TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL.

War department, May 26, 1862. 1 P.M.

Major-general McDOWELL, Falmouth, Virginia: 

Despatches from Geary just received have been sent you.  Should not the remainder of your forces, except sufficient to hold the point at Fredericksburg, move this way—­to Manassas Junction or Alexandria?  As commander of this department, should you not be here?  I ask these questions.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL McCLELLAN.

Washington, May 26, 1862.

Major-general George B. McCLELLAN: 

Can you not cut the Alula Creek railroad?  Also, what impression have you as to intrenched works for you to contend with in front of Richmond?  Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?

A. Lincoln, President.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT.

May 27.1862. 9.58 P.M.

Major-general Fremont: 

I see that you are at Moorefield.  You were expressly ordered to march to Harrisonburg.  What does this mean?

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GOVERNOR ANDREW.

Washington, May 27, 1862.

Governor Andrew, Boston: 

The President directs that the militia be relieved, and the enlistments made for three years, or during the war.  This, I think, will practically not be longer than for a year.  The latest intelligence from General Banks states that he has saved nearly his whole command with small loss.

Concentrations of our force have been made, which it is hoped will capture the enemy.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

TELEGRAM FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT,

Washington, May 28, 1862

Major-general Fremont, Moorefield

The President directs you to halt at Moorefield and await orders, unless you hear of the enemy being in the general direction of Rodney, in which case you will move upon him.  Acknowledge the receipt of this order, and the hour it is received.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL.

Washington, May 28, 1862.

General McDOWELL, Manassas Junction: 

General McClellan at 6.30 P.M. yesterday telegraphed that Fitz-John Porter’s division had fought and driven 13,000 of the enemy, under General Branch, from Hanover Court-House, and was driving them from a stand they had made on the railroad at the time the messenger left.  Two hours later he telegraphed that Stoneman had captured an engine and six cars on the Virginia Central, which he at once sent to communicate with Porter.  Nothing further from McClellan.