Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, February 7, 1865

Washington, D. C, February 7, 1865.

If I can get permission, I shall stop for a day to see you, as I return to the field, unless, indeed, as there is some reason to suppose, I be transferred to another command. I am offered a splendid division in the cavalry service. . . .

But if I take it I am brought right into the Army of the Potomac, and I can't bear to lose my Western boys, or the broad Savannahs in the South, where I hope glory yet awaits me. I have been to some parties and some receptions, have paid my respects to most of the Secretaries and to the President and his wife, and altogether have been having a pretty good time here in Washington. My mind has been relaxed and relieved, and it has done me good.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 379-80

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, February 21, 1864

In Camp, February 21, 1864.

I returned from Washington to-day, very much fatigued and worn out with two days passed in that place. I reached there Friday about 2 P. M., and immediately went to the Department, where I stayed till 6 P. M., returned to the hotel, dined, and spent the evening with Mr. Odell, member of Congress, and Judge Harris. The next day, Saturday, I was with General Halleck till 3 P. M., when I went out to Georgetown and saw Margaret.¹ I ought to have mentioned that before going to see Margaret, I stopped at the President's, where Mrs. Lincoln was holding a levee, and spent a half-hour. I also ought to have stated that the evening before, after leaving Judge Harris, I was persuaded by Mr. Harding and Cortlandt Parker to go to Speaker Colfax's reception, where I was a great lion, Mr. Colfax himself turning usher and bringing every man and woman in the room to introduce to me. All this going about, sitting up late at night and standing so much, had its effect on me, wearying and fatiguing me so that I was very glad to get back to-day.

The army is overrun with women. There is to be a grand ball to-morrow at the headquarters of the Second Corps, and I believe half of Washington is coming down to attend. I expected the Secretary of the Interior and his lady to come down with me to-day, but he did not come to the cars. As the ball is nearly five miles from my headquarters, I don't think I shall have the courage to go. I don't mind the going, but it is the coming back which is so unpleasant.

_______________

¹ Sister of General Meade.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 166-7

Franklin Pierce to Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1862

Concord N. H.

March 4, 1862

My dear Sir,

The impulse to write you, the moment I heard of your great domestic affliction was very strong, but it brought back the crushing sorrow which befel me just before I went to Washington in 1853, with such power that I felt your grief, to be too sacred for intrusion.

Even in this hour, so full of danger to our Country, and of trial and anxiety to all good men, your thoughts, will be, of your cherished boy, who will nestle at your heart, until you meet him in that new life, when tears and toils and conflict will be unknown.

I realize fully how vain it would be, to suggest sources of consolation.

There can be but one refuge in such an hour, – but one remedy for smitten hearts, which, is to trust in Him “who doeth all things well”, and leave the rest to –

"Time comforter & only healer

When the heart hath broke"

With Mrs Pierce's and my own best wishes – and truest sympathy for Mrs Lincoln and yourself

I am, very truly,

Yr. friend

Franklin Pierce

His Excy –

A. Lincoln

President

SOURCE: The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 20, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 20, 1863.

I can see by the public journals that the navy are in the affair at Charleston about to imitate the bad example of the army by squabbling among themselves after a battle with greater energy than they display fighting the enemy. DuPont will undoubtedly have to bear the brunt of the failure at Charleston, but as I see the Tribune most warmly and energetically espouses his cause, I presume he is all safe. I never had any idea the ironclads would be able to do much more than they did. They are simply able to stand fire, but have no more offensive power, indeed not as much as ordinary vessels of war.

I see Seymour has been sent by Hunter to endeavor to have countermanded the order sending the ironclads to the Mississippi. This order, if ever given, was in my judgment very injudicious, for these vessels will be of no use on that river in reducing the works of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. The only service they can be put to there would be to patrol the river between the two places, and prevent supplies to the rebels from the Red River Country.

