Cabinet accepts resignation of General Winfield Scott and decides upon appointment of General George B. McClellan as successor. President orders Bvt. Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott placed on list of retired officers of Army of U.S. Later calls at Scott's residence with members of cabinet. Order Retiring Winfield Scott from Command, 1 November 1861, CW, 5:10-11; National Republican (Washington, DC), 2 November 1861, 2:2.

Informs McClellan: "I have designated you to command the whole army." McClellan, War for Union, 200; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 1 November 1861, CW, 5:9-10.

In evening, with John Hay, visits McClellan and Sec. Seward at their homes. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Capt. McKinney (Thomas J. McKenny?) delivers President's order dated October 24, 1861 relieving Gen. Fremont of command of Dept. of West. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis, 24 October 1861, CW, 4:562-63.

President's order removing Gen. Fremont from command of Dept. of West is delivered. Curtis to Lincoln, 6 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President writes Sec. Cameron: "I think any officer who has been dismissed on suspicion of disloyalty, but does not go over to the enemy, continuing to protest his loyalty, entitles himself to a hearing." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 2 November 1861, CW, 5:11.

Writes Gen. Joseph G. Totten, Chief of Engineers: "If Genl Totten & myself are both alive, and in place in June 1862, & he Genl T. will remind me of it, I then wish to give a Cadetship to a son of Professor [Dennis H.] Mahan." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph G. Totten, 2 November 1861, CW, 5:13.

President telegraphs Gen. William K. Strong at St. Louis: "Gen. McClellan is in command of substantially the whole Army, including the Department of the West." Abraham Lincoln to William K. Strong, 3 November 1861, CW, 5:13.

President suggests that plans for Maine's coastal defense be laid before engineer and ordnance bureaus. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 4 November 1861, CW, 5:13-14.

Announces he can receive visitors from 10 a.m. to noon only to provide time to prepare for upcoming meeting of Congress. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 4 November 1861, 2:2.

Spends an hour at Gen. McClellan's headquarters. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

On bill for $5,198.00 from Wm. H. Carryl and brother for "French Satin Brocatelle Curtain, Tassels, Fringes, Cornices, Hall Carpets, Laces Labor Freight & Cartage," Mrs. Lincoln writes: "This bill is correct in accordance with my purchases from Mr. Carryl—The goods are now here—Mr. Lincoln will please have bill paid." Lincoln endorses verso: "Approved and referred to the accounting officers for settlement." DNA—RG 217, General Accounting Office, 142-006.

[Local newspaper publishes Willie Lincoln's poem, "Lines on the Death of Colonel Edward Baker." National Republican (Washington, DC), 4 November 1861, 1:1.]

Cabinet votes to acquire two steam fire engines for Washington. N.Y. Tribune, 6 November 1861.

Gen. Halleck arrives in Washington and goes to White House with Gen. McClellan to meet President and cabinet. N.Y. Times, 6 November 1861.

President interviews Massachusetts delegation consisting of James Lawrence, Dr. Ira Russell, Army surgeon, and Dwight Foster, attorney general of Massachusetts, regarding promotion of Col. Charles Devens. Memorandum: Appointment of Charles Devens, 5 November 1861, CW, 5:15.

Receives October salary warrant for $2,083.33. [Irwin withdraws $12.50 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182, 176.]

In morning meets for several hours with General George B. McClellan and Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 November 1861, 2:2.

President approves, with modification, plan for Missouri State Militia to cooperate with troops in service of U.S. in military operations within state. Order Approving the Plan of Governor Gamble of Missouri, 6 November 1861, CW, 5:15-17.

Receives telegram from Gen. Curtis that order relieving Gen. Fremont of command was delivered November 2, 1861. Curtis to Lincoln, 6 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Postmaster Gen. Blair shows President telegram from Baltimore announcing election of whole Union ticket. Fulton to Blair, 6 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Receives Col. Rush C. Hawkins of Hawkins Zouaves. New York Public Library, Bookmen's Holiday, 94.

President converses with John Hay about opening of cotton trade. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Recognizes Friedrich Kuhne as consul of Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar for State of New York. National Intelligencer, 11 November 1861.

Receives recommendation for new military district of Kansas, Arkansas, and Indian country with headquarters at Fort Leavenworth under command of Col. James Law, 19th New York Militia. Wade and others to Lincoln, 7 November 1861, Robert Todd Lincoln Collection of Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Buys $8,300 worth of seven-thirty Treasury notes. New-York Daily Tribune, 8 November 1861, 4:6; National Republican (Washington, DC), 8 November 1861, 2:4.

