August 23, 1863
President Lincoln revises Conkling letter after riding in from the Soldiers Home where he had spent the night: “This morning we ate an egg and came in very early,” writes John Hay in his diary. “He went to the library to write a letter to Conkling & I went to pack my trunk for the North.” Unlike Lincoln, Hay was allowed to take a vacation. He was headed for New York and Long Branch, New Jersey. He writes an officer in the War Department: “I am going to the sea-shore; burst not with envy.” Hay leaves William O. Stoddard to act as the chief presidential aide.
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
Leave a Reply