War department, May 24, 1862. 1.30 P.M.

Colonel miles, Harper’s Ferry, Virginia

Could you not send scouts from Winchester who would tell whether enemy are north of Banks, moving on Winchester?  What is the latest you have?

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT.

War department, May 24, 1862. 4 P.M.

Major-general Fremont, Franklin: 

You are authorized to purchase the 400 horses, or take them wherever or however you can get them.  The exposed condition of General Banks makes his immediate relief a point of paramount importance.  You are therefore directed by the President to move against Jackson at Harrisonburg and operate against the enemy in such way as to relieve Banks.  This movement must be made immediately.  You will acknowledge the receipt of this order, and specify the hour it is received by you.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL J. C. FREMONT.

War department, May 24, 1862. 7.15 P.M.

Major-general Fremont, Franklin, Virginia: 

Many thanks for the promptness with which you have answered that you will execute the order.  Much—­perhaps all—­depends upon the celerity with which you can execute it.  Put the utmost speed into it.  Do not lose a minute.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL H. W. HALLECK.

War department, May 24, 1862.

Major-general Halleck, near Corinth, Mississippi: 

Several despatches from Assistant Secretary Scott and one from Governor Morton asking reinforcements for you have been received.  I beg you to be assured we do the best we can.  I mean to cast no blame where I tell you each of our commanders along our line from Richmond to Corinth supposes himself to be confronted by numbers superior to his own.  Under this pressure We thinned the line on the upper Potomac, until yesterday it was broken with heavy loss to us, and General Banks put in great peril, out of which he is not yet extricated, and may be actually captured.  We need men to repair this breach, and have them not at hand.  My dear General, I feel justified to rely very much on you.  I believe you and the brave officers and men with you can and will get the victory at Corinth.

A. Lincoln.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL I. McDOWELL

War department, May 24, 1862.

Major-general McDOWELL, Fredricksburg: