Lincoln presents his autograph to Mrs. A. E. Gridley, who spent three months in Washington visiting hospitals. Gridley to Lincoln, 30 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Confers with Gov. Michael Hahn (La.) about new constitution for Louisiana, and electoral campaign. Hahn to Lincoln, 24 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Recognizes Fernando de la Cuesta as consul of Mexican Republic at Philadelphia. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 3 September 1864, 2d ed., Extra, 2:2.

[John Nicolay at Astor House in New York. Puleston to Nicolay, 1 September 1864, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.]

President telegraphs Postmaster Gen. Blair at Portsmouth, N.H.: "Please return here at your earliest convenience." Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery Blair, 1 September 1864, CW, 7:529.

Directs Col. Huidekoper to proceed to Rock Island, Ill., and ascertain names of prisoners of war there who wish to take oath of allegiance and enter military service of Union. Order to Henry S. Huidekoper, 1 September 1864, CW, 7:530-31.

[Atlanta is occupied by Union forces under General William T. Sherman.]

President interviews George C. Haskins, postmaster of Bennington, N.Y., relative to Horace Greeley and political conditions in state. Harper, Press, 314-15.

President repeats message to Postmaster Gen. Blair in New Hampshire to come at once. Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery Blair, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:531.

Issues order for celebration on September 5, 1864 of victories at Atlanta, Ga., and Mobile, Ala. Order for Celebration of Victories at Atlanta, Georgia, and Mobile, Alabama, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:532.

Proclaims Sunday, September 11, 1864, day of thanksgiving and prayer. Proclamation of Thanksgiving and Prayer, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:533-34; Washington Chronicle, 11 September 1864.

Interviews Joseph Doyle, Ohio farm boy, and gives him card to see Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:534.

Interviews Sen. Chandler (Mich.) who has plan for winning November election. Plan calls for removal of Postmaster Gen. Blair from cabinet. Thomas Harry Williams, Lincoln and the Radicals (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1941), 329.

John Nicolay returns from New York, where he has been since August 29, 1864 on mission for President. Nicolay to Bates, 4 September 1864, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President issues order of thanks to Rear Adm. Farragut and others for successful operations in Mobile Harbor and against neighboring Forts Powell, Gaines, and Morgan. Order of Thanks to David G. Farragut and Others, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:532-33.

Tenders national thanks to Gen. Sherman and officers for campaign in Georgia resulting in capture of Atlanta. Order of Thanks to William T. Sherman and Others, 3 September 1864, CW, 7:533.

President Lincoln writes to Quaker minister Eliza P. Gurney, of New Jersey, and thanks her for her support. Due to Quakers' "oppos[ition] to both war and oppression," Lincoln acknowledges that this war presents them with a particular difficulty. Lincoln confides, "We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. . . . Meanwhile we must work earnestly in the best light He gives us . . . Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no mortal could make, and no mortal could stay." Abraham Lincoln to Eliza P. Gurney, 4 September 1864, CW, 7:535-36.

President receives Blas Bruzual, minister from Venezuela, and replies to speech. Reply to Blas Bruzual, 5 September 1864, CW, 7:536-37.

At 12 M. salutes fired, as ordered by President on September 3, 1864. Henry J. Raymond, The Life and Public Services of Abraham Lincoln . . . Together with his State Papers, including his Speeches, Addresses, Messages, Letters, and Proclamations and the Closing Scenes Connected with his Life and Death (New York: Derby & Miller, 1865), 546.

Lincoln receives August salary warrant for $1,981.67. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

Cabinet meets. "Only a light Cabinet-meeting." Welles, Diary.

President interviews Mary E. Wise, who joined 34th Indiana Regiment and served until wounded. Paymaster withheld five months' pay because of her sex. Lincoln directs payment and offers to supply funds if paymaster cannot legally do so. Washington Chronicle, 11 September 1864.

Acknowledges receipt of $5 contributed by son of John J. Meier to help sick and wounded: "I thank your boy, not only for myself, but also for all the children of the nation, who are even more interested than those of us, of maturer age, that this war shall be successful, and the Union be maintained and perpetuated." Abraham Lincoln to John J. Meier, 6 September 1864, CW, 7:538-39.

