President interviews Patrick Murphy of New York, father of Col. Murphy, regarding employment. Abraham Lincoln to Hiram Barney, 1 August 1863, CW, 6:361.

J. G. Hamilton of Illinois sees President in interest of William T. Smithson, held in Old Capitol Prison, 1st St., on charge of treason. Endorsement Concerning William T. Smithson, 1 August 1863, CW, 6:361.

President transmits to adjutant general petition of citizens of Shenandoah Valley requesting that Gen. Milroy be restored to command. DNA—WR RG 107, Off. Sec. War, Register of Letters Received, EB 3, Entry 117.

President and John Hay attend dedication of new printing office, home of Washington "Chronicle," on 9th St. Hay, Letters and Diary.

President converts eleven salary drafts, August 1862 to June 1863, amounting to $22,306.67 into U.S. treasury loan certificate bearing 5 per cent interest. Washington Chronicle, 17 October 1864; Pratt, Personal Finances, 182.

Lincoln orders stay of execution in case of Dr. David M. Wright for the murder of Second Lieutenant Alanson L. Sanborn in Norfolk, Virginia. Abraham Lincoln to John G. Foster, 3 August 1863, CW, 6:362.

Regrets Gen. James H. Van Alen, 3d New York Cavalry, forced to resign because of poor health. Abraham Lincoln to James H. Van Alen, 3 August 1863, CW, 6:363.

Writes second memorandum on appointment of G. T. Harris to West Point. "As soon as I consistently can, I wish to oblige Bishop McIlvaine." Memorandum: Appointment of George T. Harris, 3 August 1863, CW, 6:362.

Cabinet meets. Seward talks on subject of prizes and prize courts. Welles, Diary.

Cong. Boutwell (Mass.) interviews President on Louisiana affairs. Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 5 August 1863, CW, 6:364-66.

Lincoln receives July salary warrant for $2,022.33. Pratt, Personal Finances, 183.

President Lincoln writes to General Nathaniel P. Banks regarding Louisiana's possible readmission into the Union. Lincoln writes, "I would be glad for her to make a new Constitution recognizing the emancipation proclamation . . . And . . . to adopt some practical system by which the two races could gradually live themselves out of their old relation to each other, and both come out better prepared for the new. Education for young blacks should be included in the plan." Lincoln adds, "If these views can . . . giv[e] . . . impetus, to action there, I shall be glad for you to use them prudently for that object." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 5 August 1863, CW, 6:364-66.

Telegraphs Cincinnati "Gazette": "Please send me your present posting as to Kentucky election." Abraham Lincoln to the Cincinnati Gazette, 5 August 1863, CW, 6:366.

Reviews production of gunpowder by Capt. Diller and Dr. Charles M. Wetherill in letter to I. Newton and discusses Wetherill's salary. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac Newton, 5 August 1863, CW, 6:367-68.

President attends church services, having proclaimed August 6, 1863 day of thanksgiving. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Speaks at Union meeting in city. John W. Forney, Anecdotes of Public Men, 2 vols. (New York: Harper, 1873-81), 1:168.

Informs John Hay that danger of war with England is past, temporarily at least. Monaghan, Diplomat, 321.

Lincoln declines invitation of Gov. Joseph A. Gilmore (N.H.) to visit Concord, N.H. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gilmore, 7 August 1863, CW, 6:368.

Directs that $20,000 be placed under control of Sec. Seward and $80,000 under control of Sec. Stanton for expenses of carrying into effect habeas corpus act. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 7 August 1863, CW, 6:368-69; Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 7 August 1863, CW, 6:370-71.

President Lincoln responds to New York Governor Horatio Seymour, who seeks to halt "the draft in this State." Seymour cited the recent New York City draft riots and he suggeted that the draft law was unconstitutional. Lincoln disagrees and writes, "time is too important. . . . We are contending with an enemy who . . . drives every able bodied man he can reach, into his ranks, very much as a butcher drives bullocks into a slaughter-pen. . . . It produces an army with a rapidity not to be matched on our side . . . My purpose is to be just and constitutional; and yet practical." Horatio Seymour to Abraham Lincoln, 3 August 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, 7 August 1863, CW, 6:369-70.

[Mrs. Lincoln and Robert are in White Mountains. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 75.]

President sends Gov. Peirpoint (Va.) to Portsmouth, Va., to aid destitute families. Abraham Lincoln to John G. Foster, 8 August 1863, CW, 6:371.

