The Vice President Visits the President

March 25, 1862

Vice President Hannibal Hamlin makes a rare visit to the White House.  Hamlin’s constitutional duties were limited to presiding over the Senate.  A Senator from Maine before the Civil War, Hamlin had not even met his presidential running mate until after they were both elected in November 1860.  President Lincoln had a cordial but not close relationship with Hamlin, who did not even attend Cabinet meetings.

On this day, Hamlin was seeking appointment as a brigade surgeon for his nephew, Dr. Augustus C. Hamlin.  Lincoln transmitted the request to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and the appointment was made.

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