To Edward Bates

My Dear Sir May 30. 1861

Will you do the favor to confer with Mr. Johnson and be preparing to present the argument for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Very respectfully yours A. LINCOLN

The Honorable I concur

Atty Genl. William H. Seward

The result of Reverdy Johnson’s conference with Bates is not indicated in any immediate communication from Bates, but on July 5, 1861, the attorney general returned a twenty-six-page opinion, the gist of which was that if suspension was understood to mean ” . . . a repeal of all power to issue the writ . . . none but Congress can do it. But if we are at liberty to understand the phrase to mean, that, in case of a great and dangerous rebellion, like the present, the public safety requires the arrest and confinement of persons implicated in that rebellion, I, as freely, declare the opinion that the President has lawful power to suspend the privilege of persons arrested under such circumstances.”

To Ephraim D. and Phoebe Ellsworth

To the Father and Mother of Col. Washington D. C.
Elmer E. Ellsworth: May 25. 1861

My dear Sir and Madam, In the untimely loss of your noble son, our affliction here, is scarcely less than your own. So much of promised usefulness to one’s country, and of bright hopes for one’s self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall. In size, in years, and in youthful appearance, a boy only, his power to command men, was surpassingly great. This power, combined with a fine intellect, an indomitable energy, and a taste altogether military, constituted in him, as seemed to me, the best natural talent, in that department, I ever knew. And yet he was singularly modest and deferential in social intercourse. My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago; yet through the latter half of the intervening period, it was as intimate as the disparity of our ages, and my engrossing engagements, would permit. To me, he appeared to have no indulgences or pastimes; and I never heard him utter a profane, or an intemperate word. What was conclusive of his good heart, he never forgot his parents. The honors he labored for so laudably, and, in the sad end, so gallantly gave his life, he meant for them, no less than for himself.

In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of my young friend, and your brave and early fallen child.

May God give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power. Sincerely your friend in a common affliction—

A. LINCOLN

To Winfield Scott

Lieutenant General Scott Executive Mansion
My dear Sir May 24. 1861

What think you of the propriety of yourself, or the more immediate commander—Genl. Mansfield, as I understand—taking the occasion of occupying Alexandria & Arlington Heights, to make a proclamation to the citizens of those places, and vicinity, assuring them that they are not to be despoiled, but can have your protection, if they will accept it, and inviting such as may have left their homes, and business to return?

Mr. Nicolay will show you a Telegram, which will not displease you. Your Obedient Servt. A. LINCOLN

To Edwin D. Morgan

His Excellency Washington, D.C.
Gov. E. D. Morgan May 20. 1861

My dear Sir: Yours of the 19th. is received. Your letter to the Secretary of War I have not seen.

To not shirk just responsibility, I suppose I ought to admit that I had much to do with the matter of which you complain.

The committee came here some time last week, saying there were fourteen Regiments in N.Y. city, not within the 38 you were organizing; that something must be done with them,—that they could not safely keep them longer, nor safely disband them. I could not see—can not yet—how it could wrong you, or the Regiments you were raising, for these 14 to move forward at once, provided yours, too, should be received when ready. But aware of my own ignorance in military matters, I sent to Genl. Scott to get his opinion whether the thing could be safely done, both as to the question of confusion, and also whether the Govt. could advantageously keep and use the whole. His answer was that the whole should come—of the 14[,]5 to come here, & 9 to Fortress Monroe. I thought the whole difficulty was solved, and directed an order to be made accordingly. I was even pleased with it; because I had been trying for two weeks to begin the collecting of a force at Fortress Monroe, and it now appeared as if this would begin.

Next day & after the committee had gone, I was brought to fear that a squabble was to arise between you and the committee, by which neither your Regiments nor theirs, would move in any reasonable time; to avoid which, I wrote one of the committee—Mr. Russell—to send them at once.

I am very loth to do any wrong; but I do not see yet wherein this was a wrong.

I certainly did not know that any Regiments especially under your control were to be sent forward by the committee; but I do not perceive the substantial wrong, even in such a case. That it may be a technical wrong, I can readily understand—but we are in no condition to waste time on technicalities.

The enthusiastic uprising of the people in our cause, is our great reliance; and we can not safely give it any check, even though it overflows, and runs in channels not laid down in any chart.

In ordering the 14 Regiments forward, no intimation was intended, that you were failing in activity, or in any duty. On the contrary, I acknowledge you have done, & are doing nobly; and for which I tender you my sincere thanks. Yours very truly

A. LINCOLN

To Francis P. Blair, Jr.