Endorses Secretary of State William H. Seward's note proposing to present two foreign ministers: "All right A.L." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, [7 November 1861], CW, 5:17.

Entertains Col. Hawkins in evening; serves toast and tea. Bookmen's Holiday, 96.

Secretary of State William H. Seward presents Edward Count Piper, minister of Sweden and Norway, to President. National Republican (Washington, DC), 9 November 1861, 2:3; National Intelligencer (Washington, DC), 9 November 1861; Reply to Edward Count Piper, 8 November 1861, CW, 5:17-18.

Charles F. Havelock, British officer appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. McClellan, November 23, 1861, calls on Lincoln. N.Y. Tribune, 9 November 1861; Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 27 July 1863, CW, 6:351.

President receives F. S. Asta Buruaga, Chilean minister, who announces inauguration of new President of Chile. N.Y. Times, 9 November 1861.

In afternoon, along with General George B. McClellan, reviews General Don Carlos Buell's division of three brigades on Fourteenth Street Road beyond Columbian College. National Republican (Washington, DC), 9 November 1861, 2:4.

Loans Thomas Stackpole, White House watchman, $380. Pratt, Personal Finances, 82.

Lincoln sends congratulations to José Joaquin Perez, new President of Chile. Abraham Lincoln to José Joaquin Perez, 9 November 1861, CW, 5:19.

Receives Gen. McClellan's apology for being unable to attend him this evening. Marcy to Lincoln, 9 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln has long interview with Cong. Washburne (Ill.) and hears report on government contracts in Dept. of West. Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand, 10 November 1861, CW, 5:20-21.

Holds conference on military matters at Gen. McClellan's headquarters in evening. Journal, 11 November 1861, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Writes social letter to Gen. John A. McClernand: "Some of your forces are without arms, but the same is true here, and at every other place where we have considerable bodies of troops. The plain matter-of-fact is, our good people have rushed to the rescue of the Government, faster than the government can find arms to put in their hands." Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand, 10 November 1861, CW, 5:20-21.

Augustus W. Bradford, newly elected governor of Maryland, escorted by former Sen. Johnson (Md.) visits President. N.Y. Times, 12 November 1861.

Lincoln watches torchlight parade of Blenker's Germans in honor of Gen. McClellan's promotion pass White House. Later, with John Hay, visits McClellan's house. Hay, Letters and Diary.

President replies to address presented by delegation from Baltimore: "The Government of the United States has been diligently engaged in endeavoring . . . to save Baltimore and Maryland from the danger of complete ruin through an unnecessary and unnatural rebellion." Reply to Delegation of Baltimore Citizens, 15 November 1861, CW, 5:24.

Lincoln writes to Joseph Holt, who is traveling to Missouri as part of a government commission to report on the controversy surrounding military policies in that state. Lincoln acknowledges Holt's suggestions regarding various military assignments. Lincoln notes that his good friend, David Davis, serves on the commission with Holt, and he adds, "[I] assure you, you were never associated with a better man." Joseph Holt to Abraham Lincoln, 2 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt, 12 November 1861, CW, 5:21-22.

President and John Hay, assistant secretary to President, have tea in evening with family of Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Baltimore delegation visits President on behalf of unemployed and destitute laborers in city. Frank Moore, ed., The Rebellion Record: A Diary of American Events, 11 vols. & 1 supplemental vol. (New York: Van Nostrand, 1861-68), 3:Diary.

Lincoln, Sec. Seward, and John Hay wait in Gen. McClellan's residence to see him. McClellan arrives home from wedding and retires to bed without speaking to President. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Mrs. Lincoln returns to Washington. N.Y. Times, 14 November 1861.

Private Secretary John G. Nicolay returns to Washington with his health "completely restored." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 November 1861, 2:2.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Simon Cameron introducing Charles S. Todd, of Kentucky. Todd, who is "distantly related" to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, served in diplomatic positions under Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler. Lincoln calls Todd "a gentleman of high standing . . . He will present strong recommendations from Kentuckians; and I hope you will, if possible, find some employment for him, in which he can help in our present troubles." John J. Crittenden to Abraham Lincoln, 6 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 13 November 1861, CW, 5:22-23.