Yesterday the Richmond papers announced the fall of Suffolk, and we were all pretty blue; but this morning we have a telegram from General Peck reporting that he has stormed and carried a battery of six guns that the enemy had built, and had captured a portion of an Alabama regiment that was defending it. This is great news, not so much for the actual amount of the success, as for the facts — first, that it is the reverse of what the rebels had reported, and, second, because it is the first time in this war that our troops have carried a battery in position at the point of the bayonet, an example, I trust, will be speedily and often imitated by us.

Day before yesterday, I was astonished at receiving a very beautiful bouquet of flowers, which had attached to it a card on which was written, “With the compliments of Mrs. A. Lincoln.” At first I was very much tickled, and my vanity insinuated that my fine appearance had taken Mrs. L’s eye and that my fortune was made. This delusion, however, was speedily dissolved by the orderly who brought the bouquet inquiring the road to General Griffin's and Sykes's quarters, when I ascertained that all the principal generals had been similarly honored.

I understand George¹ joined his regiment up the river, the day after he arrived. He went up in a violent storm.

___________

¹ Son of General Meade.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 367-8

Major-General George B. McClellan to Abraham Lincoln, September 13, 1862 – 12 m.

HEADQUARTERS, Frederick, September 13, 1862 – 12 m.

(Received 2.35 a.m., September 14.)

To the PRESIDENT:

I have the whole rebel force in front of me, but am confident, and no time shall be lost. I have a difficult task to perform, but with God's blessing will accomplish it. I think Lee has made a gross mistake, and that he will be severely punished for it. The army is in motion as rapidly as possible. I hope for a great success if the plans of the rebels remain unchallenged. We have possession of Catoctin. I have all the plans of the rebels, and will catch them in their own trap if my men are equal to the emergency. I now feel that I can count on them as of old. All forces of Pennsylvania should be placed to co-operate at Chambersburg. My respects to Mrs. Lincoln. Received most enthusiastically by the ladies. Will send you trophies. All well, and with God's blessing will accomplish it.

 GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 19, Part 2 (Serial No. 28), p. 281

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 11, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 11, 1863.

The President has now reviewed the whole army, and expresses himself highly delighted with all he has seen. Since our review, I have attended the other reviews and have been making myself (or at least trying so to do) very agreeable to Mrs. Lincoln, who seems an amiable sort of personage. In view also of the vacant brigadiership in the regular army, I have ventured to tell the President one or two stories, and I think I have made decided progress in his affections. By-the-by, talking of this vacancy, I have been very much gratified at the congratulations I have received from several distinguished general officers on the prominence that has been given my name in connection with this appointment. The other day, Major General Stoneman came up to me and said he was very glad to hear I was so much talked of in connection with this vacancy; that he hoped I would get it, and that he believed the voice of the army would be in my favor. Coming as this does from those who are cognizant of my services, some of whom are themselves candidates, I cannot but regard it as most complimentary and gratifying, and I am sure it will please you. Stoneman also told me that, hearing I had a boy in the Lancers, he had sent for him and introduced him to Mrs. Stoneman. Stoneman also spoke very handsomely of the Lancers, and said he intended they should have full chance to show what they were made of.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 364-5

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 9, 1863

FALMOUTH, VA., April 9, 1863.

I have omitted writing for a day or two, as I have been very much occupied in the ceremonies incidental to the President's visit. I think my last letter told you he arrived here on Sunday, in the midst of a violent snow storm. He was to have had a cavalry review on that day, but the weather prevented it. The next day, Monday, the cavalry review came off; but notwithstanding the large number of men on parade, the weather, which was cloudy and raw, and the ground, which was very muddy, detracted from the effect greatly. Orders were given for an infantry review the next day (Tuesday). I was invited on this day (Monday) to dine with General Hooker, to meet the President and Mrs. Lincoln. We had a very handsome and pleasant dinner. The President and Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Bates, Secretary of the Interior, a Dr. Henry, of Colorado, who accompanied the President, Mrs. Stoneman, wife of Major General Stoneman, besides the corps commanders, constituted the party. The next day, owing to the ground not being in condition, the infantry review was postponed; but the President did me the honor to visit my camps and inspect them, and I believe (leaving out the fatigue) passed a very pleasant day. Yesterday (Wednesday) we had the grand infantry review, there being out four corps, or over sixty thousand men. The review passed off very well indeed. The day, during the early part of it, was not favorable, being cloudy and raw, but after noon the sun came out and rendered everything more cheerful. Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Griffin and the two Misses Carroll, together with two other young ladies, having come down to General Griffin's, I was invited to meet them at dinner, which I did yesterday evening, and had a very pleasant time. So you see we are trying to smooth a little the horrors of war. I saw George¹ the day of the cavalry review. He told me he was to have a leave that day, so that he will undoubtedly be there when this reaches you.