Rev. J. P. Thompson, escorted by Asst. Sec. Dana, is given interview. Finds Lincoln occupied with documents and basket of peaches. J. P. Thompson, "A Talk with President Lincoln," The Congregationalist, 30 March 1866:209.

At 2:00 p.m., a group of "the loyal colored men of Baltimore, [Maryland]" meet in Lincoln's office, where they present "him with a . . . bible . . . as a token of respect and gratitude." A newspaper reports, "The book is . . . bound in royal purple velvet, inclosed in a black walnut case, 16 by 14 inches. On one side," an etching portrays "the President in the act of striking the shackles from the slaves." Lincoln remarks, "I can only say now . . . it has always been a sentiment with me that all mankind should be free." Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 7 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:4; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 7 September 1864, 2:4; Sun (Baltimore, MD), 8 September 1864, 1:5; New York Daily Tribune, 8 September 1864, 1:5; Reply to Loyal Colored People of Baltimore upon Presentation of a Bible, 7 September 1864, CW, 7:542-43.

President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln at Manchester, Vt.: "All well, including Tad's pony and the goats. Mrs. Col. Dimmick [Dimick, wife of Col. Justin Dimick, governor of Soldiers' Home] died night before last. Bob left Sunday afternoon. Said he did not know whether he should see you." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 8 September 1864, CW, 7:544.

Interviews Mr. Brandes, who has plan for financing government. Halsted to Lincoln, 11 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Atty. Gen. Bates introduces his lifelong friend, Mrs. Brent, to President. Bates to Lincoln, 8 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln introduces by letter former Gov. Newell (N.J.) to Simeon Draper, collector of customs at New York: "He is a true friend of the Union, and every way a reliable gentleman." Abraham Lincoln to Simeon Draper, 8 September 1864, CW, 7:543.

Telegraphs Gov. William Pickering (Washington Terr.) on receipt of first telegraphic message sent from there: "Your patriotic despatch of yesterday received, and will be published." Abraham Lincoln to William Pickering, 8 September 1864, CW, 7:544.

Late in the morning, Lincoln meets Judge David McDonald and journalist Charles M. Walker, both of Indiana. McDonald notes in his diary, "my notion of the President's abilities was somewhat raised. Certainly he is very far from being a fool." "Diaries of Judge David McDonald," Indiana Magazine of History 28 (December 1932): 300-01.

President interviews Mrs. Joshua F. Noble, whose husband is serving prison term on Dry Tortugas, Fla. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt, 9 September 1864, CW, 7:545-46.

Cabinet meets. Trading with enemy for cotton discussed. President and cabinet take position that trade should be open to all who wish to participate. Welles, Diary; Bates, Diary.

President issues order of thanks to 100-day troops from Ohio and directs that copy be sent to governor of state. Order of Thanks to One Hundred Day Troops from Ohio, 10 September 1864, CW, 7:547.

Receives telegram from Sec. Seward in New York: "I will be in Washington Monday a.m.[11th]". Seward to Lincoln, 10 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Meets with Simeon Draper, Collector of the port of New York, and Secretary of the Treasury William P. Fessenden. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 10 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:1.

Meets with Congressman Henry C. Deming of Connecticut and Postmaster Edward S. Cleveland of Hartford regarding political condition of Connecticut. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 10 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.

Treasury Dept. clerks perform battalion parade in front of White House. Washington Chronicle, 11 September 1864.

Cong. Fernando Wood (N.Y.) has 8 A.M. appointment with Lincoln at Soldiers' Home. Wood to Lincoln, 10 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President telegraphs Mrs. Lincoln in New York: "All well. What day will you be home? Four days ago sent despatch to Manchester Vt. for you." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Lincoln, 11 September 1864, CW, 7:547.

President sends congratulations to Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, on birth of son to Princess Marie Clotilde Napoleon, a cousin. Abraham Lincoln to Napoleon III, 12 September 1864, CW, 7:550-51.

