Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

To Joseph Hooker1Jump to section

Major General Hooker Washington City,
Fairfax Station. June 15. 81/2 P.M. 1863

The facts are now known here that Winchester and Martinsburg were both besieged yesterday; the troops from Martinsburg have got into Harper's Ferry without loss; those from Winchester, are also in, having lost, in killed, wounded and missing, about one third of their number. Of course the enemy holds both places; and I think the report is authentic that he is crossing the Potomac at Williamsburg. We have not heard of his yet appearing at Harper's Ferry, or on the river anywhere below. I would like to hear from you. A. LINCOLN

Annotation

[1]   ALS-P, ISLA. Hooker acknowledged receipt of Lincoln's telegram as follows: ``Your telegram of 8.30 p.m. received. It seems to disclose the intentions of the enemy to make an invasion, and, if so, it is not in my power to prevent it. I can, however, make an effort to check him until he has concentrated all his forces. I may possibly be able to prevent the junction, and commence the movement during to-morrow. On so short reflection, I am not prepared to say this is the wisest move, nor do I know that my opinion on this subject is wanted. A. P. Hill moved up toward Culpeper this morning, indicating his intention to re-enforce their forces on the Upper Potomac.'' (OR, I, XXVII, I, 43).

At 10 P.M. Hooker telegraphed Lincoln again: ``With regard to the enemy, your dispatch is more conclusive than any I have received. I now feel that invasion

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is his settled purpose. . . . It is an act of desperation on his part, no matter in what force he moves. It will kill copperheadism in the North. I do now know that my opinion as to the duty of this army in the case is wanted; if it should be, you know that I will be happy to give it. I have heard nothing of the movements of the enemy to-day. . . . I have only heard that all of A.P. Hill's forces moved up the river this morning, in the direction of Culpeper. If it should be determined for me to make a movement in pursuit, which I am not prepared to recommend at this time, I may possibly be able to move some corps to-morrow, and can reach the point of the enemy's crossing in advance of A.P. Hill. . . . If they are moving toward Maryland, I can better fight them there than make a running fight. If they come up in front of Washington, I can threaten and cut their communications, and Dix can be re-enforced from the south to act on their rear. . . .'' (Ibid., pp. 43-44).