Private
Hon. F. P. Blair Washington D.C. May 18. 1861

My Dear Sir. We have a good deal of anxiety here about St. Louis. I understand an order has gone from the War Department to you, to be delivered or withheld in your discretion, relieving Gen. Harney from his command. I was not quite satisfied with the order when it was made, though on the whole I thought it best to make it; but since then I have become more doubtful of its propriety. I do not write now to countermand it; but to say I wish you would withhold it, unless in your judgement the necessity to the contrary is very urgent.

There are several reasons for this. We better have him a friend than an enemy. It will dissatisfy a good many who otherwise would be quiet. More than all, we first relieved him, then restored him, & now if we relieve him again, the public will ask, “why all this vacillation.”

Still if, in your judgment, it is indispensable let it be so. Yours very truly A LINCOLN

Memorandum: Military Arrests

[c. May 17, 1861]

Unless the necessity for these arbitrary arrests is manifest, and urgent, I prefer they should cease. A. LINCOLN

To Carl Schurz

Hon. Carl Schurz Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir: May 16. 1861

I have delayed so long to either Telegraph or write you, hoping to get the matter of which we spoke, into a satisfactory shape; but at last I have not succeeded. On Monday I was about to Telegraph you to proceed, but was arrested in it on the question of rank—that it would put you in command at Fortress Monroe.

Yesterday the New-York Committee were here; and their mission ended in their getting an order to move forward, from N.Y. city fourteen Regiments said to be there now—five to this city, and nine to Fortress Monroe. It did not occur to me till after I parted with the Committee, that probably your four german Regiments are included in this same fourteen. If so, they will either come here, or go to Fortress Monroe at once. I still hope you may be made Brig. Gen. of them; but I can not make it move smoothly just yet.

Write, or Telegraph me when you receive this. Yours as ever

A. LINCOLN

To Simon Cameron

Hon. Sec. of War. Executive Mansion
My dear Sir— May 16. 1861

If possible, take the six Regiments now offered by Massachusetts. By their peculiar talent for taking care of themselves, they will give us less trouble in supplying them, than will most other troops. At all events give these gentlemen a hearing Yours truly

A. LINCOLN

On the bottom of the page is written, “Not agreed to for the present. Simon Cameron.” The Massachusetts First, Second, Seventh, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Regiments were later accepted. On May 6, Governor John A. Andrew had written Montgomery Blair ” . . . I pray you claim and secure to us . . . the right to furnish six regiments . . . to march with the advancing column over the streets where our brothers poured out their blood. . . . ” (William Schouler, A History of Massachusetts in the Civil War, I, 166). Blair to Lincoln, May 16, reads in part as follows: “The error in Meig’s programme is common to the whole army and this is the reason why I have been so persistent in seeking an outsider for a leader. The military look upon the contest as one between the whole people of the South and the people of the North. This is a fundamental and fatal error. . . . Nor do I think there is any disrespect to Genl. Scott involved in the President’s adopting his own policy instead of Scott’s in the management of the war. . . . “

see Letter to Simon Cameron, May 14, 1861

To Simon Cameron

Hon. Sec. of War— Executive Mansion
My dear Sir— May 14. 1861

After you left here to-day, Mr. Blair came in; and, being told what we had been doing in relation to generals and colonels, he seemed to be dissatisfied. Would it not be better for you to see Mr. Blair, and ascertain what is the trouble with him? We should take some pains to avoid dissatisfaction among ourselves. Yours very truly A. LINCOLN

Although the circumstances of mobilization were so complex, not to say chaotic, that any succinct statement of the conflict between the War Department and other branches of the government is open to criticism, the basic difficulty seems to have been that the Army wished to keep, logically enough, some semblance of an orderly promotion of regular officers and integration of troops, while Montgomery Blair, as well as the governors of the loyal states and numerous individual politicians were demanding wholesale acceptance of volunteer regiments and elected officers. Cameron repeatedly refused to accept volunteer regiments, and there was much opposition to the appointment of “political” generals. Also, in the border states, the conflict between the War Department’s view of military rule and the political insistence upon subordination of the military to loyal local political exigencies brought about near chaos in such trouble spots as St. Louis. 

