Edwin M. Stanton to Abraham Lincoln, June 14, 1862

I suggest for the consideration of the President that the condition of affairs here imperatively requires that some position be immediately made strong enough to be maintained. As it now stands, a largely superior force can be directed against any one of our small corps in twenty-four hours. It would then be too late to concentrate, and they could not support each other. This position should by all means be maintained. If you design to maintain it, re-enforcements should be sent here without an hour’s delay. The enemy’s pickets are 10 miles this side of Harrisonburg. Is Sigel under my command? Pray oblige me with an immediate answer. J. O. FREMONT, Major-General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Washington, June 14, 1862. Mount Jackson : General Sigel is under command of Major-General Banks. MajorGeneral Banks will co-operate with you, but he is commander of a separate corps, and does not come under your command.

EDWIN M. STANTON,