Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/570

538 Senate to the said command, but must now resume his former rank in the service."

In response, I have the honor to request the return of the nomination which was the occasion of the resolution, and to inform you that, before the action of the Senate in the premises was known, I had directed a new nomination of the officer referred to to be made, which should be free from the objection stated.

 March 4, 1865. To the Senate of the Confederate States. In response to your resolution of the 21st ultimo, I herewith transmit for your information a communication from the Secretary of War, covering a copy of General John B. Hood's report of the operations of the Army of Tennessee while under his command.

 March 6, 1865. To the Senate of the Confederate States. I have this day approved and signed an act which originated in the Senate entitled "An Act (S. 117) to authorize the commanders of reserves in each State to order general courts-martial and to revise the proceedings of courts-martial and military courts."

In the first section the general commanding reserves in each State is authorized to order general courts-martial for the trial of offenses committed against the military code by persons belonging to his command and to revise the proceedings.

In the second section military courts are authorized under certain circumstances to try offenses committed by members of the organization of reserves. But no provision is made by which the general commanding reserves is authorized to revise the proceedings of military courts in any case. From the title of the act it seems to have been the intention to confer this power, and I have thought it proper to invite your attention to what seems to be an oversight in not granting it. A copy of the act is inclosed.

