January 30, 1864
President Lincoln writes yet another letter to General Frederick Steele regarding reconstruction of Arkansas: “Since writing mine of the 27th. seeing still further accounts of the action of the convention in Arkansas, induces me to write you yet again. They seem to be doing so well, that possibly the best you can do would be to help them on their own plan—but of this, you must confer with them, and be the judge. Of all things, avoid if possible, a dividing into cliques among the friends of the common object. Be firm and resolute against such as you can perceive would make confusion and division.”
Army officer Ulrich Dahlgren, son of Admiral John Dahlgren, writes: “I called at the White House matinee yesterday (January 30). Abe told me to come up soon, he would like to have a talk with me and I intend to call every day until I find him in.”
Mary Todd Lincoln holds Saturday afternoon reception.
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
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