Discusses with Norman Wiard, manufacturer of Wiard cannon, critical condition of private manufacturers of arms as result of government policy. Wiard to Lincoln, 12 December 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Begins general letter for "Union Mass Meeting at Buffalo" and decides against it for reasons of policy and time. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac M. Schermerhorn, 12 September 1864, CW, 8:1-2.

Suggests to Gen. Grant possibility of concentrating 10,000 men at Gen. Sheridan's camp for strike against Gen. Early. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 12 September 1864, CW, 7:548.

Crowd attends Republican political rally at Mt. Vernon Hotel, 9th and Pennsylvania Ave., where they witness the hoisting of a large national flag across Pennsylvania Avenue with "Lincoln" and "Johnson" on its folds. Crowd marches to serenade President at White House. About 3 P.M. Lincoln responds briefly to serenade, and the crowd proceeds to Secretary of State William H. Seward's residence on F Street. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 September 1864, 2d ed., Extra, 3:2; Response to Serenade, 13 September 1864, CW, 8:4.

Telegraphs Gen. Butler at Bermuda Hundred, Va., that H. Ames' guns are being tested. "I shall be happy to let you have some of them as soon as I can." Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler, 13 September 1864, CW, 8:3.

President endorses certificate concerning William Elmore: "If this man's Colonel will say in writing on this sheet that he is willing to receive him back into his regiment I will pardon and send him." Endorsement Concerning William Elmore, 14 September 1864, CW, 8:5.

President interviews Mrs. McElrath, widow of Maj. H. McD. McElrath (CSA), who asks permission to return to Knoxville. Abraham Lincoln to James B. Steedman, 15 September 1864, CW, 8:7.

Receives Gen. Eustorjio Salgar, new minister from United States of Colombia, and they exchange brief formal remarks. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 16 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:1; Abraham Lincoln to Eustorjio Salgar, 15 September 1864, CW, 8:6-7.

Confers with F. P. Blair, Sr., on political conditions in Tennessee. Blair to Lincoln, 14 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Mrs. Lincoln and Tad return from trip to New York at 6:30 P.M. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 16 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.]

President interviews Thomas J. Turner, chairman of Union State Central Committee, and S. H. Melvin, commissioner of Union League, regarding draft quotas for Illinois. Abraham Lincoln to James B. Fry, 16 September 1864, CW, 8:8.

Cabinet meets. "Nothing of interest." Welles, Diary.

Lincoln authorizes Gen. Sigel to visit Washington. Abraham Lincoln to Franz Sigel, 16 September 1864, CW, 8:8-9.

Cabinet convenes in special meeting to consider return of plantations in Louisiana to claimants. Bates, Diary.

Committee from District of Columbia calls on President and asks two weeks' postponement of draft. President replies that similar delegations were coming from other parts of the country and doubts that he can make an exception for the District but promises to see the Secretary of War on the matter. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 September 1864, 3d ed., 2:5.

Lincoln telegraphs General William T. Sherman: "I feel great interest in the subjects of your despatch mentioning corn and Sorghum, & a contemplated visit to you." Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman, 17 September 1864, CW, 8:9-10.

[Private Secretary John Hay returns to his duties at the Executive Mansion after absence of five or six weeks. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 September 1864, 3d ed., 2:5.]

Presidential Secretary John Hay returns in the morning from a visit to his home in Illinois. Nicolay to Bates, 18 September 1864, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 19 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.

On behalf of Indiana's Republican Governor Oliver Morton, Lincoln writes to General William T. Sherman seeking the temporary release of some soldiers. Lincoln refers to Indiana's upcoming election and explains, "Indiana is the only important State, voting in October, whose soldiers cannot vote in the field. Any thing you can safely do to let her soldiers, or any part of them, go home and vote at the State election, will be greatly in point. . . . This is, in no sense, an order, but is merely intended to impress you with the importance, to the army itself, of your doing all you safely can." Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman, 19 September 1864, CW, 8:11-12.

