Learning of tragedy through War Department telegram, Lincoln weeps openly over death of young friend, Col. Elmer Ellsworth, shot by proprietor of Marshall House in Alexandria, Va., for removing Confederate flag flying over building. Calls cabinet meeting at noon to discuss incident. Drives with Mrs. Lincoln to Navy Yard to view Ellsworth's body. Receives reporter and Senator Wilson (Mass.) at White House, but excuses himself as unable to talk. Returns to Navy Yard in evening and arranges for removal of body to White House for funeral. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Bates, Telegraph Office, 8; Baltimore Sun, 24 May 1861, 27 May 1861; N.Y. Herald, 26 May 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 27 May 1861, 2:3.

President and Secretary of War Cameron interview Judge William F. M. Arny of Kansas, who offers three regiments for protection of northwestern Missouri. Baltimore Sun, 25 May 1861.

Approves payment of bill for $952.48 for carpetings purchased by Mrs. Lincoln from Alexander T. Stewart and Co., New York. DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 141-262.