The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 6: 1862-1863. Lincoln Abraham

the enemy is concentrating on Richmond, I think cannot be certainly known to you or me. Saxton, at Harper's Ferry informs us that large forces, supposed to be Jackson's and Ewells, forced his advance from Charlestown today. General King telegraphs us from Fredericksburg that contrabands give certain information that 15,000 left Hanover Junction Monday morning to reinforce Jackson. I am painfully impressed with the importance of the struggle before you, and shall aid you all I can consistently with my view of due regard to all points.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GENERAL FREMONT

WASHINGTON, May 28, 1862

      MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN C. FREMONT, Moorefield:

      The order to remain at Moorefield was based on the supposition that it would find you there.

      Upon subsequent information that the enemy were still operating in the vicinity of Winchester and Martinsburg, you were directed to move against the enemy.

      The President now again directs you to move against the enemy without delay. Please acknowledge the receipt of this, and the time received.

      EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL MARCY

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862. 10 A.M

      GENERAL R. B. MARCY, McClellan's Headquarters:

      Yours just received. I think it cannot be certainly known whether the force which fought General Porter is the same which recently confronted McDowell. Another item of evidence bearing on it is that General Branch commanded against Porter, while it was General Anderson who was in front of McDowell. He and McDowell were in correspondence about prisoners.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., May 29, 1862. 10.30 A.M

      MAJOR-GENERAL McCLELLAN:

      I think we shall be able within three days to tell you certainly whether any considerable force of the enemy — Jackson or any one else — is moving on to Harper's Ferry or vicinity. Take this expected development into your calculations.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL N. P. BANKS

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862

      MAJOR-GENERAL BANKS, Williamsport, Maryland:

      General McDowell's advance should, and probably will, be at or near Front Royal at twelve (noon) tomorrow. General Fremont will be at or near Strasburg as soon. Please watch the enemy closely, and follow and harass and detain him if he attempts to retire. I mean this for General Saxton's force as well as that immediately with you.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL FREMONT

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862. 12 M

      MAJOR-GENERAL FREMONT, Moorefield, Virginia:

      General McDowell's advance, if not checked by the enemy, should, and probably will, be at Front Royal by twelve (noon) to-morrow. His force, when up, will be about 20,000. Please have your force at Strasburg, or, if the route you are moving on does not lead to that point, as near Strasburg as the enemy may be by the same time. Your despatch No.30 received and satisfactory.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862

      MAJOR-GENERAL McDOWELL, Manassas Junction:

      General Fremont's force should, and probably will, be at or near Strasburg by twelve (noon) tomorrow. Try to have your force, or the advance of it, at Front Royal as soon.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL MARCY

WASHINGTON, May 29, 1862. 1.20 P.M

      GENERAL R. B. MARCY:

      Your despatch as to the South Anna and Ashland being seized by our forces this morning is received. Understanding these points to be on the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, I heartily congratulate the country, and thank General McClellan and his army for their seizure.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862. 10 A.M

      MAJOR-GENERAL McDOWELL, Manassas Junction:

      I somewhat apprehend that Fremont's force, in its present condition, may not be quite strong enough in case it comes in collision with the enemy. For this additional reason I wish you to push forward your column as rapidly as possible. Tell me what number your force reaching Front Royal will amount to.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL N. P. BANKS

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862. 10.15 A.M

      MAJOR-GENERAL BANKS,

      Williamsport, Maryland, via Harper's Ferry:

      If the enemy in force is in or about Martinsburg, Charlestown, and Winchester, Or any or all of them, he may come in collision with Fremont, in which case I am anxious that your force, with you and at Harper's Ferry, should so operate as to assist Fremont if possible; the same if the enemy should engage McDowell. This was the meaning of my despatch yesterday.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862. 12.40

      MAJOR-GENERAL McDOWELL, Rectortown:

      Your despatch of to-day received and is satisfactory. Fremont has nominally 22,000, really about 17,000. Blenker's division is part of it. I have a despatch from Fremont this morning, not telling me where he is; but he says:

      "Scouts and men from Winchester represent Jackson's force variously at 30,000 to 60,000. With him Generals Ewell and Longstreet."

      The high figures erroneous, of course. Do you know where Longstreet is? Corinth is evacuated and occupied by us.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL FREMONT

WASHINGTON, May 30, 1862. 2.30 P.M

      MAJOR-GENERAL FREMONT, Moorefield, Virginia:

      Yours, saying you will reach Strasburg or vicinity at 5 P.M. Saturday, has been received and sent to General McDowell, and he directed to act in view of it. You must be up to the time you promised, if possible.

      Corinth was evacuated last night, and is occupied by our troops to-day; the enemy gone south to Okolotia, on the railroad to Mobile.

      A. LINCOLN.

      TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL

WAR DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON CITY, May 30, 1862.9.30 P.M

      MAJOR-GENERAL McDOWELL, Rectortown, Va.:

      I send you a despatch just received from Saxton at Harper's Ferry: "The rebels are in line of battle in front of our lines. They have nine pieces of artillery, and in position, and cavalry. I shelled the woods in which they were, and they in return threw a large number of shells into the lines and tents from which I moved last night to take up a stronger position. I expect a great deal from the battery on the mountain, having three 9 inch Dahlgren bearing directly on the enemy's approaches. The enemy appeared this morning and then retired, with the intention of drawing us on. I shall act on the defensive, as my position is a strong one. In a skirmish which took place this afternoon I lost one horse, The enemy lost two men killed and seven wounded.

      "R.