Lincoln writes letter of sympathy to Queen Victoria of England on death of husband. Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria, 1 February 1862, CW, 5:117-18.

Discusses with Secretary of State William H. Seward and Congressman Alfred Ely (N.Y.), recently in prison in Richmond, advisability of placing Confederate privateers detained in New York and Philadelphia harbors on footing of prisoners of war. N.Y. Tribune, 3 February 1862; National Republican (Washington, DC), 3 February 1862, 2:5.

In afternoon Seward escorts Baron F. von Gerolt, Prussian minister, to White House for ceremonial call on President. Seward to Lincoln, 1 February 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President sends for Asst. Sec. Fox, who arrives after dinner. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Senator Charles Sumner (Mass.) introduces Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet and philosopher, to President, who reviews case of slave trader Captain Nathaniel Gordon during interview. Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson, 10 vols., edited by Edward Waldo Emerson and Waldo Emerson Forbes (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1909-1914), 9:375-76.

In conversation with Congressman Martin F. Conway (Kans.) Lincoln states that General James H. Lane was appointed with understanding that he serve under General David Hunter. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 3 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:2.

President Lincoln replies to the King of Siam for gifts including "a sword" and "two elephant tusks." Lincoln accepts the items for the "American People," and not for his "personal" use. Lincoln declines the King's offer of some elephants, explaining, "Our political jurisdiction...does not reach a latitude so low as to favor the multiplication of the elephant, and steam on land, as well as on water, has been our best and most efficient agent of transportation in internal commerce." Abraham Lincoln to the King of Siam, 3 February 1862, CW, 5:125-26.

Lincoln writes to Major General George B. McClellan regarding their "distinct, and different plans for a movement of the Army of the Potomac." Lincoln queries, "Does not your plan involve a greatly larger expenditure of time, and money than mine? . . . Wherein is a victory morecertain by your plan than mine? . . . In case of disaster, would not a safe retreat be more difficult by your plan than by mine?" Lincoln pledges, "If you will give me satisfactory answers . . . I shall gladly yield my plan to yours." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 3 February 1862, CW, 5:118-25.

Gov. Morton (Ind.) calls on President and asks to withdraw his recommendation of Col. George W. Hazzard for brigadier general. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 3 February 1862, CW, 5:126.

President grants Capt. Gordon stay of execution until February 21, 1862. Stay of Execution for Nathaniel Gordon, 4 February 1862, CW, 5:128-29. [Gordon was hanged February 21, 1862.]

Recommends "that Captain Samuel F. DuPont [USN] receive a vote of thanks of Congress for his services and gallantry, displayed in the capture of Forts Walker and Beauregard." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 4 February 1862, CW, 5:127-28.

Recognizes Abraham Felder as vice consul of Switzerland for Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. National Republican (Washington, DC), 7 February 1862, 2:6.

[Irwin withdraws $2 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 177.]

Mrs. Lincoln cancels weekly reception because of private party on 5th. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 1 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

President recognizes Herman Michels as consul for Kingdom of Saxony for California. National Intelligencer, 11 February 1862.

[Irwin deposits $680, payment on notes of N. W. Edwards, in Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 165.]

President receives January salary warrant for $2,083.33. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

Mrs. Lincoln gives White House entertainment, a feature heretofore untried in the social customs of the First Lady. Issues invitations to 600-700 people. "A very respectable if not a brilliant success. The East Room was filled with well dressed guests looking very beautiful and the [midnight] supper was magnificent." Nicolay to Bates, 2 February 1862, 11 February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

"The supper was, in many respects, the most superb affair of the kind ever seen here." The Marine Band performs. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1-2.

President approves withholding pensions of Southern sympathizers. Philadelphia News, 7 February 1862.

Lincoln interviews delegation from Congress interested in settling argument between Gen. Hunter and Gen. Lane. Philadelphia News, 8 February 1862.

Spends most of time with son Willie who is critically ill. Nicolay to Bates, 11 February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Borrows "Emerson's Representative Men" from Library of Congress. [Ralph Waldo Emerson, Representative Men: Seven Lectures, N.Y., 1858.]

Transmits to Senate "correspondence relating to the presentation of American citizens to the court of France." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 7 February 1862, CW, 5:130; Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President receives petition from citizens of Colorado requesting removal of Gov. Gilpin (Colo. Terr.) following repudiation of government drafts issued by him to pay for military equipment, and appointment of W. Larimer, Jr. DNA—WR RG 107, Off. Sec. War, Letters Received, Box 1.

