instant, and stating that no orders have been issued for the arrest and confinement of soldiers in Richmond whose furloughs have not expired.
To the Senate and House of Representatives.
I herewith transmit for your information a communication from the Secretary of War, covering copies of the official reports of several engagements with the enemy.
To the House of Representatives.
I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of War, in response to your resolution of the first and fourth inst., calling for copies of the official reports of certain battles.
To the House of Representatives.
I herewith transmit for your information a communication from the Secretary of War, in response to your resolution of January 24th, in reference to the exchange or release "of persons who, taken from civil life, have been transported and confined beyond the limits of the Confederacy."
To the House of Representatives.
I herewith transmit for your information communications from the Secretary of War and the Attorney General, in response to your resolution of February 21st, inquiring "whether the Government holds, or has at any time held, itself liable for the value of slaves impressed by its authority and escaping to the enemy while so impressed, and whether the owners of such slaves have been paid."
Whether the liability of the Government shall be extended to such cases is a question to be determined, not by the Executive, but by Congress.
