Fifteenth New York Regiment in presence of Lincoln gives exhibition of skill in throwing pontoon bridge across eastern branch of Potomac. N.Y. Times, 22 November 1861.

President writes Gen. McClellan: "If General McClellan and General Halleck deem it necessary to declare and maintain martial law at St. Louis the same is hereby authorized." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 21 November 1861, CW, 5:27.

Asks Sec. Smith: "Can you, by any possibility, find some place for Judge Taft? I shall be greatly obliged if you can & will." [Taft's children were playmates of Willie and Tad Lincoln.] Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith, 21 November 1861, CW, 5:28.