President addresses communication to Tycoon of Japan on subject of extending time for opening certain ports and cities in Japan. Abraham Lincoln to the Tycoon of Japan, 1 August 1861, CW, 4:468.

Sends to Senate "Postal Convention" between U.S. and United Mexican States. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 1 August 1861, CW, 4:467.

8 P.M. Sens. Trumbull (Ill.) and Browning (Ill.), and others consult with Lincoln about appointments. Browning, Diary.

In response to resolution of Senate, Lincoln prods Sec. Cameron for information concerning appointment of Sen. Lane (Kans.) as general in army of U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 1 August 1861, CW, 4:466-67.

[Harness account is charged .25¢ for "whip crack." Lutz Account Book.]

President replies to resolution of House of Representatives regarding imprisonment of loyal citizens. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 2 August 1861, CW, 4:469.

Reports to Senate on resolution relating to army regulations. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 2 August 1861, CW, 4:470.

Receives memorandum from Gen. McClellan outlining his plans and state of war. McClellan, War for Union, 101.

Reviews Col. Edward D. Baker's California Regiment consisting of troops enlisted in New York. National Republican (Washington, DC), 3 August 1861, 3:4; New York Herald, 3 August 1861.

Informs Gen. Fremont that Sanitary Commission has selected Dr. Godfrey Aigner to inspect sanitary condition of camps. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 2 August 1861, CW, 4:469.

Cabinet meets at 10 A.M. Memorandum of Gen. McClellan on military matters under consideration. Memorandum, 3 August 1861, George B. McClellan Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Prince Napoleon [Napoleon Joseph Charles Paul Bonaparte] of France, traveling in U.S. as private citizen, visits President at noon. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 3 August 1861, 2:1.

["The Prince, arriving (at White House) with Baron Mercier, found no one—neither butler nor doorman—at the main entrance to show him in . . . I do not remember which employee, who happened to be passing by, took care of this duty." The meeting was "not so gay"; the Prince, huffed at his reception, "took a cruel pleasure in remaining silent." Camille Ferri-Pisani, Prince Napoleon in America, 1861: Letters from His Aide-de-Camp, translated by Georges J. Joyaux (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1959), 94, 100.]

President approves act providing for construction of armed ships and floating batteries, and for other purposes. Stat. L., XII, 286.

In early afternoon, with Sec. Seward and Mrs. F. W. Seward, drives to General Hospital in Georgetown. National Intelligencer, 5 August 1861.

Drafts letter from Sec. Cameron to Gov. Hamilton R. Gamble (Mo.) assuring governor that if he promises security to citizens in arms who become peaceable and loyal, the government will cause promise to be respected. Simon Cameron to Hamilton R. Gamble, 3 August 1861, CW, 4:470-71.

At 7 p.m., President Lincoln and his wife, Mary, host a state dinner for Prince Napoleon, who is the nephew of the former French emperor. A newspaper reports, "Prince Napoleon was seated at the right of Mrs. Lincoln and opposite General [Winfield] Scott, who was at the President's left. Gen. [George B.] McClellan was at the right of [the] Prince . . . The affair was unusually sociable and enjoyable . . . a fact much due to the tact of Mrs. Lincoln in so grouping the guests as to bring parties together likely to enjoy each other's society and conversation." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 5 August 1861, 2:1; National Republican (Washington, DC), 5 August 1861, 3:2; George B. McClellan, McClellan's Own Story: The War for the Union (New York: Charles L. Webster & Company, 1887), 84; Camille Ferri Pisani, Prince Napoleon in America, 1861: Letters from His Aide-de-Camp, Georges J. Joyaux, trans. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1959), 103-114.

President confers with Sens. Lane (Kans.) and Browning (Ill.) about Delaware Indian treaty. Browning, Diary.

Answers Senate resolution regarding appointment of Lane to brigadier general. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 5 August 1861, CW, 4:473-74.

Consults with Gen. Butler on military and slavery topics. Butler, Correspondence, 1:206.

Approves congressional resolution to observe a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer. Stat. L., XII, 328.

Approves act levying income tax of 3 per cent on income exceeding $800 per year, and other taxes. Stat. L., XII, 292.

