Friday, June 15, 2012

Meeting held to discuss Fugitive Slave law

President Lincoln hosted a meeting at the White House on the evening of June 11 with myself, General Wadsworth and Senator Browning. The topic a controversy over the Fugitive Slave Law. Fugitive slaves were handled through the marshal's office that I operated. Mr. Lincoln suggested each slave be held twenty-four hours. If it was determined the slave was the property of a rebel owner, he would be released to my charge and given military protection.

The president announced that the Marine band concerts, held weekly on the White House lawn, were to be suspended. The reason for Mr. Lincoln's decision was because the family was still mourning the death of their son, Willie. The elite of Washington were not happy with the decision.

Mrs. Lincoln spent time visiting the military hospitals in the area. And then she prepare her family for a move to the cottage at the Soldier's Home for the summer.

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