President Lincoln writes to Admiral John Dahlgren with a request that Dahlgren meet with Captain Lavender, of New York. Lavender wants to demonstrate a device "for discovering, and aiding to remove, under-water obstructions to the passage of vessels." Lavender comes recommended by New York Senator Edwin Morgan and by Lincoln, who writes that Lavender "has sufficiently impressed me to induce me to send him to you." Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dahlgren, 9 January 1864, CW, 7:118.

Orders executive buildings in Washington draped in mourning for 14 days to honor memory of Caleb B. Smith, late secretary of interior. Order for Observance of Mourning for Caleb B. Smith, 9 January 1864, CW, 7:118-19.

Gen. Meigs reports to President on conditions in West. Diary, Montgomery C. Meigs Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Deputation from Philadelphia visits Lincoln on behalf of Gen. Meade. Adam G. de Gurowski, Diary, 3 vols. (Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1862; Washington, DC: Morrison, 1866).

President receives box of thirteen trout from Josiah Moffitt of Northville, New York. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 9 January 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.

Mrs. Lincoln's reception from 1 to 3 P.M. is well attended. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 9 January 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.