President Lincoln Visits Three Washington Hospitals

May 24, 1863

Accompanied by Wisconsin Senator James R. Doolittle, of Wisconsin, President Lincoln visits soldiers in three military hospital around the nation’s capital, according to the New York Herald.  “The President expressed his gratification at the excellent condition of the hospitals and the comfortable condition of the patients. He shook hands with over one thousand soldiers, nearly all of whom were able to stand up. The soldiers seemed highly delighted as the President grasped them by the hand.”

President Lincoln Between Battles

May 23, 1863

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles writes in his diary: “Met the President, Stanton, and Halleck at the War Department.  Fox was with me.  Neither Du Pont nor General Hunter has answer the President’s dispatch to them a month since.  Halleck does not favor an attack on Charleston unless by the Navy.  The army will second, so far as it can.  Fox, who commanded the first military expedition to Sumter, is for a renewed attack, and wants the Navy to take the brunt.  Stanton wants the matter prosecuted. I have very little confidence in success under the present admiral. It is evident that Du Pont is against doing anything, — that he is demoralizing others, and doing no good in that direction. If anything is to be done, we must have a new commander. Du Pont has talents and capability, but we are to have the benefit of neither at Charleston. The old army infirmity of this war, dilatory action, affects Du Pont. Commendation and encouragement, instead of stimulating him, have raised the mountain of difficulty higher daily. He is nursing Du Pont, whose fame he fears may suffer, and has sought sympathy by imparting his fears and doubts to his subordinates, until all are impressed with his apprehensions. The capture of Charleston by such a chief is an impossibility, whatever may be accomplished by another. This being the case, I have doubts of renewing the attack immediately, notwithstanding the zeal of Stanton and Fox. I certainly would not without some change of officers.

Having no faith, the commander can accomplish no work. In the struggle of war, there must sometimes be risks to accomplish results, but it is clear we can expect no great risks from Du Pont at Charleston. The difficulties increase daily [as] his imagination dwells on the subject. Under any circumstances we shall be likely to have trouble with him. He has remarkable address, is courtly, the head of a formidable clique, the most formidable in the Navy, loves intrigue, is Jesuitical, and I have reason to believe is not always frank and sincere. It was finally concluded to delay proceedings until the arrival of General Gillmore, who should be put in possession of our views.

President Lincoln writes Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton: “In order to construct the Illinois Central Railroad, a large grant of land was made by the United States to the State of Illinois, which land was again given to the Railroad Company by the State, in certain provisions of the Charter. By the U.S. grant, certain previleges were attempted to be secured from the contemplated Railroad to the U.S., and by the charter certain per centage of the income of the road was to be from time to time paid to the State of Illinois. At the beginning of the present war the Railroad did certain carrying for the U.S. for which it claims pay; and, as I understand, the U.S. claims that at least part of this the road was bound to do without pay. Though attempts have been made to settle the matter, it remains unsettled; meanwhile the Road refuses to pay the per-centage to the State. This delay is working badly; and I understand the delay exists because of there being no definite decision whether the U.S. will settle it’s own account with the Railroad, or will allow the State to settle it, & account to the State for it. If I had the leisure which I have not, I believe I could settle it; but prima facie it appears to me we better settle the account ourselves, because that will save us all question as to whether the State deals fairly with us in the settlement of our account with a third party – the R.R.”  He added: “I wish you would see Mr. Butler, late our State Treasurer, and see if something definite can not be done in the case.”

President Looks Forward to Defeat of the Devil

May 22, 1863

In brief comments to the “One-Legged Brigade” from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, “The President complimented the Chaplain, and said there was no need of a speech from him, as the men upon their crutches were orators; their very appearance spoke louder than tongues. As their Chaplain had alluded to the work he was at present very busy about, viz. in cleaning the devil out of Washington, the President hoped that when we could present that famous adversary at the White House on his stumps, and therefore somewhat incapable of further rebellion against constituted and divine authority, that we would let him know. Whereupon the Chaplain informed the President that he would send him word when the funeral of that arch rebel and great secessionist was to take place.”

