Following visit to Fredericksburg, Va., Sec. Chase reports to President that Gen. McDowell has begun movement of 20,000 troops as ordered. Donald, Chase Diaries, 88.

President "stampeded all day with news from Gen. Banks' army," which was last reported in retreat to Martinsburg, Va. Nicolay to Bates, 25 May 1862, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Telegraphs Gen. Saxton: (10½ P.M.) "Tell me the exact number you now have in hand." Abraham Lincoln to Rufus Saxton, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:238.

Telegraphs Gen. McClellan military situation in vicinity of Front Royal, Va., and Harper's Ferry, Va. Issues orders for placement of men and movements of armies. Committee on Conduct of War, Report (1863), 1:275; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:236-37.

Another dispatch to McClellan concludes: "I think the time is near when you must either attack Richmond or give up the job and come to the defence of Washington." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 25 May 1862, CW, 5:235-36.

Sen. Browning (Ill.) at White House in evening. Browning, Diary.