Usual Saturday reception is not held because Willie has typhoid fever. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 8 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:2; N.Y. Tribune, 11 February 1862.

[Irwin withdraws $24 from Springfield Marine Bank to pay insurance on Lincoln Springfield home.] Pratt, Personal Finances, 177.

Lincoln writes Gen. McClellan: "Have you any farther news from the West [Gens. Halleck and Buell]? Have you heard from the Canal-boats [to form a bridge across Potomac at Liverpool Point]? Have you determined, as yet, upon the contemplated movement we last talked of [Gen. Hooker]?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 8 February 1862, CW, 5:130.

Prayer for President omitted from church service results in arrest of Alexandria, Va., clergyman. N.Y. Tribune, 10 February 1862.

During Sunday afternoon in War Dept. Sec. Stanton accuses Thomas T. Eckert, superintendent of military telegraphs, of neglecting his duties. Lincoln is present and defends Eckert. David H. Bates, Lincoln Stories Told by him in the Military Office in the War Department during the Civil War (New York: Rudge, 1926), 52-53.

Willie is reported much better today, but Tad is thought to have contracted same illness. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

President not attending to much public business owing to severe illness of son. N.Y. Tribune, 12 February 1862.

President meets with Sec. Seward and Sens. Wade (Ohio) and Chandler (Mich.) to hear stenographic report of testimony relative to Gen. Stone. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:82.

Gives "pretty much all his attention" to Willie and Tad who are ill. Nicolay to Bates, 11 February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Usual Tuesday reception at White House not held because of Willie's illness. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 8 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:2; 10 February 1862.

President transmits to Congress treaty with King of Hanover for abolition of "Stade Dues." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 12 February 1862, CW, 5:131-32.

Spends much time with sick son Willie. Nicolay to Bates, 21 February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President appears before House Judiciary Committee in matter of premature publication of last Annual Message. N.Y. Tribune, 14 February 1862.

His two youngest children continue ill of typhoid fever. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 13 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

White House borrows "Goethe's Werke v. 14/15, v. 17/18" from Library of Congress [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Goethe's Werke.] Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet meets. Report on Gen. Burnside's expedition read. Bates, Diary.

"The children [Willie and Tad] we are glad to say are on the mend." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

President issues Executive Order No. 1, relating to political prisoners. As far as public welfare will permit, all political prisoners now held in military custody will be released on their subscribing to parole not to aid or comfort enemy. Extraordinary arrests will hereafter be made under direction of military authorities alone. Otto Eisenschiml, In the Shadow of Lincoln's Death (New York: Funk, 1940), 193; DNA—WR RG 94, Adjt. Gen. Off., Letters Received, Misc. Branch, Box 673.

President anxiously awaits news from Gen. Ulysses S. Grant on fighting before Fort Donelson, Tenn. Nicolay to Bates, 14 February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Confers with Sen. Sherman (Ohio) at Capitol regarding assignment of Robert C. Kirk of Ohio as consul to Tangier. Kirk to Sherman, 20 February 1862, John Sherman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief of Army and Navy officially thanks officers and men taking part in capture of Fort Henry, Tenn., and Roanoke Island, N.C. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 15 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Recommends to Congress that Capt. Louis M. Goldsborough (USN) receive vote of thanks for gallantry displayed in capture of Roanoke Island. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 15 February 1862, CW, 5:134.

Sends to Isabel II, Queen of Spain, letter of congratulation on birth of prince and letter of condolence on death of daughter. Abraham Lincoln to Isabel II, 15 February 1862, CW, 5:133; Abraham Lincoln to Isabel II, 15 February 1862, CW, 5:133-34.

Committee on Conduct of War requests 8 P.M. interview with Lincoln. Wade to Lincoln, 14 February 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

"Reception at White House due today is omitted in consequence of the continued illness in the family of the President." Philadelphia News, 17 February 1862; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 14 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

[Harness shop charges Lincoln $6.00 for repairs, chamois, and sponges. Lutz Account Book.]

President announces that public safety renders it necessary to withhold reasons for arresting members of Maryland Legislature. Henry J. Raymond, The Life and Public Services of Abraham Lincoln . . . Together with his State Papers, including his Speeches, Addresses, Messages, Letters, and Proclamations and the Closing Scenes Connected with his Life and Death (New York: Derby & Miller, 1865), 378.

