TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. MCDOWELL

WAR DEPARTMENT, 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 there 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 skir mish which took place this afternoon I took one horse. The enemy lost two men killed and seven wounded.

R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General.

It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to General Frémont. A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. A. MCCALL

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862. 3.35. Brigadier-General McCall, Fredericksburg: Are you about to withdraw from Fredericksburg; and if so, why, and by whose orders?

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. MCCLELLAN

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862. 10.20 P. M.

Major-General McClellan:

A

CIRCLE whose circumference shall pass through Harper's Ferry, Front Royal, and Strasburg, and whose center shall be a little northeast of Winchester, almost certainly has within it this morning the forces of Jackson, Ewell, and Edward Johnson. Quite certainly they were within it two days ago. Some part of their forces attacked Harper's Ferry at dark last evening, and are still in sight this morning. Shields, with McDowell's advance, retook Front Royal at II a. m. yesterday, with a dozen of our own prisoners taken there a week ago, 150 of the enemy, two locomotives, and eleven cars, some other property and stores, and saved the bridge.

General Frémont, from the direction of Moorefield, promises to be at or near Strasburg at 5 p. m. to-day. General Banks at Williamsport, with his old force and his new force at Harper's Ferry, is directed to coöperate. Shields at Front Royal reports a rumor of still an additional force of the enemy, supposed to be An

derson's, having entered the valley of Virginia. This last may or may not be true. Corinth is certainly in the hands of General Halleck.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY STANTON

GENERAL G. A. MCCALL

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1862.

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General McCall: The President directs me to say to you that there can be nothing to justify a panic at Fredericksburg. He expects you to maintain your position there as becomes a soldier and a general.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. MCCLELLAN

WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., June 1, 1862. 9.30. Major-General McClellan: You are probably engaged with the enemy. I suppose he made the attack. Stand well on your guard, hold all your ground, or yield any only inch by inch and in good order. This morning we merge General Wool's department into yours, giving you command of the whole, and sending General Dix to Fort Monroe and General Wool to Fort McHenry.

We also send General Sigel to report to you for duty.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. MCCLELLAN WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., June 1, 1862. 1.15 P. M. Major-General McClellan: You are already notified that General Sigel is to report to you for duty. I suggest (do not order) that he have command of such of the forces about Fort Monroe, Norfolk, Newport News, etc., as you may see fit to put into active service, or such other command as may be suitable to his rank. A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. MCCLELLAN WAR Department, WashinGTON CITY, D. C.,

Major-General

June 1, 1862. 5 P. M. McClellan: Thanks for what you could and did say in your despatch of noon to-day to the Secretary of War. If the enemy shall not have renewed the attack this afternoon, I think the hardest of your work is done.

Shields's advance came in collision with part of the enemy yesterday evening, six miles from Front Royal, in a direction between Winchester and Strasburg, driving them back, capturing a few prisoners and one rifled cannon. Firing in that direction to-day, heard both from Harper's Ferry and Front Royal, indicates a probability that Frémont has met the enemy.

We have concluded to send General Sigel to Harper's Ferry, so that what I telegraphed you about him this morning is revoked. Dix goes to Fort Monroe to-night. A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GENERAL N. P. BANKS

WASHINGTON, June 1, 1862. Major-General Banks, Williamsport: Major-General Sigel has been assigned to command of the troops at Harper's Ferry, numbering about 10,000, and directed to report to you. That force has been added to your command, and it will receive further additions. Imme'diately on his arrival at Harper's Ferry-for which place he will start this evening-the President desires you to assume actively the offensive against the retreating enemy without the loss of an hour. You will please communicate with General Sigel as speedily as possible. You will, of course, see that Harper's Ferry is left secure. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. MCCLELLAN

WASHINGTON, June 3, 1862. Major-General McClellan: With these continuous rains I am very anxious about the Chickahominy-so close in your rear and crossing your line of communication. Please look to it. A. LINCOLN, President.