and resolution are everything in war and especially is it the case with the command you have — and the enterprise you on which you are about to embark—

Very Respectfully

Your obd't Svt

Joseph Hooker.

Maj Gnl

Cmdg.

I send you this in order that you may know what I am about. I have no time to write at length.

J. H.

From Absolom H. Markland to John G. Nicolay, April 12, 1863

Louisville Ky. April 12 1863

Dear Sir,

If the President or the Secretary of War will give me authority to teach divers and sundry Quarter-Masters in this section of the country a little economy I will save millions of money to the public treasury and at the same time will facilitate the legitimate operations of that department. In the transportation of troops and supplies alone on the Western rivers much money would be saved.

That frauds are being daily practised cannot be denied— Steamboat stockholders are the Agents of Quarter Masters and really manage the business relating to the charter of Steamboats &c.

I am, as you know, an officer of the P O Dept, and have been much with the Army, and know whereof I write. I do not wish to leave the service of the P. O. D. but if the P M Genl would transfer me for a month or two to the War Dept as an Agent to look after Q Mrs I think there would be a healthy change, and a commendable reduction in the expenditures of some Qr Mrs in the West.

I have no other recommendation that can be learned of the Govt Officials with whom I have had business relations I am slightly known to you personally which will, I trust, be sufficient apology for addressing you this hasty note.

There are doubtless other persons as well calculated as myself to stop the abuses alluded to and I would as the friend of the Administration and the Govmt earnestly recommend that attention be directed to it.1

1 The 1863 Official Register lists Markland as a special agent of the Post Office Department in Tennessee.

Very Respectfully Your frnd

& Obt Svt

A. H. Markland.

Spec Agt P O Dept

[Endorsed by Montgomery C. Meigs:]

Qr Mstrs 18 April 1863

If Mr Markland is a suitable & trusty person I should be very glad to have him appointed a special Agent & entrusted to travel through the Depts of the Ohio & Cumberland & report confidentially to this office when that appears advisable or to the Q Mstr the results of his observations, so as to enable the depts to correct abuses But as I know nothing of the writer — his fitness should be ascertained before making the appt.

Respy

M C Meigs

QMG

From James W. Nesmith to Abraham Lincoln1, April 12, 1863

1 Nesmith was a Democratic member of the U. S. Senate (1861-67) from Oregon.

To the President.

I voted against the Confirmation of Capt. Lilley and I have no hesitation to say that from subsequent information I would now vote for him, and I have no reason to believe that he would not be confirmed upon a second trial.2

2 For more on the case of William Lilley, see Lilley to Lincoln, March 20, 1863; Lincoln to Lilley, April 2, 1863; and Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, May 9, 1863.

J W Nesmith

College Hill, Ohio

April 12th 1863

From Abraham Lincoln to Andrew G. Curtin [Copy]1, April 13, 1863

1 Curtin responded to this letter from Lincoln to the effect that he did not intend to stand for re-election, and thus at the close of his term would “be prepared to enter upon the new official position to which you have been pleased to assign me.” See Curtin to Lincoln, April 14, 1863.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 13, 1863.

My dear Sir

If, after the expiration of your present term as Governor of Pennsylvania, I shall continue in office here, and you shall desire to go abroad, you can do so with one of the first class missions

Yours truly

A. Lincoln

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gov. Curtin

From Ezra Baker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 13, 1863

1 The earlier letter to which Baker refers is not in this collection. However, see Ezra Baker to Lincoln, March 26, 1863. The 1861 Official Register lists Baker as agent to the Flathead Indians. Lincoln had known Baker in Illinois.

Washington City

April 13th 1863

Sir

On the third of the month I addressed you a letter, stating some of the petty annoyances to which I was subjected when I entered upon the discharge of my duties as Indian agent in the Territory of Washington, the avowed & obvious intention of which was to drive me from that country, because you had thought proper to appoint me without their recommendation, and because I would not countenance the corruption that almost daily came under my notice. I wished you to read my letter, but presume from the pressure of more important matters upon your attention: you could not spare the time to do so, and therefore had it referred to the Indian Office.

In that letter, I informed you that I declined the Office of Sub-Agent, to which I had been reduced, & that I would not accept any appointment under Supt Hale,2 regarding him as unfit in all respects for the position he occupies. I feel that I have been badly treated by the Government, having been condemned without a hearing & on the ex-parte statements & representations of designing men, who, not being able to allege any thing against my integrity, took advantage of my age to make that the ground of an allegation of incompetency— I beg to assure you, that notwithstanding I am sorely aggrieved by the injustice that has been done me. I have suffered no abatement in my earnest desire for the success of your administration, nor in the friendly estimation in which I have always held you personally— My present intention is to take up a temporary abode in Philadelphia, and in the fall either to return to Illinois or seek a new home in some other state—

2 Lincoln appointed Calvin H. Hale the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Washington Territory in December 1861.

I am as ever

Your friend & Ob't. Servt.

E Baker

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Edward Baker

[Endorsed by John G. Nicolay:]

Ind. Agt. Washn. Territory.

Final statement of grievances.

To be filed with his other letters

From Charles A. Dana to Edwin M. Stanton1, April 8, 1863

1 The following is a report on the progress of Grant's campaign at Vicksburg.

Cipher

Recd 6. P. M

April 13, 1863.

Millikens Bend April 8.

12 M, via Memphis Tenn

5 PM apl 11, 1863.

Everything is going on cheeringly. The canal from Duckport to the bayou will be ready by night to let in the water

A force equal to five (5) Regts are now at work digging while a strong body of pioneers are engaged clearing the Bayou.

From Richmond to the river it is already clear Steamboats having formerly ascended to that place. None of Quimby's2 forces have yet been heard of here, though the rebel Newspaper, the Appeal says they withdrew from up the Coldwater up Thursday last.

2 General Isaac Quinby led his division on an unsuccessful attempt to approach Vicksburg through the Yazoo Pass.

There are no indications of any attempt on the part of the rebels to cut them off.

Quimby will come directly here & not debark at Lake Providence where McPherson & the rest of the 17th Army Corps are.

I learn that when Admiral Porter was entrapped by the rebels at Deer Creek week before last, his situation was so desperate that when Sherman's forces arrived to relieve him they found he had already smeared his Gunboats with turpentine prepatory to abandoning them & setting them afire,

Weather continues cool here, Neither mosquitoes nor gnats have yet troubled men or animals,

C. A. Dana

From Samuel T. Glover to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 13, 1863

1 Samuel T. Glover presents a conservative Unionist view of affairs in Missouri, and their alleged external ramifications. Lincoln's weariness of the Missouri factional quarrel is suggested by his endorsement. For an alternate view of the situation in that state, see Truman Woodruff to Lincoln, April 9, 1863.

(Confidential)

St Louis Apl 13/63

Mr President

I reached home to day and before I engage in the cares of business I wish to say some things I had hoped to say in Washington. Please read the whole of this. I may never allude again to the subject. I wish you to know a party is organized in this state in reference to the next Presidential election; and is in very energetic action.

It originated in the Fremont disturbance. But has ceased to have any further reference to Fremont than to hold by virtue of his name which it still employs the German element some time prior to the last congressional election there came here from Ohio a Mr Gallaher2 in capacity of revenue agent. Later a Mr Lewis also from Ohio. Both were the special admirers & friends of the Hon Secty of the Treasy Lewis became editor of Mo Democrat These gentlemen commenced a war upon all who had opposed Genl Fremont

2 William D. Gallagher, an Ohio editor, poet and politician, was a delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention. Gallagher was a close personal associate of Salmon P. Chase and during the Civil War, he served as a special agent for the Treasury Department.

The Mo Democrat began to sustain McKinstry.3 But the two Ohio gentlemen made it their business to hold up on all occassions the great name learning abilities virtues of Mr Chase. All which commendation was well enough. They had received favors from him & in many respects Mr Chase was worthy of their friendship and admiration. These gentlemen, the proprietors of the Democrat & the more prominent of the Fremonters were the nucleus of the new party organization. I do not know how the Democrat was secured, but it was needy became suddenly flush and one Doctor ORiley an aid to the Revenue has been supposed to have divided with it his cotton spoils the nature of which has been defined by witnesses before the Cotton Commission. This man tho it has been known for months here that he took bribes one of $8000 as Revenue aid is still high in confidence with this new party and presided in their late convention

3 Justus McKinstry

By the month of July last the new party then confined wholly to the city assumed the name of “radicals” not as it would seem that then they were more radical than other Anti slavery men who supported the administration; but because they openly denounced the President Mr Seward & all conservatives in which name they included all who would not join in their malignant vituperations. They continually inveighed against the administration pronounced the President inefficient praised Fremont Chase & Sigel but more particularly Mr Chase as the very hope of the country. Of the President they would say he dare not do so & so. He will be compelled to do so and so or so & so is more than the nation will bear from him — &c How Long said Col Brown4 “can this nation survive its rulers?” “How long shall we wait for “the “new model and the self-denying ordinance”? In a speech which this gentleman published here he charged the President with violating every constitutional right of the people — called him Cromwell &c — but he Brown declared “he would not cavil” at these things provided the President would do any thing &c of John Browns deed he said they worthy of “a national anthem” and called for the immediate abolition of slavery in Missouri by the military arm” of the constitutions he said they were mere “obsolete forms” insisted the war was commenced by the loyal men and proclaimed “we are the revolution” These sentiments were fully endorsed by the “Missouri Democrat” then under the complete controll of the two Ohio emigrants. The Democrat wrote “so far as slavery is concerned the “constitution is obliterated in every line completely as if a pen were drawn through it. The idea was gradually developed by the party that slavery must be instantly destroyed and that by some violent process and indeed nothing but violence seemed to satisfy them. The provost marshalls began to issue deeds of emancipation to slaves — often on the mere statements of the slaves These deeds were very numerous & complaints of injustice some alike from loyal and disloyal men — and the cause of emancipation lost ground sensibly. The belief being fixed on many minds that the Provost Marshalls were soon to abolish slavery regardless of law or constitution when the Legislature met “we the revolution” swelled high.

4 Benjamin Gratz Brown

Bills of the most extravagant type immediately appeared. They aimed to disfranchize by enactments wholly unconstitutional all who “had countenanced” the rebellion, to abolish all laws touching the right & remedy of slave property, to overthrow the Gamble state govt, plan being to declare by legislative pronouncements the Govt functions had ceased its call to the office [L?] C Marvin speaker of the house — a man of higher law celebrity. About this time a new actor strode into the arena. The Hon Secty of War issued an order to the military officials here to print in the Mo Democrat only. Doubtless he had moved the wires all the while in his military organization but had never distinctly shown his hand before. I did not see his order but have no doubt he made such order. This revolutionary party have derived their influence almost wholly from the terror created by the military. The slaves of loyal men run into the camps and tho the owner has no other means of raising a crop — the owner dare not even complain to these military. Said a man named Jones to me the other day — whose negroes were taken from him “You know I am a union man & an emancipationist you know I am ready to sustain both; now why am I robbed & what is the reward of my loyalty?” Mr President you can not make these men see that such violent acts are not the acts of the govt. They insist they are the acts of govt— So far as the administration is concerned these revolutionists never approve any thing but the proclamation of freedom— Nothing could induce them to approve the administration The leaders constantly disparage it. They say “if the country can outlive Lincoln” “If we can only get a good man in the Presidency &c something may be done. Their whole policy is intended to bring the administration into disrepute Now Sire, I would as ever show my purpose so there can be no mistaking it. I regret to see this electioneering at such a time But a wise man takes facts as they exist. This movement by Messr Chase & Stanton is in operation. The patronage & power of the two departments & the two officers support it— The principle & policy of their party is not only hostile to you but to the peace of the loyal states. so I think any how. The good of the country requires this movement to be checked. But while the military influence upholds it nothing else can stand in its way— No exertions of mere citizens however respectable can counteract it. If the steps are taken in time the administration can be sustained and the proper equilibrium be restored. The govt must be sustained and to do this the administration must be sustained should one of this class of men be made the next President I should auger the worst consequences for the perpetuity of our government, you may tell me that if Mr Chase was made President he would not favor their schemes I reply it is rare that any man can be better than this party. Certainly I would prefer Mr Chase to Fremont or Sumner or Wade. But why make any experiment. Mr Chase countenances the Jacobins now and why not then? I am not willing to see such men rise on such principles

The govt. must be sustained & there is no way to do that but by sustaining the administration. But it will be found in a little while impossible to sustain the administration on against this party, who now accept its patronage and power in order to overthrow first its principles & second its life.