Lincoln receives account of Leonard Swett's survey of Dept. of West. Swett to Lincoln, 9 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Consults with Gen. McClellan and Asst. Sec. Fox about another "big expedition." Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Calls at Secretary of State William H. Seward's house in evening and meets newspapermen W. H. Russell, correspondent London Times, and Henry J. Raymond, editor New York Times. Russell, Diary.

Interviews Gen. Charles P. Stone. New York Tribune, 16 November 1861.

Postmaster Gen. Blair and wife call on President. Blair confers with Lincoln about Trent affair involving removal by Capt. Charles Wilkes (USN) in command of USS San Jacinto, of former Sen. James M. Mason (Va.) and former Sen. John Slidell (La.) Confederate envoys, from British ship. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In afternoon President and several members of cabinet board steamer Mount Washington at Navy Yard for Alexandria, Va., to inspect USS Pensacola. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; New York Herald, 16 November 1861; National Republican (Washington, DC), 16 November 1861, 2:2.

Gen. Edwin V. Sumner interviews President and Gen. McClellan. N.Y. Tribune, 18 November 1861.

Sen. Sumner (Mass.) and Postmaster Gen. Blair urge Lincoln to surrender Mason and Slidell at once. Monaghan, Diplomat, 170.

President writes Adjt. Gen. Thomas: "Lieut. John Watt who, I believe, has been detailed to do service about the White-House, is not needed for that purpose, and you assign him to his proper place in Regiment." Abraham Lincoln to Lorenzo Thomas, 16 November 1861, CW, 5:25.

Lincoln appoints father of late Col. Ellsworth military storekeeper. N.Y. Times, 19 November 1861.

Mrs. Lincoln, escorted by Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, visits arsenal. N.Y. Tribune, 19 November 1861.

Borrows from Library of Congress: "Oeuvres de Victor Hugo, vol. 11." Additional books sent to White House are Gunnison's "Mormons," Hyde's "Mormonism," and "Book of Mormons." [John Williams Gunnison, Mormons, or Latter Day Saints . . ., Philadelphia, 1856; John Hyde, Mormonism: Its Leaders and Designs, New York, 1857; The Book of Mormon; an Account Taken by the Hand of Mormon from the Plates of Nephi. By Joseph Smith Jr., Palmyra, N.Y., 1830.] Borrower's Ledger 1861-1863, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln thanks George Bancroft, historian, for sending report of proceedings of New York meeting for relief of Union people of North Carolina. Abraham Lincoln to George Bancroft, 18 November 1861, CW, 5:25-26.

Lincoln refuses to accept resignation of Col. Lamon as U.S. marshal for District of Columbia. N.Y. Times, 20 November 1861.

President and several members of cabinet arrive at 12:30 PM at Munson's Hill, Bailey's Cross Roads, Va., approximately six miles from the White House, to review with General George B. McClellan 70,000 troops in "the largest and most magnificent military review ever held on this continent." National Republican (Washington, DC), 21 November 1861, 2:2; Nicolay to Bates, 21 November 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Fifteenth New York Regiment in presence of Lincoln gives exhibition of skill in throwing pontoon bridge across eastern branch of Potomac. N.Y. Times, 22 November 1861.

President writes Gen. McClellan: "If General McClellan and General Halleck deem it necessary to declare and maintain martial law at St. Louis the same is hereby authorized." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 21 November 1861, CW, 5:27.

Asks Sec. Smith: "Can you, by any possibility, find some place for Judge Taft? I shall be greatly obliged if you can & will." [Taft's children were playmates of Willie and Tad Lincoln.] Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith, 21 November 1861, CW, 5:28.

Cabinet considers granting clearances to reconquered Southern ports. N.Y. Times, 24 November 1861.

President recognizes Oscar Malmborg as vice consul of Norway and Sweden at Chicago. National Intelligencer, 25 November 1861.

Following books sent to White House from Library of Congress: "U.S. Constitution 1783, U.S. Constitution 1856, Mormonism in all ages, Mormons, or Latter Day Saints, Works of Jefferson, vols. 4, 7, 8, 9." [Possibly first title is in error for one of several 1787 printings of Constitution; second is likely Declaration of Independence, and Constitution of the United States of America, with its Amendments. Census of 1850, Boston, 1856; third volume is unidentified; fourth is Henry Mayhew, The Mormons; or Latter-Day Saints. With Memoirs of the Life and Death of Joseph Smith . . ., London, 1856; fifth, The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, New York, 1861.] Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At 1 p.m., Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward board the steamer Mount Washington, to "visit the flotilla." New York Times, 24 November 1861, 1:1.