Explains to Cong. John C. Ten Eyck (N.J.): "Dr. J. R. Freese, now editor of a leading Union Journal in New Jersey, . . . is somewhat wounded with me now, that I do not recognize him as he thinks I ought. I wish to appoint him a Provost-Marshal in your State. May I have your approval?" Abraham Lincoln to John C. Ten Eyck, 19 September 1864, CW, 8:12.

President confers with Acting Sec. of Interior William T. Otto regarding sale of public lands in Kansas. Otto to Lincoln, 20 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet meets. Sec. Stanton announces capture of two steamers on Lake Erie by Confederates from Canada. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Sheridan: "Have just heard of your great victory. God bless you all, officers and men. Strongly inclined to come up and see you." [Sheridan defeated Gen. Early on Berryville Pike and drove him through Winchester, Va.] Abraham Lincoln to Philip H. Sheridan, 20 September 1864, CW, 8:13.

Directs Stanton to let Francis A. Mallison, who collaborated in producing bogus proclamation in newspapers of May 17, 1864, be discharged. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 20 September 1864, CW, 8:13-14.

President interviews M. M. Broadwell, New York merchant, who proposes to furnish blankets and clothes to both Federal and Confederate prisoners. Abraham Lincoln to Ethan A. Hitchcock, 21 September 1864, CW, 8:16.

Confers with Sec. Seward on political situation in New York. Sends John Nicolay to discuss political strategy with Thurlow Weed. Nicolay to Lincoln, 22 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Asks Gen. Edward R. Canby to consider case of needy people in Rapides Parish, La., "and do for them the best you can, consistently with the interests of the public service." Abraham Lincoln to Edward R. S. Canby, 21 September 1864, CW, 8:14-15.

Cabinet meets. Withdrawal of Gen. Fremont (resigned) from presidential race is principal topic of discussion. Randall, Lincoln, 4:230.

President interviews Sen. Chandler (Mich.) and State Sen. David H. Jerome (Mich.) regarding support of Lincoln by Sen. Wade (Ohio) and Cong. Davis (Md.). Charles Moore, "Zachariah Chandler in Lincoln's Second Campaign," Century Magazine 50 (1895):476-77.

Explains to Gen. Grant that recruiting in prisoner depot in Illinois was in no way associated with Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 22 September 1864, CW, 8:17-18.

President accepts offer of Postmaster Gen. Blair: "You have generously said to me more than once, that whenever your resignation could be a relief to me, it was at my disposal. The time has come." Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery Blair, 23 September 1864, CW, 8:18-19.

Cabinet meets. Atty. Gen. Bates learns from Blair that President has accepted Blair's resignation. Bates, Diary; Welles, Diary.

President telegraphs former Gov. Dennison (Ohio): "Mr. Blair has resigned, and I appoint you Post-Master General. Come on immediately." Abraham Lincoln to William Dennison, 24 September 1864, CW, 8:20.

Notifies Judge Advocate General that wife of Simon Ready, recently tried by military court, "is bothering me." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt, 24 September 1864, CW, 8:22.

Issues order relative to purchase of products in South, as authorized by Congress. Executive Order Relative to the Purchase of Products of Insurrectionary States, 24 September 1864, CW, 8:20-22.

John Hay receives letter from John Nicolay in New York and reads it to President. Lincoln recommends that Nicolay stay around New York a while longer. Hay, Letters and Diary.

President requests Henry W. Hoffman, collector of customs at Baltimore and chairman, Maryland Unconditional Union Central Committee, to call at White House. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Hoffman, 25 September 1864, CW, 8:23.

Explains to John Hay that Thurlow Weed's trips to Canada and elsewhere relate to story of Gen. McClellan's military actions and political aspirations. William R. Thayer, The Life and Letters of John Hay, 2 vols. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1915), 1:129-36.

President interviews Henry A. Cargill about selecting treasury agent at Memphis, Tenn. Wood to Lincoln, 24 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Recognizes Jose M. Bernes as vice consul of Portugal. Washington Chronicle, 3 October 1864.