The day I dined with Hooker, he told me, in the presence of Mr. Bates, Secretary of the Interior, that he (Hooker) had told the President that the vacant brigadiership in the regular army lay between Sedgwick and myself. I replied that I had no pretensions to it, and that if I were the President I would leave it open till after the next battle. The next day, when riding through the camp, Hooker said the President had told him he intended to leave this position open till after the next fight.

You have seen the report of the Committee on the Conduct of the War. It is terribly severe upon Franklin. Still, I took occasion when I had a chance to say a good word for Franklin to the President, who seemed very ready to hear anything in his behalf, and said promptly that he always liked Franklin and believed him to be a true man. The President looks careworn and exhausted. It is said he has been brought here for relaxation and amusement, and that his health is seriously threatened. He expresses himself greatly pleased with all he has seen, and his friends say he has improved already.

__________

¹ Son of General Meade.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 363-4

Mary Todd Lincoln to Abraham Lincoln, November 2,1862

Nov 2d–

My Dear Husband

I have waited in vain to hear from you, yet as you are not given to letter writing, will be charitable enough to impute your silence, to the right cause. Strangers come up from W– & tell me you are well – which satisfies me very much – Your name is on every lip and many prayers and good wishes are hourly sent up, for your welfare – and McClellan & his slowness are as vehemently discussed. Allowing this beautiful weather, to pass away, is disheartening the North –

Dear little Taddie is well & enjoying himself very much – Gen & Mrs Anderson & myself called on yesterday to see Gen Scott– He looks well, although complaining of Rheumatism– A day or two since, I had one of my severe attacks, if it had not been for Lizzie Keckley, I do not know what I should have done– Some of these periods, will launch me away– All the distinguished in the land, have tried how polite & attentive, they could be to me, since I came up here– Many say, they would almost worship you, if you would put a fighting General, in the place of McClellan– This would be splendid weather, for an engagement– I have had two suits of clothes made for Taddie which will come to 26 dollars– Have to get some fur outside wrappings for the Coachman's Carriage trappings– Lizzie Keckley, wants me to loan her thirty dollars – so I will have to ask for a check of $100 – which will soon be made use of, for these articles– I must send you, Taddies tooth– I want to leave here for Boston, on Thursday & if you will send the check by Tuesday, will be much obliged—

One line, to say that we are occasionally remembered, will be gratefully received – by yours very truly

M. L.

I enclose you a note from Mr Stewart, he appears very solicitous about his young friend– Mr S. is so strong a Union Man – & asks so few favors – if it came in your way, perhaps it would not be amiss to oblige–

SOURCE: Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, November 9, 1862

Washington,

Nov. 9. 1862

Mrs. A. Lincoln

Boston, Mass.

Mrs. Cuthbert & Aunt Mary want to move to the White House, because it has grown so cold at Soldiers Home. Shall they?

A. LINCOLN

SOURCE:  Roy P. Basler, Editor, The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Vol. 5, p. 492

From Mary Todd Lincoln to Abraham Lincoln, November 3, 1862

[November 3, 1862]

My Dear Husband.

