The stores at Wheeling must be defended to the last extremity. You will give such orders as you may deem necessary, and assume direction, except in the presence of a superior order. Report upon Colonel Showalter's retreat. Send a copy of this order to General Schenck. Having completed these duties, return to Washington.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 2, 1863-1.30 p.m.

Major-General SCHENCK,

Baltimore, Md.:

I have sent General Barry to Pittsburgh and Wheeling to allay the panic. I think Colonel Wilkinson and Showalter should be reported for dismissal. There is every probability against any force of the enemy in front of Milroy. He must be on another stampede.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

BALTIMORE, MD., May 2, 1863-4.30 p.m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

Railroad clear and working to Grafton. Jones has crossed Parkerburg railroad at Bridgeport, and made junction with Imboden and Jackson 6 miles south, on Buckhanon road. Kenly has advanced to-night to Clarksburg and joined Roberts. They will fight to-day, or the rebels must run.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK,

Major-General.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, May 2, 1863.

Governor CURTIN,

Harrisburg, Pa.:

General Halleck tells me he has a dispatch from General Schenck this morning informing him that our forces have joined, and that the enemy menacing Pennsylvania will have to fight or run to-day. I hope I am not less anxious to do my duty to Pennsylvania than yourself, but I really do not yet see the justification for incurring the trouble and expense of calling out the militia. I shall keep watch, and try to do mu duty.

A. LINCOLN.

P. S.-Our forces are exactly between the enemy and Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG, PA. May 2, 1863.

(Received, War Department, 1.45 p.m.)

The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:

I have no doubt my dispatch to Pittsburgh, and sent since yours received, will quiet the excitement in Western Pennsylvania. All the