On this date 150 years ago, President Lincoln observed another balloon ascension by Thaddeus Lowe. The chief executive also met with military and government officials concerning General Fremont's duties in the Department of the West. John Ericsson of New York submitted a contract, which was approved by the cabinet, to build ironclad warships for the Union Navy. The vessels ultimately constructed include the "Monitor", which was later to take part in the first battle involving ironclads.

Treaties were signed by the Confederacy with the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Seneca Indian tribes; this enabled the rebels to utilize willing Indians in their confrontations with Union troops.