President loiters about War Dept. telegraph office in afternoon with Maj. Thomas T. Eckert, anxious for news. Operator sends out requests for news. Marcy to McClellan, 31 May 1862, George B. McClellan Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At 11 P.M. first dispatch on battle before Richmond reaches White House. Nicolay to Bates, 2 June 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "(10.20 P.M.) A circle whose circumference shall pass through Harper's Ferry, Front-Royal, and Strasburg, and whose center shall be a little North East of Winchester, almost certainly has within it this morning, the forces of Jackson, Ewell, and [Gen.] Edward Johnson [(CSA)]. . . . Some part of these forces attacked Harper's Ferry at dark last evening, . . . Shields—with McDowell's advance, re-took Front Royal at 11 A.M. yesterday, . . . Fremont . . . promises to be at or near Strasburg at 5 P.M. to-day. Banks, at Williamsport, with his old force, and his new force at Harper's Ferry, is directed to cooperate." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 31 May 1862, CW, 5:254.