A. Lincoln.

Telegram to governor Johnson.
[Cipher.]
Washington, June 9, 1862.

Hon.  Andrew Johnson, Nashville, ’Tennessee: 

Your despatch about seizing seventy rebels to exchange for a like number of Union men was duly received.  I certainly do not disapprove the proposition.

A. Lincoln.

To general J. C. Fremont. 
Washington, June 12, 1862.

Major-general Fremont: 

Accounts, which we do not credit, represent that Jackson is largely reinforced and turning upon you.  Get your forces well in hand and keep us well and frequently advised; and if you find yourself really pressed by a superior force of the enemy, fall back cautiously toward or to Winchester, and we will have in due time Banks in position to sustain you.  Do not fall back upon Harrisonburg unless upon tolerably clear necessity.  We understand Jackson is on the other side of the Shenandoah from you, and hence cannot in any event press you into any necessity of a precipitate withdrawal.

A. Lincoln.

P.S.—­Yours, preferring Mount Jackson to Harrisonburg, is just received.  On this point use your discretion, remembering that our object is to give such protection as you can to western Virginia.  Many thanks to yourself, officers, and men for the gallant battle of last Sunday.  A. L.

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.

Executive Mansion, Washington,

June 13, 1862.

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