Sec. Seward sends President document headed: "Some thoughts for the President's consideration." It contains thoughts relating to office seekers, relief of forts, blockade, martial law, foreign affairs, war with European powers, and Lincoln's responsibilities. Lincoln insists: "I remark that if this must be done, I must do it." Frederick W. Seward, Reminiscences of a War-Time Statesman and Diplomat, 1830-1915. By Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State during the Administrations of Lincoln, Johnson, and Hayes (New York: Putnam, 1916), 149; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:316-18.

Seward, Capt. Meigs, and Lt. David D. Porter (USN) hasten to White House with plans prepared by them, without knowledge of Sec. Welles, for reinforcing Fort Pickens, Fla. President signs papers, directing that plans be approved by Gen. Scott, and USS Powhatan is withheld from Sumter expedition against President's wishes. West, Welles, 101-2; Monaghan, Diplomat, 54-58; Abraham Lincoln to Andrew H. Foote, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:313-14; Abraham Lincoln to Andrew H. Foote, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:314; Abraham Lincoln to Samuel Mercer, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:314; Abraham Lincoln to Officers of the Army and Navy, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:315; Abraham Lincoln to David D. Porter, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:315; Abraham Lincoln to David D. Porter, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:315.

Sec. Welles goes to White House to protest recent instructions for expedition to Vera Cruz, Mexico and Pensacola, Fla. Welles, Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:318-19.

President writes: "Would it impose too much labor on General Scott to make short, comprehensive daily reports to me of what occurs in his Department?" Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 1 April 1861, CW, 4:316.

President announces that visitors will be received between 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. National Intelligencer, 2 April 1861.

Presidential family pays unexpected visit to Navy Yard, spends two hours there, and receives 21-gun salute. National Intelligencer, 3 April 1861; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 3 April 1861, 3:1.

During afternoon drive Lincoln visits military barracks. N.Y. Herald, 3 April 1861.

[Irwin withdraws $42 from Springfield Marine Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 176.]

Lincoln directs Sec. Seward to pay Capt. Meigs $10,000 "from the secret service fund" before Meigs leaves on expedition to reinforce Fort Pickens, Fla. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 2 April 1861, CW, 4:320.

Former Cong. Botts (Va.) confers with Lincoln from 7 to 11 P.M. about problems and expedients to prevent Virginia from seceding. George S. Boutwell, Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, 2 vols. (New York: McClure, Phillips, 1902), 2:62-64; U.S. Congress, Joint Committee on Reconstruction, Report of the Joint Committee on Reconstruction, 39th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1866), pt. 2, 114.

Sec. Seward reads to President from London "Times" opinion that citizens of U.S. and Great Britain are of same descent and their ambitions for civilization will always be the same. Frederic Bancroft, The Life of William H. Seward, 2 vols. (New York: Harper, 1900), 2:162-63.

President holds public reception. Randall, Lincoln, 1:369.

Prominent New York Republicans George Opdyke, David Dudley Field, James Wadsworth, and Horace Greeley write to Lincoln and recommend that he name someone from their "wing of the party" to the post of Surveyor of the Port of New York. Lincoln had already chosen a Greeley-backed candidate to fill the Collector's position. On Greeley's envelope, Lincoln jots down a comment about the fractious New York Republicans: "Greely, Opdyke, Field & Wadsworth, in favor of having the two big puddings on the same side of the board." Horace Greeley and others to Abraham Lincoln, 8 April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President devotes most of day to minor appointments. Memorandum: Appointment of Commissioner of Pensions, 9 April 1861, CW, 4:325; Memorandum: Appointment of Christian Metz, [c. 9 April 1861], CW, 4:325-26.

Ambrose W. Thompson, head, Chiriqui Improvement Company with land in Granadian Confederation (Panama near border of Costa Rica), interviews President regarding colonization and coal supply of navy. Thompson to Lincoln, 11 April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President confers for several hours with Governor Thomas H. Hicks (Md.). Evening Star (Washington, DC), 15 April 1861, 4:1.