Lincoln writes Gen. Halleck that Gen. Grant can hold Fort Donelson, Tenn., unless overwhelmed from outside. To prevent this disaster enemy forces from Bowling Green, Ky., could be cut off by having gunboat destroy railroad bridge at Clarksville, Tenn. In the event Nashville is defended by forces from all South, "Could not a cavalry force from Gen. Thomas on the upper Cumberland, dash across, almost unresisted, and cut the Railroad at or near Knoxville, Tenn.?" Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 16 February 1862, CW, 5:135.

At night Sec. Stanton takes nomination of Gen. Grant as major general of volunteers to White House and President signs it. Notebook, February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes Stanton : "Some time ago I directed Henry M. Judah, of the regular Army, to be appointed a Brig. Genl. of volunteers. I understand my note on the subject, is lost or mislaid; and I now renew the direction." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 17 February 1862, CW, 5:135.

Cancels evening reception at the Executive Mansion because of children's illness. National Republican (Washington, DC), 18 February 1862, 2:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 18 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

President recommends by proclamation that people celebrate Washington's Birthday publicly by listening to reading of his "Farewell Address." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:6; Proclamation for Celebration of Washington's Birthday, 19 February 1862, CW, 5:136-37.

President Lincoln writes to Superintendent in the Office of U.S. Army Nurses Dorothea Dix. Earlier in the day, Dix wrote to Lincoln, presumably to offer her assistance in caring for the Lincolns' eleven-year-old son, Willie, who is seriously ill. Lincoln writes, "The President's & Mrs L's thanks to Miss Dix for her kind inquiry by note of this morning. They do not, just now, need the nurse, but will preserve Miss Dix note, and call on her if occasion hereafter shall require." Abraham Lincoln to Dorothea L. Dix, 19 February 1862, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Willie continues critically ill though somewhat easier than yesterday. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

President approves act prohibiting "coolie trade" by American citizens in American vessels. Stat. L., XII, 340.

Willie Lincoln dies at 5 P.M. President sends carriage for Senator and Mrs. Orville H. Browning (Ill.). They spend night at White House. Browning, Diary; National Republican (Washington, DC), 21 February 1862, 2:1.

President stops in secretary's office and says: "Well, Nicolay, my boy is gone—he is actually gone," and bursting into tears turns and goes into his own office. Notebook, February 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Lincoln is inconsolable. Elizabeth Keckley, Behind the Scenes: Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House (1868: reprint, Buffalo, NY: Stansil and Lee, 1931), 101.

Cabinet meets at 11 A.M. in State Dept.; President does not attend. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 21 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5; Bates, Diary.

Secretary of State William H. Seward confers with President about England's disapproval of U.S. proposals in Mason-Slidell case. Monaghan, Diplomat, 220.

Lincoln confers with Gen. Butler about New Orleans expedition. Benjamin F. Butler, Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences . . . Butler's Book (Boston: A. M. Thayer, 1892), 334-35.

President's recommendations for industrial exhibition in London fail to obtain congressional approval. N.Y. Tribune, 22 February 1862.

Congress meets and adjourns after reading "Journal" because of death in President's family. Cabinet requests Congress to cancel illumination of public buildings on Washington's birthday out of respect for President's family. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 21 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Cabinet members and wives call on President and Mrs. Lincoln. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 22 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:1.

President does not attend Washington's Birthday celebration at Capitol. Philadelphia News, 24 February 1862.

Tad Lincoln is sick. Browning, Diary.

At the request of the Cabinet and by Joint Resolution of Congress, public buildings are not illuminated this night from condolence for death of President's son. DNA—RG 42, Commissioner of Public Buildings, Letters Received; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 22 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Charles Edwards Lester calls in evening with Dr. Charles D. Brown, who embalmed Willie's body by new process. Lincoln looks in Green Room where body lies in state. Charles E. Lester, The Light and Dark of the Rebellion (Philadelphia, PA: n.p., 1863), 142-44; Charles E. Lester, Our First Hundred Years, 2 vols. (New York: n.p., 1875), 379n.

President and Sec. Stanton in conference at War Dept. are interrupted by Gen. Butler with instructions from Gen. McClellan to go ahead with expedition to New Orleans. Apparently President is not in favor of it. Benjamin F. Butler, Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences . . . Butler's Book (Boston: A. M. Thayer, 1892), 335.

