James A. Seddon to Robert E. Lee, March 28, 1864

General R. E. LEE:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter calling my attention to the serious inconveniencies resulting from the recent legislation of Congress respecting the military courts.*

I concur fully with your views, and my recommendations for the action of Congress were of an opposite tendency and sought to give greater facilities for their action and to relieve both the commanding general and the President from the burden of reviewing the cases decided. I was not consulted in reference to the act passed, and I think it very probable some misapprehension existed in consequence of an impression prevailing (correctly, I believe) that the President considered it incumbent under the Articles of War that the records should be reviewed by the commanding general. I will take pleasure in calling the matter to the notice of Congress at its next session, and will endeavor to procure such legislation as will conform to your views, and while adding to the efficiency of the military courts yet lighten the labors now injudiciously cast on you and other commanders in the field.

Very respectfully, yours,