George W. Randolph to Jefferson Davis, March 31, 1862

SIR:

I have the honor to submit the following answers, prepared by my predecessor in office, to the resolutions of inquiry adopted by the House of Representatives in regard to the disasters at Forts Henry and Donelson, &c.

I have just had the honor to receive a copy of the additional resolution of the House of Representatives, this day adopted, calling for the offieial response of General Albert S. Johnston to the interrogatories propounded to him in regard to those subjécts; and also for a copy of the supplementary report of General Pillow in regard to the affair at Fort Donelson, &c.* :

I have the honor to reply that the Department is informed that General Johnston is engaged, as rapidly as the circumstances of his command will permit, in preparing an answer to these inquiries, and it is not deemed .expedient to submit General Pillows supplemental report in advance of the other military documents by which it should be accompanied. Only a copy of this report has been submitted to the Department. The original is in possession of General Johnston, and will be forwarded by him, with the accompanying documents, in connection with his own report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,