Army Officers Captured at the Battle of Shiloh visit White House

October 16, 1862

Presidential aide John G. Nicolay writes: “Gen. Prentiss and quite a number of officers who were taken prisoner at Shiloh, have reached this city and called on the President today.  Prentiss looks well, but reports that he has received very bad treatment at the hands of the rebels.  He is very bitterly incensed against them, and says we can hardly have an idea how our Western prisoners have suffered in their captivity.”

Regarding William H. Channing, President Lincoln writes that “To-day, Mr. [Daniel R.] Goodloe calls with Rev. Mr. Channing of the Unitarian Church here, (now used as a hospital) to be Chaplain there, or elsewhere here. I believe him entirely worthy, but I have not now an appointment to make.”  With a month, Rev. Channing would receive a chaplain’s appointment and serve until the end of the war.

President Lincoln responds to Governor Francis H. Peirpont of the vestigial government of Virginia: “Your despatch of to-day received. I am very sorry to have offended you.”  Because he had little power in relation to army authorities in Virginia, Peirpont was often offended. “I appointed the Collector, as I thought, on your written recommendation; and the Assessor also with your testimony of worthiness, although I knew you preferred a different man. I will examine to-morrow whether I am mistaken in this.”   Governor Peirpoint had complained: “I am totally at a loss to understand the influences brought to bear on your mind in the appointment of collector & assessor of this district Union men must sink in despair if all their counsels are unheeded.”  Later in the month President Lincoln would write Peirpont: “When you come to Washington, I shall be pleased to show you the record upon which we acted. Nevertheless answer this, distinctly saying you wish Ross and Ritcher, or any other two you do really want, and they shall be appointed.”

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