CHAPTER XIV.

PREMONITIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY.

Mr. Lincoln in the Winter of 1858-9 delivers a Lecture on the History of Inventions

His Popularity at the West-Letter to Dr. Canisius on Naturalization and Fusion-

Reception by the State Convention at Decatur–The Presentation of the Rails from

Macon County-Mr. Lincoln's Visit to Kansas-Extract from his Speech at Leaven-

worth-He Visits Ohio-Speaks at Columbus and Cincinnati-Extract from his

Speech at Cincinnati-Popular Sovereignty Doctrine of Mr. Douglas-Mr. Lincoln

Visits New York-Speaks at Cooper Institute-William C. Bryant presides at the

Meeting-Great Ability and Research displayed in the Speech-Extracts-Mr. Lin-

coln Visits the Five Points Mission-Goes to Connecticut, and speaks at Hartford,

New Haven, Meriden, &c.-His great Success as a Speaker-Anecdote related by

Rev. J. P. Gulliver-Mr. Lincoln Visits his Son at Cambridge, and returns to Illi-

nois,

195

CHAPTER XV.

PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONS OF 1860.--MR. LINCOLN's

NOMINATION.

State of the Country in 1860—Southern Leaders Preparing for Secession-Knights of the

Golden Circle-Church and Press at the South-Cobb and Floyd-Opinions at the

North-Democratic Convention at Charleston-Mr. Yancey and the Fire-eaters"-

Division of the Convention-Both Factions Adjourn without making Nominations-

National Constitutional Union Convention at Baltimore-Bell and Everett nominated

-Breckinridge nominated by the Fire-eaters, and Douglas by the regular Democratic

Convention-Mr. Lincoln's Story-Republican Convention at Chicago-Prominent

Candidates for the Nomination-The Party Platform-Balloting for President-Nom-

ination of Lincoln-Enthusiasm of the Convention and of the Spectators-Disap-

pointment of Mr. Seward's friends-Reception of the News at Springfield-The

Committee of the Convention visit Mr. Lincoln-Speech of Mr. Ashmun, the Chair-

man-Reply of Mr. Lincoln-His Letter Accepting the Nomination, .

216

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CAMPAIGN.-MR. LINCOLN'S ELECTION.

Mr. Lincoln visited by Multitudes of People-Anecdotes-The Prospect for the Future

-Mr. Lincoln's Views of the Duties of Christians and Ministers-His Conversation

with Mr. Bateman-His Religious Faith and Convictions—Apparent Contradictions

in Character-The Election of Mr. Lincoln Regarded as Certain-Course of the South-

ern Leaders-Silence of Mr. Lincoln during the Campaign-Election of Mr. Lincoln

- Popular Rejoicing at the North, and Exasperation at the South-Feeling of the

Republican Party-Effect upon Mr. Lincoln-An Optical Ilusion-Visit to Chicago

-Anecdotes illustrating Mr. Lincoln's Love of Children-“Cabinet-making"-Mr.

Lincoln's Views,

232

CHAPTER XVII.

MR. LINCOLN'S JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON.

Enormity of the Rebellion-Floyd-Black-Buchanan-Secession of several States

Forts and Arsenals seized-Position of Mr. Stanton and Mr. Holt-Attempts to con-

ciliate the South--Condition of the Country-Mr. Lincoln leaves Springfield for

Washington-His Farewell Speech-His Speech at Indianapolis-Journey to Cin-

cinnati-Speeches at Cincinnati-Reception at Columbus-At Pittsburg-At Cleve-

land--At Buffalo-At Albany-At Poughkeepsie-At New York-At Trenton-At

Philadelphia-Plot against the President's Life--His Speech at Independence Hall

-Reception at Harrisburg-Journey to Washington, . .

249

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE INAUGURATION.-OPENING OF THE WAR.

The Procession-Reception of the President by the People-The Inaugural Address

Cabinet Appointments-Rebel Sympathizers in Office-Mr. Lincoln's pacific Policy

-Arrival of Rebel Commissioners in Washington-Surrender of Fort Sumter-Effect

upon the North-Proclamation of the President-Response of Massachusetts-At-

tack upon the Troops in Baltimore-Proclamation declaring a Blockade of Rebel

Ports-Position of Virginia-Secession of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and

Arkansas-Response to the Call of the President at the North and West-Mr. Doug-

las's Visit to Mr. Lincoln-His Devotion to the Country--Speeches in Illinois-His

Sickness and Death,

277

CHAPTER XIX.