If the war department was differently administered. If its energies were directed agst the rebels & spies who fill the country and not to the purpose of promoting a revolutionary spirit subversive of social order in the loyal communities jacobinism would decline as rapidly as it has written risen. Without Mr Stantons aid Mr Chase would find himself comparatively feeble. But as it is Jacobinism is in the ascendant & Mr Chase is in the ascendant. Among our friends here in Missouri you Sir are a universal favorite None of these men could compete with you for the succession.

But there is no movement — no rallying point and the power of the better class of men is diminishing. I intend to speak plainly. The weakening thought is this that you do not seem to offer any opposition to the onslaught made upon you. The people are left in doubt whether you may not intend to favor the radical policy or at least acquiesce in it, while therefore Mr President you have thousands of friends you have no party: and the discouragement of yr friends is the result. when these people go to Washington or when they write letters there they profess to be the only true administration men. But this is lip service only. Their party records contain no endorsement of yr administration.

Even at this moment Messr Blow5 Brown6 McNeil7 Strachan8 & Co have arranged their plans to fill all the offices in Missouri from their gang. Among whom on my honor as a man I do not think there is one who has a proper idea of government or of social duty

5 Henry T. Blow

6 Benjamin Gratz Brown

7 John McNeil

8 William R. Strachan, a former deputy U. S. Marshal in Missouri, served as a provost marshal and on General John McNeil's staff during the Civil War.

In fine I do not think at this moment the Jacobins of Missouri are as bad as those of Paris; but I believe they have the disposition to be just as bad and will be if allowed. At this moment their hostility to the constitutional emancipationists yr real friends is more bitter than it is to the secessionists. I do not believe it would be a safe experiment to trust the govt in the hands of any of these people. They have no true conceptions of it — they do not respect it, and they admit no law but their own caprice & bad passions. Unless they are kept in check in some manner the worst consequences may be looked for, I know you have no sympathy with these men or their principles. But sir the people do not know it, I mean to say they do now know that you will throw yourself in the way of the revolutionists — they dont see how they are to raise any barrier to the progress of the evil — they look for the war to continue yet for some length of time, they fear a continual growth of the evil Rest assured the Jacobinism of Missouri is not the peculiar growth of Mo The our soil, It is indiginous to the troubled and sanguinary fields of wa civil war. We must see to it that we do not let loose the hydra upon aour loyal communities I believe it is in yr power to arrest its progress without any act of authority which would greatly agitate the public mind Put the war Department in more scrupulous hands & wiser hands your just power & influence as cheif magistrate will never be increased in my opinion by adding to the influence of such men. If this movement of Mr Chase had not been made I would be the last person in the world to urge yr attention now to the question of the succession— But he has made it and all the indelicacy is his own. It must be met for the public good— I hope you will do it for the public good— There never has been yet a real administration party & there was advantage in it— But there will be no longer any advantage in it. There will have to be an organized opposition to Jacobinism & the administration I think should not hesitate to lead in it If there is impropriety in this letter I hope you will pardon it for the intent

I have not consented easily to venture upon it

But sir I know that

I am very

sincerely

yr friend

S T Glover

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Other side of the quarrel.

From Ira Harris to Abraham Lincoln, April 13, 1863

Albany April 13. 1863

My dear Sir

I hope and believe you will excuse me even if you should think me meddling with what does not concern me— I feel a good deal of interest in the confirmation of Gen Schofield of Missouri— I had known him as an Instructor at West Point— I had met him in the family of his fatherinlaw, Professor Bartlett of West Point— I have a very high opinion of his merits— Though appointed from Illinois he is a native of this State— His nomination for the want of a quorum failed to receive the action of the Senate— If we could have taken a vote upon his nomination he would have been confirmed by a very emphatic vote— He was defeated by Lane1 of Kansas who has some personal prejudice against him— So far as I know there was not another man against him in the Senate—

1 James H. Lane

I understand from his friends here that he is feeling very unhappy about his failure to receive his appointment— I am not surprised that he should— After rendering very efficient service it looks as though his own government had condemned him— My object in writing is to suggest the propriety of re-appointing him— I do not know what Gen Halleck thinks of him — but of course he knows him well and must know his merits— I feel very sure that Gen. Halleck would favor such re-appointment— I know it would gratify many friends and admirers of Gen Scofield in this State and I believe it would subserve the best interests of the government—2

2 The Senate approved John M. Schofield's appointment as a major general of volunteers on May 12, 1863.

Yours with esteem

Ira Harris

From Anson G. Henry to Salmon P. Chase, April 13, 1863

(Copy)

Washington April 13th 1863

Sir— Having filed in your Department an application for the removal of Victor Smith, Collector at Port Angelos, I have to add thereto, that the removal of Mr Smith is asked for on account of the unfortunate influence which his continuance in Office will exert, and does exert upon the public estimation of the Administration in Washington Tery.

The conduct of the Collector has been such and his general bearing and deportment has been so indiscreet, that it is certain that the interests of the Administration would suffer greatly were the almost universal wish of the Federal Officers of Washington Territory to be disregarded in this particular. Mr Smiths position is somewhat influential, and his continuance in it, cannot but be considered as a direct reproach to the friends of the Government who have asked for his dismissal, and it would further tend to demoralize the strength of the Administration party in the Territory which in view of the fact that an Election will soon take place in the Territory, is greatly to be deprecated, and should be avoided if possible.

In presenting this view of the case, I am sure that I reflect the sentiments and opinions of my fellow officers upon the Pacific Coast, and that were it possible for them to place themselves again upon record, they would cordially endorse the above statement.1

1 Victor Smith was removed in May 1863 and replaced by Lewis Gunn. For more on the case, see Anson G. Henry to Lincoln, April 13, 1863; Chase to Lincoln, May 11, 1863; and Collected Works, VI, 209, 215.

With the highest consideration

Your Obdt. Servt,

A. G. Henry

From Anson G. Henry to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 13, 1863

1 Per Henry's letter, Lincoln removed Victor Smith in May 1863 and planned to appoint Henry Clay Wilson as his replacement, but Wilson was dead. Lewis Gunn received the appointment after Secretary Chase took offense at Lincoln's handling of the matter and threatened to resign. For more on the case, see Chase to Lincoln, May 11, 1863 and Collected Works VI, 209, 215.

(Copy)

Washington April 13th 1863

Dear Sir

I am requested by Govenor Wallace,2 Delegate from Washington Territory to say, that in the event of Victor Smith's being removed from the Collector Ship of Puget Sound District, That the Appointment of Mr Henry Clay Wilson to the Office, would give almost universal Satisfaction to the People of the Territory.

2 William H. Wallace was the delegate to the 37th Congress (1861-63) from Washington Territory. He was appointed the first governor of Idaho Territory in 1863.

I concur with Govenor Wallace in this opinion—

Very Truly

Your Obdt. Servt,

A. G. Henry

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

About Victor Smith

From Francis W. Kellogg, Jacob M. Howard, and Zachariah Chandler to Abraham Lincoln1, April 13, 1863

1 Kellogg was a Republican member of the U. S. House of Representatives (1859-65) from Michigan and Howard was a U. S Senator (1862-71) from the same state.

Grand Rapids Michigan

April 13th/63

Sir

The Senate did not confirm the nomination of Frederick O Rogers Esq as U States Dis't Att'y for the Western District of Michigan because of an objection which they had not time to enquire into and his nomination was laid on the table We are now entirely satisfied as to his fitness & qualifications and respectfully request his appt't at the earliest date possible there is no other Candidate & all are united on Mr Rogers— He resides in Niles Michigan — is an able lawyer a good citizen & loyal man2

2 The Senate had tabled Rogers's nomination on March 13. Lincoln re-nominated him the following year and he was confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 1864.

I have the honor to be

Your Obt Serv't

F W Kellogg

Z. Chandler

J. M. Howard

From George Stoneman to John G. Nicolay, April 13, 1863

The following Telegram received at Washington, 12,15 P. M. Apr 13th 1863,

From Hd Qrs A. Potomac

Dated, April 13th 1863.

Mr Nicolay,

I have no position at present on my staff to bestow worthy to the foreign officer you mention, except as volunteer A. D. C. & he could be of no service unless he speaks english thourghly. Should it be Presidents desire I will do the best I can for him1

1 The “foreign officer” has not been identified.

Geo Stoneman.

Maj Genl.

From George R. Taylor to Hamilton R. Gamble, April 13, 1863

Presidents Office

Pacific Rail Road

St Louis April 13th 1863.

I have the honor to address you this communication by order of the Board of Directors of the Company, and beg to attract your attention to the following preliminary facts—

1st— This road will be operated to Dresden seven miles west of Sedalia in Pettis County, and 196 miles from St Louis the ensuing week—

2d— This Company have resources enabling it to construct the road at the earliest practicable period from Dresden to Warrensburg, the County seat of Johnson County, distant from St Louis 218 and from Kansas City 62 miles — being in the midst of the prairie Country, and contiguous to Jackson, Cass, Bates, Henry and Lafayette Counties—

3d— The only delays we have to encounter is obtaining labor, and as the immediate extension of the Pacific Rail Road to Warrensburg is eminently a military necessity, the directors have instructed me to invoke your aid as Governor of the State, with the President of the United States, to obtain an order exempting from the General Conscription act, all employees or men in the service of the Company — the same applicable to those employed in operating as well constructing the road.—

Or if the President declines to exempt all the employees, will he exempt all men employed or hereafter to be employed in the Construction of the road from Dresden to Warrensburg—

The importance of such exemption is of the greatest importance to the immediate extention of this road, and I do not hesitate in stating to your Excellency that if it should please the President to issue the order, this road could be operated to Warrensburg during the year.—

I have the honor to be your Excellencys

Obt Servt—

G. R. Taylor.

President

[Endorsed by Hamilton R. Gamble:]

St Louis April 13, 1863

Respectfully referred to President Lincoln as an illustration of the propriety of leaving Missouri out of the operation of the conscription act. The men needed for this road will be rendering a service to the government equal in military importance to any service they could possibly render in the field and they will not engage in the labor if they are subject to conscription1

1 Lincoln did not exempt Missouri from the Conscription Act.

H R Gamble

Gov of Mo

From Abraham Lincoln to John E. Bouligny [Draft]1, April 14, 1863

1 John E. Bouligny was a Louisiana Unionist who had represented his state in Congress until 1861. He remained in Washington until returning to Louisiana in October of 1862, with hopes of returning to Washington as a congressman from his state once again. But those hopes were thwarted; he failed to be elected to the post he sought. In Bouligny's response to this letter (Bouligny to Lincoln, April 23, 1863), he claimed to have been the victim of election fraud in Louisiana. See also Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler, George F. Shepley, et. al., October 14, 1862.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 14., 1863.

My dear Sir:

I did not certainly know the object of your call yesterday, but I had a strong impression in regard to it. When our national troubles began you and I were not personally acquainted; but all I heard of you placed you, in my estimation, foremost among Louisianians, as a friend of the Union. I intended to find you a position, and I did not conceal my inclination to do so. When, last autumn, you bore a letter from me to some parties at New-Orleans, you seemed to expect, and consequently I did expected, you would return here as a member of one or the other branch of Congress. But you were not so returned; and this negative evidence, with other of like character, brings me to think that the Union peple there, for some reason, prefer others for the places there. Add to this that the Head of the Department here,2 into which finding a place for you was contemplated, is not satisfied for the appointment to be made, and it presents, as you see an embarrassing case for me. My personal feelings for Mr. Bouligny are not less kind than heretofore.

2 Bouligny had earlier been considered for the post of surveyor of the Port of New Orleans. See Collected Works, V, 323.

Yours very truly

A Lincoln

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To. J. E. Bouligny.

April 14, 1863.

From Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter and Samuel F. Dupont [Copy in an Unknown Hand]1, April 14, 1863

1 On April 7, 1863, a Union naval force under the command of Admiral Samuel F. Dupont attacked Charleston, and was driven off after less than two hours of fighting. Dupont was surprised and impressed by the strength of the city's fortifications, and skeptical of success in taking Charleston in the immediate future. General David Hunter, however, believed that an attack on the city's outer fortifications by land would be successful. On April 13, Lincoln directed Dupont and General Henry Halleck ordered Hunter to continue operations in the Charleston vicinity, but these communications created confusion since Navy Secretary Welles had earlier ordered Dupont to move most of his ironclad vessels to New Orleans after the Charleston engagement. To clarify matters Lincoln sent this somewhat ambiguous letter to the admiral and the general. See Hunter to Edwin M. Stanton, April 10, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 170, 173-74.