Pilot Rights and Peace Missions Concern President

May 21, 1863

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles writes in his diary: “Had an early call from the President, who brought a communication from Tassara to Seward, complaining of violation of neutral rights by a small pilot-boat, having a gun mounted amidships and believed to be an American vessel, which was annoying Spanish and other neutral vessels off the coast of Cuba.  The President expressed doubts whether it was one of our vessels, but I told him I was inclined to believe it was, and that I had last week written Mr. Seward concerning the same craft in answer to Lord Lyons, who complained of outrage on the British schooner Drea, but I had also written Admiral Bailey on the subject.  I read my letter to the President. He spoke of an unpleasant rumor concerning Grant, but on canvassing the subject we concluded it must be groundless, originating probably in the fact that he does not retain but has evacuated Jackson, after destroying the enemy’s stores.”

President Lincoln writes General William S. Rosecrans regarding an Illinois chaplain who wants to talk about a peace mission to Richmond: “For certain reasons it is thought best for Rev. Dr. [James] Jaques[s] not to come here. Present my respects to him, and ask him to write me fully on the subject he has in contemplation.”   Rosecrans had written Lincoln “The Rev. Dr Jaques Col of Seventy third (73) Illinois, a man of high character & great influence in the Methodist Church has proposed a mission to the South which in my judgment is worthy of being laid before you. Will you authorize me to send him to Washington for that purpose.”

Discussions of Cabinet Shakeup and Black Soldiers Continue

May 20, 1863

Journalist Noah Brooks, a regular visitor to the White House,  writes that Secretary of State William H. Seward is under attack from Radical Republicans: “The President is exceeding loth to give up his wise and conservative counsels, and retains him against the wishes of a respectably large fraction of his own party friends, merely because he believes that to his far-seeing and astute judgment the Administration has owed more than one deliverance from a very tight place.  Moreover, Seward’s policy has always been of a character to avoid all things which might result in a divided North, and though it may have been too emollient at times, it has resulted in retaining to the Administration its cohesive strength, when it would have driven off its friends by following the more arbitrary and rash measures of Stanton.”

Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, often an adversary to Seward on foreign policy, writes President Lincoln,: “I have been horror-struck by the menace of Slavery to our colored troops & of death to the gentlemen who command them, should they fall into the hands of the rebel enemy.”

It seems to me that the time has come, when it should be declared to the world, by Presidential Proclamation, in the most solemn form possible, that these officers & soldiers of the U. States will be protected by the Govt. according to the laws of war, & that not one of them shall suffer without a retaliation, which shall be complete; not vindictive but conservative.

Such a Proclamation would give encouragement to the army; it would gratify the country, & it would teach foreign nations the difference between a barbarous foe & the upholders of Human Liberty.  Besides, it would be intrinsically an act of justice.

President Lincoln tries to calm General William S. Rosecrans regarding his handling of the case of Colonel David R. Haggard, who had been absent from duty because of ill health: “Yours of yesterday in relation to Col. Haggard is received. I am anxious that you shall not misunderstand me. In no case have I intended to censure you, or to question your ability. In Col. Haggard’s case I meant no more than to suggest that possibly you might have been mistaken, in a point that could be corrected. I frequently make mistakes myself, in the many things I am compelled to do hastily.”

Cabinet Discusses Disposition of Congressman Vallandigham

May 19, 1863

President Lincoln decides to send Ohio Congressman Clement Vallandigham south to the Confederacy rather than north to Fort Warren in Boston.  Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles writes in his diary of today’s cabinet meeting: “The case of Vallandigham, recently arrested by General Burnside, tried by court martial, convicted of something, and sentenced to Fort Warren, was before the Cabinet.  It was an error on the part of Burnside. All regretted the arrest, but, having been made, every one wished he had been sent over the lines to the Rebels with whom he sympathizes. Until the subject is legitimately before us, and there is a necessity to act, there is no disposition to meddle with the case.

