To his experience, skill, and untiring industry as her Ordnance and Executive Officer the terrible effect of her fire was greatly due. Her battery was determined in accordance with his suggestions, and in all investigations and tests, which resulted in its thorough efficiency, he was zealously engaged.
The terms of commendation used by the Flag Officer in characterizing the conduct of his officers and men meet the cordial indorsement of the Department, and the concurrent testimony of thousands who witnessed the engagement places his own conduct above all praise.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
To the Senate of the Confederate States.
I transmit herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, submitting a proposition for the construction of ironclad vessels in Europe, and commend it to the attention of Congress.
Richmond, Va., April 10, 1862.
[The same message was sent to the House of Representatives.]
To the Senate of the Confederate States.
I herewith transmit to Congress a report of the Postmaster General, supplementary to a report previously submitted, and covering certain documents relative to "frauds perpetrated on the revenues of the Post Office Department by the Southern Express Company."
I recommend that the suggested alteration of the existing laws receive the careful attention of Congress.
To the Senate of the Confederate States.
I nominate Braxton Bragg, of Louisiana, to the rank of General in the Army of the Confederate States, agreeably to the recommendation of the Secretary of War, to take rank from the 6th day of April, 1862.