President Lincoln writes to his wife Mary and relays news to her and their son Tad. He writes, "Tell dear Tad, poor 'Nanny Goat,' is lost; and [the housekeeper] Mrs. Cuthbert & I are in distress...The day you left Nanny was found resting...and chewing her little cud, on the middle of Tad's bed. But now she's gone! The gardener kept complaining that she destroyed the flowers...it was concluded to bring her down to the White House. This was done, and the second day she had disappeared, and has not been heard of since." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 8 August 1863, CW, 6:371-72; Justin G. Turner and Linda Levitt Turner, Mary Todd Lincoln: Her Life and Letters (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1972), 99.

Lincoln acknowledges receipt of petition from people of East Tennessee presented by John M. Fleming and Robert Morrow: "The Secretary of War , Gen. Halleck, Gen. Burnside, and Gen. Rosecrans are all engaged now in an effort to relieve your section." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Fleming and Robert Morrow, 9 August 1863, CW, 6:373-74.

President Lincoln writes to General Ulysses S. Grant and lobbies for the recruitment of black soldiers. Lincoln writes, "Gen. [Lorenzo] Thomas has gone again to the Mississippi Valley, with the view of raising colored troops. I have no reason to doubt that you are doing what you reasonably can upon the same subject. I believe it is a resource which, if vigorously applied now, will soon close the contest. It works doubly, weakening the enemy and strengthening us." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 9 August 1863, CW, 6:374-75.

In company of John Hay visits new studio of Alexander and James Gardner, corner of 7th and D Sts., over Shephard and Riley's Bookstore, and poses for several photographs. Frederick H. Meserve and Carl Sandburg, The Photographs of Abraham Lincoln (New York: Harcourt Brace, 1944), 9 August 1863.

Lincoln assures Gen. Rosecrans: "I am not casting blame upon you. I rather think, by great exertion, you can get to East Tennessee. . . . I think of you in all kindness and confidence: . . . I am not watching you with an evil-eye." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans, 10 August 1863, CW, 6:377-78.

President Lincoln meets with Senator Samuel Pomeroy, of Kansas, and with abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. Lincoln's personal secretary John Hay recorded, "[Douglass] intends to go south and help the recruiting among his people." Also on this day, Lincoln adds the endorsement, "I concur," to a letter that the Secretary of the Interior John Usher and Senator Pomeroy signed. The letter acknowledges, "Douglass, is . . . a loyal, free, man, and is, hence, entitled to travel, unmolested. We trust he will be recognized everywhere, as a free man, and a gentleman." Michael Burlingame and John R. Turner Ettlinger, eds., Inside Lincoln's White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1997), 72; Pass for Frederick Douglass, 10 August 1863, CW, 10:198; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 11 August 1863, 2:4.

Gen. Hooker visits Lincoln and accepts offer of command under Gen. Meade. Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 11 August 1863, CW, 6:381.

At cabinet meeting President reads letter from Gov. Seymour (N.Y.) asking that draft be postponed and his own reply refusing to postpone it. Welles, Diary.

Writes Mrs. Elizabeth E. Hutter, Miss Claghorn, and Misses Lager of Philadelphia: "If anything could enhance to me the value of this representation of our national ensign, so elegantly executed and so gracefully bestowed, it would be the consideration that its price has been devoted to the comfort and restoration of those heroic men, who have suffered and bled in our flag's defense." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Hutter, Misses Lager, and Miss Claghorn, 10 August 1863, CW, 6:375-76.

Sends his ideas regarding treatment of captured neutrals in prize courts to Sec. Seward, and concludes: "My judgment [is] that the within, substantially, should be the answer to Lord Lyons." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 10 August 1863, CW, 6:378-80.

Inquires of Sec. Stanton : "I have not heard of any charges being filed against Gen. J. A. McClernand. Are there any?" Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 10 August 1863, CW, 6:380.

At cabinet meeting President reads another letter from Gov. Seymour (N.Y.) on draft. Problem of drafting skilled workers arises in cabinet discussions. Welles, Diary.

Atty. Gen. Bates presents to cabinet material reflecting on Gen. Halleck. Bates, Diary.

Lincoln again makes it clear to Seymour that draft cannot be suspended. Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, 11 August 1863, CW, 6:381-82.