I wrote you on yesterday, yet omitted a very important item.  Elizabeth Keckley, who is with me and is working for the Contraband Association, at Wash– is authorised by the White part of the concern by a written document – to collect any thing for them – here that, she can – She has been very unsuccessful – She says the immense number of Contrabands in W– are suffering intensely, many without bed covering & having to use any bits of carpeting to cover themselves– Many dying of want– Out of the $1000 fund deposited with you by Gen Corcoran, I have given her the privelege of investing $200 her, in bed covering– She is the most deeply grateful being, I ever saw, & this sum, I am sure, you will not object to being used in this way– The cause of humanity requires it – and there will be $800 left of the fund– I am sure, this will meet your approbation– The soldiers are well supplied with comfort Please send check for $200 – out of that fund – she will bring you on the bill.

SOURCE: Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Mary Todd Lincoln to Mrs. John C. Sprigg, May 29, 1862

May 29^th

Executive Mansion.

My Dear Mrs Sprigg:

Your very welcome letter was received two weeks since, and my sadness & ill health have alone prevented my replying to it. We have met with so overwhelming an affliction in the death of our beloved Willie a being too precious for earth, that I am so completely unnerved, that I can scarcely command myself to write – What would give to see you & talk to you in our crushing bereavement, if any one's presence could afford comfort – it would be yours. You were always a good friend & dearly have I loved you. All that human skill could do was done for our sainted boy, I fully believe the severe illness, he passed through, now, almost two years since, was but a warning to us that one so pure, was not to remain long here and at the same time, he was lent us a little longer – to try us & wean us from our world, whose chains were fastening around us & when the blow came it found us unprepared to meet it. Our home is very beautiful, the grounds around us are enchanting the world still smiles & pays homage, yet the charm is dispelled – everything appears a mockery, the idolized one is not with us, he has fulfilled his mission and we are left desolate. When I think over his short but happy childhood, how much comfort he always was to me, and how fearfully I always found my hopes concentrating on so good a boy as he was – when I can bring myself to realize that he has indeed passed away my question to myself is 'can life be endured?' Dear little Taddie who was so devoted to his darling Brother, although is deeply afflicted as ourselves, bears up and teaches us a lesson, in enduring the stroke, to which we must submit. Robert will be home from Cambridge in about six weeks and will spend his vacation with us. He has grown & improved more than any one you ever saw. Well we ever meet & talk together as we have done. Time how many sad changes it brings. The 1st of July we go out to the 'Soldier's Home', a very charming place 2 ½ miles from the city, several hundred feet above our present situation, to pass the summer. I dread that it will be a greater resort than here if possible, when we are in sorrow quiet is very necessary to us. Mr. Dubois, I suppose has reached home, ere this. I see by the papers that Mr. Burch is married - We have some pieces of furniture still remaining at his house, may I ask a favor of you. It is this. If Mr. Black can have room for them, can they be moved to any place above his store, where he may have room for them. The sofa, at Mr. Burch's, was new. A few months before we left. May I also ask you to speak to Mr. Black, and see if the 8 boxes we left with him are all there. I fear we have been troublesome friends. I send you a list of the articles sent me by Mr. B. If you feel the least delicacy about this - I will not wish you to do it. Whenever you have leisure, I hope you will write me. With love to you all, I remain ever your attached friend

Mary Lincoln.

SOURCES: Published in The New York Times, January 16, 1882, p. 2; The letter was offered for sale at Heritage Auctions, accessed January 3, 2014; Library of Congress, Voices of the Civil War: Our Crushing Berievement, accessed January 3, 2014; Library of Congress Blog: A Grief Like No Other, accessed January 3, 2014;

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, February 6, 1862

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., February 6, 1862.

Day before yesterday, the weather being promising, and tired of the mud and ennui of camp, I mounted my horse and in company with Kuhn rode into town. After getting off the mud, we paid several visits which I had long been contemplating. In the evening, Kuhn went to see some Boston friends, and I passed the evening at Harry Prince's room, smoking and talking over old times and present troubles.