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

[Mrs. Lincoln borrows "Oeuvres de Victor Hugo, vol. 9" from Library of Congress. Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC. (Oeuvres de Victor Hugo, Paris, 1846.)]

President and cabinet members at Capitol to approve and sign bills. Lincoln hesitates before signing bill authorizing confiscation of property used for insurrectionary purposes. N.Y. Times, 7 August 1861; Stat. L., XII, 319.

Signs law giving freedom to slaves employed by Confederates in carrying on war. Barton, Life of Lincoln, 2:82.

Approves act authorizing penalty for recruiting soldiers or sailors, and for enlisting, against U.S. Stat. L., XII, 317.

Congress passes and Lincoln signs army bill establishing pay of private soldier with amendment legalizing proclamations and orders of President since inauguration. National Intelligencer, 6 August 1861; Stat. L., XII, 326.

Appoints Hezekiah G. Wells, state officeholder of Michigan, minister to Honduras. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 8 August 1861, 2:1.

Consults with Sen. Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) and Cong. Horace Maynard (Tenn.) about conditions in Tennessee and troops to support Gen. Robert Anderson. Anderson to wife, 6 August 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Senate and House committees notify President of adjournment unless he has further communications. Senate Journal, 198; House Journal, 257.

President confers with Illinois delegation, including Sen. Browning (Ill.) regarding promotion for Gen. David Hunter. Browning returns in afternoon. Browning, Diary.

Instructs Gen. Scott to order Gen. Wool to Fortress Monroe, Va., if Scott thinks he should go there. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 7 August 1861, CW, 4:478.

Desires Scott to decide publication date for Gen. McDowell's report on Battle of Bull Run. Hamilton to Nicolay, 7 August 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Designates W. P. Dole, commissioner of Indian affairs, to present treaty to Delaware Indians for signatures. Designation of William P. Dole to Present Treaty to the Delaware Indians, 7 August 1861, CW, 4:476-77.

President and Postmaster General Montgomery Blair visit Navy Yard to observe experiments with Maynard's rifle and Alexander's cartridge. National Republican (Washington, DC), 9 August 1861, 3:3; New York Herald, 9 August 1861.

Lincoln reviews Col. Daniel E. Sickles' New York Brigade and two Wisconsin regiments. N.Y. Times, 9 August 1861.

Interviews Edward Ellsworth, 4th Regiment Michigan Volunteers, cousin of late Col. Ellsworth, who wishes to be a second lieutenant, and writes Sec. Cameron: "I shall be glad if a place can be found for him." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 8 August 1861, CW, 4:479.

President Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase and requests "respectful consideration" for Elias Leonard. Lincoln explains, "It is said that . . . Leonard lost his situation as a clerk in a Mercantile House by serving a term in the District volunteers for us; and his young wife calls, to ask a clerkship for him in your Dept." Lincoln marks the envelope, "From the President asking interview for Mrs. Leonard." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 8 August 1861, RG 56, Entry 210: Part II, Records of Various Divisions within the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury, Records of the Division of Appointments, Correspondence of the Division, Applications and Recommendations for Positions in the Washington, D. C. Offices of the Treasury Department, 1830-1910, National Archives, College Park, MD.

Thomas M. Key, volunteer aide to Gen. McClellan, delivers to President copy of McClellan's letter to Gen. Scott. McClellan to Scott, 8 August 1861, George B. McClellan Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Willie and Tad Lincoln, dressed in Zouave uniforms, camp out between the Executive Mansion and the State Department in new patent iron tents. National Republican (Washington, DC), 10 August 1861, 3:2.]

Sen. Browning (Ill.) joins Lincoln at White House and they go to War Dept., 17th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Browning, Diary.

President and Sec. Seward decide to appoint John L. Motley, historian, minister to Vienna. N.Y. Tribune, 10 August 1861.

John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, leaves Washington at 3 A.M. for 10-day vacation at Newport, R.I. Nicolay to Bates, 11 August 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; National Republican (Washington, DC), 12 August 1861, 3:2..

President calls on Gen. Scott at home to adjust differences between Scott and Gen. McClellan. Official Records—Armies 1, XI, pt. 3, 5.