In the evening, Hermann the Magician performs at the White House for Lincoln and "family, several members of the Cabinet, and some invited friends." Lincoln's secretary John G. Nicolay marvels at Hermann's ability "to pull Canary birds from a spectator's ear, or Guinea pigs from a lady's" purse. Nicolay is most impressed by Hermann's "masterly feats of mathematical combinations in cards and clairvoyant vision." Nicolay concludes, "One goes from [Hermann's] soirees with faith confirmed and strengthened in the father of lies." New York Times, 24 November 1861, 1:1; Michael Burlingame, ed., With Lincoln in the White House: Letters, Memoranda, and Other Writings of John G. Nicolay, 1860-1865 (Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 2000), 63, 212-213n

Mrs. Lincoln, accompanied by Comdr. Dahlgren and John Hay, goes down Potomac on board steamer Mount Washington as far as Stump Neck. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 27 November 1861, 3:1.

Invites about 100 guests, including Gen. Heintzelman and wife, to White House for evening's entertainment. Journal, 25 November 1861, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President calls conference on "Trent" affair at War Dept. with members of cabinet and several senators. Bates, Telegraph Office, 98.

Consults with Cong. Isaac N. Arnold (Ill.) about conditions in Northwest and what Federal government should do for that section. Arnold to Lincoln, 25 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In evening Lincoln visits home of Asst. Sec. Fox. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In afternoon Mrs. Lincoln visits 65th Infantry Regiment (U.S. Chausseurs), commanded by Colonel John Cochrane, former congressman from New York, encamped near Glenwood Cemetery, north of Capitol. National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 November 1861, 3:2; National Intelligencer, 27 November 1861.

[Irwin deposits $175 in Springfield Marine Bank, rent received from Lucian A. Tilton, president of Great Western Railroad living in Lincoln's house. Pratt, Personal Finances, 164.]

President confers with Mrs. Stephen A. Douglas regarding confiscation of her property in southern Illinois. "But it is especially dangerous for my name to be connected with the matter; for nothing would more certainly excite the secessionists to do the worst they can against the children." Memorandum: Advice to Mrs. Stephen A. Douglas, 27 November 1861, CW, 5:32.

Drafts bill for compensated emancipation in Delaware. [Never introduced.] Drafts of a Bill for Compensated Emancipation in Delaware, [26? November 1861], CW, 5:29-31.

Sec. Cameron and Bishop Matthew Simpson of Methodist Church discuss with President possible bias of government toward churches. Simpson to Cameron, 27 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Lincoln attended by former Cong. Ashmun (Mass.) watches Gen. McClellan's morning review of regular troops on East Capitol Hill. N.Y. Times, 27 November 1861.

Citizens of Saratoga County, N.Y., petition President for exchange of prisoners. 27 November 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President orders government departments closed tomorrow because Washington and Georgetown authorities have appointed 28th as day of thanksgiving. Order for Day of Thanksgiving, 27 November 1861, CW, 5:32.

Thanks Synod of New York and New Jersey for resolutions appealing to Christians to behave like Christians in these wicked times. National Intelligencer, 30 November 1861.

Calls at home of Asst. Sec. Fox in evening. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln invites Joshua F. Speed and wife, among others, to Thanksgiving dinner at White House. N.Y. Herald, 29 November 1861.

President reads part of Annual Message at cabinet meeting. Bates, Diary.

Writes Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase on behalf of William Johnson: "If you can find him the place [I] shall really be obliged." [Placed in Treasury Dept.] Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 29 November 1861, CW, 5:33.

Secretary of State William H. Seward introduces Admiral Renaud and Captain C. Marquis de Montaignac of the French fleet to the President. National Republican (Washington, DC), 2 December 1861, 2:2.

Receives an estimated 50 letters per week from officers of European armies offering their services to government. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 29 November 1861, 1:2.

President examines plans of Anna Ella Carroll, pamphleteer, for Tennessee River campaign submitted by Asst. Sec. Scott. Anna E. Carroll, "Plan of the Tennessee Campaign," North American Review 142 (April 1886):345-47.

Meets with Sec. Seward, Comdr. Dahlgren, and others at Gen. McClellan's residence in evening. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Endorses letter of former President Fillmore regarding appointment of nephew, George M. Fillmore: "Respectfully submitted to the Sec. of War, remarking that it be very agreeable to me for Mr. Fillmore to be obliged." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 30 November 1861, CW, 5:33.