President by proclamation reduces scope of commercial intercourse with insurrectionary states. Proclamation about Commercial Intercourse, 2 April 1863, CW, 6:159-60.

Convinces Sec. Welles that Rear Adm. Farragut's position should be strengthened. Accordingly Welles orders Rear Adm. Du Pont to send all but two ironclads to New Orleans as soon as Charleston surrenders. Gustavus V. Fox, Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, 2 vols. (New York: n.p., 1918), 1:197; West, Welles, 231.

President and Mrs. Lincoln receive at public White House reception. Jane Grey Swisshelm, abolitionist journalist, meets Lincoln for first time. Frank Klement, "Jane Grey Swisshelm and Lincoln: A Feminist Fusses and Frets," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 6 (December 1950):234-35.

In evening President calls at Welles' house to read letter prepared by Welles concerning privateers. Welles, Diary.

Deposits June 1862 salary warrant for $2,083.33 in Riggs Bank. Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

President and party of six arrive at mouth of Aquia Creek Sunday morning. Board special train at 10 A.M. and reach General Hooker's headquarters at Falmouth about noon. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 6 April 1863, 2d ed., 2:1.

Occupy three large hospital tents. Brooks, Washington, 48.

Lincoln reads "rebel papers" for news of Charleston. Noah Brooks, "Personal Reminiscences of Lincoln," Scribner's Monthly 15 (1877/1878):673.

During a visit to the Army of the Potomac's headquarters, President Lincoln "reviews . . . some sixty thousand men," representing four infantry corps. Journalist Noah Brooks accompanies Lincoln's party, and recalls, "[I]t was a splendid sight to witness their grand martial array as they wound over hills and rolling ground, coming from miles around . . . The President expressed himself as delighted with the appearance of the soldiery . . . It was noticeable that the President merely touched his hat in return salute to the officers, but uncovered to the men in the ranks." Noah Brooks, Washington in Lincoln's Time (New York: Rinehart & Company, 1958), 51-55; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 April 1863, 2d ed., 2:1.

Telegraphs Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles that Richmond papers report: 1. "'Important movements are taking place here; but for military reasons no particulars can yet be telegraphed;'" 2. "'On yesterday morning eight Monitors and ironclads were off the bar at Charleston. . . . May Heaven shield Charleston from all the rage of her enemies and ours.' " Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 8 April 1863, CW, 6:165-66.

President reviews I, VII, and IX Corps at noon. Brooks, Washington, 50; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 10 April 1863, 2d ed., 2:1.

Telegraphs Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles editorial from Richmond Whig regarding military situation at Charleston. Abraham Lincoln to Gideon Welles, 9 April 1863, CW, 6:166-67.

President reviews XI and XII Corps and visits Gen. Oliver O. Howard's headquarters before leaving for Aquia Creek. Brooks, Washington, 51; National Intelligencer, 14 April 1863; Oliver O. Howard, "Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln," Century Magazine 75 (1908):875.

Invites Generals Sickles and Schurz to accompany party to Washington. Noah Brooks, "Personal Reminiscences of Lincoln," Scribner's Monthly 15 (1877/1878):674.

Leaves Aquia Creek on board Carrie Martin in afternoon and arrives home about midnight. National Intelligencer, 11 April 1863; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 11 April 1863, 3d ed., 2:1.

President calls morning meeting of Secretaries Welles, Seward, Chase, Stanton, Assistant Secretary Fox, and General Halleck to discuss general military situation. Welles, Diary; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 11 April 1863, 3d ed., 2:1.

Group which returned from General Hooker's headquarters together has dinner with President at White House. General Schurz converses privately with Lincoln, who thinks Schurz cannot "forget that he is an adopted citizen of the country." Noah Brooks, "Personal Reminiscences of Lincoln," Scribner's Monthly 15 (1877/1878):674.

President refuses request of Schurz to have his division separated from Army of Potomac. Abraham Lincoln to Carl Schurz, 11 April 1863, CW, 6:168.

In evening, President Lincoln attends the Washington Theatre to watch British burlesque actress Matilda Vining Wood portray Pocahontas. A newspaper reports, "President Lincoln was present and laughed some." A critic once wrote, "Mrs. Wood is one of the few artists to whom it is impossible to be indifferent. The moment her voice is heard from the wing, the ear is attent, and when her saucy face appears, all eyes are . . . watchful lest they miss the comical, or impudent, or ludicrous, or mock-heroic byplay, which radiates over her features." Evening Star (Washington, DC), 13 April 1863, 1:4, 2:1; Barnard Hewitt, "Mrs. John Wood and the Lost Art of Burlesque Acting," Educational Theatre Journal 13, no. 2 (May 1961): 82-85.

[Irwin withdraws $9 from Springfield Marine Bank, semiannual payment of interest on scholarship at Illinois State University. Pratt, Personal Finances, 177.]