The next morning I started at 1 P. M. to Mrs. McClellan's. Here I found all Washington — citizen, foreign and strangers — among whom of course I saw many friends and acquaintances. Everybody asked after you, and wondered you did not come down and stay in Washington while the army was here, as if you could do as you please. Now for Mrs. McClellan. Her manners are delightful; full of life and vivacity, great affability, and very ready in conversation. She did not hear my name when presented, but while I was apologizing for not having earlier called to see her, she said, "General Meade, is it not?" I said "Yes." She said, "I knew it must be from the likeness, for I have your picture." I told her I felt very much complimented, etc., etc. During the three hours I spent there a constant succession of visitors came in and out to call, and to all of whom she had plenty to say in the easiest and most affable manner. I came away quite charmed with her esprit and vivacity.

I hear that the flag of truce which came in the other day brought the intelligence that the Confederate Government intended to hold the officers who were hostages for the privateers as hostages for the bridge burners that Halleck has sentenced to be hung in Missouri. If this is so, poor Willcox will be detained, if not sacrificed, as I do not well see how our Government can recede from punishing men who are not soldiers, but incendiaries, having no claim to the rights of prisoners of war, beyond the fact that the war incited them to do what they did.

I called at Mr. Stanton's in the evening, with a friend who knew him; but we were told at the door that his usual reception was postponed for Mrs. Lincoln's ball. I then accompanied this friend to a liquor store kept by Mr. Fred. S. Cozzens, the author of the Sparrowgrass Papers and other well-known literary productions, who finds liquor selling more profitable than literature. Here I was introduced to Mr. Cozzens, a member of Congress and others, discussed a bottle of champagne and claret, and talked over the affairs of the day. The member, who was an Administration Democrat, said the ultras had been defeated some days ago, in a vote of censure that they had tried to pass on Halleck, and that there was in the House a clear majority for the President as against the ultras. Much anxiety in regard to foreign intervention and the lack of means was expressed. The Georgia address was considered a sign of desperation, and preparing the Southern mind for defeat. Altogether, the feeling is one of hope. I have told you the whole of my town spree.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 244-5

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, December 11, 1861

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., December 11, 1861.

I went into town last evening to the wedding of Captain Griffin with Miss Carroll. I had another object in view, which was to avail myself of a capital opportunity of seeing in one place and at one time numerous friends. Kuhn and myself left camp about 5 o'clock, getting in about half-past 6. Kuhn found some nice rooms where his connections, the young Adamses, were staying, and where the landlady was gracious enough to admit us for the night. After tea and a stroll to Willards', we returned and beautified ourselves, and at 9 precisely repaired to the Carrolls'. Of course there was an immense jam; of course the bride and groom looked splendid, as did the fourteen bridemaids and groomsmen, the latter all handsome young officers in full uniform. Mr., Mrs. and the Miss C's were very civil to your humble servant. I saw McClellan and had the honor of making way for him to approach the bride. I saw Mrs. Lincoln, Lord Lyons, Governor Chase, Mr. Seward, and lots of other celebrities. All my old Washington friends greeted me with great cordiality, and any amount of rooms and plates at table were offered to me when I should come into town, and all the ladies referred to your visit and their regret that you were gone before they could get to see you. There was the usual amount of flirtations carried on by the old stagers, assisted by numerous younger fry. I had a very agreeable evening; they had a magnificent supper, and at midnight Kuhn and I returned to our quarters.

This morning, having seen Master Charley Turnbull at the wedding (he not having yet received his return despatches), I went at half-past 8 o'clock to his house and breakfasted with them. Just as we had finished breakfast, and I was thinking of going to the Bureau to write you a few lines, a telegram was put into my hands, announcing the reported approach of the enemy. I hurried to the stable, got my horse, and in thirty minutes by my watch was here in camp, to find, as I expected, that it was a stampede.