Private

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 14, 1863

Gen Hunter & Admiral

Dupont

This is intended to clear up an apparent inconsistency between the recent order to continue operations before Charleston and the former one to move to another point in a certain contingency. No censure upon you or either of you is intended. We still hope that by cordial and judicious co-operation you can take the batteries on Morris island and Sullivans Island and Fort Sumpter. But whether you can or not we wish the demonstration kept up for a time for a collateral and very important object— We wish the attempt to be a real one (though not a desperate one) if it affords any considerable chance of success— But if prosecuted as a demonstration only, this must not become public, or the whole effect will be lost— Once again — before Charleston do not leave till further orders from here. Of course this is not intended to force you to leave unduly exposed Hilton Head or other near points in your charge

Yours truly

A Lincoln

PS

Whoever receives this first please send a copy to the other immediately

AL

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To Gen. Hunter & Admiral Dupont— April 14, 1863.

From Andrew G. Curtin to Abraham Lincoln, April 14, 1863

Harrisburg Pa. 14 april 1863

Sir

I have the honor to acknowledge the receit from your own hands of your letter of the 12th instant kindly tendering me “at the close of my official term a first class mission.”1

1 A draft of the letter is in this collection.

I am urged by many of our personal and political friends in Penna. to become a candidate for reelection, but the condition of my health and considerations of public policy admonish me to accept your generous offer and devote my whole energies to the discharge of my duties and the support of the Governmt until the close of my official term when I will be prepared to enter upon the new official position to which you have been pleased to assign me—

Returning my acknowledgements for the honor and kindness done me

I am very respectfully

Your Obt. Servt:

A. G. Curtin

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 14, 1863

1 Earlier in the day on April 14 Lincoln had telegraphed Hooker, asking for a report on his situation. In the response that follows, Hooker refers to a cavalry operation under General George Stoneman intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond. See Collected Works, VI, 173.

Rec'd 1115 P. M.

In Cipher

Head Qrs A. of P.

Apr 14th 1863 11 P. M

I had supposed the Enemy were attacking Peck2 to prevent his reinforcing Foster3 but if with the numbers alleged it must be for a more important purpose. As soon as Stoneman's4 designs are discovered to the Enemy Peck will be relieved — the reason — that the Enemy have not to exceed thirty five thousand men between Richmond and Suffolk and including both of these towns.

2 John J. Peck

3 John G. Foster

4 George Stoneman

Joseph Hooker

Maj Genl

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker. April 14, 1863,

From M. A. Meade to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 14, 1863

1 Whether this particular medallion was ever struck is not known. See also M. A. Meade to Lincoln, March 5, 1863.

New York Apl 14/63

We wrote you in reference to a Profile for a Medal Would you be so kind as to oblige us with a reply or say if you will sit to us if we come to Washington

Yrs very truly

M A Meade

Succr. to Meade Bros

233 Broadway

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

On the Medallion business

From Horatio Seymour to Abraham Lincoln, April 14, 1863

Albany April 14 1863

Dear Sir

I have delayed answering your letter1 for some days with a view of preparing a paper in which I wished to state clearly the aspect of public affairs from the stand point I occupy I do not claim any superior wisdom, but I am confident the opinion I hold are entertained by one half of the population of the Northern States— I have been prevented from giving my views in the manner I intended by a pressure of official duties which at the present stage of the Legislative session of this State confines me to the Executive Chamber until each midnight—

1 See Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, March 23, 1863.

After the Adjournment which will soon take place — I will give you without reserve my opinions and purposes with regard to the condition of our unhappy country.

In the mean while I assure you that no political resentments, or no personal objects will turn me aside from the pathway I have marked out for myself— I intend to shew to those charged with the Administration of public affairs a due deference and respect and to yield them a just and generous support in all measures they may adopt within the scope of their Constitutional powers— For the preservation of this Union I am ready to make every sacrifice of interest passion or prejudice— truly yours &c

Horatio Seymour

From William A. Hall to Abraham Lincoln1, April 15, 1863

1 William A. Hall, the brother of Willard P. Hall, was elected to Congress from Missouri in order to fill the vacancy created by the expulsion of John B. Clark. He served from 1862 until 1865.

Huntsville Missouri

April 15th

1863

Sir

I fear you will consider me troublesome, but my anxiety to keep down a civil war in Mo. must be my excuse.

It is generally understood that Price2 is making active preparations to invade Missouri. If the conscription act should be put in force at the same time, it will greatly add to his force, which is now mainly composed of refugees from this State.3

2 Confederate General Sterling Price

3 Lincoln did not exempt Missouri from the draft.

I hope if the conscription is to be applied to this State, it will be deferred until he is effectually repulsed.

I fear the division of commands on the Arkansas line between Blunt4 of Kansas & Herron5 will prevent an effectual co-operation between them. The transfer of a part of our State to the Kansas department is producing an unfortunate effect. The people from the border counties are leaving by hundreds, The universal feeling among our loyal population is that Curtis6 is not suited to his position. And altho' when I signed a recommendation for F. P. Blair7 as Maj. Gen. I made it a condition that he should not be assigned a command in this State, I would now be rejoiced to see him supercede Curtis in this Department8

4 James G. Blunt

5 General Francis J. Herron had recently been commissioned a major general of volunteers for his victory at the battle of Prairie Grove in December 1862. At the time of his promotion, Herron was the youngest major general in either the Union or Confederate armies.

6 Samuel R. Curtis

7 Francis P. Blair Jr.

8 John M. Schofield replaced Curtis as commander of the Department of Missouri in May.

I am very resply

your obt Servt

Wm A Hall

MC

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 15, 1863

1 Hooker had been keeping Lincoln informed about a cavalry operation under General George Stoneman intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond. See Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 15, 1863 [Second Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln and Stanton, April 16, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, and Collected Works VI, 173, 175.

Recd in cipher

915 PM

Head Qrs Army of the

Potomac Apl 15 1863

8 PM

Just heard from Genl S.2 His Artillery has been brought to a halt by the mud One Division only having crossed the river If practicable he will proceed without it All the Streams are swimming3

2 General George Stoneman

3 For Lincoln's reply, see Collected Works, VI, 175.

Jos Hooker

Maj Genl

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker, April 15. 1863.

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 15, 1863

1 Hooker had been keeping Lincoln informed about a cavalry operation under General George Stoneman intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond. See Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 15, 1863 [First Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln and Stanton, April 16, 1873, Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 173, 175.

Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac,

April 15th 1863.

Mr President

A letter from Maj Genl Stoneman2 dated 1 o'clock P. M. yesterday, informs me that his command will be across the river before daylight this morning the 15th— It was his intention to cross at three points, all above the Rappahannock Station— I sent him six days rations, for men and animals, by wagons to be distributed just before his passage at the river— The wagons are now on their return— From the Rappahannock, if he should meet with no unusual delay, he will strike the Aquia and Richmond Rail Road on the night of the second day— Meanwhile I shall do what I can to keep the enemy up to their works in my front and if they should fall back shall pursue with all the vigor practicable—

2 George Stoneman

Up to late last night the enemy appeared to have no suspicion of our designs— This morning I can see nothing, from the storm—

I am rejoiced that Stoneman had two good days to go up the river and was enabled to cross it before it had become too much swollen—

If he can reach is position the storm and mud will not damage our prospects—

He has been furnished with a copy of Maj. Genl Peck's3 despatch regarding the enemy in his immediate front— If it should be true Richmond can have no soldiers in the city at this time— 4 With great regard

3 John J. Peck

4 Hooker sent a telegram to Lincoln later in the day which reported that mud had slowed the progress of General Stoneman. That telegram is also in this collection.

I have the honor to be

Your friend & s'vt

M Joseph Hooker

Maj Genl

Cmdg.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker,

April 15, 1863.

From John J. Crittenden to Abraham Lincoln, April 16, 1863

Frankfort. April 16th 1863

I would not trouble you in an ordinary case— But with all its peculiar circumstances, the case of Mrs Susan P Grigsby appeals to me irresistably, and I trust will be equally irresistable with you in obtaining for her the pass which she solicits to visit her husband now in the seceded, and States, & supposed by her to be suffering from wounds & sickness— He was enduced to leave Kentucky last Fall, with the retreating Army of Genl Bragg, & is understood to be Colonel in the Confederate service— When he left his wife remained at home, — the old homestead of her illustrious Grandfather, Governor Isaac Shelby of Kenty, & which she inherited from him — with her six little children— In the short time that has since elapsed, four of those children have died— By armies on her property & her home have been destroyed & desolated— In this unhappy & bereaved condition she seeks the consolation of once more beholding her husband, — She deserves a pass for that purpose, but she can accept of that unless accompanied with a permission to return to Kentucky, where she is obliged to leave her only two surviving little children— Her broken heart seems to be held together only by the hope of now seeing her husband—

I hope the sad privilege she asks will be granted to her— She is a faultless victim,— She is also the granddaughter, of Isaac Shelby, the Hero of King's Mountain, & the Step daughter of the Revd Robert Breckinridge— And the memory of their services seem to me to be entitled some consideration in her case.1

1 Lincoln had sent a telegram to Benjamin Gratz on March 25 which authorized Mrs. Grigsby to stay at his home in Lexington, Kentucky. See Collected Works, VI, 148.

I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully,

Yr's &c

J J Crittenden

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 16, 1863

1 Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton are made privy here to General Hooker's instructions to General Stoneman. For other dispatches on Stoneman's movements, see Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863 and April 15, 1863 [Two Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, and Collected Works, V, 173, 175.

Recd in cipher

930 A M

Head Qrs A of Potomac.

Apl 16” 1863—

Copies of instructions to Genl S.

For the President and Secy of War

“Head Quarters Army of Potomac

April 15th Number One — To Gen S.

Despatches of April 15th from ______ signed by the Chief of your Staff have been received—

The Comdg Genl desires me to call your attention to your letter of instructions— The tenor of your dispatches might indicate that you were maneuvreing your whole force against the command of General Lee,2 numbering not over two thousand men The Comdg Genl does not expect nor does your instructions indicate that you are to act from any base or depot When any Messengers are coming this way Please acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch concerning the telegram from Genl Peck sent for your information”

2 General Fitzhugh Lee was a Confederate cavalry commander on picket duty along the Rappahannock.

Signed. “J Hooker”

Maj Genl

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker, April 16, 1863.

From William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, April 16, 1863

My dear Sir:

Last week I made an appointment for you to receive Count Piper, the Minister of Sweden, who has a letter from his Sovereign to deliver. As the appointment could not be fulfilled in consequence of your absence, I have told the Count that I will accompany him to you at twelve o'clock on Saturday. No speeches will be necessary on the occasion.

Faithfully, yours,

William H Seward

Department of State,

16th April, 1863,

From George Stoneman to Seth Williams [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 16, 1863

1 General Stoneman's letter to General Williams, the adjutant general of the Army of the Potomac, was copied at Hooker's headquarters and passed on to Lincoln. Stoneman's operation was intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond, but was thwarted by high water. See Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 15, 1863 [Two Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton, April 16, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 173, 175.

Head Quarters Cavalry Corps

Army of the Potomac

Camp near Rappahannock R. R. Bridge Va

April 16 — 1863

General

Your letter of “April 15th 1863” was received at 12 M. to-day, and I have delayed answering it until this hour, awaiting the acknowledgement, of my two dispatches of yesterday, which has this moment come to hand— I cannot say what has been the state of affairs away from this vicinity, but here, at the hour of my last despatch, the condition of things may be judge of, when I tell you that almost every rivulet was swimming and the roads next to impossible for horses or packmules, not to speak of Artillery and wagons — the latter of which had in the morning all been started for the rear— The Rail Road Bridge has been partly carried away by the freshet — the river is out of its banks and was still on the rise a few hours ago— Three hours ago Gregg's2 Division, which was directed to move back from the river to higher ground, began crossing a bed nearly dry yesterday morning, and its rear is not over yet— This morning the same bed was swimming, and a squadron in attempting to cross it lost one officer and two men swept off and several horses drowned—

2 General David M. Gregg led a division under Hooker's command.

The whole Corps is now on the North Bank of the Rappahannock, and as we all think, fortunately for us, as were we on the South Side we should have the Rapidan, now a swollen torrent to cross, necessarily, in order to advance, and the Rappahannock, swollen as it is in our rear; neither of which, under the most favorable circumstances will be fordable for several days to come— Up to midnight, night before last, every thing had worked as well as could have been wished, and my despatch was based upon the expectation that we were to be favored with a continuation of fair weather — it certainly was not predicated upon the expectaton of being overtaken by one of the most violent rain storms I have ever been caught in — and that too — in a country where streams rise as rapidly as do the rivers in our front—

No command ever had higher hopes or was more confident of success — though ignorant of what it was expected to perform; but the elements seem to have conspired to prevent the accomplishment of a brilliant Cavalry operation—

Our movements were known at Culpepper Court House on the morning of the 14th and every disposable man was brought up towards Kelley's Ford by the operations of Genl Buford3 at that point— The Genl Comd'g4 is mistaken in supposing that I was “using or manaevering my, (your) whole force against the Command of Fitz Lee,5 numbering not over 2000 men”, what I did being merely to make a feint and hide my intentions from the enemy.