Lincoln invites Dr. Henry to White House for breakfast. Anson G. Henry to wife, 12 April 1863, Anson G. Henry Papers, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

President and Sec. Stanton visit Navy Dept. about noon for report on naval action at Charleston. Between 2 and 3 P.M. Sec. Welles receives word of Rear Adm. Du Pont's failure to capture Charleston and goes immediately to White House with news. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln acknowledges receipt of Gen. Hooker's letter by hand of Gen. Daniel Butterfield. Hooker proposes to cross Rappahannock and move against enemy as soon as cavalry gets between Richmond and enemy to block his retreat. Cavalry marches on 13th. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker, 12 April 1863, CW, 6:169.

President congratulates Frederic, Grand Duke of Baden, on marriage of Prince William of Baden. Abraham Lincoln to Frederic, Grand Duke of Baden, 13 April 1863, CW, 6:170-71.

Orders Rear Adm. Du Pont to hold his position inside bar near Charleston. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel F. Du Pont, 13 April 1863, CW, 6:170.

In conversation with Sen. Sumner (Mass.), seems more hopeful for outcome of expedition to Charleston. Pierce, Sumner Memoir and Letters, 4:133.

Lincoln explains to former Cong. Bouligny (La.) why promised appointment as surveyor of Port of New Orleans was not confirmed. Abraham Lincoln to John E. Bouligny, 14 April 1863, CW, 6:172-73.

Orders Gen. Hunter and Rear Adm. Du Pont to keep up demonstration against Charleston "for a time." Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter and Samuel F. Du Pont, 14 April 1863, CW, 6:173-74.

Telegraphs Gen. Hooker: "Would like to have a letter from you as soon as convenient." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker, 14 April 1863, CW, 6:173.

Mayor Wallach (Washington) and committee from school board of Washington confer with President on granting scholarships to service academies to students in public schools of that city. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 16 April 1863, 2d ed., 3:1.

President calls Senator Charles Sumner (Mass.) to White House for conference on resolution regarding slavery that might shape English public opinion in favor of U.S. Government. Resolution on Slavery, [15 April 1863], CW, 6:176-77.

Sends note: "Hon. Sec. of Treasury, please give Louis [Bargdorf, doorkeeper at White House], whom you know, an audience of a few minutes." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 15 April 1863, CW, 6:175.

Expresses uneasiness over progress of cavalry under General Stoneman: "I do not know that any better can be done, but I greatly fear it is another failure already." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Hooker, 15 April 1863, CW, 6:175-76.

President cancels contract with B. Kock "for immigration of persons of African extraction to a dependency of the Republic of Hayti." Proclamation Cancelling Contract with Bernard Koch, 16 April 1863, CW, 6:178-79.

Mil. Gov. Johnson introduces Judge John S. Brien of Nashville to President. Andrew Johnson to Abraham Lincoln, 17 April 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

John Hay writes from Hilton Head, S.C., regarding attitude of Gen. Hunter and Rear Adm. Du Pont toward President's order of 13th. Hay is on assignment to deliver Sec. Welles' order of April 2, 1863. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter and Samuel F. Du Pont, 14 April 1863, CW, 6:173-74.

Lincoln writes memorandum concerning patronage in St. Louis. Editor of Missouri "Democrat" appointed postmaster. Party divides into factions. "I have stoutly tried to keep out of the quarrel, and so mean to do." Memorandum Concerning Patronage in St. Louis, Missouri, 16 April 1863, CW, 6:178.

Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.

President authorizes Assistant Secretary Harrington to discharge duties of secretary of treasury in absence of Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase. Appointment of George Harrington, 18 April 1863, CW, 6:179-80.

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles discusses with President letter he wrote to Secretary of State William H. Seward on handling mails. Welles, Diary.

Surrenders confiscated mails to President under protest. Monaghan, Diplomat, 304.

President recognizes Johannes Schumacher as consul of Free Hanse City of Bremen at Boston. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 22 April 1863, 2d ed., 1:3.

General Heintzelman, with wife and daughter, spends evening at White House with Mrs. Lincoln, who tells Mrs. Heintzelman that Charles Heintzelman will go to West Point. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

"The President and Halleck went down to the Army very privately yesterday leaving here before daylight, and returning the same night." "Castine" [Noah Brooks], Washington, April 20, 1863, in Sacramento Union, May 18, 1863. "The President and the Secretary of War went off on a reconnaissance yesterday, I suppose to Aquia Creek, but returned in the evening. What they did or saw has not transpired." Nicolay to Hay, 20 April 1863, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President promises Mrs. James E. Dunawin that application for pardon of husband will have attention of attorney general. Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates, 20 April 1863, CW, 6:180.

Issues proclamation admitting West Virginia into Union. Proclamation Admitting West Virginia into the Union, 20 April 1863, CW, 6:181; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 21 April 1863, 2d ed., 2:3.