The New York Tribune of to-day has a communication on the Peterhoff mail question. It is neither so good nor so bad as it might have been. Am sorry to see it just at this time, and uncertain as to the author. Faxon names one of the correspondents of the Tribune, but while he may have forwarded the article he could not have written it.

Governor Sprague and Miss Kate Chase called this evening.  I have been skeptical as to a match, but this means something.  She is beautiful, or, more properly perhaps, interesting and impressive.  He is rich and holds the position of Senator.  Few young men have such advantages as he, and Miss Kate has talents and ambitions sufficient for both.’”

Decades later, Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist wrote: “After this dicussion, Lincoln changed Vallandigham’s sentence from imprisonment for the duration of the war to banishment ‘beyond the Union lines’ into the Confederacy.  Over Burnside’s protest, the sentence was carried out and the prisoner was turned over to General William Rosecrans, with instructions to deliver him to the Confederates in Tennessee. “ Historian David Long “The importance of Vallandigham’s banishment was twofold.  First, it allowed rebel officials, who were already considering covert activities against the North, to confer with a prominent politician sympathetic to their cause.  Second, it caused an outpouring of support for Vallandigham across the loyal states, including most Regular Democrats, many of whom had objected to his tactics and tone before his arrest.”

Lincoln’s Concerns Range from Republican to Monarchy

May 18, 1863

Journalist Noah Brooks writes: “The morning is magnificent, and the air is alive with the songs of birds.  There is hardly a soldier to be seen, except the warm and indolent-looking patrols, who saunter along their posts in the warm sunshine as if they were only ‘playing soldier.”

The National Republican, owned by Simon Hanscom,  had been selected to print official government notices, but its bills had not been paid.  President Lincoln writes Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton: “You will greatly oblige me, because it will be a matter of personal relief to me, if you will allow Hanscom’s (the Republican’s) accounts to be settled and paid.

President Lincoln writes England’s Queen Victoria: “I have received the letter which Your Majesty addressed to me on the 31st. day of March last, announcing the pleasing intelligence of the Marriage on the 10th. of that month of Your Majesty’s dearly beloved son His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince of Wales, Duke of Saxony, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha &c. &c. with Her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandra Caroline Maria Charlotte Louisa Julia, eldest Daughter of His Royal Highness the Prince Christian of Denmark. Feeling a lively interest in whatever concerns the Welfare and happiness of Your Majesty’s illustrious House, I pray Your Majesty to receive my cordial congratulations on this auspicious event, and my fervent Wishes that it may signally promote your own happiness and that of the Prince your son and his young spouse: And so I recommend Your Majesty and Your Majesty’s Royal Family to the protection of the Almighty.”

President Lincoln Confers about Military Affairs

May 17, 1863

For the second day in a row, President Lincoln visits the Washington Navy Yard, where he confers with the commandant, Rear Admiral John Dahlgren at Navy Yard.   When President Lincoln returns to the White House, Dahlgren, a close military advisor, goes with him.

Arriving the White House, President Lincoln confers with Massachusetts Congressman George S. Boutwell about the Union position around Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Infighting Among Cabinet, Congress and Generals

May 16, 1863

Attorney General Edward Bates writes in his diary:  “There are growing signs of a general distrust of each oither [sic] among leading men and politicians.  Each one, statesman, or General, is secretly working, either to advance his ambition, or to secure something to retire upon.

At present, abolition seems to be the strongest rallying point, and men who don’t [sic] care a fig about it, have become all of a sudden, very zealous in that cause – Seward and Stanton are as hot as Chase.  And even Adjt. Genl L. Thomas, has become a very zealous proselyte – He is out on the Missi.[ssippi] straining his little powers in the effort to organize black battalions, but thus far, with little success, tho’ the raw material is abundant, all around him.

