Fellow-citizens of the Senate and house of representatives:  I herewith transmit a memorial addressed and presented to me in behalf of the State of New York in favor of enlarging the locks of the Erie and Oswego Canal.  While I have not given nor have leisure to give the subject a careful examination, its great importance is obvious and unquestionable.  The large amount of valuable statistical information which is collated and presented in the memorial will greatly facilitate the mature consideration of the subject, which I respectfully ask for it at your hands.

Abraham Lincoln.

TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT.

Washington; June 13. 1862

Major-general Fremont: 

We cannot afford to keep your force and Banks’s and McDowell’s engaged in keeping Jackson south of Strasburg and Front Royal.  You fought Jackson alone and worsted him.  He can have no substantial reinforcements so long as a battle is pending at Richmond.  Surely you and Banks in supporting distance are capable of keeping him from returning to Winchester.  But if Sigel be sent forward to you, and McDowell (as he must) be put to other work, Jackson will break through at Front Royal again.  He is already on the right side of the Shenandoah to do it, and on the wrong side of it to attack you.  The orders already sent you and Banks place you and him in the proper positions for the work assigned you.  Jackson cannot move his whole force on either of you before the other can learn of it and go to his assistance.  He cannot divide his force, sending part against each of you, because he will be too weak for either.  Please do as I directed in the order of the 8th and my despatch of yesterday, the 12th, and neither you nor Banks will be overwhelmed by Jackson.  By proper scout lookouts, and beacons of smoke by day and fires by night you can always have timely notice of the enemy’s approach.  I know not as to you, but by some this has been too much neglected.

A. Lincoln.

TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT

War department, Washington city, D. C., June 15, 1862.

Major-general Fremont: 

My dear sir:—­Your letter of the 12th by Colonel Zagonyi is just received.  In answer to the principal part of it, I repeat the substance of an order of the 8th and one or two telegraphic despatches sent you since.