To Robert Anderson

Col. Robert Anderson Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir May 14. 1861

Some time ago, and before it was arranged for you to go West, as now, the question was upon us how arms sent to Cincinnati for Kentuckians, could surely be put in the hands of friends, and not of enemies; and, for this purpose, and without their knowledge, Messrs Crittenden, Guthrie, and Joshua F. Speed, bearer of this, or any one of them, were designated to distribute the arms, in their discretion. After you left here last week it occurred to us that you could perform this service as safely, and perhaps more expeditiously, by reason that you will be on the spot, and will not have to wait for the co-operation of any one; and a direction was accordingly sent to the parties forwarding the arms to Cincinnati. It now occurs further that the kind assitance of these gentlemen may still be valuable to you in this, and perhaps other matters; and when it shall so appear to you it is hoped you will avail yourself of it. Mr. Speed, though less known to the world than the other gentlemen, is far better known to me than either of them; and I have the utmost confidence in his loyalty and integrity, and also in his judgment on any subject which he professes to understand. I think you will find him a most agreeable companion, and at the same time a most valuable assistant in our common cause. Yours very truly

A. LINCOLN

To Carl Schurz

[May 13, 1861?]

Get the german Brigade in shape, and, at their request, you shall be Brigadier General. Will write you at New-York.

A. LINCOLN

To Simon Cameron

Hon. Sec. of War Executive Mansion, May 13, 1861

Dear Sir—You see on the other side of this sheet that four german Regiments already raised in New-York, wish to form a Brigade, and have Carl Schurz for their Brigadier General. Why should it not be done at once? By the Plan of organization, I see I am to appoint the generals.

Schurz says he would, if allowed, go immediately to Fortress Monroe; and if it would be an objection that, by rank, he would command the garrison there, he would, of choice, waive that.

I am for it, unless there be some valid reason against it. Answer soon. Yours truly A. LINCOLN.

To Gideon Welles

Hon. Gideon Welles. Executive Mansion,
My dear Sir May 11, 1861.

Some time ago, at the request of Commander E. B. Boutwell, I asked you to look into the case of his suspension, and ascertain whether he might not, without inconsistency, be relieved from the remainder of his suspension. I am now informed that his case is not yet acted upon. I make no complaint of this, knowing you are overwhelmed with business; but I will be obliged if you will attend to it as soon as possible. Yours very truly A. LINCOLN.

In June, 1858, Edward B. Boutwell of Virginia had been found guilty of disobedience to lawful orders, neglect of duty, and scandalous conduct. The court sentenced him to be dismissed, but the sentence was commuted to “five years Furlough Pay.” Welles replied, May 16, 1861, ” . . . I am not in possession of any fact which calls upon me to advise a further mitigation. . . . ” (DLC-RTL). Boutwell was dismissed from the service, July 31, 1861.

[A good example of how Lincoln was dealing with his cabinet members at the time, I think]

Proclamation Suspending Writ of Habeas Corpus in Florida

May 10, 1861

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

Whereas, an insurrection exists in the State of Florida, by which the lives, liberty and property of loyal citizens of the United States are endangered:

And whereas it is deemed proper that all needful measures should be taken for the protection of such citizens, and all officers of the United States in the discharge of their public duties, in the State aforesaid:

Now therefore be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby direct the Commander of the Forces of the United States on the Florida coast, to permit no person to exercise any office or authority upon the Islands of Key West, the Tortugas and Santa Rosa, which may be inconsistent with the laws & constitution of the United States, authorizing him at the same time, if he shall find it necessary, to suspend there the writ of Habeas Corpus and to remove from the vicinity of the United States fortresses all dangerous or suspected persons.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. ABRAHAM LINCOLN

[L.S.]

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

To Gideon Welles

Hon. Gideon Welles. Executive Mansion,
My dear Sir May 8, 1861.

I understand that there is some opposition to the appointment of Capt. G. V. Fox to the clerkship we talked of. My wish, and advice is, that you do not allow any ordinary obstacle prevent his appointment. He is a live man, whose services we cannot well dispense with. Yours very truly A. LINCOLN.

Order to Robert Anderson

May 7, 1861

To all who shall see these presents greeting:

Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Colonel ROBERT ANDERSON, U.S. Army, I have empowered him and do hereby empower him to receive into the Service of the United States, as many regiments of volunteer troops from the State of Kentucky and from the Western part of the State of Virginia, as shall be willing to engage in the service of the United States for the period of three years, upon the terms and according to the plan proposed by the Proclamation of May 3, 1861, and General Order, No. 15, from the War Department of May 4, 1861.

The troops whom he may receive shall be on the same footing in every respect as those of the like kind called for in the proclamation above cited, except that the officers thereof shall be commissioned by the United States.

He is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty hereby devolved upon him by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.

