Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/489

Rh " and to "other legionary organizations" in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States.

 June 8, 1864. To the House of Representatives.

In response to a resolution of the House of Representatives, of January 15, 1864, I herewith transmit for your information a communication from the Secretary of War, covering a copy of the proceedings of the court of inquiry, relative to the capture of New Orleans.

 June 8th, 1864. To the Senate and House of Representatives.

I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of War, covering copies of additional reports of military operations during the year 1863.

It is suggested that these papers are intended to be used for the information of members of Congress, and that their publication at this time is considered unadvisable.

 VETO MESSAGES. May 28, 1864. To the Senate and House of Representatives.

A bill "to provide and organize a general staff for armies in the field to serve during the war" was passed by your predecessors and submitted for my approval at the close of the last session.

I was unable to approve it, and now desire to state my objections to it, as well as my views on this important subject, in a hope that by a comparison of opinion some measure may be framed equally acceptable to the Legislative and Executive Departments of the Government.

I believe it to be established by the experience of Europe as well as our own that it is impracticable to organize and administer armies with efficiency without the aid of a general staff, permanent in its character, trained in its duties, aspiring to promotion in its 