President writes check: "No. 52 Washington, D.C. Aug. 11 1863 RIGGS & CO. Pay to Colored man, with one leg. or bearer Five . . . . . . Dollars $5/00. A. Lincoln." Check, 11 August 1863, CW, 6:380.

Informs Gen. Meade that Gen. Hooker would accept command under him, "if it was still open." Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 11 August 1863, CW, 6:381.

William G. Greene of Illinois calls and presents letter on behalf of Gen. McClernand signed by Gov. Yates (Ill.), O. M. Hatch, and J. K. Dubois. Lincoln writes McClernand: "For me to force you back upon Gen. Grant, would be forcing him to resign. I can not give you a new command, because we have no forces except such as already have commanders. . . . This is now your case, which, as I have before said, pains me, not less than it does you." Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand, 12 August 1863, CW, 6:383-84.

Interviews Gen. Blair, former Cong. Edward Haight (N.Y.), and former Cong. R. Holland Duell (N.Y.). N.Y. Herald, 14 August 1863.

President Lincoln writes to Judge Advocate General Joseph Holt regarding Major Alexander Montgomery's dismissal from the Army. Montgomery allegedly remarked that "President Lincoln ought to have his dam'd black heart cut out for issuing his proclamation of Emancipation." Lincoln writes, "As the principal charge, can be given the appearance at least of being merely personally offensive to me, and as [Montgomery] denies it, I think he should have a Court-Martial, rather than to abide my arbitrary dismissal. Please give him the Court-Martial if he desires it." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Holt, 13 August 1863, CW, 6:385; John S. Cosgrove to Alexander Montgomery, 17 October 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Group of Republican leaders including Sen. Harris (N.Y.) and Gov. David Tod (Ohio) confers at White House with President. N.Y. Herald, 14 August 1863.

Lincoln and John Hay visit Capitol to see progress of rebuilding program. Hay, Letters and Diary.

President interviews Silas M. Hamilton of Baltimore, who has a plan for bringing North Carolina "once more into terms of harmony with the mother government of these States." Hamilton to Lincoln, 15 August 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln and cabinet hear Gen. Meade describe parts of Battle of Gettysburg. Welles, Diary; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 14 August 1863, 2d ed., 2:4.

Lincoln writes: "My dear Cousin Lizzie [Elizabeth Todd Grimsley] I have, by the law, two classes of appointments to make to the Naval-School. . . . if I have a vacancy in the first class, I can not appoint Johnny [John Todd Grimsley], to it; and I have intended for months, and still intend, to appoint him to the very first vacancy I can get in the other class." Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Grimsley, 14 August 1863, CW, 6:385-86.

[See October 1, 1863.]

President at War Dept. in morning regarding status of Gen. Anderson, who receives assignment to Fort Adams, R.I. Abraham Lincoln to Robert Anderson, 15 August 1863, CW, 6:386-87.

Extends leave of absence of Gen. Blair and Col. Martin D. Hardin for 20 and 10 days respectively. Extension of Leave for Francis P. Blair, Jr., 15 August 1863, CW, 6:388; Extension of Leave for Martin D. Hardin, 15 August 1863, CW, 6:388.

Prepares proclamation authorizing use of military force, if necessary to overcome opposition to draft law. Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, [15 August] 1863, CW, 6:389-91.

Committee of the Union League, Washington Council No. 4 meets in the evening with the President at the Soldier's Home. The committee reads a statement pleading for justice in the case of Dr. David M. Wright, who killed Second Lieutenant Alanson L. Sanborn in Norfolk, Virginia. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 17 August 1863, 2:5.

President asks W. O. Stoddard to serve as audience while he composes letter in which he uses expression "web-feet" in referring to navy [letter to J. C. Conkling, August 26, 1863]. William O. Stoddard, Inside the White House in War Times (New York: C. L. Webster, 1890), 227.

In morning Frederick P. Stanton, Washington attorney and former Congressman (Tenn.), consults with President regarding changing an order in court of inquiry. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick P. Stanton, 17 August 1863, CW, 6:395.

Christopher M. Spencer, inventor of Spencer rifle, presents rifle to President and demonstrates how to assemble it. W. A. Bartlett, "Lincoln's Seven Hits with a Rifle," Magazine of History 19 (1921):73, 71.