Delphy Carlin, of St. Louis, sees President and asks that son be so employed as to avoid facing in battle his brother in Confederate army. Carlin to Lincoln, 21 April 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President Lincoln gives a "full and unconditional pardon" to John Cunningham, who is serving eight years in prison after a Washington, D. C. court "convicted [him] on two indictments for assault with intent to kill." Lincoln notes that Cunningham "was but eighteen" when he committed the crime, and "his widowed mother is in distress for want of his supporting care." Further, "the inspectors of the penitentiary, the Mayor of Washington, and other citizens have petitioned me in his behalf." Pardon of John Cunningham, 20 April 1863, The Lincoln Museum, Ft. Wayne, IN.

Cabinet meets. "Only some light matters came before" it. Welles, Diary.

President sends congratulations to Frederic VII, King of Denmark, on marriage to Princess Alexandra to Prince of Wales. Abraham Lincoln to Frederic VII, 21 April 1863, CW, 6:182-83.

Ask Secs. Seward and Welles for information to help decide practical question of proper disposition of government mail of a neutral power found on board vessel captured by belligerent power. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward and Gideon Welles, 21 April 1863, CW, 6:183-84.

Edward Stanly, former military governor of North Carolina, interviews President on behalf of Gen. Foster. Memorandum Concerning John G. Foster, 22 April 1863, CW, 6:184.

[Irwin withdraws $2,000 from Springfield Marine Bank, loan to himself. Pratt, Personal Finances, 177.]

Lincoln writes to fellow Republican, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, on behalf of Mary Lincoln. Lincoln explains, "Mrs. L. is embarrassed a little. She would be pleased to have your company again this evening, at the Opera, but she fears she may be taxing you. I have undertaken to clear up the little difficulty. If, for any reason, it will tax you, decline, without any hesitation; but if it will not, consider yourself already invited, and drop me a note." Abraham Lincoln to Charles Sumner, 22 April 1863, CW, 6:185.

Answers inquiry of Gen. Rosecrans at Murfreesboro, Tenn.: "I really can not say that I have heard any complaints of you." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans, 22 [23] April 1863, CW, 6:186.

President allegedly attends spiritualist seance in White House. Nothing happens until Lincoln leaves. Then spirits pinch Sec. Stanton 's ears and tweak Sec. Welles' beard. Elizabeth Lindsey, "Observance of the Lincoln Centennial," Lincoln Herald 59 (Fall 1957):14.

President commutes one, and approves another, of two sentences to shoot soldiers for desertion. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 23 April 1863, 2d ed., 2:1.

Commends former Cong. Segar (Va.) for showing interest in section of Emancipation Proclamation pertaining to "Eastern Shore of Virginia." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Segar, 23 April 1863, CW, 6:186-87.

Cabinet meets. Welles, Diary.

Francis L. Capen, "Certified Practical Meteorologist & Expert in Computing the Changes of the Weather," interviews Lincoln for job as weather consultant for War Dept. Memorandum Concerning Francis L. Capen's Weather Forecasts, 28 April 1863, CW, 6:190-91.

President at Navy Bureau of Ordnance in morning talks to Rear Adm. Dahlgren and reads late telegrams. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President reassures Gov. Curtin (Pa.): "I do not think the people of Pennsylvania should be uneasy about an invasion." Abraham Lincoln to Andrew G. Curtin, 28 April 1863, CW, 6:189.

Cabinet meets. President engaged in selecting provost marshals. Welles, Diary.

President Lincoln annotates a letter from Francis Capen, who claims to be a "Certified Practical Meteorologist—& Expert in Computing the Changes of the Weather." Capen assures that his weather-forecasting talent will benefit the War Department. Lincoln writes, "It seems . . . Mr. Capen knows nothing about the weather, in advance. He told me three days ago that it would not rain again till the 30th. of April or 1st. of May. It is raining now & has been for ten hours. I can not spare any more time to Mr. Capen." Francis L. Capen to Abraham Lincoln, 25 April 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Memorandum Concerning Francis L. Capen's Weather Forecasts, 28 April 1863, CW, 6:190-91.

Lincoln visits Navy Ordnance Bureau to settle claim of Horatio Ames of Connecticut regarding contract for big guns. Bruce, Tools of War, 236-37.

President requests former Gov. Newell (N.J.) to adjust trouble about provost marshal or come to Washington. Abraham Lincoln to William A. Newell, 29 April 1863, CW, 6:191.

President Lincoln writes to the commanding officer at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory, and requests consideration for John B. S. Todd, who is related to Lincoln's wife, Mary. After recently completing a term as delegate in Congress, Todd prepares to return to the Dakota Territory. Lincoln directs, "[G]ive him & his family such protection as you properly can in the event it becomes necessary. You will also afford them such facilities for crossing & recrossing the river there as are usually employed." Abraham Lincoln to Commanding Officer at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory, 29 April 1863, Inserted in John Fiske, The Presidents of America, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, MA.

Lincoln is notified that he has been made life member of Chicago Young Men's Christian Association, someone having contributed $100 on his behalf. Jacobs to Lincoln, 30 April 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Writes Gen. Hunter to restore Capt. David Schaadt, Co. D, 176th Pennsylvania Regiment, if there is no evidence but his refusal to sanction resolution endorsing Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter, 30 April 1863, CW, 6:191-92.