To the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States.
I transmit herewith a report and accompanying papers from the Secretary of State in answer to a resolution[1] of the Congress of the Confederate States of the 10th instant.
Richmond, January 23, 1862.
Hon. Howell Cobb, President of the Provisional Congress.
Sir: I return to you an act entitled "An Act to provide for raising and organizing, in the State of Missouri, additional troops for the Provisional Army of the Confederate States," indorsed "Passed January 9, 1861 [1862]," and delivered to me probably on the 10th day of January, 1862. After its delivery I was informed by the clerk that it had been reconsidered and substituted by an act entitled "An Act to provide for raising and organizing, in the State of Missouri, additional forces for the Provisional Army of the Confederate States," which was in many respects similar in its provisions and which was this day returned with my objections.[2] Regarding the first act as having been abrogated by Congress, I took no action upon it. But to-day I am informed by the Secretary of Congress that the record of the reconsideration is not to be found on the Journal. Ten days having now elapsed since the act was sent to me, I am precluded from doing anything with it except to transmit it to you with a statement of the circumstances which caused me to regard the paper as invalid and not requiring consideration or action on my part.
Richmond, January 25, 1862.
To the Hon. President of the Congress.
In response to the resolution of the Congress of the 11th inst.