Interviews Carl Schurz regarding appointment to command of four regiments. Schurz to Lincoln, 11 April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Purchases harness punch from Lutz and Co., leather goods merchants, for $1.25. Lutz Account Book. In possession of John Plugge, Chevy Chase, Md.

Cabinet discusses general matters in short session. Bates, Diary.

Lincoln appoints W. H. Lamon marshal for District of Columbia. National Intelligencer, 12 April 1861.

Receives unofficially Virginia commissioners: former Congressman William B. Preston (Va.), Alexander H. H. Stuart, and George W. Randolph. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 13 April 1861, 2:2.

Confides in Sen. Charles Sumner (Mass.) that Fort Sumter, S.C., will not be surrendered. Pierce, Sumner Memoir and Letters, 4:41.

At 9:00 AM, President again meets with commissioners appointed by Convention of State of Virginia on April 8, 1861, and replies in writing: "In case it proves true, that Fort-Sumpter has been assaulted, as is reported, I shall perhaps, cause the United [States] mails to be withdrawn from all the States which claim to have seceded— . . . I consider the Military posts and property situated within the states, which claim to have seceded, as yet belonging to the Government. . . . I shall not attempt to collect the duties, and imposts, by any armed invasion of any part of the country—not meaning by this, however, that I may not land a force, deemed necessary, to relieve a fort upon a border of the country." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 13 April 1861, 2:2; Abraham Lincoln to a Committee from the Virginia Convention, [13 April 1861], CW, 4:329-31.

Lincoln grants William O. Stoddard of Illinois, White House assistant secretary, permission to join National Rifles, but active service is superseded by civilian duties. William O. Stoddard, Lincoln's Third Secretary: The Memoirs of William O. Stoddard, ed. by William O. Stoddard, Jr. (New York: Exposition Press, 1955), 79-81.

Receives no information on Charleston except through press. Baltimore Sun, 15 April 1861.

Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Robert J. Walker, former secretary of treasury and senator from Mississippi, James R. Gilmore of Cincinnati, editor and author of "Among the Pines," and Lincoln converse for two hours about conditions in South. James R. Gilmore, Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War (Boston: Page, 1898), 13-22.

Attends for few minutes reception in Mrs. Lincoln's drawing room. Baltimore Sun, 15 April 1861.

Lincoln holds patronage conference with Pennsylvania delegation including Gov. Curtin (Pa.). National Intelligencer, 17 April 1861.

Writes Sec. Cameron: "I especially wish Robert A. Kinzie to be appointed a Pay-Master. This is not a formality, but an earnest reality." Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 16 April 1861, CW, 4:335.

Company of Marylanders calls upon President and urges reinforcement of Fort McHenry, Md. N.Y. Times, 18 April 1861.

Lincoln confers with Gen. Scott on matters pertaining to Harper's Ferry, Va., Gosport Navy Yard, Va., and defense of Washington. Scott's Daily Report No. 15, 17 April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews George T. Whittington of Alexandria, Va., and recommends that Sec. Seward send him to Richmond to "make observations for us." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 17 April 1861, CW, 8:416-17.

Lincoln hears eyewitness account of what Mr. Wiley of New York saw in Charleston Friday night, April 12, 1861. National Intelligencer, 18 April 1861.

Interviews New York "Tribune" correspondent, Bayard Taylor. N.Y. Tribune, 23 April 1861.

Quarters Jim Lane's "Frontier Guards" (600 Kansas men) in East Room of White House under Maj. Hunter. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 1.

F. P. Blair, Sr., allegedly at request of Lincoln, unofficially offers Col. Robert E. Lee command of Federal Army. Lee to Johnson, 25 February 1868, Robert E. Lee Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President confers with Sec. Welles and Gen. Scott on military protection of Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. Cabinet in evening meeting discusses fall of Harper's Ferry, Va., and possible attack on Navy Yard. Gideon Welles, "Fort Sumter, Facts in Relation to the Expedition Ordered by the Administration of President Lincoln for the Relief of the Garrison in Fort Sumter," Galaxy 10 (November 1870):117.