President Lincoln writes to Shakespearean actor James H. Hackett and shares his thoughts on the playwright's works. Lincoln writes, "For one of my age, I have seen very little of the drama. The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours here, last winter or spring...Some of Shakspeare's plays I have never read; while others I have gone over perhaps as frequently as any unprofessional reader. Among the latter are Lear, Richard Third, Henry Eighth, Hamlet, and especially Macbeth. I think nothing equals Macbeth. It is wonderful." Lincoln adds, "I should like to hear you pronounce the opening speech of Richard the Third. Will you not soon visit Washington again?" Abraham Lincoln to James H. Hackett, 17 August 1863, CW, 6:392-93. [See March 13, 1863.]

President Lincoln's coachman, Francis Burke, is exempted from the draft. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 17 August 1863, 2:6.

President Lincoln writes to Major General James Blunt, who is feuding with Kansas Governor Thomas Carney. Carney, whom Blunt called "a theif and a liar," informed Lincoln that Blunt allowed "Citizens" to "execut[e]" two men who had been accused of "robbery." Lincoln notes that he has been satisfied with Blunt's past performance, "[but] to take men charged with no offence against the military, out of the hands of the courts, to be turned over to a mob to be hanged, can find no precedent or principle to justify it." James G. Blunt to Abraham Lincoln, 31 July 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; Abraham Lincoln to James G. Blunt, 18 August 1863, CW, 6:395-97; Thomas Carney to Abraham Lincoln, 25 June 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

In afternoon Lincoln and C. M. Spencer, accompanied by Robert and John Hay, leave White House and walk to Treasury Park, where they test Spencer rifle. Bruce, Tools of War, 262-63.

Lincoln buys loan certificate for $3,874.73 with July salary warrant for $2,022.33 and $1,852.40 in greenbacks. Pratt, Personal Finances, 127-28, 183.

President confers with Sec. Stanton , who promises to return to trustees schoolhouse of First District of Washington. Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin B. French, 19 August 1863, CW, 6:397-98.

Interviews Judge James B. Colt of Missouri, stepfather of Singleton Wilson in Camp Morton prison, Ind. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 19 August 1863, CW, 6:398; Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 20 August 1863, CW, 6:398-99.

Enjoys target practice with Spencer repeating rifle. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Meets with Schuyler Colfax of Indiana. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 20 August 1863, 2d ed., 2:2.

Count Nicholas Giorgi, minister of Austria, presents credentials to President without usual exchange of formal addresses. William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, 19 August 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 20 August 1863, 2d ed., 2:2.

President receives from Gen. Heintzelman notice of death of Gov. Gurley (Arizona Terr.). Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Visits telegraph office in afternoon. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 20 August 1863, CW, 6:399-400.

Goes down river on invitation of Gen. Barnard to see new fort on Rosier's Bluff about three and one-half miles above Fort Washington, Va. Sec. Stanton , Gens. Wadsworth, John H. Martindale, Meigs, and Barnard in party. Lincoln arrives home after dark. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles in conference with President on proposed instructions for U.S. naval officers and appointment of governor for territory of Arizona. Welles, Diary.

Young Pittsburgh boy has interview with Lincoln, who writes note for him to see Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 21 August 1863, CW, 6:400.

President Lincoln meets with a twelve-member committee representing the American Baptist Missionary Convention. Leonard A. Grimes, of Boston, Massachusetts, chairs the black delegation that seeks Lincoln's assurances for their safety as they venture "within . . . military lines [to] minister to their brethren there." Lincoln addresses a letter "To whom it may concern" and presents it to Grimes. Lincoln writes, "[The Convention's] object is a worthy one, and I shall be glad for all facilities to be afforded them which may not be inconsistent with or a hindrance to our military operations." Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern, 21 August 1863, CW, 6:401; Washington Daily Morning Chronicle (DC), 26 August 1863, 3:1; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 26 August 1863, 3:2.

Secretary Welles accompanies Richard C. McCormick, secretary, Arizona Territory, and Joseph P. Allyn, associate justice, Arizona Territory, to White House conference with President. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President, accompanied by Secretary of War Stanton and some military officers, goes down the Potomac River aboard a steamer in the afternoon to visit the defenses of Washington, opposite Alexandria, Virginia, and return. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 22 August 1863, 2:4.

In Panoche Grande, Calif., land grant case of Gen. Sickles, Lincoln decides: "I do not think I should meddle as a volunteer." Abraham Lincoln to Daniel E. Sickles, 22 August 1863, CW, 6:402; Milton H. Shutes, Abraham Lincoln and the New Almaden Mine (San Francisco, CA: L. R. Kennedy, 1936), 17.