John Nicolay returns from conference with Thurlow Weed and other political figures in New York. Nicolay to Chandler, 28 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President reminds Gen. Rosecrans of Missouri laws regarding privilege of voting. "Wherever the law allows soldiers to vote, their officers must also allow it." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans, 26 September 1864, CW, 8:24-25.

Inquires of Sec. Stanton : "Have you, as yet definitely concluded whether the order prohibiting the exportation of arms shall be rescinded?" Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 26 September 1864, CW, 8:25.

Sec. Welles consults with President about document permitting Gen. A. J. Hamilton to export cotton from Texas. Document, signed by President, received by Welles from Rear Adm. Farragut. Welles, Diary.

President receives deputation from New York Young Men's Republican Union. Ballard to Lincoln, 24 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews John W. Wilson, who has just arrived from England with letter of introduction from John Bright. Wilson to Lincoln, 27 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Hears complaint of Asst. Surg. William Crouse who says Gen. Butler ordered him out of department. Butler's explanation: "He was drinking and worthless." Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. Butler, 27 September 1864, CW, 8:25.

Telegraphs former Gov. Dennison (Ohio): "Yours received. Come so soon as you can." [Dennison, recently appointed postmaster general, had missed train connections in Steubenville, Ohio.] Abraham Lincoln to William Dennison, 27 September 1864, CW, 8:25.

Refers to Gen. Grant request of William H. Kent, correspondent, New York "Tribune," to have his pass reinstated. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 27 September 1864, CW, 8:26.

Telegraphs Gen. Sherman: "You say Jeff. Davis is on a visit to [Gen. John B.] Hood (CSA). I judge that [Gov. Joseph E.] Brown [Ga.] and [A. H.] Stephens are the objects of his visit." Abraham Lincoln to William T. Sherman, 27 September 1864, CW, 8:27.

President declines invitation to attend ratification meeting at New Albany, Indiana Abraham Lincoln to John R. Cannon, 28 September 1864, CW, 8:28.

"Expresses his great satisfaction" that New Hampshire's soldier voting bill becomes law. Nicolay to Chandler, 28 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Confers with Governor Andrew Curtin of Pennsylvania in "friendly spirit, to remove the coolness that has so long existed" between them. Meeting also includes Alexander K. McClure, editor of the Franklin Repository newspaper in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Kelley to Lincoln, enclosing clipping from Philadelphia "Press," 30 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 28 September 1864, 2d ed., 2:2.

Lincoln consults with Gen. Halleck about Gen. R. E. Lee reinforcing Gen. Early against Gen. Sheridan and cautions Gen. Grant of possibility. Hay, Letters and Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 29 September 1864, CW, 8:29.

Sec. Welles again discusses with President permit for Gen. A. J. Hamilton to trade in cotton. Welles, Diary.

President obtains services of John Summerfield Staples of Stroudsburg, Pa., who becomes representative recruit for Lincoln and is credited to quota of Third Ward. Washington Chronicle, 2 October 1864.

Cabinet meets. Admission of Nevada into Union is discussed. Welles, Diary; Bates, Diary.

Lincoln interviews F. Vaughn, who wants agency to receive cotton for government. Vaughn to Lincoln, 30 September 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes an endorsement on a letter from David G. Lindsay to Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas. Lindsay is attempting to correct an assignment error. He explains, "I inlisted in the 17th Regt. Pa. Cavalry and . . . I was Sent to the 90th Pa Infantry." Lindsay seeks a transfer to the 17th in order to "be along with . . . the only Brother I have." Lincoln writes, "I have seen this man, who seems to be an intelligent & manly man, and whose story I believe to be true. If it does not invol[v]e much inconvenience, let the transfer . . . be made." David G. Lindsay to Lorenzo Thomas, 29 September 1864; Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas, 30 September 1864, both in CW, 8:32.

Prepares order concerning lessees and owners of plantations worked by freedmen. [Not issued.] Order Concerning Lessees and Owners of Plantations Worked by Freedmen, [30?] September 1864, CW, 8:30-31.