President authorizes propeller Pembroke, owned by R. B. Forbes of Boston, "to take any vessel or boat . . . employed in the commission of any piratical aggression." Authorization for the Pembroke, [28 October 1861], CW, 5:5-6.

Directs appointment of commission consisting of Judge David Davis, Joseph Holt, and Hugh Campbell of St. Louis, Mo., to examine and report upon all unsettled claims against Dept. of West which may have originated prior to appointment of Gen. Fremont. N.Y. Times, 28 October 1861.

With group of military and scientific men witnesses demonstration of Union gun at Arsenal in afternoon. N.Y. Herald, 29 October 1861.

Writes Secretary of War Simon Cameron: "I have not sufficient time to study and mature an opinion on this plan [for managing military telegraph]. If the Secretary of War has confidence in it, and is satisfied to adopt it, I have no objections." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 28 October 1861, CW, 5:6.

Asks Gen. Curtis to read and forward document, "half letter, half order." [probably letter to Commander of Dept. of West, Gen. Hunter, dated October 24, 1861]. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis, 28 October 1861, CW, 5:7.

Endorses communication from United Presbyterian Synod of New York and New Jersey: "To be presented to the Cabinet next Tuesday. Pres. Genl. Ass." Memorandum: Resolutions of United Presbyterian Synod, 28 October 1861, CW, 5:7.