Given under my hand at the City of Washington, this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States. ABRAHAM LINCOLN

By the President,

SIMON CAMERON Secretary of War.

To the Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino

May 7, 1861

Abraham Lincoln,

President of the United States of America.

To the Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino Great and Good Friends

I have received and read with great sensibility the letter which as Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino you addressed to me on the 29th of March last. I thank the Council of San Marino for the honor of citizenship they have conferred upon me.

Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history. It has by its experience demonstrated the truth, so full of encouragement to the friends of Humanity, that Government founded on Republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring.

You have kindly adverted to the trial through which this Republic is now passing. It is one of deep import. It involves the question whether a Representative republic, extended and aggrandized so much as to be safe against foreign enemies can save itself from the dangers of domestic faction. I have faith in a good result.

Wishing that your interesting State may endure and flourish forever, and that you may live long and enjoy the confidence and secure the gratitude of your fellow citizens, I pray God to have you in his holy keeping. Your Good Friend

Washington, May 7 1861 Abraham Lincoln

By the President

WILLIAM H. SEWARD Secretary of State

[San Marino was, and I believe remains, the world’s oldest and smallest republic.]

Proclamation Calling for 42,034 Volunteers

May 3, 1861

By the President of the United States

A Proclamation.

Whereas existing exigencies demand immediate and adequate measures for the protection of the National Constitution and the preservation of the National Union by the suppression of the insurrectionary combinations now existing in several States for opposing the laws of the Union and obstructing the execution thereof, to which end a military force in addition to that called forth by my proclamation of the fifteenth day of April in the present year, appears to be indispensably necessary,

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln President of the United States, and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy thereof, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into actual service, do hereby call into the service of the United States, fortytwo thousand and thirty four volunteers, to serve for the period of three years, unless sooner discharged, and to be mustered into service as Infantry and cavalry. The proportions of each arm, and the details of enrollment and organization will be made known, through the Department of War.

And I also direct that the regular army of the United States be increased by the addition of eight regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and one regiment of artillery, making altogether a maximum aggregate increase of twenty-two thousand, seven hundred and fourteen officers and enlisted men; the details of which increase will also be made known through the Department of War.

And I further direct the enlistment for not less than one or more than three years, of eighteen thousand seamen, in addition to the present force, for the naval service of the United States. The details of the enlistment and organization will be made known through the Department of the Navy.

The call for volunteers hereby made, and the direction for the increase of the regular army, and for the enlistment of seamen hereby given, together with the plan of organization adopted for the volunteer and for the regular forces hereby authorized, will be submitted to Congress as soon as assembled.

In the meantime I earnestly invoke the cooperation of all good citizens in the measures hereby adopted, for the effectual suppression of unlawful violence, for the impartial enforcement of constitutional laws, and for the speediest possible restoration of peace and order and, with these, of happiness and prosperity throughout our country.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington this third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. ABRAHAM LINCOLN

[L.S.]

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

To Gustavus V. Fox

Capt. G. V. Fox Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir May 1, 1861

I sincerely regret that the failure of the late attempt to provision Fort-Sumpter, should be the source of any annoyance to you. The practicability of your plan was not, in fact, brought to a test. By reason of a gale, well known in advance to be possible, and not improbable, the tugs, an essential part of the plan, never reached the ground; while, by an accident, for which you were in no wise responsible, and possibly I, to some extent was, you were deprived of a war vessel with her men, which you deemed of great importance to the enterprize.

I most cheerfully and truly declare that the failure of the undertaking has not lowered you a particle, while the qualities you developed in the effort, have greatly heightened you, in my estimation.

For a daring and dangerous enterprize, of a similar character, you would, to-day, be the man, of all my acquaintances, whom I would select.

You and I both anticipated that the cause of the country would be advanced by making the attempt to provision Fort-Sumpter, even if it should fail; and it is no small consolation now to feel that our anticipation is justified by the result. Very truly your friend A. LINCOLN

To Robert Anderson

Major Robert Anderson Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir May 1. 1861

A few days ago I caused an official letter to be written you through the War Department, expressive of the approbation and gratitude I considered due you and your command from this Government.

I now write this, as a purely private and social letter, to say I shall be much gratified to see you here at your earliest convenience, when and where I can personally testify my appreciation of your services and fidelity; and, perhaps, explain some things on my part, which you may not have understood.

I shall also be very glad to see any of the officers who served with you at Fort Sumpter, and whom it might be convenient and agreeable for you to invite to accompany you here. Your Obt. Servt. A. LINCOLN