3 General John Buford commanded a brigade under Hooker.

4 Joseph Hooker. Stoneman is responding to Hooker's instructions to him, as copied in Hooker to Lincoln and Stanton, April 16, 1863.

5 Confederate Cavalry General Fitzhugh Lee, whose force was on picket duty along the Rappahannock.

Instead of acting from any “base or Depot” no depot had been established, and every thing not absolutely necessary to promote the success of the undertaking had been sent back to Morrisville with instructions to be sent to Falmouth in advance of the Infantry Brigade at Kelley's Ford when it should be ordered to return— To cross the swollen streams in our front, at present, with any chance of meeting with a success in an understanding— I consider a military operation almost certain to meet with failure— The command will be held ready to advance the moment the streams are fordable— It may not be uninteresting to the Commanding General to learn that the Rail Road is said to be in tolerably complete order from Alexandria to the Rappahannock Rail Road Bridge — and that the people say they have been expecting the “Northerners” to advance by that route— I have sent to find out—

I am Very Respectfully

Your obd't Servant—

(Signed) George Stoneman

Maj. Genl Comdg—

—Official Copy—

Wm L. Candler

Capt & A. D. C.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker, April 16, 17, 1863.

From Nathaniel Banks to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 17, 1863

1 After issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln became concerned about the recruitment and most efficient use of African-American soldiers. In a letter to Nathaniel Banks on March 29, 1863 (in this collection), Lincoln proposed the raising of African-American levies to a commander with many potential African-American recruits in his department. Banks' positive response follows. For other letters on this subject, see Lincoln to John A. Dix, January 14, 1863, Dix to Lincoln, January 15, 1863, and Lincoln to Andrew Johnson, March 26, 1863.

Head Quarters near St Martinsville

17. April. 1863.

Sir.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, referring to the Commission of Brigadier General Ullmain2 — on my march to this place. It gives me pleasure to assure you that I shall give him every assistance, — fully appreciating its importance to the public service — in carrying out your instructions— There will be no difficulty in raising his Brigade— Some misconception exists with reference to the [force?] of colored troops now in this Department. I found three Regiments, in demoralized condition, have organised two myself and have a third in process of organisation — so there will be here six thousand coloured soldiers, in the Department on his arrival here. I hope to increase it to ten or twelve thousand within a couple of months including Genl Ullmans Brigade.

2 General Daniel Ullman had been commissioned to raise a brigade of black troops in Louisiana.

# In the last week of March a portion of my commd. began to leave Baton Rouge — General Augurs3 Division with three Regmts of Colored troops remaining for its defence Tomorrow night, the 18” — I hope to occupy Opelousas. Since that date we have accomplished a march of over three hundred miles have beaten the enemy in three battles — two on land — one on Grand Lake — have dispersed his army — utterly, destroyed his navy — captured his foundries at Franklin & New Iberia, and demolished the salt works ten miles South west & the latter place captured his camp equipage several guns & between one or two thousand prisoners— He cannot for some months if ever, reorganise his land or naval forces in this part of Louisiana.

3 Christopher C. Augur

The Gun Boats, Diana, Hart, and Queen of the West, and four transports ladend with subsistance stores and ammunitions have been destroyed and large supplies of salt and other material have fallen into our possession.

Grover4 fought a vigorous engagement at Irish Bend— My column fought him in a very strong position at Bisland between Pattersonville & Centreville where he had been constructing his defences for many months & believed himself impregnable. My men in both engagements behaved splendidly. That at Bisland lasted two days. When the enemy fled — abandoning his stores & tents — and we followed immediately in pursuit, driving him before us to this [point] & completely dispersing his infantry leaving nothing now in our front but his artillery and mounted men. I move to Opelousas but do not expect upon the representations of the People here and the Prisoners expect the Enemy to make a stand this side Alexandria— I can capture Alexandria but my force — which will be then from eight to ten thousand only, is not strong enough to make its preservation certain.

4 Cuvier Grover

At Opelousas we shall have acomplished a march of 320 — miles in less than twenty days, fighting & driving the Enemy at every step—

our loss in the two battles is about six or seven hundred. Nothing could exceed the excellent conduct of my Commd. officers & privates.

Let me say in word that the Enemy cannot reorganize his forces, here, again—

I have ordered a movement of the Navy and Army against “Butte le Rose —” a fortified position on the Atchafaylaya which commands this section of Country by land and water.

We have not only destroyed the army & navy of the Enemy, & captured his materials for reorganization of his forces we but we have also in our possession his ablest officers of the sea & land — Captain Fuller commanding the fleet — Capt Sims & the Louisiana Battery & Colonel Vincent of the Cavalry— The last officer is reported killed.

I am yet [undetermined?] what to do when at Opelousas.

I have the honor to be

with most Respect

Your Obt. Servant

N. P. Banks

M. G. C.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen— Banks,

Apl 17 63

From J. M. Fabens to J. F. Clarke, April 17, 1863

New York, April 17th 1863

Dear Sir.

The Trustees of the American West India Company have selected you to proceed to Washington, for the purpose of obtaining the requisite authority to go to Hilton Head or some other Southern port in that neighborhood there to engage colored laborers by contract to be sent out to St Domingo in the employ of this Company.

The Company propose to engage there laborers to the number of 50 able bodied experienced cotton hands, and such women as may be connected with them in family relations — for the term of five years. They are to be employed in the cultivation of Cotton, and such other work as the Company or its Agent there may decide upon. Their pay will be six spanish dollars per month, and board and lodging. The women, such as can be employed advantageously by the Company, will receive four Spanish dollars per month with board and lodging. It is also the purpose of the Company to give to each family for cultivation a patch of ground — a title to which they will receive at the expiration of their term of service.

The Company will see that these laborers are well looked after, and treated as free laborers. Their health and comfort as well as social and moral improvement will be a subject of special care to the Company. There is no doubt that these laborers will be amply satisfied with the manner in which the Company will fulfill the Contract on its part.

Respectfully yours

J. M. Fabens

Secy.

From Mrs. John R. Hodges to Abraham Lincoln, April 17, 1863

Fall River April 17th/‘63

Dear Sir

It may be considered and I presume, will be necessary for a Lady to make some excuse in addressing a stranger, upon business — even — Although being the Father, and I may say — Saviour — of our beloved Country.—

I am aware a laconic note to men of valuable time, is generally best— Yet to say enough, is equally essential in presenting our wants and needs— Thus with all the frank ingenousness and simplicity of womanly character — will after begging pardon for intrusion, and trespass — present the matter, upon which I wish to enlist your sympathy, and approval, in the clearest light possible— As a matter of course, should have some slight hesitation or trepidation — the fear of the lowly, or humble, although the Rev “Henry Ware” of Cambridge, said to me — “A Minister is only a man”. So, the “President” “only a man”— When the lowly aspire, the difference seems great. There is always something of elevation, and purity, that seems to come over one from being in an elevated position, or region— One feels morally, as well as physically, above the world and from that clearer air, able to look on calmly, with disengaged freedom, deciding the fate of Nations — and Leaders—

A celebrated writer says — “The direct way to a mans heart, is down his throat” But as neither “wine”, or “delerium” — in this cases, is necessary to “lay the heart bare” — will proceed to business — hoping you will — sir — make all necessary indulgence, and allowance for every emotion—

I have noticed several times of late — descriptions of experiments, made at the Navy Yard, to produce, and restore, to the world the great secret of Greek or Liquid Fire, first discovered by “Calinicus” of “Heliopolis” the great secret was buried with him, and which no one has ever since been able to learn— I think in, 1812, a man by the name of Uriah Brown of Illinois — who for 20 years held office in your City — a man of great scientific attainments after giving all his leisure time, attention, and money for 40 years, did succeed, and make public experiments, at expense of Congress, in Washington City witnessed by thousands of people giving entire satisfaction; a report was printed with the names of members of Congress, “Partridge” of the Naval school “Robert Smith” of Illinois — who has necessarily written his widow asking her to produce the invention of her late Husband. She had already sent it there — by the “Hon John Cochrane” of New York, with all the printed documents, Model, of an Ocean Steamer the first Iron clad, ever mounted — and smaller ones, for Coast, and Harbor, defence — all the computations — exact proportions— Every thing figured to the exact cost and use— To all appearance and description — the Monitor was from it — substuting guns for the Fire which cannot be obtained only by the possession, of a Ball soldered together, she has in her hands now — written, sealed, and sworn before Court, to be the exact, and full description, of the Chemicals used, to produce the fire — before which nothing can stand, for one moment, as being exclusively invented for our own Government, having never been seen or known by any body except himself— They still have it in the War Department, with all things belonging, and explaining— The vessel was made expressly — for use of Liquid with an impenetrable deck impervious to shot or shell, and can be managed by one half the men usually required for naval service — allowing half the value represented — by those who have looked into it — at this trying hour when something is needed to save the destruction of so much young valuable life— It would be of incalculable value—

Such a thing would of course, be offered by loyal hearts, to our own government first— She co[uld?] make any experiment you wish within her means or do all in her power to aid your acceptance of it Aided, by a nephew of hers. Husband, of mine, now in the Gen Adjt-office there a Civil Engineer— Such things by letter, must be imperfectly represented unless by men who make business of it— Yet hoping I can awaken interest enough to have you look into the matter and see if there is yet any good can come out of evil— If you wish to make inquiry will refer you to Hon James Buffinton M-C from this district now in your city for a few days — or her nephew Mr John B. Hodges 4 1/2 st. No 8 with “Mills” the sculptor a message to him will bring him to your presence — or if your prefer — the Widow Mrs Mary Brown will see you “propria personae” at your bidding — or give all desired information by writing

If you will deign — Sir — to notice — and consider it worth your attention will you be kind enough to reply stating all wishes, or proposals, to me — or her — as she is now at my house and home

It is well a letter will admit of every thing from a bit of gossip — an [apt quotation playful bullies of wit — to the most profound business— I have written hastily — am aware and not very plainly perhaps — yet I hope — sir — you will make all necessary allowance and indulgence before answer

And should you deem it necessary hereafter to notice or wish for further information — will try to give you clearer ideas

Wishing you all Success, in the affairs of Country — individually, all “good Angels” keep you and yours— with very great

respect, I am — sir — your

humble Servant

Mrs John B Hodges—

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln, April 17, 1863

9'o'clock A. M April 17th 1863.

Mr President

I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of the night of the 15th inst.1 and in compliance with your request, transmit herewith a letter from Genl Stoneman dated the 16th — inst, as it will fully inform you of the circumstances attending his march up the river and also of his present position— The letter was this moment received—2

1 Lincoln's letter to Hooker expressed anxiety over General Stoneman's slow progress in crossing the Rappahannock River. See Collected Works, VI, 175.

2 See George Stoneman to Seth Williams, April 16, 1863.

His failure, to accomplish speedily the objects of his expedition, is a source of deep regret to me; but I can find nothing in his conduct of it, requiring my animadversion or censure— We cannot control the elements—

From your letter I concluded that you had misapprehended the position of his advance the night of the second day out from here which was on the South Side of the Rappahannock and fifty miles from this camp— His own despatch was dated Bealton, in the vicinity of his rear guard—

I have given directions for him to remain in his present position, holding himself in readiness, to march as soon, after, the roads and rivers will permit, as practicable, at the shortest notice — and I still hope to turn his movement to some good account— I do not regard him out of position, as, in case of an advance of so large an Army it would be necessary to throw the main portion of his force well on to my right flank— It would take until doomsday to pass all this Army over one or two lines— He has a week's supplies on hand and if it should become necessary to replenish, it can be done as readily at Rappahannock Station as at Falmouth— I have sent to learn the condition of the Alexandria & Orange Rail Road—

No one, Mr President can be more anxious, than myself to relieve your cares and anxieties and you may be assured that I shall spare no labor, and suffer no opportunity to pass unimproved, for so doing—

We have no reason to suppose that the enemy have any knowledge of the design of Genl Stoneman's movement—

I have the honor to be

Very Respectfully

Your most obdt Svt

Joseph Hooker

Maj Genl

Comdg.