FIRST SUMMER OF THE WAR.

Important Military Operations-Washington Relieved from Danger-Fortress Monroe

Reinforced-The Government Works at Harper's Ferry Blown Up and Abandoned

-Occupation of Cairo-Rebel Congress assembled at Montgomery-Message of

President Davis-President Lincoln's Call for additional Troops-Affairs in Missouri

-General Butler's “ Contraband” Order-Battle of Big Bethel-Death of Colonel

Ellsworth-Battle of Bul Run-Agreement between Buckner and McClellan-Po-

sition of the Government in reference to Slavery—The State of Western Virginia

Organized-Battles of Laurel Hill and Rich Mountain-Special Session of Congress

- Message of the President-The Majority of Congress sustain the Government-

Mr. Crittenden's Resolution-Effect of the President's Inaugural and Message-Ap-

pointment of General McClellan to the Command of the Army of the Potomac, 305

CHAPTER XX.

FOREIGN RELATIONS.-FREMONT IN MISSOURI.

Results of the Bull Run Battle-Foreign Relations-Seward's Instructions to Minister

Adams—To our Ministers at other European Courts-Belligerent Rights of Rebels

recognized by England and France-Sympathy of England with the Rebellion-J.

C. Fremont appointed Major-general-Battle of Wilson's Creek-Condition of Mis-

souri-Fremont's Proclamation-Lincoln's Letter to Fremont-Modification of Fre.

mont's Proclamation-Letter of Hon. Joseph Holt-General Fremont and Colone!

Blair-Charges against Fremont-General Grant occupies Paducah, Kentucky-Sur-

render of Colonel Mulligan-General Fremont takes the Field-He is superseded

by General Hunter-General McClellan and the Army of the Potomac-General

Butler captures the Hatteras Forts-Munson's Hill occupied by the Rebels-Battle

of Ball's Bluff-Resignation of General Scott--Visit of the President and Cabinet

to General Scott-Appointment of General McClellan to the Chief Command-

Victory at Port Royal-Victories of General Grant in Missouri and General Nelson

in Kentucky-Instructions to General Butler on the subject of Slavery, ....324

CHAPTER XXI.

THE TRENT AFFAIR.—THE GOVERNMENT AND SLAVERY.

Capture of Mason and Slidell by Captain Wilkes-Difficulties with England-Letter of

Mr. Seward-Release of Mason and Slidell-Session of Congress-Message of the

President-The Question of Slavery-Mr. Lincoln's Regard for the Constitution and

the Laws-He Recommends Gradual Emancipation-Conference with Members of

Congress from the Border States-Address of the President-The Confiscation Act

-Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia-Letter of Mr.Greeley-Reply of

the President-Mr. Cameron's Resignation-Appointment of Mr. Stanton-Mr. Lin-

coln's Story,

339

CHAPTER XXII.

CAMPAIGNS OF 1862.

General McClellan and the Army of the Potomac-Blockade of the Potomac-Order of

the President for a grand Movement of the Armies of the Union-Order to the

Army of the Potomac-General McClellan advises a different Plan from that pro-

posed in the President's Order-Mr. Lincoln's Reply to McClellan-McClellan's

Plan Adopted-Evacuation of Manassas-Orders of the President-Organization of

Army Corps- Blenker's Division ordered to join Fremont-Banks to attack Jack-

son-McDowell's Corps retained for the Defense of Washington-McClellan at York-

town-McClellan complains of the Inadequacy of his Force-Correspondence be-

tween McClellan and the Authorities at Washington-General Franklin's Division

sent to General McClellan-Evacuation of Yorktown-Battle of Williamsburgh-

Battle at West Point-Correspondence on the Subject of Army Corps-Mr. Lincoln's

“Little Story”-Capture of Norfolk-McClellan still Clamorous for Reinforcements

-Defeat of Banks—Defeat of the Rebels at Hanover Court-House-Battle of Fair

Oaks-Further Correspondence-The “Seven Days' Fight," and Retreat to James

River-McClellan's Advice to the Government–The President at Harrison's Land.

ing-The Army of the Potomac returns to Alexandria-Failure of McClellan to Re-

inforce General Pope–The Rebels cross the Potomac-General McClellan appointed

to the Command of the Army in Virginia-Battles of South Mountain and Antietam

-General McClellan ordered to pursue the Rebels-Stuart's Raid-President's Let-

ter to General McClellan-The Army across the Potomac-McClellan relieved of his

Command-His Character-General Burnside appointed to the Command-Defeat

at Fredericksburg-Capture of Roanoke Island-New Orleans surrendered to Gen-

eral Butler-Military Affairs at the West,

..358

CHAPTER XXIII.