Prince Napoleon takes leave of President and returns to New York. N.Y. Times, 12 August 1861.

"Today [Sunday] the President sent for me before I was up; have been at work ever since." McClellan, War for Union, 84.

By proclamation President appoints "last Thursday in September next, as a day of humiliation, prayer and fasting for all the people of the nation." Proclamation of a National Fast Day, 12 August 1861, CW, 4:482-83.

Reappoints William S. Wood, who had charge of special train that brought Lincoln to Washington for his inauguration, commissioner of public buildings, as Senate failed to act on his appointment. N.Y. Tribune, 13 August 1861; Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington 1860-1865 (New York: Harper, 1941), 285.

Gen. Anderson, appointed to command in Kentucky on completion of convalescence, dines with President. Gen. McClellan spends most of evening at White House. Anderson to wife, 13 August 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; N.Y. Tribune, 14 August 1861.

Lincoln writes Sec. Cameron: "Let now Brigadier Genl. David Hunter be a Major General of Volunteers . . . let George H. Stoneman, and William F. Smith, both now in the service, each be a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also Henry W. Benham, a Brigadier General of Volunteers." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 13 August 1861, CW, 4:483.

Lincoln writes Gen. Scott: "I have only a slight acquaintance with Mr. Villard, as a gentlemanly newspaper correspondent; and as such I commend him to others." Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 14 August 1861, CW, 4:484.

Visits Navy Yard. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 16 August 1861, 2:3.

Decides to send assistance to Union men in Kentucky and Tennessee. Selects Gen. Anderson to lead three brigades. Consults again with Senator Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) and Congressman Maynard (Tenn.). Sherman to Sherman, 19 August 1861, William T. Sherman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

During interview with President and cabinet, William S. Rowland of New York offers two additional regiments of sharpshooters to government. N.Y. Tribune, 16 August 1861.

[Mrs. Lincoln instructs White House gardener to send flowers to Anderson. Anderson to wife, 13 August 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Accompanied by Robert, Elizabeth Todd Grimsley and John Hay, assistant secretary to President, Mrs. Lincoln leaves for Long Branch, N.J. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 August 1861, 2:1.

William O. Stoddard is acting secretary to President in absence of John G. Nicolay and John Hay. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 August 1861, 2:1.

Another "whip crack" @ 25¢ is charged to Lincoln's harness account. Lutz Account Book.]

President visits Navy Yard twice today; during noon visit talks with Comdr. Dahlgren about housing 66 prisoners charged with mutiny in 79th New York Regiment. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; N.Y. Tribune, 16 August 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 16 August 1861, 2:1.

During afternoon Gen. Charles W. Sandford visits President and promises to return from New York with 10,000 men whenever required. N.Y. Tribune, 16 August 1861.

Lincoln names five commissioners of police for District of Columbia. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 16 August 1861, 3:2.

Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "Been answering your messages ever since day before yesterday. Do you receive the answers? The War Department has notified all the governors you designate to forward all available force. So telegraphed you. Have you received these messages? Answer immediately." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 14 August 1861, CW, 4:484-85.

Telegraphs Gov. Morton (Ind.): "Start your four regiments to Saint Louis at the earliest moment possible. . . . hasten everything forward as soon as any one regiment is ready. . . . We shall endeavor to send you the arms this week." Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton, 15 August 1861, CW, 4:485.

[Mrs. Lincoln visits Princess Clothilde, wife of Prince Napoleon, in New York hotel. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 August 1861, 2:1.]

President issues proclamation forbidding intercourse with states in insurrection against government of U.S. Proclamation Forbidding Intercourse with Rebel States, 16 August 1861, CW, 4:487-88.

Interviews William A. Darling of New York about West Point cadetship for Clarence Darling, his son "not 16 till Oct. 1862." Memorandum, 16 August 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Memorandum: Appointment of Clarence Darling, 16 August 1861, CW, 4:486.

President sends congratulations to Isabel II, Queen of Spain, on birth of Infanta. Abraham Lincoln to Isabel II, 17 August 1861, CW, 4:490.

Orders commission for S. B. Buckner as brigadier general of volunteers. [Declined; accepted commission in Confederate Army.] Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 17 August 1861, CW, 4:489.

