"The President is cheerful and hopeful—not unduly elated, but seeming confident." Nicolay to Bates, 15 May 1864, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln endorses request of Allison C. Poorman, of Illinois, for permit to trade within lines of "Western Army": "The writer of the within is a family connection of mine, & a worthy man; and I shall be obliged if he be allowed what he requests, so far as the rules and exigencies of the public service will permit." Endorsement Concerning Allison C. Poorman, 15 May 1864, CW, 7:342.

Endorses request of William F. Shriver, of Illinois, for permit to trade within lines of "Armies of the Cumberland, Mississippi and Arkansas." Endorsement Concerning William F. Shriver, 15 May 1864, CW, 7:342.