President remarks to Sen. Browning (Ill.) that Gen. Banks is over Potomac at Williamsport, Md., in good order. Browning, Diary.

Replies to resolution of censure by Congress. Exonerates former Sec. Cameron and states "that not only the President but all the other heads of departments were at least equally responsible with him for whatever error, wrong, or fault was committed in the premises." Abraham Lincoln to the Senate and House of Representatives, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:240-43.

Takes military possession of all railroads in U.S. National Intelligencer, 26 May 1862.

"Library of the Executive Mansion" orders books from W. F. Richstein: "1 Pearls of Ord Island $1.25, 1 Agnes of Sorrento $1.25." [Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Pearl of Orr's Island, Boston, 1862; Agnes of Sorrento, Boston, 1862.] Pratt, Personal Finances, 180.

Lincoln reports to Gen. McClellan: "We have Genl Banks official report. He has saved his army & baggage & has made a safe retreat to the river & is probably safe at Williamsport. He reports the attacking force at fifteen thousand (15000)." Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239.

Telegraphs McClellan: "Can you not cut the Acquia Creek Railroad also? What impression have you, as to intrenchments—works—for you to contend with in front of Richmond? Can you get near enough to throw shells into the city?" Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 26 May 1862, CW, 5:239-40.