From Benjamin Grath to Montgomery Blair [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 18, 1863

1 Despite other appearances, the subject of this letter was Mrs. Larson Grigsby, who desired to visit her wounded husband in the Confederacy. Her request had earlier been endorsed by Senator John J. Crittenden (See Crittenden to Lincoln, April 16, 1863). See also Collected Works, VI, 148.

Lexington April 18” 1863

My dear Montgomery,

Mrs Larson V. Shelby the Daughter of the late Alfred Shelby and Grand-daughter of Gov. Shelby, whose misfortune in losing four children within a short period, during the absence of her husband has elicited the deepest interest among her Kentucky friends, that she should be gratified in her dearest wish, to visit her husband who was recently wounded.

If Mrs G was personally known to you and your kind Wife, it would be unnecessary for me to write you in her behalf— You may rely with perfect confidence in any assurance she gives in the course she will pursue whilst in the confederate lines— It will be extremely gratifying to me if you will aid Mrs G. in procuring the requisite permits to enable her to accomplish the object of her visiting Washington—

Yours afty

Benj Grath

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Mrs Grigsby

From Thomas J. Pickett to Montgomery C. Meigs1, April 18, 1863

1 Pickett was a newspaper editor and old friend of Lincoln who had been appointed agent for the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island.

Washington City, D. C.,

April 18, 1863.

Sir: I have been removed from the agency of the Q. M. Department (on the Island of Rock Island) on newspaper charges, emanating, as I understand, from J. B. Danforth, editor of the Rock Island Argus. Capt. Hendershott, to whom the matter was referred, gave me no opportunity to defend myself from the very serious accusation of selling (for my private benefit) government timber and stone. I utterly and positively deny the truth of these charges, made through the malice of a convicted thief, (as the archives of the Navy Department during the administration of President Buchanan abundantly show) and ask, respectfully, that I be reinstated in my former position as agent, or at least that the subject matter be referred to Lieut. Hill, mustering officer at Springfield, Ills., with instructions to investigate the subject fully.

My only objection to having the subject referred to the Mustering officer at Davenport, Iowa, is that Mr. Wilson who was appointed to succeed me, is an intimate friend and old schoolmate of that officer, and in his desire to retain a friend in place he might he might do injustice to a stranger.2

2 Lincoln became personally involved in the case and ordered the reappointment of Pickett. See Lincoln to Calvin Truesale, April 20, 1863 and Collected Works, VI, 196.

I call attention to the enclosed statement and affidavit from the leading citizens of Moline, Ills., in reference to my removal, &c.

Very respectfully, General,

Your ob't. Serv't.,

T. J. Pickett.

From John Proctor to Abraham Lincoln, April 18, 1863

Beaufor So Ca April 18 1863

Deare Sir I have had the onner of righting to you these fue lines hoping that tha may find you in A most Perfic state of helte as it left me the saim— Deare Sir I have had the oner of righting to you By the request of capt-hoopper of genrel Saxten staff and I then think that it was the Greatist oner that I cold have had— sir I wold that I only cold have right Better so that I cold Exspriss my word Better — tho wat little I have got I Stold it when I [wEr?] with my rebble master so that I hav never had the right Schooling— But I hope that you ma under stand wat little I have Sed— Sir Sence I have got a way from the rebbles I hav throne my Self in to the collard regemint So that I may have the Pleger of capttor my master Bueregaurd as I have Binn Sirvin under him so long I think me know is the time for me to let him Spinte sum of his time under me and my hot shot.

I only wish that I only cold have the Pleger of coming to Be hold you — with mine eyes I am verry much longing to see you remember me to all of my Brothers felow cittysons of the united States1

1 For more on John Proctor, see E. W. Hooper to John Hay, May 25, 1863.

I am now your humble

Sirvant. John . Proctor.

of the 2 So Ca. V. .C.o. C

From George Stoneman to Seth Williams [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 19, 1863

1 General Hooker passed on to Lincoln this copy of General Stoneman's letter to General Williams, who was adjutant general of the Army of the Potomac. Stoneman's operation was intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond, but was thwarted by high water. See Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 15, 1863 [Two Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton, April 16, 1863, Stoneman to Williams, April 16, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 173, 175.

Head Quarters

Cavalry Corps —

Army of the Potomac

Bealton Station — 10 P. m. April 19th 1863

General

Yours of April 18th 9. a. m., with enclosures, was received this morning at 10— I have also to acknowledge receipt of yours of April 18th — no hour — “Let H'd Qrs — at 8.20 a. m. April 19th”— Ingalls2 train has all arrived delivered its stores and returned; short measure — as I wrote you I had calculated for, The wagons belonging to this Corps have, a portion of them, arrived, the rest will be up in the morning to replace those— The stores issued to the Infantry to keep them from starving — not yet up to Morrisville. I should leave to-morrow morning, with what we could get, and trust to luck for the rest, were it possible to cross the river with pack trains and artillery. The river this morning was reported swimming at Freeman's Ford and Sulphur Springs, and its condition here may be seen by the enclosed report of Genl Buford—3 I have parties up the river to give me the condition of the waters at daylight in the morning—

2 Colonel Rufus Ingalls was chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac.

3 General John Buford commanded a brigade under Hooker.

I apprieciate the General's4 impatience, and trust that he will do me the credit to believe that I share with him in the desire to advance—

4 Joseph Hooker

Another Squad of prisoners captured by the 8th Ill. will be sent down to-morrow—

Amongst the number is the Commander of the Black Horse Cavalry—5

5 The Fourth Virginia Cavalry Regiment was the famous Black Horse Cavalry. Its commander in 1863 was Colonel Williams C. Wickham.

Very Respy

Your ob't Sv't

(Signed) George Stoneman

Maj Genl

Comdg. Cavly

Official Copy

Wm L. Candler

Capt & A. D. C.

[Enclosure:]

H'd Quarters

Reserve Cavalry Brigade

April 19th 1863

Colonel

I have the honor to report, that the water has fallen one and three quarter inches (1 3/4) in the river since 9 o'clock A. m. Since three o'clock P. m. there has been a fall of one half inch—

I am very Respectfully &c.

The river is swimming still—

Jno— Buford

Brig Genl Comd'g—

Official Copy

Wm L. Candler

Capt & A. D. C.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker — April 19, 1863.

From Abraham Lincoln to Calvin Truesdale [Draft]1, April 20, 1863

1 Thomas J. Pickett was a newspaper editor and old friend of Lincoln who had been appointed agent for the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island. In 1859 he had urged Lincoln to allow himself to be promoted as a candidate for the presidency. Pickett had been accused of selling government timber and stone for his own benefit. Calvin Truesdale was postmaster at Rock Island, Illinois. For more on Pickett's case, see Pickett to John G. Nicolay, March 30, 1863, Pickett to Montgomery C. Meigs, April 18, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 196. For Pickett's earlier encouragement of Lincoln, see Pickett to Lincoln, April 13, 1859, and Lincoln to Pickett, April 16, 1859.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 20, 1863.

Thomas J. Pickett, late agent of the Quarter-Master's Department for the Island, of Rock-Island, has been removed or suspended from that position on a charge of having sold timber and stone from the Island for his private benefit. My Mr. Pickett is an old acquaintance and friend of mine; and I will thank you if you will set a day or days on and place, on & at which to take testimony on the point, notify Mr Pickett, and one J. B. Danforth Jr.2 (who as I understand, makes the charge) to be present with their witness, take the testimony in writing offered by both parties, and report it in full to me. Please do this for me.

2 J. B. Danforth Jr. edited the Rock Island, Illinois Argus.

Yours truly

A. Lincoln

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Calvin Truesdale, Esq

April 20, 1863.

From S. Chanslor to Abraham Lincoln, April 20, 1863

My dear Sir

On the eve of my Departure from this Country, which may take place this month, I feel that it is a most agreeable Duty to me, to Express to You the high Sense of Gratitude for the kind reception You bestowed on me, while in Washington.

May I be entitled to give now vent to these feelings, by invoking on You the blessings of the best of health, an imdimished prosperity and that Strength, which Your high Position under Exceptional Circumstances, demands at Every moment for the care of this our Country. Although there may be Thousands who include these wishes for Your Excelency, as the head of a Nation Struggling for its dearest birthright, I consider myself as not the least in the Devotion I have pledged, to the best of Your interest.

with these Sentiments

I remain Sir Your most Obdt Servt. Resp

S Chanslor

New York Brevoot House

Aprill 20/63

From Henry Wilson to Abraham Lincoln, April 20, 1863

Washington

April, 20th, 1863,

Dear Sir,

Mr Lilly1 was rejected by the Senate on some representations of improper conduct in the Session of 1861-2. At the next close of the session his case was examined by order of the Military Committee. Mr King,2 who made the examination was fully convinced that he had injustice done him, and had his name come before the Senate at the last session I am confident he would have been confirmed. Were he renominated I should with the Lights I now have vote for his confirmation

1 For more on the case of William Lilley, see Lilley to Lincoln, March 20, 1863; Lincoln to Lilley, April 2, 1863; and Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, May 9, 1863.

2 Preston King

Yours truly

Henry Wilson

From Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward and Gideon Welles [Draft]1, April 21, 1863

1 Early in 1863, Union blockading vessels captured the Peterhoff, a British merchant ship carrying goods to Matamoros, the Mexican port across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. The British government complained of the seizure, but Navy Secretary Welles insisted that the Peterhoff was a blockade-runner, one of a considerable number carrying goods into the Confederacy via the Matamoros-Brownsville connection. The Peterhoff carried mail, which Secretary of State Seward considered inviolate and not subject to inspection or seizure, but Welles felt that inspection of the mails on the ship could reveal the actual mission of the Peterhoff. In this context, Welles also argued that the mails were not inviolate in wartime, and that only the courts could determine the status of the mails on board the Peterhoff. Both Welles and Seward responded to Lincoln's request given here, but neither reply has been found. Lincoln's solution to the dilemma, to Welles' disgust, was to yield to Seward's position and release the Peterhoff's mails, desiring as he did no confrontation with Britain. See Howard K. Beale, ed., The Diary of Gideon Welles (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1960) I, 266, 269-90, 299-304, 310.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 21. 1863.

Gentlemen:

It is now a practical question for this government, whether a government mail of a neutral, power, found on board a vessel captured by a beligerent power, on charge of breach of blockade, shall be forwarded to it's designated destination, without opening; or shall be placed in custody of the prize court, to be in the discretion of the court, opened and searched for evidence to be used on the trial of the prize case. I will thank each of you to furnish me

First, a list of all cases wherein such question has been passed upon, either by a diplomatic, or a judicial decision—

Secondly, all cases wherein mails, under such circumstances, have been without special discussion, either forwarded without opening, unopened; or detained, and opened, in search of evidence.

I wish these lists to embrace as well the reported cases on the books generally, as the cases pertaining to the present war in the United States.

Thirdly, a statement, and brief argument, of what would be the dangers and evils, of forwarding such mails unopened.

Fourthly, a statement and brief argument, of what would be the dangers and evils of detaining and opening such mails, and using the contents, if pertinent, as evidence.

And lastly, any general remarks that may occur to you, or either of you.

Your Obt. Servt.

A. Lincoln.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To Secs. of State & Navy — about Mails in prize cases.

April 21. 1863

Seward & Welles

From Delphy Carlin to Abraham Lincoln, April 21, 1863

I beg your excellency will permit me to say that I leave Washington with deep sorrow, because of the unfavourable opinion I fear Your Excellency has formed of me. I here before my maker, wish to be stricken down, if I had the least idea, at the moment of first seeing your Excellency yesterday, to ask to promote my son a Lieutenant. I called for the purpose of renewing my supplication, which I had made for a week, through my most worthy & respected friend, the attorney General, to procure employment for my son, in some way so to prevent perhaps Brothers meeting and killing each other, & I feared it might be a responsibility to our all Merciful above.

The occurence which occured in 1814 of Mr. Neemo, neighbor of my Father was most remarkable.1 I came to your Excellency, when I feard of a similar circumstance.

1 For more on this incident, see Delphy Carlin to Lincoln, April 10, 1863.

The letter I received from my son, through the Post office, about one hour before I had the honour of seeing your Excellency yesterday, was such as I thought your Excellency would be glad to read, & be proud of such men in the ranks of his army. I asked your Excellency to read it, but not with the view of asking a promotion. the letter was a good letter. Your Excellency acknowledged it was so. At that moment I presumed that my petition had been put aside, and forgotten. I than asked Your Excellency to do something for my son, Your Excellency's promptness in complying with my Sons wishes, shall I assure to Your Excellency, will ever by greatfully remembered. I am satisfied that my son would not consent to be discharged, and under the present circumstances, not being able to procure employment with the pen, I would prefere see him a Lieutenant than be a private with the musket, to aim perhaps to his young & only Brother.

