At 9 A.M. President reads to cabinet opinion on military draft. [There is question as to when Lincoln prepared this opinion. Nicolay & Hay dates it 15 August 1863; CW dates it 14 September 1863.] Sec. Chase thinks preferable way to prevent courts from interfering with draft is for President by proclamation to suspend privilege of writ of habeas corpus in military or naval cases. Proposal wins approval. Cabinet adjourns at 1 P.M. Sec. Seward prepares proclamation and presents it when cabinet reconvenes. All agree and order it carried into effect. Welles, Diary; Bates, Diary; Opinion on the Draft, [14? September] 1863, CW, 6:444-49.

President issues proclamation suspending writ of habeas corpus. Proclamation Suspending Writ of Habeas Corpus, 15 September 1863, CW, 6:451-52.

Interviews Mrs. Craddock relative to rebel prisoner and directs her to Sec. Stanton . Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 15 September 1863, CW, 6:452.

Replies to request of J. K. Dubois and O. M. Hatch: "What nation do you desire Gen. Allen to be made Quarter-Master-General of? This nation already has a Quarter-Master-General." Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois and Ozias M. Hatch, 15 September 1863, CW, 6:450.

Writes Gen. Halleck that Gen. Meade desires guidance as to what he should do. "My opinion is that he should move upon Lee at once in manner of general attack. . . . I think this would develope Lee's real condition and purposes better than the cavalry alone can do. Of course my opinion is not to control you and Gen. Meade." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 15 September 1863, CW, 6:450-51.