It would be of both interest and value to us here to know how the expedition toward East Tennessee is progressing, if in your judgment you can give us the information with safety.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.

War department, Washington, D. C., June 18, 1862.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

Yours of to-day, making it probable that Jackson has been reinforced by about 10,000 from Richmond, is corroborated by a despatch from General King at Fredericksburg, saying a Frenchman, just arrived from Richmond by way of Gordonsville, met 10,000 to 15,000 passing through the latter place to join Jackson.

If this is true, it is as good as a reinforcement to you of an equal force.  I could better dispose of things if I could know about what day you can attack Richmond, and would be glad to be informed, if you think you can inform me with safety.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.

WASHINGTON, JUNE 19, 1862

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

Yours of last night just received, and for which I thank you.

If large reinforcements are going from Richmond to Jackson, it proves one of two things:  either they are very strong at Richmond, or do not mean to defend the place desperately.

On reflection, I do not see how reinforcements from Richmond to Jackson could be in Gordonsville, as reported by the Frenchman and your deserters.  Have not all been sent to deceive?

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.

War department, Washington, June 20, 1862.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

In regard to the contemplated execution of Captains Spriggs and Triplett the government has no information whatever, but will inquire and advise you.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.

Washington city, June 20, 1862.

Major-general McCLELLAN: 

We have this morning sent you a despatch of General Sigel corroborative of the proposition that Jackson is being reinforced from Richmond.  This may be reality, and yet may only be contrivance for deception, and to determine which is perplexing.  If we knew it was not true, we could send you some more force; but as the case stands we do not think we safely can.  Still, we will watch the signs and do so if possible.

In regard to a contemplated execution of Captains Spriggs and Triplett the government has no information whatever, but will inquire and advise you.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL G. B. McCLELLAN.