PROCLAMATION OF EMANCIPATION.

Mr. Lincoln's Proclamation in pursuance of the Confiscation Act-Fernando Wood's

Letters, advising Negotiation with the Rebels-The President's Replies-Mr. Lin.

coln's Letter to Mr. Houges-Mr. Carpenter's Account of the Emancipation Procla-

mation-Cabinet Meeting-Opinions of Messrs. Chase, Blair and Seward-Mr. Bout-

well's Account-The Preliminary Proclamation issued-Its Reception by the People

--General McClellan's Order to the Army-The Emancipation Prociamation of

January 1st, 1863— Proclamation suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus-Criticisms

upon it-Circular Letter of the President on Sabbath-breaking in the Army-Letter

to Governor Shepley,

387

CHAPTER XXIV.

SUSPENSION OF HABEAS CORPUS.—THE DRAFT.-CAM-

PAIGNS OF 1863.
Colonization Schemes of the President-Compensated Emancipation recommended-

Bill for Enrolling and Drafting the Militia, Financial Measures of Congress-Opin-
jons of the President-Western Virginia admitted to the Union-Representatives
from Louisiana admitted to Congress-Peace Agitations-Course of Vailandigham
of Ohio-His Arreet by General Burnside-Decision of Judge Leavitt- l'allandig.
ham's Trial and Sentence-Sentence modified by the President-Letter of Gor-
ernor Seymour-Vallandigham nominated for Governor by the Democratic Con-
vention of Ohio-The Committee of the Convention visit the President-The Pres-
ident's Reply to their Letter-Resolutions of the Albany Meeting-The President's
Reply-Universal Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus-The Draft-Riots in
New York-Course of Governor Seymour-Action of the President-Elections of
1863—Letter from the Working Men of Manchester, England-The President's
Reply-Mr. Lincoln's Letter to J. C. Conkling-Military Events of the Year-Battle

of Chancellorsville-Lee's Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania-General Meade

succeeds General Hooker in Command-Battle of Gettysburg–The President's

Dispatch-Dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery-Speech of the President-Sur-

render of Vicksburg and Port Hudson-Mr. Lincoln's Letter to General Grant-

Rosecrans' Campaign in Tennessee-General Grant defeats Bragg, and drives Long-

street from Tennessee-The President's Thanksgiving Proclamations-Difficulty

among Union Men in Missouri-Mr. Lincoln's Opinion,

405

CHAPTER XXV.

PRIVATE LIFE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

Mr. Lincoln at the White House-His Relations to the Members of the Cabinet—His

Health-His Love of Music-His Sympathy with the Soldiers-Anecdotes-His

Charity for Human Weakness-His Severity towards Deliberate and Mercenary

Crimes-Anecdotes-Mr. Lincoln's Religious Character-Death of his Son-Anec-

dotes illustrating his Religious Character-His Interest in the Christian Commis-

sion-Anecdotes-Visit of Two Hundred Members of the Christian Commission-

Remarks of Mr. Stuart, and the President's Reply-Mr. Lincoln's Interview with

Rev. J. T. Duryea-His Interest in the Efforts of Religious Men-His Habits at the

White House- Narrative of a Lady who urged him to establish Military Hospitals

in the Northern States—Injurious effects of Excessive Labor, Anxiety, and Loss

of Sleep-Visits of Representatives of various Churches and Public Bodies-His

Melancholy-Anecdotes-His Character, .

429

CHAPTER XXVI.

SESSION OF CONGRESS, 1863-4.-SANITARY FAIRS.

The President's Message-Proclamation of Amnesty-Supplementary and Explanatory

Proclamation of March 24, 1861–Failure of the Bill establishing a Bureau of Freed.

men's Affairs, and of the Constitutional Amendment Abolishing Slavery-Repeal of

the Fugitive Slave Law-Debate in the House of Representatives on the Expulsion

of Long and Harris-Case of General F.P. Blair-U.S. Grant appointed Lieutenant-

general-Sanitary Fair at Baltimore-At Philadelphia-At the Patent-office in Wash-

ington-Visits and Speeches of the President-Order in reference to the Treatment

of Colored Soldiers-Speech of the President on the Subject,

457

CHAPTER XXVII.