There is a story, brought in by one of their deserters, a negro, that on last Friday, the day I was out on a foraging expedition, we approached so near an advanced command they had, consisting of a brigade of infantry and a battery, that they thought they were going to be attacked, and retreated in such a hurry that they abandoned their artillery, and did not return for it all the next day. Unfortunately, we were in ignorance of their presence, or of their stampede, or we might have had a glorious and bloodless capture. The Southern papers have recently been vehemently urging an advance of their army in order to stop our expeditions by sea, and we know Jeff. Davis was at Centreville (where they are said to have sixty thousand men) last Friday. As he has adhered to the defensive policy, in opposition to his generals, it is not impossible he may have yielded, and determined to advance and give us battle. This may account for their movement last night and this morning. I think if they come out of their ratholes about Bull Run and give us a fair chance half-way, that McClellan will eagerly seize it, and the question may be settled by one grand battle. Were it not that I am determined to take things as they come and have no wishes, I would say, so let it be. The sooner this thing is settled the better, and it can only be settled by one side or the other gaining a most decisive and complete victory. I think, if we have a fair, open fight, our chances are good for a victory. But all battles are more or less the result of accidents, and no one can tell in advance what will be the result. We have been in readiness to move all day, but as nothing further has occurred, I suppose an immediate action for the present is postponed.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 235-6

Mrs. Lincoln's Brother Dead

Mr. Samuel B. Todd, brother of Mrs. Lincoln died on the battlefield of Shiloh, of wounds received in the action of the 7th of April.  He was a gallant private in the Crescent regiment, and died in defence of his country against the hireling invaders whom the husband of his sister, Abraham Lincoln, sent to desolate our country, and dishonor our people. – New Orleans Delta.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 2

President and Mrs. Lincoln

Mrs. Mary Clemmer Ames writes to the Springfield Republican:  Abraham Lincoln looks very awkward in white kid gloves and feels uncomfortable in new boots.  Mrs. Lincoln is very dumpy and very good natured and very gorgeous, she stuns me with her low necked dresses and the flower bed which she carries on the top of her head.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Review: Abraham and Mary Lincoln

Abraham and Mary Lincoln

By Kenneth J. Winkle

In the Springfield, Illinois parlor of Ninian W. & Elizabeth (Todd) Edwards, Abraham Lincoln and Mary Ann Todd were married on Friday evening, November 4, 1842 in a ceremony officiated by the Reverend Charles N. Dresser.  A week later Lincoln wrote to a friend, Samuel D. Marshall, “Nothing new here, except my marrying, which to me, is a matter of profound wonder."

The relationship between Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln has been the subject of rumor, speculation and conjecture since they met, and it continues even into the present.  As part of the Concise Lincoln Library author Kenneth J. Winkle adds his name to the ever growing list of those who have written about their relationship with his tiny tome Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

There is no doubt that the Lincoln’s relationship had its stormy and tempestuous times.  What relationship doesn’t?  Mr. Winkle takes a step back from the traditional interpretation of the relationship between Abraham and Mary, and slightly softens it.  Though the “hellcat,” as John Hay frequently referred to Mary Lincoln, does appear from time to time.

The Lincoln’s symbiotic relationship was that of opposites; he the unrefined man from the backwoods and she the genteel aristocrat.  Their backgrounds and personalities complimented the other.  They both saw a future in politics, and both worked in their own way to secure that future.  Together they slowly worked their way up the political ladder from the Illinois Legislature, to the United States House of Representatives, and finally to the Presidency of the United States.  They each played their roles perfectly.

Mr. Winkle’s linear narrative covers the early lives of both Lincolns, their courtship and marriage, and through their years at the White House.  The final chapter of Abraham and Mary Lincoln covers Mary’s life after the assassination of her husband until her death on July 16, 1882.

Abraham and Mary Lincoln doesn’t contain anything new as per the historical record of their relationship, but Mr. Winkle does reinterpret the remaining evidence to draw a new conclusion: the Lincoln home was a house united, though it may have at times trembled in conflict, it was with love and mutual ambition.