Your Excellency, told me yesterday, that he did not know me, that is a fact, & I acknowledge that it was a gross neglect in me, to have appeared the manner I did, when it was in my power to produce evidances of highest character. Ashburton [a] Bishop within London, March 1830 Alexander Barring then, complimented me for my great success in Mexico. I have letters of thanks from men here & abroad of the highest standing. But so it is & a fact it is no body knows me now, I have, it would seem out leaved all my friends. it is true that I have had dealings with men of nearly all nations; now I am quiet I have learned that the life of men is too short to accomplish much.

During the war with Mexico under the Administration of President Polk, I wrote to the President & I was told that my letters were read with great interest, but unfortunately, it was reported that Delphy Carlin was a French lady who had traveled much in Mexico, so it was that I received no incorragement to write to the government. But Senator T. H. Benton, discovered soon that it was not a French lady, but a man & a resident of St. Louis Mo

I gave minute & valuable information to him, but unfortunately again for me, Colonel Benton was a Democrat and I was a Whig, so I passed for a lady all the time, no credit has ever been given me to the day, the Colonel had it all.

I think had I an opportunity that I could persuade your Excellency that I have accomplished considerable, & hope still to be of Service. I am aware that no one is exempt of comitting blunders, the greatest blunder I ever comitted was, one day last year, when I thought of a favourable opportunity to take possession of west Louisiana, by Berwicks bay, I hurryed to Your Excellency, & upon my word I could not believe that you were his Excellency. I had it in my head that you were a Stern looking and a long white bearded man. But at a glance I read the most amiable & truthful. It seem that I read all the time the wrong side of the paper, or rather the wrong paper. I hope I shall do better after this, and hope too that Your Excellency will pardon me, & think no more of it.

Things may turn up soon in Mexico, so that I may be able to serve your Excellency there. Ignacio Commonfort, is a good friend of Your Excellency. I am intimately acquented with him, he is a prominent man, has travelled, considerably

It is probable that, the moment Napoleon, reaches the Capital of Mexico, he will say to the Mexicans, to select a form of Government & I will aid you to perfect it &.c. &.c.....

I pray your Excellency; will do for my son all he can consistently

I am

very Respectfully

Your very Obt. Servt.

Delphy Carlin

Washington April 21 1863

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 21, 1863

1 Colonel Hiram Berdan did not receive a promotion; he resigned from the army on March 13, 1864. He received a brevet brigadier general's commission in March of 1865.

Camp Apl. 21. 1863.

My President.

Col Berdan2 handed me this evening your note of the 16th inst3 respecting his promotion I have had no opportunity to judge of his services personally, from which I am informed by his Commanding Officers I infer that he talks better than he acts. At all events no wrong or injustice will be done him by allowing his claims to rest until after the next fight. If my sense of duty then will allow me it will afford me great pleasure to recommend him for preferment.

2 Hiram Berdan

3 This letter has not been located.

Very respectfully

Your friend & Svt

Joseph Hooker

Maj Gnl

Cmdg.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker about Col. Berdan.

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln, April 21, 1863

11 o'clock P. M. April 21st 1863.

Mr President

Advices from Maj. Genl Stoneman1 of to-day, inform me that he has not been able to effect a passage of the river, from the depth of water at the Fords—

1 George Stoneman

I have given directions for him to remain in position for the present; as his presence above tends to deceive the enemy— As I can only cross the river by stratagem, without great loss, which I wish to avoid, it may be a few days before I make it— I must threaten several points and be in readiness to spring when a suitable opportunity presents itself—

Deserters inform me, that the talk in the rebel camps is, that when we cross the river it is their intention to fall in our rear and attack our depot at Aquia— The recent arrival of a Ponton train at Hamilton's Crossing, lends plausibility to these reports—

I forward here with copies of the last Richmond papers— But little news—

Stoneman will receive forage, for his Animals, via. the Alexandria and Orange Rail Road — now open to Rappahannock Station—

With great regard

I have the honor to be

Your friend & S'v't

Joseph Hooker

Maj Gen Cmdg.

From Joseph Hooker to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 21, 1863

1 General George Stoneman's operation was intended to cut communications between the rebel army and Richmond, but was thwarted by high water. For more on Stoneman's effort to cross the Rappahannock River, see the letter that Hooker wrote to Lincoln later in the evening of April 21. See also Hooker to Lincoln, April 14, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 15, 1863 [Two Same Date], Hooker to Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton, April 16, 1863, Stoneman to Seth Williams, April 16, 1863, Hooker to Lincoln, April 17, 1863, Stoneman to Williams, April 19, 1863, and Collected Works, VI, 173, 175.

April 21 1863:

My latest advices from Maj-Genl Stoneman were up to a 9 o'clock yesterday morning— At that time his command were moving to ascertain whether or not the fords were practicable— If he had crossed I cannot but feel that I should have been informed of it ere this— Genl Stoneman reports that much more rain has fallen in the mountains than lower down the river, hence the slowness of the waters in falling— I am expecting to hear from him hourly— The weather appears to continue adverse to the execution of my plans as first formed — as in fact for all others, but if these do not admit of speedy solution, I feel that I must modify them to conform to the condition of things as they are—

I was attracted to the movement as first projected, as it promised unusual success, but if it fails I will project a movement which I trust will secure success, but not to so great an extent; and one in the execution of which I shall be able to exercise personal supervision—

I have the honor to be

With great respect

Your most obdt svt—

Joseph Hooker

Maj Genl

Cmdg.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Gen. Hooker. April 21 1863.

From Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln , April 22, 1863

Philadelphia, Apl. 22. 1863.

My dear Sir,

My purpose in visiting Philadelphia & New York at this time is to ascertain, if a loan, say of fifty millions, to pay off all arrears cannot now be obtained. The only difficulty I find in the way springs from the painful uncertainty generally prevalent as to the future of the war. Notwithstanding this, however, I hope to succeed; and I am greatly cheered by the resolved determination which appears to animate all our friends. This is a sentiment which can be easily converted into triumphant gladness by the achievement of some important successes and above all by the development of some settled and promising plan for the successful termination of the contest.

I have, since I came here, heard a good deal of the facility of communication with the rebels by their friends in loyal states. A lady stated to me the other day — Sunday — that She wrote about the last of March to some friends in South Carolina announcing the death of a relative and that she had just received a reply. The time for going and returning was only a little more than three weeks. A regular mail goes to Nassau under our postal arrangement with Great Britain and letters to the interior of Rebeldom are thence forwarded by the Blockade Runners. A large proportion of these letter mails from Nassau get safely through. In fact it is not difficult to imagine an arrangement by which they might nearly all be safely landed at unfrequented spots. I do not know that there is any remedy for this, but if possible one should be found.

I have just received a letter from my friend Gen Garfield,1 who is Chief of Rosecrans Staff. It gives me the best idea of that army, its relations and purposes that I have yet obtained from any quarter, and inspires me with fresh hopes. Unless something decisive is to be done on the Mississippi & done promptly, is it not now clear that Grants Army should be made to cooperate otherwise with Rosecrans? How I wish that Sherman was at the head of that army instead of Grant. He is certainly an abler & better & more reliable Commander.

1 James A. Garfield, the future president, was the chief of staff for General William S. Rosecrans.

Next Saturday I hope to be in Washington again. Meantime I thought you would not be displeased to hear some account of me.

Yours most Sincerely

S. P. Chase

From William S. Rosecrans to Abraham Lincoln, April 22, 1863

The following Telegram received at Washington 1130 PM. April 22d 1863,

From Murfreesboro 11 P — M.

Dated, April 21” 1863.

Thrice has notice directly Come to me that some complaints has been lodged in the minds of persons high in Authority or in records in the War office Against the working of my army policy or that there was a conflict of Authority between the Civil & military each time I have stated that I know of none & asked for the Specifications that I might remedy the evil No reply has been given no information of what this all means. Can there be anything wrong I want to know it & appeal to you to please order the complaints to be communicated to me fully. If the Fox is unearthed I will promise to skin him or pay for his hide.1

1 Lincoln replied by informing Rosecrans that he knew of no complaints against the general. See Collected Works, VI, 186.

W S Rosecrans

Maj Gen

From William F. Switzler to John G. Nicolay1, April 22, 1863

1 William F. Switzler, a Missouri newspaper editor and politician, was appointed a provost marshal for the 9th District of Missouri in 1863. This appointment was revoked in October 1864.

Columbia, Mo., Apl. 22. 63

My dear Sir:

My friend, Maj. Rollins,2 member of Congress from this District, being personally cognizant of my sacrifices and services for the Union, without consultation with me, indeed during my temporary absence from the State, asked my appointment as Paymaster in the Volunteer army of the U. States.

2 James S. Rollins had served in the Black Hawk War as a major and was a Unionist member of Congress (1861-65) from Missouri.

The appointment, for reasons which need not be recited here, was not made; or if made, withdrawn by the President.

I learn from him that you had doubts of my loyalty, basing your opinion on two articles which appeared in my paper, the Statesman, while I was in Arkansas in October, 1862 — articles I did not write and I think I never read.

I ask the liberty of forwarding to your address a weekly copy of my paper, that you may see and read for yourself what I do write and publish in regard to the issues before the Country. If I mistake not you will be convinced that I am truly what I profess to be, a Union man without conditions or compromise, now and forever, for this is my position, publicly and privately.

In short, there is not as I believe a better, more sincere, Union man on the Continent than

Your's truly,

Wm. F. Switzler.

From Abraham Lincoln to Joseph E. Segar [Draft]1, April 23, 1863

1 Joseph Segar was the Unionist congressman from Virginia's Eastern Shore. No letter from Segar initiating this response has been found, but for relevant other correspondence, see Collected Works, V, 502, 507-08.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April 23, 1863

My dear Sir:

My recollection is that Accomac and Northampton counties (Eastern Shore of Va.) were not exempted from a Proclamation issued some short while after the adjournment of Congress; that some time after the issuing of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, in September, and before the issuing of the final one in on January 1st 1863, you called on me and requested that “Eastern Shore of Va” might be exempted from both the Summer Proclamation, & the final emancipation Proclamation. I told you that the non-exemption of it from the former, was a mere omission, which should would be corrected; and that it should also be exempted from the final emancipation Proclamation— The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation does not define what is included, or excluded, but only gives notice that this will be done in the final one. Both yourself and Gen. Dix,2 at different times, (Gen. Dix in writing)3 called my attention to the fact that I had omitted to exempt “Eastern Shore of Virginia” from the first proclamation; and this was all that was needed to have me correct it— Without being reminded by either him or yourself, I do not think I should have omitted to except exempt it from the final Emancipation Proclamation; but at all events, you did not allow me to forget it— Supposing it was your duty to your constituents to attend to these matters, I think you acted with entire good faith and fidelity to them.

2 John A. Dix

3 See Dix to Lincoln, November 17, 1862.

Yours truly

A. Lincoln.

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

To Hon. Joseph Segar — April 23. 1863.

From John E. Bouligny to Abraham Lincoln1, April 23, 1863

1 Bouligny was a New Orleans politician who served a single term in Congress (1859-61) and remained loyal to the Union after Louisiana seceded.

Washington City April 23. 1863.

