President sends Maj. Eckert to headquarters of Army of James with documents concerning "Peace Mission." One document, prepared for Eckert's signature and addressed to A. H. Stephens, former Justice of Supreme Court John A. Campbell, and former Sen. Robert M. T. Hunter (Va.), provides: "That if you pass through the U.S. Military lines it will be understood that you do so for the purpose of an informal conference, on the basis of the letter, a copy of which is on the reverse side of this sheet." [Lincoln to F. P. Blair, Sr. January 18, 1865.] Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Sr., 18 January 1865, CW, 8:220-21; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas T. Eckert, 30 January 1865, CW, 8:246; Thomas T. Eckert to Alexander H. Stephens, John A. Campbell and Robert M. T. Hunter, [30 January 1865], CW, 8:248.

Receives Col. John E. Whiting, friend from Illinois, with note from Sen. Trumbull (Ill.). Trumbull to Lincoln, 30 January 1865, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.