To Andrew G. Curtin1Jump to section
Harrisburg, Pa. Washington, May 2. 1863.
Gen. Halleck tells me he has a despatch from Gen. Schenck this morning, informing him that our forces have joined, and that the enemy menacing Penn. will have to fight or run to-day. I hope I am not less anxious to do my duty to Pennsylvania, than yourself; but I really do not yet see the justification for incurring the trouble and expense of calling out the militia. I shall keep watch and try to do my duty. A. LINCOLN
P.S. Our forces are exactly between the enemy and Pennsylvania.
A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. General Robert C. Schenck telegraphed from Baltimore, ``Railroad clear and working to Grafton. . . . [John R.] Kenly has advanced tonight to Clarksburg and joined [Benjamin S.] Roberts. They will fight to-day, or the rebels must run.'' (OR, I, XXV, II, 372).
Governor Curtin's reply to Lincoln's telegram was received at 1:45 P.M.: ``I have no doubt my dispatch to Pittsburg . . . sent since yours recd will quiet the excitement in western Penna. All the movements of the Government are perfectly satisfactory & your conclusion as to calling militia force in harmony with my views. I have not been seriously alarmed & in my despatches only reflected a part of the excitement & all from west.'' (DLC-RTL).