The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln
Chapter 192 : TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX. WAR DEPARTMENT, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, D.C. JUNE 8, 1863. MAJOR-GENE

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL DIX.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, D.C. JUNE 8, 1863.

MAJOR-GENERAL Dix, Fort Monroe:

The substance of news sent of the fighting at Port Hudson on the 27th we have had here three or four days, and I supposed you had it also, when I said this morning, "No news from Port Hudson." We knew that General Sherman was wounded, but we hoped not so dangerously as your despatch represents. We still have nothing of that Richmond newspaper story of Kirby Smith crossing and of Banks losing an arm.

A. LINCOLN

TELEGRAM TO J. P. HALE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, June 9, 1863.

HON. JOHN P. HALE, Dover, N. H.:

I believe that it was upon your recommendation that B. B. Bunker was appointed attorney for Nevada Territory. I am pressed to remove him on the ground that he does not attend to the office, nor in fact pa.s.s much time in the Territory. Do you wish to say anything on the subject?

A. LINCOLN

TELEGRAM TO MRS. LINCOLN.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, June 9, 1863.

MRS. LINCOLN, Philadelphia, Pa.:

Think you had better put "Tad's" pistol away. I had an ugly dream about him.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.

WAs.h.i.+NGTON, D.C. June 9, 1863

MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:

I am told there are 50 incendiary sh.e.l.ls here at the a.r.s.enal made to fit the 100 pounder Parrott gun now with you. If this be true would you like to have the sh.e.l.ls sent to you?

A. LINCOLN

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.

WAs.h.i.+NGTON, D. C., June 10, 1863

MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:

Your long despatch of to-day is just received. If left to me, I would not go south of the Rappahannock upon Lee's moving north of it. If you had Richmond invested to-day you would not be able to take it in twenty days; meanwhile your communications, and with them your army, would be ruined.

I think Lee's army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point. If he comes towards the upper Potomac, follow on his flank, and on the inside track, shortening your lines while he lengthens his. Fight him, too, when opportunity offers. If he stay where he is, fret him and fret him.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO MRS. LINCOLN.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, June 11,1863.

MRS. LINCOLN, Philadelphia:

Your three despatches received. I am very well and am glad to know that you and "Tad" are so.

A. LINCOLN.

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL HOOKER.

[Cipher.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, JUNE 12, 1863.

MAJOR-GENERAL HOOKER:

If you can show me a trial of the incendiary sh.e.l.ls on Sat.u.r.day night, I will try to join you at 5 P.M. that day Answer.