To John C. Fremont1Jump to section
Major Gen. Fremont June 13 1862
We can not afford to keep your force, and Banks', 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 reinforcement, 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 can not move his whole force on either of you, before the other can learn of it, and go to his assistance. He can not 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 scouts-look-outs, and beacons of smokes by day, and fires by night, you can always have timely notice of the enemies approach. I know not as to you, but by some, this has been too much neglected.
A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. Fremont telegraphed from Mount Jackson on June 12, as follows: ``Upon intelligence of Genl Shields defeat and withdrawal towards Richmond I retired upon this place which is a defensible and good position The Regiments composing my command have been rendered very weak by illness casualties and deaths I request that orders be given to recruit them to full strength immediately Their condition necessitates that they have some days rest and good and sufficient food The demand made upon them in the pursuit of Jackson has exhausted them for the present and they should be supported by fresh troops At any hour they may be attacked by the Enemy now reported strong [sic] reinforced and I ask that Genl Sigel be telegraphed to report to me with his force without delay I respectfully suggest to the President that it may prove disastrous to separate the small corps now operating in this region---consolidated they could act offensively and efficiently against the enemy I also suggest that Gen Shields may be attacked on his march Eastward unless supported My strength should be sufficient to enable me to occupy the Monteray