Lincoln retires early, but is awakened by John Hay, assistant secretary to President, bearing warning of possible plot against his life; merely grins. Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington 1860-1865 (New York: Harper, 1941), 59.

Cabinet in morning session hears Comdr. James Alden's (USN) story of conditions at Norfolk. Gideon Welles, "Fort Sumter, Facts in Relation to the Expedition Ordered by the Administration of President Lincoln for the Relief of the Garrison in Fort Sumter," Galaxy 10 (November 1870):118-19.

Lincoln orders "a blockade of the ports" in the seceded states of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The states' status affects "that provision of the Constitution which requires duties to be uniform throughout the United States." Additionally, the blockade will protect "the lives, vessels, and property of good citizens of the country lawfully engaged in commerce on the high seas, and in waters of the United States." Proclamation of a Blockade, 19 April 1861, CW, 4:338-39.

Drives out to inspect forts around Washington. Attempts to aid Gosport Navy Yard, Va., but fails. Monaghan, Diplomat, 75-76.

Representatives of Mayor George W. Brown (Baltimore) present letter informing Lincoln "that it is not possible for more soldiers to pass through Baltimore unless they fight their way at every step." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown, 20 April 1861, CW, 4:340-41.

President receives telegram from Gov. Hicks (Md.) and Brown that 6th Massachusetts Infantry passing through Baltimore is attacked by mob. Approximately four soldiers and nine citizens killed. Benjamin P. Thomas, Abraham Lincoln: A Biography (New York: Knopf, 1952), 260-61; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown, 20 April 1861, CW, 4:340-41.

Interviews Col. John B. Magruder, commanding 1st U.S. Artillery defending Washington, who thinks of resigning. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 6.

President is "annoyed" to learn his hotel bill ($773.75) has not been paid. Sends John G. Nicolay to pay it and obtain receipt. DLC—Willards' Register; Lincoln to Willards', 19 April 1861, in possession of Willard Hotel, Washington, DC.

[See February 23, 1861.]

President confers with Gen. Scott at 8 A.M. about troops passing through Baltimore. Nicolay Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Calls Gov. Hicks (Md.) and Mayor Brown (Baltimore) to Washington for conference "relative to preserving the peace of Maryland." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown, 20 April 1861, CW, 4:340-41; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown, 20 April 1861, CW, 4:341.

Interviews Sen. Anthony Kennedy (Md.) and former Cong. J. Morrison Harris (Md.) relative to movement of troops through Maryland. N.Y. Times, 27 April 1861.

President and John Hay, assistant secretary to President, look down bay from roof of White House. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 6.

Cabinet again convenes in Navy Dept. to plan action of government. Randall, Lincoln, 1:364.

Lucius E. Chittenden, registrar of treasury, takes Dr. James Wynne, author and resident of New York, to White House for conference on conditions in New York. Lucius E. Chittenden, Recollections of President Lincoln and his Administration (New York: Harper, 1891), 118-19.

From late morning to early afternoon, President confers further with Mayor George W. Brown (Baltimore), General Winfield Scott, and cabinet on moving troops through Maryland. National Republican (Washington, DC), 23 April 1861, 2:4-5; Randall, Lincoln, 3:159.

Around 11 a.m., approximately "twenty . . . highly respectable citizens of Baltimore" arrive at the White House to meet with President Lincoln. The group requests that Lincoln "not . . . bring troops through Maryland at this time." Lincoln responds that his goal is to "secure this Capitol to the Government, and protect the lives of its citizens." A newspaper reports, "While it is evident that it is the earnest desire of the President to prevent bloodshed in Maryland, he is doubtless unflinchingly determined that, forcibly, if necessary, the communication of this city with the progressing bodies of troops coming to its relief shall be kept open." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 22 April 1861, 3:6; National Republican (Washington, DC), 23 April 1861, 2:2; Reply to Baltimore Committee, 22 April 1861, CW, 4:341-42.

Lincoln surprised at resignation of Col. Magruder who three days ago expressed loyalty. Nicolay, Lincoln's Secretary, 95.

