Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/287

Rh Oct. 4, 1862. To the Senate and House of Representatives.

I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, submitting estimates of the appropriations required for the service of the Treasury Department, and for miscellaneous objects for the month of January, 1863.

I recommend an appropriation of the amount for the purpose specified.

 Oct. 6, 1862. To the Senate and House of Representatives.

I herewith transmit for your consideration a communication from the Postmaster General, submitting certain estimates.

I recommend an appropriation of the amount for the purposes specified.

 October 8, 1862. The Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America. The near approach of the day fixed for your adjournment induces me to renew certain recommendations made at the commencement of the session, and for which legislation has not yet provided. The subject of the efficiency of the Army is one of paramount importance, and the letter of the Secretary of War herewith submitted has been elicited by correspondence with the generals of our armies in the field, whose practical experience of the evils resulting from the defects in our present system entitles their opinion to great weight.

An army without discipline and instruction cannot be relied on for purposes of defense, still less for operations in an enemy's country. It is in vain to add men and munitions, unless we can at the same time give to the aggregated mass the character and capacity of soldiers. The discipline and instruction required for its efficiency cannot be imparted without competent officers. No power now exists by law for securing such officers to fill vacancies when elections and promotions fail to accomplish the object. 