Lincoln telegraphs Gen. Meade at 9 A.M.: "What news this morning? A despatch from Rosecrans, leaving him at 7/30 PM. yesterday, says 'Rebel rumors that head of Ewells column reached Dalton yesterday' I send this for what it is worth." Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 12 October 1863, CW, 6:510.

Describes military situation to Gen. Rosecrans at Chattanooga: "You and Burnside now have him [enemy] by the throat, and he must break your hold, or perish." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans, 12 October 1863, CW, 6:510-11.

Interviews Mrs. Bowers of New Jersey, who has note of introduction from Secretary of the Navy Welles. Welles to Lincoln, 12 October 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes to Mrs. Alice C. Smith, of Boston, Massachusetts. He notes, "I shall have to acknowledge very briefly your letter informing me of the prosperity of your little boy whom you so kindly named after me. You may rest assured that my little namesake has my best wishes that he may grow to be a good man and a good citizen." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Alice C. Smith, 12 October 1863, CW, 6:511.

In evening, plans to attend performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth at Grover's Theatre. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 12 October 1863, 2:1.