Lincoln commutes courtmartial sentences of 20 prisoners sentenced to be shot to imprisonment at the Dry Tortugas. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 18 April 1864, 2d ed., 2:4.

Interviews Chippewa Indian chiefs in East Room of White House and conducts them on tour. Washington Chronicle, 19 April 1864.

Participates in program opening Maryland Sanitary Commission Fair. Gov. Bradford (Md.) delivers eloquent address before crowd of 6,000 to 8,000, followed by 15-minute speech by Lincoln. President refers to change in Union sentiment since 1861 in Baltimore. It "is part only of a far wider change. When the war began, three years ago, neither party, nor any man, expected it would last till now. . . . So true is it that man proposes, and God disposes." Comments on meaning of liberty and massacre reported at Fort Pillow, Tenn. Washington Chronicle, 19 April 1864; Address at Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, Maryland, 18 April 1864, CW, 7:301-3.

Mrs. Lincoln does not attend Baltimore fair. Ladies of Knitting Circle to Mrs. Lincoln, 19 April 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.