James A. Seddon to Jefferson Davis, January 28, 1864

The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES:

Sir: I have received the following resolution of the House of Representatives, referred by Your Excellency to this Department:

Resolved, That the President be requested to inform this House whether authority has been granted by the War Department to any person or persons to raise new companies, battalions, or regiments of troops since September 27, 1862, in portions of the country in which the conscript law has not been suspended by the President ; and further, if such authority has been granted, to whom and in how many instances it has been granted, and how many companies, battalions, or regiments have been raised under such authority.

In response I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from the Adjutant-General, stating that the records of his office do not show any authority granted to raise troops of conscript age except in localities where the operation of the conscript law has been suspended, or from the control of the enemy it cannot be enforced. All special authorities to raise troops have been issued through the office of the Adjutant-General.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,