President consults with Flag Officer Goldsborough at Fortress Monroe, Va., on attempt to land troops on Sewell's Point under cover of navy fire. Lincoln, with Secs. Chase and Stanton , goes to Fort Wool, Va., to watch action. Later from tugboat stationed mile behind gunboats watches shelling of Sewell's Point and Craney Island all afternoon. Chester D. Bradley, "President Lincoln's Campaign against the Merrimac," Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society 51 (Spring 1958):80; William E. Baringer, "On Enemy Soil: President Lincoln's Norfolk Campaign," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 7 (March 1952):13-18.

President forwards to House of Representatives information on Faris-el-Hakin case of indemnity for maltreatment. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 22 May 1862, CW, 5:229.

With General James S. Wadsworth reviews the Thomas A. Scott regiment of cavalry, 900 men armed with Colt's revolving carbines and pistols. National Republican (Washington, DC), 23 May 1862, 1:7.

Accompanied by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and Commander Dahlgren embarks for visit to army at Fredericksburg. David C. Mearns, "Lincoln," in Arthur E. Bestor, Three Presidents and Their Books: The Reading of Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1955), 80; Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Writes memorandum relative to appointment of Lt. Col. Hicks: "This note, as Col. Hicks did verbally yesterday, attempts to excite me against the Secretary of War, and therein is offensive to me. My 'order' as he is pleased to call it, is plainly no order at all." Memorandum: Appointment of George Montagu Hicks, 22 May 1862, CW, 5:229.

Gen. McDowell and Col. Herman Haupt, aide-de-camp to McDowell and chief of construction and transportation on military railroads, meet President and party at Aquia Creek, Va., and accompany them in baggage car to McDowell's headquarters on north side of Rappahannock. President reviews various divisions and rides along lines with hat off as men cheer. Leaves headquarters at 9 P.M. Leaves Aquia Creek on return trip at 10 P.M. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Correspondence, typewritten copy prepared by H. H. Chapman, 6, Correspondence of Herman Haupt, Bureau of Railway Economics, Washington, DC; Official Records—Armies 1, XI, pt. 1, 30.

Transmits report on Mexican affairs to House of Representatives. Abraham Lincoln to the House of Representatives, 23 May 1862, CW, 5:230.

President arrives at Navy Yard about 5 A.M. on return trip from Fredericksburg, Va. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; National Republican (Washington, DC), 26 May 1862, 2:1.

Visits War Dept. in morning. Browning, Diary.

Confers with Sec. Stanton regarding troop movements. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:274.

Spends much of day in telegraph office directing troop movements under Gens. Fremont and McDowell in consequence of Gen. Banks' critical position resulting from Confederate break-through at Front Royal, Va. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:230; Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231; Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231-32; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:232; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:232-33; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:233; Abraham Lincoln to Dixon S. Miles, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234; Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

Sends dispatch to Fremont: "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 Harrisonberg and operate against the enemy in such way as to relieve Banks." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:230.

Telegraphs Gen. Rufus Saxton at Harper's Ferry, Va.: (1 P.M.) "Please inform us, if possible, what has become of the force which pursued Banks yesterday. Also, any other information you have." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

To Gen. Halleck near Corinth, Miss., who seeks reinforcements, Lincoln writes: "We do the best we can . . . each of our commanders along our line from Richmond to Corinth supposes himself to be confronted by numbers superior to his own." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:231.

Transmits report of secretary of state on Mexican affairs to Senate. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 24 May 1862, CW, 5:234.

Following visit to Fredericksburg, Va., Sec. Chase reports to President that Gen. McDowell has begun movement of 20,000 troops as ordered. Donald, Chase Diaries, 88.

President "stampeded all day with news from Gen. Banks' army," which was last reported in retreat to Martinsburg, Va. Nicolay to Bates, 25 May 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Telegraphs Gen. Saxton: (10½ P.M.) "Tell me the exact number you now have in hand." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:238.

Telegraphs Gen. McClellan military situation in vicinity of Front Royal, Va., and Harper's Ferry, Va. Issues orders for placement of men and movements of armies. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:275; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:236-37.

Another dispatch to McClellan concludes: "I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job and come to the defence of Washington." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:235-36.

Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in evening. Browning, Diary.

President remarks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) that Gen. Banks is over Potomac at Williamsport, Md., in good order. Browning, Diary.

Replies to resolution of censure by Congress. Exonerates former Sec. Cameron and states "that not only the President but all the other heads of departments were at least equally responsible with him for whatever error, wrong, or fault was committed in the premises." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:240-43.

Takes military possession of all railroads in U.S. National Intelligencer, 26 May 1862.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 Pearls of Ord Island $1.25, 1 Agnes of Sorrento $1.25." [Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Pearl of Orr's Island, Boston, 1862; Agnes of Sorrento, Boston, 1862.] Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.

Lincoln reports to Gen. McClellan: "We have Genl Banks official report. He has saved his army & baggage & has made a safe retreat to the river & is probably safe at Williamsport. He reports the attacking force at fifteen thousand (15000)." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239.

Telegraphs McClellan: "Can you not cut the Acquia Creek Railroad also? What impression have you, as to intrenchments—works—for you to contend with in front of Richmond? Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239-40.

President notifies Gov. Curtin (Pa.) that only troops who volunteer for three years or for duration will be accepted. Philadelphia News, 28 May 1862.

