If Porter effects a lodgment on both railroads near Hanover Court-House, consider whether your forces in front of Fredericksburg should not push through and join him.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.

Washington, May 28, 1862.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

What of F.J.  Porter’s expedition?  Please answer.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL.

Washington.  May 28, 1862. 4 P.M.

General McDOWELL, Manassas Junction: 

You say General Geary’s scouts report that they find no enemy this side of the Blue Ridge.  Neither do I. Have they been to the Blue Ridge looking for them.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL.

Washington, May 28, 1862. 5.40 P.M.

General McDOWELL, Manassas Junction: 

I think the evidence now preponderates that Ewell and Jackson are still about Winchester.  Assuming this, it is for you a question of legs.  Put in all the speed you can.  I have told Fremont as much, and directed him to drive at them as fast as possible.  By the way, I suppose you know Fremont has got up to Moorefield, instead of going into Harrisonburg.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN

Washington May 28, 1862. 8.40 P.M.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

I am very glad of General F. J. Porter’s victory.  Still, if it was a total rout of the enemy, I am puzzled to know why the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad was not seized again, as you say you have all the railroads but the Richmond and Fredericksburg.  I am puzzled to see how, lacking that, you can have any, except the scrap from Richmond to West Point.  The scrap of the Virginia Central from Richmond to Hanover Junction, without more, is simply nothing.  That the whole of 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: