Lincoln writes Secretary of State Clayton declining offer of secretary of Oregon Territory, and recommending Simeon Francis for post. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 21 August 1849, CW, 2:61.

Instead of answering Lincoln's letter, Yates comes to Springfield. (Next day "Illinois Journal" announces Yates' candidacy, although worded differently from Lincoln's suggestion. He later wrote that he "took the stump [in 1854] with no broader practical aim or object than to secure, if possible, the re-election of Hon. Richard Yates to Congress." Autobiography Written for John L. Scripps, [c. June 1860], CW, 4:60-67.)

Lincoln writes and signs foreclosure bill in chancery in Robert Irwin & Abraham Lincoln v. Samuel Sidener. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln sends John L. Miller of Metamora bill of complaint, with note: "Herewith is the Bill. Fill in the names of the arbitrators in the blank left for that purpose. Also, get copies of your deed and bond, as indicated in the bill, mark them (A) & (B) and file them with the Bill." He makes deposition that he is "the identical Abraham Lincoln, who was Captain of a company . . . in the war with the British band of Sacs . . . A.D. 1832," for obtaining additional bounty under act of Congress of March 3, 1855. Abraham Lincoln to John L. Miller, 21 August 1855, CW, 2:319-20.

Lincoln writes H. G. Wells at Kalamazoo, accepting speaking engagement. Abraham Lincoln to Hezekiah G. Wells, 21 August 1856, CW, 2:360.

U.S. senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas are in Ottawa, Illinois, where they meet in their first joint debate. Newspapers report, "Twelve Thousand Persons Present!" Douglas asserts, "Mr. Lincoln and his party...are trying to array all the Northern States...against the South, to excite a sectional war between the free States and the slave States." Lincoln responds, "I leave it to you to say whether, in the history of our government, this institution of slavery has not always failed to be a bond of union, and, on the contrary, been an apple of discord and an element of division." Daily Illinois State Register (Springfield), 24 August 1858, 2:2-3; Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 24 August 1858, 2:3; Chicago (IL) Daily Press and Tribune, 23 August 1858, 1:2-9, 4:1; Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 21 August 1858, CW, 3:1-37.

[Mrs. Lincoln buys and charges soap and coffee, then sends "Son" for eight pounds of sugar. Pratt, Personal Finances, 149.]

Lincoln and Ozias M. Hatch pass through Quincy on their way home from Hannibal, Missouri. Quincy Herald, 22 August 1859, 2:4.

President and cabinet, with General George B. McClellan, review nine regiments of Pennsylvania infantry, two battalions of artillery, and a squadron of cavalry from General McCall's command near Georgetown. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 21 August 1861, 2:2.

Lincoln interviews William L. Banning of Delaware for job of commissary in army. Banning to Cameron, 21 August 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President authorizes Gov. Stanly (N.C.) to order election of representatives in Congress for 1st and 2nd districts. N.Y. Tribune, 22 August 1862.

Announces names of seven candidates selected for admission to Naval Academy. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 21 August 1862, CW, 5:387-88.

Refuses request of Mrs. Margaret Preston, probably to go through Union lines to see husband Gen. William C. Preston (CSA), but authorizes Gen. Jeremiah T. Boyle and James Guthrie, former secretary of treasury, to grant request at their discretion. Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Margaret Preston, 21 August 1862, CW, 5:386.

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles in conference with President on proposed instructions for U.S. naval officers and appointment of governor for territory of Arizona. Welles, Diary.

Young Pittsburgh boy has interview with Lincoln, who writes note for him to see Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 21 August 1863, CW, 6:400.

President Lincoln meets with a twelve-member committee representing the American Baptist Missionary Convention. Leonard A. Grimes, of Boston, Massachusetts, chairs the black delegation that seeks Lincoln's assurances for their safety as they venture "within . . . military lines [to] minister to their brethren there." Lincoln addresses a letter "To whom it may concern" and presents it to Grimes. Lincoln writes, "[The Convention's] object is a worthy one, and I shall be glad for all facilities to be afforded them which may not be inconsistent with or a hindrance to our military operations." Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern, 21 August 1863, CW, 6:401; Washington Daily Morning Chronicle (DC), 26 August 1863, 3:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 26 August 1863, 3:2.

Secretary Welles accompanies Richard C. McCormick, secretary, Arizona Territory, and Joseph P. Allyn, associate justice, Arizona Territory, to White House conference with President. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President, accompanied by Secretary of War Stanton and some military officers, goes down the Potomac River aboard a steamer in the afternoon to visit the defenses of Washington, opposite Alexandria, Virginia, and return. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 22 August 1863, 2:4.

President establishes ordnance board, with Gen. Gillmore as president, to test H. Ames' wrought-iron rifled cannon. Order for Testing Wrought Iron Cannon, 21 [20?] August 1864, CW, 7:510.