“There is now no mutual confidence among the membes of the Govt. – and really no such thing as a C.C.  The more ambitious members, who seek to control – Seward – Chase – Stanton – never  start their projects in C.C. but try first to commit the Prest., and then, if possible, secure the apparent consent of the members.  Often, the doubtful measure is put into operation before the majority of us know that is proposed.

‘This was especially so in case of the prize ships Labuan and Peterhoff.  In those cases, the Sec of State gave pointed instructions to Dist: Atty at N.Y. without consulting me – and as soon as I found it out (but after much of the mischief was

done) I, without consulting any one, gave instructions flatly to the contrary.

In the morning, President Lincoln, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton take boat trip on Potomac River from the Washington Navy Yard.   Their goal is to inspect army troop transports.

Missouri Frustrates President Lincoln

May 15, 1863

The political-military situation and squabbling continues in Missouri.  President Lincoln writes some Missouri officials objecting to appointment of General John Schofield to replace General Samuel Curtis as the state’s military commander: “It is very painful to me that you in Missouri can not, or will not, settle your factional quarrel among yourselves. I have been tormented with it beyond endurance for months, by both sides. Neither side pays the least respect to my appeals to your reason. I am now compelled to take hold of the case.”  The officials had written: “The Telegraph reports the probable appointment of Gen Schofield to command this Dept. We a committee last Monday by the largest meeting of Union people ever held in St Louis pray to suspend that appointment until you hear from us”

Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles writes in his diary: “The President called on me this morning with the basis of a dispatch which Lord Lyons proposed to send home.  He had submitted it to Mr. Seward, who handed it to the President, and he brought it to me.  The President read it to me, and when he concluded, I remarked the whole question of the mails belonged properly to the courts and I thought unless we proposed some new treaty arrangement it would be best the subject should continue with the courts as law and usage-directed.  ‘But,’ he inquired, ‘have the courts ever opened the mails of a neutral government?’  I replied, ‘Always, when the captured vessels on which mails were found were considered good prize.’  ‘Why, then,’ said he, ‘do you not furnish me with the fact?  It is what I want, but you furnish me with no report  that any neutral has ever been me with no report that any neutral has ever been searched.’  I said I was not aware that the right had ever been questioned.  The courts made no reports to me whether they opened or did not open mail.  The courts are independent of the Departments, to which they are not amenable.  In the mails was often the best and only evidence that could insure condemnation.  [I said] that I should as soon have expected as inquiry whether evidence was taken, witnesses sworn, and the cargoes examined as whether mails were examined.  ‘But if mails ever are examined,’ said he, ‘the fact must be known and recorded.  What vessels,’ he asked, ‘have we captured, where we have examined the mails?’  ‘All, doubtless, that have had mails on board,’ I replied.  Probably most of them were not intrusted with mails.  ‘What,’ asked he, ‘was the first vessel taken?’  ‘I do not recollect the name, a small blockade-runner, I think; I presume she had no mail.  If she had, I have no doubt the court searched it and examined all letters and papers.’  He was extremely anxious to ascertain if I recollected, or knew that any captured mail had been searched.  I told him I remembered no specific mention, doubted if the courts ever reported no specific mention, doubted if the courts ever reported to the Navy Department.  Foreign governments, knowing of the blockade, would not be likely to make up mails for the ports blockaded.  The Peterhoff had a mail ostensibly for Matamoras, which was her destination, but with a cargo and mails which we knew were intended for the Rebels, though the proof might be difficult since the mail had been given up.  I sent for Watkins, who has charge of prize matters, to know if there was any record or mention of mails in any of the papers sent the Navy Department, but he could not call to mind anything conclusive.  Some mention was made of mails or dispatches in the mail on board the Bermuda, which we captured, but it was incidental.  Perhaps the facts might be got from the district attorneys, though he thought, as I did, that but few regular mails were given to blockade-runners.  The President said he would frame a letter to the district attorneys, and in the afternoon, he brought in a form to be sent to the attorneys in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.”