Cassius M. Clay, wearing three pistols and "Arkansas toothpick" (Bowie knife), calls on Lincoln. Sec. Chase complains to President about everybody issuing orders. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Lincoln instructs Sec. Seward to inform Gov. Hicks (Md.) that domestic matters will not be referred to foreign arbitrament. 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), 175; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas H. Hicks and George W. Brown, 20 April 1861, CW, 4:341.

Cabinet meeting 3 P.M. Nicolay to Welles, 22 April 1861, Gideon Welles Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Former Cong. Henry W. Davis (Md.) interviews President and members of cabinet on problems of peace. Baltimore Sun, 24 April 1861.

Henry Villard, speaking for James Gordon Bennett, founder of New York "Herald," informs President and Chase that Bennett will back administration unconditionally and offers son's yacht as gift to government revenue service. Henry Villard, Memoirs of Henry Villard, 2 vols. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1904), 1:162.

Deputation of 16 Virginians and 8 Marylanders visits Executive Mansion and demands cessation of hostilities until Congress convenes. N.Y. Times, 27 April 1861.

President confers with Gen. Scott in driveway of Executive Mansion to save his gouty visitor pain of climbing stairs. Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington 1860-1865 (New York: Harper, 1941), 62.

Lincoln paces floor awaiting troops for defense of Washington. Nicolay, Lincoln's Secretary, 95.

Cabinet meeting around noon. Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington 1860-1865 (New York: Harper, 1941), 64.

President considers preventing Maryland Legislature from meeting and possibly arming people of that state against U.S. and concludes it would not be justifiable. Abraham Lincoln to Winfield Scott, 25 April 1861, CW, 4:344.

Secretary of the Interior Caleb B. Smith consults with Lincoln on readying Fortress Monroe, Va., preparatory to retaking Fort Sumter, S.C. Hay, Letters and Diary.

In early afternoon President, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and Secretary of War Simon Cameron review 7th New York Regiment. National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 April 1861, 3:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 25 April 1861, 3:1.

Labels clippings from New York "Times" of this date, "Villainous articles." Clippings, 25 April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Congressman Charles H. Van Wyck (N.Y.) asks Lincoln for temporary active duty while awaiting arrival of regiment. Van Wyck to Nicolay, 29 April 1861, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

New York committee calls upon President to state "with great clearness that the people were absolutely determined on maintaining their Government." New-York Daily Tribune, 1 May 1861, 5:1; National Republican (Washington, DC), 30 April 1861, 2:3-4.

Mayor Berret (Washington) makes formal call at White House. National Intelligencer, 1 March 1861.

Lincoln has picture made on White House lawn with citizen-soldiers of Cassius M. Clay Battalion. LL, No. 1450.

Borrows from Library of Congress "Placier Times and Transcript, part 2, 1855." Borrowers' Ledger 1859-62, 350, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC. [San Francisco, Daily Placer Times and Transcript, 16 June 1851-17 December 1855.]

Writes Secretary of Navy Gideon Welles: "You will please to have as strong a War Steamer as you can conveniently put on that duty, to cruise upon the Potomac, and to look in upon, and, if practicable, examine the Bluff and vicinity, at what is called the White House [Va.], once or twice per day." Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 29 April 1861, CW, 4:348-49.

President approves enrolling loyal citizens of St. Louis for maintaining authority of U.S. DNA—WR RG 94, Adjt. Gen. Off., Letters Received, Misc. Branch, XXXVII, pt. 2, 942.

Visits quarters of various regiments stationed near Washington. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 1 May 1861, 3:1; National Republican (Washington, DC), 1 May 1861, 3:2.

Three Potawatomi Indians call on their Great Father. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 14.

In the afternoon, President Lincoln meets with Rufus King and with Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a member of the Seventh New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Shaw recalls, "Mr. Lincoln was sitting at a desk perfectly covered with letters & papers of every description." Shaw concludes, "Though you can't judge of a man in a five minute conversation, we were very much pleased with what we did see of him." Russell Duncan, ed., Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune: The Civil War Letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1992), 90-91.

In evening Carl Schurz, Postmaster General Blair, and G. V. Fox interview Lincoln. Hay, Letters and Diary.