Writes Sec. Cameron: "Let Henry Wager Halleck, of California, be appointed a Major General in the Regular Army. I make this appointment on Gen. Scott's recommendation." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 17 August 1861, CW, 4:489.

Witnesses exhibition of J. D. Mills' gun [dubbed by Lincoln "coffee mill gun"] near Washington Monument and advises government to pay double sum mechanics say it is worth if delivered in 30 days. DNA—RG 217, Accounting Off., Second Auditor's Off., Account No. 2703.

[Purchases 2 chamois for 75¢ each. Lutz Account Book.

Irwin withdraws $1 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 176.]

President receives warning from Marshal Lamon, temporarily in Philadelphia: too many eavesdroppers and traitors lurk about White House; security measures should be tightened, and detective employed. Lamon to Lincoln, 17 August 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President orders Gen. Henry W. Halleck in California to report to Headquarters of Army in Washington. Thomas to Halleck, 19 August 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews Joseph M. Locke of Ohio, and endorses his papers to serve with Gen. Anderson in Kentucky. Locke to Anderson, 20 August 1861, Robert Anderson Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Advises Sec. Cameron: "At the request of Brigadier General Anderson, I have concluded to appoint George H. Thomas, of the 2nd. Cavalry, a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also, let the Hon. James Shields, now of California, be appointed a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Also, Col. Michael Corcoran, now a prisoner at Richmond." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 19 August 1861, CW, 4:491-92.

[John Hay, assistant secretary to President, returns to post at White House from trip north with Mrs. Lincoln. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 August 1861, 2:4.]

[Irwin withdraws $5 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 176.]

M. Romero confers with Lincoln concerning proposed intervention of European powers in Mexican affairs. Ernest G. Hildner, Jr., "The Mexican Envoy Visits Lincoln," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 6 (September 1950):188.

President Lincoln writes to Secretary of State William H. Seward regarding a job for journalist Zebina Eastman, of Chicago, Illinois. Lincoln writes, "If a position, with even moderate pay, could be found for him in England, he is just the man to reach the sympathies of the English people, to the extent that he can come in contact with them. He is more than a common man, in his sphere." Eastman to Lincoln, 10 December 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 20 August 1861, CW, 4:494.

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 consults with Messrs. Dudley and Hunt, Kentucky Unionist commissioners, on neutrality of state. Hay, Letters and Diary.

At 10 AM, reviews Colonel Edward D. Baker's California regiment on parade, and remarks to Baker, "If I was a military man, I should call this a very splendid regiment." National Republican (Washington, DC), 23 August 1861, 1:2; New York Times, 23 August 1861.

Asks Attorney General Bates: "Will the Attorney General please make out pardons in the Missouri cases he and I spoke of, and place them in my hands?" Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates, 22 August 1861, CW, 4:495.

Writes Sec. Cameron: "Victor B. Bell [Illinois businessman], now of Colorado, is one of my most valued friends; . . . I would like for him to be an Asst. Quarter Master or Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers. Can you not fix it for me?" Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 22 August 1861, CW, 4:495-96.

[Mrs. Lincoln and party attend demonstration of lifesaving equipment at Long Branch, N.J., in afternoon escorted by former Gov. William A. Newell (N.J.), who gives "grand hop" in her honor in evening at Mansion House. New York Times, 24 August 1861.]

Cabinet in session. No subject announced. Gantt to Sherman, 22 August 1861, William T. Sherman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and General George B. McClellan spend forenoon visiting encampments on the Virginia side of the river. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 August 1861, 2:2.

Lincoln writes Gov. Magoffin (Ky.) that organized Union force encamped in state will not be removed. Abraham Lincoln to Beriah Magoffin, 24 August 1861, CW, 4:497.

President recognizes Robert Barth as vice consul of Prussia at St. Louis. National Republican (Washington, DC), 29 August 1861, 2:5.

[Robert Lincoln arrives at White House with instructions for John Hay, assistant secretary to President, to join Mrs. Lincoln in New York. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 26.]

[Tad Lincoln, in Long Branch, NJ, with his mother, is ill, delaying their departure from Long Branch until Monday. National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 August 1861, 1:1.]