Dear Sir

Domestic affliction has prevented me from complying with the request indicated by your Memorandum on my note of the 16th Inst,2 in which I requested a personal interview in answer to the contents of your favor of the 14th.3

2 This memorandum has not been located.

3 A draft of the letter is in this collection.

Whilst I avail myself of your kind suggestion to reply by letter, still I would have much preferred to meet you and give a full explanation; for the reason that there are many things I could say, which would make this communication tedious to read, if encumbered with it. I will therefore be as brief as possible. All the Sacrifices I have made for the Union, and to sustain your administration were not made for the hope or expectation of reward, but for the sake of the Union. A large patronage, annuities and properties which placed me in times of peace in affluence (far above the Contingencies of life) are all gone. Worst of all is the breaking up of old associations, friends and relatives, together with the animosity created among them, by the stand I made to sustain the Union. My health has been on the [decline?] in consequence of these troubles, as it has suffered from personal difficulties in defence of the Government and Administration. Yet I complain (and I think it is my right to do so), in the face of all those facts known, proved, and admitted, that some insidious enemy should be permitted to poison the minds of those who have all power — ; that simple justice should be denied me. I most solemnly assert the fact to be, (and the copy of the registered votes of the Congressional District in which I was a Candidate will prove the assertion;) that I received a majority of the loyal votes cast at that election. I did not contest the Same, because I did not desire to embarass my government — I had suffered greater ills, and could endure that. When I went to New Orleans in the Autumn (alluded to by you,) it was at the earnest request of my friend Gen Jno A. McClernand — but I had no hopes of being elected upon my personal popularity, and so expressed myself to you. It was for that reason, I requested your letter,4 expecting to get assistance from the parties to whom you wrote. I was at the time of the Canvass very sick, and could not take any part in the election. My tickets were [gathered?] up at the polls and destroyed, yet I repeat that I received a majority of the loyal votes, of my district— Strange as it may appear, it is nethertheless a fact. You had promised to appoint me to the position of ‘Surveyor of the Port of N. Orleans', & I did not suppose my being a Candidate for a short term of Congress (under such circumstances) would prejudice my claims to your favor. Through the frankness of Hon W. H. Seward (Secretary of State) I believe I know the cause of Mr Chase's opposition to me. Mr Seward has informed me that it has been represented to you & Mr Chase, that I was a dissipated man.— I do not deny that sometimes in times past, I have acted imprudently, but that I was ever (or more especially since the solemn difficulties of the Country) addicted to drink, (or anything bordering on it,) is a most base, wilful, and unmitigated falsehood. As a matter of Justice, you may grant me the favor naming or stating my accuser, so that I can confront him and satisfy you of the falsity of the charge.

4 See Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler, George F. Shepley, et al., October 14, 1862.

Since Sir, my name has become obnoxious to Mr Chase, I hope you will not deny me the privilege of suggesting to you a good loyal, sober, honest high minded gentleman for the position of Commissioner to take charge of the “Internal & Coastwise revenue”, or to grant a permit to trade in Cotton and other Southern products [in] the District of La, now in possession of the U. S. forces — or a portion of said district. The gentleman against whom the slightest objection cannot be urged, is Robt H. Montgomery of New Orleans. He is my personal friend and it would afford me pleasure to see him in this position. To be frank, Mr President, under him I could secure a support for myself and family. I am very much impoverished and have to depend upon a few generous friends. By making this appointment, you will satisfy all the good people of the City of New Orleans, and prove your good intention towards me, as expressed in your letter of the 14th Inst, and which I have never doubted for a moment. I will in that event return to New Orleans, where I should use my utmost endeavors to have the laws faithfully executed.

I remain

Your Obt Servant

Jno. E. Bouligny

From Simon Cameron to Abraham Lincoln, April 23, 1863

The following Telegram received at Washington 135 PM Apr 23 1863,

From Harrisburg

Dated, April 23 1863.

His name is John Cameron1

1 Lincoln had telegraphed Cameron and requested the name of his candidate for West Point.

Simon Cameron

From Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, April 23, 1863

The following Telegram received at Washington 2[1] PM April 23d 1863,

From New York PM.

Dated, April 23d 1863.

His name is Washington Hunt Walbridge of Toledo Ohio1

1 Lincoln had telegraphed Chase and requested the name of his candidate for West Point.

S P Chase

From James A. Hardie to James Phillips [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 23, 1863

1 The response of Secretary of War Stanton to Lincoln's endorsement seems to explain the issues involved in this note.

Adjutant General's Office

Washington, April 23, 1863—

Sir:

I am directed to inform you that your name was not sent in to the Senate for Confirmation as Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. And that therefore your Appointment expired by Constitutional limitation on the 4th of March 1863.

I Am, Sir, Very Respectfully,

Your obt. Servant,

Jas. A Hardie

Asst. Adj't. General,

[Marginal note: Paid to March 15. 1863 by Major Kinzie

Paid from March 15 1863. to April 2[3]rd 1863.]

[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:]

Will the Sec. of War please glance over these papers, and inform me on what ground Dr. Phillips' nomination was withheld from the Senate, and what objection there is, if any, to his re-appointment?

A. Lincoln

July 27, 1863.

[Endorsed by Edwin M. Stanton:]

Dr Phillips was appointed in the place of Dr King who was expected to be retired. It happened that Dr King was not retired and therefore the nomination fell. Dr Phillips is not reappointed because he is not a citizen of the United States but is believed to be a British subject. As the Subjects of Great Britain claim under the sanction of their Government exemption from Military Service it is not deemed expedient to appoint them to offices and open a door to the interference of their Government in case they should be displeased at any time with action of their Military Superiors

Edwin M Stanton

Sec of War

July 28.

From Montgomery C. Meigs to Edwin M. Stanton, April 23, 1863

Washington City, April 23d 1863

Sir:

I have the honor to submit herewith a letter from Mr. T. J. Pickett,1 late agent of this Department at Rock Island, Ill, with its enclosure, relating to his removal from the agency.

1 Pickett was a newspaper editor and old friend of Lincoln who had been appointed agent for the Quartermaster's Department for the Island of Rock Island.

As the President of the United States has taken his case into consideration, I respectfully suggest that these papers be laid before him. The President spoke of consulting, or referring the case to a citizen of the neighborhood.2

2 Lincoln took an active interest in the case of Pickett's removal and after reviewing the facts, ordered that his friend be reappointed. See Lincoln to Calvin Truesdale, April 20, 1863 and Collected Works, VI, 196.

I am

Very Respectfully

Your obt Servt

M C Meigs

Quarter Master General

From Charles A. Dana to Edwin M. Stanton, April 20, 1863

Recd in cipher

11 PM Apl 24th

Millikens Bend

April 20th 1863

Gen Grant went to New Carthage the Seventh returning Eighteenth (18th) Found Admiral Porters Squadron there all in fighting condition though most of them had been [hit?] yesterday, with “Silver Wave” transport also ready for use “Forrest Queen” transport had her Steam [down?] broke under Vicksburg batteries and was left above Warrenton but has been repaired and was brought down at two (2) this morning—

Admiral Porter reports no Batteries at Warrenton, but some ten (10) or twelve (12) pound guns which feebly answered his fire No one was killed in passing Vicksburg — man supposed killed, was only stunned Bowen1 commanding at Grand Gulf has sent over three Regiments to dislodge Osterhaus2 from New Carthage His out posts were near ours and there had been some ineffectual cannonading on the levee the only point of approach by land On morning of Seventeenth (17th) before Admiral Porter arrived, a Rebel steamer appeared just below New Carthage, but did not stay—

1 Confederate General John Bowen

2 General Peter Osterhaus commanded a division of the 13th Corps during the Vicksburg Campaign.

On afternoon of Seventeenth (17th) Admiral Porter sent the “Tuscumbria” to shell out Bowens camp about two miles below Carthage Whether Bowen had succeeded in getting his force back to Grand Gulf is unknown—

Admiral Porter sent “Louisville” Gunboat down Mississippi on morning of Eighteenth but we have received no news from there since—

Gen McClernand has his HeadQuarters on Mrs Smiths Plantation on Roundaway Bayou opposite the entrance of Bayou Vedal about three (3) miles from Carthage Osterhaus Division is mainly encamped there. Hoveys, Carrs and A J Smiths3 lie along the road Smiths holding the rear at Holmes Plantation, about eight (8) miles from Mr Forsythes The levee along Bayou Vedal is badly broken in three places and the whole country between Roundaway and Mississippi being overflowed troops can only be moved to Carthage by water. Gen McClernand has constructed a number of scows, using for the purpose a fine saw mill on Holmes Plantation, and with these used a few Yawls, he is hard at work transporting troops and supplies to Carthage, by the same means, as well as by a scanty wagon train, somewhat increased by the Ox wagons of the country He is transporting supplies down from Richmond. On the Eighteenth (18th) he was about to try to get the “Silver Wave” transport up Bayou Vedal, but a letter from him written on the morning of that day does not report that he has succeeded—

3 Generals Alvin P. Hovey, Eugene A. Carr and Andrew J. Smith were division commanders in the 13th Corps.

It is probable that some dredging will be required at the mouth of that Bayou before it will be accessable to any but very small Steamers

Prides cut off is constantly worked at with much energy but the Engineers differ in opinion as to when loaded barges can get through it Two (2) small Steamers with barges carrying pioneers with tools have this morning passed through the canal into Walnut Bayou and Pride thinks that within three (3) days he will steam to Carthage, but Lieut Col Wilson Capt Engineer thinks it will take a fortnight

The wagon road hence to Smiths plantation is in very good condition and not likely to be overflowed

This road as well as Prides cut off is now protected against inroads of Enemy by overflow of the country toward the Tensas The strip of dry land between the two lines of water is no where more than three (3) miles wide

Six transport Steamers are being repaired to run Vicksburg batteries viz — Tigress, (Side wheeler) Anglo Saxon, Cheeseman, Moderator, Horizon, Empire City all stern wheelers. None of them less than five hundred (500) tons. Each will carry hundred thousand rations in her hold and forty days coal

They will hardly be ready before tomorrow night As soon as they have gone down Gen Grant will move his HeadQuarters to Carthage, and the attack on Grand Gulf will be made as soon as Eight thousand (8,000) troops can be embarked: But this will be delayed by difficulty of moving down Bayou Vedal Gen Grant now seems confident inclined to direct this attack himself and to leave McClernand to hold this place while with the bulk of McClernands and McPhersons corps he himself goes down to Port Hudson for which he thinks twenty thousand troops will suffice McArthurs4 division has not yet arrived here. The last of Logans5 came yesterday Quimby6 being sick Gen Grant tells me Sullivan will take his Division

4 General John McArthur was a division commander in James B. McPherson's 17th Corps.

5 John A. Logan

6 Isaac Quinby was a division commander in the 17th Corps.

From our batteries of thirty pound Parratts on levee opposite Vicksburg two hundred and forty rounds have been fired, mainly at R R Depot without apparent effect They are firing today at Court House used by Enemy as a Signal Station, It is a mile further than Depot—

Gen Grant talks of building a team road hence to Carthage for use in case canal is left dry by falling of Mississippi He proposes to use the iron on Vicksburg and Shreveport R. R.

A very trustworthy Spy of Gen Grants tells him that there are in Mississippi Agents of secret organization in souther Indiana and Illinois who report that they are armed and ready for insurrection. Officers in this Army who three months ago told me they would never serve along with negro Regts now say that Adjt Genl Thomas makes bad speeches to troops but that they shall obey orders nevertheless

C. A. Dana

From Francis L. Capen to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln]1, April 25, 1863

1 Francis L. Capen claimed to have the ability to predict the weather and he sought employment by the War Department, but Lincoln's endorsement is not such as would have been likely to inspire Capen's confidence. Elsewhere Capen proposed to advise Lincoln on what to do with black refugees, and on political and military personnel matters. For more on Capen, see his March 29, 1863 letter to Lincoln.

For the War Depart.t

Sat. Ap. 25th 1863.

Dear Sir,

It would give me great pleasure to assure you of the fine weather suitable for a visit to the front, or for starting an Expedition fraught with momentous interests to the Country, & not less important in its economical aspects, like the recent Cavalry Movement.

Please refer me, favorably to the War Department, & I will guarantee to furnish Meteorological information that will Save many a serious Sacrifice.

Most respectfully

F. L. Capen.

[Attached card:]

Thousands of lives & Millions of dollars may be saved by the Application of Science to War.

Francis L. Capen.

Certified

Practical Meteorologist — &

Expert in

Computing the Changes of the Weather.

[Endorsed by Lincoln:]

It seems to me Mr. Capen knows nothing about the weather, in advance. He told me three days ago that it would not rain again till the 30th of April or 1st of May— It is raining now & has been for ten hours— I can not spare any more time to Mr. Capen.

A Lincoln

April. 28. 1863,

From Agenor-Etienne de Gasparin to Abraham Lincoln1, April 25, 1863

1 Gasparin was a French politician and writer who wrote a book on the American Civil War entitled The Uprising of a Great People (1861).

[English translation:]

Au Rivage near Geneva

Switzerland. 25th April 1863

Mr. President

You have doubtless received some time ago, the letter which I took the liberty of addressing to you, in which I begged you to maintain at every price your good relations with England.2 I brought to your notice the complications which would probably result from the command conferred upon Commodore Wilkes.3

2 There are several letters from Gasparin to Lincoln in this collection.

3 Charles Wilkes was captain of the U. S. S. San Jacinto when it intercepted the British ship Trent in November 1861. Wilkes boarded the Trent in international waters and apprehended two rebel diplomats who were en route to Europe. The two diplomats were then taken to the United States and imprisoned. The British were outraged by this violation of their neutrality and the two countries nearly came to war over the incident. War was averted when the U. S. released the two diplomats and agreed to pay reparations to Britain for the illegal act. Wilkes became a national hero and was promoted to commodore in 1862.

