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Yours of 11.30 just received. You have nearly all the elements for forming an opinion whether Winchester is surrounded that I have. I really fear---almost believe, it is. No communication has been had with it during the day, either at Martinsburg, or Harper's Ferry. At 7 P.M., we also lost communication with Martinsburg.
The enemy had also appeared there some hours before. At 9. PM. Harper's Ferry said the enemy was reported at Berryville & Smithfield. If I could know that Longstreet and Ewell moved in that direction so long ago as you stated in your last, then I should feel sure that Winchester is strongly invested. It is quite certain that a considerable force of the enemy is thereabout; and I fear it is an overwhelming one, compared with Milroys. I am unable to give any more certain opinion. A. LINCOLN
[1] ALS-IHi. Hooker proposed to Halleck in a telegram of 7 P.M., June 13, that he transfer operations from the line of Aquia Creek to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad (OR, I, XXVII, I, 38). His telegram to Lincoln of 11:15 P.M., June 14, is as follows: ``Has anything further been heard from Winchester? Will the President allow me to inquire if it is his opinion that Winchester is surrounded by the rebel forces? I make this inquiry for the reason that General [Isaac R.] Trimble was recently assigned, in orders, to the command of that district, and it is not known what command he had. . . . I do not feel like making a move for an enemy until I am satisfied as to his whereabouts. . . . With this feeling, unless otherwise directed, I feel it my duty to execute the movement indicated on yesterday. . . .'' (Ibid., pp. 39-40).