In evening President, John Hay, and Mrs. Long visit observatory, 23d and E Sts. NW. Hay goes to Soldiers' Home with President and falls asleep listening to him read Shakespeare. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Soon after breakfast Lincoln and John Hay return to White House, and Lincoln drafts letter to J. C. Conkling. Hay, Letters and Diary.

President requests Sec. Welles to identify naval officer killed at Fort Wagner, Charleston Harbor. [He was Comdr. George W. Rodgers (USN).] Welles, Diary.

John Hay leaves in afternoon for New York and Long Branch, N.J. Washington Chronicle, 25 August 1863.

President hears from Gen. McClernand, who writes: "Feeling that I have done my duty I shrink from no charges that Genl. Grant may prefer. . . . I only ask . . . for an impartial court. Such investigation would bring to light . . . many things, both military and personal, which are unwritten or unheeded." Abraham Lincoln to John A. McClernand, 12 August 1863, CW, 6:383-84.

President requests Sec. Usher to determine procedure in claim of Illinois for 2 per cent on sales of public lands and pursue it. Abraham Lincoln to Isaac N. Morris, 26 August 1863, CW, 6:411-12.

President Lincoln writes to James C. Conkling, of Springfield, Illinois, and declines an invitation to speak on September 3 at a "mass-meeting of unconditional Union-men." Lincoln acknowledges that he has detractors who "blame" him for prolonging the war. Lincoln responds, "To such I would say: you desire peace . . . But how can we attain it? . . . If you are not for force, nor yet for dissolution, there only remains some imaginable compromise. I do not believe any compromise, embracing the maintenance of the Union, is now possible. All I learn, leads to a directly opposite belief. The strength of the rebellion, is its military—its army." Abraham Lincoln to James C. Conkling, 26 August 1863, CW, 6:406-10.

"My dear Conkling I can not leave here now. Herewith is a letter [Aug. 26] instead. You are one of the best public readers. I have but one suggestion. Read it very slowly." Abraham Lincoln to James C. Conkling, 27 August 1863, CW, 6:414.

President denies stay of execution of five bounty jumpers. Abraham Lincoln to George G. Meade, 27 August 1863, CW, 6:414-15.

Receives protest from mayor and comptroller of Chicago claiming unfairness of draft. Abraham Lincoln to Francis C. Sherman and Samuel S. Hayes, 27 August 1863, CW, 6:417-18.

President interviews Gov. Curtin (Pa.) regarding draft quotas. Washington Chronicle, 29 August 1863.

Declines invitation to attend presentation of sword honoring Gen. Meade. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel W. Crawford, 28 August 1863, CW, 6:418.

President at Treasury Dept. in afternoon consults with Sec. Chase on results of arming Negro troops. Official Records—Armies 532.

Sends copy of his August 26, 1863 Conkling letter to Union State Committee of New York. Abraham Lincoln to Ben Field, 29 August 1863, CW, 6:420; Abraham Lincoln to Ben Field, 29 August 1863, CW, 6:420.

President Lincoln writes to his wife, Mary, who is in Manchester, New Hampshire. He relays war news, particularly regarding the Charleston, South Carolina area. Lincoln writes, "All quite well. Fort-Sumpter is certainly battered down, and utterly useless to the enemy, and it is believed here, but not entirely certain, that both Sumpter and Fort-Wagner, are occupied by our forces. It is also certain that Gen. [Quincy Adams] Gilmore [Gillmore] has thrown some shot into the City of Charleston." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Lincoln, 29 August 1863, CW, 6:421.

Sen. Bowden (Va.), L. H. Chandler, and former Cong. Segar (Va.) confer with President about tax imposed on people of Northampton County to rebuild lighthouse destroyed by Confederates. Official Records—Armies 534-35.

President recognizes Paul Guye as vice consul of Swiss Confederation at St. Louis for states of Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas, and Territory of Nebraska. Washington Chronicle, 2 September 1863.

Compliments Gen. Rosecrans: "I can never forget, whilst I remember anything, that about the end of last year, and beginning of this, you gave us a hard earned victory which, had there been a defeat instead, the nation could scarcely have lived over." Abraham Lincoln to William S. Rosecrans, 31 August 1863, CW, 6:424-25.