Since then, incited by my lively anxiety in the matter, I have addressed the same observations to Mr. Seward.3

3 Secretary of State William H. Seward

Permit me to present them anew, and believe that in doing so I express the sentiments of nearly all your true friends in Europe.

England, whatever may have been her faults, is unquestionably the power which has caused the blockade to be respected and has prevented European intervention in favor of the South

Your true policy is then clear: not to foster hostile sentiments: not to insist with bitterness upon trivial rights: but to be governed by the principles which you caused so gloriously to prevail in the settlement of the Trent affair. To yield a little, to dismiss an officer who has a hand so bungling and unlucky, to put a stop to certain abuses, and to do everything possible to cultivate friendly relations with England — this is a line of conduct following which it would be impossible to err.

In pursuing this policy you would find that the good opinion of you already existing in England would become more distinctly favorable.

The English are detested at Richmond; they should be conciliated at Washington.

A rupture, the issue of letters of marque [large space in document] would be deplored by all who love your cause.

In begging you to maintain this precious peace without which your war cannot terminate happily I am only asking that you pursue your own policy, the sagacity and dignity of which are every where appreciated. The day when you seem to yield to those furious passions of hatred to England, you will disavow your own character.

But I do not fear that you will permit yourself to be thus influenced. You will have the resolution to tame a second time those raging passions which seek to destroy America.

Pardon me, my dear Sir, an excess of earnestness which springs from a deep attachment to the noble cause of the United States.

I beg that you will believe me

Yours truly & respectfully

A. de Gasparin

From Oliver S. Halsted Jr. to Abraham Lincoln1, April 25, 1863

1 Halsted was the scion of a wealthy New Jersey family who moved to Washington in 1861 and became an active lobbyist and socialite. He frequently called on Mrs. Lincoln and became a regular member of her salon.

Washington April 25th 1863.

Dr Sir— Having talked freely with you in regard to the plans and efforts of Military & Naval Officers to take Vicksburg & Charleston, long previous to making the advances & attacks on those places— Concious how little confidence you had in their success, and learning from you, your reasons for believing in their failure, as also your practical common sense method of reducing & taking both places — and confident that your plans & suggestions, faithfully & properly carried out, would have succeeded— Realizing the great disappointment of the people at our lamentable repulse and failure at Charlston, and the intense desire of the public mind to see that hot bed of secession reduced to ashes, and the head & front of this infernal Rebellion bruised & crushed at its starting & stand point — I address you now to importune & wage, that, for the second time you shall insist & demand that your own plans & views be carried out — and that with them, & by them, Charlston shall be subdued & taken, as was Norfolk, under your own personal diriction & supervision—

By prompt & energetic action — with the co-operation & aid of fresh new men, free from, & untrammelled by any previous commitments, predjudices or failures — who believe heartily in you, the general corectness of your conclusions after examination & final decision, & the plans you propose & sanction, and who realize the absolute justice, if not necessity for destroying that accursed city, and who are willing to take all risks, & use every effort to accomplish a result so desirable, success will be certain— Ever ready to render any assistance in my power to carry forward operations & bring about results which my judgment approves, should the President determine to take Charlston as proposed, I hereby offer my services, & those of my immediate family, as far as they can be made available, gratuitously, for such a purpose.

I beg leave also to call the attention of the President to a few details & suggest one or two ingredients of attack, by the use of which, defeat will be, simply, impossible, & victory rendered certain—

Without useless repetition, the President knows full well my contemptuous opinion of the great Cast iron guns & their maker Dahlgreen,2 & the immense & costly appliances heretofore used for reducing Charlston, & the prediction I early made of their dead-failure.

2 John A. Dahlgren

What was then deemed, in the opinion of a high naval officer, “vague assertions” & the mere result of “pure predjudice and error, has since been made manifest foresight & wisdom, & is reduced to a certainty.

In the next attack we must have a few of the best guns, of the longest range, capable of burning the largest charges of powder with safety, & throwing the most destructive shot & shell known, without regard to whose conceits, or predjudices, fame or great name may be destroyed or overthrown—

There are nine such guns within reach— Six out of the nine are now the property of the Government, the other three should have been, long since. All of them are, purposely, as I verily believe, kept out of service by pig-headed, money-hearted, or interested parties, who control in such matters. These nine guns, for an attack on Charlston, or any other Rebel strong hold, are worth all the other guns in service, put together— Three of them are Parrotts 300, pounders, Rifle guns — burning from 30 to 50 pounds of powder — being over 3 times as much as is allowed, as a service charge, by Dahlgreen in his XI. inch guns, & 15. pounds more than is used in his famous 1550. pdrs, which cannot be burst, & can burn effectively & safely, more powder in proportion to their size than any guns ever yet made— These guns will readily throw from 5 to 6. miles & at from one to two miles will penetrate at least three times as deep as the best cast iron Dahlgreen ever burst—

3 Horatio Ames was an inventor who eventually convinced the government to buy his cannon made of wrought iron. The war ended before the Ames guns could be used in action.

When it is reccollected that 4. James Rifle guns, with James peculiar rifling and projectile — old 42, 32, & 24 pounders, burning largely increased charges of powder, reduced Fort Pulaski; contrary, to t in opposition to, the theories & notions of the “Old Fogies”, — and consequently as coming in contact with inside pet inventors, & favorite inventions, and thereby ruled themselves & their author out of sight & service — and when it is also remembered that range & penetration is as the square of the velocity — that velocity is in proportion to the force applied, or in other words, the powder burnt — the President will readily understand the importance great value, nay, absolute necessity for such guns, in spite of the sophystical & plausible efforts of predjudiced officials to prove that the cast iron guns we already have, are all-sufficient, and the favorite tricks & devices, constantly resorted to to deceive the uninitiated, and conclusively show that only a small & limited charge of Powder can be entirely burned — backed by the very wise assertion that “all beyond is waste”

With such guns, on board two or more monitors, shotted with Berneys4 Incendiary Shell, Fort Sumpter and Charlston would have fallen, at the first attack, & can now be taken & destroyed, at any moment with certainty—

4 Alfred Berney was a chemist who offered an incendiary shell to the government known as “Solidified Greek Fire.” Lincoln attended demonstrations of the shell and it was adopted for limited use by the army and navy. For a report on Berney's shell, see Stephen V. Benet to James W. Ripley, April 10, 1863.

In addition to the guns and shell, as above, an arrangement can be made, by which Berneys Liquid Fire can be safely placed & used on the Monitors — and by the use of a properly arranged & managed Force Pump, we can go, with impunity, close to Sumpter, or any other such class Fort, & destroy it without fail— Mr. Berney early offered his secret & his services to help crush out this infamous treason, without fee or reward — has struggled & tried, with all his means — and he is a man of wealth — in every way, & for over two years to induce your subordinate officials, who control in such matters, to employ, or allow him to employ, what we believe to be the only certain weapon, & sure means of bringing this parricidal contest to a speedy termination— He was studiously misused, abused & subjected to such wrong treatment, in every way, that he retired in disgust, determined to secure his secret by Patent, & seek that Justice & fair play at the hands of Foreign Nations which was insultingly denied him, in his native land— Having no personal acquaintance with Mr. Berney, but from a thorough examination of the whole subject, convinced that he had the only certain & reliable Invention & secret of this description — through a gentleman who knew us both well, I finally induced him to allow me to make our last, final effort to have his shell & fire put to test & service— You know well Mr President, the almost insuperable difficulties and obstacles I have been compelled to over come, in order to revive a dead subject, & get a new hearing & fresh report on this matter— That Report fully confirms all that was ever claimed for the Invention—

Instead of some 10. days or two weeks as was supposed — by all sorts of delays &c, it took some two months to get the Experiments concluded & the Report returned — and as I understand, it has not as yet been considered, & there is no present prospect of its being acted on—

This, Mr President I deem an all important & vital matter— By the use of the guns named — & a proper proportion & number of shells, — combining as they do the explosive qualities of the Powder Shell to a much greater extent — with their Incendiary, demoralizing & destructive qualities — suited to the guns now in the Army of the Potomac its contemplated movement would be rendered certain — its march would be straight onward, & victorious— In a letter addressed to the Secty of War yesterday, urging the importance of immediate action in this matter, I expressed my decided opinion that with the guns names, & the Berny Incendiary Shell — “We need not go round but can go straight up to & over Fredericksburg & Richmond in spite of the Devil himself & without regard to any of his Rebellious imps.” I reiterate the assertion & belief & see no reason why we should not try, at least.

As I asked in a former communication to the President, on this subject, why hurl thousands of brave soldiers, uselessly, upon impregnable walls, & intrenchments, to be slaughtered without stint, when, with long range guns, & Incendiary Shells you can drive the Traitors out with a weapon most certain, & peculiarly suited to their Constitutions — An installment of Hell fire—

The power & value of this, the perfection of a war missil has been known to certain of your leading & controlling officials, for from 18 months to two years—

Immediately after the fight between the Monitor, & Merrimac — Mr Berny offered Ass. Sec. Fox, if he would allow it, that he, would, at his own expense, fit out the Monitor with his apparatus for throwing his Liquid fire & with that and his shell, go, himself, to Norfolk, destroy the Merimac, & burn or take the City. He was virtually laughed at, & denied every opportunity, & although, out of some 1500. plans submitted to Sec. Welles, for the destruction of the Merimac, his Berneys, was the only one, in part, adopted — namely the sending of 50. of his 150 pounder or XI. in Incendiary Shells on board, the Enemy was very carefully notified of their presence, & except, in a few isolated instances, their use has been persistently refused.

We now offer to take two Monitors — and being allowed to fit them up, under the diriction & supervision of Berny & myself, with the guns, Fire & Shell as referred to — & otherwise acting on the Presidents plan of attack, will guarantee to take or destroy Sumpter & Charlston in from one to three days after operations are opened—

I am only waiting a favorable opportunity to give the Exhibition of the Fireworks, as promised, & to demonstrate to the President & Secty of War the certainty and truthfulness of all my confident assertions, in regard to this matter — satisfied, under the old adage “seeing is believing” that after witnessing the Experiments you will realize the absolute necessity & duty for ordering the immediate adoption and use, of Berneys Liquid Fire, & Incendiary Shells, both in the Army & Nay, substantially as proposed.

For convenience & facility of reference, I herewith enclose Briefs of the two Reports made to the Navy & War Depts. of Experiments with this Fire & Shell— The former by Capt. Clapham under date of March 19, 1862 — the latter by Capt. Benet of West Point under date of April 10, 1863, both of which are highly favorable and eminently satisfactory—

Very Respectfully

Your Obt. Servt

O. S. Halsted Jr

From William G. Raymond to Abraham Lincoln, April 25, 1863

Washington April 25 1863

Dear Sir.

I entered the service as a private, the 7th of Sept. 1861. with a number of men sufficient to compose a company. Within three days I was elected First Lieut. and continued in that position for eleven months. Four months of which, I was officer of the “Provost Guard.” of this City, and my acts are publicly known

My connexion with the 86th N. Y. Vols. closed the 24th of last July, on accepting the commision of “Post Chaplain” from your Excellency, and was assigned to the “Trinity General Hospital” at Washington

I served them faithfully [&] until “Honorably discharged” the thirteenth of this month I refer you to Chaplain Smith and Dr. “Gurley's letter” for my faithfulness in that department1

1 See Phineas D. Gurley to Lincoln, April 8, 1863.

I am here with my wife and four children and intended to make it my permanent residence, — at least through this Administration. As my whole soul and life is in it. But shall be compelled to leave unless assigned to duty elsewhere. I question whether you have a more zealous supporter of your Administation, and one who endorses your proclamations more heartily than I do.

This letter will be handed to you by “Commisioner Dole”,2 who will inform you of my experience and knowledge of the white and “black” population of this District Accompanying this is my petition and references asking the privilege of raising a “Colored Regiment” in this District and vicinity I believe the Rev. Mr. Turner and myself can raise a “Reg't” within sixty days. I have many influential friends who have promised to assist me. Many of the intelligent “colored men” of this city have signed a petition to that affect. I have been unanimously endorsed, by one of the “Union Leagues” of which Com. Dole is President

2 William P. Dole

I write this letter of explanation so that my petition may be short

I am now nearly “Forty five” years of age and have been a Baptist Clergyman for Twenty five years

All of which I respectfully subm[it] for your decision3

3 Lincoln wrote a letter to Secretary Stanton and requested him to look into the matter. See Collected Works, VI, 212.

Yours Truly

W. G. Raymond,,

Ex. Chap

Trinity Hospital