President Lincoln Approves Diplomatic Recognition for Liberia and Haiti

June 5, 1862 

For the first time, the United States recognizes black-ruled governments in Haiti and Liberia.  Later in the Lincoln Administration, Haiti would become the first country to have a black ambassador in Washington.

General George B. McClellan telegraphs President Lincoln about military affairs in the west – over which McClellan no longer has control: “May I again invite your Excellency’s attention to the great importance of occupying Chattanooga & Dalton by our western forces.  The evacuation of Corinth would appear to render this very easy — the importance of this move in force cannot be exaggerated.” Lincoln forwarded McClellan’s note to General Henry W. Halleck.

Illinois Senator Orville H. Browning writes: “At night went to the Presidents and took tea with him in his room.  He showed me a despatch from McClellan saying our loss at Richmond was over five thousand but did not wish it mentioned at present.  Enemies loss said to be still greater.”

President Lincoln also concerns himself with the son of an old Illinois friend who had been seeking reinstatement at West Point.  Lincoln writes Secretary of War Stanton: “Herewith I return you the papers in relation to the proposed reappointment of William Kellogg, Jr. to a Cadetship.  Upon Gen. Totten’s statement of the case I think it is natural that he should feel as he expresses himself.  And yet the case comes upon me in the very strongest way to be painful to me.  Hon. William Kellogg, the father is not only a member of Congress from my state, but he is my personal friend of more than twenty years’ standing, and of whom I had many personal kindnesses.  This matter touches him very deeply–the feelings of a father for a child–as he thinks, all the future of his child.  I can not be the instrument to the re-nomination.  Let the appointment be made. It needs not to become a precedent.  Hereafter let no resignation be accepted under demerit amounting to cause for dismissal, unless upon express stipulation in writing that the cadet resigning shall not be re-nominated.  In this I mean no censure upon Gen. Totten; and although I have marked this ‘private’ I am quite willing for him to see it.”  Young Kellogg was duly reappointed, but never finished his degree.