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF 1864.–RE-ELECTION OF

MR. LINCOLN.

Presidential Election of 1861-State of the Country-Chase-Fremont-Convention at

Cleveland-J. C. Fremont dominated for President-His Reasons for Accepting

the Nomination-Withdrawal of his Name-Meeting in New York in Honor of Gen-

eral Grant-Baltimore Convention-Platform-Mr. Lincoln nominated for President

-His Speech accepting the Nomination-Letter to the Committee of the Conven-

tion-Case of Arguelles-Congressional Plan of Reconstruction–The President's

Proclamation-Manifesto of Senators Wade and Davis-Peace Negotiations-Mr.

Greeley's Letters—Mr. Lincoln's Replies—Mr. Greeley at Niagara Falls-Consulta-

tions with Clay and Holcombe-The President's Letter to H. J. Raymond--Demo-

cratic Convention at Chicago-The Platform-McClellan and Pendleton Nominated

-Vallandigham-Mr. Blair Retires from the Cabinet-Mr. Dennison appointed in

his Place-Mr. Lincoln's Speech on the Adoption of a Free Constitution in Mary-

land-Protest against the Tennessee Test Oath-The President's Reply-Call for

500,000 Men-President Lincoln Re-elected-His Letter to Mrs. Bixby, ..... 467
CHAPTER XXVIII.

MILITARY EVENTS OF 1864.–RE-INAUGURATION OF

MR. LINCOLN.

Military Operations of 1864—General Smith's Expedition from Memphis-Kilpatrick's

Raid- The Red River Expedition-Surrender of Fort Pillow-Battles of the Wil-

derness-General Butler at City Point-Siege of Petersburg-Sherman's Campaign

in Georgia-Capture of Atlanta-Sherman's March for the Coast-Capture of Sa-

vannah-General Thomas defeats Hood in Tennessee-Sheridan defeats Early in

the Shenandoah Valley-Rout of Price in Missouri-Changes in the Cabinet-Death

of Chief-Justice Taney, and Appointment of Mr. Chase-Message of the President

-Passage by Congress of the Amendment to the Constitution abolishing Slavery-

Call for 300,000 Men-Peace Conference in Hampton Roads-Mr. Lincoln's “Story”

-Close of President Lincoln's First Term-His Re-Inauguration-His Inaugural

Address-Resignation of Secretary Fessenden-Appointment of Mr. McCulloch

Proclamation to Deserters-The Drait,

492

CHAPTER XXIX.

MILITARY EVENTS OF 1865.—CLOSE OF THE WAR.

Sherman's March-Occupation of Columbia-Evacuation of Charleston-Battles of

Averysboro and Bentonville-Occupation of Goldsboro— The President at City Point

-Advance of the Army of the Potomac-Defeat of General Lee-Evacuation of Rich-

mond-Its occupation by General Weitzel-Surrender of General Lee-The Pres-

ident and the Kittens-The President visits Richmond His Interview with Judge

Campbell-Negotiations of General Sherman-Surrender of General Johnston-End

of the Rebellion-Joy of the People-Popularity of the President-His Speech at

the White House, .

... 506

CHAPTER XXX.

THE ASSASSINATION.

Position of President Lincoln before the World-Plots for his Assassination-Letter of

Mr. Seward-The President's Interview with Speaker Colfax-His attendance at

Ford's Theater-Enthusiasm of the People on his Arrival-J. Wilkes Booth-His

Arrangements for the Assassination-Perpetration of the Deed-Escape of Booth-

Death of the President-Attack upon Mr. Seward and his Son-Profound Grief of

the Nation-Funeral Services at Washington-Departure of the Funeral Train for

Springfield-Ceremonies at Baltimore-At Harrisburg-At Philadelphia-At New

York-At Albany-At Buffalo-At Cleveland-At Columbus-At Chicago-Funeral

Services at Springfield-Foreign Expressions of Sympathy with the Nation, and

with Mr. Lincoln's Family-Mr. Johnson succeeds to the Presidency-Large Re-

wards offered for the apprehension of the Murderer-He is traced to his Hiding-

place and Killed-Capture and Trial of his Associates-Closing Tribute to the Char-

acter and Administration of Abraham Lincoln,

515