President Lincoln, Secretary of State William Seward, and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles join the Second New Hampshire Regiment for Sunday services. Afterward, Lincoln inspects the rest of General Joseph Hooker's Brigade. Lincoln also reviews the California Regiment, also known as the Seventy-first Pennsylvania Regiment. Lincoln's long-time friend and U.S. Senator from Oregon, Colonel Edward D. Baker, commands the Seventy-first Pennsylvania. New York Times, 26 August 1861, 1:2; Charles H. Banes, History of the Philadelphia Brigade (Philadelphia, PA: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1876), 9; Martin A. Haynes, A History of the Second Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, in the War of the Rebellion (Lakeport, NH: 1896), 42-43.

Lincoln and Sec. Seward, accompanied by Gen. McClellan's staff and escort of dragoons, review Gen. McDowell's army. Russell, Diary.

President countermands order of Gen. Fremont: "Intelligent gentlemen at Louisville say the presence of [Col. Lovell H.] Rousseau's regiment is needed there. Pardon us for countermanding your order to him to join your department." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 26 August 1861, CW, 4:499.

President directs Gen. Scott to state what can be done toward supplying officers for New Jersey regiments. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 27 August 1861, CW, 4:500.

President and Sec. Cameron sign order for purchase of mules at $8 each. Gen. Meigs objects to price as being too high. Meigs to Cameron, 27 August 1861, Salmon P. Chase Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

From the White House balcony, President Lincoln, presidential aide William O. Stoddard, and U.S. Senator Preston King, of New York, listen to a band performance by New York's Second German Regiment, also known as the "Cameron Rifles." The band honors Lincoln with the tunes, "Hail to the Chief," and "The Star Spangled Banner." A newspaper reports, "His Excellency bowed his thanks and retired." New York Herald, 28 August 1861, 1:2.

[Mrs. Lincoln travels from Albany to Auburn, New York, with Secretary of State William H. Seward. National Republican (Washington, DC), 29 August 1861, 3:3; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 29 August 1861, 3:6.]

[Mrs. Lincoln and party travel from Rochester to Niagara Falls, New York. National Republican (Washington, DC), 30 August 1861, 3:4; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 30 August 1861, 3:6.]

Lincoln writes check for $3.00 to "Mr. Johns (a sick man)." CW, 8:475.

Colonel Richard D. Goodwin of New York, authorized to raise President's Life Guard regiment, meets with Lincoln to discuss recruitment. Wealthy men in New York are encouraging Goodwin to raise a brigade instead of a regiment. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 30 August 1861, 3:1.

[Mrs. Lincoln stays with Mrs. W. H. Seward in Auburn, N.Y. N.Y. Tribune, 30 August 1861.

John Hay, assistant secretary to President, leaves for Illinois to overcome illness. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 29 August 1861, 2:1.

For "altering collar" Lincoln's account is charged $1.00. Lutz Account Book.

In Niagara Falls, Mrs. Lincoln purchases from Mrs. James Davy, "2 sets of Mat & Cushion $30.00," and "1 Worked Table Cloth $25.00." DNA—RG 217 General Accounting Office 141-686.]

In morning, Lincoln examines the Prussian Needle Gun, a breach-loading rifle. National Republican (Washington, DC), 31 August 1861, 1:1.

President makes several military appointments. National Intelligencer, 30 August 1861.

President interviews Gen. John H. Reed, quartermaster general of Massachusetts, regarding military preparedness. Andrew to Lincoln, 28 August 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Asst. Sec. of Navy Gustavus V. Fox and Gen. Butler awaken President late at night to inform him of capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark, N.C. Benjamin F. Butler, Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences . . . Butler's Book (Boston: A. M. Thayer, 1892), 287.

John G. Nicolay, private secretary to President, is back at his post "with improved health." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 31 August 1861, 2:1.

Seward family calls on Lincoln in his office. Kittens given President by Seward are playing in hall. "Mr L. seems quite fond of them. Says they climb all over him." The President "looks sick, and is I fear threatened with intermitting fever—the room was awfully hot with gas and a wood fire." NRR—Diary of Frances Seward Ms.