Telegraphs Gen. Fremont: "I see you are at Moorefield. You were expressly ordered to march to Harrisonburg. What does this mean?" Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 27 May 1862, CW, 5:243.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 East Lynne $0.50, 1 Castle Wafer $0.50, 1 Earl Herr $0.50, 1 Chemmings $0.50, 1 Heir to Ashley $0.50, 1 Life Secret $0.50." Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.

[It is not possible to specify editions, but titles of these novels by Mrs. Ellen Price Wood are: East Lynne; Castle Wafer, or the Plain Gold Ring; The Earl's Heirs, A Tale of Domestic Life; The Channings. A Domestic Novel of Real Life; The Heir to Ashley; A Life's Secret. A Story of Woman's Revenge.]

President appears before Committee on Conduct of War and describes 400-foot railroad bridge across Potomac built by Col. Haupt as having nothing in it but cornstalks and beanpoles. Flower, Stanton, 225.

Spends part of evening at War Department. Browning, Diary.

Stops by Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW., where Mrs. Lincoln and party are attending concert by opera star Clara Louise Kellogg. David R. Barbee, "The Musical Mr. Lincoln," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 5 (December 1949):450-51.

Recommends Marshal Ward H. Lamon as "my particular friend, born and raised at Bunker-Hill, an excellent horseman, and, I think, will be most valuable for scouting purposes." Recommendation for Ward H. Lamon, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:247.

Telegraphs Gen. McClellan: "I am very glad of Gen: F. J. [Fitz John] Porter's victory [Hanover Court House]. Still, if it was a total rout of the enemy, I am puzzled to know why the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad was not seized. . . . That the whole force of the enemy is concentrating in Richmond, I think can not be certainly known to you or me. . . . I am painfully impressed with the importance of the struggle before you; and I shall aid you all I can consistently with my view of due regard to all points." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:244-45.

Telegraphs Gen. McDowell at Manassas Junction: "You say Gen. [John W.] Geary's scouts report they find no enemy this side of the Blue Ridge. Neither do I. Have they been to the Blue Ridge looking for them? . . . I think the evidence now preponderates that [Gen. Richard S.] Ewell [(CSA)] and Jackson are still about Winchester. Assuming this, it is, for you a question of legs. Put in all the speed you can. I have told Fremont as much, and directed him to drive at them as fast as possible. By the way, I suppose you know, Fremont has got up to Moorefield, instead of going to Harrisonburg." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:246; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 28 May 1862, CW, 5:246.

Lincoln communicates with Gens. Fremont, Banks, McClellan, McDowell, and Marcy on military matters. Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:247; Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:247; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Randolph B. Marcy, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248; Abraham Lincoln to Randolph B. Marcy, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:249.

Telegraphs McClellan: "I think we shall be able, within three days, to tell you certainly, whether any considerable force of the enemy, Jackson, or any one else is moving onto Harper's Ferry, or vicinity. Take this expected development into your calculations." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248.

Informs McDowell: "Gen. Fremont's force should, and probably will, be at or near Strasburg by twelve (noon) to-morrow. Try to have your force, or the advance of it, at Front-Royal as soon." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 29 May 1862, CW, 5:248.

In evening Sen. Browning escorts Judge Williams to meeting with Lincoln and later accompanies President to War Dept. Browning, Diary.

President transmits to Senate treaty with Republic of Salvador. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:253.

Orders military commission to meet in July for trial of editors who have violated restrictions on publishing news. N.Y. Tribune, 30 May 1862.

Telegraphs Gen. Banks: "If the enemy, in force, is in or about Martinsburg, Charlestown, and Winchester, or any or all of them, he may come in collision with Fremont; in which case I am anxious that your force, with you, and at Harper's Ferry, should so operate as to assist Fremont, if possible." Abraham Lincoln to Nathaniel P. Banks, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:249.

Sends three telegrams to Gen. Fremont: "(11½ A.M.) There can not be more than twenty, probably not more than fifteen thousand of the enemy, at or about Winchester. Where is your force? It ought this minute to be near Strasburg. Answer at once. . . . (2½ P.M.) Yours saying you will reach Strasburg, or vicinity, at five PM, saturday, has been received and sent to Gen. McDowell, & he directed to act in view of it. You must be up to time you promise if possible. . . . (9½ P.M.) I send you a despatch just received from Gen. Saxton at Harper's Ferry. It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to Gen. McDowell." Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:250; Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:250; Abraham Lincoln to John C. Fremont, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:250-51.

Sends four telegrams to Gen. McDowell: "(10 A.M.) I somewhat apprehend that Fremont's force, in it's present condition, may not be quite strong enough in case it comes in collision with the enemy. For this additional reason, I wish you to push forward your column as rapidly as possible. Tell me what number your force reaching Front Royal will amount to. . . . (12:40 [P.M.]) Your despatch of to-day received, and is satisfactory. Fremont has nominally twenty-two thousand, really about seventeen thousand. . . . I have a despatch from Fremont this morning, not telling me where he is, but he says 'Scouts and men from Winchester represent Jacksons force variously at thirty to sixty thousand. With him Gen. Ewell and [Gen. James] Longstreet [CSA].' The high figures erroneous of course. Do you not know where Longstreet is? . . . (2½ P.M.) Here-with I send a telegram just received from Gen. Fremont. . . . you will act your discretion, taking this information into your calculation. . . . (9½ P.M.) I send you a despatch just received from Gen. Saxton at Harper's Ferry—It seems the game is before you. Have sent a copy to Gen. Fremont." Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:251; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:252; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:252; Abraham Lincoln to Irvin McDowell, 30 May 1862, CW, 5:252.

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.