The Lincoln family mourns the death of Abraham and Mary's eleven-year-old son Willie, who died on February 20. A newspaper reports, "The . . . body of little Willie Lincoln was visited to-day by a number of the friends of the family. The body was laid out in a plain suit of brown clothes, with a blossom of mignonette [flowers] on his left breast. . . . The funeral will take place at two o'clock to-morrow afternoon. The youngest son [Tad] of President Lincoln is considerably better to-day." New York Herald, 24 February 1862, 5:2.

Rev. Dr. Phineas D. Gurley conducts simple funeral service for Willie Lincoln at 2 P.M. in East Room while body remains in adjoining Green Parlor. Large crowd includes cabinet officers, foreign ministers, members of Congress, and citizens in general. National Intelligencer, 25 February 1862; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5; National Republican (Washington, DC), 25 February 1862, 2:1.

Robert Lincoln, and Senators Orville H. Browning (Ill.) and Lyman Trumbull (Ill.) accompany President to Oak Hill Cemetery, R and Washington Streets, Georgetown, where body of Willie is placed in William T. Carroll's vault. Browning, Diary.

Government departments closed because of funeral service for Willie Lincoln. National Republican (Washington, DC), 24 February 1862, 2:6; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

U.S. Supreme Court also adjourns for the day, out of respect for the President's grief. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 25 February 1862, 3:5.

Tad Lincoln is "decidedly better." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 24 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

Cabinet meets and discusses paroling prisoners of war. Bates, Diary.

President approves Treasury Note (Legal Tender) Bill that results in issuance of "Greenbacks." N.Y. Times, 26 February 1862.

Gen. Butler calls on Lincoln before leaving Washington for Ship Island, Miss., and New Orleans. President tells him to get into New Orleans and thus break back of rebellion. Rice, 142.

Consults with Committee on Conduct of War in evening and hears its recommendations that Army of Potomac be divided into corps. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:86-87.

Transmits to Congress Russian documentation relative to "Trent" affair. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 25 February 1862, CW, 5:137.

President, by military order pursuant to act of Congress, takes over all telegraph lines. National Intelligencer, 26 February 1862.

Interviews Gen. McClellan, about to start for Harper's Ferry, Va. McClellan to War Dept., undated, 8981, George B. McClellan Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Submits to Congress correspondence with "the Major King of Siam," and asks proper place for deposit of gifts received. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 26 February 1862, CW, 5:137.

Tad Lincoln no longer on critical list. Mrs. Lincoln improving but still confined to her room. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 26 February 1862, 2d ed., 2:1.

President appoints two-member commission to examine cases of state prisoners remaining in military custody. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 27 February 1862, 2d ed., 3:5.

Converses with Congressman William D. Kelley (Pa.) at White House about General George B. McClellan and Harper's Ferry, Va., secretary of war arrives at 7 P.M. with dispatches from McClellan. Long conference interrupted by entrance of General Randolph B. Marcy, McClellan's father-in-law and chief of staff. President, obviously dissatisfied with McClellan, says: "The general impression is daily gaining ground that the General does not intend to do anything." William D. Kelley, Lincoln and Stanton: A Study of the War Administration of 1861 and 1862: with Special Consideration of Some Recent Statements of Gen. George B. McClellan (New York: Putnam, 1885), 24-29; Notebook, 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Nicolay, Lincoln's Secretary, 142.

Because of ill health General Winfield Scott declines appointment to Mexico as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary. Senate Executive Journal, XII, 136; Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 27 February 1862, CW, 5:138.

Mrs. Lincoln is ill today. Boston Advertiser, 28 February 1862.

Cabinet meets. Discusses license to trade in seceded territory. Bates, Diary.

President visits Navy Yard and Arsenal. Elizabeth Edwards to Julia Baker, 1 March 1862, Ninian Edwards Papers, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Interviews Gen. McClellan on failure of program at Harper's Ferry, Va. Sen. Wade (Ohio) and Mil. Gov. Andrew Johnson (Tenn.) present. William D. Kelley, Lincoln and Stanton: A Study of the War Administration of 1861 and 1862: with Special Consideration of Some Recent Statements of Gen. George B. McClellan (New York: Putnam, 1885), 29.

Drinks tea with Elizabeth Todd Edwards, sister of Mrs. Lincoln, at White House during evening. Elizabeth Edwards to Julia Baker, 1 March 1862, Ninian Edwards Papers, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Issues order: "I hereby license and permit such commercial intercourse in all cases within the Rules and Regulations which have been, or may be, prescribed by the secretary of the treasury for the conducting and carrying on of the same, on the inland waters and ways of the United States." Order Relating to Commercial Intercourse, 28 February 1862, CW, 5:139.