ISBN 978-0809330492, Southern Illinois University Press, © 2011, Hardcover, 160 pages, Photographs, Essay on Sources, Bibliography & Index. $19.95

Washington News and Gossip

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. – The Republican intimates that there is truth to the story that Jeff Davis has made overtures for a compromise. – It is said he asks for a Convention of all the States, to definitely adjust all questions at issue, and requires new guarantees for Slavery.

Mrs. Lincoln is ill to-day.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., will to-morrow introduce in the Senate a joint resolution to extend aid to Maryland and Delaware, in order that they may abolish slavery.

Mr. Cameron received his final instructions to-day as Minister to Russia.  Edward H. House has been appointed his Secretary of Legation.

It is doubtful whether the bill for the reduction of pay to Naval officers will pass.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Washington News and Gossip

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – The Treasury not bill as finally passed provides for the issue of one hundred and fifty millions in treasury notes – fifty millions in lieu of demand notes issued in July and to be substituted for them as fast as practicable.  These notes are to be received for all debts due and from the United States, except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received and by law receivable in payment of public dues and interest upon bonds and notes which shall be paid in coin; the notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes except as above indicated; depositors of notes of not less than fifty dollars are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest redeemable after five years, and payable after twenty years.  Five hundred millions of such bonds may be issued by the Secretary of the treasury and held at market value of coin or Treasury notes; receipts for imports are to be set apart as a special fund for the payment in coin of interests.  The other provisions are formal.

The Secretary of War’s late order is intended to apply only to war news of a nature affording aid and comfort to the enemy as touching intended movements.

The House Committee on the Conduct of the War had a long interview with President last evening.  I learn from a member of the committee that its members have been unanimous in all things since its organization.

The Navy and Treasury Departments have not hitherto pulled together on the question of giving permits to trade to Port Royal and Hatteras.  Mr. Welles tells Mr. Chase that he has no objections to them if Mr. Chase chooses to grant them.  Mr. Chase says he will grant them in all cases where Welles certifies that the shipper carries necessary supplies for the use of the army and navy.  He has sent every application to Secretary Welles, being apparently afraid of breaking the blockade.  It is now said that Chase may issue numerous permits to trade on the coast as well as on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, countersigned by the Surveyors of Customs in the West and by special officers in the east.  Applicants will be required to give bonds as security for their fidelity.

It is said that Gen. Sherman’s soldiers have been induced to sell their pay at a discount of 50 cents on the dollar, by representations that Treasury Notes never would be redeemed.

The additional Paymasters will probably be dropped from the rolls, the Paymaster General agreeing with the Military Committee that they are too many.

The amendments of the Congressional apportionment bill passed both houses, giving one additional member to each, to Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky.

The Army Committee agreed to a report in favor of a national foundry east of the Alleghanies, and an Armory Foundry and Manufacturing Arsenal west of the Alleghanies, the sites of all to be fixed by five Commissioners appointed by the President, who shall report within sixty days after their appointment to the Secretary of War, who shall sent the result together with the estimates of cost to Congress.  These works are intended to be at different points.

Mrs. Lincoln and her youngest son, who have been quite unwell, are improving.

The steamer Baltimore, direct from Roanoke Island reached the Navy Yard to-day.  She was not fired at by the rebels although the night was clear.

Dispatches from Flag Officer McKean announce the capture of a brig and two schooners off the South-west Pass.

The amendment of Mr. Sumner is to the effect that Stark, whose case is now pending in the Senate, being charged by affidavits with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until an investigation of the truth of the charge will put the naked question to the Senate, of its right to exclude a traitor who brings credentials from the Governor of his State, and is ready to take his seat.  There is an opinion that Stark will be admitted, although several Republicans protested against their being considered a precedent.

