President is criticized by overzealous patriots for not arresting for treason three ambassadors from Confederacy. William O. Stoddard, Abraham Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life (New York: Fords, Howard & Hulbert, 1884), 217.

Sends to Senate nominations of Cassius M. Clay for minister to Spain and Cong. Thomas Corwin (Ohio) for minister to Mexico. Baltimore Sun, 13 March 1861.

Officers of army in full uniform, accompanied by General Winfield Scott and Secretary of War Simon Cameron, call formally at White House. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 12 March 1861, 2:2; Albert G. Riddle, Recollections of War Times: Reminiscences of Men and Events in Washington, 1860-1865 (New York: Putnam, 1895), 11.

Cong. John Hickman (Pa.) discusses political appointments with Lincoln. Hickman to Lincoln, 13 March 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln in cabinet council decides to nominate Colonel Sumner for brigadier general. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 13 March 1861, 2:1.

President and Mrs. Lincoln give party with music and dancing. Nicolay to Bates, 14 March 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.