Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Simon Cameron and recommends "that Capt. John G. Foster of the Engineers, be appointed a Brig. Genl. of Volunteers at once." Lincoln notes that he is making the recommendation at General Ambrose E. Burnside's "request." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 23 October 1861, CW, 10:104-5.

Instructs U.S. marshal for Washington District to refuse to serve any writ of habeas corpus upon a military commander because he has suspended the privilege in cases relating to the military. National Republican (Washington, DC), 24 October 1861, 2:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 October 1861, 2:1; New York Times, 25 October 1861.