The Senate Committee on Naval Affairs agreed to report a bill reducing the salaries of the highest naval officers in twenty intermediate years to fifteen, and in the lowest ten per cent., and abolishing naval agencies and naval store keepers, and hemp and live oak agencies, the duties to be henceforth performed by regular navy officers.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

The Family of Abraham Lincoln

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, was born on February 12, 1809 on Sinking Spring Farm, near Hodgenville, Hardin (now Larue) County, Kentucky. He died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865 in the William Peterson House,10th St., Washington, D.C. He married MARY ANN TODD on November 4, 1842 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Robert Smith Todd and Eliza Parker and was born on December 13, 1818 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky. She died on July 16, 1882 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln and Mary Ann Todd had the following children:

2. ROBERT TODD LINCOLN was born on August 1, 1843 in Globe Tavern, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

3. EDWARD BAKER LINCOLN was born on March 10, 1846 in the Lincoln home, 8th & Jackson, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. He died in the morning of February 1, 1850 in the Lincoln home at 8th & Jackson, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

4. WILLIAM WALLACE LINCOLN was born on December 21, 1850 in the Lincoln home at 8th Jackson, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. He died at 5 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 1862 in The White House, Washington, D.C.

5. THOMAS "TAD" LINCOLN was born on April 4, 1853 in the Lincoln home at 8th Jackson, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. He died at 7:30 a.m., Saturday morning, July 15, 1871 in Clifton House, Chicago, Illinois.

2. ROBERT TODD LINCOLN, son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Ann Todd, was born on August 1, 1843 in Globe Tavern, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. He died at about 3 a.m. on July 26, 1926 in the downstairs bedroom of his Hildene Estate, Manchester, Bennington County, Vermont. He married MARY EUNICE HARLAN, "shortly after eight" p.m. on September 24, 1868 in the home of Senator James Harlan, 304 H St., Washington, D.C.  She was the daughter of United States Senator from Iowa, James Harlan and Ann Eliza Peck and was born on September 25, 1846 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. She died on March 31, 1937.

Robert Todd Lincoln and Mary Eunice Harlan had the following children:

6. MARY LINCOLN was born on October 15, 1869 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

7. ABRAHAM LINCOLN JR. was born on August 14, 1873. He died on March 5, 1890 in of blood poisoning in London, England.

8. JESSIE LINCOLN was born on November 6, 1875.

6. MARY LINCOLN, daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln and Mary Eunice Harlan, was born on October 15, 1869 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. She died on November 21, 1938. She married CHARLES ISHAM on September 2, 1891, son of William Bradley Isham and Julia Burhans. He was born on July 20, 1853. He died on June 8 1919.

Charles Isham and Mary Lincoln had the following child:

9. LINCOLN ISHAM was born on June 8, 1892. He died in Sep 1971. He married TELHOMA CORREA on August 20, 1919.

8. JESSIE LINCOLN, daughter of Robert Todd Lincoln and Mary Eunice Harlan, was born on November 6, 1875. She died on January 4, 1948 in Rutland, Vermont. She married first to WARREN BECKWITH on November 10, 1897, secondly to FRANK EDWARD JOHNSON on June 22 1915, and lastly to ROBERT J. RANDOLF on December 30, 1926.

Warren Beckwith and Jessie Lincoln had the following children:

10. MARY LINCOLN BECKWITH was born on August 22 1898 in Mount Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa and died July 10, 1975 in Rutland Hospital, Rutland, Vermont.]

11. ROBERT TODD LINCOLN BECKWITH was born on July 19, 1904 and died on December 24, 1985. He married first to MRS. HAZEL HOLLAND WILSON, secondly to ANNAMARIE HOFFMAN and lastly to MARGARET FRISTOE.

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.

The Republican intimates that there is truth in the story that Jeff. Davis has made overtures for a compromise.  It is said he asks for a convention of all the States to definitely adjust all questions at issue, and requires new guarantees for slavery.

Mrs. Lincoln is ill to-day.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., will to-morrow introduce in the Senate a joint resolution to extend aid to Maryland and Delaware, in order that they may abolish slavery.

Mr. Cameron received his final instructions to-day as Minister to Russia.  Edward H. House has been appointed his Secretary of Legation.

Nearly 1000 returned Federal prisoners are now in Washington.  They are being rapidly paid off by the War Department.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 1